bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and Future Development Study on EDM Festivals in China: Focus on the Belgium ‘Tomorrowland’ EDM Festival and Comparative Analysis
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Gao Ge , Han Kyunghoon
Published: January 2024

This paper aims to improve the domestic EDM festival market and serve as a reference of other studies. To this end, conducted a comprehensive comparison and analysis between domestic and internal EDM festivals. “ISY” in China one of the largest EDM festivals is described in this thesis to represent the festivals in China. “Tomorrowland” from Belgium which is one of the top 3 EDM festivals around the world is used as the overseas example case. In this thesis, basic information about the performing artists, cultural diversity, social and business values, and other factors of the EDM festivals are deeply investigated. As a result, it was found that EDM festivals in China boomed dramatically last decade, butsome challenges due to the internal festival development and external environment still exist. In this paper, explored the intrinsic meaning and value of Chinese EDM festival cultureand the development plan for future festivals is proposed.
Psychological Well-Being Effects of Beauty Care and Viewing Beauty Content on Work Performance and Self-Development
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Son Eunhye , Kim Judeok
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to confirm that psychological well-being from beauty care and exposure to beauty content positively influences work performance and self-development in real workplaces. Using an online survey method, we targeted adults in their 20s and 40s, with 642 participants included in the final analysis. SPSS WIN 27.0 was used for data analysis. Key findings reveal that regular beauty care and beauty content consumption directly impact psychological well-being, validating their positive effects on work performance and selfdevelopment through mediating factors. This affirms that beauty care and content viewing in adults extend beyond appearance management, offering psychological benefits that enhance both quality of life and social achievement. Future studies will explore psychological wellbeing's diverse effects on various life domains, aligning with the growing interest in beauty care.
Analysis of Research Trends on Non-marriage: Focused on Domestic Academic Journals
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Jeong Moonkyeong
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to analyze research trends related to non-marriage focusing on domestic academic journals, and present directions for future research. To this end, the journals were collected from the search databases using ‘non-marriage’‘ as a keyword and a total of 77 journals was collected. The collected journals were analyzed according to the classification categories: publication year, research subject, research field, research method, and keyword attributes. As a result, journals have begun to be published in line with the social awareness of non-marriage, and are being published in a wide variety of academic journals. Many qualitative studies have been conducted, and the keyword attributes are related to the overall life of life. These results show that non-marriage is not a topic limited to one individual, but a topic that must be approached at the socio-national level. The results can be used as basic data for future non-marriage-related research and policies.
Study on Algorithmic Decision systems(ADS) Based Media Use: Focusing on Audience Perceptions of Accuracy, Digital Trust, and Value Transfer
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, You KyungHan , Moon Sanghyun
Published: January 2024

The goal of this study is to look into how and what effects algorithmically designed media have in a certain setting. Specifically, we did focus group interviews with people who use ADS media. The goal was to find out how they used ADS media, figure out how willing they were to accept algorithms based on those behaviors, and talk about literacy programs and ways to keep people from accepting optimal ADS media. For a quick summary, here are our results. First, people who used ADS media mostly thought about the cost-benefit ratio, though there were differences between age groups. Also, younger people were more focused on computing accuracy, while older people were more focused on how things fit into the bigger picture. Aside from that, people were stuck in a state of computational trust, where they had mixed feelings about digital and traditional confidence. Furthermore, people didn't understand how much data was worth in money, so they didn't see how important it was to get paid for their work.
Study on Learner Perception of Extracurricular Programs: Focusing on the Case of University A's Non-curricular Program
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Yoonhee
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to conduct a survey on the perception of extracurricular programs among students who participated in the extracurricular program at University A, and to seek the direction of feedback for the extracurricular program in the future. The organizations that run non-curricular curriculum at University A are each department and six organizations. There are a total of 15 types of non-curricular programs (including others) operated at University A, of which special lectures account for the largest operating ratio. The results of this study can be used to explore future comparisons and program operation directions.
The Structural Relationship between Sports VR Content Quality, Leisure Satisfaction, and Continuous Use Intention: Focusing on the IS Success Model
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Jun MunGyu
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of quality factors of sports VR content on participants' leisure satisfaction, and the effect of leisure satisfaction on continuous use intention. For this purpose, in this study, data were collected by conducting a questionnaire survey on 200 male and female adult consumers who had experience with sports VR contents, and the causal relationship between variables was analyzed using the collected data through a structural equation model. As a result of the study, it was derived that the important variable leading to participant satisfaction of sports VR contents according to the information system success model is service quality, and that the higher the participant's leisure satisfaction, the higher the intention to continue using sports VR contents. Through this, in developing sports VR content that can satisfy consumers, it is necessary to make an effort to provide the presence of a number of sports experts and advisors participating in the participation of the participants as if they were actually participating in sports activities, and to promote continuous interaction with consumers.
The Meaning and Limitations of Family in Thirty-nine(2022), a Television Drama
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Baek Soyoun
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to analyze the aspects, meanings, and limitations of the family in the television drama Thirty, Nine. In Korean society, the framework of “normal family” became a standard for discriminating against the forms of family that did not meet this, but recent changes in social perceptions are reflected in the aspects of family in television dramas. Thirty, Nine presents care and intimacy as the standard of a new family. It is emphasized that the family does not consist solely of blood ties by dealing with the issue of adoption. This work divides the good and bad composition of characters based on their perceptions and attitudes toward the family and omits specific conflict situations. It also distorts the real reality in that commitment to each other is mainly based on strong economic power and time. In addition, the main characters choose marriage based on heterosexual relationships at the end. It deals with the problem of adoption within this typical family structure of parents and children. This shows that various imaginations of the family are not fully realized in television dramas.
The Perspectives of Youth on Labor Challenges and Work Environments within Organizations
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Oh Hyungyu
Published: January 2024

In today's organizations, understanding how young people perceive labor challenges and policy issues is essential for taking a strategic approach to systematically address future labor concerns and contribute to creating better organizational cultures and social communities. This study aims to explore the perspectives of young undergraduate students on various labor issues experienced directly and indirectly within organizations. By utilizing Q methodology, which helps understand human behaviors, experiences, cultural phenomena, and categorize diverse perspectives systematically, this study classifies and identifies the characteristics of different groups of young undergraduate students in terms of their views on labor challenges and policy issues within organizations. The analysis reveals four distinct groups: those highly interested in 'labor standards and appropriate working conditions,' those prioritizing 'healthy organizational culture and respectful workers' rights,' those concerned with 'labor laws and social safety nets,' and those focused on 'labor compensation and vacation policies.' Drawing insights from these findings, this study presents organizational, educational, and policy implications for addressing labor problems and improving the perspectives of the youth.
The Relationship Between Youth Activities and Aggression: The Serial Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem and Happiness.
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Jeon Hyangshin
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between youth activities and aggression and examined the serial mediators effect of self-esteem and happiness to present implications for reducing adolescent aggression. A total of 2,265 students in the fourth year, whose data was taken from the Korea Children & Youth Panel Survey(KCYPS, 2018) were used in this study. The data were analyzed using a structural equation model. The results of the analysis were as follows. First, youth activities had a positive effect on self-esteem and happiness, and did not affect aggression, and self-esteem had a positive effect on happiness and a negative effect on aggression. Happiness was found to have a negative effect on aggression. Second, the results of the analysis demonstrated that self-esteem and happiness fully mediated the relationships between youth activities and aggression. Third, it was found that the sequential mediating effects of self-esteem, happiness were significant in the relationship between youth activities and aggression. Based on these results, the implications were discussed and further studies were suggested.
Exploration of Difficulties in Operating Lifelong Education Programs for Adults with Developmental Disabilities: Focused on the Semantic Network Analysis
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee HooHee
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to identify key issues in the development direction of lifelong education (vocational education) programs for adults with developmental disabilities by conducting language network analysis of expert and stakeholder interview data. Interviews were conducted with five experts and stakeholders to gather information on the challenges faced in implementing lifelong education(vocational education) programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and the necessary aspects to consider in establishing development directions. The collected data underwent language network analysis using Textom and UCINET, including frequency analysis, centrality, TF-IDF, and CONCOR. The findings of this study could serve as foundational material in seeking integrated and systematic support approaches at both national and community levels, aimed at sustaining the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.
SALIVARY IL-6 AND IL-8 AS POTENTIAL BIOMARKERS FOR ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA
Authors: Bakti Fitrah Utari , Setiadhi Riani
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Early identification of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a crucial factor influencing the disease's prognosis. The elevated levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in saliva are a result of their overproduction in the cancer microenvironment. The production of salivary cytokines, particularly IL-6 and IL-8, has a role in cancer development. These cytokines may also be used as biomarkers. The use of saliva as a biomarker is quite interesting because it is in direct contact with cancer cells, easy to access, non-invasive, and cost-effective. Aim: The aim of this literature review was to assess the potential of salivary IL-6 and IL-8 as biomarkers for OSCC early diagnosis. Review: The initiation of carcinogenesis in the oral cavity is actively repressed by inflammation and cell-mediated immunity. IL-6 and IL-8 are two important molecules involved in stromal-to-cancer cell communication. These cytokines play a major part in the growth, progression, metastasis, and recurrence of OSCC. Several studies have found that OSCC patients have higher levels of salivary IL-6 and IL-8 than healthy people and patients with an oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD). Conclusion: Salivary IL-6 and IL-8 are very promising potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of OSCC. Further research is still needed to validate and use these biomarkers clinically.
Third-degree B-spline collocation method for singularly perturbed time delay parabolic problem with two parameters
Authors: Daba Imiru Takele , Melesse Wondwosen Gebeyaw , Kebede Guta Demisu
Published: January 2024

This study deals with a fitted third-degree B-spline collocation method for two parametric singularly perturbed parabolic problems with a time lag. The proposed method comprises the Cranck-Nicolson method for time discretization and the third-degree B-spline method spatial variable discretization. Rigorous numerical experimentations were carried out on some test examples. The obtained numerical results depict that the proposed scheme is more accurate than some methods existing in the literature. Parameter convergence analysis of the scheme is carried out and shows the present scheme is (ε−μ)−uniform convergent with the order of convergence ((Δt)2 + ℓ2).
RxNorm for drug name normalization: a case study of prescription opioids in the FDA adverse events reporting system
Authors: Le Huyen , Chen Ru , Harris Stephen , Fang Hong , Lyn-Cook Beverly , Hong Huixiao , Ge Weigong , Rogers Paul , Tong Weida , Zou Wen
Published: January 2024

Numerous studies have been conducted on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) database to assess post-marketing reporting rates for drug safety review and risk assessment. However, the drug names in the adverse event (AE) reports from FAERS were heterogeneous due to a lack of uniformity of information submitted mandatorily by pharmaceutical companies and voluntarily by patients, healthcare professionals, and the public. Studies using FAERS and other spontaneous reporting AEs database without drug name normalization may encounter incomplete collection of AE reports from non-standard drug names and the accuracies of the results might be impacted. In this study, we demonstrated applicability of RxNorm, developed by the National Library of Medicine, for drug name normalization in FAERS. Using prescription opioids as a case study, we used RxNorm application program interface (API) to map all FDA-approved prescription opioids described in FAERS AE reports to their equivalent RxNorm Concept Unique Identifiers (RxCUIs) and RxNorm names. The different names of the opioids were then extracted, and their usage frequencies were calculated in collection of more than 14.9 million AE reports for 13 FDA-approved prescription opioid classes, reported over 17 years. The results showed that a significant number of different names were consistently used for opioids in FAERS reports, with 2,086 different names (out of 7,892) used at least three times and 842 different names used at least ten times for each of the 92 RxNorm names of FDA-approved opioids. Our method of using RxNorm API mapping was confirmed to be efficient and accurate and capable of reducing the heterogeneity of prescription opioid names significantly in the AE reports in FAERS; meanwhile, it is expected to have a broad application to different sets of drug names from any database where drug names are diverse and unnormalized. It is expected to be able to automatically standardize and link different representations of the same drugs to build an intact and high-quality database for diverse research, particularly postmarketing data analysis in pharmacovigilance initiatives.
Co-digestion approach for enhancement of biogas production by mixture of untreated napier grass and industrial hydrolyzed food waste
Authors: Kriswantoro Jayen Aris , Pan Kuan-Yin , Chu Chen-Yeon
Published: January 2024

The co-digestion of untreated Napier grass (NG) and industrial hydrolyzed food waste (FW) was carried out in the batch reactor to investigate the effect of substrate ratios on biogas production performance. Two-stage anaerobic digestion was performed with an initial substrate concentration of 5 g VSadded/L and a Food to Microorganism Ratio (F/M) of 0.84. The 1:1 ratio of the NG and FW showed the optimum performances on biogas production yield with a value of 1,161.33 mL/g VSadded after 60 days of digestion. This was followed by the data on methane yield and concentration were 614.37 mL/g VSadded and 67.29%, respectively. The results were similar to the simulation results using a modified Gompertz model, which had a higher potential methane production and maximum production rate, as well as a shorter lag phase and a coefficient of determination of 0.9945. These findings indicated that the co-digestion of Napier grass and hydrolyzed food waste can enhance biogas production in two-stage anaerobic digestion.
Sheathless inertial particle focusing methods within microfluidic devices: a review
Authors: Peng Tao , Qiang Jun , Yuan Shuai
Published: January 2024

The ability to manipulate and focus particles within microscale fluidic environments is crucial to advancing biological, chemical, and medical research. Precise and high-throughput particle focusing is an essential prerequisite for various applications, including cell counting, biomolecular detection, sample sorting, and enhancement of biosensor functionalities. Active and sheath-assisted focusing techniques offer accuracy but necessitate the introduction of external energy fields or additional sheath flows. In contrast, passive focusing methods exploit the inherent fluid dynamics in achieving high-throughput focusing without external actuation. This review analyzes the latest developments in strategies of sheathless inertial focusing, emphasizing inertial and elasto-inertial microfluidic focusing techniques from the channel structure classifications. These methodologies will serve as pivotal benchmarks for the broader application of microfluidic focusing technologies in biological sample manipulation. Then, prospects for future development are also predicted. This paper will assist in the understanding of the design of microfluidic particle focusing devices.
Advancing genome editing with artificial intelligence: opportunities, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Dixit Shriniket , Kumar Anant , Srinivasan Kathiravan , Vincent P. M. Durai Raj , Ramu Krishnan Nadesh
Published: January 2024

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-based genome editing (GED) technologies have unlocked exciting possibilities for understanding genes and improving medical treatments. On the other hand, Artificial intelligence (AI) helps genome editing achieve more precision, efficiency, and affordability in tackling various diseases, like Sickle cell anemia or Thalassemia. AI models have been in use for designing guide RNAs (gRNAs) for CRISPR-Cas systems. Tools like DeepCRISPR, CRISTA, and DeepHF have the capability to predict optimal guide RNAs (gRNAs) for a specified target sequence. These predictions take into account multiple factors, including genomic context, Cas protein type, desired mutation type, on-target/off-target scores, potential off-target sites, and the potential impacts of genome editing on gene function and cell phenotype. These models aid in optimizing different genome editing technologies, such as base, prime, and epigenome editing, which are advanced techniques to introduce precise and programmable changes to DNA sequences without relying on the homology-directed repair pathway or donor DNA templates. Furthermore, AI, in collaboration with genome editing and precision medicine, enables personalized treatments based on genetic profiles. AI analyzes patients’ genomic data to identify mutations, variations, and biomarkers associated with different diseases like Cancer, Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, etc. However, several challenges persist, including high costs, off-target editing, suitable delivery methods for CRISPR cargoes, improving editing efficiency, and ensuring safety in clinical applications. This review explores AI’s contribution to improving CRISPR-based genome editing technologies and addresses existing challenges. It also discusses potential areas for future research in AI-driven CRISPR-based genome editing technologies. The integration of AI and genome editing opens up new possibilities for genetics, biomedicine, and healthcare, with significant implications for human health.
Radiomics signatures for predicting the Ki-67 level and HER-2 status based on bone metastasis from primary breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Hongxiao , Niu Shuxian , Chen Huanhuan , Wang Lihua , Wang Xiaoyu , Wu Yujiao , Shi Jiaxin , Li Zhuoning , Hu Yanjun , Yang Zhiguang , Jiang Xiran
Published: January 2024

This study explores the potential of radiomics to predict the proliferation marker protein Ki-67 levels and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) status based on MRI images of patients with spinal metastasis from primary breast cancer. A total of 110 patients with pathologically confirmed spinal metastases from primary breast cancer were enrolled between Dec. 2017 and Dec. 2021. All patients underwent T1-weighted contrast-enhanced MRI scans. The PyRadiomics package was used to extract features from the MRI images based on the intraclass correlation coefficient and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. The most predictive features were used to develop the radiomics signature. The Chi-Square test, Fisher’s exact test, Student’s t-test, and Mann–Whitney U test were used to evaluate the clinical and pathological characteristics between the high- and low-level Ki-67 groups and the HER-2 positive/negative groups. The radiomics models were compared using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity (SEN), and specificity (SPE) were generated as comparison metrics. From the spinal MRI scans, five and two features were identified as the most predictive for the Ki-67 level and HER-2 status, respectively. The developed radiomics signatures generated good prediction performance for the Ki-67 level in the training (AUC = 0.812, 95% CI: 0.710–0.914, SEN = 0.667, SPE = 0.846) and validation (AUC = 0.799, 95% CI: 0.652–0.947, SEN = 0.722, SPE = 0.833) cohorts. Good prediction performance for the HER-2 status was also achieved in the training (AUC = 0.796, 95% CI: 0.686–0.906, SEN = 0.720, SPE = 0.776) and validation (AUC = 0.705, 95% CI: 0.506–0.904, SEN = 0.733, SPE = 0.762) cohorts. The results of this study provide a better understanding of the potential clinical implications of spinal MRI-based radiomics on the prediction of Ki-67 levels and HER-2 status in breast cancer.
The critical role of neutrophil-endothelial cell interactions in sepsis: new synergistic approaches employing organ-on-chip, omics, immune cell phenotyping and in silico modeling to identify new therapeutics
Authors: Liu Dan , Langston Jordan C. , Prabhakarpandian Balabhaskar , Kiani Mohammad F. , Kilpatrick Laurie E.
Published: January 2024

Sepsis is a global health concern accounting for more than 1 in 5 deaths worldwide. Sepsis is now defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Sepsis can develop from bacterial (gram negative or gram positive), fungal or viral (such as COVID) infections. However, therapeutics developed in animal models and traditional in vitro sepsis models have had little success in clinical trials, as these models have failed to fully replicate the underlying pathophysiology and heterogeneity of the disease. The current understanding is that the host response to sepsis is highly diverse among patients, and this heterogeneity impacts immune function and response to infection. Phenotyping immune function and classifying sepsis patients into specific endotypes is needed to develop a personalized treatment approach. Neutrophil-endothelium interactions play a critical role in sepsis progression, and increased neutrophil influx and endothelial barrier disruption have important roles in the early course of organ damage. Understanding the mechanism of neutrophil-endothelium interactions and how immune function impacts this interaction can help us better manage the disease and lead to the discovery of new diagnostic and prognosis tools for effective treatments. In this review, we will discuss the latest research exploring how in silico modeling of a synergistic combination of new organ-on-chip models incorporating human cells/tissue, omics analysis and clinical data from sepsis patients will allow us to identify relevant signaling pathways and characterize specific immune phenotypes in patients. Emerging technologies such as machine learning can then be leveraged to identify druggable therapeutic targets and relate them to immune phenotypes and underlying infectious agents. This synergistic approach can lead to the development of new therapeutics and the identification of FDA approved drugs that can be repurposed for the treatment of sepsis.
Chronic blue light-emitting diode exposure harvests gut dysbiosis related to cholesterol dysregulation
Authors: Huang Cheng-Hsieh , Yu Sebastian , Yu Hsu-Sheng , Tu Hung-Pin , Yeh Yao-Tsung , Yu Hsin-Su
Published: January 2024

Night shift workers have been associated with circadian dysregulation and metabolic disorders, which are tightly coevolved with gut microbiota. The chronic impacts of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting at night on gut microbiota and serum lipids were investigated. Male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to blue or white LED lighting at Zeitgeber time 13.5-14 (ZT; ZT0 is the onset of “lights on” and ZT12 is the “lights off” onset under 12-hour light, 12-hour dark schedule). After 33 weeks, only the high irradiance (7.2 J/cm2) of blue LED light reduced the alpha diversity of gut microbiota. The high irradiance of white LED light and the low irradiance (3.6 J/cm2) of both lights did not change microbial alpha diversity. However, the low irradiance, but not the high one, of both blue and white LED illuminations significantly increased serum total cholesterol (TCHO), but not triglyceride (TG). There was no significant difference of microbial abundance between two lights. The ratio of beneficial to harmful bacteria decreased at a low irradiance but increased at a high irradiance of blue light. Notably, this ratio was negatively correlated with serum TCHO but positively correlated with bile acid biosynthesis pathway. Therefore, chronic blue LED lighting at a high irradiance may harvest gut dysbiosis in association with decreased alpha diversity and the ratio of beneficial to harmful bacteria to specifically dysregulates TCHO metabolism in mice. Night shift workers are recommended to be avoid of blue LED lighting for a long and lasting time.
Differences in left ventricular myocardial function and infarct size in female patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction and spontaneous coronary artery dissection
Authors: Krljanac Gordana , Apostolović Svetlana , Polovina Marija , Maksimović Ružica , Nedeljković Arsenović Olga , Đorđevic Nemanja , Stanković Stefan , Savić Lidija , Ušćumlić Ana , Stanković Sanja , Ašanin Milika
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Differences in pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and natural course of ST-elevation myocardial infarction in female patients due to either spontaneous dissection (SCAD-STEMI) or atherothrombotic occlusion (type 1 STEMI) have been discussed. Current knowledge on differences in left ventricular myocardial function and infarct size is limited. The aim of this study was to assess baseline clinical characteristics, imaging findings, and therapeutic approach and to compare differences in echocardiographic findings at baseline and 3-month follow-up in patients with SCAD-STEMI and type 1 STEMI.

Methods

This was a prospective multicenter study of 32 female patients (18–55 years of age) presenting with either SCAD-STEMI due to left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) dissection or type 1 STEMI due to atherothrombotic LAD occlusion.

Results

The two groups were similar in age, risk factors, comorbidities, and complications. SCAD-STEMI patients more often had Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 3 flow, while type 1 STEMI patients were more often treated with percutaneous coronary intervention and dual antiplatelet therapy. Baseline mean left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) was similar in the two groups (48.0% vs. 48.6%, p = 0.881), but there was a significant difference at the 3-month follow-up, driven by an improvement in LVEF in SCAD-STEMI compared to type 1 STEMI patients (Δ LVEF 10.1 ± 5.3% vs. 1.8 ± 5.1%, p = 0.002). LV global longitudinal strain was slightly improved in both groups at follow-up; however, the improvement was not significantly different between groups (−4.6 ± 2.9% vs. −2.0 ± 2.8%, p = 0.055).

Conclusions

The results suggest that female patients with SCAD-STEMI are more likely to experience improvement in LV systolic function than type 1 STEMI patients.
Non-coding RNAs in the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Jalink Elisabeth A. , Schonk Amber W. , Boon Reinier A. , Juni Rio P.
Published: January 2024

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is the largest unmet clinical need in cardiovascular medicine. Despite decades of research, the treatment option for HFpEF is still limited, indicating our ongoing incomplete understanding on the underlying molecular mechanisms. Non-coding RNAs, comprising of microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs), are non-protein coding RNA transcripts, which are implicated in various cardiovascular diseases. However, their role in the pathogenesis of HFpEF is unknown. Here, we discuss the role of miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs that are involved in the pathophysiology of HFpEF, namely microvascular dysfunction, inflammation, diastolic dysfunction and cardiac fibrosis. We interrogated clinical evidence and dissected the molecular mechanisms of the ncRNAs by looking at the relevant in vivo and in vitro models that mimic the co-morbidities in patients with HFpEF. Finally, we discuss the potential of ncRNAs as biomarkers and potential novel therapeutic targets for future HFpEF treatment.
A contemporary update on cancer and takotsubo syndrome
Authors: Tini Giacomo , Arcari Luca , Mistrulli Raffaella , Follesa Federico , Cianca Alessandro , Sclafani Matteo , Tocci Giuliano , Spallarossa Paolo , Battistoni Allegra , Cacciotti Luca , Musumeci Beatrice , Barbato Emanuele
Published: January 2024

Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is characterized by a transient left ventricular systolic dysfunction, burdened by significant acute and long-term mortality and morbidity. The prognosis of TTS, especially in the long-term, is influenced by both non-cardiovascular (non-CV) and CV comorbidities, among which cancer is one of the most common. The presence of a malignancy is proven to be associated with higher mortality in TTS. Moreover, a number of anticancer treatments has been reported to possibly cause TTS as a form of cardiotoxicity, even though clearcut associations are lacking. The aim of this narrative review is to sum up contemporary knowledge on the association of cancer and TTS, addressing unmet needs and practical implications. The importance of a close collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists is herein highlighted, both to allow an adequate management of the acute TTS phase, and to actively and safely return to the oncologic management once the acute setting is resolved.
Do blood flow patterns in the left atriums differ between left upper lobectomy and other lobectomies? A computational study
Authors: Yi Wentao , Otani Tomohiro , Endo Shunsuke , Wada Shigeo
Published: January 2024

Background

Left atrial (LA) hemodynamics after lung lobectomies with pulmonary vein (PV) resection is widely understood to be a risk factor for LA thrombosis. A recent magnetic resonance imaging study showed that left upper lobectomy (LUL) with left superior pulmonary vein resection tended to cause LA flow patterns distinct from those of other lobectomies, with flow disturbances seen near the PV stump. However, little is known about this flow pattern because of severe image resolution limitations. The present study compared flow patterns in the LA after LUL with the flow patterns of other lobectomies using computational simulations.

Methods

The computational simulations of LA blood flow were conducted on the basis of four-dimensional computed tomography images of four lung cancer patients prior to lobectomies. Four kinds of PV resection cases were constructed by cutting each one of the PVs from the LA of each patient. We performed a total of five cases (pre-resection case and four PV resection cases) in each patient and evaluated global flow patterns formed by the remaining PV inflow, especially in the upper LA region.

Results

LUL tended to enhance the remaining left inferior PV inflow, with impingements seen in the right PV inflows in the upper LA region near the PV stump. These flow alterations induced viscous dissipation and the LUL cases had the highest values compared to other PV resection cases, especially in the LV systole in three patients, and reached three to four times higher than those in pre-resection cases. However, in another patient, these tendencies were weaker when PV inflow was stronger from the right side than from the left side, and the degree of flow dissipation was lower than those in other PV resection cases.

Conclusion

These findings suggest marked variations in LA flow patterns among patients after lobectomies and highlights the importance of patient-specific assessment of LA hemodynamics after lobectomies.
Assessing the utility of deep neural networks in detecting superficial surgical site infections from free text electronic health record data
Authors: Bonde Alexander , Lorenzen Stephan , Brixen Gustav , Troelsen Anders , Sillesen Martin
Published: January 2024

Background

High-quality outcomes data is crucial for continued surgical quality improvement. Outcomes are generally captured through structured administrative data or through manual curation of unstructured electronic health record (EHR) data. The aim of this study was to apply natural language processing (NLP) to chart notes in the EHR to accurately capture postoperative superficial surgical site infections (SSSIs).

Methods

Deep Learning (DL) NLP models were trained on data from 389,865 surgical cases across all 11 hospitals in the Capital Region of Denmark. Surgical cases in the training dataset were performed between January 01st, 2017, and October 30th, 2021. We trained a forward reading and a backward reading universal language model on unlabeled postoperative chart notes recorded within 30 days of a surgical procedure. The two language models were subsequently finetuned on labeled data for the classification of SSSIs. Validation and testing were performed on surgical cases performed during the month of November 2021. We propose two different use cases: a stand-alone machine learning (SAM) pipeline and a human-in-the-loop (HITL) pipeline. Performances of both pipelines were compared to administrative data and to manual curation.

Results

The models were trained on 3,983,864 unlabeled chart notes and finetuned on 1,231,656 labeled notes. Models had a test area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC AUC) of 0.989 on individual chart notes and 0.980 on an aggregated case level. The SAM pipeline had a sensitivity of 0.604, a specificity of 0.996, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.763, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.991. Prior to human review, the HITL pipeline had a sensitivity of 0.854, a specificity of 0.987, a PPV of 0.603, and a NPV of 0.997.

Conclusion

The performance of the SAM pipeline was superior to administrative data, and significantly outperformed previously published results. The performance of the HITL pipeline approached that of manual curation.
Teaching with A Rounder Sense of Purpose: a survey study on education for sustainable development competences in Latin America
Authors: Álvarez-Vanegas Alejandro , Rieckmann Marco , Lopera Pérez Marisol , Aguirre Patricia M.
Published: January 2024

Through support and guidance in fostering competences in ESD, educators can help students to evolve into engaged citizens capable of addressing the current ecological crisis. However, in order to provide effective guidance, educators need to become proficient in sustainability. In this line, this study investigates (i) the depth of knowledge about sustainability (including teaching for sustainability), (ii) stances toward the Sustainable Development Goals, and (iii) competences that Latin American university educators perceive they possess. A survey was designed, including elements from previously validated instruments and using the competences framework A Rounder Sense of Purpose. It was answered by educators from Latin America (N = 197), mainly Colombia and Ecuador. Through a statistical analysis, ranks were developed, and further analyses were made. Although this research is based on the self-perception of respondents, findings suggest that educators have some knowledge about ESD. However, there is room for improvement, particularly in terms of action. Additionally, there are inconsistencies between the competences they aim to develop in their students and the ones they currently possess. Such an assessment had not been done specifically for the Latin American context, and the A Rounder Sense of Purpose framework of competences had yet to be explored with a large sample of educators. The results of this research will allow for the offering of a more adequate and pertinent capacity-building program for university educators.
Student satisfaction in clinical area subjects during the COVID-19 pandemic in a medical school
Authors: Diaz-Lazo Anibal , Alvarez-Risco Aldo , Córdova Rosales Carlo , Cori Rosales Sandra , Ruiz-Aquino Mely , Del-Aguila-Arcentales Shyla , Davies Neal M. , Mejia Christian R. , Yáñez Jaime A.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 had an impact on health and education, among other subjects. It caused changes in teaching medicine. The objective of the study was to determine student satisfaction in the subjects of the clinical area in a medical school during the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Methods

The current study has an observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 119 students. Inclusion criteria included being a student enrolled in the 2021–2022 semester, between the VI and XII semesters in a medical school.

Results

It was found that the median age was 21  years; 68 (57.1%) were men. Overall student satisfaction was 67.1%. High student satisfaction was found in the dimension development of professional skills (84.9%), achievement of student expectations (69.7%), and virtual assistance (67.2%) at a medium level of student satisfaction. Flexibility in learning (64.7%), the use of infrastructure and facilities (61.7%), and the use of educational resources (61.3%) were reported.

Discussion

The students were generally satisfied with the dynamic communication of the teachers, especially concerning promoting student participation (79%).
Embracing change: from recalibration to radical overhaul for the field of school attendance
Authors: Heyne David , Gentle-Genitty Carolyn , Melvin Glenn A. , Keppens Gil , O’Toole Catriona , McKay-Brown Lisa
Published: January 2024

In a world characterized by dynamic demographic shifts, rapid technological transformations, and evolving pedagogical practices, the need for reimagining school attendance and a relationship with education has become paramount. This Research Topic, boldly titled “The Unlearning of School Attendance: Ideas for Change,” compels us to challenge conventional thinking and working in this domain. The collection of 12 articles offers compelling opportunities for change, ranging from subtle recalibrations to radical overhauls, depending on the extent to which our current ideas and methods have grown outdated. This opening article serves as a thematic guide, curating the diverse prospects for transformation found within the collection. Four themes encourage us to reconceptualize school attendance and a relationship with education, while another four themes inspire new ways of working in this realm. Furthermore, we explore the pivotal role of the International Network for School Attendance (INSA) in facilitating change, as it strives to foster relationships with education, forge alliances among interested parties, and promote interdisciplinary research. As you engage with this article and the other 12 contributions in this collection, we invite you to reflect on your current ideas and methods, embracing the call for transformative change with compassion and a strong sense of purpose. Together, we can shape a future where school attendance and engagement with learning thrive in harmony with our evolving world.
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging approaches to Graves’ ophthalmopathy: a narrative review
Authors: Luccas Rafael , Riguetto Cinthia Minatel , Alves Monica , Zantut-Wittmann Denise Engelbrecht , Reis Fabiano
Published: January 2024

Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) affects up to 50% of patients with Graves’ disease (GD) ranging from mild ocular irritation to vision loss. The initial diagnosis is based on clinical findings and laboratory tests. Orbital imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), is an important tool to assess orbital changes, being also useful for understanding disease progression and surgical planning. In this narrative review, we included 92 studies published from 1979 to 2020 that used either MRI and/or CT to diagnose and investigate GO, proposing new methods and techniques. Most of the methods used still need to be corroborated and validated, and, despite the different methods and approaches for thyroid eye disease (TED) evaluation, there is still a lack of standardization of measurements and outcome reports; therefore, additional studies should be performed to include these methods in clinical practice, facilitating the diagnosis and approach for the treatment of TED.
The maternal hair metabolome is capable of discriminating intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy from uncomplicated pregnancy
Authors: Yin Nanlin , Jiang Xiuping , Yu Muhua , Yang Yang , Ge Huisheng , Han Ting-Li , Qi Hongbo
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a pregnancy-specific liver disease associated with elevated bile acids in the blood. Diagnosis typically only occurs after the manifestation of clinical symptoms and the metabolic mechanisms underlying its development remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate potential specific metabolites and the underlying metabolic changes occurring during the development of ICP in the maternal plasma and hair metabolomes of women diagnosed with either ICP or having a healthy pregnancy.

Methods

A total of 35 Chinese women with ICP and 42 healthy pregnancies were enrolled in our study. Plasma and hair samples, total bile acid levels (TBA), alanine transaminase levels (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase levels (AST), and additional clinical information were collected during the third trimester. Metabolites from maternal plasma and hair segments collected pre-conception and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results

Three plasma metabolites (p < 0.05, q < 0.38) and 21 hair metabolites (p < 0.05, q < 0.05) were significantly different between ICP and healthy pregnancies. A combination of the eight most significant hair metabolites in a multivariate receiver operating characteristic curve model showed the best area under the curve (AUC) was 0.885, whereas the highest AUC using metabolites from plasma samples was only 0.74. Metabolic pathway analysis revealed 32 pathways were significantly (p and q values < 0.05) affected in the hair samples of patients with ICP. Pathways associated with glutathione metabolism and ABC transporters were affected. No metabolic pathways were significantly affected in plasma.

Discussion

Overall, this study showed that the hair metabolome could be more useful than the plasma metabolome for distinguishing ICP from normal pregnancy.
Placenta-derived exosomes exacerbate beta cell dysfunction in gestational diabetes mellitus through delivery of miR-320b
Authors: Wang Yanmei , Yuan Yue , Shen Shanmei , Ge Zhijuan , Zhu Dalong , Bi Yan
Published: January 2024

Recent studies have shown placenta-derived exosome (pdE) acts as an important mediator of organ-to-organ interplay regulating maternal metabolic alterations, however, the function and mechanisms of placental exosomes on pancreatic β-cell maladaptation in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) remain unclear. The purpose of this investigation was to ascertain how placental exosomes affected the β-cell dysfunction associated with the onset of GDM. Exosomes were isolated from chorionic villi explants of pregnant mice and humans with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and GDM. The effects of pdE from GDM on glucose tolerance in vivo and islets function in vitro were determined. Isolated islets from mice fed on the chow diet displayed an increase in apoptosis and observed their glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) greatly diminished by PdE from GDM mice. Mice that accepted PdE from mice with GDM possessed glucose intolerance.Based on miRNA microarray assay and bioinformatics analysis from human placental exosomes, we identified miR-320b selectively enriched in PdE secreted in GDM compared with NGT. Importantly, the level of placental miR-320b was positively correlated with the 1h-glucose and 2-h glucose of a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) during human pregnancies. Furthermore, miR-320 overexpression attributed to impaired insulin secretion and increased apoptosis in MIN6 cells and islets obtained from mice with normal insulin sensitivity. This study firstly proposed that altered miRNAs in pdE contribute to defective adaptation of β cells during pregnancy, which expands the knowledge of GDM pathogenesis. Exosomes from the placenta may be an emerging therapeutic target for GDM.