bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment and clinical utility of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for suspected lower respiratory tract infections
Authors: Chen Huan , Huang Qiong , Wu Weiwei , Wang Zhiguo , Wang Wei , Liu Yigen , Ruan Fangfang , He Chengzhen , Li Jing , Liu Jia , Wu Guocheng
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study aims to compare the diagnostic efficacy of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) to traditional diagnostic methods in patients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), elucidate the etiological spectrum of these infections, and explore the impact of mNGS on guiding antimicrobial therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 128 patients admitted to the Respiratory Department of Anqing 116 Hospital between July 2022 and July 2023. All patients had undergone both mNGS and conventional microbiological techniques (CMT) for LRTI diagnosis. We assessed the diagnostic performance of these methods and examined the influence of mNGS on antimicrobial decision-making.

Results

Overall, mNGS demonstrated superior sensitivity (96.8%) and accuracy (96.8%) compared to CMT. For Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection, the accuracy and sensitivity of mNGS was 88.8% and 77.6%, which was lower than the 94.7% sensitivity of the T-spot test and the 79.6% sensitivity of CMT. In fungal pathogen detection, mNGS showed excellent sensitivity (90.5%), specificity (86.7%), and accuracy (88.0%). Bacteria were the predominant pathogens detected (75.34%), with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (41.74%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (21.74%), and Haemophilus influenzae (16.52%) being most prevalent. Bacterial infections were most common (62.10%), followed by fungal and mixed infections (17.74%). Of the 118 patients whose treatment regimens were adjusted based on mNGS results, 102 (86.5%) improved, 7 (5.9%) did not respond favorably, and follow-up was lost for 9 patients (7.6%).

Conclusions

mNGS offers rapid and precise pathogen detection for patients with suspected LRTIs and shows considerable promise in diagnosing Mycobacterium tuberculosis and fungal infections. By broadening the pathogen spectrum and identifying polymicrobial infections, mNGS can significantly inform and refine antibiotic therapy.
Coexistence of pulmonary arterial hypertension and straight back syndrome in a patient with a novel BMPR2 variant affecting cytoplasmic tail domain
Authors: Tang Mi , Luo Jun , Liu Qingqing , Song Jie
Published: April 2024

Background

Pathologic variants in the bone morphogenetic protein receptor-2 (BMPR2) gene cause a pulmonary arterial hypertension phenotype in an autosomal-dominant pattern with incomplete penetrance. Straight back syndrome is one of the causes of pseudo-heart diseases. To date, no cases of idiopathic or heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension with straight back syndrome have been reported.

Case presentation

A 30-year-old female was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension by right heart catheterization. Computed tomography revealed a decreased anteroposterior thoracic space with heart compression, indicating a straight back syndrome. Genetic analysis by whole exome sequencing identified a novel c.2423_2424delGT (p.G808Gfs*4) germline frameshift variant within BMPR2 affecting the cytoplasmic tail domain.

Conclusions

This is the first report of different straight back characteristics in heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension with a novel germline BMPR2 variant. This finding may provide a new perspective on the variable penetrance of the pulmonary arterial hypertension phenotype.
Comparative Analysis of Gradient-Boosting Ensembles for Estimation of Compressive Strength of Quaternary Blend Concrete
Authors: Mustapha Ismail B. , Abdulkareem Muyideen , Jassam Taha M. , AlAteah Ali H. , Al-Sodani Khaled A. Alawi , Al-Tholaia Mohammed M. H. , Nabus Hatem , Alih Sophia C. , Abdulkareem Zainab , Ganiyu Abideen
Published: April 2024

Concrete compressive strength is usually determined 28 days after casting via crushing of samples. However, the design strength may not be achieved after this time-consuming and tedious process. While the use of machine learning (ML) and other computational intelligence methods have become increasingly common in recent years, findings from pertinent literatures show that the gradient-boosting ensemble models mostly outperform comparative methods while also allowing interpretable model. Contrary to comparison with other model types that has dominated existing studies, this study centres on a comprehensive comparative analysis of the performance of four widely used gradient-boosting ensemble implementations [namely, gradient-boosting regressor, light gradient-boosting model (LightGBM), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and CatBoost] for estimation of the compressive strength of quaternary blend concrete. Given components of cement, Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS), Fly Ash, water, superplasticizer, coarse aggregate, and fine aggregate in addition to the age of each concrete mixture as input features, the performance of each model based onR2, RMSE, MAPE and MAE across varying training–test ratios generally show a decreasing trend in model performance as test partition increases. Overall, the test results showed that CatBoost outperformed the other models withR2, RMSE, MAE and MAPE values of 0.9838, 2.0709, 1.5966 and 0.0629, respectively, with further statistical analysis showing the significance of these results. Although the age of each concrete mixture was found to be the most important input feature for all four boosting models, sensitivity analysis of each model shows that the compressive strength of the mixtures does increase significantly after 100 days. Finally, a comparison of the performance with results from different ML-based methods in pertinent literature further shows the superiority of CatBoost over reported the methods.
Perinatal dengue and Zika virus cross-sectional seroprevalence and maternal-fetal outcomes among El Salvadoran women presenting for labor-and-delivery
Authors: Lynn Mary K. , Aquino Marvin Stanley Rodriguez , Rivas Pamela Michelle Cornejo , Miranda Xiomara , Torres-Romero David F. , Cowan Hanson , Meyer Madeleine M. , Godoy Willber David Castro , Kanyangarara Mufaro , Self Stella C.W. , Campbell Berry A. , Nolan Melissa S.
Published: April 2024

Background

Despite maternal flavivirus infections’ linkage to severe maternal and fetal outcomes, surveillance during pregnancy remains limited globally. Further complicating maternal screening for these potentially teratogenic pathogens is the overwhelming subclinical nature of acute infection. This study aimed to understand perinatal and neonatal risk for poor health outcomes associated with flaviviral infection during pregnancy in El Salvador.

Methods

Banked serologic samples and clinical results obtained from women presenting for labor and delivery at a national referent hospital in western El Salvador March to September 2022 were used for this study. 198 samples were screened for dengue and Zika virus IgM, and statistical analyses analyzed demographic and clinical outcome associations with IgM positivity.

Results

This serosurvey revealed a high rate of maternal flavivirus infection—24.2% of women presenting for labor and delivery were dengue or Zika virus IgM positive, suggesting potential infection within pregnancy. Specifically, 20.2% were Zika virus IgM positive, 1.5% were dengue virus IgM positive, and 2.5% were both dengue and Zika virus IgM positive. Women whose home had received mosquito abatement assistance within the last year by the ministry of health were 70% less likely to test IgM positive (aOR = 0.30, 95%CI: 0.10, 0.83). Further, statistical geospatial clustering revealed transmission foci in six primary municipalities. Pregnancy complications and poor birth outcomes were noted among the dengue and/or Zika virus maternal infection group, although these outcomes were not statistically different than the seronegative group. None of the resulting neonates born during this study were diagnosed with congenital Zika syndrome.

Conclusions

The high rate of Zika virus detected among pregnant women and the lack of Zika-specific neonatal outcomes monitoring during a non-outbreak year highlights the need for continued surveillance in Central America and among immigrant mothers presenting for childbirth from these countries. As changing climatic conditions continue to expand the range of the disease vector, asymptomatic screening programs could be vital to early identification of outbreaks and clinical management of cases.
Dissolution profile evaluation of selected brands of amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium 625 mg tablets retailed in Hawassa town, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Endashaw Eyob , Tatiparthi Ramanjireddy , Mohammed Tesfaye , Teshome Henok , Duguma Markos , Tefera Yesuneh
Published: April 2024

Poor quality amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets have been recently discovered in generic drugs related to Augmentin-like medicines containing amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, as well as its derivatives containing falsified active ingredients. One of the most important dosage form characteristics are a detailed active pharmaceutical ingredients dissolution release profile evaluation obtained through dissolution testing. The dissolution test is used in the development of both brand-name and generic drugs. Prior to beginning bioequivalence studies, it is critical to compare the dissolution profiles of various pharmaceutical products. As a result, dissolution is a critical quality control parameter for drugs because it has a direct impact on absorption of pharmaceutical products. Dissolution profile evaluation of seven brands of amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets is retailed in Hawassa town, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia. The seven brands of amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets were collected from Hawassa town, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia. The dissolution study was conducted as per USP40-NF35. Then, the dissolution profile test results were compared by one-way ANOVA Dunnett’s test, model independent, and model dependent method. All of the included brand tablets complied with a single-point dissolution study specification. All brand tablets had similar dissolution profiles (p > 0.05), difference factor (f1) < 15%, and dissolution efficiency $$(\le 10\varvec{\%}$$

(
≤
10

%

). However, the f2 (similarity factor) value justifies that all brand tablets were not within USFDA specification ($$\ge$$
≥
50%). The evaluated brands followed the Korsemeyer-Peppas followed by the Weibull curve models. All brand tablets passed the single point USP dissolution specification and the USFDA therapeutic interchangeability guideline. The similarity factor (f2), on the other hand, confirmed that none of the tested brand tablets were interchangeable with the innovator product. Therefore, researchers, national medicine regulatory bodies, and the manufacturer should conduct a properly designed dissolution test as proof of an in vitro bioequivalence study supported by in vivo bioavailability data.
A comprehensive review on the detection of latent fingermarks using carbon dots
Authors: Grover Aseem , Devi Laxmi , Maity Jyotirmoy , Bumbrah Gurvinder Singh , Das Anirban
Published: April 2024

Background

Fingermarks are one of the oldest, reliable, and universally accepted evidence found on the crime scene. They can be used to link suspect with scene of crime and weapon of offence. Fingermarks are frequently used to investigate criminal cases and identify missing persons and criminals.

Main text

Conventional methods such as cyanoacrylate fuming, iodine fuming, ninhydrin, silver nitrate, small particle reagent, and powder dusting are routinely used to detect and develop latent fingermarks on various surfaces of forensic importance. However, these methods suffer several limitations including poor contrast, low sensitivity, background interference, and low specificity. To overcome these limitations, nowadays, nanoparticles have gained importance in the development of latent fingermarks. In this review, we focus on the carbon dots (CD's) nanomaterial for the development of latent fingermarks. CD’s have superior fluorescence performance, color tuneability, and low synthesis cost and are non-toxic. The color and intensity of luminescence of CD's depend on its morphology and synthesis method. CD's can be used either in solid or solution form to develop latent fingermarks on the various porous and nonporous surfaces.

Conclusion

CD’s are potentially a good candidate to develop latent fingermarks on wide range of porous and nonporous items of forensic importance. The fingerprints developed with CD’s show excellent contrast and resolution. Their small size, biocompatibility, facile and low-cost synthesis, and color tuneability can be successfully utilized to overcome the limitations of the conventional methods.
A survey on lattice-based digital signature
Authors: Liu Fengxia , Zheng Zhiyong , Gong Zixian , Tian Kun , Zhang Yi , Hu Zhe , Li Jia , Xu Qun
Published: April 2024

Lattice-based digital signature has become one of the widely recognized post-quantum algorithms because of its simple algebraic operation, rich mathematical foundation and worst-case security, and also an important tool for constructing cryptography. This survey explores lattice-based digital signatures, a promising post-quantum resistant alternative to traditional schemes relying on factoring or discrete logarithm problems, which face increasing risks from quantum computing. The study covers conventional paradigms like Hash-and-Sign and Fiat-Shamir, as well as specialized applications including group, ring, blind, and proxy signatures. It analyzes the versatility and security strengths of lattice-based schemes, providing practical insights. Each chapter summarizes advancements in schemes, identifying emerging trends. We also pinpoint future directions to deploy lattice-based digital signatures including quantum cryptography.
Epidemiological features of 1,332 cases of hip fracture in Shanghai, China (2015–2020)
Authors: Yang Miaomiao , Zhang Ying
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hip fracture in all age groups in Shanghai, and to evaluate the hospitalization cost of patients with hip fracture.

Methods

A total of 1,332 hip fracture patients admitted to a tertiary general hospital between January 2015 and May 2020 in Shanghai were included. Age, sex, diagnosis, cause of injury and site, fracture type, comorbidities, length of stay, treatment, outcomes (at discharge) and hospitalization expenses were recorded. The epidemiological characteristics of hip fracture were analyzed by using SPSS 26.0 software.

Results

The average age of hip fracture was 77.24 ± 12.66 years, and 69.0% of the patients were female. Overall, 886 patients had femoral neck fracture, and 446 patients suffered from intertrochanteric fracture. Most of the fractures caused by falls at the same level and falls from a height occurred in those aged 81–90 years; and traffic accident injuries mostly took place in patients aged 50–60. Among the 1,302 hip fracture patients who underwent surgical treatment, hip replacement was the major choice for femoral neck fracture, accounting for 49.2%. Internal fixation was the main treatment choice for intertrochanteric fracture, making up 97.8%. The median length of hospital stay lasted 8 days and at cost of hospitalization was ¥49,138.18 RMB.

Conclusion

This epidemiological study found that patients with hip fracture had certain distribution characteristics in age, sex, type of fracture, injury season, cause of injury, mode of operation, length of stay, cost, and so on. Proper medical management, social preventive measures, and prevention of falls are needed to reduce the risk of hip fracture and the socioeconomic burden.
Changes in phenolic composition, antioxidant, sensory and microbiological properties during fermentation and storage of maize products
Authors: Mikulajová Anna , Matejčeková Zuzana , Kohajdová Zlatica , Mošovská Silvia , Hybenová Eva , Valík Ľubomír
Published: April 2024

In this study, we assessed the potential of maize (Zea mays) flour to serve as a substrate for the growth, metabolism, and survival of the Fresco culture cocci (Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis, Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris and Streptococcus thermophilus) and Bifidobacterium spp. (B. choerinum K1/1, B. pseudolongum K4/4, B. animalis subsp. animalis J3II, B. thermophilum DSM 20212), which could result in improved nutritional and sensory properties. Maize dairy-free mashes (flavoured with saccharose or caramel) were effectively fermented with Fresco culture for 8 h at 37 °C (3 log increase of counts on average). The functionality of products was proven within the cold storage period (21 days at 6 °C) when viable cell densities of potentially probiotic bacteria were sufficient to demonstrate health-promoting effects (> 5 log CFU/mL). Fermentation process positively changed the contents and compositions of phenolic compounds. Total phenolic content was higher by about 11.5–94.68% in comparison to initial values (0 h). Caffeic acid recorded the highest increase, by about 21.7–151.7%. The antioxidant activity of fermented mashes was also improved. Overall sensory acceptance was enhanced from 2.1 (8 h) to 3.1–3.6 from 4.0 (21 d), which revealed pleasant acceptance of the final caramel products.

Graphical Abstract
Beyond Gender and Race: The Representation of Concealable Identities Among College Science Instructors at Research Institutions
Authors: Busch Carly A. , Araghi Tala , He Jingyi , Cooper Katelyn M. , Brownell Sara E.
Published: April 2024

Few college science instructors reveal concealable identities to students, causing undergraduates to perceive exaggerated underrepresentation of those identities.
High-order finite-element forward-modeling algorithm for the 3D borehole-to-surface electromagnetic method using octree meshes
Authors: Qin Ce , Li Haonan , Li Hui , Zhao Ning
Published: April 2024

The borehole-to-surface electromagnetic (BSEM) method complements surface and airborne electromagnetic (EM) methods. The borehole is typically filled with conductive media, which significantly impacts the responses. To accurately simulate the responses, the borehole needs to be modeled. However, the size of the borehole is very small compared with the entire computational domain, making it challenging to discretize the borehole accurately. We develop a high-accuracy 3D finite-element forward-modeling algorithm for the BSEM method using octree meshes. The basic idea of octree meshes is to locally refine the mesh by dividing the hexahedral element into eight smaller elements. This approach has the advantage of being able to accurately discretize small geometric features while using coarse meshes in other areas, thus reducing the computational cost. In addition, high-order basis functions are used to improve the accuracy of numerical solutions. We develop a 3D forward-modeling code for BSEM using the C++ programming language. We verify the correctness and accuracy of our implementation by comparing the numerical responses with analytical solutions. Furthermore, we determine the influence of the borehole on the EM responses, showing that the borehole will cause a decrease of several orders of magnitude in the responses when the borehole is filled with highly conductive media. We also use two 3D models to demonstrate the efficacy of octree meshes in the discretization of complex structures and to discuss the effectiveness and sensitivity of BSEM data in the exploration of mineral and oil-gas resources. The code is open source under the Massachusetts Institute of Technology license and can be used as an accurate modeling tool for BSEM responses, providing useful guidance for field exploration. The code is designed with a modular architecture, ensuring ease of maintenance and the ability to extend to other EM methods and serve as the foundation for 3D inversion.
Magnetic data — What am I looking at?
Authors: Bates Martin P. , Biegert Edward K. , Reid Alan B.
Published: April 2024

For a number of years in geophysical surveying, the use of certain technical terms that describe data has not been consistent. This is particularly apparent in the field of magnetic surveying, which is the most commonly practiced technique. Across the world, there are multiple companies and clients that collect and employ magnetic data acquired via ground, airborne, or marine platforms. However, what they mean by certain terms is either imprecisely defined, ambiguous, or significantly different. Terms that are accurate and consistent will help the end user understand what they are actually looking at. We describe the most commonly used terms for magnetic data and discuss how these terms should and should not be used.
Spectrometric borehole logging in mineral exploration and mining
Authors: Queißer Manuel , Tudor Matthew , Schubert Jens , Domula Alexander R. , Märten Horst , Heinig Thomas , Rothe Tobias , Stadtschnitzer Alfred
Published: April 2024

Borehole logging tools based on pulsed neutron technology are used to infer geophysical parameters such as bulk density. If fitted with a gamma-ray spectrometer, they may also measure elemental mass fractions of a variety of formation elements. Spectrometric borehole logging tools of this kind are established in the oil and gas industry. With the demand for mineral resources surging, cost- and time-efficient measurement techniques are increasingly needed in mineral exploration. Their ability to detect multiple elements that are building blocks of minerals makes spectrometric borehole logging tools popular in mineral exploration and mining grade control. In this article, the potential of the OreLog pulsed neutron gamma spectrometric downhole logging tool is demonstrated at Erzberg Mountain (Styria, Austria). Erzberg hosts the largest known siderite deposit in the world, and open-pit mining is used to extract iron ore. The aim was to obtain a more detailed and faster geochemical characterization of iron ore deposits prior to blasting. Elemental logs were acquired with highest accuracies for Fe, Ca, and Mn, followed by Si, Mg, K, and S. The tool mapped a 2D cross section of formation element concentration within a few hours, which agrees with orogenetic fault and geologic contact lines. Mineralogical information retrieved from elemental logs confirmed the interlaced mineralogy of the site. It is dominated by a carbonate body, hosting an intergrowth of Mg-rich siderite (sideroplesite) and a solid solution of dolomite/ankerite/kutnohorite. In addition to the tool's potential for enhanced real-time mining control, the benefit of continuous depth-resolved elemental logs is seen in the possibility to deduce a more refined and reliable geochemical and mineralogical model of the deposit. The information-rich data stream opens applications beyond grade control and exploration, such as data assimilation with gravity models or geologic model building.
Breaking down barriers: promoting journals beyond the page with open access journal clubs
Authors: de Cates Angharad N. , Mullin Donncha , Stirland Lucy , Pinto da Costa Mariana , Tracy Derek
Published: April 2024

In 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the British Journal of Psychiatry (BJPsych) established a series of free online teaching sessions called BJPsych Journal Clubs. Their educational purpose is two-fold: (a) to provide junior psychiatrists with a friendly but large-scale platform to evaluate and critically appraise recent articles published in the BJPsych and (b) to present new research findings in an open and accessible manner. In this paper, we discuss our framework, the challenges we encountered, how the original model is evolving based on feedback from trainees, and tips for success when delivering international online journal clubs.
New Treatment Options for Patients With Oncogene-Addicted Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Focusing on EGFR-Mutant Tumors
Authors: Saw Stephanie P.L. , Le Xiuning , Hendriks Lizza E.L. , Remon Jordi
Published: April 2024

Druggable oncogene-driven non–small cell lung cancer has led to innovative systemic treatment options, improving patients' outcome. This benefit is not only achieved in the metastatic setting but also in the postsurgical setting, such as in lung cancers harboring a common sensitizing EGFR mutation or ALK-rearrangement. To enhance the outcome of these patients, we need to understand the mechanisms of acquired resistance and evaluate the role of new drugs with novel mechanisms of action in the treatment landscape. In this chapter, we review treatment strategies of EGFR-mutant tumors in all stages, the mechanisms of acquired strategies, and novel therapies in this subset.
Impact of Postoperative Radiotherapy on the Prognosis of Early-Stage (pT1-2N0M0) Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Tian Qiaoying , Jiang Lin , Dai Dongjun , Liu Lihong , Shi Xiaomeng , Guo Yinglu , Wu Dang , Yang Jia , Xu Jing , Cai Zhuoying , Ye Zhimin , Xi Yun , Zheng Zengguang , Li Huimin , Shui Yongjie , Liu Yanming , Shang Jinbiao , Wei Shumei , Wei Qichun
Published: April 2024

PURPOSE

To identify subgroups of patients with early-stage (pT1-2N0M0) oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) who may benefit from postoperative radiotherapy (PORT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 528 patients diagnosed between October 2009 and December 2021. Clinicopathological characteristics and treatments with or without PORT were analyzed for their impact on outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 528 patients who underwent radical surgery (median age, 62 years [IQR, 52-69]), 145 (27.5%) also underwent PORT. Multivariate analyses revealed that PORT was associated with improved survival outcomes, whereas moderate-to-poor differentiation, perineural infiltration (PNI), lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and increasing depth of invasion (DOI) were associated with poorer survival outcomes. For patients with moderate-to-poor differentiation, the surgery + PORT group showed improved outcomes compared with the surgery-alone group. After propensity score matching, the results were as follows: overall survival (OS), 97% versus 69%, P = .003; disease-free survival (DFS), 88% versus 50%, P = .001. After excluding cases with PNI/LVI, the differences persisted: OS, 97% versus 82%, P = .040; DFS, 87% versus 64%, P = .012. Similar survival benefits were observed in 104 patients with PNI and/or LVI (OS, 81% v 58%; P = .022; DFS, 76% v 47%; P = .002). In subgroups with DOI >5 mm or close margins, PORT contributed to improved DFS (80% v 64%; P = .006; 92% v 66%; P = .049) but did not significantly affect OS.

CONCLUSION

Patients with moderately-to-poorly differentiated pT1-2N0M0 OTSCC benefited from PORT. Our study provided evidence that patients with PNI and/or LVI who underwent PORT had improved survival. PORT also offered DFS benefit among patients with DOI >5 mm.
Estimating the Impact of Rurality in Disparities in Cancer Mortality
Authors: Kenzik Kelly M. , Davis Elizabeth S. , Franks Jeffrey A. , Bhatia Smita
Published: April 2024

PURPOSE

Estimation of the independent effect of rurality on cancer mortality requires causal inference methodology and consideration of area-level socioeconomic status and rural designations.

METHODS

Using SEER data, we identified key incident cancers diagnosed between 2000 and 2016 at age ≥20 years (N = 3,788,273), examining a 20% random sample (n = 757,655). Standardized competing risk and survival models estimated the association between rural residence, defined by Rural-Urban Continuum Codes, and cancer-specific and all-cause mortality, controlling for age at cancer diagnosis, sex, race/ethnicity, year of diagnosis, and Area Deprivation Index (ADI). We estimated the attributable fraction (AF) of rurality and high ADI (ADI > median) to the probability of mortality. Finally, we examined county measurement issues contributing to mortality rates discordant from hypothesized rates.

RESULTS

The 5-year standardized failure probability for cancer mortality for rural patients was 33.9% versus 31.56% for urban. The AF for rural residence was 1.04% at year 1 (0.89% by year 5), the highest among local stage disease (Y1 2.1% to Y5 1.9%). The AF for high ADI was 3.33% in Y1 (2.87% in Y5), while the joint effect of rural residence and high ADI was 4.28% in Y1 (3.71% in Y5). Twenty-two percent of urban counties and 30% of rural were discordant. Among discordant urban counties, 30% were only considered urban because of adjacency to metro area. High ADI was associated with urban discordance and low ADI with rural discordance.

CONCLUSION

Rural residence independently contributes to cancer mortality. The rural impact is the greatest among those with localized disease and in high deprivation areas. Rural-urban county designations may mask high-need urban counties, limiting eligibility to state and federal resources dedicated to rural areas.
Abnormal Bone Turnover Observed in Obese Children based on Puberty Stage–Specific Bone Turnover Marker Reference
Authors: Wu Chushan , Li Zhuoguang , Li Yanyan , Zhao Xiu , Shang Yue , Zheng Rongfei , Su Qiru , Li Yan , Fu Rongyin , Lu Wenlong , Xiong Jingfan , Su Zhe
Published: April 2024

Context

Childhood and adolescence are critical periods for lifelong bone health. The impact of obesity on these phases is controversial, which may be due to the lack of standards for age-, sex-, and puberty-specific bone turnover markers (BTMs) that could sensitively reflect bone metabolism.

Objective

To generate age-, sex, and puberty stage–specific BTM reference curves in children and adolescents and to explore the effect of obesity on bone metabolism in the Chinese population.

Methods

Our study was part of the Evaluation and Monitoring on School-based Nutrition and Growth in Shenzhen study. A total of 800 participants aged 6∼18 years with normal body mass index (BMI) were selected to establish BTM reference curves for boys and girls at different ages under different pubertal development stages. Additionally, 200 participants with obesity (BMI > 95th percentile) were matched with healthy children from the original cohort at a 1:1 ratio. All participants underwent bone mineral density assessment, and serum levels of procollagen type 1 N-propeptide (P1NP) and β-C-telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) were measured.

Results

The BTM values presented significant age, sex, and puberty stage differences. Analysis of serum BTMs based on the established reference revealed a higher percentage of low-level P1NP in boys with obesity (P = .005); no significant difference was observed in girls. However, the obese group showed a significantly higher proportion of high β-CTX levels for girls, not boys (P = .022).

Conclusion

We provide age-, sex-, and puberty stage–specific P1NP and β-CTX reference curves. According to these, obesity appeared to be a negative factor for bone formation in boys and for bone resorption in girls.
Principles, functions, and biological implications of m6A in plants
Authors: Song Peizhe , Cai Zhihe , Jia Guifang
Published: April 2024

Over the past decade,N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has emerged as a prevalent and dynamically regulated modification across the transcriptome; it has been reversibly installed, removed, and interpreted by specific binding proteins, and has played crucial roles in molecular and biological processes. Within this scope, we consolidate recent advancements of m6A research in plants regarding gene expression regulation, diverse physiologic and pathogenic processes, as well as crop trial implications, to guide discussions on challenges associated with and leveraging epitranscriptome editing for crop improvement.
Theje ne sais quoiof 5-methylcytosine in messenger RNA
Authors: Guarnacci Marco , Preiss Thomas
Published: April 2024

The potential presence of 5-methylcytosine as a sparse internal modification of mRNA was first raised in 1975, and a first map of the modification was also part of the epitranscriptomics “big bang” in 2012. Since then, the evidence for its presence in mRNA has firmed up, and initial insights have been gained into the molecular function and broader biological relevance of 5-methylcytosine when present in mRNA. Here, we summarize the status quo of the field, outline some of its current challenges, and suggest how to address them in future work.
Síndrome de Aarskog
Authors: Letícia Teixeira  , Vitor Lucas Lopes Braga  , Ellen Mourão Soares Lopes  , Wallace William da Silva Meireles  , Kalina Lívia Lopes Carneiro  , André Luiz Santos Pessoa  , Erlane Marques Ribeiro
Published: April 2024

Introdução: A Síndrome de Aarskog-Scott (AAS) é uma rara displasia faciogenital ligada ao gene FGD1, afetando principalmente meninos. Relato de caso: Descreve-se um caso de um menino de 4 anos com AAS, destacando sua importância científica devido à raridade, escassez de descrições e morbidade associada. Ele apresentou fenda sacral, criptorquidia bilateral, atrasos no crescimento e histórico familiar semelhante. A AAS é caracterizada por estatura baixa, anomalias faciais e diversos comprometimentos. Este caso ressalta a importância do acompanhamento médico especializado. Considerações finais: A escassez de estudos comparáveis destaca a relevância dos relatos de casos para aprofundar a compreensão de condições clínicas singulares.
Αποτίμηση της διάχυσης της εκπαιδευτικής καινοτομίας με τη χρήση τεχνολογιών πληροφορίας και επικοινωνιών
Authors: Αϊβαζίδου Μαρίνα
Published: April 2024

Σκοπός της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής είναι η αποτίμηση και η αξιολόγηση του βαθμού υιοθέτησης και εφαρμογής των τεχνολογιών πληροφορίας και επικοινωνιών (ΤΠΕ) στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία στην Ελλάδα, εστιάζοντας στην Πρωτοβάθμια Εκπαίδευση. Η διερεύνηση και η ανάλυση των παραγόντων που επιδρούν στην υιοθέτηση των ΤΠΕ αποτελούν το βασικό εργαλείο για την εξέταση του ερευνητικού προβλήματος που πραγματεύεται το παρόν ερευνητικό πόνημα. Προκειμένου να επιτευχθεί ο κύριος σκοπός της έρευνας, οι επί μέρους στόχοι της αλλά και να απαντηθούν τα ερευνητικά ερωτήματα, διενεργήθηκε πρωτογενής έρευνα με τη χρήση δομημένου ερωτηματολογίου το οποίο απαντήθηκε από 385 εκπαιδευτικούς πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης το διάστημα από την 15 Ιουνίου έως και την 31 Αυγούστου του 2022. Τα δεδομένα που συλλέχθηκαν, αναλύθηκαν στατιστικά, τόσο με περιγραφική όσο και με επαγωγική στατιστική. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας, έδειξαν ότι ο βαθμός υιοθέτησης των ΤΠΕ στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία, επηρεάζεται από τις γνώσεις πληροφορικής του εκπαιδευτικού, τις παροχές και την υποστήριξη της εκπαιδευτικής μονάδας, τις αντιλήψεις των εκπαιδευτικών για τις ΤΠΕ και τη χρησιμότητά τους, καθώς και εν μέρει από τα δημογραφικά τους στοιχεία. Επιπλέον, από τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας, αποτυπώθηκε η θετική επίδραση της πανδημίας του COVID-19 τόσο στη χρήση όσο και στην επιθυμία των εκπαιδευτικών για τη χρήση των ΤΠΕ στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία. Τέλος, τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας, οδήγησαν στη σκιαγράφηση του προφίλ των εκπαιδευτικών της Πρωτοβάθμιας Εκπαίδευσης, δείχνοντας υψηλό επίπεδο μόρφωσης και δεξιοτήτων.
Η έννοια του παιχνιδιού στην κατανόηση του ανθρώπινου γίγνεσθαι
Authors: Μπουκουβάλα Ιωάννα
Published: April 2024

Η παρούσα φιλοσοφική διατριβή αποσκοπεί στη διερεύνηση της έννοιας του παιχνιδιού ως καθοριστικού παράγοντα στη διαμόρφωση της προσωπικότητας του ανθρώπου αλλά και στην κατάθεση μιας θεωρίας του παιχνιδιού που είναι στενά συνυφασμένη με την εξέλιξη του ανθρώπινου γίγνεσθαι στην αρχαία ελληνική φιλοσοφία. Κατά τη διαμόρφωση του ερευνητικού θέματος αντιμετωπίστηκε η ανάδυση του θέματος του παιχνιδιού στην ακαδημαϊκή έρευνα του 20ου κυρίως αιώνα, υπό την επιρροή του Homo Ludens του Huizinga,Το αντιθετικό δίπολο σοβαρότητα/παιχνίδι – όπου σύμφωνα με τον Huizinga η αυθεντική σοβαρότητα έχει κατ’ ανάγκη κάτι το παιγνιακό αλλά και το αυθεντικό παιχνίδι παίζεται με σοβαρότητα – παράγει μία αναφορά στην πρώτη απόπειρα φιλοσοφικού συστήματος από τον Ηράκλειτο (με την παρουσία στο απόσπασμα 22DK52 ενός σημαντικού δεδομένου σχετικά με το παίζειν). Η προαναφερόμενη ανάδειξη της σημασίας του ηρακλείτειου αποσπάσματος 52DK σε συνδυασμό με τις αναφορές του παίζειν στους Νόμους του Πλάτωνα, στα Πολιτικά Θ του Αριστοτέλη, αλλά και στο Δ8 των Ηθικών Νικομαχείων, αποτελούν τον κυρίαρχο πόλο της έρευνας. Σύμφωνα με την ανάδειξη του 52DK που μεσολαβεί καθοριστικά στη μεθοδολογία της αποκωδικοποίησης της έννοιας παιχνίδι στα σχετικά εδάφια του Αριστοτέλη, ελπίζουμε να φθάσουμε να φωτίσουμε την ύπαρξη μιας ολόκληρης θεωρίας του παιχνιδιού που εξελίσσεται μεταξύ Ηράκλειτου, Πλάτωνα και Αριστοτέλη. Ο πλούτος των ευρημάτων που προσδιορίστηκαν στο έργο του Πλάτωνα και του Αριστοτέλη δεν διατηρούν απλώς ένα ενδιαφέρον αποκλειστικά στο πεδίο της ιστορίας των ιδεών, αλλά παρουσιάζονται ως διαχρονικές αξίες που μπορούν να προσφέρουν έναν πλούτο στοιχείων στον επαναπροσδιορισμό της σημασίας της παιδείας και στην εκπαιδευτική πράξη, απέναντι στην κρίση που συναντούν οι σχετικοί τομείς στον 21ο αιώνα. Όσον αφορά στο καθαυτό πλαίσιο της κλασσικής φιλοσοφίας μεταξύ Πλάτωνα και Αριστοτέλη (με μία καθοριστική όμως μεσολάβηση μιας ηρακλείτειας επιρροής) η παιδεία εξεταζόταν στο διάλογο μεταξύ πολιτικής και ηθικής φιλοσοφίας και μάλιστα τοποθετούνταν στα θεμέλια και στην κορύφωση των σχετικών αναζητήσεων, με το παιχνίδι να αποτελεί έναν αινιγματικό καταλυτικό παράγοντα για τον κορυφαίο αυτό ρόλο της παιδείας. Αυτό το αίνιγμα καλούμαστε να απαντήσουμε.
Blessing or Curse? Implications of Data Brokers for Publisher Competition
Authors: Zhang Xin , Yue Wei Thoo , Zhang Ran (Alan) , Yu Yugang
Published: April 2024

The explosion of consumer data has spawned a burgeoning data broker industry, pivotal in targeted advertising. A recent media report estimates the worth of the data broker industry by 2030 at approximately $382 billion. Key players such as Oracle and Lotame gather data from diverse sources to create and sell valuable insights. Digital publishers often rely on these brokers to gain (i) individual insights drawn from their own data or (ii) collective insights drawn from both their data and those of their competitors, improving their targeting precision. This study develops an analytical model to explore the competitive implications of data brokers in a targeted advertising market with two competing publishers and a mass of advertisers. It reveals that the data broker might strategically price their insights to exclusively offer collective insights to one publisher, thereby altering market competition. Moreover, the broker’s actions can either foster or hinder competition among publishers, depending on its strategic interests. Despite potentially reducing market competition through exclusive selling, the provision of collective insights can enhance aggregate welfare by enhancing publishers’ targeting capability. This illustrates the nuanced interplay between data brokers, publishers, and advertisers in shaping the landscape of targeted advertising.
Projected Inventory-Level Policies for Lost Sales Inventory Systems: Asymptotic Optimality in Two Regimes
Authors: van Jaarsveld Willem , Arts Joachim
Published: April 2024

Inventory Projection and Asymptotic Optimality

van Jaarsveld and Arts propose a new policy for the canonical periodic review lost sales inventory problem. Under this policy, orders are placed in each period such that the expected inventory level at the moment of replenishment order arrival is at a fixed level. This single-parameter policy is called the projected inventory-level (PIL) policy. The PIL inherits asymptotic optimality properties from the constant-order policy for long lead time and from the base-stock policy when the cost of losing a sale is large. The PIL policy has lower cost than competing heuristics in a numerical study. The PIL seems to be a promising approach for other inventory systems with a high-dimensional state space, such as the perishable item inventory management problem.
Developing integrated digital printing learning module on thematic lessons for students with mental retardation
Authors: Nurjaya Nurjaya , Salwa Dian Fatimatus , Nabil Nisrina Hasna' , Wibowo Muhammad Yusuf , Istighfaroh Maulina
Published: March 2024

Education is important for every human because we can think and have a lot of knowledge for life. Children with special needs for mental retardation have problems or problems during the learning process, one of them is thematically. The Research and Development (R&D) research method is carried out by studying research related to the product, developing a product based on these findings, testing it in the field in a setting, and revising it to correct deficiencies found at the proposed testing stage. The development model used in this research is the Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluation (ADDIE) model. Analysis of the needs of mentally retarded students found the competencies need to be improved are the ability to read, write and count or commonly called calistung. This model will develop a learning media. The learning media that will be developed are in the form of modules intended for students with mental retardation in grade 2 elementary school (SD). The module was then developed into a learning module that is integrated with digital media. This development resulted in a product in the form of a printed module of the hypercontent type of digitally integrated thematic subject for grade 2 students of the Elementary School with Special Requirements. This module can help the teaching and learning process that is suitable to be applied to mentally retarded children.
Feeding the future
Authors: Lippe Catherine
Published: April 2024

Nutritionist, Catherine Lippe, discusses the need to address the gap in mandatory nutrition guidance and training in the early years sector, as well as the importance of laying down the foundations for children's health for the rest of their lives.
Method Development and Validation for Estimation of Bedaquiline and in Tablet Dosage form by Hptlc and Rp-Hplc Study
Authors: Chandrudu J , R Gandhimathi
Published: April 2024

A diarylquinoline anti-mycobacterial drug, bedaquiline (BDQ), treats mycobacterial infections. It inhibits the proton pump by inhibiting mycobacterial Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) synthase. ATP enzyme that is energy production requires Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The present study aimed to develop three analytical methods, i.e., High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), HPLC, and UV, as BDQ estimation in tablet forms. HPTLC is employed in the first method, which uses ethanol-chloroform-toluene as the mobile phase (6:3.5:0.5). UV spectroscopy at 240nm was used to analyse BDQ at 100-300 micrograms per milliliter. RP-HPLC method based on the separation using a C18 column, Buffer (sodium acetate): Methyl alcohol (70:30) as mobile phase flowing at a rate of 1ml per min. The retention time was determined to be 5.4 minutes. At 240 nm, it could quantify the concentrations of 5-25 g per ml at concentrations of 5-20 g per ml. The third method involves the "UV-VISIBLE” spectrophotometric method. A range of BDQ concentrations is determined of 8-40µg/ml, respectively. These methods were checked to ICH guidelines, and as a result, a commercially available pharmaceutical formulation, with the findings of statistical comparison, was conducted between all three methods.
Evaluation of Antioxidant Activities of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Essential Oil and Different Types of Solvent Extractions
Authors: Al Jaafreh Ahmad M.
Published: April 2024

The evaluation of the antioxidant activity of different solvents of rosemary extract would involve testing the efficacy of various solvents in extracting antioxidants. This can be done by measuring the antioxidant capacity of the extracts using different assays. The solvent that results in the highest antioxidant activity can then be considered the most effective for extraction purposes. This study examined the effects of several solvents on the extract of rosemary leaves, including its total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total tannin content, and antioxidant activity. Six different in-vitro methods DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, ferric reducing power, total antioxidant activity, and nitric oxide (NO) radical scavenging—were used for the antioxidant activity assessment. The TPC, TFC, TTC, and antioxidant capacity were all highly and considerably impacted by the extraction solvents. In general, the maximum TPC (72.34 GAE mg/g) and TFC (26.81 RE mg/g) were found in the ethanol extract. while aqueous extract had the highest TTA value (20.25 GAE mg/g). In the (NO) radical scavenging assay (86.68 RE mg/g) and DPPH (138.3 GAE mg/g) assays, methanol extract exhibited the best antioxidant activity, the aqueous extract had the highest activity in ABTS (125.33 TE mg/g), and ferric reducing power (144.5 AScE mg/g), in comparison, ethanol extract had the highest activity in FRAP (130.5 AScE mg/g) and total antioxidant activity (178.86 GAE mg/g) of rosemary leaves, also methanol extract shown the highest antibacterial activity. In addition, R2 (The coefficient of determination) values established a significant correlation between the phytochemical content and all antioxidant methods utilized. The highest R2 value was between FRAP assay and TPC and TFC, (0.8814), (0.9878) respectively, as DPPH with the TTC (0.923). R2 values also proved a strong correlation between antioxidant methods used, where the highest R2 was between frap and ferric reducing power (0.8985), and the lowest between DPPH and total antioxidant activity (0.5337).
Salivary Biomarkers in the Diagnosis of Diabetic Nephropathy – An Non- Invasive Approach
Authors: A Devi Lakshmi. , S Purnima. , V Atchaya. , Bharathi. S Divya , S Prasanna.
Published: April 2024

Diabetic Nephropathy, is a condition that is characterized by loss of kidney function and mostly occurs in individuals with Diabetes Mellitus. The development of Diabetic Nephropathy is easier to treat if diagnosed in the early stage (appearance of an abnormal amount of salivary biomarkers). The conventional methods are mostly invasive and have many limitations like irregular monitoring of the glucose, creatinine, urea etc., Saliva is a multi-constituent biological fluid. It is one of the most abundant secretions and its collection is easy and non-invasive. With this novel idea, the present study aimed in estimating the salivary parameters in the diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy. The objective of the project is to reduce the dependence on hemodialysis and kidney transplantation of a person suffering from ESRD by estimation of glucose by GOD-POD method, creatinine by Jaffe’s method and urea by Berthelot-Urease method