bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisis Kinerja Enkoder Konvolusi Dengan Parameter BER dan SNR Menggunakan MATLAB
Authors: Rahmah Linza Mawadda
Published: November 2024

Abstrak
 
Sistem komunikasi satelit menggunakan rentang frekuensi yang sangat tinggi untuk menerima dan mengirim sinyal sehingga terdapat beberapa kekhawatiran yg menjadi masalah yaitu masalah keamanan dan kesalahan data selama proses transmisi yang disebabkan oleh noise. Pada penelitian ini, dilakukan simulasi terhadap kemungkinan terjadinya kesalahan bit error dan Signal to Noise Ratio (Eb/No) untuk mengetahui kinerja pada convolutional encoder. Sedangkan pada sisi decoder menggunakan algoritma viterbi. Simulasi dilakukan menggunakan Simulink Matlab dengan parameter struktur rate kode konvolusi, BER, dan Eb/No. Hasil simulasi menunjukan bahwa besarnya Bit Error Rate (BER) sangat dipengaruhi oleh besarnya Eb/No. Semakin besar nilai Eb/No (dB), maka nilai BER akan semakin kecil. Begitu juga sebaliknya, semakin kecil nilai Eb/No (dB), nilai BER akan semakin besar. Selain itu, dengan penggunaan convolutional codes, hasil simulasi menunjukan bahwa konvolusi enkoder dengan rate 2/3 lebih baik dari rate 1/2 dan 1/3.
 
Kata Kunci: encoder konvolusi, rate, BER, signal to noise ratio (Eb/No), simulink matlab.
 
Abstract
 
Satellite Communication Systems use a very high-frequency range to receive and send signals. Some concerns become a problem, namely security issues, and data errors during the transmission process caused by noise. In this research, a simulation of the possibility of bit errors and Signal to Noise Ratio (Eb/No) was performed to determine the performance of the convolutional encoder. Whereas the decoder side uses the Viterbi algorithm. Simulations were carried out using Simulink Matlab with parameters the rate of convolution codes, BER, and Eb/No. Simulation results show that the magnitude of the bit error rate (BER) is strongly influenced by the amount of Eb/No. The greater the value of Eb/No (dB), the smaller the value of BER. And otherwise, the smaller the value of Eb/No, the greater the value of BER. In addition, with the use of Convolutional codes, the simulation results show that the convolution of encoders with a rate of 2/3 is better than the rate of ½ and 1/3.
 
Keywords: convolutional encoder, rate, BER, signal to noise ratio (Eb/No), simulink matlab.
A rezisztens hypertonia patofiziológiája, klinikai jelentősége
Authors: Benczúr Béla
Published: November 2024

A rezisztens hypertonia (RH) igazi kihívást jelent a hypertoniás betegek kezelésében, melyet három antihipertenzív gyógyszer alkalmazása ellenére célérték feletti vérnyomással lehet jellemezni. A vérnyomáscsökkentők között hosszú hatású Ca-antagonista, renin-angiotenzin rendszer gátló (RAS-inhibitor, vagyis ACE-gátló vagy ARB) és diuretikum kell, hogy szerepeljen, melyeket maximális, vagy a tolerálható maximális dózisban kap a beteg. Ezekben a betegekben nagy a cardiovascularis betegségek és a halálozás kockázata. A jelen összefoglaló a rezisztens hypertonia prevalenciájával, patofiziológiájával, okaival, diagnosztikájával és a hatékony vérnyomáscsökkentő kezelés korlátaival foglalkozik.
A felzárkózás kudarca (2. rész) : A magyarországi várható élettartam és elkerülhető halálozás trendjei nemzetközi összehasonlításban
Authors: Orosz Éva
Published: November 2024

A magyar egészségügy nap mint nap tapasztalható válságjelenségei mögött két hosszabb távú trend húzódik meg: a felzárkózásnak és az egészségügyi rendszer reformjának a kudarca. A két részből álló tanulmány csak az első folyamattal foglalkozik: bemutatja, hogy Magyarország az egészségügyi kiadások és az egészségi állapot számos alapvető indikátorát tekintve leszakadó pályára sodródott nemcsak a fejlett EU-országokhoz, hanem a többi visegrádi országhoz képest is. Az első rész az egészségügyi közkiadások trendjeit vázolta, ez a rész pedig az egészségi állapot két alapvető indikátorának, a várható élettartamnak és az elkerülhető halálozásnak a trendjeit elemzi, különválasztva az 1990-es évek eleje és a 2010-es évek vége közötti hosszabb távú trendeket és a Covid-19-járvány által befolyásolt időszakot. A tanulmány kiemeli, hogy Magyarország relatív helyzete lényegesen rosszabb az egészségügyi rendszer teljesítménye által meghatározott úgynevezett elkerülhető halálozásban, mint az összes halálozás esetében. Ez azt is jelenti, hogy – a halálozási adatainkat nemzetközi összehasonlításban tekintve – a kedvezőtlen pozíciónk egyik fő oka az egészségügyi rendszer rossz teljesítménye, aminek pedig alapvető tényezője az egészségügyi közkiadások tartósan rendkívül alacsony szintje – az egészségügynek a kormányzati prioritásokban elfoglalt alárendelt pozíciója következtében. Ahhoz, hogy a tanulmányban vázolt trendekben fordulat, az egészségügyi rendszer teljesítményében és az elkerülhető halálozásban lényeges javulás következzen be, egyszerre, egyidejűleg lenne szükség a közkiadások jelentős mértékű növelésére és strukturális reformokra az egészségügy finanszírozási és szolgáltatási rendszerében.
O CARÁTER SOCIAL E POLÍTICO DAS OBRAS DE JORGE AMADO, DA DÉCADA DE 1930
Authors:   UEMG - Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal, CARVALHO Isaar Soares de
Published: November 2024

: In this article, we will once again look at the way in which the writer Jorge Amado (1912-2001)
describes the existential particularity of homo brasiliensis in some of his works, especially in those discussed
here. By means of a literature review, this examination highlights the fact that Amado's narrative bias reveals
to his countless readers, from various generations, aspects of a Brazilian society that lives tirelessly
undecided between political, social and economic trajectories of success and failure. In this sense, the
immediate result of this examination is that we see in this research a Jorge Amado who is still eager to
contribute to raising awareness among the country's most suffering pobpulation through his fiction, regarding
certain nuances of the class struggle, a maxim that is so moldy in our memories and is taken as a basic
premise of his texts, in the same way that the equally rusty Revolution emerges in these same works as a
dialectical overcoming of the fictionally given concept. The aim of this paper, in short, is precisely to awaken
our contemporaries to issues that, if they are riddled with archaisms, on the one hand, on the other hand,
have not yet been completely overcome and require further struggles. Our study is justified by the fact that if the periodic re-readings of Jorge Amado still make some sense, it may be a sign that our idols may still be the same (Capitalism, Totalitarianism, Dogmatism, etc.). In the corpus of analysis, then, we must call for “Jubiabá” (1935) to exert new iconoclasms, otherwise we will be condemned to live forever in “O País do Carnaval” (1931), to the rhythm of samba, “Suor” (1934), “Cacau” (1933) and tears, ending up drowned in a “Mar Morto” (1936), until the “Capitães da Areia” (1937) come to save us from it.
Noncoding RNA, friend or foe for nephrolithiasis?
Authors: Wang Qing , Yang Zhenlu , Chen Xiaolong , Yang Yuanyuan , Jiang Kehua
Published: November 2024

Nephrolithiasis is one of the most common diseases in urology, characterized by notable incidence and recurrence rates, leading to significant morbidity and financial burden. Despite its prevalence, the precise mechanisms underlying stone formation remain incompletely understood, thus hindering significant advancements in kidney stone management over the past three decades. Investigating the pivotal biological molecules that govern stone formation has consistently been a challenging and high-priority task. A significant portion of mammalian genomes are transcribed into noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), which have the ability to modulate gene expression and disease progression. They are thus emerging as a novel target class for diagnostics and pharmaceutical exploration. In recent years, the role of ncRNAs in stone formation has attracted burgeoning attention. They have been found to influence stone formation by regulating ion transportation, oxidative stress injury, inflammation, osteoblastic transformation, autophagy, and pyroptosis. These findings contributes new perspectives on the pathogenesis of nephrolithiasis. To enhance our understanding of the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of nephrolithiasis-associated ncRNAs, we summarized the expression profiles, biological functions, and clinical significance of these ncRNAs in the current review.
Determinants of smallholder crop farmers’ access to climate services in Elundini local municipality, Eastern Cape province, South Africa
Authors: Nocezo Yanga-Inkosi , Manyike Jabulile Zamokuhle , Zhou Leocadia , Ngarava Saul
Published: November 2024

Climate variability presents significant implications for agricultural production and overall food security, leading to seeking better access to climate services that can improve farmers’ decision-making in combating climate change impacts. The study examined the factors influencing smallholder crop farmers’ access to climate services in Elundini local municipality, Eastern Cape province. The study adopted a quantitative method using a cross-sectional survey approach. A multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 217 smallholder crop farmers. The study used primary data collected through structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. To analyze the data the paper employed a binary Probit model. The study results indicated that access to both short-term weather and seasonal forecasts is positively influenced by ownership of mobile phones and access to extension services. Similarly, access to short-term weather forecasts is positively influenced by age, monthly income, ownership of radio, timely climate information, and perceiving that climate change has negative effects on crop production. The study further revealed that land size, knowledge of climate change, and climate services accuracy are positive and significant factors in access to seasonal forecasts. On the other hand, being educated negatively influenced access to seasonal forecasts while land size had a negative and significant effect on short-term weather forecasts. The study concludes that age, land size, ownership of mobile phones, and access to extension services were significant factors that determine both farmers’ access to short-term weather and seasonal forecasts. Therefore, the study recommends that if the access and uptake of climate services are to be improved, government stakeholders, researchers, and forecast producers should collaborate and offer training sessions and workshops on climate services relevance and how to acquire and interpret them, particularly for elderly farmers.
Experimental study on creep characteristics of electrolyte-bearing salt rock under long-term triaxial cyclic loading
Authors: Huang Si , Lu Jun , Wang Jian , Fu Xinghui , Fu Yaping , Li Yinping , Shi Xilin , Dong Zhikai , Zhao Kai , Li Peng , Xu Mingnan , Chen Xiangsheng
Published: November 2024

During the operation of the Salt Cavern Flow Battery (SCFB) system, the rock surrounding a salt cavern is subjected to erosion by the electrolyte. To study the creep characteristics of electrolyte-bearing salt rock under long-term triaxial cyclic loading in SCFB, a triaxial creep experiment with a cycle period of 1 day was conducted. The results indicated that, when not subjected to failure, the axial stress-strain curve of electrolyte-bearing sample undergoes only two phases of “sparse-dense”, entering dense phase approximately 4 cycles earlier than that of sample without electrolyte. Under the same stress conditions, the strain generated in electrolyte-bearing salt rock surpasses that of sample without electrolyte, demonstrating an initial rapid increase followed by a gradual stabilization trend. The stress-strain curve of electrolyte-bearing sample in a single cycle can be divided into six stages. The number of cycles has almost no effect on the axial strain in stages I, IV, V and VI, and the axial strain in stages IV and VI is basically 0. Additionally, the elastic deformation generated in stage I is basically recovered in stage V. The strain in stage II gradually decreases and disappears in the 4th cycle, which is 13 cycles earlier than that of the sample without electrolyte. The creep rate of electrolyte-bearing sample shows a trend of “gradual decrease—basically stabilization” as the number of cycles increases, and the creep experiment contains only the decay creep stage and steady creep stage. Irreversible deformation of electrolyte-bearing sample exhibits a gradual decrease followed by stabilization with increasing number of cycles. The research findings hold significant implications for the stability analysis of SCFB systems.
Fostering sustainable development values among engineering students using Service-Learning
Authors: López-Santiago Jesús , de Francisco Alonso Mónica , Zubelzu-Minguez Sergio , Ruiz-Garcia Luis , Gómez-Villarino María Teresa
Published: November 2024

In the majority of nations, environmental sustainability is an integral aspect of government policies, highlighting the criticality of equipping upcoming engineers with the necessary environmental awareness and skills to tackle this complex challenge. Higher education institutions assume a pivotal role in fulfilling this mission as their engineering programs aspire to generate graduates who possess the necessary competencies to effectively operate as “sustainable” engineers. Novel pedagogical methodologies, such as service learning, are currently being utilized to foster the cultivation of sustainable development values. Service-Learning represents a highly congruent approach to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, insofar as it seamlessly integrates educational curricula with relevant community issues. As a result, it effectively contributes to the advancement of education for a sustainable future. This investigation sought to assess the impact of service learning projects developed in a rural school community on the boosting of social skills and environmental values among engineering students. The empirical evidence suggests that Service-Learning initiatives centered on environmental issues are efficacious in promoting the acquisition of social and environmental values among students. This, in turn, results in a positive transformation of their skill sets. Significantly, a substantial proportion of environmental engineering students who previously demonstrated a low awareness of these skills acknowledged their acquisition upon completion of the Service-Learning projects. Moreover, no less than 75% of the participants endorsed the attainment of each of the 11 competencies evaluated.
DElite: a tool for integrated differential expression analysis
Authors: Baldazzi Davide , Doni Michele , Valenti Beatrice , Ciuffetti Maria Elena , Pezzella Stefano , Maestro Roberta
Published: November 2024

One of the fundamental aspects of genomic research is the identification of differentially expressed (DE) genes between two conditions. In the past decade, numerous DE analysis tools have been developed, employing various normalization methods and statistical modelling approaches. In this article, we introduce DElite, an R package that leverages the capabilities of four state-of-the-art DE tools: edgeR, limma, DESeq2, and dearseq. DElite returns the outputs of the four tools with a single command line, thus providing a simplified way for non-expert users to perform DE analysis. Furthermore, DElite provides a statistically combined output of the four tools, and in vitro validations support the improved performance of these combination approaches for the detection of DE genes in small datasets. Finally, DElite offers comprehensive and well-documented plots and tables at each stage of the analysis, thus facilitating result interpretation. Although DElite has been designed with the intention of being accessible to users without extensive expertise in bioinformatics or statistics, the underlying code is open source and structured in such a way that it can be customized by advanced users to meet their specific requirements. DElite is freely available for download from https://gitlab.com/soc-fogg-cro-aviano/DElite.
Gender disparity in health-related quality of life among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tufa Derara Girma , Tola Habteyes Hailu , Dissassa Hiwot Dejene , Geleta Leta Adugna , Malka Erean Shigign , Tadesse Addisu Waleligne , Wariso Feyiso Bati , Fetensa Getahun
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is a key outcome indicator in antiretroviral therapy program. In Ethiopia, primary studies on gender disparity in HRQoL among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) are conflicting, with no pooled estimation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate gender disparity in HRQoL among PLHA in Ethiopia.

Methods

Studies were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, Embase, MEDLINE, Science Direct, HINARI, and PsycINFO were systematically searched. In addition, Google Scholar, Google, journal homepages, bibliographies, and universities' research repositories in the country were searched by combining keywords and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms with Boolean operators. Based on the primary study results, the average score of each domain was utilized as a cut-off point to classify HRQoL as poor or good. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist was used to assess study quality. A random-effects model was used to report the pooled estimates. Summary estimates are presented in forest plots and tables. The variation between studies was assessed using the Higgins heterogeneity test (I2). Funnel plot, Begg's test, and Egger's test were used to assess publication bias. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel and exported to STATA 17 (Corporation, College Station, TX, USA) for analysis. The search results were managed using the EndNote X7 software.

Results

Fifteen studies with 4,867 PLHA were included. The pooled prevalence of poor HRQoL was 46.53% (95% CI: 41.96–51.10), 46.15% (95% CI: 37.05–55.24), and 36.21% (95% CI: 30.19–42.23) among PLHA, women, and men living with HIV, respectively. Moreover, a significant gender disparity in HRQoL was observed among Ethiopian women and men living with HIV. Women living with HIV were found to have 61% increased odds of poor HRQoL than men living with HIV in the country (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.15). No statistical evidence of a publication bias was observed.

Conclusion

Almost half of PLHA patients in Ethiopia had a poor HRQoL. Women living with HIV have higher odds of poor HRQoL than men living with HIV. This highlights the pressing need for gender-specific risk assessment approaches and treatment interventions aimed at optimizing HRQoL in HIV/AIDS settings.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023454810.
Prediction of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules using preoperative CT features: using PNI-GARS as a predictor
Authors: Zhan Yuxin , Song Feipeng , Zhang Wenjia , Gong Tong , Zhao Shuai , Lv Fajin
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a prediction model for classification of pulmonary nodules based on preoperative CT imaging.

Materials and methods

A data set of Centers 1 (training set: 2633; internal testing set: 1129); Center 2 and Center 3 (external testing set: 218) of patients with pulmonary nodule cases was retrospectively collected. Handcrafted features were extracted from noncontrast chest CT scans by three senior radiologists. A total of 22 clinically handcrafted parameters (age, gender, L-RADS, and PNI-GARS et al.) were used to construct machine learning models (random forest, gradient boosting, and explainable boosting) for the classification of preoperative pulmonary nodules, and the parameters of the model were adjusted to achieve optimal performance. To evaluate the prediction capacity of each model. Both 5-fold cross-validation and 10-fold cross-validation were used to test the robustness of the models.

Results

The explainable boosting model had the best performance on our constructed data. The model achieves an accuracy of 89.9%, a precision of 97.48%, a specificity of 89.5%, a sensitivity of 91.1%, and an AUC of 90.3%. In human-machine comparison, the AUC of machine learning models (90.4%, 95% CI: 85.5%–94.8%) was significantly improved compared to radiologists (60%, 95% CI: 50%–71.4%).

Conclusions

The explainable boosting model exhibited superior performance on our dataset, achieving high accuracy and precision in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules compared to experienced radiologists.
The complement system in lipid-mediated pathologies
Authors: Alic Lejla , Dendinovic Kristina , Papac-Milicevic Nikolina
Published: November 2024

The complement system, a coordinator and facilitator of the innate immune response, plays an essential role in maintaining host homeostasis. It promotes clearance of pathogen- and danger-associated molecular patterns, regulates adaptive immunity, and can modify various metabolic processes such as energy expenditure, lipid metabolism, and glucose homeostasis. In this review, we will focus on the intricate interplay between complement components and lipid metabolism. More precisely, we will display how alterations in the activation and regulation of the complement system affect pathological outcome in lipid-associated diseases, such as atherosclerosis, obesity, metabolic syndrome, age-related macular degeneration, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. In addition to that, we will present and evaluate underlying complement-mediated physiological mechanisms, observed both in vitro and in vivo. Our manuscript will demonstrate the clinical significance of the complement system as a bridging figure between innate immunity and lipid homeostasis.
The effects of chemogenetic targeting of serotonin-projecting pathways on L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia and psychosis in a bilateral rat model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Lipari Natalie , Galfano Ashley , Venkatesh Shruti , Grezenko Han , Sandoval Ivette M. , Manfredsson Fredric P. , Bishop Christopher
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is commonly characterized by severe dopamine (DA) depletion within the substantia nigra (SN) leading to a myriad of motor and non-motor symptoms. One underappreciated and prevalent non-motor symptom, Parkinson’s disease-associated psychosis (PDAP), significantly erodes patient and caregiver quality of life yet remains vastly understudied. While the gold standard pharmacotherapy for motor symptoms Levodopa (LD) is initially highly effective, it can lead to motor fluctuations like LD-induced dyskinesia (LID) and non-motor fluctuations such as intermittent PDAP. One source of these fluctuations could be the serotonergic raphe nuclei and their projections. Serotonin (5-HT) neurons possess the machinery necessary to convert and release DA from exogenous LD. In DA-depleted brain regions these 5-HT projections can act as surrogates to the DA system initially compensating but chronically leading to aberrant neuroplasticity which has been linked to LID and may also contribute to non-motor fluctuations. In support, recent work from our lab established a positive relationship between LID and PDAP in parkinsonian rats. Therefore, it was hypothesized that normalizing 5-HT forebrain input would reduce the co-expression of LID and PDAP.

Methods

To do so, we expressed 5-HT projection specific inhibitory designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) using Cre-dependent AAV9-hM4di in tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2)-Cre bilaterally 6-OHDA-lesioned rats. Thereafter we used the designer drug Compound 21 to selectively inhibit 5-HT raphe projections during LD treatment to modulate the expression of PDAP, assayed by prepulse inhibition (PPI) and LID, quantified by the abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) test.

Results

Our results suggest that chemogenetic inhibition of 5-HT raphe-projecting cells significantly reduces LID without affecting stepping ability or established sensorimotor gating deficits

Discussion

Overall, this study provides further evidence for the complex influence of 5-HT raphe-projecting neurons on LD’s neurobehavioral effects.
Uncovering the dual roles of peripheral immune cells and their connections to brain cells in stroke and post-stroke stages through single-cell sequencing
Authors: Xu Zheng , Yang Fan , Zheng Lifang
Published: November 2024

Ischemic stroke is a cerebrovascular disease that affects the blood vessels and the blood supply to the brain, making it the second leading cause of death worldwide. Studies suggest that immune cells play a dual role during the inflammatory and recovery phases of stroke. However, in-depth investigations of specific cell subtypes and their differentiation trajectories remain to be elucidated. In this review, we highlight the application of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) for the unbiased identification of cell heterogeneity in brain and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) during and after a stroke. Our goal is to explore the phenotypic landscape of cells with different roles in this context. Specifically, we provide an overview of the roles, cell surface markers, immune cell-released cytokines, and intercellular interactions identified in major immune cells during and after stroke, as identified by different technologies. Additionally, we summarize the connection between immune cells in peripheral blood and the brain via their differentiation trajectories. By synthesizing the application of scRNA-seq in the combined analysis of PBMCs and brain tissue at higher sampling frequencies, we aim to unveil the dual role of peripheral immune cells, which could facilitate the development of new treatment strategies for ischemic stroke.
Integrating environmental sustainability and social justice principles into South Africa's blue economy initiative: re-imagining the political economy of our ocean
Authors: Sowman Merle , Sunde Jackie
Published: November 2024

South Africa has vigorously embraced the concept of the blue economy. However, the scope, scale and impacts of South Africa's blue economy initiative, have raised significant concerns amongst local communities, NGOs and scholar activists in South Africa who are challenging South Africa's conceptualization of, and approach to “blue growth.” This paper provides a critique of South Africa's approach to planning, developing and governing the ocean economy and argues that the principles of social justice and environmental sustainability have been sidelined in favor of pursuing rapid economic growth. The paper examines key issues in the literature, environmental assessment processes, various legal cases that deal with mining, oil and gas applications, as well as insights from participation in several workshops with small-scale coastal fishing communities where issues on the blue economy were explored. These issues are discussed in relation to the growing literature on inclusive governance and integration of social justice and equity principles as foundational for fostering a sustainable and equitable blue economy. We conclude with proposals for embedding environmental sustainability and social justice principles, in a co-created blue economy policy and governance framework for South Africa.
Fisetin exerts neuroprotective effects in vivo and in vitro by inhibiting ferroptosis and oxidative stress after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Yang Haiyi , Hong Ye , Gong Mingjie , Cai Shihong , Yuan Zhongwen , Feng Senling , Chen Qibo , Liu Xixia , Mei Zhengrong
Published: November 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important cause of disability and mortality, and identifying effective neuroprotective drugs and targets after TBI is an urgent public concern. Ferroptosis, an iron dependent, novel form of cell death associated with lipid peroxidation, has recently been shown to participate in secondary injury processes after TBI. Fisetin is a natural and relatively safe at general dosages flavonoid compound with neuroprotective properties. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism of ferroptosis in TBI and the role of fisetin in neuroprotection by regulating ferroptosis and oxidative stress following TBI. Through in vivo experiments, a mouse model of repetitive mild closed head injury was established to determine that fisetin could reduce post-TBI injury and exert neuroprotective effects as determined by the Neurobehavioral Severity Scale score, brain water content, Nissl staining, hematoxylin-eosin staining, TUNEL staining and water maze experiment results. Fisetin was proven to be capable of inhibiting the changes in post-TBI ferroptosis proteins, activating the PI3K/AKT/NRF2 signaling pathway, and reducing oxidative stress, as confirmed by Western blotting. Via in vitro experiments, cell death models of ferroptosis were established with glutamate and erastin. As determined by MTT assay, fisetin improved the survival of cells with induced ferroptosis. The morphological alterations of ferroptotic cells were ascertained with a microscope. Fisetin similarly inhibited the changes in multiple ferroptosis-associated proteins induced by glutamate and erastin, reduced ROS and peroxidation products, and increased the level of antioxidants. In conclusion, fisetin exerts neuroprotective effects in TBI through multiple pathways, thereby alleviating tissue damage and cognitive dysfunction.
Quantum dot-based thermometry uncovers decreased myosin efficiency in an experimental intensive care unit model
Authors: Li Meishan , Cacciani Nicola , Ribeiro Fernando , Hedström Yvette , Jena Bhanu P. , Larsson Lars
Published: November 2024

Critical illness myopathy (CIM) detrimentally affects muscle function in ICU patients, with a dramatic loss of muscle mass and function where the loss in specific force exceeds the loss in muscle mass (maximum force normalized to muscle cross-sectional area). The preferential loss of the molecular motor protein myosin, representing the hallmark of CIM, exhibiting a significant negative impact on the specific force generation by the muscle. Interestingly however, the preferential myosin loss is a relatively late event, and a specific loss in force generation capacity, is observed prior to the myosin loss. In the current study, employing an optimized cadmium telluride quantum dots (QD) mediated-thermometry approach to assess the efficiency of the myosin, we were able to determine the loss in specific force generated by the muscle, prior to the preferential loss of myosin. Reduction in QD fluorescent intensity correlates with greater heat loss, reflecting inefficient myosin function (less mechanical work performed and more heat loss on ATP hydrolysis by myosin). A significant decrease in myosin efficiency was observed in rats subjected to the ICU condition (immobilization and mechanical ventilation) for 5 days using an established experimental ICU model not limited by early mortality. Thus, qualitative myosin changes preceding quantitative myosin loss offer a mechanism underlying the early loss in specific force generation capacity associated with CIM and opens a venue for future CIM intervention strategies.
Knockdown of CYP6SZ3 and CYP6AEL1 genes increases the susceptibility of Lasioderma serricorne to ethyl formate and benzothiazole
Authors: Li Xiaokun , Ma Lixin , Yang Wenjia , Xu Kangkang
Published: November 2024

Insect cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs) play crucial roles in the metabolic detoxification of insecticides. Ethyl formate and benzothiazole have recently regained popularity as fumigants due to rising resistance to phosphine in the stored-product pests. However, the mechanisms underlying tolerance to these two fumigants in Lasioderma serricorne, a major global insect pest of stored products, remain poorly understood. In this study, two CYP genes, named CYP6SZ3 and CYP6AEL1, were identified from L. serricorne, belonging to the CYP6 family and containing five conserved domains characteristic of CYP proteins. Spatiotemporal expression analysis revealed that both genes were predominantly expressed in the larval stage and showed the highest expression in the foregut. Upon exposure to ethyl formate and benzothiazole, both genes were upregulated, with significantly increased transcription levels following treatment. RNA interference-mediated silencing of CYP6SZ3 and CYP6AEL1 led to increased susceptibility and significantly higher mortality of L. serricorne when exposed to these fumigants. Homology modeling and molecular docking analyses showed stable binding of these fumigants to CYP6SZ3 and CYP6AEL1 proteins, with binding free energies from −26.88 to −94.68 kcal mol−1. These findings suggest that the induction of CYP6SZ3 and CYP6AEL1 is likely involved in the detoxification of ethyl formate and benzothiazole in L. serricorne.
A global survey to understand general vaccine trust, COVID-19 and influenza vaccine confidence
Authors: D’Silva Chelsea , Fullerton Madison M. , Hu Jia , Rabin Kenneth , Ratzan Scott C.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the way that the world views vaccines. While safe and effective, COVID-19 vaccines were, and continue to be met with hesitancy and misinformation. We aimed to understand public perceptions and trust in COVID-19 vaccinations and how the pandemic has impacted perceptions of non-COVID-19 vaccines.

Methods

Survey data were collected between August 7, 2023–August 16, 2023, from 7,000 respondents aged 18 years and older from the United States (n = 1,000); Nigeria (n = 1,000); United Kingdom (n = 1,000); France (n = 1,000); Canada (n = 1,000); Brazil (n = 1,000); and India (n = 1,000).

Results

Trust in COVID-19 vaccines was highest in Brazil (84.6%) and India (80.4%) and lowest in the United States (63.5%) and France (55.0%). 47.5% of respondents agreed that they trust traditional protein-based vaccines more than mRNA vaccines, 13.5% disagree and 39.0% are neutral about their trust in protein-based versus mRNA vaccines. Overall, 53.9% of respondents reported that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted their perceptions of vaccines with half of these respondents (51.7%) reporting that the pandemic made them think that other vaccines are more important as they understand how critical vaccines can be at preventing serious illnesses.

Discussion

These data can be used by health system decision makers, public health and researchers to understand how vaccine trust impacts perceptions of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines globally and develop tailored interventions that address local concerns.
Toward stakeholders’ understanding of media reporting on doctor–patient relationship issues: trust, unfamiliarity and uncertainty in the Chinese context
Authors: Gao Zhenghan , Huang Junyang , Zhang Bowen , Zhang Xinwen
Published: November 2024

Introduction

This study explores doctors’ and patients’ understandings of citizen journalism on doctor–patient relationship issues. It also examines the communication effect of citizen journalism as a communication platform on doctors and patients who are taking part in the doctor–patient relationship in contemporary China.

Method

This study draws on the analysis of 24 semi-structured interviews with doctors from both publicly funded and privately operated hospital, and nine focus groups which included 36 patients with different socio-economic backgrounds.

Result

The empirical research present the following results: (1) authority and witness are the two key factors to construct the stakeholders’(doctors’ and patients’) awareness and trust of citizen journalist reporting on the doctor–patient relationship issues. (2) stakeholders’ perception on citizen journalism will construct them concern on the uncertain and unfamiliar knowledge during the hospital activities.

Discussion

The interpretation of doctor–patient relationship reports by doctors and patients affects their mutual trust. Authority and witnessing are two key factors that citizen journalists should consider when reporting on doctor–patient relationship news. Doctors from different types of hospitals and patients with different income levels have different understandings of the authority and witnessing of the reported content. Reading the content of doctor–patient conflicts reflected in citizen journalist reports can exacerbate the emotional fluctuations of doctors and patients. After reading these reports, doctors and patients may experience increased anxiety about uncertainty and unfamiliarity in doctor–patient communication.

Contribution

This study provides a framework for public health research from the relationship between communication content and audience. It also provides answers from the perspectives of media and stakeholders to investigate the tension in doctor–patient relationships in China.
Benefits of promoting scholarship among program directors: promoting scholarship among directors is a win-win-win for institutions, trainees, and directors
Authors: Brandt Patrick D. , Robinson Donita L.
Published: November 2024

When the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget doubled in the late 1990s, it led to a rise in the number of PhD-trained scientists and to increased NIH-funded programs to diversify the biomedical workforce. This trend has seen more PhD scientists take on leadership roles as program directors in academia. These program directors are often highly skilled in research design and data analysis, and they bring a scholarly approach to their administrative duties. Despite organizational challenges, promoting scholarship among program directors offers numerous benefits, including enhanced institutional reputation and better training outcomes. Herein we use examples from peer reviewed literature to illustrate how publications by program directors have influenced national policies and practices in biomedical training. Encouraging more academic institutions to support program director scholarship can yield significant returns for institutions, trainees, and the directors themselves.
Exploring Respiratory Viruses: A Day at School
Authors: Gjessing Bruun Marie , Shaw Daniel Steven
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted people to stay home to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19). But did you know that other respiratory viruses, like the ones that cause colds and flu, can also spread indoors? We spend a lot of time indoors. This might be at home, school, or elsewhere. That is why indoor air quality is an important topic for public health. In this article, we explore viruses and how they spread indoors. By knowing more about viruses and how to improve air quality, we can help to keep ourselves healthy.
The relationship between intraoperative glucose levels and length of hospital stay in patients with a femoral neck fracture: a retrospective study based on the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Ni Yan , Hu Cheng-ming , Li Chao , Zhang Ting , Bao Ying-xue
Published: November 2024

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to explore the relationship between intraoperative glucose (IG) and the length of hospital stay (LOS) in patients with femoral neck fractures via the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV (MIMIC-IV) database.

Methods

A generalized additive model was performed to explore the relationship between IG levels and LOS. Restricted cubic spline curves were used to analyze the dose-response relationship between IG levels and prolonged LOS (or 7-day LOS). Threshold effect analysis was conducted to assess the key points influencing their association. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA) were performed to evaluate the predictive performance of IG levels for LOS.

Results

A total of 743 patients with femoral neck fractures were enrolled from the MIMIC-IV database. We found that there was a non-linear relationship between IG and the LOS (or prolonged LOS/>7 days LOS). Moreover, their relationship was still significant even after adjusting for potential confounders. The threshold effect showed that IG was significantly related to a prolonged LOS when it was >137 mg/dl, and IG was significantly related to a 7-day LOS when it was >163 mg/dl. ROC showed that IG had a better function in predicting a 7-day LOS in participants with IG >163 mg/dl than in predicting a prolonged LOS among participants with IG >137 mg/dl. Moreover, the DCA results showed that IG can obtain a favorable net benefit in clinical settings in predicting a 7-day LOS among participants with IG >163 mg/dl.

Conclusions

In summary, there was a non-linear relationship between IG levels and LOS. In patients with IG levels >163 mg/dl, using IG content to predict an LOS >7 days had a good function.
Case report: Successful treatment of chorioptic mange in two Belgian draft horse foals with topical ivermectin
Authors: Brys Marieke , Den Hondt Stien , Saey Veronique , Claerebout Edwin , Chiers Koen
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Various draft horse breeds, especially breeds with abundant feathering on the lower limbs, are known to be susceptible to chorioptic mange. Clinical signs of chorioptic mange encompass intense pruritus leading to self-mutilation and hair loss, thickening of the epidermis, and the formation of hyperkeratotic crusts and scabs. Despite the frequent occurrence and high impact of this condition, treatment options are limited, with a conspicuous absence of registered products formulated for equines, and especially foals. This limited availability of approved products highlights the necessity for alternative approaches to effectively address chorioptic mange in draft horse populations, given the severity of the clinical signs and their negative impact on the well-being of infested horses.

Methods

Two 9-months old Belgian draft horse foals with clinical signs of severe pruritus and skin scaling on the distal legs were included. Both horses tested positive for living mites by means of superficial skin scrapings. Topical treatment with ivermectin at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight was applied twice with 1 week interval, directly onto the distal legs of the horses.

Results

In both cases, the mites were morphologically identified as Chorioptes bovis. Negative scrapings were obtained 7 days after the second treatment. Pruritus resolved in both horses within 2 days after the first treatment. Clinical signs consisting of skin scaling and crusting in the pastern region had resolved as well at 1 week and 3 weeks after the second treatment, respectively.

Conclusion

This case report presents the first successful treatment of two clinical cases of chorioptic mange in Belgian draft horse foals with 1 mg/kg topical ivermectin, applied directly onto the distal legs.
Spatiotemporal occupancy patterns of chronic wasting disease
Authors: Davis Amy J. , Hesting Shane , Jaster Levi , Mosley Joseph E. , Raghavan Akila , Raghavan Ram K.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) among cervids in Kansas has seen a consistent rise over the years, both in terms of the number of infections and its geographical spread. In this study, we assessed the occupancy patterns of CWD among white-tailed deer and mule deer across the state.

Methods

Using surveillance data collected since 2005, we applied a dynamic patch occupancy model within a Bayesian framework, incorporating various environmental covariates. Using principal components analysis, 13 fully orthogonal components representing cervid habitat, soil, and elevation were derived. Competing models with different temporal patterns were fit, and the best model selected based on Watanabe-AIC values and AUC value of 0.89.

Results

The occupancy pattern produced by this model revealed a steady progression of the disease toward the east and southeast of the state. A random forest analysis of covariates at annual intervals indicated that geographic location, elevation, areas occupied by mixed forests, and several soil attributes (pH, clay content, depth to restrictive layer, available water content, and bulk density) explained most of the variability in the surveillance data (R2 = 0.96).

Discussion

The findings reported in this study are the first for the state of Kansas but are consistent with previous findings from other geographic jurisdictions in the US and Canada. This consistency underscores their value in designing surveillance and management programs.
Electrophysiological Markers of Ex-Situ Heart Performance in a Porcine Model of Cardiac Donation After Circulatory Death
Authors: Amesz Jorik H. , Bierhuizen Mark F. A. , Langmuur Sanne J. J. , Knops Paul , van Steenis Yvar P. , Dumay Dwight , van Schie Mathijs S. , Manintveld Olivier C. , de Groot Natasja M. S. , Taverne Yannick J. H. J.
Published: November 2024

Normothermic ex-situ heart perfusion (ESHP) enables assessment of hearts donated after circulatory death (DCD) prior to transplantation. However, sensitive parameters of cardiac function of DCD hearts on ESHP are needed. This study proposes a novel approach using electrophysiological (EP) parameters derived from electrical mapping as biomarkers of post-ischemic cardiac performance. Porcine slaughterhouse hearts (PSH) were divided in two groups based on the type of warm ischemia (Group 1: 10 ± 1 min with animal depilation vs. Group 2: ≤5 min without depilation). Electrical mapping of the right (RV) and left ventricle (LV) was performed on ESHP. Potential voltages, slopes and conduction velocities were computed from unipolar electrograms and compared between groups. Voltages were lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (RV: 3.6 vs. 15.3 mV, p = 0.057; LV: 10.8 vs. 23.6 mV, p = 0.029). In addition, the percentage of low-voltage potentials was higher and potential slopes were flatter in Group 1. Voltages and slopes strongly correlated with the visual contractile performance of PSH, but showed weaker correlation with lactate profiles. In conclusion, unipolar potential voltages and potential slopes were decreased in hearts with severe warm ischemia. As such, EP parameters could aid transplantation teams in decision-making on transplantability of DCD hearts.
Experimental Study on Fluid Dissipation Effects in Core Samples by NMR Measurement
Authors: Liao Zhongshu , Zhang Gong , Ma Yingying
Published: November 2024

Laboratory core nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxation measurements offer geological information, including rock porosity and oil saturation, relevant to logging. When core samples drilled from wells are exposed to air, the fluids within their pores inevitably dissipate. This phenomenon may lead to discrepancies between the results of nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation experiments and the actual situation underground. To deeply explore the impact of fluid dissipation on NMR core analysis experimental results, a series of simulated dissipation experiments were designed under constant temperature and humidity conditions. Variations in one-dimensional and two-dimensional NMR measurement results of oil-saturated samples were examined under varying crude oil viscosities and dissipation times. The experimental results indicate that as exposure time increases, the T2 distribution of oil-saturated cores decreases, and the amplitude of the T2 distribution peaks decreases. Both oil and water relaxation components show a decreasing trend; however, the dissipation rate of the bounding water component significantly exceeds that of the crude oil component. By employing two-dimensional NMR relaxation time distribution fluid quantitative analysis technology, the relationship between the dissipation rates of various phase fluids and exposure time during the stable dissipation stage was analyzed. This offers a reference for adjusting the oil saturation of exposed cores based on NMR measurements.