bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping large European aspen (Populus tremula L.) in Finland using airborne lidar and image data
Authors: Toivonen Janne , Kangas Annika , Maltamo Matti , Kukkonen Mikko , Packalen Petteri
Published: February 2024

European aspen is a keystone species in boreal forests, which support numerous ecologically important and endangered species. As detection of those species by remote sensing is impossible, we instead investigated the detection of large aspen trees using airborne laser scanning and aerial image data. However, this is a challenge due to their low quantity and scattered occurrence. The performance was assessed with representative and unrepresentative (where aspens were over-represented) samples of the population. First, we detected individual trees and then the random forest (RF) classifier was used to identify large aspens. The RF classification was implemented with and without synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) to balance the training data due to the rarity of large aspens. At the tree-level, the best F1-score (0.44) was obtained when the unrepresentative plot data were used with SMOTE. However, the F1-score decreased to 0.21 when the representative data were used. The best plot-level (plots with at least one aspen tree) F1-score with the representative plot data was 0.41. We conclude that although data augmentation may improve the result, it is difficult to detect large aspen trees in genuine populations.
Responses of multimetric indices to disturbance are affected by index construction features
Authors: Ruaro Renata , Gubiani Éder A. , Padial Andre A. , Karr James R. , Hughes Robert M. , Mormul Roger P.
Published: February 2024

Multimetric indices (MMIs) are used worldwide to assess the ecological conditions of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Different criteria and approaches are used to construct MMIs, resulting in widely different indices. Therefore, scientists, managers, and policymakers sometimes question whether such MMIs are useful for biomonitoring and bioassessment programs. Crucial design issues for biomonitoring programs include MMI responsiveness, the bioindicator group used, survey design, field sampling methods, level of taxonomic resolution, metric selection and scoring, and reference condition identification. We performed a meta-analysis on MMI development and applications worldwide to analyze the response of MMIs to different disturbance factors and to determine the degree to which MMI construction features influence their responsiveness to anthropogenic disturbances. We used the Web of Science database to find articles that applied an MMI and related MMI values to an environmental stressor, and we extracted data from 157 articles. We performed random-effects modeling to estimate the overall effect of MMI responses to disturbance and used subgroup analysis to analyze the extent to which the effect sizes varied as a function of different MMI construction features. We found that reference condition criteria had the major effect on MMI responses to disturbance. The environmental disturbance type, the number of metrics, and the ecosystem type to which MMIs were applied contributed more weakly to the effect size variance. The general response of MMIs to disturbance was little affected by the bioindicator group, taxonomic resolution, metric selection criteria, or scoring method. These findings have important implications for designing biomonitoring programs, including developing and improving cost-effective biological indices, because they could enhance MMI development and application protocols.
Neutron skin of 27Al with Skyrme and Korea-IBS-Daegu-SKKU density functionals
Authors: Gil Hana , Hyun Chang Ho , Kim K. S.
Published: February 2024

Recent measurement of the parity-violating (PV) asymmetry in the elastic electron scattering on [Formula: see text]Al target evokes the interest in the distribution of the neutron in the nucleus. In this work, we calculate the neutron skin thickness ([Formula: see text]) of [Formula: see text]Al with nonrelativistic nuclear structure models. We focus on the role of the effective mass, symmetry energy and pairing force. Models are selected to have effective masses in the range (0.58–1.05) M where M is the nucleon mass in free space, and stiffness of the symmetry energy is varied by choosing the slope of the symmetry energy in the range 9.4–100.5[Formula: see text]MeV. Effect of pairing force is investigated by calculating nuclear properties with and without pairing. With constant force pairing, we obtain [Formula: see text]–0.013[Formula: see text]fm. The result is independent of the effective mass and symmetry energy. However, [Formula: see text] is negative when the pairing force is switched off, so the pairing force plays an essential role to make [Formula: see text] positive and constrained in a narrow range. We also calculate the PV asymmetry ([Formula: see text]) in the elastic electron-[Formula: see text]Al scattering in the Born approximation at the kinematics of the Qweak experiment. We obtain a very narrow-ranged result [Formula: see text]. The result is consistent with the experiment and insensitive to the effective mass and symmetry energy.
Degrade the implement intensity of tripartite operation sharing using six-qubit entangled state
Authors: Ma Yun , Shi Zhong-Rong , Yuan Hao
Published: February 2024

Based on classical communication and some local quantum operations, a novel tripartite operation sharing scheme is put forwarded by employing a six-qubit absolutely maximally entangled state as quantum channel. The finally successful probability of this scheme is deterministic and the target quantum operation to be shared is arbitrary. Besides, the optimized entanglement structure ensures that the numbers of necessary quantum operations to accomplish the task is relatively less. Furthermore, analysis shows that the present scheme is feasible with the current experimental technology.
Indistinguishability Obfuscation from Well-Founded Assumptions
Authors: Jain Aayush , Lin Huijia , Sahai Amit
Published: February 2024

At least since the initial public proposal of public-key cryptography based on computational hardness conjectures, cryptographers have contemplated the possibility of a "one-way compiler" that translates computer programs into "incomprehensible" but equivalent forms. And yet, the search for such a "one-way compiler" remained elusive for decades. We examine a formalization of this concept with the notion of indistinguishability obfuscation
(iO)
. Roughly speaking,
iO
requires that the compiled versions of any two equivalent programs (with the same size and running time) be indistinguishable from any efficient adversary. Finally, we show how to construct
iO
in such a way that we can prove the security of our
iO
scheme based on well-studied computational hardness conjectures in cryptography.
Pondering the Ugly Underbelly, and Whether Images Are Real
Authors: Hill Robin K. , Baquero Carlos
Published: February 2024

The
Communications
website, https://cacm.acm.org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of
Communications
, we'll publish selected posts or excerpts.

twitter

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/blogCACM

https://cacm.acm.org/blogs/blog-cacm

Robin K. Hill teaches how proofs lead to the truth, while Carlos Baquero searches for truth in imagery.
Drug-resilient Cancer Cell Phenotype Is Acquired via Polyploidization Associated with Early Stress Response Coupled to HIF2α Transcriptional Regulation
Authors: Carroll Christopher , Manaprasertsak Auraya , Boffelli Castro Arthur , van den Bos Hilda , Spierings Diana C.J. , Wardenaar René , Bukkuri Anuraag , Engström Niklas , Baratchart Etienne , Yang Minjun , Biloglav Andrea , Cornwallis Charlie K. , Johansson Bertil , Hagerling Catharina , Arsenian-Henriksson Marie , Paulsson Kajsa , Amend Sarah R. , Mohlin Sofie , Foijer Floris , McIntyre Alan , Pienta Kenneth J. , Hammarlund Emma U.
Published: February 2024

Therapeutic resistance and recurrence remain core challenges in cancer therapy. How therapy resistance arises is currently not fully understood with tumors surviving via multiple alternative routes. Here, we demonstrate that a subset of cancer cells survives therapeutic stress by entering a transient state characterized by whole-genome doubling. At the onset of the polyploidization program, we identified an upregulation of key transcriptional regulators, including the early stress-response protein AP-1 and normoxic stabilization of HIF2α. We found altered chromatin accessibility, ablated expression of retinoblastoma protein (RB1), and enrichment of AP-1 motif accessibility. We demonstrate that AP-1 and HIF2α regulate a therapy resilient and survivor phenotype in cancer cells. Consistent with this, genetic or pharmacologic targeting of AP-1 and HIF2α reduced the number of surviving cells following chemotherapy treatment. The role of AP-1 and HIF2α in stress response by polyploidy suggests a novel avenue for tackling chemotherapy-induced resistance in cancer.

Significance:

In response to cisplatin treatment, some surviving cancer cells undergo whole-genome duplications without mitosis, which represents a mechanism of drug resistance. This study presents mechanistic data to implicate AP-1 and HIF2α signaling in the formation of this surviving cell phenotype. The results open a new avenue for targeting drug-resistant cells.
Nanoteknologi Kedokteran Gigi
Authors: Pratiwi Ariyati Retno , Istikharoh Feni , Fuadiyah Diena , Hidayat Lukman Hakim , Swastirani Astika , Priyanto Rahmavidyanti , Wardani Sinta Candra , Silviana Nur Masita , Rachmawati Yuanita Lely
Published: February 2024

Nanoteknologi merupakan salah satu teknologi yang berkembang pesat pada abad 21 dan memiliki dampak besar pada keilmuan saat ini seperti pada bidang industri, elektronik, keamanan nasional, drug delivery, kesehatan, kosmetik, biosensor, dan masalah lingkungan pada level nano. Nanoteknologi dan nanomaterial memiliki peran penting pada pengaplikasian teknologi modern. Teknologi nano juga digunakan pada bahan-bahan kedokteran gigi seperti bahan restorasi komposit, bahan adhesif, bahan cetak, kawat ortodonti, pasta gigi, dan lain sebagainya. Penggunaan teknologi ini akan memungkinkan pengembangan ilmu material dan bioteknologi. Buku nanoteknologi kedokteran gigi ini merupakan buku pertama bidang kedokteran gigi yang mengupas tentang nanoteknologi yang saat ini menjadi primadona di berbagai bidang ilmu. Buku ini berisi tentang dasar-dasar nanoteknologi dan penggunaan nanoteknologi di tiap spesialistik bidang kedokteran gigi. Setelah membaca buku ini, para pembaca dapat dengan mudah mengetahui informasi berbagai spesialistik di kedokteran gigi tentang perkembangan nanoteknologi.
Pengelolaan Penyakit Tumbuhan Terpadu (Integrated Plant Disease Management)
Authors: Abadi Abdul Latief , Syib’li Muhammad Akhid , Aini Luqman Qurata , Sektiono Antok Wahyu , Choliq Fery Abdul , Trianti Irisa
Published: February 2024

Buku Pengelolaan Penyakit Tumbuhan Terpadu (PPT) ini terdiri dari sembilan bab. Dimulai dari Pendahuluan yang berisi pembahasan tentang peran dan tantangan di bidang pertanian dan permasalahan penyakit tumbuhan yang didukung tiga komponen penting yaitu petogen, inang dan faktor lingkungan. Pada bab berikutnya dipaparkan tentang kerugian ekonomi dan dampak lain adanya penyakit tumbuhan. Selanjutnya tentang penyebab penyakit beserta diagnosis untuk masing masing kelompok penyebab penyakit. Berikutnya dipaparkan peran faktor tanaman dan faktor lingkungan terhadap perkembangan penyakit secara rinci. Dalam Bab 6 dipaparkan tentang agroekosistem kaitannya dengan pengelolaan penyakit tumbuhan dan stratetgi untuk mewujudkan agroekosistem yang sehat. Setelah itu pembahasan beralih pada epidemiologi (ilmu tentang wabah penyakit) serta cara cara pengendalian penyakit tumbuhan. Bagian buku yang paling menarik untuk dicermati adalah pada Bab 9 yaitu tentang PPT itu sendiri. Konsep demikian sangat jarang ditemukan dalam buku buku baik cetak maupun elektronik. Dalam bab ini dipaparkan konsep dan prinsip PPT, strategi dan taktik dalam PPT serta penerapannya, prinsip pelaksanaan dan pemasyarakatan PPT, serta kisah sukses penerapan PPT dalam menekan penyakit tumbuhan diberbagai belahan dunia termasuk di Indonesia. Disertakan juga bagaimana penerapan PPT diberbagai komoditas tanaman pangan, hortikultura serta tanaman perkebunan dilakukan. Penyajian pada bab ini disertani dengan gambar grafis untuk lebih memudahkan membacanya. Buku yang ditulis oleh enam orang Dosen dengan keahlian fitopatologi atau ilmu penyakit tumbuhan dari Departeman Hama dan Penyakit Tumbuhan di Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Brawijaya ini merupakan hasil kompetisi yang didanai oleh Universitas Brawijaya dan dibuat untuk open access. Para penulis adalah orang orang yang kompeten untuk menulis buku ini karena di antaranya telah berpengalaman dalam mengajar di S1, S2, dan S3 dengan bidang yang berkaitan dengan Ilmu Penyakit Tumbuhan. Penulis pertama buku ini telah berkecimpung dalam bidang fitopatologi sejak jadi dosen PNS tahun 1980 sampai sekarang, baik dalam mengajar, meneliti maupun melakukan aktivitas pengabdian kepada masyarakat, serta pernah menjadi ketua Perhimpunan Fitopatologi Indonesia periode 2019—2021.
A primeira deputada federal negra eleita pelo Paraná: uma análise da campanha de Carol Dartora em 2022
Authors: Horst Letícia Vicente , Ferro Letícia Cristina , Zanão Miriah Benedito , Panke Luciana
Published: February 2024

Esse artigo traz os resultados da análise da campanha de Carol Dartora (PT-PR) para o cargo de deputada federal nas eleições de 2022, este conquistado pela candidata. Para basear a análise, foram escolhidos 5 materiais, incluindo um Jingle, materiais audiovisuais e postagens para a rede digital. Utilizando da teoria de representação de arquétipos femininos em candidaturas de mulheres (Panke, 2016), foi possível determinar a predominância do arquétipo da mulher guerreira durante a campanha. O artigo também corrobora este resultado a partir da análise dos códigos icônico, linguístico e sonoro (Eco apud Panke, 1993), bem como pelas provas de persuasão da comunicação (Santos, 2020), identificando elementos que se associam à liderança e à luta.
Carta para Eunice Katunda: diálogo sobre um instrumento de uma corda só
Authors: Silva Renata de Lima , Falcão José Luiz Cirqueira
Published: February 2024

Em 1952 a pianista, compositora, regente e arranjadora, Eunice Katunda (1915 – 1990), publicou, na Revista Fundamentos, o texto “Capoeira no Terreiro de Mestre Waldemar”, em que narra suas impressões sobre essa arte negra, com atenção aos seus aspectos musicais e com aguçada crítica ao pensamento elitista de que nas culturas populares não há criação artística. Tendo em vista a importância de se divulgar a história e o pensamento de mulheres musicistas, como forma de reparar a injustiça histórica da invisibilização deste gênero, escrevemos uma carta para Eunice Katunda, utilizando a licença poética do campo da arte, para discutir aspectos por ela apontados no referido texto, sobretudo a ideia de que o berimbau seria um “instrumento musical limitado”.
Alusão Auditiva 2
Authors: R. Thiago
Published: February 2024

ALUSÃO AUDITIVA 2 (2023) é uma obra de uma notação verbal composta por padrões visuais geométricos que ocultam uma frase próximo ao limiar de percepção da visão. Esse efeito é baseado na ilusão visual alusiva (WADE, 19901), onde padrões visuais de alto contraste suprimem a visibilidade direta dos componentes de baixo contraste. A frase pode não ser vista com definição sem que ocorra algum nível de degradação da imagem – uma espécie de descontinuidade física do olhar –, fazendo com que as partes parcialmente ausentes se tornem visíveis. Desse modo, para acessar a frase é necessário tomar certas atitudes fisiológicas ante o ato de ver, como cerrar os olhos; embaçar a visão; balançar a cabeça; aproximar-se ou afastar-se da imagem para que a mensagem seja efetivamente percebida. Assim, a obra abarca um processo de funcionamento da percepção visual como potencial chave de acesso à reflexão da percepção auditiva em uma situação expandida; um gesto sensorial limiar capaz de evocar possíveis novos modos de escuta.
Alpha peak frequency affects visual performance beyond temporal resolution
Authors: Menétrey Maëlan Q. , Roinishvili Maya , Chkonia Eka , Herzog Michael H. , Pascucci David
Published: February 2024

Recent work suggests that the individual alpha peak frequency (IAPF) reflects the temporal resolution of visual processing: individuals with higher IAPF can segregate stimuli at shorter intervals compared to those with lower IAPF. However, this evidence mainly comes from studies focusing on short intervals, with stimulus onset asynchronies (SOA) rarely extending beyond a single alpha cycle (e.g., ~100 ms). Here, we investigated the relationship between IAPF and performance in visual backward masking (VBM), which allowed us to test the effects of IAPF for longer SOAs than an alpha cycle. A group of healthy controls (N = 79) and schizophrenia patients (N = 121), who generally exhibit lower IAPF, were tested in conditions with a Vernier shown alone, a Vernier followed by a mask at two SOAs (30 and 150 ms), or only a mask. Our results show that IAPF can predict VBM performance in all conditions with a Vernier. Furthermore, in both the control and schizophrenia groups, individuals with higher IAPF showed reduced masking effects, even when the SOA of 150 ms exceeded the alpha cycle. These findings challenge the notion that IAPF is exclusively related to temporal resolution and visual processing within a single alpha cycle. We discuss alternative mechanisms by which IAPF determines visual performance.
“You’re Really Stuck”: Housing Strategies and Compromises in the San Francisco Bay Area
Authors: Luhr Sigrid
Published: February 2024

Over the past decade, housing prices in many regions of the United States have increased precipitously. This is especially true in the San Francisco Bay Area, a region that has experienced an influx of highly paid tech workers and a tightening of the housing market. Against this backdrop, this article examines the strategies and compromises that a racially and socioeconomically diverse group of Bay Area residents use to maintain housing. Drawing on survey and interview data, the article finds that both homeowners and nonhomeowners described feeling “stuck in place” as prices rose around them. Yet nonhomeowners made greater compromises to maintain housing, including (1) living in structurally inadequate housing; (2) moving in with friends and relatives; and (3) accepting legally precarious living arrangements. Although research on housing often focuses on why families move, this article reconfigures immobility as a deliberate process, documenting the trade-offs families make to keep their homes.
An Integrated Control Framework for Torque Vectoring and Active Suspension System
Authors: Feng Jiwei , Liang Jinhao , Lu Yanbo , Zhuang Weichao , Pi Dawei , Yin Guodong , Xu Liwei , Peng Pai , Zhou Chaobin
Published: February 2024

Four-wheel independently driven electric vehicles (FWID-EV) endow a flexible and scalable control framework to improve vehicle performance. This paper integrates the torque vectoring and active suspension system (ASS) to enhance the vehicle’s longitudinal and vertical motion control performance. While the nonlinear characteristic of the tire model leads to a relatively heavier computational burden. To facilitate the controller design and ease the load, a half-vehicle dynamics system is built and simplified to the linear-time-varying (LTV) model. Then a model predictive controller is developed by formulating the objective function by comprehensively considering the safety, energy-saving and comfort requirements. The in-wheel motor efficiency and the power loss of tire slip are treated as optimization indices in this work to reduce energy consumption. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed controller is verified through the rapid-control-prototype (RCP) test. The results demonstrate the enhancement of the energy-saving as well as comfort on the basis of vehicle stability.
Selective cytotoxic effects of nitrogen-doped graphene coated mixed iron oxide nanoparticles on HepG2 as a new potential therapeutic approach
Authors: Demir Zeynep , Sungur Berkay , Bayram Edip , Özkan Aysun
Published: February 2024

New selective therapeutics are needed for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the 7th most common cancer. In this study, we compared the cytotoxic effect induced by the release of pH-dependent iron nanoparticles from nitrogen-doped graphene-coated mixed iron oxide nanoparticles (FexOy/N-GN) with the cytotoxic effect of nitrogen-doped graphene (N-GN) and commercial graphene nanoflakes (GN) in Hepatoma G2 (HepG2) cells and healthy cells. The cytotoxic effect of nanocomposites (2.5–100 ug/ml) on HepG2 and healthy fibroblast (BJ) cells (12–48 h) was measured by Cell Viability assay, and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated. After the shortest (12 h) and longest incubation (48 h) incubation periods in HepG2 cells, IC50 values of FexOy/N-GN were calculated as 21.95 to 2.11 µg.mL−1, IC50 values of N-GN were calculated as 39.64 to 26.47 µg.mL−1 and IC50 values of GN were calculated as 49.94 to 29.94, respectively. After 48 h, FexOy/N-GN showed a selectivity index (SI) of 10.80 for HepG2/BJ cells, exceeding the SI of N-GN (1.27) by about 8.5-fold. The high cytotoxicity of FexOy/N-GN was caused by the fact that liver cancer cells have many transferrin receptors and time-dependent pH changes in their microenvironment increase iron release. This indicates the potential of FexOy/N-GN as a new selective therapeutic.

Graphical abstract
Signs and symptoms of covid − 19 in patients with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting surgery
Authors: Emamzadehashemi Yasaman Rezvani , Emamzadehashemi Khashayar Rezvani , Khanghah Atefeh Ghanbari , Paryad Ezzat , Sayad Noveiri Marzieh Jahani
Published: February 2024

Background

People who have coronary artery disease are more likely to develop signs and symptoms of COVID-19 due to their special circumstances. Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (CABG)does not cure the disease but reduces the signs and symptoms, therefore, there is a possibility of severe complications of Covid-19 after it.

Materials and methods

This study is a descriptive and cross-sectional study conducted from June to July 2020 on 200 patients who underwent CABG from February 2018 to February 2020. The instrument consisted of socio-demographic variables and COVID’s signs and symptoms checklist. Data were collected by census method by telephone. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact test, Mann Whitney U test, and logistic regression model.

Results

The results showed that the majority of the samples were male (67%). The mean age of them was 62.02 ± 9.06 years and 10% of the m had signs and symptoms of Covid 19. Having the symptoms of COVID-19 is significant in terms of the variables of decreased sense of smell (p < 0.002), decreased sense of taste (p < 0.002), and home quarantine (p < 0.01). The logistic regression model showed decreased sense of taste (OR = 6.071, CI95%: 1.621–29.984, p < 0.009) and non-compliance with home quarantine (OR = 0.061, CI95%: 0.005–0.741, p < 0.028) were the related variables to signs and symptoms of Covid 19.

Conclusion

The results did not indicate the frequency of COVID signs and symptoms among people with a history of Coronary artery bypass grafting surgery more than healthy people in the Iranian community. Extensive studies are suggested in this regard.
Effect of PERLA®, a new cold-storage solution, on oxidative stress injury and early graft function in rat kidney transplantation model
Authors: Bejaoui Mohamed , Slim Chérifa , Peralta Carmen , Ben Abdennebi Hassen
Published: February 2024

Background

The composition of organ preservation solutions is crucial for maintaining graft integrity and early graft function after transplantation. The aim of this study is to compare new organ preservation solution PERLA® with the gold standard preservation solution University of Wisconsin (UW) regarding oxidative stress and early graft injury.

Methods

In order to assess oxidative stress after cold storage, kidney grafts have been preserved for 18 h at 4° C in either UW solution or PERLA® solution and then assessed for oxidative stress injury (protocol 1). To assess kidney injuries and oxidative stress after reperfusion, rat kidneys were harvested, stored in cold UW or in PERLA® solutions for 18 h at 4 °C and then transplanted heterotopically for 6 h (protocol 2). PERLA® is a high Na+/low K+ solution including PEG-35 (1 g/L), trimetazidine (1 µM), carvedilol (10 µM) and tacrolimus (5 µM).

Results

Our results showed that preservation of kidneys in PERLA® solution significantly attenuates oxidative stress parameters after cold storage and reperfusion. We found a significant decrease in oxidative damage indicators (MDA, CD and CP) and a significant increase in antioxidant indicators (GPx, GSH, CAT, SOD and PSH). Moreover, PERLA® solution decreased kidney injury after reperfusion (creatinine, LDH and uric acid).

Conclusion

PERLA® solution was more effective than UW storage solution in preserving rat’s kidney grafts.
Mechanism of intestinal microbiota disturbance promoting the occurrence and development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma——based on microbiomics and metabolomics
Authors: Huang Xingqiang , Chen Xueyi , Wan Guowei , Yang Dandan , Zhu Dongqiang , Jia Linqian , Zheng Jinping
Published: February 2024

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a high-risk malignant tumor that has been reported in China. Some studies indicate that gut microbiota disorders can affect the occurrence and development of ESCC, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the possible underlying mechanisms using microbiomics and metabolomics. Fifty ESCC patients and fifty healthy controls were selected as the study subjects according to sex and age, and fecal samples were collected. 16S rDNA sequencing and LC‒MS were used for microbiomics and nontargeted metabolomics analyses. We found significant differences in the composition of the gut microbiota and metabolites between the ESCC patients and control individuals (P < 0.05). ESCC patients exhibited increased abundances of Fusobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus, increased levels of GibberellinA34 and decreased levels of 12-hydroxydodecanoic acid; these metabolites could be diagnostic and predictive markers of ESCC. An increase in the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and Lactobacillus significantly reduced the content of L-aspartate and pantothenic acid, which may be involved in the occurrence and development of ESCC by downregulating the expression of proteins in the pantothenate and coenzyme A biosynthesis pathways. An imbalance in the intestinal flora may decrease the number of eosinophils in peripheral blood, resulting in the activation of an inflammatory response and immune dysfunction, leading to ESCC deterioration. We hypothesize that this imbalance in the gut microbiota can cause an imbalance in intestinal metabolites, which can activate carcinogenic metabolic pathways, affect inflammation and immune function, and play a role in the occurrence and development of ESCC.
Associations between patterns of blood heavy metal exposure and health outcomes: insights from NHANES 2011–2016
Authors: Wang Xiangyu , Han Xinhao , Guo Shufang , Ma Yujie , Zhang Yafeng
Published: February 2024

Background

Extensive research has explored the association between heavy metal exposure and various health outcomes, including malignant neoplasms, hypertension, diabetes, and heart diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between patterns of exposure to a mixture of seven heavy metals and these health outcomes.

Methods

Blood samples from 7,236 adults in the NHANES 2011–2016 studies were analyzed for levels of cadmium, manganese, lead, mercury, selenium, copper, and zinc. Cluster analysis and logistic regression identified three distinct patterns of mixed heavy metal exposure, and their associations with health outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Pattern 1 exhibited higher odds ratios (ORs) for malignancy during NHANES 2011–2012 (OR = 1.33) and 2015–2016 (OR = 1.29) compared to pattern 2. Pattern 3 showed a lower OR for malignancy during NHANES 2013–2014 (OR = 0.62). For hypertension, pattern 1 displayed higher ORs than pattern 2 for NHANES 2011–2012 (OR = 1.26), 2013–2014 (OR = 1.31), and 2015–2016 (OR = 1.41). Pattern 3 had lower ORs for hypertension during NHANES 2013–2014 (OR = 0.72) and 2015–2016 (OR = 0.67). In terms of heart diseases, pattern 1 exhibited higher ORs than pattern 2 for NHANES 2011–2012 (OR = 1.34), 2013–2014 (OR = 1.76), and 2015–2016 (OR = 1.68). Pattern 3 had lower ORs for heart diseases during NHANES 2013–2014 (OR = 0.59) and 2015–2016 (OR = 0.52). However, no significant trend was observed for diabetes. All three patterns showed the strongest association with hypertension among the health outcomes studied.

Conclusions

The identified patterns of seven-metal mixtures in NHANES 2011–2016 were robust. Pattern 1 exhibited higher correlations with hypertension, heart disease, and malignancy compared to pattern 2, suggesting an interaction between these metals. Particularly, the identified patterns could offer valuable insights into the management of hypertension in healthy populations.
Understanding complex causes of suicidal behaviour among graduates in Bangladesh
Authors: Tasfi Jarin Tasnim , Mostofa Shafi Md
Published: February 2024

This study utilizes both fieldwork and desk-based discourse analysis of newspaper reports to investigate the concerning number of suicides among graduates in Bangladesh. According to some reports, a majority of suicide cases involve young adults who are either currently studying at university or have recently completed their degree (between the ages of 20 and 32). This research contends that patriarchal social expectations in Bangladesh place significant pressure on young adults to secure well-paying jobs to support their families and uphold their family’s status, which can have a negative impact on their mental health. Furthermore, this article identifies additional risk factors that contribute to the high suicide rates among graduates in Bangladesh. These factors include unemployment, poverty, relationship problems, drug addiction, political marginalization, and the stigma of shame, all of which can cause low self-esteem and suicidal thoughts. Moreover, the research suggests that families in Bangladesh have not been providing adequate support to their young members when facing challenges in life. On the contrary, families have added to the pressure on young adults, which can be attributed to joiner’s theory of the effect of industrialization on family norms and values.
Spiritual care needs and their attributes among Chinese inpatients with advanced breast cancer based on the Kano model: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Zhangyi , Tang Xiaochun , Li Liping , Zhou Huifang , Zhu Yue , Chen Lamei , Su Tao , Liu Mengru , Pang Xiaoli , Yi Xiaoke , Liu Li , Liu Jingjing , Liu Mengsu
Published: February 2024

Background

Numerous previous research have established the need for spiritual care among patients with cancer globally. Nevertheless, there was limited research, primarily qualitative, on the spiritual care needs of Chinese inpatients with advanced breast cancer. Furthermore, the need for spiritual care was rarely explored using the Kano model. To better understand the spiritual care needs and attributes characteristics of inpatients with advanced breast cancer, this study examined the Kano model.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional design study was conducted in the oncology departments of three tertiary grade-A hospitals in China from October 2022 to May 2023. To guarantee high-quality reporting of the study, the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Checklist was used. Data on the demographic characteristics questionnaire, the Nurse Spiritual Therapeutics Scale (NSTS), and the Kano model-based Nurse Spiritual Therapeutics Attributes Scale (K-NSTAs) were collected through convenience sampling. The Kano model, descriptive statistics, two independent samples t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance were used to analyze the data.

Results

The overall score for spiritual care needs was 31.16 ± 7.85. The two dimensions with the highest average scores, “create a good atmosphere” (3.16 ± 0.95), and the lowest average scores, “help religious practice” (1.72 ± 0.73). The 12 items were distributed as follows: three attractive attributes were located in Reserving Area IV; five one-dimensional attributes were distributed as follows: three one-dimensional attributes were located in Predominance Area I, and two were found in Improving Area II; two must-be attributes were located in Improving Area II; and two indifference attributes were located in Secondary Improving Area III.

Conclusion

The Chinese inpatients with advanced breast cancer had a middle level of spiritual care needs, which need to be further improved. Spiritual care needs attributes were defined, sorted, categorized, and optimized accurately and perfectly by the Kano model. And “create a good atmosphere” and “share self-perception” were primarily one-dimensional and must-be attributes. In contrast, the items in the dimensions of “share self-perception” and “help thinking” were principally attractive attributes. Nursing administrators are advised to optimize attractive attributes and transform indifference attributes by consolidating must-be and one-dimensional attributes, which will enable them to take targeted spiritual care measures based on each patient’s characteristics and unique personality traits.
Association between bacterial vaginosis with human papillomavirus in the United States (NHANES 2003–2004)
Authors: Qi Jie , Dai Congwei , Song Liyun , Zhang Junqin
Published: February 2024

Background

The balance of vaginal microecology is closely related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical lesions. This study aims to investigate the relationship between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and HPV infection.

Methods

In total, 1,310 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2003–2004) were included in this study. Logistic regression and subgroup analyses were used to examine the association between BV and HPV infection.

Results

A significant positive association was observed between BV and HPV infection in women after adjustment for other confounders (OR = 1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–1.88). In subgroup analyses, we have found this positive correlation was most prominent among Mexican Americans (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.08–3.08) and non-Hispanic blacks (OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.08–3.04).

Conclusions

This cross-sectional study demonstrated a positive association between BV and HPV infection in women.
Comparing the effects of team-based and problem-based learning strategies in medical education: a systematic review
Authors: Zhang Weilin , Wei Jinsong , Guo Weixiong , Wang Zhongwei , Chen Siyuan
Published: February 2024

Background

Recently, there has been a concerted effort within medical schools to depart from conventional lecture-based learning approaches to alternative teaching methods such as team-based learning (TBL) and problem-based learning (PBL), with the aim of enhancing both student engagement and instructional efficacy. Despite this shift, a comprehensive review that directly compares the impacts of PBL and TBL methods in medical education is lacking. This study seeks to address this gap by conducting a meta-analysis that compares the effects of TBL and PBL in the context of medical education.

Methods

Studies from Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Wanfang Database were searched, from inception to July 11, 2023. A meta-analysis was performed using Stata 14.0, and a total of 10 studies (including 752 participants) were included. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to estimate pooled effects. Heterogeneity was detected using the I2 statistic and further explored using meta-regression analysis.

Results

Compared with PBL, TBL significantly increased the number of theoretical tests (SMD = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.02–0.73). Additionally, TBL greatly improved teamwork skills compared with PBL. However, there were no significant differences between the TBL and PBL groups concerning practical skill scores, learning interest, or understanding skills.

Conclusion

TBL in the theoretical aspects of medical education appears to be more effective than PBL in improving theoretical test scores and teamwork skills, providing evidence for the implementation of TBL in medical education.
Examining the use, confidence, and barriers to follow Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) course guides in managing obstetric emergencies in Sudan
Authors: Mahgoub Esra Abdallah Abdalwahed , Osman Sarah H. M. , Al-Hussien Hafeia A. , Al-Bushra Nehal , Khairy Amna , Elhadi Yasir Ahmed Mohammed
Published: February 2024

Background

The Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) course is a globally recognized interprofessional training program designed to assist healthcare professionals in acquiring and sustaining the necessary knowledge and skills to handle obstetric emergencies effectively. This survey aimed to assess the use, barriers, and confidence in using the ALSO course guidelines in managing obstetric emergencies in Sudan.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 103 physicians from the Sudan ALSO group in Sudan. A structured, close-ended questionnaire was distributed electronically to the participants. Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package of Social Sciences Software version 26.

Results

More than half of the participants were specialists (54.4%). Although all respondents claimed to adhere to the ALSO guidelines for managing shoulder dystocia, a lower percentage followed them for neonatal resuscitation (75.0%) and maternal venous thrombosis management (68.9%). Only 62.1% of participants felt confident performing neonatal resuscitation. The main barriers to implementing the ALSO course guidelines were the respondents’ preference for other guidelines and their belief that the guidelines were not applicable in their specific settings.

Conclusion

The majority of participants displayed a high level of confidence, indicating a positive perception of the guide's effectiveness. However, there is room for improvement, particularly in areas such as neonatal resuscitation and forceps-assisted births, where confidence levels were lower. Addressing barriers, including the preference for other guidelines and the applicability of the guide in specific settings, is crucial to ensure widespread adoption. Refresher training programs, contextual adaptations, and the integration of guidelines may help overcome these barriers and enhance the overall implementation of the ALSO guide in managing obstetric emergencies in Sudan.
Test characteristics of point-of-care ultrasonography in patients with acute kidney injury
Authors: Gaudreau-Simard Mathilde , Saiyin Tana , Mcinnes Matthew D. F. , Ruller Sydney , Clark Edward G. , Wooller Krista , Kilabuk Elaine , Forster Alan J. , Woo Michael Y.
Published: February 2024

Background

Acute kidney injury is a common disorder that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Point-of-care ultrasonography (PoCUS) is an imaging modality performed at the bedside and is used to assess for obstructive causes of acute kidney injury. Little is known about the test characteristics of PoCUS in patients with acute kidney injury.

Objective

Our primary objective was to describe the test characteristics of PoCUS for the detection of hydronephrosis in patients presenting with acute kidney injury at our centre. Our secondary objective was to describe the current rate of use of PoCUS for this indication.

Results

In total, 7873 patients were identified between June 1, 2019 and April 30, 2021, with 4611 meeting inclusion criteria. Of these, 94 patients (2%) underwent PoCUS, and 65 patients underwent both PoCUS and reference standard, for a total of 124 kidneys included in our diagnostic accuracy analysis. The prevalence of hydronephrosis in our cohort was 33% (95% CI 25–41%). PoCUS had a sensitivity of 85% (95% CI 71–94%) and specificity of 78% (95% CI 68–87%) for the detection of hydronephrosis.

Conclusion

We describe the test characteristics of PoCUS for the detection of hydronephrosis in a cohort of patients with acute kidney injury. The low uptake of this test presents an opportunity for quality improvement work to increase its use for this indication.
Reverse sheathing technique for iliocaval thrombectomy in the setting of IVC filters
Authors: Cornman-Homonoff Joshua , Marino Angelo G. , Mojibian Hamid
Published: February 2024

The Inari ClotTriever system (Inari Medical, Irvine, California) is safe and effective for the treatment of DVT. However, because it consists of a 31 cm coring device and collection bag that must be extended for use, application may be precluded by available intravascular “running room”, such as in the presence of an IVC filter. Here we present a technique for bypassing IVC filters via retrograde deployment of the ClotTriever within a sheath, as illustrated in three cases. This technique extends the applicability of the ClotTriever to locations in which its length would otherwise preclude use.
Impact behavior of spark plasma sintered Ti–Al–Mo/TiN composites: a finite element analysis approach using Abaqus CAE
Authors: Jeje Samson Olaitan , Marazani Tawanda , Shongwe Mxolisi Brendon
Published: February 2024

Background

The utilization of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has emerged as a crucial methodology in the field of structural and elasticity analysis, facilitating researchers in their understanding of material responses to diverse thermal or structural loads. This study investigates the utilization of FEA to simulate the Impact characteristics of titanium composites, with specific emphasis on the Charpy impact test. The research utilizes the Abaqus Explicit software, which is widely recognized for its explicit dynamic analysis functionalities, to simulate high-speed and short-duration events such as impacts. The primary objective of this study is to examine the impact behavior of Ti–7Al–1mo/TiN composites fabricated through the spark plasma sintering technique. The impact behavior is simulated using FEA, wherein the shear failure model is utilized to replicate fracture phenomena. This paper examines the methodology employed in the FEA approach, with a particular focus on various factors including boundary conditions, explicit dynamic analysis settings, and material properties.

Results

The outcomes and analyses involve the examination of the von Mises stress distribution, displacement magnitude, and energy behavior of the models that were tested. Reinforcement of Ti–Al–Mo ternary alloy with TiN led to a progressive increase in maximum von Mises stress, reaching a peak at 3 wt% TiN. Conversely, displacement magnitude decreased with increasing TiN content, with CP-Ti and the unreinforced alloy exhibiting the highest values. Absorbed energy also declined with higher TiN levels. While models containing 5 and 7 wt% TiN displayed limited plastic deformation before fracture, composites with ≤ 3 wt% TiN maintained acceptable ductility despite enhanced strength and stiffness.

Conclusion

The FEA methodology effectively simulates the Charpy impact characteristics of Ti–7Al–1Mo/TiN composites, thereby offering significant contributions to understanding their mechanical behaviors. These findings suggest that TiN reinforcement up to 3 wt% presents a promising strategy for improving the mechanical performance of Ti–Al–Mo alloys while minimizing the trade-off in toughness. This research emphasizes the inherent trade-off between toughness and strength/stiffness, suggesting the possibility of optimizing the composition of materials to suit particular applications. This study makes a valuable contribution to the expanding field of impact behavior research, demonstrating the potential of FEA, specifically utilizing Abaqus Explicit software, for enhancing material design and evaluation.
Walking-with-sounds
Authors: Ταλιάννη Αικατερίνη
Published: February 2024

Αυτή η διατριβή διερευνά το αστικό περιβάλλον μέσα από το φίλτρο του ήχου για να εξετάσει τη σημασία του ήχου στην κοινωνία. Ως εκ τούτου, εντάσσεται στο πλαίσιο των μελετών της ακουστικής κουλτούρας σε συνδυασμό με θεωρητικές πτυχές της κοινωνιολογίας, των πολιτισμικών σπουδών, ανθρωπολογίας, της φιλοσοφίας, της γεωγραφίας και της μουσικολογίας που από κοινού συνθέτουν την διεπιστημονική/διατμηματική περιοχή των ηχητικών σπουδών. Παρουσιάζονται παραδείγματα ηχητικής τέχνης που καταδεικνύουν την ανάπτυξη των κοινωνικών αλληλεπιδράσεων που λαμβάνουν χώρα στα δίκτυα που διαμορφώνονται από τη διαπλοκή χωρικών, ακουστικών και πληροφοριακών στρωμάτων, μικτών πραγματικοτήτων και ψηφιακά τοπία. Η παρούσα διατριβή επικεντρώνεται σε έργα ηχητικής τέχνης που συνδημιουργούνται από καλλιτέχνες και το κοινό, υπάρχουν σε - πραγματικό, φανταστικό ή υβριδικό - χώρο, είναι τεχνολογικά διαμεσολαβημένα, γεωγραφικά εντοπισμένα και βιώσιμα μέσω ακουστικών. Τα ακροατήρια αυτού του είδους των ηχητικών τέχνης είναι οι ακροατές που εξερευνούν και οικειοποιούνται μια περιοχή, ενώ παράλληλα συνειδητοποιούν τον πλούσια ηχητικά τοπία της καθημερινής ζωής. Τα ακροατήρια με αυτή την έννοια μπορούν να γίνουν συμμετέχοντες που εμπλέκονται στη δημιουργία του περιεχομένου της ηχητικής τέχνης, το οποίο στις περισσότερες περιπτώσεις είναι ηχογραφήσεις πεδίου και συνθέσεις ηχοτοπίων.
Personalization of treatment based on obesity phenotypes
Authors: Witkowska Maria , Błaszczak Karolina , Skotnicka Joanna , Podgórniak Kamila , Cąkała Marlena , Kozioł Magdalena , Piotrowska Julia , Lenczewska Katarzyna , Klimczak Kinga , Zajkowska Aleksandra
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Obesity is a significant clinical problem worldwide. The disease exhibits remarkable heterogeneity, leading to diverse pathogenesis among individuals. Despite a growing selection of weight-reducing medications and increased awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle, the effectiveness of obesity therapy often remains insufficient. This raises the question of whether tailoring obesity pharmacotherapy to specific phenotypes and individual patient characteristics results in improved treatment outcomes.

Objective:

To review literature on the effectiveness of obesity treatment based on the personalization of pharmacotherapy according to its underlying causes.

Current Knowledge:

Currently, the early outcome of weight loss is closely linked to the long-term effectiveness of obesity pharmacotherapy. However, due to the diversity of obesity pathogenesis, it is not helpful in selecting therapy at the initiation of treatment. Specific characteristics are sought to indicate the appropriate drug during therapy planning.

In a U.S. study (Acosta et al., 2021) results showed that phenotype-guided obesity pharmacotherapy resulted in clinically more significant absolute weight loss than in the non-phenotyped group.

Other studies demonstrated that for very rare types of obesity dependent on specific genetic mutations, targeted treatment addressing these defects yielded the best therapeutic outcomes (recombinant human leptin therapy for patients with leptin gene mutation – Farooqi et al., 2002; setmelanotide therapy for individuals with proopiomelanocortin deficiency – Clément et al., 2020).

The impact of specific gene variants on therapeutic response should also be considered, leading to variability in treatment effects for different patients using the same drug.

Conclusion:

The concept of basing therapy on obesity phenotypes may currently serve as a guide for treatment selection, although it still requires confirmation in randomized clinical trials.