bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EL EFECTO REGULADOR DE LOS PLANES NACIONALES DE ASIGNACIÓN SOBRE LAS EMISIONES DE CO2
Authors: Fernández Fernández Yolanda , Fernández López María Ángeles , González Hernández David , Olmedillas Blanco Blanca
Published: January 2024

Enlos últimos años la literatura económica ha prestado especial atención a la relación entre emisiones contaminantes y actividad económica. El análisis de esta relación tiene en cuenta tres efectos básicos: escala, estructura y técnico. El interés de este trabajo se centra en un nuevo efecto, el efecto regulador que considera la relación entre determinadas medidas de política económica ambiental y las emisiones de CO2. En concreto, se estudia si los Planes Nacionalesde Asignación (PNA) han logrado ser efectivos a la hora de reducir las citadas emisiones. Para ello, se realizan diferentes estimaciones econométricas con datos de seis países de la Unión Europea (UE) y considerando los PNA como variables cualitativas.
THE EFFECT OF CREDIT DERIVATIVES USAGE ON THE RISK OF EUROPEAN BANKS
Authors: Rodríguez Gil Luís Ignacio , Otero González Luís , Cantorna Agra Sara , Durán Santomil Pablo
Published: January 2024

Banks are the major participants in the derivatives credit markets. It was generally believed by top regulators that credit derivatives make banks sounder. After the international financial crisis, the positive view of the role of credit risk transfer has changed and credit derivatives have been blamed as one of the responsible of the subprime credit crisis. There are very few empirical works regarding this subject, but in particular in the case of the European banking sector. We use as measures of risk the Z-score, the two components, ZP1 and ZP2, and other proxies of credit risk like the risk-weighted assets and non-performing loans (NPL) ratio. In summary, our results show that European banks that use credit derivatives for hedging experience an improvement in their level of financial stability, while those who opt for a speculative position test negative. Accordingly and based on these data, the cause of the current crisis in Europe could not be directly attributed to the use of credit derivatives.
LA COHESIÓN REGIONAL EN LA UE . UNA APROXIMACIÓN A PARTIR DEL ÍNDICE DE LISBOA
Authors: Pérez y Pérez Luis , Marcos Calvo Miguel Angel
Published: January 2024

El Índice Regional de Lisboa (IRL) cuantifica la cohesión y sintetiza en un solo valor la distancia de las regiones europeas respecto a los objetivos de la Estrategia de Lisboa, así como la distancia existente entre ellas. El IRL se ha calculado para 265 regiones con información procedente de Eurostat sobre el mercado laboral, la formación y el gasto en I+D+i en el periodo 2000-2010. Los resultados muestran que en la EU-27 se consiguió mejorar la situación de las regiones hasta 2007, pero la crisis ha producido un aumento de las desigualdades, situación de la que no escapan las regiones españolas
How sensitive is the business ownership rate to unemployment fluctuations? Evidence of asymmetries in a panel of 23 OECD countries
Authors: Carmona Arango Mónica , Congregado Ramírez de Aguilera Emilio , Golpe Moya Antonio A. , Iglesias Garrido Jesús
Published: January 2024

In this article, we try to test whether the relationship running from unemployment to entrepreneurship/self-employment – the so-called ‘recession-push’ hypothesis – is affected asymmetrically by dynamic labour market conditions. To this end, we employ a panel threshold regression model into which nonlinearities are introduced by allowing an exogenous variable – unemployment – to have a different impact on the endogenous variable – business ownership – in different regimes. Our estimates provide support for the existence of different responses of cyclical self-employment to cyclical unemployment, depending on the value of the deviation between the observed and natural rates of unemployment with a one-period lag – i.e., depending on the intensity of the unemployment problem – that is the threshold variable. JEL classification: L26; J21; J23; J24; E32; C23.
El trans-desarrollo como manifestación de la trans-modernidad. Más allá de la subsistencia, el desarrollo y el post-desarrollo.
Authors: Cubillo-Guevara Ana Patricia , Hidalgo-Capitán Antonio Luis
Published: January 2024

En el siglo XXI coexisten cuatro cosmovisiones diferentes, la pre-modernidad, la modernidad, la post-modernidad y la trans-modernidad, a cada una de las cuales le corresponde un paradigma del bienestar, la subsistencia, el desarrollo, el post-desarrollo y el trans-desarrollo. En este documento se analizan las cuatro cosmovisiones y los cuatro paradigmas y se constata como la trans-modernidad es el resultado de la síntesis entre pre-modernidad, modernidad y post-modernidad y como el trans-desarrollo es el resultado de la síntesis entre subsistencia, desarrollo y post-desarrollo. Además se definen dichos conceptos, así como los de decrecimiento y buen vivir que se consideran como manifestaciones del trans-desarrollo.
Progresesividad en la financiación de la ayuda europea al desesarrollo (o por qué la Unión Europea debeebeebería sustituir la meta del 0,7)
Authors: Tezanos Vázquez Sergio , Quiñones Montellano Ainoa
Published: January 2024

La Unión Europea (UE) es el principal financiador mundial de Ayuda Oficial al Desarrollo (AOD). La financiación bilateral de la ayuda europea es moderadamente progresiva, pero es discrecional, no respeta el compromiso internacional del 0,7 y es mejorable en términos de “justicia distributiva”. Este artículo analiza la progresividad de la AOD de los 19 países de la UE que son donantes de la OCDE. Concebimos la AOD como un mecanismo fiscal que permite redistribuir el ingreso a escala global y proponemos un esquema progresivo capaz de fortalecer los incentivos para el cumplimiento de los compromisos internacionales de financiación de la AOD a través de una eficaz “presión entre pares” y un “contrato social” más creíble y justo entre los ciudadanos europeos.
Does Globalization Contribute to Decreasing Child Labor Rates?
Authors: Laborda castillo Leopoldo , Sotelsek Daniel Federico
Published: January 2024

This study examines the relationship between globalization (from a multidimensional viewpoint) and child labour. It assesses the impact of globalisation on child labour in relation to a country’s level of development. Analysis shows there is a priori direction of the relationship between globalisation and child labour is undefined when levels of development are taken into account for groups of countries. The use of panel data methodology reveals empirical evidence of an inverted U-shape relationship between globalisation and child labour in countries with medium-low and low incomes. The inflection point and the convergence coefficient obtained, shows how the social phenomenon -child labour- would be in low-income countries.
La crisis, el papel del Estado y las previsiones de los economistas
Authors: Nieto Solís José Antonio
Published: January 2024

José Luis Sampedro decía de sí mismo que era una ‘metaeconomista’. Era un modo sutil de distanciarse de los economistas que no veían la “montaña del hambre” pero pretendían adivinar el futuro; aunque casi siempre erraban sus previsiones, se conformaban con actualizar los datos en lugar de revisar los modelos utilizados.
Desigualdad y pobreza en la Gran Recesión. Diferencias entre los países de la UE
Authors: Sánchez-Lopez Celia , De Paz Báñez Manuela A.
Published: January 2024

Este artículo pretende observar las diferencias en el comportamiento de los países de la UE en cuanto a la pobreza y la desigualdad de renta y los fenómenos con los que parecen estar asociados, especialmente con la actividad económica, el empleo y las políticas sociales de bienestar social.
Financialisation and Work in Europe: Inequality, Debt and Labour Market Segmentation
Authors: Santos Ana Cordeiro , Lopes Cláudia Abreu , Betzelt Sigrid
Published: January 2024

This article examines the link between financialisation and work in five European countries representative of different types of financial system and welfare regime: Sweden, Germany, the UK, Portugal and Poland. This is done by way of a cross-country comparative exercise that analyses micro-level data on household income, debt, and working conditions. Notwithstanding country differences, living conditions have worsened after the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) for a significant number of households, as reflected in respondents’ reports of declining household income, recourse to debt to cover living expenses and deteriorated employment relations. As the finance-work nexus has been more detrimental to the low-income and non-standard workers in the least financialised Germany and Poland, the article concludes that the impacts of financialisation on well-being cannot be simply read off from the sizes of national financial systems or the extent of household engagements with finance. It needs to take also into account the more intermediate effects of finance on well-being through labour market segmentation.
Perspectives on Financialisation and Crises in Europe
Authors: Garcia-Arias Jorge , Horn Laura , Toporowski Jan
Published: January 2024

This editorial introduction highlights fundamental issues of financialisation in Europe, with particular focus on the interlinkages with recent and ongoing crises. Following an overview of core axes of current discussion in the literature, the editors present the contributions to the special section, and conclude with an outlook on the relevance of continued discussions of financialisation.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on household consumption pattern of dairy products in India
Authors: Bhandari Gunjan , Lal Priyanka , Kumari Binita
Published: January 2024

Income loss, fear of infection and movement restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic not only altered the amount and pattern of spending but also changed the shopping behaviour of the consumers. In the case of food commodities, dairy products seem to be more susceptible to such changes owing to their perishability and comparatively higher income elasticity. However, there were also some speculations that household dairy consumption in India might have increased during lockdown due to greater number of meals at home and immunity boosting qualities of milk. Any change in dairy consumption in India has a direct bearing on household nutritional security. The present study attempts to capture the impact ofCOVID-19 pandemic on household consumption pattern of dairy products across geographical regions and income class on thebasis of a pan-India survey covering around 1000 households. Data was analysed using tabular analysis, frequency analysis and paired t-test. The results revealed that there was a significant decline in the household consumption of milk, paneer, butter and ice-cream during lockdown whereas no significant change was observed in the consumption of ghee, curd and buttermilk. The fall in consumption was comparatively higher in the milk deficit eastern zone and among the lowest income quintile which indicates that external support is required by the marginalized section during such crisis for ensuring the nutritional security. Moreover, a shift was also observed towards packaged products and online delivery services which can be further boosted forstrengthening organized dairy sector.
Hubungan Dukungan Keluarga Terhadap Perilaku Medication Adherence Pada Penderita TB di UPT Puskesmas Pekauman Kota Banjarmasin
Authors: Ani Ni Kadek , Irawan Angga , Arief Wicaksono Muhammad
Published: January 2024

Latar Belakang: Penyakit Tuberkulosis (TB) Paru merupakan salah satu penyakit infeksi yang disebabkan oleh bakteri Mycobacterium Tuberkulosis. Dampak TB diantaranya kekebalan ganda kuman TB terhadap obat anti tuberculosis jika pengobatan tidak dilakukan dengan tuntas, kerusakan pada otak, gangguan pada mata, kerusakan pada tulang dan sendi serta dampak paling buruk dari penyakit TB adalah kematian. Perlunya keterlibatan keluarga sebagai PMO pada pasien TB untuk perubahan perilaku Medication Adherence selama proses pengobatan untuk mencapai kesembuhan

Tujuan: Mengetahui hubungan dukungan keluarga terhadap perilaku Medication Adherence pada penderita TB di UPT Puskesmas Pekauman Kota Banjarmasin

Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan pendekatan cross sectional, pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik purposive sampling dengan jumlah sampel 35 orang. Pengumpulan data menggunakan lembar kuesioner dan analisis data menggunakan analisa univariat dan bivariat dengan uji spearman rank.

Hasil: Pasien TB di Puskesmas Pekauman Kota Banjarmasin sebagian besar memiliki dukungan keluarga tinggi yaitu sebanyak 21 orang (60%) dan perilaku Medication Adherence yang baik sebanyak 30 orang (85,7%). Hasil uji spearman rank menunjukan bahwa nilai signifikan (2-tailed) yaitu p-value= 0,002<0,05 dimana Ho ditolak dan Ha diterima yang artinya terdapat hubungan antara dukungan keluarga terhadap perilaku Medication Adherence pada penderita TB di UPT Puskesmas Pekauman Kota Banjarmasin

Kesimpulan: Disimpulkan bahwa pasien TB yang mendapatkan dukungan keluarga yang tinggi dapat mempengaruhi perilaku Medication Adherence pada penderita TB

Kata kunci: Dukungan Keluarga, Perilaku Medication Adherence, Tuberkulosis
Compliance with Taking Medication in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in the Isolation Room at Muara Teweh Regional Hospital in 2023
Authors: Armintoyono Armintoyono , Unja Ermeisi  Er , Warjiman Warjiman , Rachman Aulia
Published: January 2024

Background : TB treatment problem factor is treatment adherence. Failure to complete treatment can cause patients to relapse, potentially infect contacts and increase the risk of drug resistance, so adherence to taking medication affects the success of treatment.

Objective : To purpose of this research was to how the description of drug compliance in tuberculosis patients in the isolation room of Muara Teweh Hospital in 2023.

Method : This type of quantitative research. Sampling was done by total sampling technique. The total population was 36 respondents and the samples obtained were 36 respondents. The research instrument used the MMAS-8 questionnaire. Patient compliance data were classified into 3 categories, namely high, medium and low adherence. Data was analyzed descriptively and presented into tables and narrations.

Result :  The result showed that description of drug compliance in tuberculosis patients in the isolation room of Muara Teweh Hospital had a high category of 88,89% , a medium category of 0% and a low category of 11,11%

Conclusion : Description of drug compliance in tuberculosis patients in the isolation room of Muara Teweh Hospital had a high category.
Tingkat Kecemasan Remaja yang Menggunakan Smartphone di SMK Negeri 1 Martapura Kabupaten Banjar Tahun 2022
Authors: Sitanggang Yohana Agustina , Halimah Nor
Published: January 2024

Latar Belakang: Kecanggihan dan kemudahan dari smartphone dapat menimbulkan dampak negative bagi pengguna apabila digunakan secara berlebihan yaitu timbulnya perasaan cemas dan merasa kehilangan apabila berjauhan dengan smartphone. Remaja merupakan kelompok usia yang rentan mengalami kecemasan jauh dari smartphone hal ini disebabkan pada periode usia tersebut remaja memiliki tuntutan tugas perkembangan social  yang harus dipenuhi. Beberapa faktor yang dapat mempengaruhi kecemasan pada remaja salah satunya adalah konflik emosional yang dialami remaja  dan tidak terselesaikan dengan baik.
Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui  tingkat kecemasan remaja pengguna smartphone di SMK Negeri 1 Martapura.
Metode: Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif. Pengambilan sampel penelitian  menggunakan metode probality sampling yaitu cluster sampling. Populasi penelitian ini sebanyak 1.144 orang dengan jumlah sampel  sebanyak 92 orang. Pengumpulan data dengan menggunakan kuesioner yang mengukur kecemasan remaja yang menggunakan smartphone.
Hasil: Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar remaja dalam kategori kecemasan ringan yaitu 76,1%. 
Kesimpulan: Remaja pengguna smartphone hanya mengalami kecemasan ringan. Diharapkan pihak sekolah memberikan edukasi  tentang dampak penggunaan smartphone sebagai upaya pencegahan kecemasan dan dampak negative dari penggunaan smartphone.
Hubungan Tingkat Pendidikan Terhadap Kepercayaan Diri Perawat Dalam Melakukan CPR di IGD RSD X
Authors: Muthmainnah Muthmainnah , Maulani Firman
Published: January 2024

Latar Belakang: henti jantung merupakan kondisi yang dapat mengakibatkan sesorang meninggal. Kematian akibat henti jantung merupakan penyumbang kematian mendadak terbesar di dunia.

17,9 juta orang meninggal akibat penyakit kardiovaskuler pada tahun 2019, mewakili 32% dari semua kematian global. Dari kematian tersebut, 85% disebabkan oleh serangan jantung dan stroke (World Health Association (WHO), 2021). Di Amerika Serikat, angka kejadian In Hospital Cardiac Arrest (IHCA) diperkirakan sekitar 200 ribu orang setiap tahunnya dan yang bisa diselamatkan hanya kurang dari 20%.

Tujuan: Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui hubungan tingkat pendidikan terhadap kepercayaan diri perawat dalam melakukan CPR di IGD.

Metode: Penelitian ini merupakan pendekatan penelitian korelatif cross sectional. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik sampling jenuh dengan jumlah responden sebanyak 32 orang. Instrumen penelitian berupa angket dan uji statistik menggunakan spearman rank. Hasil : Hasil statistik uji peringkat spearman menunjukkan bahwa pendidikan (p=0,046) sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa terdapat hubungan antara jenjang pendidikan dengan kepercayaan diri perawat yang memberikan CPR di IGD

Kesimpulan: Hasil dari kekuatan hubungan tersebut kuat dimana semakin tinggi tingkat pendidikan dan semakin semakin tinggi kepercayaandiri perawat memberikan CPR.
In vitro biocompatibility evaluation of functional electrically stimulating microelectrodes on primary glia
Authors: Tsui Christopher T. , Mirkiani Soroush , Roszko David A. , Churchward Matthew A. , Mushahwar Vivian K. , Todd Kathryn G.
Published: January 2024

Neural interfacing devices interact with the central nervous system to alleviate functional deficits arising from disease or injury. This often entails the use of invasive microelectrode implants that elicit inflammatory responses from glial cells and leads to loss of device function. Previous work focused on improving implant biocompatibility by modifying electrode composition; here, we investigated the direct effects of electrical stimulation on glial cells at the electrode interface. A high-throughput in vitro system that assesses primary glial cell response to biphasic stimulation waveforms at 0 mA, 0.15 mA, and 1.5 mA was developed and optimized. Primary mixed glial cell cultures were generated from heterozygous CX3CR-1+/EGFP mice, electrically stimulated for 4 h/day over 3 days using 75 μm platinum-iridium microelectrodes, and biomarker immunofluorescence was measured. Electrodes were then imaged on a scanning electron microscope to assess sustained electrode damage. Fluorescence and electron microscopy analyses suggest varying degrees of localized responses for each biomarker assayed (Hoescht, EGFP, GFAP, and IL-1β), a result that expands on comparable in vivo models. This system allows for the comparison of a breadth of electrical stimulation parameters, and opens another avenue through which neural interfacing device developers can improve biocompatibility and longevity of electrodes in tissue.
Bird atlas in action: using citizen science data to generate population trend alerts in Hessequa, South Africa
Authors: Daniel Karis A. , Underhill Les G. , van Rooyen Johan A.
Published: January 2024

Citizen science data are rapidly transforming the conservation landscape. Targeted participatory citizen science initiatives generate nuanced data capable of monitoring trends in populations and generating early warnings for species and habitats experiencing significant declines. In the Hessequa Atlasing Area, Western Cape, South Africa, citizen science 'atlasers' involved with the Second Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2) have worked with scientific leadership since 2014 to improve the quality of bird atlas data in their region for species monitoring. In this study, we used reporting rates from SABAP2 checklists in the Hessequa Atlasing Area to calculate changes in range size and relative abundance for the 165 most commonly reported species in the region. We used a seven-tier alert system and broad habitat categories to sort species by priority for conservation action. Our results showed that wetland and marine associated species are experiencing the greatest declines in range and relative abundance in the Hessequa Atlasing Area, whilst urban and grassland associated species are largely increasing. We discuss how observed changes in populations may be used to guide conservation action and provide recommendations for scientists and non-scientific community members on engaging with and responding to the changes highlighted in each of the seven alert levels provided.
Clinical, epidemiological, and drug resistance insights into HIV-positive patients in Meizhou, China
Authors: Liu Xianhui , Patil Sandip , Guo Xuemin , Wen Feiqiu , Zhang Xianyan , Zhong Zhixiong , Wang Xinlu
Published: January 2024

The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, resulting from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, exhibits distinct regional characteristics. This study undertakes a retrospective analysis of the epidemiological and clinical features of 195 HIV-positive cases in Meizhou, China, from May 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019. Western blotting (WB) confirmed and assessed these cases. Notably, the majority of cases emanated from socio-economic groups with comparatively lower levels of education, with 80% being male. Strikingly, 90% of the cases were found to be in the middle to late stages of infection based on CD4+ T cell counts. Among the 30 different serum antibody profiles examined, reactivity with seven bands (p24, p31, gp41, p51, p66, gp120, and gp160) emerged as the most commonly observed WB pattern. The absence of specific bands, specifically p55 (17.44%), p39 (32.31%), and p17 (25.64%) were most frequent, with the detection frequency of p17 bands significantly reduced among cases in the AIDS and middle stages. An analysis of drug resistance genotypes indicated that, despite viral mutations conferring resistance to certain reverse transcriptase inhibitors, the first-line treatment regimen remained effective for patients in Meizhou. Notably, mutations resistant to protease inhibitors were infrequent (2.7%), suggesting that incorporating protease inhibitors into the treatment regimen may enhance therapeutic outcomes for local patients. These findings provide essential insights into the specific epidemiological patterns, serum antibody profiles, and drug resistance genotypes of HIV-infected patients in Meizhou. Significantly, this research contributes to the formulation of future treatment strategies tailored to the local context.
Sacubitril/valsartan attenuates atrial conduction disturbance and electrophysiological heterogeneity with ameliorating fibrosis in mice
Authors: Iwamiya Satoshi , Ihara Kensuke , Furukawa Tetsushi , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: January 2024

Background

Sacubitril/valsartan (SacVal) has been shown to improve the prognosis of heart failure; however, whether SacVal reduces the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in heart failure has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we aimed to determine whether SacVal is effective in reducing the occurrence of AF in heart failure and identify the underlying mechanism of its electrophysiological effect in mice.

Methods

Adult male mice underwent transverse aortic constriction, followed by SacVal, valsartan, or vehicle treatment for two weeks. Electrophysiological study (EPS) and optical mapping were performed to assess the susceptibility to AF and the atrial conduction properties, and fibrosis was investigated using heart tissue and isolated cardiac fibroblasts (CFs).

Results

EPS analysis revealed that AF was significantly less inducible in SacVal-treated mice than in vehicle-treated mice. Optical mapping of the atrium showed that SacVal-treated and valsartan-treated mice restored the prolonged action potential duration (APD); however, only SacVal-treated mice showed the restoration of decreased conduction velocity (CV) compared to vehicle-treated mice. In addition, the electrophysiological distribution analysis demonstrated that heterogeneous electrophysiological properties were rate-dependent and increased heterogeneity was closely related to the susceptibility to AF. SacVal attenuated the increased heterogeneity of CV at short pacing cycle length in atria, whereas Val could not. Histological and molecular evaluation showed that SacVal exerted the anti-fibrotic effect on the atria. An in vitro study of CFs treated with natriuretic peptides and LBQ657, the metabolite and active form of sacubitril, revealed that C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) combined with LBQ657 had an additional anti-fibrotic effect on CFs.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that SacVal can improve the conduction disturbance and heterogeneity through the attenuation of fibrosis in murine atria and reduce the susceptibility of AF in heart failure with pressure overload, which might be attributed to the enhanced function of CNP.
The role of the autonomic nervous system in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Yu Yue , Chen Tong , Zheng Zheng , Jia Fan , Liao Yan , Ren Yuehan , Liu Xinmin , Liu Ying
Published: January 2024

This article reviewed the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is the most common reproductive endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age. Its primary characteristics include persistent anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology, often accompanied by disturbances in glucose and lipid metabolism. The body’s functions are regulated by the autonomic nervous system, which consists mainly of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The autonomic nervous system helps maintain homeostasis in the body. Research indicates that ovarian function in mammals is under autonomic neural control. The ovaries receive central nervous system information through the ovarian plexus nerves and the superior ovarian nerves. Neurotransmitters mediate neural function, with acetylcholine and norepinephrine being the predominant autonomic neurotransmitters. They influence the secretion of ovarian steroids and follicular development. In animal experiments, estrogen, androgens, and stress-induced rat models have been used to explore the relationship between PCOS and the autonomic nervous system. Results have shown that the activation of the autonomic nervous system contributes to the development of PCOS in rat. In clinical practice, assessments of autonomic nervous system function in PCOS patients have been gradually employed. These assessments include heart rate variability testing, measurement of muscle sympathetic nerve activity, skin sympathetic response testing, and post-exercise heart rate recovery evaluation. PCOS patients exhibit autonomic nervous system dysfunction, characterized by increased sympathetic nervous system activity and decreased vagal nerve activity. Abnormal metabolic indicators in PCOS women can also impact autonomic nervous system activity. Clinical studies have shown that various effective methods for managing PCOS regulate patients’ autonomic nervous system activity during the treatment process. This suggests that improving autonomic nervous system activity may be an effective approach in treating PCOS.
Protocol for a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial using pure palmitoleic acid to ameliorate insulin resistance and lipogenesis in overweight and obese subjects with prediabetes
Authors: Cetin Ecesu , Pedersen Brian , Porter Lindsey M. , Adler Gail K. , Burak Mehmet Furkan
Published: January 2024

Palmitoleic acid (POA), a nonessential, monounsaturated omega-7 fatty acid (C16:1n7), is a lipid hormone secreted from adipose tissue and has beneficial effects on distant organs, such as the liver and muscle. Interestingly, POA decreases lipogenesis in toxic storage sites such as the liver and muscle, and paradoxically increases lipogenesis in safe storage sites, such as adipose tissue. Furthermore, higher POA levels in humans are correlated with better insulin sensitivity, an improved lipid profile, and a lower incidence of type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular pathologies, such as myocardial infarction. In preclinical animal models, POA improves glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and steatosis of the muscle and liver, while improving insulin sensitivity and secretion. This double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial tests the hypothesis that POA increases insulin sensitivity and decreases hepatic lipogenesis in overweight and obese adult subjects with pre-diabetes. Important to note, that this is the first study ever to use pure (>90%) POA with < 0.3% palmitic acid (PA), which masks the beneficial effects of POA. The possible positive findings may offer a therapeutic and/or preventative pathway against diabetes and related immunometabolic diseases.
Pathogenesis and signaling pathways related to iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhao Simeng , Zhao Yuejia , Zhao Yongfu , Wang Guangzhi
Published: January 2024

Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm within the endocrine system and the field of head and neck surgery. Although the majority of thyroid cancers, more than 90%, are well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas with a favourable prognosis, the escalating incidence of this disease has contributed to an increasing number of patients with a propensity for recurrent disease, rapid disease progression, and poor or no response to conventional treatments. These clinical challenges are commonly attributed to alterations in key thyroid oncogenes or signaling pathways, thereby initiating tumour cell dedifferentiation events, accompanied by reduced or virtually absent expression of the sodium/iodine symporter (NIS). As a result, the disease evolves into iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RAIR-DTC), an entity that is insensitive to conventional radioiodine therapy. Despite being classified as a differentiated thyroid cancer, RAIR-DTC has an extremely poor clinical prognosis, with a 10-year survival rate of less than 10%. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to comprehensively elucidate the underlying pathogenesis of RAIR-DTC and provide specific targeted interventions. As the pathogenic mechanisms of RAIR-DTC remain elusive, here we aim to review recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of RAIR-DTC and provide valuable insights for the development of future molecularly targeted therapeutic approaches.
Research on spatial-temporal heterogeneity of driving factors of green innovation efficiency in Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration—empirical test based on the Geographically Weighted Regression model
Authors: Shukai Cai , Bixia Hu , Meng Guo
Published: January 2024

Firstly, based on the data of 40 cities in the Yangtze River Delta from 2010 to 2019, the paper uses the Unexpected Super-SBM model to estimate the green innovation efficiency of each city. On this basis, the paper establishes a Geographically Weighted Regression model to explore the spatial-temporal heterogeneity of the effects of influencing factors on green innovation efficiency. The findings indicate that: The direction and strength of each influencing element on the green innovation efficiency of the Yangtze River Delta cities are varied at the urban spatial scale. The degree of opening up significantly boosts the green innovation efficiency, but the impact intensity shows spatial differences. The green innovation efficiency is promoted by government technology support, but its intensity tends to weaken. In addition, financial support has a negative impact on most cities. Over time, the impact of economic development level on urban green innovation efficiency has changed from inhibition to promotion, and the impact intensity tends to weaken. Industrial structure and environmental regulation tend to show two effects of promotion and obstruction in different cities from weak inhibition. Industrial structure and environmental regulation tend to show two effects of promotion and obstruction in different cities from weak inhibition. The research conclusion of this paper has important theoretical significance and practical value for accelerating the construction of a green, low-carbon and circular economic system in the Yangtze River Delta region, and achieving the “dual carbon” goal.
A flame combustion model-based wildfire-induced tripping risk assessment approach of transmission lines
Authors: Zhou Enze , Wang Lei , Wei Ruizeng , Liu Shuqing , Zhou You
Published: January 2024

With the intensification of global climate change, the frequency of wildfires has markedly increased, presenting an urgent challenge in assessing tripping failures for power systems. This paper proposes an innovative method to evaluate the spatial wildfire-induced tripping risk of transmission lines based on a flame combustion model. Firstly, Bayes theory is employed to assess the spatial probability of wildfire occurrence. Subsequently, Wang Zhengfei’s flame combustion model is utilized to estimate the potential flame height of wildfires along the transmission corridor. Thirdly, the insulation breakdown risk of the transmission line is calculated based on the relative height difference between the flame and the transmission line. Finally, the spatial wildfire-induced tripping risk of the transmission line is then determined by combining the wildfire occurrence probability and the insulation breakdown risk. A case study conducted in Guizhou province, China validates the accuracy of the proposed model. Utilizing ArcGIS, the wildfire occurrence probability distribution in Guizhou is visualized to enhance the efficiency of operation and maintenance. The results indicate that over 80% of wildfire incidents occurred in areas with occurrence probabilities exceeding 50%.
Effect of disturbed coal pore structure on gas adsorption characteristics: mercury intrusion porosimetry
Authors: Liang Yunpei , Sun Wanjie , Wu Zhaopeng , Mao Shuren , Ran Qican
Published: January 2024

Studying pore structures of disturbed coal and their influences on adsorption characteristics is conducive to in-depth understanding of occurrence and migration of gas in reservoirs in areas prone to coal and gas outbursts. A mercury porosimeter and a high-pressure gas adsorption instrument were separately used to investigate pore structures and measure adsorption characteristics of disturbed coal and undisturbed coal in Ningtiaota Coal Mine and Xigu Coal Mine (Shaanxi Province, China). In addition, pore structures and gas adsorption characteristics of coal samples were studied. The Menger’s sponge model was adopted to calculate fractal dimensions of coal samples, to estimate influences of pore structures and fractal features on the gas adsorption characteristics of disturbed and undisturbed coal. Results show that the pore volume of undisturbed coal is mainly contributed by micropores and transitional pores, while that of disturbed coal arises mainly from macropores and mesopores. Micropores and transitional pores account for large proportions of the specific surface area of pores in both disturbed and undisturbed coal. The adsorption isotherms of disturbed and undisturbed coal conform to the Langmuir equation and tectonism increases the limiting adsorption quantity of coal. The fractal dimensions D1 of the four types of coal samples in the experiments are in the range of 2.7617–2.9961, while the fractal dimensions D1 and D2 of disturbed coal are both larger than those of undisturbed coal, indicating that disturbed coal is more likely to collapse under high pressure. The total pore volume, total specific surface area of pores, and fractal dimensions are positively correlated with the adsorption constant a, while they have U-shaped correlations with the adsorption constant b of coal samples. The adsorption constant a of disturbed coal is always greater than that of undisturbed coal, while no obvious trend is observed between the adsorption constant b and tectonism. The research results can provide theoretical basis for further study of gas occurrence in disturbed coal seams.
Study on the actual particle size, activity concentration, and migration process adsorption behavior of radioactive substances in liquid effluents from nuclear power plants
Authors: Jiang Zhenyu , Xiong Jun , Pan Yuelong , Hu Jie , Chen Yujia , Yin Shuhua , Yan Yihong
Published: January 2024

Radionuclides emitted by nuclear power plants may have effects on the environment and public health. At present, research on radioactive material effluent in the industry mainly focuses on the treatment of radioactive effluent and the particle size distribution of the primary circuit. There is little research on the particle size of radioactive material during the migration process outside the primary circuit system, as well as the flocculation precipitation and other enrichment phenomena during the collection process of effluent. Therefore, this study relies on the sampling of effluent from an in-service nuclear power plant to measure its radioactivity level by particle size range. At the same time, the mixing process of effluent is simulated in the laboratory to simulate the adsorption behavior of effluent during the migration process. It was found that in the activity concentration of detectable radioactive nuclides in the effluent samples, more than 95% of radioactive nuclides exist in the liquid with particle sizes less than 0.1μm, while particle sizes greater than 0.45 μm account for less than 5%. After the sample was filtered by the demineralizer, the radioactive activity decreased. The flocculation precipitation in the waste liquid of the waste water recovery system has a certain contribution to the enrichment of nuclides. With the extension of time, the enrichment of transition elements such as cobalt and manganese is particularly obvious, so that it is distributed in the liquid again with a large particle size. In addition, large particle size substances such as colloids in seawater have a certain adsorption effect on radionuclides, which will lead to its aggregation effect again.
Uncovering the clinical relevance of unclassified variants in DNA repair genes: a focus on BRCA negative Tunisian cancer families
Authors: Boujemaa Maroua , Nouira Fatma , Jandoubi Nouha , Mejri Nesrine , Bouaziz Hanen , Charfeddine Cherine , Ben Nasr Sonia , Labidi Soumaya , El Benna Houda , Berrazega Yosra , Rachdi Haifa , Daoud Nouha , Benna Farouk , Haddaoui Abderrazek , Abdelhak Sonia , Samir Boubaker Mohamed , Boussen Hamouda , Hamdi Yosr
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Recent advances in sequencing technologies have significantly increased our capability to acquire large amounts of genetic data. However, the clinical relevance of the generated data continues to be challenging particularly with the identification of Variants of Uncertain Significance (VUSs) whose pathogenicity remains unclear. In the current report, we aim to evaluate the clinical relevance and the pathogenicity of VUSs in DNA repair genes among Tunisian breast cancer families.

Methods: A total of 67 unsolved breast cancer cases have been investigated. The pathogenicity of VUSs identified within 26 DNA repair genes was assessed using different in silico prediction tools including SIFT, PolyPhen2, Align-GVGD and VarSEAK. Effects on the 3D structure were evaluated using the stability predictor DynaMut and molecular dynamics simulation with NAMD. Family segregation analysis was also performed.

Results: Among a total of 37 VUSs identified, 11 variants are likely deleterious affecting ATM, BLM, CHEK2, ERCC3, FANCC, FANCG, MSH2, PMS2 and RAD50 genes. The BLM variant, c.3254dupT, is novel and seems to be associated with increased risk of breast, endometrial and colon cancer. Moreover, c.6115G>A in ATM and c.592+3A>T in CHEK2 were of keen interest identified in families with multiple breast cancer cases and their familial cosegregation with disease has been also confirmed. In addition, functional in silico analyses revealed that the ATM variant may lead to protein immobilization and rigidification thus decreasing its activity. We have also shown that FANCC and FANCG variants may lead to protein destabilization and alteration of the structure compactness which may affect FANCC and FANCG protein activity.

Conclusion: Our findings revealed that VUSs in DNA repair genes might be associated with increased cancer risk and highlight the need for variant reclassification for better disease management. This will help to improve the genetic diagnosis and therapeutic strategies of cancer patients not only in Tunisia but also in neighboring countries.
A mendelian randomization study investigates the causal relationship between immune cell phenotypes and cerebral aneurysm
Authors: Shi Xingjie , Wang Tao , Teng Da , Hou Shiqiang , Lin Ning
Published: January 2024

Background: Cerebral aneurysms (CAs) are a significant cerebrovascular ailment with a multifaceted etiology influenced by various factors including heredity and environment. This study aimed to explore the possible link between different types of immune cells and the occurrence of CAs.

Methods: We analyzed the connection between 731 immune cell signatures and the risk of CAs by using publicly available genetic data. The analysis included four immune features, specifically median brightness levels (MBL), proportionate cell (PC), definite cell (DC), and morphological attributes (MA). Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted using the instrumental variables (IVs) derived from the genetic variation linked to CAs.

Results: After multiple test adjustment based on the FDR method, the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method revealed that 3 immune cell phenotypes were linked to the risk of CAs. These included CD45 on HLA DR+NK (odds ratio (OR), 1.116; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.001–1.244; p = 0.0489), CX3CR1 on CD14− CD16− (OR, 0.973; 95% CI, 0.948–0.999; p = 0.0447). An immune cell phenotype CD16− CD56 on NK was found to have a significant association with the risk of CAs in reverse MR study (OR, 0.950; 95% CI, 0.911–0.990; p = 0.0156).

Conclusion: Our investigation has yielded findings that support a substantial genetic link between immune cells and CAs, thereby suggesting possible implications for future clinical interventions.
Modern contraceptive prevalence and its predictors among non-refugee and refugee Somali women in Nairobi city, Kenya; a comparative view
Authors: Gitonga Eliphas , Gage Anastasia J.
Published: January 2024

Introduction and methods

This study sought to determine the prevalence and predictors of modern contraceptive use among non-refugee and refugee Somali women in Nairobi City, Kenya. The analysis was based on 976 currently married Somali women aged 15–39 years (non-refugees; 523, refugees; 415) who were interviewed in a 2021 household survey conducted in Kamukunji, Embakasi, and Ruaraka sub-counties of Nairobi City. The analysis was stratified by refugee status and multivariable logistic regression were run to determine predictors of modern contraceptive use in each group.

Results

The prevalence of modern contraceptives was 34% for the total sample and 43% and 24% for non-refugees and refugees, respectively. The main methods of contraception among non-refugees were injectables, implants, and daily pills, while refugees mainly used male condoms, implants, and injectables. Stratified multivariable analysis showed that residence in formal vs. informal settlements was associated with significantly higher odds of modern contraceptive use among non-refugees but significantly lower odds among refugees, after controlling for other factors. Interaction terms confirmed that the strength of the associations of these variables with the odds of modern contraceptive use varied significantly by refugee status.

Conclusion

Use of modern methods of contraception was lower among non-refugee and refugee Somali women compared to the national average and refugee status moderated the association of some predictor variables with the odds of modern contraceptive use. To increase use of modern contraceptives in urban areas, it is recommended that the Ministry of Health, refugee agencies, and county governments engage with the Somali community and implement appropriate interventions to empower refugee women economically and promote their access to and use of voluntary contraception services as soon as they settle in urban areas.
Case report: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: unveiling a case of recurrent fever and enlarged cervical lymph nodes in a young female patient with a literature review of the immune mechanism
Authors: Yu Jia-Li , Li Zhen , Zhang Bo , Huang Ya-Nan , Zhao Tian-Yu
Published: January 2024

The inflammatory response to viral infection is an important component of the antiviral response, a process that involves the activation and proliferation of CD8+ T, CD4+ T, and dendritic cells; thus, viral infection disrupts the immune homeostasis of the organism, leading to an increased release of inflammatory factors. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is an inflammatory self-limited disorder of unknown etiology, and it is generally believed that the pathogenesis of this disease includes two aspects: viral infection and autoimmune response. Various immune cells, such as CD8+ T lymphocytes, CD4+ T lymphocytes, and CD123+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells, as well as the cytokines they induce and secrete, such as interferons, interleukins, and tumor necrosis factors, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of KFD. In this article, we present a case study of a young female patient from China who exhibited typical symptoms of lymph node inflammation and fever. The diagnosis of KFD was confirmed through a lymph node biopsy. She presented with elevated ESR, IL-6, and IFN-γ. Viral markers showed elevated IgG and IgM of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and elevated IgG of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), while changes occurred in the CD4+ T and CD8+ T cell counts. Eventually, the patient achieved disease relief through steroid treatment. Based on these findings, we conducted a comprehensive review of the involvement of viral infection–induced inflammatory response processes and autoimmunity in the pathogenesis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.
Effect of sodium stibogluconate in recruiting and awakening immune cells in the pleural fluid of pancreatic cancer: preparation for immunotherapy
Authors: Yu Baofa , Jing Peng , Gao Feng , Zhang Peicheng , Zheng Guoqin , Zhang Xiaomin
Published: January 2024

Ascites and pleural effusion are recognized complications of pancreatic cancer. These diseases are accompanied by ascites and pleural effusion, and drug treatment is limited by high costs, long hospital stays, and failure rates. Immunotherapy may offer new option, but in most patients with late stages of cancer, immune cells may lose the ability to recognize tumor cells, how to activate their immune cells is a major problem, sodium glucosidate (SSG) is injected into ascites as a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor to wake up immune cells and prepare for immunotherapy. We used single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to investigate whether and how SSG injected into ascites of pancreatic cancer elicits an immune response. Our study showed that the process of SSG fusion treatment of ascites and pleural effusion, the interaction between TandNK cells, MPs cells, monocytes and neutrophils was induced, and large numbers of genes were expressed, resulting in upregulation of immune response, which also approved that SSG is not only used as a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, but also it works as a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor. It can also be used to regulate immune cell function, recruiting immune cells to the right place with the help of PD-1 or PD-L1 to fight cancer cells in ascites and pleural effusions in cancer patients.