bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Orbital angular momentum and rotational properties of off-axis vortex beams in two-dimensional media with anisotropic nonlocal nonlinearity
Authors: Liang Guo , Chen Xiangwei , Xu Huizhong
Published: August 2024

By introducing anisotropy into nonlinear propagations, off-axis vortex beams exhibit significantly different characteristics compared to the isotropic case. The orbital angular momentum (OAM) is non-conservative and can periodically change between positive and negative values. Accordingly, the rotation of phase singularity can transit between clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Furthermore, the phase singularity can move to infinity when the OAM approaches zero. By using the Ehrenfest theorem, the motion of the beam center is obtained. Its trajectory can be circular and parabolic or follow other complex shapes, depending closely on the anisotropy of the nonlinearity. The rotational velocity of the beam center can be modulated by the nonlinearity anisotropy and can far exceed the initial value during its propagation. These results may find potential applications in beam shaping and optical manipulation.
Spectroscopy and 400 nm-induced photodarkening measurements in Sm3+-doped aluminophosphosilcate fibre
Authors: Ososkov Yan , Lee Jinho , Jackson Stuart D.
Published: August 2024

We present initial measurements of the basic spectroscopic parameters and photodarkening characteristics for a Sm3+-doped aluminophosphosilicate (APS) glass fibre with a large phosphorous-to-aluminium ratio that is pumped at 400 nm using an InGaN diode laser. The spectroscopic parameters are compared with previous studies. We demonstrate that the presence of a P:Al ratio ∼9 leads to the formation of P-related colour centres only, causing absorption in the visible part of the spectrum that directly overlaps with the strongest Sm3+ transitions at 600 nm and 650 nm. We propose an explanation for the photoionization of the P-related defect precursors in high P:Al ratio APS glass based on excited state absorption from the upper state of Sm3+ that is followed by subsequent high-energy UV photons emission. We also establish that large P:Al ratios in APS fiber can effectively inhibit the reduction of Sm3+ to Sm2+. These findings lay the groundwork for further development of visible fibre lasers based on Sm3+-doped silicate glass.
Configurable microcavity-enhanced graphene photothermoelectric terahertz detectors
Authors: Yao Yifan , Cai Miao , Fu Jingjing , Hou Shicong , Cai Yating , He Fei , Guo Xuguang , Zhu Yiming
Published: August 2024

Terahertz (THz) detectors with high sensitivity, fast response speed, room temperature operation, and self-powered feature are the key component for many THz applications. Microcavity resonators can effectively improve the sensitivity of THz detectors. However, it is difficult to precisely evaluate the microcavity resonator induced such improvement in experiment. Here, we realize a configurable microcavity–antenna-integrated graphene photothermoelectric (PTE) THz detector. Through the microcavity–antenna hybrid structure, THz radiations are localized and enhanced at one end of the graphene channel, and the temperature difference along the channel is greatly increased, resulting in the strong enhancement of PTE response. At the resonant frequency, the device has a high responsivity (976 V/W), low noise equivalent power (2.87  pW/Hz1/2), and fast response speed (300 ns) at room temperature and in zero-bias operation mode. The microcavity-induced peak enhancement factor of 13.14 is accurately extracted. The microcavity–antenna introduced enhancement is further confirmed by using a two-temperature heat transfer model. The strategy of using a configurable microcavity is useful for further optimizing THz detectors by introducing the critical coupling mechanism.
Credibility assessment of in silico clinical trials for medical devices
Authors: Pathmanathan Pras , Aycock Kenneth , Badal Andreu , Bighamian Ramin , Bodner Jeff , Craven Brent A. , Niederer Steven
Published: August 2024

In silico clinical trials (ISCTs) are an emerging method in modeling and simulation where medical interventions are evaluated using computational models of patients. ISCTs have the potential to provide cost-effective, time-efficient, and ethically favorable alternatives for evaluating the safety and effectiveness of medical devices. However, ensuring the credibility of ISCT results is a significant challenge. This paper aims to identify unique considerations for assessing the credibility of ISCTs and proposes an ISCT credibility assessment workflow based on recently published model assessment frameworks. First, we review various ISCTs described in the literature, carefully selected to showcase the range of methodological options available. These studies cover a wide variety of devices, reasons for conducting ISCTs, patient model generation approaches including subject-specific versus ‘synthetic’ virtual patients, complexity levels of devices and patient models, incorporation of clinician or clinical outcome models, and methods for integrating ISCT results with real-world clinical trials. We next discuss how verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification apply to ISCTs, considering the range of ISCT approaches identified. Based on our analysis, we then present a hierarchical workflow for assessing ISCT credibility, using a general credibility assessment framework recently published by the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Overall, this work aims to promote standardization in ISCTs and contribute to the wider adoption and acceptance of ISCTs as a reliable tool for evaluating medical devices.
Tensor cardiography: A novel ECG analysis of deviations in collective myocardial action potential transitions based on point processes and cumulative distribution functions
Authors: Tsukada Shingo , Iwasaki Yu-ki , Tsukada Yayoi Tetsuo
Published: August 2024

To improve clinical diagnoses, assessments of potential cardiac disease risk, and predictions of lethal arrhythmias, the analysis of electrocardiograms (ECGs) requires a more accurate method of weighting waveforms to efficiently detect abnormalities that appear as minute strains in the waveforms. In addition, the inverse problem of estimating the myocardial action potential from the ECG has been a longstanding challenge. To analyze the variance of the ECG waveforms and to estimate collective myocardial action potentials (APs) from the ECG, we designed a model equation incorporating the probability densities of Gaussian functions of time-series point processes in the cardiac cycle and dipoles of the collective APs in the myocardium. The equation, which involves taking the difference between the cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) that represent positive endocardial and negative epicardial potentials, fits both R and T waves. The mean, standard deviation, weights, and level of each cumulative distribution function (CDF) are metrics for the variance of the transition state of the collective myocardial AP. Clinical ECGs of myocardial ischemia during coronary intervention show abnormalities in the aforementioned specific elements of the tensor associated with repolarization transition variance earlier than in conventional indicators of ischemia. The tensor can be used to evaluate the beat-to-beat dynamic repolarization changes between the ventricular epi and endocardium in terms of the Mahalanobis distance (MD). This tensor-based cardiography that uses the differences between CDFs to show changes in collective myocardial APs has the potential to be a new analysis tool for ECGs.
Comparing the cost-effectiveness of the MPT64-antigen detection test to Xpert MTB/RIF and ZN-microscopy for the diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis: An economic evaluation modelling study
Authors: Hassan Shoaib , Mustafa Tehmina , Muller William , Torres Lisete , Marijani Msafiri , Ngadaya Esther , Mfinanga Sayoki , Lema Yakobo , Grønningen Erlend , Jorstad Melissa , Norheim Ole , Robberstad Bjarne
Published: August 2024

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (EPTB) poses challenges from patient and health system perspectives. The cost-effectiveness analysis of the Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) test to diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis is documented. However, there are no economic evaluations for EPTB. Considering the reported better diagnostic sensitivity of the MPT64 test, this study explored its cost-effectiveness as an alternative diagnostic test. We conducted this economic evaluation to assess the cost-effectiveness of the MPT64 test compared to Xpert and ZN microscopy for EPTB adult patients. We utilised a Markov modelling approach to capture short- and long-term costs and benefits from a health system perspective. For the model inputs, we combined data from our cohort studies in Tanzania and peer-reviewed EPTB literature. We calculated the Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) by comparing the cost (in USD) of each diagnostic test and Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) as health gain. We found the MPT64 test cost-effective for EPTB diagnosis and absolutely dominated ZN microscopy and Xpert using the baseline model inputs. A scenario analysis showed that the Xpert test might be the most cost-effective at its higher test sensitivity, which corresponds to using it to diagnose lymph node aspirates. The prevalence of HIV among EPTB cases, their probability of treatment, costs of ART, and the probability of the MPT64 test in detecting EPTB patients were the main parameters associated with the highest impact on ICER in one-way deterministic analysis. The most cost-effective option for EPTB at the baseline parameters was the MPT64 diagnostic test. Including the MPT64 test in EPTB diagnostic pathways for previously untreated patients can lead to better resource use. The Xpert test was the most cost-effective diagnostic intervention at a higher diagnostic test sensitivity in scenario analyses based on different sites of infection, such as for the lymph node aspirates.
Revealing the diversity of Parasmittina Osburn, 1952 (Bryozoa, Cheilostomatida) from the Southwest Atlantic: Species complexes, non-native and new species
Authors: Farias Jamile , Vieira Leandro M. , Almeida Ana C. S.
Published: August 2024

Parasmittina is the most representative cheilostome genus of the family Smittinidae, often reported in the fouling non-indigenous marine community. Here, we present a review of Parasmittina species reported in the Southwestern Atlantic including the characterization of one species from Argentina (P. dubitata) and ten from the Brazilian coast: P. abrolhosensis, P. alba, P. bimucronata, P. ligulata comb. nov., P. longirostrata, P. pinctatae, P. serrula, P. simpulata, P. winstonae and the new species Parasmittina falciformis sp. nov. The new species is characterized by a smooth distally primary orifice with 1–2 oral spines, large lyrula, serrated condyles with hooked tips, and two types of avicularia–small and subtriangular and large sublanceolate. This study does not recognize four species previous recorded in Brazil: reports of P. betamorphaea and P. trispinosa are now assigned to P. pinctatae; records of P. munita belong to P. falciformis sp. nov.; and reports of P. spathulata encompass at least two taxa, including P. abrolhosensis and P. simpulata. In this study, five species complexes (P. alba, P. longirostrata, P. serrula, P. simpulata and P. winstonae) were identified and require further investigations. While six species characterized here were first described based on specimens from the Southwestern Atlantic (P. abrolhosensis, P. alba, P. dubitata, P. ligulata comb. nov., P. simpulata and P. falciformis sp. nov.), the remaining species are mainly known from the Indo-Pacific. These taxa are here recognized as exotic (P. longirostrata) and cryptogenic (P. bimucronata, P. pinctatae, P. serrula and P. winstonae) in the studied area. Most of the non-native taxa are widespread along the Brazilian coast, growing on both artificial and natural surfaces, indicating that they are well-established in the area. As non-native bryozoans can negatively influence the environment, affecting human economic activities and beach usage, further studies on the fauna presented here are suggested to determine the origin of these taxa and help prevent bioinvasion events along the SW Atlantic.
Unlocking SME growth: Analyzing the government subsidies’ impact on financing in China
Authors: Sun Wenjing , Wang Zheng , Huang Yongxin , Li Yifan
Published: August 2024

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were an important part of China’s economy, but they faced challenges to growth due to financing difficulties. Government subsidies are considered as a potential way to address this problem. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Chinese government’s subsidy program aimed at improving the accessibility of financing for SMEs. We analyze a comprehensive dataset of Chinese firms’ subsidy programs from 2011 to 2020. We classify subsidies into unconditional and conditional categories and use fixed-effects regression models to control for the effects of time and between-group variation to more accurately assess the effectiveness of government subsidies. In addition, we use a PSM-DID model to reduce the effect of selectivity bias to more accurately estimate the causal effect of subsidies on financing strategies. We also use a mediated effects model to help understand the mechanisms by which different types of subsidies affect financing strategies. The results show that government subsidies can significantly improve SMEs’ financing ability, but different types of subsidies produce subtle differences. Conditional subsidies support debt financing mainly through incentives, while unconditional subsidies help SMEs improve their equity financing ability through information effects. Furthermore, we find that over-reliance on a single subsidy type may reduce its effectiveness, suggesting a complex relationship between government intervention and SME financing. Thus, well-designed policies are crucial for promoting SMEs and fostering economic growth.
The role of palbociclib on the alterations in CDKN2, CCNE1, E2F3, MDM2 expressions as target genes of miR-141
Authors: Baziyar Mohammad Ali , Hosseini Arshad , Jandel Farinush
Published: August 2024

Introduction

According to WHO, Breast cancer is widely considered to be the first or second cause of cancer-related death almost universally. Cell cycle disruption, either in the form of uncontrolled expression of cyclins or because of the suspension in negative regulatory proteins (CDK inhibitors), was found to cause breast cancer. Palbociclib as specific CDK4/6 inhibitor is used for the treatment of ER+ metastatic cancers. In this study, we are looking to investigate the effect of palbociclib on breast cancer cells and evaluate the changes in the expression of some genes involved in the cell cycle as target genes of miR-141 after treatment with this drug. We used MCF7 as functional estrogen and non-invasive and MDA-MB-231 cell lines as triple-negative type of breast cancer and a model for more aggressive.

Method & materials

MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines were cultured in DMEM medium. After counting cells and measuring viability, Palbociclib was administered at varying doses using the IC50 obtained from MTT, with the treatment given at two time points of 24 and 72 hours. RNA was extracted from untreated and treated cells and RNAs were converted to cDNA in the end. Gene expression changes were investigated by real-time PCR. Data management and analysis were conducted using GraphPad Prism 5.01 software.

Result and conclusion

Among investigated genes, E2F3 gene was not significantly affected by Palbociclib in any of cell lines and time points. Besides, the expression of CCNE1 gene was significantly suppressed. It seems this drug was unable to reduce the expression of MDM2 gene significantly in triple negative (MDA-MB-231) cancer cells; however, a decrease was observed in luminal A (MCF-7) cells. CDKN2A and miR-141 genes expression increased significantly after treatment which can be aligned with palbociclib in proliferation inhibition.
Anti-adipogenic effect of Malva parviflora on 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Authors: Méndez-Martínez Marisol , Zamilpa Alejandro , Zavala-Sánchez Miguel A. , Almanza-Pérez Julio C. , Jiménez-Ferrer J. Enrique , Herrera-Ruiz Maribel , González-Cortázar Manasés , Cervantes-Torres Jaquelynne , Fragoso Gladis , Rosas-Salgado Gabriela
Published: August 2024

Malva parviflora has shown anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, and hypoglycemic effects. This study is aimed to evaluate the anti-adipogenic effect of M. parviflora on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Fibroblast differentiation was induced either in the absence or presence of M. parviflora fractions (F3, F4, F7, F12, F13, F17, F18 and F19) for 4 days; F17 and 18 were the most effective fractions in reducing intracellular lipid accumulation (by 25.6% and 23.1%, respectively). EC50 of F17 and F18 (14 μg/mL and 17 μg/mL, respectively) were used to evaluate their anti adipogenic effect. After 10 days of inducing differentiation in the absence or presence of the extracts at the EC50 of F17 and F18, lipid accumulation, the concentration of interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured in the culture medium; the presence of PPAR-γ, AKT, and p-AKT was also determined. In differentiated adipocytes (C2), F17 maintained intracellular lipid concentration at levels comparable to metformin, while decreasing PPAR-γ and increasing p-AKT presence; it also prevented IL-6 expression. F17 consists of alanine, valine, phenylalanine, and proline. On the other hand, F18 reduced intracellular lipid concentrations, prevented the increase of PPAR-γ and p-AKT, and maintained IL-6 expression at similar levels as metformin. F18 is mainly constituted by alanine, valine, proline, and sucrose. In conclusion, M. parviflora fractions (F17 and F18) control the process of adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and cellular dysfunction.
Research on risk assessment of cruise tourism supply chain based on catastrophe theory
Authors: Gan Shengjun , Liu Qingliang
Published: August 2024

The past COVID-19 outbreak caused a huge impact on China’s cruise industry. Now that China’s cruise industry is about to recover, how to assess the risks faced by the cruise industry has become an important issue. On this basis, this paper constructs China’s cruise tourism supply chain and supply chain risk assessment system based on the research contributions made by previous researchers, evaluates the risk indicators of China’s cruise tourism supply chain based on the catastrophe theory, and derives the risk assessment results through the catastrophe progression method, which can be used as a reference for the safe operation of cruise lines in the future.
Elucidating the inhibitory mechanism of Zika virus NS2B-NS3 protease with dipeptide inhibitors: Insights from molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Ullah Shahid , Ullah Farhan , Rahman Wajeeha , Ullah Anees , Haider Sultan , Yueguang Cao
Published: August 2024

Microcephaly, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and potential sexual transmission stand as prominent complications associated with Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. The absence of FDA-approved drugs or vaccines presents a substantial obstacle in combatting the virus. Furthermore, the inclusion of pregnancy in the pharmacological screening process complicates and extends the endeavor to ensure molecular safety and minimal toxicity. Given its pivotal role in viral assembly and maturation, the NS2B-NS3 viral protease emerges as a promising therapeutic target against ZIKV. In this context, a dipeptide inhibitor was specifically chosen as a control against 200 compounds for docking analysis. Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations extending over 200 ns were conducted to ascertain the stability of the docked complex and confirm the binding of the inhibitor at the protein’s active site. The simulation outcomes exhibited conformity to acceptable thresholds, encompassing parameters such as root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), ligand-protein interaction analysis, ligand characterization, and surface area analysis. Notably, analysis of ligand angles bolstered the identification of prospective ligands capable of inhibiting viral protein activity and impeding virus dissemination. In this study, the integration of molecular docking and dynamics simulations has pinpointed the dipeptide inhibitor as a potential candidate ligand against ZIKV protease, thereby offering promise for therapeutic intervention against the virus.
Association between the systemic immune-inflammation index and obesity among adults: Insights from the NHANES 2017–2018
Authors: Yu Yanmei , Tan Tongcai , Yang Wei , Xu Zhitao , Liu Yong
Published: August 2024

Background

Inflammation is an important causative factor of obesity. This study aimed to explore the possible association between the systemic immune-inflammatory index, a novel indicator of inflammation, and obesity.

Methods

Data were collected from 4395 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2018 aged ≥ 20 years. The systemic immune-inflammatory index was calculated by multiplying the platelet count by the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. Obesity was defined as a body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2.

Results

A significant positive correlation was observed between the systemic immune-inflammatory index and body mass index following multivariate linear regression analysis (β = 1.75; 95% confidence interval = 1.16–2.33), which was greatest in adults aged < 60 years without hypertension and diabetes. Smoothed curve fitting and threshold effect analysis were used to characterize the nonlinear association between the systemic immune-inflammatory index and body mass index, and the inflection point was found to be 729.3.

Conclusions

The systemic immune-inflammatory index is positively associated with body mass index among adults in the United States and has the potential to enhance efforts to prevent adult obesity.
Enhancing the immunogenicity of Wilms tumor 1 epitope in mesothelioma cells with immunoproteasome inhibitors
Authors: Ito Masaki , Koido Shigeo , Iwamoto Takeo , Morimoto Soyoko , Fujiki Fumihiro , Sugiyama Haruo , Matsumoto Saki , Effenberger Clara , Kiyotani Kazuma , Shiba Kiyotaka
Published: August 2024

The immunogenicity of cancer cells is influenced by several factors, including the expression of the major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I), antigen expression, and the repertoire of proteasome-produced epitope peptides. The malignant pleural mesothelioma cell line ACC-MEOS-4 (MESO-4) expresses high levels of MHC-I and Wilms tumor 1 (WT1) tumor antigens. Using a functional T cell reporter assay specific for the HLA-A*24:02 restricted WT1 epitope (WT1235, CMTWNQMNL), we searched for factors that augmented the immunogenicity of MESO-4, focusing on proteasomes, which have a central role in the antigen processing machinery. ONX-0914, a selective inhibitor of the immunoproteasome subunit β5i, enhanced immunogenicity dose-dependently at low concentrations without cytotoxicity. In addition, CD8+ T lymphocytes recognizing WT1 showed greater cytotoxicity against MESO-4 pre-treated with ONX-0914. MESO-4 expresses a standard proteasome (SP) and immunoproteasome (IP). Notably, IP has distinct catalytic activity from SP, favoring the generation of antigenic peptides with high affinity for MHC-I in antigen-presenting cells and cancer cells. In vitro, immunoproteasome digestion assay and mass spectrometry analysis showed that IP cleaved WT1235 internally after the hydrophobic residues. Importantly, this internal cleavage of the WT1235 epitope was mitigated by ONX-0914. These results suggest that ONX-0914 prevents the internal destructive cleavage of WT1235 by IP, thereby promoting the specific presentation of the WT1 epitope by MESO-4. In conclusion, selective IP inhibitors might offer a means to modulate cancer cell immunogenicity by directing the presentation of particular tumor epitopes.
Predicting treatment response to ketamine in treatment-resistant depression using auditory mismatch negativity: Study protocol
Authors: Martin Josh , Gholamali Nezhad Fatemeh , Rueda Alice , Lee Gyu Hee , Charlton Colleen E. , Soltanzadeh Milad , Ladha Karim S. , Krishnan Sridhar , Diaconescu Andreea O. , Bhat Venkat
Published: August 2024

Background

Ketamine has recently attracted considerable attention for its rapid effects on patients with major depressive disorder, including treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Despite ketamine’s promising results in treating depression, a significant number of patients do not respond to the treatment, and predicting who will benefit remains a challenge. Although its antidepressant effects are known to be linked to its action as an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, the precise mechanisms that determine why some patients respond and others do not are still unclear.

Objective

This study aims to understand the computational mechanisms underlying changes in the auditory mismatch negativity (MMN) response following treatment with intravenous ketamine. Moreover, we aim to link the computational mechanisms to their underlying neural causes and use the parameters of the neurocomputational model to make individual treatment predictions.

Methods

This is a prospective study of 30 patients with TRD who are undergoing intravenous ketamine therapy. Prior to 3 out of 4 ketamine infusions, EEG will be recorded while patients complete the auditory MMN task. Depression, suicidality, and anxiety will be assessed throughout the study and a week after the last ketamine infusion. To translate the effects of ketamine on the MMN to computational mechanisms, we will model changes in the auditory MMN using the hierarchical Gaussian filter, a hierarchical Bayesian model. Furthermore, we will employ a conductance-based neural mass model of the electrophysiological data to link these computational mechanisms to their neural causes.

Conclusion

The findings of this study may improve understanding of the mechanisms underlying response and resistance to ketamine treatment in patients with TRD. The parameters obtained from fitting computational models to EEG recordings may facilitate single-patient treatment predictions, which could provide clinically useful prognostic information.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT05464264. Registered June 24, 2022.
State of lifestyle medicine education in Saudi medical schools: A descriptive study
Authors: Almansour Mohammed , Alzaben Abeer Salman , Aljammaz Sadeem Abdulaziz , Alzahrani Hayat Saleh
Published: August 2024

Background

Lifestyle medicine (LM) is a patient-centric, evidence-based clinical practice supporting adopting and sustaining of healthy behaviours and improving health-related living standards. Unfortunately, even in developed nations, medical curricula have largely ignored the LM concepts. Some LM components have been incorporated into the medical curriculum in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to determine the general status of teaching LM competency domains in undergraduate curricula in medical colleges.

Methods

A cross-sectional, descriptive survey was conducted in English and distributed from January to March 2022. In this study, only administrative position holders were included. The administrative directors (such as deans, vice-deans, and program directors) play a significant role and are responsible for policymaking in medical education. There are 38 undergraduate medical programs across private and public medical colleges in Saudi Arabia. MCQs, OSCE, Essay, SEQ/SAQ, Assignments, and OSPE, were the assessment techniques of the LM domains.

Results

The response rate of the survey was 78.3%. Of all respondents, 61% were aware of LM domains. Twenty-four colleges teach one or more of the LM domains; the nutrition domain was the most common one. Mostly followed the traditional method (75%) and small group learning activities (71%). Programs also used large group learning activities and clinical teaching (35% each), followed by practical laboratory activities (19%) and other methods on very few occasions.

Conclusion

The current study also shows that LM is not taught effectively in medical schools in Saudi Arabia, although the results illustrate an increased interest and awareness among administrators. This study identified the general situation of teaching LM in medical schools. These findings provide valuable insights for shaping the future direction of medical education.
Using viral diversity to identify HIV-1 variants under HLA-dependent selection in a systematic viral genome-wide screen
Authors: Neuner-Jehle Nadia , Zeeb Marius , Thorball Christian W. , Fellay Jacques , Metzner Karin J. , Frischknecht Paul , Neumann Kathrin , Leeman Christine , Rauch Andri , Stöckle Marcel , Huber Michael , Perreau Matthieu , Bernasconi Enos , Notter Julia , Hoffmann Matthias , Leuzinger Karoline , Günthard Huldrych F. , Pasin Chloé , Kouyos Roger D. ,   the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS)
Published: August 2024

The pathogenesis of HIV-1 infection is governed by a highly dynamic, time-dependent interaction between the host and the viral genome. In this study, we developed a novel systematic approach to assess the host-virus interaction, using average pairwise viral diversity as a proxy for time since infection, and applied this method to nearly whole viral genome sequences (n = 4,464), human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotyping data (n = 1,044), and viral RNA load (VL) measurements during the untreated chronic phase (n = 829) of Swiss HIV Cohort Study participants. Our systematic genome-wide screen revealed for 98 HLA/viral-variant pairs a signature of immune-driven selection in the form of an HLA-dependent effect of infection time on the presence of HIV amino acid variants. Of these pairs, 12 were found to have an effect on VL. Furthermore, 28/58 pairs were validated by time-to-event analyses and 48/92 by computational HLA-epitope predictions. Our diversity-based approach allows a powerful and systematic investigation of the interaction between the virus and cellular immunity, revealing a notable subset of such interaction effects. From an evolutionary perspective, these observations underscore the complexity of HLA-mediated selection pressures on the virus that shape viral evolution and pathogenesis.
Assessing state partner use of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC): A cross comparison of five states with varying degrees of self-reported adoption status
Authors: Vander Kelen Patrick , Laco Joseph P. , McClenahan Shannon , Fletcher Christopher , Hubbard Brian
Published: August 2024

Despite the development of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), U.S. public health departments and aquatics agencies face obstacles in incorporating this guidance into their pool codes. A cross comparison of five state pool codes with the MAHC was conducted to quantify MAHC incorporation into these state codes. The proportion of MAHC code agreement with state codes in this study had a range of 14%–86%. Only 2% of all the MAHC codes available were present in all five state codes, conversely, 12% of the MAHC codes were not found in any state. These differences in code agreement highlight the challenge of measuring MAHC effectiveness at the national level. To improve aquatic safety at a national level, a potential solution is development and use of common core elements in state and local pool codes. Once there is a basis for code comparisons across states, public health programs can investigate whether core MAHC codes result in reduced waterborne illness outbreaks, drowning incidents, injuries from pool chemicals, health outcomes from exposure to disinfection by-products, and swimming-related emergency department visits.
Epistemologias implícitas em documentários e livros de divulgação: proposta de material educacional para a disciplina de evolução dos conceitos de física
Authors: Eduardo Laburú Carlos , Henrique Moura da Silva Osmar , De Freitas Zômpero Andréia
Published: August 2024

Examinam-se os discursos que se encontram por detrás de meios de divulgação científica de um livro e um vídeo postado na internet. Os discursos são analisados a partir de uma leitura epistemológica, motivado pelo interesse de que esse conteúdo compõe as disciplinas de Evolução dos Conceitos de Física. Mostra-se que as narrativas construídas pelos diretores, escritores e protagonistas que elaboram esses materiais de divulgação veem carregados de concepções indiretas ou visões explícitas acerca da ciência. Além de apontar essas concepções mediante análises epistemológicas, também é proposto ao docente da disciplina de evolução o emprego de mídias que estão à sua disposição e tratá-las na forma como são aqui apresentadas e avaliadas. Assim, torna-se possível que os estudantes possam aplicar e, consequentemente, aprender com mais significado, os conhecimentos envolvidos com esse conteúdo.
Los elementos formales del mandala: sus expresiones plásticas en la educación de las Bellas Artes a partir de C. G. Jung
Authors: León-Río Belén
Published: August 2024

El inconsciente está lleno de gérmenes de futuras situaciones psíquicas e ideas creativas, donde el artista plástico busca inspiración, produciendo una numerosa simbología que tiene que ver con la evolución de nuestra consciencia. En este artículo analizaremos en concreto el arquetipo mandala, por ser un símbolo con mucha presencia e importancia en el mundo del arte. A lo largo de investigaciones realizadas durante 20 años con más de 1.000 alumnos que cursaban su primer año en Bellas Artes, hemos encontrando en sus experiencias artísticas gran abundancia de elementos formales que se repetían, o la presencia de estructuras análogas a los arquetipos mandálicos de los pacientes de C. G. Jung, lo que demostraría que el ser humano puede ver más allá de la superficie de las cosas, mediante estos símbolos, portadores de significado en sí mismos.
Ethnobotanical Research in Bangladesh – A Review
Authors: Alam M. Khairul , Sarwar A. K. M. Golam
Published: August 2024

The ethnobotanical studies focus on how people of a specific culture, group, tribe, or geographic area make use of native (indigenous) plants. This paper reports the status of ethnobotanical knowledge from a historical perspective in recent years in the relatively small and diversity-rich territory of Bangladesh. Ethnobotanical research is now getting more focused on new areas such as ecosystem services, pharmaceutical prospecting, the growth of traditional medicine, value-added plant products, domestication of new crops, and raising awareness of the importance of biological diversity for resource management, environmental education, and conservation. We have also discussed some further thrust areas, constraints, and prospects of ethnobotanical research and mainstreaming ethnobotanical knowledge in national planning processes.
Digitalisierung im Forschungsmanagement – Potenziale, Herausforderungen & Entscheidungsmodelle
Authors: Azeroual Otmane
Published: August 2024

Das digitale Zeitalter ist geprägt von rasanter Entwicklung, Wachstum, Innovation und Disruption. Organisationen müssen sich an die neue digitale Landschaft anpassen, um wettbewerbsfähig zu bleiben. Die digitale Transformation umfasst mehr als nur die Implementierung neuer Technologien. Eine digitale Transformationsstrategie ist eine Planung, wie Organisationen IT-Technologien und -Methoden nutzen können, um neue Werte zu schaffen und das Wachstum voranzutreiben. Die Entwicklung und Umsetzung einer solchen Strategie ist für viele Organisationen im Forschungsmanagement von zentraler Bedeutung. In diesem Artikel diskutieren wir die technologischen Potenziale und Herausforderungen der digitalen Transformation und schlagen ein Entscheidungsmodell unter Verwendung von Transformationstechnologien vor.
Can Environmental or Local Information Help Manage an Invasive Species Through Consumption?
Authors: Lucas Sterenn , Ropars-Collet Carole , Cuilleret Mathieu
Published: August 2024

The consumption of invasive species could be an opportunity to regulate these species to limit the negative environmental impacts. However, the commercialisation of an exogenous species raises several questions. We assess the acceptance of wels catfish, an invasive species in an alpine lake, and the willingness to pay (WTP) for environmentally friendly and locally produced wels catfish products. The results show that knowledge is an important dimension to explain consumption. Informing consumers about an environmental or local dimension increases WTP for wels catfish, but it does not increase product acceptance. There is no additional premium when both types of information are used together.
Optimization of cutting parameters in manufacturing of polymeric materials for flexible two-phase thermal management systems
Authors: Der Oguzhan , Ordu Muhammed , Basar Gokhan
Published: August 2024

This research study with an extensive literature review represents a comprehensive multi-criteria analysis for optimizing the cutting parameters in the manufacturing of flexible two-phase passive thermal management systems (FTP-TMS) using thermoplastic materials. Recognizing the critical role of thermoplastics in FTP-TMS due to their inherent flexibility and lightweight properties, this research focuses on the precision cutting of polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyvinyl chloride using CO2 laser technology. The study is structured into three distinct phases. Initially, an experimental setup was conducted to cut 2 mm thick thermoplastic materials with varying power and cutting speed parameters. Subsequently, the SWARA method was employed to weight the criteria, followed by the application of seven different multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods for optimization. The final phase involved a detailed analysis of the outputs, including ranking, correlation, and sensitivity analyses. The findings indicate that cutting polypropylene with a 90 W power setting and a speed of 15 mm s−1 yields the most optimal results. This study fills a significant gap in the existing literature by providing a dedicated analysis for thermoplastics in FTP-TMS manufacturing. The insights gained are pivotal for standardizing manufacturing practices and enhancing the design and fabrication of flexible thermal management solutions, offering substantial benefits to sectors like electronics, aerospace, and automotive industries.
Successful Pregnancy Following the Ethanol Sclerotherapy in a Woman With Endometrioma With a History of Recurrent Cleavage Formation after ICSI: A Case Report
Authors: Salehpour Saghar , Taherzadeh Borujeni Parisa , Hajizadeh Nazanin
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting 6 to 10% of the women at reproductive age. The clinical manifestations of this condition differ according to its location. Case Presentation: In this study, the case of a 30-year-old infertile woman presented with a history of abdominal pain and three times cleavage formation arrests after Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was reported. Ethanol sclerotherapy (EST) was selected due to abdominal pain and previous in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, and ovarian stimulation was initiated eight weeks later. The patient was stimulated in a minimal stimulation protocol. A total of six oocytes were retrieved, resulting in 3 embryos of good to moderate quality that were frozen. The patient became pregnant following two embryo transfers in the FET cycle. Conclusion: EST may have been considered as a first-line therapy to treat infertility after the failure of IVF. It was found that EST may have improved IVF outcomes.
La consideración y afirmación positiva: recurso del psicoterapeuta
Authors: Castaño Rodríguez Melissa , Gómez Giraldo Vanessa , Ospina Botero Mireya
Published: August 2024

Consideration and positive affirmation is classified by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as one of the most effective therapeutic skills in the clinical area. Therefore, the present research aimed to understand the way in which positive regard and affirmation unfolds: its scope and challenges in clinical practice in two psychotherapists of the clinical specialization; emphasis is placed on psychotherapy with children and adolescents.  A qualitative case study methodology was implemented; for this purpose, recordings of the first four intervention sessions of two psychotherapists were used. For the analysis of this material, an observation instrument was constructed and validated by three expert researchers. For the analysis of the information, discussion sessions were held. The results show how the psychotherapists, making use of this resource, generated in the clients: openness, adherence, and perceptions of feeling valued.
Self-efficacy and its association with breastfeeding among women in a family medicine unit in México: prospective cohort study
Authors: Sánchez García Juana Liliana , Saucedo Martínez María Guadalupe , Hernández Francisco Vargas , García Cortes Luis Rey , Monroy Ramírez Eugenia Adela , Granados Franco Eva Lilia , Tamayo Calderón Jehú Arturo , Wallberg Stephanie Samaniego , Villar Aguirre Everardo , Robledo Cristina Hernández , Jalpa Oscar Jiménez , García Cortés Elizabeth
Published: August 2024

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that in the Americas only 38% of infants are exclusively breastfed (EBF) up to 6 months. Several factors may influence the abandonment of EBF. Variables such as self-efficacy are scarcely described in EBF. In the scientific literature there are descriptive and cross-sectional studies of self-efficacy and EBF, but there are no longitudinal studies. Objective: To associate self-efficacy and EBF abandonment in women in a medical unit in Mexico. Methods: A prospective cohort study with follow-up at 5 days and 6 months postpartum. Multiple binary logistic regression (MLR) was used with variables including low self-efficacy, age >25 years old, and occupation employed. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI were calculated. Results: Of 212 women, 53.8% were in union and 62.7% were housewives. A low final self-efficacy was obtained with a relative risk (RR) of 2.6 [95% CI (1.05 - 6.70)] for non-exclusive EBF. MLR at the end of follow-up showed low self-efficacy with an OR of 1. 55 [95% CI (1.50 - 4.71)]; age >25 years old had an OR of 3.44 [95% CI (1.81 - 16.06)], and occupation employed had an OR of 1.13 [(95% CI (1.6 - 3.46)]. Conclusion: Low self-efficacy is a risk factor for the abandonment of EBF, so it is relevant to include it in the dissemination and promotion of EBF by the health team at the primary health care level.
Risks related to the environment and population growth in Changalane, 2019 - 2022
Authors: Januário Biché Daniela Silvestre , Custódio Titosse Fernando , Langa Francisca
Published: August 2024

This article addresses environmental risks resulting from population growth in Changalan (2019 - 2022). The study was carried out with the aim of analyzing implications of population growth. It was a qualitative and quantitative study and had a case study approach. Data collection involved forty individuals, who were subjected to semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire. The study revealed that rapid population growth had implications in several areas, such as infrastructure, public services and the environment.
A Contemporary History of Suicide Bombing: A Sociological Approach to 9/11
Authors: Matin Usep Abdul
Published: August 2024

I argue in this paper that the 9/11 phenomenon was not individual problem, but a problem of larger social issues. In the introduction of this paper, I clarify the above statement by Peter Berger in light of C. Wright Mills’ idea of the sociological imagination. Having clarified this, I discuss the behavior of the 9/11 hijackers in light of conflict and functionalist-oriented paradigms.
Evolusi Sistem Pemilihan Umum Indonesia 1955-2009
Authors: Mubarak M. Zaki
Published: August 2024

The journey of democracy in Indonesia from 1955 to 2009 has undergone dynamic changes. This article illustrates that the evolution of the electoral system in Indonesia during this period has seen several changes in regulations, participating political parties, the widening gap and fragmentation of ideologies albeit more moderately, improvements in the quality and degree of democracy, and the increasing role of non-parliamentary institutions. One thing that has remained unchanged is that, generally, the electoral system still adheres to the same proportional representation system, albeit transitioning from closed to open proportional systems.
Hadis dan Hegemoni Paradigma Orientasi Fiqh
Authors: Fatkhi Rifqi Muhammad
Published: August 2024

This article proves its strength hegemony orientation of Fiqh in hadith region, even defeat the orientation of hadith itself and other orientation like orientation tasawuf. For the reason, this article also indicates that one of the forming factors of al-Kutub al-Sittah and its acceptance aspect, is more response of Fiqh interest rather than the codification of hadith. This at least shown by some primary factor that is orientation of Fiqh in hadith riwaya, forming of hadith school, and Fiqh main stream in hadith codification.
Dari India untuk Dunia: Peran Darul Ulum Deoband dalam Pelestarian Hadis dan Ulumul Hadis
Authors: Hakim Masykur
Published: August 2024

This paper reveals the role of Islamic scholars in India and a significant contribution in Islamic sciences. This paper focuses on the role of Ma’had Darul Ulum Deoband in India. A traditional institution which is a locus of traditions in India and become an institution that seeks to preserve traditions and developing it in the Islamic world through the curriculum, teaching methods, the spread and the productivity of alumni in producing works in hadith.
Merajut Benang Kusut Tragedi Kemanusiaan: Solusi Tasawuf bagi Krisis Kemanusiaan Kontemporer
Authors: Syamsi Badarus
Published: August 2024

This article explores the solutions that ever presented by Islam especially through the mystical dimension in order to redirect people to realize the essence and recognize their God. This paper will answer the question of how to reconcile the concept of mysticism about human identity in a unified and how to reformulate the concept of Sufism of human that it shows more futuristic? To discuss these two issues, this paper will present some of the thought of Ibn Miskawayh, al-Ghazali, Ibn Arabi, Jalaluddin Rumi, and Said Nursi.
Proses Interaksi dan Integrasi Intern Pemeluk Agama
Authors: Rosadisastra Andi
Published: August 2024

This paper provides one model of research on “Anthropology of Religion”, especially related to the integration of internal conflict and religious communities that have been well demonstrated in the book: “Conflict and Integration: Different thought of Islam” by Achmad Fedyani. Fedyani find that there are five factors of religions internal conflict between the NU and Muhammadiyah, namely: problem talafuz bi al-niyyat, talqīn problems, asyrakal problems, and problems “maaruwah”. On the other side, it was found that the damping factor is the complexity of conflict and modernization; three developments of national culture, changes in the organization, awareness of the unity of traditional culture and the mixed communities.
Fundamentalisme dan Gerakan Radikal Islam Kontemporer di Indonesia (Menelisik Genealogi, Ideologi, dan Target Gerakan)
Authors: Faizin Khoirul
Published: August 2024

Kelompok Islam fundamentalis (seringkali) dianggap sebagaipihak yang paling bertanggungjawab atas beragam peristiwa berdarah diberbagai belahan dunia, termasuk di Indonesia. Di negara-negara TimurTengah, gerakan radikalisme Islam telah berakar-urat dan memiliki sejarahyang cukup panjang. Akan tetapi, dalam hal genealoginya, ada yangmenegaskan bahwa Islam radikal berasal dari dua organisasi keagamaan,yakni kelompok al-Ikhwan al-Muslimin (Hasan al-Banna [1906-1949],Mesir) dan Jamaat-i Islami (Abū al-A‘lā al-Mawdūdī [1903-1979],Pakistan). Dari keduanyalah (kemudian) beranak-pinak menjadigerakan-gerakan Islam radikal di berbagai belahan dunia Muslim, meskiberbeda-beda bentuknya, dan tidak terkecuali Indonesia.