bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problems of modeling elements with shape memory alloys of military equipment
Authors: Shandrivskyy Andriy , Korolko Sergyy , Smychok Vasyl
Published: April 2024

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are used in various fields, including military equipment, to create means with autonomous or improved properties. It can be especially useful in structural elements that are capable of self-healing after deformations or damage as a result of explosions, impacts or other loads that occur during military operations.

SMAs are materials that have the ability to remember and restore the accumulated deformation under certain conditions. This makes them particularly useful in robotics, where they can be used to create moving parts, sensors, actuators and other components.

One of the main applications of SMA in robotics is the creation of moving elements. For example, they can be used to create bendable segments in jobs that require flexibility and mobility. SMAs can be used to create manipulators that allow a robot to easily move and perform tasks in different environments. One of the most important properties of SMAs is their ability to retain their shape during deformation. This makes them useful for building sensors that can detect differences in the shape of an object. SMAs can be used to create pressure sensors that respond to a change in shape under the influence of external pressure. These sensors can be used to develop robots that can recognize objects and distinguish them by shape. SMA can also be used to create actuators. Actuators are components that convert electrical, mechanical, or other types of energy into motion. SMA are materials that have the ability to remember and restore the accumulated deformation under certain conditions. This is achieved due to the peculiarities of their microstructure and thermoelastic effect. When SMA is subjected to thermal influence in the temperature zone where it can transition between two states: austenitic (higher temperature) and martensitic (lower temperature), under an existing external load, the phase strain increases, and with the degree of load, the temperature of the beginning and end of the emerging of straine changes. Each of these states has its own crystal structure and characteristics determined by its chemical composition. The article considers the issue of taking into account the shift of characteristic temperatures under the influence of an external load of SMA in terms of the synthetic theory of irreversible deformation and proposes a non-linear formula for finding the characteristic temperatures of metals with memory during loading. The obtained ratio was used to find the proportion of the new phase and the rate of formation of the new phase as a function of the magnitude of the external load, the rate of loading, the absolute temperature, the rate of temperature change and the characteristic temperatures in terms of the effective temperature.
Whose Hylomorphism? Which Theory of Prime Matter?
Authors: Moško Matej , Simpson William M. R.
Published: April 2024

Medieval interpretations of hylomorphism, in which substances are conceived as metaphysical composites of prime matter and substantial form, are receiving attention in contemporary philosophy. It has even been suggested that a recovery of Aquinas's conception of prime matter as a ‘pure potentiality’, lacking any actuality apart from substantial form, may be expedient in hylomorphic interpretations of quantum mechanics. In this paper, we consider a recent hylomorphic interpretation of non-relativistic quantum mechanics, the theory of Cosmic Hylomorphism, which does not explicitly invoke any notion of prime matter in its original formulation. We argue that prime matter does in fact play a role in constituting and individuating particles in this theory. However, we demonstrate that the notion of prime matter which features in the extended version of Cosmic Hylomorphism that we propose here is distinct from Aquinas's conception of prime matter, inasmuch as it has discrete metaphysical parts.
Quantum dark energy in a seven-dimensional universe
Authors: Kesanasetty Sasidhar
Published: April 2024

This paper explains the dark energy and acceleration of the universe by quantizing the space in hidden dimensions, which provides the basis and background for the gravitational force. Space-time is considered to be made of a four-dimensional elastic grid in a seven-dimensional universe in which matter also expands along with the universe. Each cube of the grid is considered a quantum of hidden three-dimensional space of Planck volume containing Planck charge, which makes the universe seven dimensional. The dark energy is explained by the electrostatic repulsion between Planck charges in each quantum of the hidden space. Mathematically, this electrostatic repulsion is related to the Hubble constant, which explains the accelerated expansion, dark energy, and increase in the cosmological potential energy of the matter. Expansion of space-time is considered not due to the creation of the new space but due to the stretching of the existing space-time itself like an elastic ruler where the proper length and volume remain constant. The relative values of the Planck constant, gravitational constant, permittivity of free space, and Boltzmann constant are shown to vary owing to the expansion or contraction of space-time in the cosmological, gravitational, and relativistic frameworks. This theory also builds a preliminary framework for the relativistic Newtonian theory of gravity and relativistic MONDian (Modified Newtonian dynamics) gravity, identifies a valid reason for the transition of Newtonian gravity to MOND at a0, and explains the dynamics of galaxy clusters without the dark matter.
Digital Intelligence for Technical Students: Use of Online Mind Map in Enhancing Design Thinking
Authors: Abd. Karim Rafidah , Mustapha Ramlee , Aliasak Mohd Hasrol Haffiz , Raslee Nor Nadia , Ghani Nurul Farhani Che
Published: April 2024

In a world dominated by digitalization, digital intelligence is critical. Digital intelligence is required for education, employment, and active participation in the community. Digitalization has transformed our way of thinking, feeling, and living, and its rapid evolution has made change, which was once the exception, the norm. As a result, change management has emerged as a fundamental skill for people in the 21st century. But far more important than this is the development of digital intelligence, which, to be developed, necessarily requires disruptive education. An online mind map is a visual aid that is becoming extremely prevalent in today's classrooms. Given the importance of empirical research and evaluation, it is perhaps surprising that so little effort has been directed toward the application of online mind mapping among technical students to enhance design thinking. This study aims to examine Malaysian technical studentsâ€™ perspectives with regards to the use of an online mind map to enhance design thinking. 372 technical students from selected public higher institutions were involved in this study. A quantitative method using an online survey was conducted for the students. The results from questionnaire items and open-ended items were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and thematic analysis. The findings from the study revealed that the technical students agreed that the online mind map helped them enhance their design thinking. The study makes important contributions on how the tool can develop design thinking in technical terms to address IR4.0 needs and produce balanced graduates who are globally competitive. Finally, this study contributes a new framework for technical studentsâ€™ design thinking.
PENGARUH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN PROJECT BASED LEARNING TERHADAP MOTIVASI BELAJAR SISWA SMP BRAWIJAYA SMART SCHOOL MALANG
Authors: Vincencia Kandam Clementina , Shinta Kharisma , Abadi Machrus
Published: April 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis dan mengidentifikasi sejauh mana model Project Based Learning (PjBL) berdampak pada motivasi belajar siswa kelas VII di SMP Brawijaya Smart School Malang dan faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhinya. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan campuran paradigma kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Penelitian ini menggunakan teknik pengumpulan data melalui wawancara dengan guru Bahasa Indonesia dan kuesioner kepada siswa kelas VII. Data sekunder diperoleh dari studi literatur dan sumber online. Teknik pengumpulan data melalui Observasi interaksi guru dan siswa di kegiatan belajar mengajar. Penyebaran kuesioner dengan media Google Form yang diberikan kepada siswa dan dokumen pendukung. Setelah pengumpulan data, pengolahan data dan analisis data dilakukan dengan tahapan reduksi data, penyajian data, penyimpulan dan verifikasi. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa penerapan model PjBL memiliki dampak positif terhadap motivasi belajar siswa kelas VII. Sebanyak 70% responden melaporkan peningkatan motivasi setelah mengikuti PjBL. Meskipun demikian, 40% responden mengalami peningkatan yang tidak signifikan, menandakan perlunya pendampingan dan bimbingan berkelanjutan. Temuan ini menunjukkan bahwa model PjBL dapat menciptakan suasana kelas yang positif, namun perlu adanya pendekatan personal dan evaluasi terus-menerus untuk memaksimalkan manfaatnya.
ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN MEMBACA SISWA AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS (ASD) DI SLB NEGERI 1 KOTA BLITAR
Authors: Darmawati Ajeng Arief
Published: April 2024

Penelitian ini memiliki tujuan untuk mengevaluasi kemampuan membaca siswa Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) di SLB Negeri 1 Kota Blitar. Dalam penelitian ini, metode kunatitatif deskriptif dipilih sebagai pendekatan, di mana peneliti terlibat secara langsung dalam interaksi dengan sumber data dan melakukan analisis tanpa mengubah karakteristik aslinya. Pelaksanaan penelitian dilakukan di SLB Negeri 1 Kota Blitar pada semester ganjil tahun 2023, dengan fokus subjek pada siswa ASD yang berada di kelas II Sekolah Dasar. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan teknik tes dan dokumentasi. Hasil pada tahap identifikasi kata, acak kata, pemahaman kata, dan pemahaman kalimat menunjukkan adanya tantangan yang signifikan dalam pemahaman makna kata dan kalimat bagi siswa ASD. Untuk meningkatkan efektivitas pembelajaran bagi siswa ASD, diperlukan upaya lebih lanjut dalam merancang strategi pengajaran yang lebih sesuai dengan kebutuhan khusus mereka.
Characterization of biochars of different origin and application to the anaerobic digestion of source-selected organic fraction of municipal solid waste under batch conditions and at different dosages
Authors: García-Prats Marta , González Daniel , Sánchez Antoni
Published: April 2024

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a wide-spread strategy to manage organic waste and recover valuable products but faces some limitations that could be overcome with additives like biochar (BC). The production of BC defines its properties, which in turn determine its effect on AD performance and methane yield. In this study, three biochars (BC1, BC2 and BC3) were characterized using several techniques (SEM imaging, BET, GC, ICP and FTIR). The properties of BC were found to be defined both by the feedstock and the production process. The BC were then applied to the AD of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) using three doses (1, 5% and 10% w/w TS). Compared to the control, there was an increase in methane production in BC3 at doses 1% and 5% (+15 and +30%, respectively) and a decrease in BC1 and BC2 at 1% (−33% and −19%, respectively). The decrease in biogas production was often paired with an increased methane content. A two-way ANOVA analysis showed that the interaction of biochar dose and type had a significant effect on methane yield, meaning that the effect of BC on AD cannot be predicted with the dose or the type alone. When a second substrate feeding was performed, no significant differences on methane production were observed among the experimental conditions. Key aspects to properly assess the economic viability of the process have been also discussed. Further experiments could help to fill knowledge gaps and clarify the roles of BC characteristics and dose on AD performance.
Broad-spectrum pH functional chitosan–phosphatase beads for the generation of plant-available phosphorus: utilizing the insoluble P pool
Authors: Konwar Kasturika , Boruah Himanku , Gogoi Rimjim , Boruah Anudhriti , Borgohain Arup , Baruah Madhusmita , Gogoi Subham Protim , Karak Tanmoy , Saikia Jiban
Published: April 2024

Utilization of organic phosphates and insoluble phosphates for the gradual generation of plant-available phosphorus (P) is the only sustainable solution for P fertilization. Enzymatic conversions are one of the best sustainable routes for releasing P to soil. Phosphatase enzyme aids in solubilizing organic and insoluble phosphates to plant-available P. We herein report the preparation of highly functional chitosan beads co-immobilized with acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes via a glutaraldehyde linkage. The dual enzyme co-immobilized chitosan beads were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive x-ray (SEM-EDX) analyses to confirm the immobilization. The co-immobilized system was found to be active for a broader pH range of ∼4–10 than the individually bound enzymes and mixed soluble enzymes. The bound matrix exhibited pH optima at 6 and 9, respectively, for acid and alkaline phosphatase and a temperature optimum at 50°C. The phosphate-solubilizing abilities of the chitosan-enzyme derivatives were examined using insoluble tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) for wide pH conditions of 5.5, 7, and 8.5 up to 25 days. The liberation of phosphate was highest (27.20 mg/mL) at pH 5.5 after the defined period. The residual soil phosphatase activity was also monitored after 7 days of incubation with CBE for three different soils of pH ∼5.5, 7, and 8.5. The residual phosphatase activity increased for all the soils after applying the CBE. The germination index of the Oryza sativa (rice) plant was studied using different pH buffer media upon the application of the CBE in the presence of tri-calcium phosphate as a phosphate source. Overall, the dual-enzyme co-immobilized chitosan beads were highly effective over a wide pH range for generating plant-available phosphates from insoluble phosphates. The chitosan-enzyme derivative holds the potential to be used for sustainable phosphorus fertilization with different insoluble and organic phosphorus sources.
Quantum-assisted fragment-based automated structure generator (QFASG) for small molecule design: an in vitro study
Authors: Evteev Sergei , Ivanenkov Yan , Semenov Ivan , Malkov Maxim , Mazaleva Olga , Bodunov Artem , Bezrukov Dmitry , Sidorenko Denis , Terentiev Victor , Malyshev Alex , Zagribelnyy Bogdan , Korzhenevskaya Anastasia , Aliper Alex , Zhavoronkov Alex
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The significance of automated drug design using virtual generative models has steadily grown in recent years. While deep learning-driven solutions have received growing attention, only a few modern AI-assisted generative chemistry platforms have demonstrated the ability to produce valuable structures. At the same time, virtual fragment-based drug design, which was previously less popular due to the high computational costs, has become more attractive with the development of new chemoinformatic techniques and powerful computing technologies.

Methods: We developed Quantum-assisted Fragment-based Automated Structure Generator (QFASG), a fully automated algorithm designed to construct ligands for a target protein using a library of molecular fragments. QFASG was applied to generating new structures of CAMKK2 and ATM inhibitors.

Results: New low-micromolar inhibitors of CAMKK2 and ATM were designed using the algorithm.

Discussion: These findings highlight the algorithm’s potential in designing primary hits for further optimization and showcase the capabilities of QFASG as an effective tool in this field.
Exploring the impact of pathogenic microbiome in orthopedic diseases: machine learning and deep learning approaches
Authors: Shao Zhuce , Gao Huanshen , Wang Benlong , Zhang Shenqi
Published: April 2024

Osteoporosis, arthritis, and fractures are examples of orthopedic illnesses that not only significantly impair patients’ quality of life but also complicate and raise the expense of therapy. It has been discovered in recent years that the pathophysiology of orthopedic disorders is significantly influenced by the microbiota. By employing machine learning and deep learning techniques to conduct a thorough analysis of the disease-causing microbiome, we can enhance our comprehension of the pathophysiology of many illnesses and expedite the creation of novel treatment approaches. Today’s science is undergoing a revolution because to the introduction of machine learning and deep learning technologies, and the field of biomedical research is no exception. The genesis, course, and management of orthopedic disorders are significantly influenced by pathogenic microbes. Orthopedic infection diagnosis and treatment are made more difficult by the lengthy and imprecise nature of traditional microbial detection and characterization techniques. These cutting-edge analytical techniques are offering previously unheard-of insights into the intricate relationships between orthopedic health and pathogenic microbes, opening up previously unimaginable possibilities for illness diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The goal of biomedical research has always been to improve diagnostic and treatment methods while also gaining a deeper knowledge of the processes behind the onset and development of disease. Although traditional biomedical research methodologies have demonstrated certain limits throughout time, they nevertheless rely heavily on experimental data and expertise. This is the area in which deep learning and machine learning approaches excel. The advancements in machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) methodologies have enabled us to examine vast quantities of data and unveil intricate connections between microorganisms and orthopedic disorders. The importance of ML and DL in detecting, categorizing, and forecasting harmful microorganisms in orthopedic infectious illnesses is reviewed in this work.
Self-paced heart rate control during treadmill exercise for persons with gait impairment: a case study
Authors: Wang Hanjie , Guimaraes Diana , Nef Tobias , Hunt Kenneth J.
Published: April 2024

Introduction:

A self-paced (SP) heart rate (HR) control system proposed in a previous study was found to be feasible for healthy participants. The aims of this work were to investigate whether the SP HR control system is feasible to achieve accurate HR control in a participant with gait impairments, and to assess its interaction with an existing motor-driven body weight support (BWS) system.

Methods:

One participant with cerebral palsy was recruited in this case study. Three preliminary tests were completed to determine the appropriate mean value and amplitude of the target heart rate curve, and to identify a customised heart rate response model. Two series of formal self-paced heart rate control tests were then conducted to investigate the influence of different heart rate compensators and the presence of the BWS system.

Results:

The customised heart rate controller achieved improved accuracy in heart rate control and reduced oscillation in the treadmill target speed: the root-mean-square heart rate tracking error (RMSE) was 2.38 beats per minute (bpm) vs. 3.91 bpm (customised controller vs. nominal controller), and the average power of changes in the treadmill target speed was 0.4 × 10−4 m2/s2 vs. 8.4 × 10−4 m2/s2. The BWS system resulted in improved HR tracking accuracy: RMSE on heart rate tracking was 3.02 bpm vs. 3.50 bpm (with BWS vs. without BWS). The BWS system had no influence on the automatic position control accuracy: RMSE on distance tracking was 0.0159 m vs. 0.0164 m.

Conclusion:

After customising the heart rate compensator, the self-paced heart rate control system is feasible to achieve accurate heart rate control in an individual with gait impairments, and it can correctly interact with the BWS system.
Accuracy, concurrent validity, and test–retest reliability of pressure-based insoles for gait measurement in chronic stroke patients
Authors: Neumann Saskia , Bauer Christoph M. , Nastasi Luca , Läderach Julia , Thürlimann Eva , Schwarz Anne , Held Jeremia P. O. , Easthope Chris A.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Wearables are potentially valuable tools for understanding mobility behavior in individuals with neurological disorders and how it changes depending on health status, such as after rehabilitation. However, the accurate detection of gait events, which are crucial for the evaluation of gait performance and quality, is challenging due to highly individual-specific patterns that also vary greatly in movement and speed, especially after stroke. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy, concurrent validity, and test–retest reliability of a commercially available insole system in the detection of gait events and the calculation of stance duration in individuals with chronic stroke.

Methods

Pressure insole data were collected from 17 individuals with chronic stroke during two measurement blocks, each comprising three 10-min walking tests conducted in a clinical setting. The gait assessments were recorded with a video camera that served as a ground truth, and pressure insoles as an experimental system. We compared the number of gait events and stance durations between systems.

Results and discussion

Over all 3,820 gait events, 90.86% were correctly identified by the insole system. Recall values ranged from 0.994 to 1, with a precision of 1 for all measurements. The F1 score ranged from 0.997 to 1. Excellent absolute agreement (Intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC = 0.874) was observed for the calculation of the stance duration, with a slightly longer stance duration recorded by the insole system (difference of −0.01 s). Bland–Altmann analysis indicated limits of agreement of 0.33 s that were robust to changes in walking speed. This consistency makes the system well-suited for individuals post-stroke. The test–retest reliability between measurement timepoints T1 and T2 was excellent (ICC = 0.928). The mean difference in stance duration between T1 and T2 was 0.03 s. We conclude that the insole system is valid for use in a clinical setting to quantitatively assess continuous walking in individuals with stroke.
The association between diabetes mellitus and musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Azami Mobin , Moradkhani Asra , Afraie Maryam , Saed Lotfolah , Tapak Mohammad Amin , Khoramipoor Kimya , Khateri Sorour , Moradi Yousef
Published: April 2024

Background

Despite the fact that DM patients are living longer, research on the prevalence of MSDs and other related illnesses is still lacking compared to that of other comorbidities. This study systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed cohort studies to determine the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Methods

A comprehensive search of international databases, including Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase, was conducted up to June 2023 to identify relevant studies investigating the association between MSDs and DM.

Results

The meta-analysis included ten cohort studies with a total of 308,445 participants. The pooled risk ratio (RR) estimate for the association between MSDs and DM was 1.03 (95% CI 1.00-1.06). Based on subgroup analysis, the association between longer duration (more than 7), European, below the age of 70, and female patients was higher than the others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results of this meta-analysis suggest that there may be an association between MSDs and diabetes in people with diabetes. These findings add to the existing knowledge on this topic and highlight the importance of recognition and management of MSDs in people with DM. There is a need for further research to investigate the underlying mechanisms and to develop targeted interventions for the prevention and management of MSDs in this population.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=381787, identifier CRD42022381787.
Heterogeneity and high prevalence of bone manifestations, and bone mineral density in congenital generalized lipodystrophy subtypes 1 and 2
Authors: Freire Erika Bastos Lima , Brasil d’Alva Catarina , Madeira Mayara Ponte , Lima Grayce Ellen da Cruz Paiva , Fernandes Virginia Oliveira , Aguiar Lindenberg Barbosa , Portella Leonardo Barreira , Galvão Ozório Renan , Ponte Clarisse Mourão Melo , Montenegro Ana Paula Dias Rangel , Montenegro Junior Renan Magalhães
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Congenital Generalized Lipodystrophy (CGL) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by mutations in genes responsible for the formation and development of adipocytes. Bone abnormalities are described. However, there is a scarcity of data.

Objective

To describe bone characteristics in a large CGL1 and 2 case series.

Methods

Cross-sectional study that assessed bone radiological features of CGL patients of a reference hospital in Fortaleza (CE), Brazil. Patients underwent clinical and bone mineral metabolism evaluation, radiographs of the axial and appendicular skeleton and bone mineral density (BMD) assessment by DEXA (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry).

Results

Nineteen patients were included, fourteen were CGL1 and 5, CGL2. Median age was 20 years (8–42) and 58% were women. Median BMI and percentage of body fat were, respectively, 21 Kg/m² (16–24), and 10.5% (7.6-15). The median leptin concentration was 1 ng/mL (0.1-3.3). Diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia were present in 79% and 63% of patients, respectively. Median calcium and phosphate were normal in almost all patients (95%). Median parathyroid hormone and 25-OH-vitamin D were 23 pg/mL (7-75) and 28 ng/mL (18-43). Osteolytic lesions, osteosclerosis and pseudo-osteopoikylosis, were present in 74%, 42% and 32% of patients, respectively. Lytic lesions were found predominantly in the extremities of long bones, bilaterally and symmetrically, spine was spared. Osteosclerosis was present in axial and appendicular skeleton. Pseudo-osteopoikilosis was found symmetrically in epiphyses of femur and humerus, in addition to the pelvis. BMD Z-score greater than +2.5 SD was observed in 13 patients (68.4%). BMD was higher in CGL1 compared to CGL2 in lumbar spine and total body in adults. No associations were found between high BMD and HOMA-IR (p=0.686), DM (p=0.750), osteosclerosis (p=0.127) or pseudo-osteopoikilosis (p=0.342), and, between pain and bone lesions. Fractures were found in 3 patients.

Conclusion

Bone manifestations are prevalent, heterogeneous, and silent in CGL1 and CGL2. Osteolytic lesions are the most common, followed by osteosclerosis and pseudo-osteopoikilosis. Bone mass is high in most cases. There was no pain complaint related to bone lesions. Thus, systematic assessment of bone manifestations in CGL is essential. Studies are needed to better understand its pathogenesis and clinical consequences.
The epidemiology of cryptorchidism and potential risk factors, including endocrine disrupting chemicals
Authors: Holmboe Stine A. , Beck Astrid L. , Andersson Anna-Maria , Main Katharina M. , Jørgensen Niels , Skakkebæk Niels E. , Priskorn Lærke
Published: April 2024

Congenital cryptorchidism, also known as undescended testis, is the condition where one or both testes are not in place in the scrotum at birth and is one of the most common birth defects in boys. Temporal trends and geographic variation in the prevalence of cryptorchidism from 1% to 9% have been reported in prospective cohort studies. The testes develop in the abdominal cavity and descend to the scrotum in two phases, which should be completed by gestational week 35. Thus, the risk of cryptorchidism is higher in preterm boys. In many cases a spontaneous descent occurs during the first months of life during the surge of gonadotropins and testosterone. If not, the testis is usually brought down to the scrotum, typically by surgery, to increase future fertility chances and facilitate cancer surveillance. The increasing frequency of impaired semen quality and testicular cancer, with which cryptorchidism is associated, represents a concern for male reproductive health in general and a need to understand its risk factors. The risk of cryptorchidism is closely related to gestational factors (preterm birth, low birth weight and intrauterine growth restriction), and especially maternal smoking seems to be a risk factor. Evidence is accumulating that the increasing prevalence of cryptorchidism is also related to prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals, including endocrine disrupting compounds. This association has been corroborated in rodents and supported by ecological studies. Conducting human studies to assess the effect of endocrine disrupting chemicals and their interactions is, however, challenged by the widespread concomitant exposure of all humans to a wide range of chemicals, the combined effect of which and their interactions are highly complex.
Association between AST/ALT ratio and diabetic retinopathy risk in type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional investigation
Authors: Li Xianhua , Hao Wenqing , Lin Sen , Yang Nailong
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aimed to explore the association between the aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio (AST/ALT ratio) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, clinical data from 3002 patients with type 2 diabetes admitted to the Department of Endocrinology of our hospital between January 1, 2021, and December 1, 2022, were retrospectively collected. Measurements of AST and ALT were conducted and diabetes-related complications were screened. The association between AST/ALT ratio and diabetic retinopathy was assessed using multivariate logistic regression, and a generalized additive model (GAM) was used to investigate nonlinear relationships. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were also conducted.

Results

Among the 3002 patients, 1590 (52.96%) were male and 1412 (47.04%) were female. The mean AST/ALT ratio was 0.98 ± 0.32, ranging from 0.37 (Min) to 2.17 (Max). Diabetic retinopathy was present in 40.47% of the patients. After multivariate adjustments, for each 0.1 unit increase in AST/ALT ratio, the risk of DR increased by 4% (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07, p=0.0053). Higher AST/ALT ratio quartiles were associated with Higher prevalence of DR (OR vs. Q1: Q4 = 1.34 (CI: 1.03–1.75, p=0.0303).The GAM and smoothed curve fit indicated a linear relationship between AST/ALT ratio and DR risk, with no significant interaction effects across different subgroups.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates a positive correlation between the AST/ALT ratio and diabetic retinopathy risk in type 2 diabetes, suggesting its potential role in assessing DR risk.
Study on the turbulent Prandtl number model for liquid metal flow and heat transfer in a narrow rectangular channel
Authors: Xue Zhang , Hongxing Yu , Jian Deng , Sijia Du , Xiaoyu Wang , Wenpei Feng
Published: April 2024

In order to improve the core power density of liquid metal reactors, plate-type fuel assemblies are typically used, which have obvious advantages in heat transfer capacity. For the low Prandtl number fluid, the RANS turbulence model-based CFD method needs to be modified by inserting the turbulent Prandtl number model. This paper investigated the turbulent Prandtl number model for the turbulent heat transfer of liquid metal flow in a narrow rectangular channel. First, the existing turbulent Prandtl number models were summarized and classified as the local turbulence Prandtl number model and the global turbulence Prandtl number model. They were evaluated based on the experimental data. The results showed that the prediction results of each model are not ideal. Then, a typical numerical example was used to analyze the temperature field and flow field in the narrow gap of a narrow rectangular channel. It was shown that the entire flow region only includes the near-wall region and the transition region, and the transition region accounts for the main proportion. A semi-empirical local turbulence Prandtl number model was obtained by solving the turbulent transport equation, and the unknown coefficients were determined iteratively with the experimental data. The error was controlled within ±20%. Finally, the applicability of the newly proposed turbulent Prandtl number model was explored, and the results showed that it has good applicability for the different runner sizes and different liquid metal types. This study can provide a reference for the numerical simulation of turbulent heat transfer of metal liquid in the narrow rectangular channel.
Aquatic protected area system in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau: establishment, challenges and prospects
Authors: Li Haoran , Tan Lu , Li Xianfu , Cai Qinghua
Published: April 2024

Conservation of wetlands on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau is vital to the ecological security of China and even all of Asia. In this study, we investigated the aquatic protected area system established by the Chinese government in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. In general, 9 categories of aquatic protected areas have been established in this area, linked to the International Union for Conservation of Nature classification system of protected areas. The diverse main protection objectives of different protected areas have played a key role in wetland conservation. However, the protection of wetland environments and aquatic organisms has been insufficient in some atypical protected areas and local protected areas. We further constructed a list of important aquatic organisms in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and analyzed the protected status of those important species through gap analysis. A total of 156 important aquatic species were identified, with 8 gap species and 18 inadequately protected species. It is encouraging that none of the national key protected species are gap species, but there are 4 gap species that are threatened species on “China’s red list”. In addition, we found that 17 important species are designated as Data Deficient or Not Evaluated on “China’s red list”, including 8 national key protected species. Finally, we propose the prospects for solving the existing problems of aquatic protected area systems: integrating aquatic protected areas, enhancing the status of community-based conservation, and increasing investment in important aquatic organism research.
Detecting T-cell clonal expansions and quantifying clone survival using deep profiling of immune repertoires
Authors: Pavlova Anastasia V. , Zvyagin Ivan V. , Shugay Mikhail
Published: April 2024

An individual’s T-cell repertoire constantly changes under the influence of external and internal factors. Cells that do not receive a stimulatory signal die, while those that encounter and recognize a pathogen or receive a co-stimulatory signal divide, resulting in clonal expansions. T-cell clones can be traced by monitoring the presence of their unique T-cell receptor (TCR) sequence, which is assembled de novo through a process known as V(D)J rearrangement. Tracking T cells can provide valuable insights into the survival of cells after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or cancer treatment response and can indicate the induction of protective immunity by vaccination. In this study, we report a bioinformatic method for quantifying the T-cell repertoire dynamics from TCR sequencing data. We demonstrate its utility by measuring the T-cell repertoire stability in healthy donors, by quantifying the effect of donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), and by tracking the fate of the different T-cell subsets in HSCT patients and the expansion of pathogen-specific clones in vaccinated individuals.
The lack of PPARα exacerbated the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice with spleen deficiency syndrome by triggering an inflammatory response
Authors: Huang Jiawen , Li Jiayu , Peng Yuan , Cui Tianqi , Guo Jingyi , Duan Siwei , Zhou Kaili , Huang Shangyi , Chen Jiabing , Yi Qincheng , Qiu Min , Chen Tingting , Wu Xiaoqin , Ma Chenlu , Zhang Ziyi , Zheng Yi , Tang Xi , Pang Yanqing , Zhang Lei , Zhong Chong , Gao Yong
Published: April 2024

Background

In addition to abnormal liver inflammation, the main symptoms of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are often accompanied by gastrointestinal digestive dysfunction, consistent with the concept of spleen deficiency (SD) in traditional Chinese medicine. As an important metabolic sensor, whether peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) participates in regulating the occurrence and development of NASH with SD (NASH-SD) remains to be explored.

Methods

Clinical liver samples were collected for RNA-seq analysis. C57BL/6J mice induced by folium sennae (SE) were used as an SD model. qPCR analysis was conducted to evaluate the inflammation and metabolic levels of mice. PPARα knockout mice (PPARαko) were subjected to SE and methionine–choline-deficient (MCD) diet to establish the NASH-SD model. The phenotype of NASH and the inflammatory indicators were measured using histopathologic analysis and qPCR as well.

Results

The abnormal expression of PPARα signaling, coupled with metabolism and inflammation, was found in the results of RNA-seq analysis from clinical samples. SD mice showed a more severe inflammatory response in the liver evidenced by the increases in macrophage biomarkers, inflammatory factors, and fibrotic indicators in the liver. qPCR results also showed differences in PPARα between SD mice and control mice. In PPARαko mice, further evidence was found that the lack of PPARα exacerbated the inflammatory response phenotype as well as the lipid metabolism disorder in NASH-SD mice.

Conclusion

The abnormal NR signaling accelerated the vicious cycle between lipotoxicity and inflammatory response in NAFLD with SD. Our results provide new evidence for nuclear receptors as potential therapeutic targets for NAFLD with spleen deficiency.
Swimming and acoustic calling behavior attributed to Bryde’s whales in the central North Pacific
Authors: Helble Tyler A. , Alongi Gabriela C. , Guazzo Regina A. , Allhusen Dylan R. , Martin Cameron R. , Martin Stephen W. , Durbach Ian N. , Henderson E. Elizabeth
Published: April 2024

A unique acoustic call type was identified and attributed to Bryde’s whales in the central North Pacific in 2015, but little is known about the distribution, calling behavior, or swimming behavior of Bryde’s whales in the region. Acoustic detections attributed to Bryde’s whales were used to localize and track individual whales on the U.S. Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i. This study included 150 acoustically derived tracks from recordings spanning the years 2011–2022 with recording effort in nearly every month. Bryde’s whale movement was examined relative to calendar year, day of year, hour of day, wind speed, and acoustic calling rate. Hidden Markov models were used to identify two kinematic states (slower, less directional movement and faster, more directional movement). The findings indicate that Bryde’s whales were more likely to travel in a faster and more directional state during the daytime than at night and between May and August when compared to other times of year. The along-track acoustic cue rate was examined for 118 tracks, and the findings indicate a possible lengthening of the median inter-call interval over the duration of the study period. These results are an important first step in understanding more about behavior in Bryde’s whales, a relatively under-studied species.
Microbiome features in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy-related interstitial lung disease
Authors: Zhang Liyan , Liu Xueqing , Fan Bijun , Chen Jiajun , Chen Jie , Li Qiuhong , Wu Xueling
Published: April 2024

Background

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common complication of idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM), which is one of the connective tissue diseases (CTD). It can lead to poor prognosis and increased mortality. However, the distribution and role of the lower respiratory tract (LRT) microbiome in patients with IIM-ILD remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the microbial diversity and community differences in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in patients with IIM-ILD.

Methods

From 28 June 2021 to 26 December 2023, 51 individual BALF samples were enrolled, consisting of 20 patients with IIM-ILD, 16 patients with other CTD-ILD (including 8 patients with SLE and 8 with RA) and 15 patients with CAP. The structure and function of microbiota in BALF were identified by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS).

Results

The community evenness of LRT microbiota within the IIM-ILD group was marginally lower compared to the other CTD-ILD and CAP groups. Nonetheless, there were no noticeable differences. The species community structure was similar among the three groups, based on the Bray-Curtis distance between the samples. At the level of genus, the IIM-ILD group displayed a considerably higher abundance of Pseudomonas and Corynebacterium in comparison to the CAP group (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). At the species level, we found that the relative abundance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa increased significantly in the IIM-ILD group compared to the CAP group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the relative abundance of Prevotella pallens was significantly higher in other CTD-ILD groups compared to that in the IIM-ILD group (p < 0.05). Of all the clinical indicators examined in the correlation analysis, ferritin level demonstrated the strongest association with LRT flora, followed by Serum interleukin-6 level (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our research has identified particular LRT microorganisms that were found to be altered in the IIM-ILD group and were significantly associated with immune function and inflammatory markers in patients. The lower respiratory tract microbiota has potential in the diagnosis and treatment of IIM-ILD.
Does adjunctive hemoadsorption provide benefit in the management of ischemia–reperfusion syndrome following near-drowning? A case report
Authors: Kovacevic Pedja , Dragic Sasa , Jandric Milka , Momcicevic Danica , Malesevic Vedrana , Kovacevic Tijana , Matejic-Spasic Marijana , Knezevic Tanja , Zlojutro Biljana
Published: April 2024

Drowning remains a significant global health concern, claiming over 300,000 lives annually, with a disproportionate impact on young individuals in low-and middle-income countries. Conventional mechanical ventilation, while common, falls short in addressing the hypoxemia and hypercapnia often observed in severe near-drowning cases. Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vvECMO) emerges as a critical intervention for cardiopulmonary failure post-drowning. This case report delves into the pivotal role of ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) in a near-drowning-related pathology. Following the initial insult, reoxygenation exacerbates the inflammatory cascade, resulting in a surge of pro-inflammatory mediators. In this context, CytoSorb®, a hemoadsorption cartridge, demonstrates promise by effectively removing these mediators from circulation. This report outlines its application in a critically ill adolescent patient who experienced near-drowning, presenting a compelling case for CytoSorb as an adjunctive therapy in managing IRI-induced hyperinflammation.
The efficacy of silver needle therapy for treating low back pain: a protocol for meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Li Wangyu , Xu Xueru , Liu Rongguo
Published: April 2024

Background

As population aging and unhealthy living habits may exacerbate the prevalence and burden of low back pain (LBP), effective treatment and improvement of patient quality of life are particularly critical. Silver needle therapy (SNT), having evolved from traditional acupuncture, involves placing silver needles into muscles, tendons, and fascia for treatment. However, it still lacks robust clinical evidence to substantiate its effectiveness. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct more emphasis on meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical efficacy of SNT for treating LBP.

Methods

We will search PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Databases up until December 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials of SNT treatment in adult patients with LBP. The primary outcome will be the intensity of pain after pain management. Secondary outcomes will include the Oswestry Disability Index, Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire, requirement for analgesic drugs, and treatment-related adverse reactions. Two investigators conducted the literature search, selected studies that might meet the inclusion criteria based on the title and abstract, and extracted data from the eligible literature independently and will independently assess the risk of bias using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias (RoB2) tool. Multivariate analyses (including subgroup analysis, trial sequential analysis (TSA), sensitivity analysis, etc.) will be conducted to improve the quality of evidence.

Clinical trial registration

Registration: PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42023466207, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023466207.
A deep dive into hyperbaric environments and intraocular pressure—a systematic review
Authors: Lentz Paul Connor , Lim Sheng Yang , Betzler Bjorn Kaijun , Miller Darby D. , Dorairaj Syril K. , Ang Bryan Chin Hou
Published: April 2024

Purpose

SCUBA diving exposes participants to a unique hyperbaric environment, but few studies have examined the effects of such an environment on intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma. This systematic review aims to consolidate recent literature findings regarding the impact of increased atmospheric pressure on IOP and glaucoma.

Methods

Three online databases were searched to identify publications encompassing the subjects of diving or increased atmospheric pressure in conjunction with IOP or glaucoma. Three reviewers independently screened the publications and identified eligible articles. Relevant data was extracted from each article. The heterogeneity of the data precluded the conduct of a meta-analysis.

Results

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Six experimental studies employed hyperbaric chambers to measure IOP under simulated diving conditions. Among these, IOP exhibited a reduction with increased atmospheric pressures in four studies, while the findings of two studies were inconclusive. One study measured IOP pre- and post-dive and another measured IOP with and without a diving mask. Post-dive, a decrease in IOP was observed, and a statistically significant reduction was noted when subjects wore a diving mask. A retrospective study examining the incidence of acute angle closure glaucoma attack found no association with weather or atmospheric pressure.

Conclusion

The majority of studies found IOP to decrease with increased atmospheric pressure and after diving. The mechanisms underlying this reduction remain incompletely understood, with potential contributors including changes in ocular blood flow, sympathetic responses, and increased oxygenation. Hyperbaric chambers may have potential in future glaucoma treatments, but more studies are required to draw reliable conclusions regarding the safety of diving for glaucoma patients.