bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse pregnancy outcomes and the abnormal umbilical cord coiling index
Authors: Hoseinalipour Z. , Javadian M. , Nasiri-Amiri F. , Nikbakht H.A. , Pahlavan Z.
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUNDS: The abnormal umbilical cord coiling index (UCI) may be one of the ways to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study attempted to determine the association between abnormal UCI and maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: This longitudinal study was conducted on 400 women referred for delivery from April to August 2021. UCI was calculated by dividing the total number of coils by the total length of the umbilical cord in centimeters. In eligible cases, the length of the umbilical cord and the number of vascular coils along the total umbilical cord were measured after birth. UCI less than the 10th percentile and more than the 90th percentile was considered abnormal, and between the 10th and 90th percentiles was considered normal. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. P < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean length of the umbilical cord was 56.12±8.38 cm, the number of umbilical cord rings was 13.70±3.51, and the UCI was 0.24±0.07. In the regression analysis, women with gestational diabetes had a significant association with abnormal UCI (P = 0.044). Thus, the probability of abnormal UCI was about 3.5 times higher in women with gestational diabetes than in normal pregnancies. Also, the history of stillbirth had a significant association with abnormal UCI (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is recommended to perform a UCI examination after delivery as part of a neonatal examination to find an explanation for maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes.
China from Isolationism to Gradual Globalization
Authors: Fürst Rudolf
Published: September 2024

Possibly the most fundamental and irreversible shift to come with the reform process in China has been the breaking down of the hermetically sealed and egocentric state economic system. The pre-reform status quo was the legacy of an economic and cultural isolationism dating back to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). In Maoist times, China was a nationalistic continuation of its own imperial tradition, redefined with the help of some borrowings from Marxist-Leninist ideology. It was only the elite reformers after 1978 who sparked market reforms, opened the country up to foreign capital, and appreciated the benefits of foreign trade in modern economics.
However not even this change of orientation toward the outside world and the virtual elimination of Marxist thought led the Chinese to abandon their concept of national cultural identity, which is even reflected in the economy. On the surface it appears that the PRC is an economically open state, as shown by macroeconomic indicators and the rhetoric of Chinese economic diplomacy. In practice, however, this openness is at best debatable and carries with it unique features deeply rooted in the Chinese social system and traditions. China has discovered ways to coexist with the global economic community and is gradually fortifying its position without detriment to its security or political structure.
This paper will attempt to map the parallels between the dynastic era and the present in the reserved Chinese approach to opening its economy. Modern China primarily exploits economic ties with the outside world to serve its own interests, but if it plays by the rules of the game of globalization it will put itself at the mercy of forces beyond its own control. Therefore, by opening the economy China is subjecting itself to a number of risks that the previous Maoist phase of Communist dictatorship had temporarily eliminated.
The entrance of the PRC into the World Trade Organization signifies another step on its path to modernity, but this comes at the price of social and possibly litical schisms within the state. Further expansion of economic cooperation with the outside world will lead to a breaking down of cultural barriers and an internationalization of the legal and administrative customs, which have heretofore kept China isolated.
Contribution to the Discussion of the Future of the European Union
Authors: Hřích Jan
Published: September 2024

Bertelsmann Foundation and Center for Applied Policy Research /eds./: Thinking Enlarged - The Accession Countries and the Future of the European Union. Bertelsmann Foundation Publisheres, Gütersloh 2001, 55 stran, ISBN 3-89204-629-8.
The New Contribution to the Research of the Nationalism
Authors: Tesař Filip
Published: September 2024

Steve Reicher – Nick Hopkins: Self and Nation. Categorization, Constestation and Mobilization. 1st ed. London: SAGE Publications, Thousand Oaks, New Delhi, 2001,XIII/242 stran, ISBN 0-7619-6919-5.
Analytical Solution of Some Non – Linear Delay Differential Equations Using Adomian Decomposition Method
Authors: Jafaar Olasunkanmi Lawal  , Muraina Sulyman  , Risqot Garba Ibrahim  , Faruk Muritala  , Idris Seidu
Published: September 2024

This study examined some Non-linear Delay Differential Equation problems with known exact solutions and solved them using the Adomian Decomposition Method. We then observed the results and compared them with the corresponding exact solutions, and ultimately found that the two results agree. In addition, we discussed the phenomena that occur in real life and are described by Non-linear Differential Equations.
ОБҐРУНТУВАННЯ КОНСТРУКЦІЇ МЕХАНІЗМУ ПЕРЕСУВАННЯ ПОТУЖНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЧНИХ МАШИН
Authors: Крупко Ігор Валерійович
Published: September 2024

Основними машинами, що забезпечують розроблення корисних копалин відкритим способом, є потужні екскаватори. На сучасних кар’єрних екскаваторах застосовують в основному гусеничні механізми пересування, які мають цілу низку недоліків, основним із яких є низька довговічність ведучих коліс. Водночас аналіз працездатності (відмов) екскаваторів-драглайнів показав, що найменше відмов (6–8%) у крокуючих механізмів пересування, що пояснюється простотою конструкції саме ходового обладнання. Тому постає актуальним питання про застосування крокуючого ходового обладнання на потужних екскаваторах – прямих механічних лопатах. Метою дослідження є обґрунтування раціональних конструкцій механізмів пересування для потужних технологічних машин. Для досягнення поставленої мети вирішуються завдання, пов’язані з тим, що треба провести порівняльний аналіз гусеничних і крокуючих механізмів пересування й обґрунтувати шляхи підвищення їхнього технічного рівня; виконати на фізичній моделі дослідження формування навантажень у структурі привода чотирьохопорного механізму за різних режимів роботи; за результатами теоретичних і експериментальних досліджень обґрунтувати раціональні параметри чотирьохопорного механізму пересування.
АНАЛІЗ НАПРЯМІВ МОДЕРНІЗАЦІЇ ПРИВОДІВ ВИКОНАВЧИХ МЕХАНІЗМІВ ГІРНИЧИХ МАШИН
Authors: Суглобов Володимир Васильович , Крупко Валерій Григорович , Крупко Ігор Валерійович
Published: September 2024

Стаття присвячена вирішенню актуального завдання застосування хвильових ланцюгових передач у приводах виконавчих механізмів із метою забезпечення нерівномірного руху робочого органа, а також можливості забезпечити його імпульсний рух на прикладі механізму тяги ковша екскаватора-драглайна. Авторами проаналізовані відомі конструкції хвильових ланцюгових передач, а також визначені проблемні питання, які потребують вирішення. У роботі розроблено конструкцію (кінематичну схему) привода механізму тяги екскаватора-драглайна з передатними механізмами на основі хвильових ланцюгових передач, наведено особливості конструкцій хвильових ланцюгових передач, їхніх основних елементів, кінематичних параметрів і методику їх визначення. Дослідження впливу динамічного руйнування на зниження енергоємності проводилися на установці, яка дозволяє проводити спектр наукових досліджень щодо параметрів приводів землерийних машин на підставі застосування хвильової ланцюгової передачі. Запропонована конструкція комбінованого привода із застосуванням хвильової ланцюгової передачі, яка вирізняються спрощеною конструкцією, а її працездатність і ефективність підтверджені результатами експериментальних досліджень на фізичній моделі. Виконані експерименти показують ефективність використання хвильових ланцюгових передач. Наведено методику визначення також конструктивних і кінематичних параметрів хвильових ланцюгових передач. Матеріали статті будуть корисними для працівників промислових підприємств, науковців, студентів.
Efeitos de tarefas de exclusão e fading no ensino de relações auditivo-visuais
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, de Melo Izabela Oliveira Bandeira , Vilela Eduardo Cunha ,   Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Machado Kamila Regina ,   Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, de Araújo Torres Matheus ,   Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Tiso Felipe Gurgel ,   Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Cedro Átila Moreira ,   Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Huziwara Edson Massayuki ,   Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais
Published: September 2024

Pesquisas que visam ensinar relações condicionais auditivo-visuais para crianças usuárias de implante coclear em tarefas de emparelhamento de acordo com o modelo podem utilizar estratégias adicionais, como o responder por exclusão e fading. De forma isolada, tais estratégias parecem indicar um desempenho com menor ocorrência de erros. Este experimento utilizou o responder por exclusão como base para o ensino de relações auditivo-visuais e investigou se o uso do fading associado ao exclusão contribuiu para uma aprendizagem sem erros. Participaram seis crianças entre 6 e 9 anos de idade, com surdez pré-lingual severa ou profunda e usuárias de implante coclear. Os participantes fizeram o treino de identidade e, em seguida, realizaram duas condições de ensino: Exclusão e Fading+exclusão. Os resultadosdemonstraram que os participantes cometeram mais erros nos passos de treino da condição Exclusão quando comparado à condição Fading+exclusão. Isso sugere que a utilização de procedimentos combinados de fading e exclusão diminuem a ocorrência de erros durante o processo de ensino, mas produzem os mesmos efeitos em termos de aprendizagem. A ocorrência de erros se destaca nas primeiras tentativas de responder por exclusão. Embora o responder por exclusão tenha sido alcançado, tal fato não garantiu a aprendizagem para todos os participantes.
Contribuições da análise do comportamento para a compreensão da socialização emocional infantil
Authors:   Universidade Federal da Bahia, Lins Taiane , Alvarenga Patrícia ,   Universidade Federal da Bahia
Published: September 2024

Skinner descreveu estratégias utilizadas pela comunidade verbal para modelar a discriminação e a descrição de eventos privados que incluem componentes de respostas emocionais às quais apenas o indivíduo que se comporta tem acesso direto. O acesso da comunidade verbal a esses eventos é uma questão crucial para a compreensão da autorregulação emocional, e é abordado de forma incipiente pelo modelo teórico da socialização emocional. O objetivo deste ensaio é apresentar uma proposta de compreensão das relações entre as práticas parentais de socialização emocional e a autorregulação de emoções negativas pela criança, a partir da articulação do modelo teórico da socialização emocional a pressupostos da Análise do Comportamento a respeito dos eventos privados. Conclui-se que os pressupostos da Análise do Comportamento são compatíveis com o modelo da socialização emocional e contribuem para a compreensão do impacto das práticas parentais de socialização emocional sobre a autorregulação emocional na infância. As duas abordagens se articulam particularmente no que se refere à compreensão das interações verbais entre pais e filhos que facilitam o entendimento sobre as emoções e na relevância atribuída à descrição das contingências que controlam as emoções para a aprendizagem da autorregulação emocional.
The effects of mindfulness-focused internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy on elevated levels of stress and symptoms of exhaustion disorder: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Vernmark Kristofer , Hursti Timo , Blom Victoria , Asplund Robert Persson , Nathanson Elise , Engelro Linda , Radvogin Ella , Andersson Gerhard
Published: September 2024

Background

Internet-based Cognitive Behavior Therapy (ICBT) and mindfulness interventions are commonly used to treat elevated levels of stress. There are however few high-quality studies that examine ICBT with integrated mindfulness components for symptoms of stress and exhaustion, and the role of mindfulness exercises in digital treatment.

Method

The aim of the present study was to evaluate if a mindfulness-focused ICBT-program could reduce symptoms of stress and exhaustion, and increase quality of life, in a randomized controlled trial including 97 self-referred participants between 18 and 65 years who experienced elevated levels of stress.

Results

The intervention group had significantly reduced symptoms of stress and exhaustion, and increased quality of life, compared to the control group. Compared with the controls, participants in the intervention group showed a significant improvement with moderate to large effects on the primary outcome measure perceived stress (d = 0.79), and the secondary outcomes, exhaustion (d = 0.65), and quality of life (d = 0.40). Participants in the ICBT group also increased their level of mindfulness (d = 0.66) during the program. The amount of mindfulness training was significantly associated with an increased level of mindfulness, which in turn was significantly associated with reduced stress symptoms.

Conclusions

Mindfulness-focused ICBT can be an effective method to reduce stress-related mental health problems and the amount of mindfulness training seems to be of importance to increase the level of experienced mindfulness after treatment.
Theoretical analysis of the flow divider of solid mineral fertilizers
Authors: Baranovsky Viktor , Pankiv Maria , Onishchenko Volodymyr , Dubchak Natalia , Pankiv Vitalii , Sokil Pavlo
Published: September 2024

The main mass of granular mineral fertilizers is applied by spreading them over the surface of the field, both during the main fertilization of the soil and when feeding agricultural crops. Existing machines of domestic production do not meet agronomic requirements in terms of indicators of uneven application of mineral fertilizers. At the current stage, there are no theoretical dependencies that would adequately describe: the process of feeding fertilizers through the lower link of the feeder-conveyor; the movement of fertilizers from the feeder to the fat diverter and their movement along the latter; the movement of fertilizers from the working body to the surface of the field under wind conditions. Known models of applying mineral fertilizers to the surface of the field do not agree with the real process and contradict the standard method of determining the unevenness of their application on the working width of the machines. The purpose of the work: to develop an analytical model that functionally describes the process of movement of mineral fertilizers in the guide cone of the divider of the distribution device depending on the parameters of the working body. The article provides a theoretical analysis of the movement of a particle of mineral fertilizers along the curved surface of the divider, taking into account the direction of the wind and the resistance of the air environment. According to the research results, an analytical and graphical model was developed that characterizes the change in the speed of movement of mineral fertilizers depending on the initial coordinates of their placement in the guide cone of the divider. It was established that with changes in coordinates within 0.1...0.4 m and the diameter of fertilizers from 4 to 6 mm, the resulting speed of movement of fertilizers is in the range of 1.0...2.9 m/s.
The process of digging chicory roots with a combined digger
Authors: Hadaichuk Maksym
Published: September 2024

The existing technical means of harvesting chicory roots do not provide the necessary indicators of the quality of digging root crops according to the agrotechnical requirements for root harvesting machines. Reduction of losses of root crops and their damage is provided by the use of a combined single-disk spherical digger, which combines a spherical disk and a loosener placed behind it and in its area of operation, which is installed on the riser of the disk. The article proposes a developed mathematical model that describes the movement of the soil layer along a spherical disc and that allows analytically determining its dynamic characteristics and technological parameters of the root crop digging process. The obtained results of the study are partially a supplement to the existing methods of substantiating the parameters of the working processes of root harvesting machines.
Research of horizontal screw conveyors-mixers with rotating casing
Authors: Gevko Ivan , Diachun Andrii , Dmytriv Olena , Koval Sergii , Leskiv Pavlo , Okhnivskyi Roman
Published: September 2024

The model of mixtures movement in screw conveyors-mixers with rotating body is considered in this paper. It is shown that the process of mixing the mixture occurs more intensively in the mode of operation, in which the load is lifted by rotating casing into the upper part of the conveyor, from where part of it spirals down, and part of it crumbles. above the shaft and enters another cell formed by adjacent turns of the screw operating body. At the same time, the mixture is shoveled and distributed along the length, which ensures high smoothing capacity of the mixer conveyor. To establish the kinematic parameters of the mixer conveyor in the cylindrical coordinate system, the equilibrium equation of the separate element of the mixture, which is acted upon by the reaction forces from the rotating body and the screw operating body, was considered. Ranges of values of the angular velocities of the shroud rotation, at which the stationary movement of the bulk cargo into the dumping zone occurs, were determined. Dependencies to determine the kinematic parameters of the mixer, which ensure the operating modes of the mixer under the condition of the specified quality of mixing were obtained.
A Case Report of Cellulitis Caused by Leclercia adecarboxylata in a Thai Boy: A Common Infection From a Rare Pathogen
Authors: Vasaruchapong Satetha , Assawawiroonhakarn Surapat
Published: September 2024

Leclercia adecarboxylata is a gram-negative bacillus that rarely causes infections in children, especially in Thailand. We report a case of a boy with a wound infection and cellulitis after a punctate injury caused by L. adecarboxylata. A previously healthy 12-year-old boy presented with a 2-month history of infected wound and cellulitis on his left sole after a punctate injury in the garden. He experienced recurrent swelling and purulent discharge despite an incision and drainage and a full course of appropriate antibiotics. Plain films of his left foot showed no radiopaque foreign body or evidence of osteomyelitis. L. adecarboxylata was isolated from the wound tissue culture. Incision and drainage followed by a 2-week course of oral amoxicillin/clavulanic acid was prescribed which resulted in a complete resolution of the lesion. This case emphasizes the significance of identifying L. adecarboxylata as a possible cause of soft tissue infections in Thai children, especially those with a history of puncture wounds. Unusual pathogens should be considered when standard treatments fail to eliminate the infection.
Treatment of Pythiosis
Authors: Yolanda Hanna
Published: September 2024

Dear Editor: Due to its rising global incidence, I have dedicated years to studying pythiosis, a rare yet deadly infectious disease caused by Pythium insidiosum.1 Pythiosis typically presents with the infection of the artery, eye, gastrointestinal tract, and skin, and if left untreated, it can lead to organ loss or even death. In recent decades, a deeper understanding of P. insidiosum has been seen across molecular, serological, and histological studies, enhancing clinical awareness and diagnostic advancements.1, 2 Traditionally mistaken for a fungus because of its microscopic appearance, P. insidiosum was treated with antifungal medications like terbinafine and amphotericin B.3, 4 Molecular research clarifies that P. insidiosum is an oomycete, more closely related to algae, with significant biological differences from fungi, impacting drug efficacy.5 Since the 1980s, P. insidiosum antigen immunotherapy (PIAI) has emerged as a treatment alternative, with ongoing enhancements to increase efficacy.6 Surgery often serves as a last resort to limit the disease progression or to save lives.7
Current treatment strategies for pythiosis include antimicrobial drugs, PIAI, and surgery. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing reveals a higher sensitivity of P. insidiosum to antibacterials like macrolides, oxazolidinones, and tetracyclines, reducing the reliance on surgery.8 Though less effective, antifungals, sometimes in combination with antibacterials, can treat pythiosis.9, 10 PIAI, prepared by crude antigen extract of P. insidiosum, is beneficial for humans and animals with pythiosis, potentially reducing surgery needs and increasing survival rates. However, its efficacy varies across different disease manifestations.6 Surgical intervention, typically reserved for unresponsive cases, ranges from organ-preserving procedures to more radical approaches like amputation, depending on disease progression.2, 3, 7 Additional treatments, including dimethyl sulfoxide, potassium iodide, steroids, ethanol, and mefenoxam, applied singly or combined, have shown promise in treating specific pythiosis forms.11, 12
Treatment is the most challenging aspect of pythiosis, but there is hope. The morbidity and mortality of affected patients remain high. However, with continued attention and basic/clinical research by the medical community, we can gain insight into the disease and find a better way of pythiosis control, potentially improving their clinical outcomes.
Sistematização de experiência
Authors: Oliveira Mendes Leticia
Published: September 2024

Devido à crise socioambiental atual, é urgente uma reaproximação humano/natureza, que resulte em comportamentos pró-ambientais. O objetivo desta pesquisa é compreender de que forma experiências em ambientes naturais e a implementação de um sistema agroflorestal experimental, pode contribuir para a reaproximação com a natureza e transformação cotidiana de quatro mulheres citadinas. Para atingir este objetivo foi utilizada a metodologia de sistematização de experiências em cinco tempos. As experiências aconteceram entre janeiro e maio de 2022 e incluíram as seguintes atividades: encontros teóricos online, visita à chácara Pachamama, coleta de sementes na Universidade Estadual de Londrina e quatro atividades de implantação de um sistema agroflorestal experimental, na Chácara 09-A, no Condomínio de Chácaras Itaúna. Por fim, foi possível compreender que esse tipo de experiência tem efeito benéfico e transformador na vida de quem participa, refletindo em comportamentos pró-ambientais.
Métodos experimentales para impulsar las prácticas pre profesionales de los estudiantes del bachillerato técnico profesional
Authors: Zambrano Moreira Brígida Aracely , Cordero Vélez Eliana Adelaida , Maceo Castillo Luis Manuel , Guzmán Hernández Ramón
Published: September 2024

Introducción: Los métodos experimentales son esenciales para los estudiantes de bachillerato técnico profesional porque brindan habilidades, técnicas y destrezas. A través de ellas los estudiantes pueden comprobar en las prácticas pre-profesionales a fin de obtener una destreza laboral acorde al mercado actual. Objetivo: Elaborar una propuesta de metodologías experimentales innovadoras que optimicen las prácticas pre-profesionales de los estudiantes, fomentando así su desarrollo integral en el contexto educativo, laboral y social en la Unidad Educativa “Dr. Odilón Gómez Andrade”. Metodología: La investigación fue de tipo descriptiva sobre la problemática de las carencias en la utilización de los métodos experimentales necesarios para fortalecer las prácticas pre- profesionales. Se utilizó el enfoque cuantitativo, los métodos empleados fueron inductivo-deductivo y el de análisis. Para la recolección de información se aplicaron las técnicas: de observación, entrevista y la encuesta a estudiantes de bachillerato técnico y docentes. Resultados: Los resultados indican que después de la utilización de métodos experimentales los estudiantes han cambiado su percepción respectos a las prácticas pre-profesionales. No obstante, también se resaltan los desafíos como la necesidad de la capacitación de los docentes en la implementación de varios métodos, técnicas y estrategias en el proceso de aprendizaje de los estudiantes. Conclusión: La investigación es factible y pertinente. Propone soluciones a las necesidades de los estudiantes en la realización de métodos experimentales para obtener un mejor aprendizaje permitiendo mejorar sus prácticas pre- profesionales. Área de estudio general: Educación. Área de estudio específica: Pedagogía en Formación Técnica Profesional. Tipo de artículo: original.
Marketing de contenido como estrategia de posicionamiento del recurso turístico “Cascada 9 de Octubre”
Authors: Mera Intriago Kenia Michel , Lemoine Quintero Frank Ángel Lemoine Quintero
Published: September 2024

En el presente artículo se estudió el impacto que tiene el marketing de contenido como estrategia de posicionamiento del recurso turístico “Cascada 9 de octubre”, ubicado en la parroquia de San Isidro. Se determinó que el destino turístico cuenta con un gran potencial de crecimiento, debido a su posición y al servicio turístico que oferta, pero no cuenta con un adecuado manejo de promoción; esto se debe a que en el lugar se desconoce el impacto que tiene el marketing de contenido. El objetivo fue desarrollar estrategia de marketing de contenido efectivo en función del alcance geográfico y en función del contenido para posicionar recurso turístico. Se realizó una investigación de carácter analítico descriptivo, utilizando una indagación de orden cualitativo como cuantitativo, mientras que las técnicas que se usaron fueron un cuestionario de encuestas y una ficha de observación para poder ver y analizar la influencia de este factor dentro del cantón San Isidro. Para procesar los datos se utilizó el programa estadístico SPSS v.26, que presentó un coeficiente de fiabilidad de 0,89, o alfa de Cronbach. Se concluye que una estrategia de marketing de contenido sí elevará el reconocimiento de la marca, ya que la mayoría de sus encuestados contestaron que visualizan publicidad por medio de redes sociales, además de que cuando deciden a qué tipo de lugar turístico visitar buscan información en internet, para poder identificar cuáles son los productos y servicios que ofertan y de esta manera conectar con el destino.
Comportamiento emprendedor
Authors: Mosquera Guerrero Andrea , Ordoñez Abril Daniel Yiwady , Mosquera Vargas Juan David , Orejuela Labio Jeison Andrés
Published: September 2024

El emprendimiento ha sido estudiado desde diferentes enfoques a nivel mundial, en los cuales se han realizado investigaciones sobre cómo las personas responden a las dinámicas globales en el momento de emprender y los factores que estimulan o desaceleran el índice de desempeño en los países. Como objetivo se planteó realizar una revisión sistemática de la literatura sobre los estudios de emprendimiento a partir del proyecto GEM. Los principales hallazgos de los estudios del comportamiento emprendedor están asociados con la importancia del contexto social, legislativo, político, como base del estudio comportamental. Como conclusión se puede decir que la intención emprendedora es una variable ampliamente estudiada, a diferencia del comportamiento o la acción de emprender, que son temas que deben investigarse más a fondo, a razón de generar conocimiento que estimule nuevas formas de beneficio a nivel global e individual.
An automatic cough counting method and system construction for portable devices
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Yang Kehaoyu , Xu Shaofeng , Rui Shuwang , Xie Jiaxing , Wang Juncheng , Wang Xin
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Cough is a common symptom of respiratory diseases, and prolonged monitoring of cough can help assist doctors in making judgments about patients’ conditions, among which cough frequency is an indicator that characterizes the state of the patient’s lungs. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to design an automatic cough counting system to monitor the number of coughs per minute for a long period of time.

Methods

In this paper, a complete cough counting process is proposed, including denoising, segment extraction, eigenvalue calculation, recognition, and counting process; and a wearable automatic cough counting device containing acquisition and reception software. The design and construction of the algorithm is based on realistically captured cough-containing audio from 50 patients, combined with short-time features, and Meier cepstrum coefficients as features characterizing the cough.

Results

The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and F1 score of the method were 93.24%, 97.58%, 86.97%, and 94.47%, respectively, with a Kappa value of 0.9209, an average counting error of 0.46 counts for a 60-s speech segment, and an average runtime of 2.80 ± 2.27 s.

Discussion

This method improves the double threshold method in terms of the threshold and eigenvalues of the cough segments’ sensitivity and has better performance in terms of accuracy, real-time performance, and computing speed, which can be applied to real-time cough counting and monitoring in small portable devices with limited computing power. The developed wearable portable automatic cough counting device and the accompanying host computer software application can realize the long-term monitoring of patients’ coughing condition.
Identification of surface thermal environment differentiation and driving factors in urban functional zones based on multisource data: a case study of Lanzhou, China
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Yang Shuwen
Published: September 2024

The urban functional zone, serving as a bridge to understanding the complex interactions between human spatial activities and surface thermal environmental changes, explores the driving force information of its internal temperature changes, which is crucial for improving the urban thermal environment. However, the impacts of the current urban functional zones on the thermal environment, based on the delineation of human activities, have yet to be sufficiently investigated. To address the issue, we constructed a two-factor weighted dominant function vector model of “population heat—land use scale” to identify urban functional zones. This model is based on multisource data and considers the perspective of urban functional supply and demand matching. We then analyzed the spatial differentiation and driving factors of the relationship between urban functional zones and the surface thermal environment using the random forest algorithm, bivariate spatial autocorrelation, geographical detectors, and geographically weighted regression models. The results showed that there are significant differences in the Land Surface Temperature among different urban functional zones in the central urban area of Lanzhou. Among these, the life service zone has the greatest impact on the surface thermal environment, followed by the industrial zone and catering service zone, while the green space zone has the least impact. The surface thermal environment exhibits high-high clusters in localized spatial clustering patterns with life service, industrial, catering service, and residential zones. In contrast, it tends to exhibit low-high clusters with green spaces. Significant spatial clustering and dependence exist between various functional zones and the surface thermal environment. The land cover types characterized by the Normalized Difference Bare Land and Building Index, the vegetation coverage represented by the Fraction of Vegetation Cover, and the density of industrial activities indicated by the Industrial POI Kernel Density Index are the main drivers of the surface thermal environment in the various functional zones of the central urban area of Lanzhou, and all exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity.
Inorganic pyrophosphate plasma levels in patients with GGCX-associated PXE-like phenotypes
Authors: Li Qiaoli , Troutman Catherine , Peckiconis Mary , Wurst Tamara , Terry Sharon F.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is an autosomal recessive ectopic calcification disorder clinically affecting the skin, eyes, and vascular system. Most cases of PXE are caused by inactivating pathogenic variants in the ABCC6 gene encoding a hepatic transmembrane efflux transporter, which facilitates the extracellular release of ATP, the precursor of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), a potent endogenous inhibitor of calcification. Pathogenic variants in GGCX, encoding γ-glutamyl carboxylase required for activation of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors as well as matrix Gla protein (MGP) and Gla-rich protein (GRP), two inhibitors of ectopic calcification, have also been reported to cause cutaneous changes like those seen in PXE. While ectopic calcification in ABCC6 deficiency has been associated with reduced plasma levels of PPi due to loss of ABCC6 transport activity in the liver, plasma PPi levels have not been reported in patients with GGCX-associated phenotypes.

Methods

We analyzed five patients from three unrelated families on their clinical, laboratory, and molecular findings who carry biallelic variants in GGCX and present with phenotypic characteristics associated with PXE. The variants were identified using a next-generation sequencing panel consisting of 29 genes associated with ectopic calcification.

Results and conclusion

This study demonstrates that in addition to ABCC6, GGCX variants can cause the PXE phenotype, expanding PXE and perhaps other heritable ectopic calcification disorders’ clinical and genetic heterogeneity. The results also show that the plasma concentrations of PPi in these patients are not reduced compared to healthy control individuals, suggesting that plasma PPi does not govern ectopic calcification in GGCX deficiency.
Transcriptional rewiring in CD8+ T cells: implications for CAR-T cell therapy against solid tumours
Authors: Srinivasan Shamini , Armitage Jesse , Nilsson Jonas , Waithman Jason
Published: September 2024

T cells engineered to express chimeric-antigen receptors (CAR-T cells) can effectively control relapsed and refractory haematological malignancies in the clinic. However, the successes of CAR-T cell therapy have not been recapitulated in solid tumours due to a range of barriers such as immunosuppression, poor infiltration, and tumour heterogeneity. Numerous strategies are being developed to overcome these barriers, which include improving culture conditions and manufacturing protocols, implementing novel CAR designs, and novel approaches to engineering the T cell phenotype. In this review, we describe the various emerging strategies to improve CAR T cell therapy for solid tumours. We specifically focus on new strategies to modulate cell function and fate that have precipitated from the growing knowledge of transcriptional circuits driving T cell differentiation, with the ultimate goal of driving more productive anti-tumour T cell immunity. Evidence shows that enrichment of particular phenotypic subsets of T cells in the initial cell product correlates to improved therapeutic responses and clinical outcomes. Furthermore, T cell exhaustion and poor persistence are major factors limiting therapeutic efficacy. The latest preclinical work shows that targeting specific master regulators and transcription factors can overcome these key barriers, resulting in superior T cell therapeutic products. This can be achieved by targeting key transcriptional circuits promoting memory-like phenotypes or sustaining key effector functions within the hostile tumour microenvironment. Additional discussion points include emerging considerations for the field such as (i) targeting permutations of transcription factors, (ii) transient expression systems, (iii) tissue specificity, and (iv) expanding this strategy beyond CAR-T cell therapy and cancer.
Immunological perspectives on atherosclerotic plaque formation and progression
Authors: Pi Hui , Wang Guangliang , Wang Yu , Zhang Ming , He Qin , Zheng Xilong , Yin Kai , Zhao Guojun , Jiang Ting
Published: September 2024

Atherosclerosis serves as the primary catalyst for numerous cardiovascular diseases. Growing evidence suggests that the immune response is involved in every stage of atherosclerotic plaque evolution. Rapid, but not specific, innate immune arms, including neutrophils, monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs) and other innate immune cells, as well as pattern-recognition receptors and various inflammatory mediators, contribute to atherogenesis. The specific adaptive immune response, governed by T cells and B cells, antibodies, and immunomodulatory cytokines potently regulates disease activity and progression. In the inflammatory microenvironment, the heterogeneity of leukocyte subpopulations plays a very important regulatory role in plaque evolution. With advances in experimental techniques, the fine mechanisms of immune system involvement in atherosclerotic plaque evolution are becoming known. In this review, we examine the critical immune responses involved in atherosclerotic plaque evolution, in particular, looking at atherosclerosis from the perspective of evolutionary immunobiology. A comprehensive understanding of the interplay between plaque evolution and plaque immunity provides clues for strategically combating atherosclerosis.
The causal relationship between immune cell traits and schizophrenia: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Du Jianbin , Baranova Ancha , Zhang Guofu , Zhang Fuquan
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The complex and unresolved pathogenesis of schizophrenia has posed significant challenges to its diagnosis and treatment. While recent research has established a clear association between immune function and schizophrenia, the causal relationship between the two remains elusive.

Methods

We employed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization approach to investigate the causal relationship between schizophrenia and 731 immune cell traits by utilizing public GWAS data. We further validated the causal relationship between schizophrenia and six types of white cell measures.

Results

We found the overall causal effects of schizophrenia on immune cell traits were significantly higher than the reverse ones (0.011 ± 0.049 vs 0.001 ± 0.016, p < 0.001), implying that disease may lead to an increase in immune cells by itself. We also identified four immune cell traits that may increase the risk of schizophrenia: CD11c+ monocyte %monocyte (odds ratio (OR): 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03~1.09, FDR = 0.027), CD11c+ CD62L- monocyte %monocyte (OR:1.06, 95% CI: 1.03~1.09, FDR = 0.027), CD25 on IgD+ CD38- naive B cell (OR:1.03, 95% CI:1.01~1.06, FDR = 0.042), and CD86 on monocyte (OR = 1.04, 95% CI:1.01~1.06, FDR = 0.042). However, we did not detect any significant causal effects of schizophrenia on immune cell traits. Using the white blood cell traits data, we identified that schizophrenia increases the lymphocyte counts (OR:1.03, 95%CI: 1.01-1.04, FDR = 0.007), total white blood cell counts (OR:1.02, 95%CI: 1.01-1.04, FDR = 0.021) and monocyte counts (OR:1.02, 95%CI: 1.00-1.03, FDR = 0.034). The lymphocyte counts were nominally associated with the risk of schizophrenia (OR:1.08,95%CI:1.01-1.16, P=0.019).

Discussion

Our study found that the causal relationship between schizophrenia and the immune system is complex, enhancing our understanding of the role of immune regulation in the development of this disorder. These findings offer new insights for exploring diagnostic and therapeutic options for schizophrenia.
Association between resting heart rate and low natural killer cell activity: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Oh Hyoju , Cho A-Ra , Jeon Joo-Hwan , Suh Eunkyung , Moon Junhyung , Cho Baek Hwan , Lee Yun-Kyong
Published: September 2024

Resting heart rate (RHR), a simple physiological indicator, has been demonstrated to be associated with inflammation and even metabolic disorders. This study aimed to investigate whether RHR is associated with natural killer cell activity (NKA) in a large population of healthy adults using a novel assay to measure NKA. This cross-sectional study included 7,500 subjects in the final analysis. NKA was estimated by measuring the amount of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) released by activated natural killer cells; low NKA was defined as IFN-γ level <500 pg/mL. Subjects were categorized into four groups according to RHR as follows: C1 (≤ 60 bpm), C2 (60–70 bpm), C3 (70–80 bpm), and C4 (≥ 80 bpm). Individuals with higher RHR exhibited poorer metabolic and inflammatory profiles, with the prevalence of low NKA being highest in the highest RHR category. Compared with C1 as reference, the fully adjusted odd ratios (ORs) [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] for low NKA were significantly higher in C3 (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.08–1.75) and C4 (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.20–2.00). In addition, RHR was shown to exert indirect effects on NKA upon consideration of the mediation effect of serum cortisol in path analysis. Our findings confirm a significant link between elevated RHR and low NKA, and suggest the usefulness of RHR, a simple indicator reflecting increased sympathetic nervous system activity and stress, in predicting reduced immune function.
Molecular landscape of kidney allograft tissues data integration portal (NephroDIP): a curated database to improve integration of high-throughput kidney transplant datasets
Authors: Boshart Alex , Petrovic Stefan , Abovsky Mark , Pastrello Chiara , Farkona Sofia , Manion Kieran , Neupane Slaghaniya , Allen Maya , Jurisica Igor , Konvalinka Ana
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Kidney transplantation is the optimal treatment for end-stage kidney disease; however, premature allograft loss remains a serious issue. While many high-throughput omics studies have analyzed patient allograft biospecimens, integration of these datasets is challenging, which represents a considerable barrier to advancing our understanding of the mechanisms of allograft loss.

Methods

To facilitate integration, we have created a curated database containing all open-access high-throughput datasets from human kidney transplant studies, termed NephroDIP (Nephrology Data Integration Portal). PubMed was searched for high-throughput transcriptomic, proteomic, single nucleotide variant, metabolomic, and epigenomic studies in kidney transplantation, which yielded 9,964 studies.

Results

From these, 134 studies with available data detailing 260 comparisons and 83,262 molecules were included in NephroDIP v1.0. To illustrate the capabilities of NephroDIP, we have used the database to identify common gene, protein, and microRNA networks that are disrupted in patients with chronic antibody-mediated rejection, the most important cause of late allograft loss. We have also explored the role of an immunomodulatory protein galectin-1 (LGALS1), along with its interactors and transcriptional regulators, in kidney allograft injury. We highlight the pathways enriched among LGALS1 interactors and transcriptional regulators in kidney fibrosis and during immunosuppression.

Discussion

NephroDIP is an open access data portal that facilitates data visualization and will help provide new insights into existing kidney transplant data through integration of distinct studies and modules (https://ophid.utoronto.ca/NephroDIP).
Enhancing human islet xenotransplant survival and function in diabetic immunocompetent mice through LRH-1/NR5A2 pharmacological activation
Authors: Cobo-Vuilleumier N. , Lorenzo P. I. , Martin Vazquez E. , López Noriega L. , Nano R. , Piemonti L. , Martín F. , Gauthier B. R.
Published: September 2024

The intricate etiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), characterized by harmful interactions between the immune system and insulin-producing beta cells, has hindered the development of effective therapies including human islet transplantation, which requires strong immunosuppressants that impair beta cell survival and function. As such alternative immunomodulating therapies are required for successful transplantation. The discovery that pharmacological activation of the nuclear receptor LRH-1/NR5A2 can reverse hyperglycemia in mouse models of T1D by altering, and not suppressing the autoimmune attack, prompted us to investigate whether LRH-1/NR5A2 activation could improve human islet function/survival after xenotransplantation in immunocompetent mice. Human islets were transplanted under the kidney capsule of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice, and treatment with BL001 (LRH-1/NR5A2 agonist) or vehicle was administered one week post-transplant. Our study, encompassing 3 independent experiments with 3 different islet donors, revealed that mice treated for 8 weeks with BL001 exhibited lower blood glucose levels correlating with improved mouse survival rates as compared to vehicle-treated controls. Human C-peptide was detectable in BL001-treated mice at both 4 and 8 weeks indicating functional islet beta cells. Accordingly, in mice treated with BL001 for 8 weeks, the beta cell mass was preserved, while a significant decrease in alpha cells was observed compared to mice treated with BL001 for only 4 weeks. In contrast, vehicle-treated mice exhibited a reduction in insulin-expressing cells at 8 weeks compared to those at 4 weeks. These results suggest that BL001 significantly enhances the survival, engraftment, and functionality of human islets in a STZ-induced diabetic mouse model.
Capability of the Mediterranean Argo network to monitor sub-regional climate change indicators
Authors: Chevillard Carla , Juza Mélanie , Díaz-Barroso Lara , Reyes Emma , Escudier Romain , Tintoré Joaquín
Published: September 2024

The Argo array of profiling floats has considerably increased the observing capability of the three-dimensional global ocean and the knowledge of the ocean response to climate change. In particular, the Argo sampling has allowed observing relevant ocean indicators over the whole Mediterranean Sea especially during the last decade. In this study, the Mediterranean Argo network is comprehensively described from its spatio-temporal coverage to its capability to observe ocean monitoring indicators at sub-regional scale. For this purpose, the Argo array, as a non-interpolated product of profiles, is used to estimate the ocean heat and salt contents integrated within the upper, intermediate and deep layers over the period 2013-2022 in the different sub-regions of the basin. The same computational method is also applied to a model reanalysis product to estimate the impact of sampling of the sole Argo array. The sampling error is defined at sub-regional scale by comparing estimations from the whole model grid (full-sampled model) and from the Argo-like sampled model grid (sub-sampled model). Warming and salinification trends are well captured by the Argo array over the period of study, warming trends being the highest in the sub-regions of the western Mediterranean Sea from surface to depth and salinification trends being higher in the eastern sub-basin for the upper layer and in the western sub-basin for the deeper layers. This study also demonstrates the capability of the Argo array to capture local ocean structures and dynamics (e.g. anticyclonic and cyclonic gyres, intermediate and deep convection events and Atlantic Water inflows) and to account for their impact in the sub-regional variability of ocean heat and salt contents in the upper, intermediate and deep layers from seasonal to interannual scales. Considering these structures is fundamental for the understanding of the thermohaline circulation and changes observed in the Mediterranean Sea, and thus for future climate studies.