bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of modifiable risk factors with progression to dementia in relation to amyloid and tau pathology
Authors: Huszár Zsolt , Solomon Alina , Engh Marie Anne , Koszovácz Vanda , Terebessy Tamás , Molnár Zsolt , Hegyi Péter , Horváth András , Mangialasche Francesca , Kivipelto Miia , Csukly Gábor
Published: October 2024

Background

Dementia preventive interventions targeting multiple modifiable risk factors are a promising approach. However, the impact of modifiable risk factors in the presence of beta-amyloid or phosphorylated-tau (p-tau) pathology is unclear.

Methods

The objective of the study was to examine the role of modifiable risk factors (vascular factors, depression, and smoking) in the progression to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia among 434 cognitively unimpaired (CU) and 611 individuals with MCI from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. Vascular risk factors were summarized with the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Dementia (CAIDE) score, dichotomized into higher versus lower risk. Depression and smoking (yes/no) were categorised according to medical history or current symptoms. Analyses were stratified by beta-amyloid negative (A-) and positive (A +), p-tau negative (T-) and positive (T +), or beta-amyloid and p-tau negative (A-T-) and positive (A + T +) biomarker status. Cox proportional hazard models were adjusted for age, sex, education, baseline MMSE score, baseline hippocampal volume and ApoE4 carrier status.

Results

Higher CAIDE score was associated with increased risk of progression to all-cause dementia in most MCI subgroups: adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) [95% CI] were 3.1 [1.43; 6.53] in the A- subgroup, 1.7 [1.20–2.27] in T + , 2.6 [1.06–6.59] in A-T-, and 1.6 [1.15–2.22] in the A + T + subgroup. Smoking (yes/no) was associated with increased dementia aHR in the A + MCI subgroup: 1.6 [1.07–2.34]. Depression increased dementia aHR in the T + MCI subgroup: 1.5 [1.06–2.02]. No significant associations were found in the CU biomarker subgroups.

Conclusion

Addressing modifiable risk factors carries an important potential for reducing the risk of dementia even after the onset of Alzheimer's pathology. Knowledge of biomarker status can further optimize prevention strategies.
GCN2-SLC7A11 axis coordinates autophagy, cell cycle and apoptosis and regulates cell growth in retinoblastoma upon arginine deprivation
Authors: Wang Dan , Chu Wai Kit , Yam Jason Cheuk Sing , Pang Chi Pui , Leung Yun Chung , Shum Alisa Sau Wun , Chan Sun-On
Published: October 2024

Background

Arginine deprivation was previously shown to inhibit retinoblastoma cell proliferation and induce cell death in vitro. However, the mechanisms by which retinoblastoma cells respond to arginine deprivation remain to be elucidated.

Methods

The human-derived retinoblastoma cell lines Y79 and WERI-Rb-1 were subjected to arginine depletion, and the effects on inhibiting cell growth and survival were evaluated. This study investigated potential mechanisms, including autophagy, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Moreover, the roles of the general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2) and mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathways in these processes were examined.

Results

We demonstrated that arginine deprivation effectively inhibited the growth of retinoblastoma cells in vitro. This treatment caused an increase in the autophagic response. Additionally, prolonged arginine deprivation induced G2 cell cycle arrest and was accompanied by an increase in early apoptotic cells. Importantly, arginine depletion also induced the activation of GCN2 and the inhibition of mTOR signaling. We also discovered that the activation of SLC7A11 was regulated by GCN2 upon arginine deprivation. Knockdown of SLC7A11 rendered retinoblastoma cells partially resistant to arginine deprivation. Furthermore, we found that knockdown of GCN2 led to a decrease in the autophagic response in WERI-Rb-1 cells and arrested more cells in S phase, which was accompanied by fewer apoptotic cells. Moreover, knockdown of GCN2 induced the constant expression of ATF4 and the phosphorylation of 70S6K and 4E-BP1 regardless of arginine deprivation.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings suggest that the GCN2‒SLC7A11 axis regulates cell growth and survival upon arginine deprivation through coordinating autophagy, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis in retinoblastoma cells. This work paves the way for the development of a novel treatment for retinoblastoma.
Changes in health, lifestyle, and wellbeing of children with type 1 diabetes and their parents during the pandemic
Authors: Alazmi Afrah , Viktor Simon , Erjavec Mihela
Published: October 2024

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have substantially affected people’s health and rapidly changed their daily routines. This is a prospective study that investigated the impact of the pandemic on primary school children with Type 1 diabetes and their parents during the first lockdown in Kuwait.

Methods

A questionnaire battery related to mental health, well-being, and lifestyle was administered at baseline in Summer 2019 (face-to-face, at a diabetes outpatient clinic) and at follow-up during lockdown in Summer 2020 (via telephone, in adherence with COVID-19 restrictions). Data were collected for 70 dyads with children aged 9–12 years.

Results

Significant differences were found in most scores for both children and parents. Their mental health worsened to a higher level of depression, anxiety, stress, and a poor level of wellbeing. The average scores on the follow-up tests fell within a clinical range on these measures. Significant differences in their lifestyle, compared to before the lockdown, included decreased levels of physical activity and lower healthy core nutritional intake.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the COVID-19 lockdown has had a significant psychological and possibly physiological impact on children with Type 1 diabetes and their parents. We conclude that there is a need for mental health support services focusing on these groups. Although full lockdown restrictions will have stopped in the past year, post-pandemic stressors may be expected to continue to adversely affect this cohort.
Trends in real-time artificial intelligence methods in sports: a systematic review
Authors: Vec Val , Tomažič Sašo , Kos Anton , Umek Anton
Published: October 2024

This review focuses on the usage of machine learning methods in sports. It closely follows the PRISMA framework for writing systematic reviews. We introduce the broader field of using sensor data for feedback in sport and cite similar reviews, that focus on other aspects of the field. With its focus on machine learning models that use signals from simple sensors, this review covers a very focused area that has not yet been covered by any other review. As described in problem definition, we use well-defined inclusion criteria, we have reviewed 72 papers. They present existing solutions, that use machine learning to extract useful information from data collected using various sensors in sports. To be included, papers had to use machine learning methods using data collected from sensors during sports, had to focus on sports-related applications and the result of machine learning had to be some information that can be used in real-time. We have found that the field is rapidly developing as 46 of the 72 included papers were from the last four years. Furthermore, we have found that the field is moving from using classical machine learning techniques to using deep learning. We analyze which data is used as input for machine learning, and we find that the most commonly used sensor is the accelerometer, closely followed by the gyroscope. The most common sensor platform is using a single wearable sensor, however, the studies that used deep learning, use multiple wearable sensors most often. Dataset sizes of sports papers are relatively small compared to other fields, but datasets are on average slightly larger in studies that use deep learning than in those that do not. We analyze the most common preprocessing methods and find that low-pass filtering and feature extraction are commonly used. We compare different machine learning models and the results of the studies that have tested multiple models on the same data, where we find that deep learning proved to be better than classical machine learning. Most studies show classification accuracy of over 90%, showing that machine learning is a useful tool for the researched problems. We end the review by researching how far the machine learning methods were implemented. Twenty of the included papers used their machine learning models in applications beyond a research paper and provided some sort of feedback back to athletes or coaches. After completing the review of the field, we propose a solution – a plan for future research. The proposed solution is to use a combination of best practices from the included paper and methods that we found are not yet implemented in the field of sports. We further elaborate, where we see the current state of the field. We conclude the article with short summary of the findings.
Multifunctional extracellular vesicles and edaravone-loaded scaffolds for kidney tissue regeneration by activating GDNF/RET pathway
Authors: Lee Seung Yeon , Park Jeong Min , Rhim Won-Kyu , Lee Eun Hye , Lee Sang-Hyuk , Kim Jun Yong , Cha Seung-Gyu , Lee Sun Hong , Kim Boram , Hwang Dong-Youn , Rho Seungsoo , Ahn Tae-Keun , Kim Bum Soo , Han Dong Keun
Published: October 2024

With the severity of chronic kidney disease worldwide, strategies to recover renal function via tissue regeneration provide alternatives to kidney replacement therapy. To exclude side effects from direct cell transplantation, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are great substitutes representing paracrine cell signaling. To build three-dimensional structures for implantation into the 5/6 nephrectomy model by incorporating bioactive materials, including multifunctional EVs (mEVs), porous PMEZE/mEV scaffolds were developed in combination with edaravone (EDV; E) and mEV based on PMEZ scaffolds with PLGA (P), MH-RA (M), ECM (E), ZnO-ALA (Z). The oxygen free radical scavenger EDV was incorporated to induce tubular regeneration. mEVs were engineered to serve regenerative activities with a combination of two EVs from SDF-1α overexpressed tonsil-derived mesenchymal stem cells (sEVs) and intermediate mesoderm (IM) cells during differentiation into kidney progenitor cells (dEVs). mEVs displayed beneficial effects on regeneration by facilitating migration and inducing differentiation of surrounding stem cells, and EDV improved kidney function by regulating the GDNF/RET pathway and their downstream genes. The promotion of MSC recruitment was confirmed with sEV particles number dependently, and the regulation of the GDNF/RET pathway by the effect of EDV and its enhanced effect by mEVs were elucidated using in vitro analysis. The regeneration of tubules was additionally demonstrated through the increased expression of aquaporin-1 (AQP-1) and cadherin-16 (CDH16) for proximal tubules, and calbindin and PAX2 for distal tubules in the renal defect model. With these, structural regeneration and functional recovery were achieved with kidney regeneration in the 5/6 nephrectomy mice model.

Graphical abstract
Optimized method for fluorine-18 radiolabeling of Affibody molecules using RESCA
Authors: Lechi Francesco , Eriksson Jonas , Odell Luke R. , Wegrzyniak Olivia , Löfblom John , Frejd Fredrik Y. , Zhang Bo , Eriksson Olof
Published: October 2024

Background

In recent years, the interest in Al[18F]F as a labeling agent for Positron Emission Tomography (PET) radiotracers has risen, as it allows for fast and efficient fluorine-18 labeling by harnessing chelation chemistry. The introduction of Restrained Complexing Agent (RESCA) as a chelator has also shown that chelator-based radiolabeling reactions can be performed in mild conditions, making the radiolabeling process attractively more facile than most conventional radiofluorination methods. The aim of the study was to establish optimized conditions for Al[18F]F labeling of Affibody molecules using RESCA as a complexing agent, using Z09591 and Z0185, two Affibody proteins targeting PDGFRβ and TNFα, respectively, as model compounds.

Results

The Al[18F]F labeling of RESCA-conjugated Z09591 was tested at different temperatures (rt to 60 °C) and with varying reaction times (12 to 60 min), and optimal conditions were then implemented on RESCA-Z0185. The optimized synthesis method was: 1.5–2.5 GBq of cyclotron produced fluorine-18 were trapped on a QMA cartridge and eluted with saline solution to react with 12 nmol of AlCl3 and form Al[18F]F. The respective RESCA-conjugated Affibody molecule (14 nmol) in NaOAc solution was added to the Al[18F]F solution and left to react at 60 °C for 12 min. The mixture was purified on a NAP5 size exclusion column and then analyzed by HPLC. The entire process took approximately 35 min, was highly reproducible, indicating the efficiency and reliability of the method. The labeled compounds demonstrated retained biological function for their respective targets after purification.

Conclusions

We present a general and optimized method for Al[18F]F labeling of RESCA-conjugated Affibody molecules, which can be widely applied to this class of peptide-based imaging agents. Moreover, radiochemical yields were improved when the labeling was conducted at 37 °C or above. In vitro and in vivo assessment of the respective tracers was promising, showing retained binding capacity as well as moderate defluorination, which is usually regarded as a potential downside for RESCA-conjugated tracers.

Graphical abstract
In silico identification and characterisation of pathogenic genetic variants (nsSNPs) in the eukaryotic initiation factors eIF2 and eIF2B affecting miRNA binding sites
Authors: Madasu Pavan K. , Lokesh Subrahmanyam V. , Chandran Thyageshwar
Published: October 2024

Background

The eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIF2 and eIF2B) are known to play a regulatory role in translation initiation. Studies have indicated that several missense mutations in both eIF2 and eIF2B subunits can lead to severe neurological diseases and cancer. In the current study, we have attempted to identify and characterise the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the said subunits and their correlation with various diseases.

Results

Interestingly, we could identify SNPs only in 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTR) from EIF2 (EIF2S1 and S3) and EIF2B (EIF2B1, B2 and B5 subunits). Of which, two SNPs, one in each EIF2B1 (rs1050448) and EIF2B2 (rs4556), are observed to be affecting miRNA binding sites. The gene ontology (GO) analysis of identified miRNAs indicates their association with central nervous system development, various stress responses, growth factors, and immune system signalling pathways. Furthermore, molecular docking studies also confirm that the identified miRNAs have an excellent binding ability with corresponding wild-type/mutant dsDNA and mRNA with HADDOCK binding scores in the range of − 38.78 to − 3.99 kcal/mol and − 86.47 to − 23.78 kcal/mol, respectively.

Conclusion

We conclude that the identified miRNAs may play a regulatory role in the symptomatic progression of neurological disorders and cancer and the same is validated by existing experimental evidences. Overall, the identified miRNAs serve as potential candidates for carrying out clinical investigations.

Graphical abstract
FSHB and FSHR genes variants in combination with hormones levels predict low and high ovarian response to controlled ovarian stimulation: a logistic regressive model
Authors: Lyangasova Olga V. , Lomteva Svetlana V. , Sagamonova Karina Y. , Butenko Elena V. , Shkurat Tatiana P.
Published: October 2024

Background

Predicting the number of follicles obtained after controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is challenging, especially considering individual variability. Since FSH is a fundamental hormone that controls growing follicle activity, genetic variants are predicted to affect ovarian response to stimulation.

The aim of the study

The purpose of this study was to analyze whether FSHB rs10835638 and FSHR rs6166 genetic variants in combination with clinical parameters might be considered as potential precise predictors of ovarian response during COS.

Materials and methods

The present study included 144 women from infertile couples who underwent assisted reproductive technologies. Women with reduced FSH and/or AMH serum levels were excluded from the study. Genotyping was carried out applying restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis.

Results

Genotypes frequencies for FSHB rs10835638 and FSHR rs6166 were GG (73%), GT (24%), TT (3%) and AA (42%), AG (39%), GG (19%), respectively. FSHR rs6166 GG genotype was shown as associated with higher early follicular phase serum FSH, LH and progesterone levels, compared to AA and AG genotypes. Logistic regressive models that simultaneously use the patient’s genetic and clinical characteristics to calculate the probability of low or high ovarian response have been developed.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that rs10835638 and rs6166 genetic variants affect hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal hormones serum levels, and together may provide an improved model for predicting an ovarian response during COS.
Egyptian pediatric kidney transplantation: highlights on post-transplant follow-up and management of complications by the Egyptian Pediatric Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee (EPG) Nephrology Group
Authors: Moustafa Bahia , Soliman Neveen A. , Shaheen Ihab , Badr Ahmed , Atia Fatma M. , El Hatw Mohamed K. , Mogahed Engy Adel , EL-Ghamrawy Mona , El Khashab Khaled , Shaheen Noha , Shouman Mohamad G. , Selim Abeer , El-Sharkawy Magdy , El Azeem Tarek Abd , Esmat Mohamad , Salman Manal , Ali-El-Dein Bedeir , Rahim Mona Abdel , El-Hadedy Muhamed A. , Ghoneim Moatasem Elsayed , Korkor Mai S. , Omar Tarek E. I. , Amer Yasser , Baky Ashraf Abdel ,   On Behalf of Egyptian Pediatric Clinical Practice Guideline Committee, Zeid Mohamed Helmy Abo , Halawa Ahmed , Saeed Bassam , Chen Yaolong
Published: October 2024

Background

Pediatric kidney transplantation is unique when compared to adults. They need optimum post-transplant care to achieve longer graft and patient survival. Infections, rejection, recurrence, malignancy, bone problems, hypertension, and surgical complications are the most important challenges that require prevention, early detection, and management. Chronic allograft nephropathy needs different approaches based on its related causes, allograft pathology, graft function, and availability of re-transplantation.

Aim/objectives

This national adapted guideline aims to frame evidence-based post-transplant recommendations adopted or adapted from EB source guidelines to optimize post-transplant patient care.

Methods

Our guideline is evidence based adapted from four national and international source guidelines with permissions [KDIGO 2020, RA/BTS 2022–2018, EAU 2018] that were appraised with AGREE II instrument tool. We followed the “adapted ADAPTE” CPG formal adaptation methodology that consists of 3 phases and 24 steps and tools. Virtual monthly meetings all through the year 2023 were activated for reviewing and validation of final adaptation of evidence-based guideline draft, considering all comments of external reviewers. This guideline was registered in the practice guideline registration for transparency (PREPARE), number: PREPARE-2023CN364.

Results

Recommendation statements in guidelines stand for results in articles. Discussion of important recommendations and the rationale behind selection of adopted statements and tailoring of others to suit our local facilities, expertise, and renal native disease profile was presented in the text with reasons and references.

Conclusion

The provided guidelines aim to improve graft and patient outcome through prevention and early management of complications and suggest research areas lacking validated research recommendations.
Bio-inhibitive corrosion effect of carica papaya leaf extract on cold-rolled mild steel in 0.1 M HCl solution
Authors: Iheaturu Nnamdi Chibuike , Ofoegbu Stanley Udochukwu , Aharanwa Bibiana Chimezie , Akanbi Magdalene Nkeiru , Udunwa Daniel Iheanacho , Ayo Kayode Olugbenga , Eke Augusta Ndidi , Ogunsemore Blessing Opeoluwa , Ndukwu Precious Oluebube , Umeh Chikaodinaka Ngozi
Published: October 2024

Plant extracts are prone to microbial growth that can lead to microbial-induced corrosion (MIC), a major setback for their performance and stability as corrosion inhibitors. Hence, this work aims to identify the microbes that may cause the ineffectiveness of carica papaya leaf extract (CPLE) as a bio-corrosion inhibitor of cold-rolled mild steel in 0.1 M HCl solution for 48 days at 28℃. Cold-rolled mild steel coupons were immersed in 100 ml of 0.1 M hydrochloric (HCl) acid solution containing 1 g, 2 g, 3 g, 4 g, and 5 g of carica papaya leaf extract (CPLE) for 48 days at 28℃. The gravimetric method was used to determine the coupons' corrosion rate (CR), surface coverage, and inhibition efficiency (IE%) of the CPLE. The functional groups in the CPLE were identified using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and the surface appearance of the coupons after immersion was examined using an atomic force microscope (AFM). Gravimetric data showed the coupons dipped in a 0.1 M HCl solution containing 3 g/100 ml of the inhibitor exhibited the highest inhibition efficiency of 87.73%, surface coverage of 0.88, and lowest corrosion rate of 0.00255 mm/day or 0.93 mm/yr, after 48 days at 28℃. In FTIR, transmittance peaks occurred at 1558 cm−1 for amines (-NH) in alkaloid scissoring, 1452 cm−1 for aromatic -C = C in flavonoids, 2932 cm−1 for aliphatic methylene (-CH2) and aldehyde (RCOH) stretching, 1035 and 1077 cm−1 for aromatic-OR in tannin, and 3280 cm−1 for out-of-plane bending of hydroxyl (-OH) in phenolics. Vitamin C (522,940 μg/g), flavonoids (860 μg/g), saponins (637.9 μg/g), terpenoid (48.4 μg/g), phenol (120%μg/g), alkaloid (4.18 μg/g), tannin (59.84%), and glycosides (9.04%) make up the extract's average phytochemical content. AFM presents pits and ridges on the mild steel coupons immersed in 0.1 M HCl solution without the extract. Those immersed in the solutions with varying concentrations of the extract had a passive layer of the CPLE adhering to the surfaces of the coupons thereby preventing the coupon’s direct contact with the acid solution and weight loss. However, over time, microbial growth decreased the efficiency of CPLE due to metabolites. Microbial tests show creamy, irregular and raised bacterial total colony-forming units per gram (Tcfu/g) as 4.6 × 105 Tcfu/g and 1.9 × 107 Tcfu/g in 2 runs. Also, a mixture of white and fluffy appearance and spore formation of fungi population of 4.8 × 105 Tcfu/g and 3.2 × 107 Tcfu/g in 2 Runs made up of Penicillium spp, Coccidioides immitis, Aspergillus flavus, and Fusarium spp, with hyphae, were seen in the solutions containing CPLE.
Consistent Depth of Reasoning in Level-k Models
Authors: Cooper David J. , Fatas Enrique , Morales Antonio J. , Qi Shi
Published: October 2024

Level-k models often assume that individuals employ a fixed depth of reasoning across different games. We study this assumption by having subjects make choices in five classes of games chosen to identify inconsistent depth of reasoning. We demonstrate that depth of reasoning is pervasively inconsistent, changing both within and between classes of games. We show that this cannot easily be explained by factors such as subject confusion, changing beliefs about others’ depth of reasoning, stochastic choice, model misspecification, changing incentives, or low cognitive ability. We develop a simple model incorporating ambiguity aversion that predicts inconsistent depth of reasoning. (JEL C57, C90, D81, D83, D91)
A perspectiva da mulher sobre a realização e o acesso ao exame citopatológico em uma Estratégia Saúde da Família de um município do norte de Minas Gerais
Authors: Dias Ernandes Gonçalves , Barbosa Meire Nayane Teixeira , Lima Kaique Teixeira , Campos Lyliane Martins , Caldeira Maiza Barbosa
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: investigar a perspectiva da mulher sobre a realização e o acesso ao exame citopatológico em uma Estratégia Saúde da Família em um município do norte de Minas Gerais. Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo, qualitativo realizado com 12 mulheres com idade entre 25 e 58 anos. Os dados foram coletados entre agosto e setembro de 2023 por meio de uma entrevista semiestruturada e analisados mediante Análise Temática. Resultados: indicaram que as mulheres realizam o exame citopatológico anualmente e têm como motivação a prevenção de doenças, como o câncer de colo do útero, a fim de se permitir ter um tratamento precoce. Foram apontados como dificuldades para realizar o exame preventivo a vergonha e o receio quanto à realização do procedimento com um profissional do sexo masculino e o agendamento da consulta ginecológica para realizar o procedimento. Apesar das dificuldades, as mulheres reconhecem a importância do exame e da necessidade de explicar sobre o exame antes da realização para deixar a mulher mais tranquila e segura. Indicaram que a realização de ações educativas além de na Unidade de Saúde pode melhorar a adesão à realização do exame. Conclusão: é importante que a atuação dos profissionais não se restrinja à Unidade de Saúde, mas também nas comunidades e nos outros espaços frequentados pelas mulheres, com a realização de ações educativas como forma de motivá-las a realizar o exame e a necessidade de reorganizar os processos de trabalho da equipe para reduzir a dificuldade de agendamento do exame.
Preface
Authors: Post Piia , Uibu Krista , Terasmaa Jaanus
Published: October 2024

Kliimamuutus ja selle mõjud on nüüdisaja üks kesksemaid ja pakilisemaid küsimusi, kuna see puudutab kõiki inimesi ja eluvaldkondi. Tuleb tõdeda, et ehkki kestliku arengu haridust ning kliimamuutuste haridust on peetud maailmas tähtsaks juba 1990. aastate algusest alates, on kliimamuutustega seotud haridus keskendunud pigem reaalteadustele ja sotsiaalseid aspekte ei ole käsitletud või on seda tehtud pealiskaudselt. Kliimamuutuste teemade käsitlemine hariduses on oluline samm, et kasvatada uut põlvkonda, kes mõistab ja suudab lahendada kliimakriisist tulenevaid probleeme. Siinne Eesti Haridusteaduste Ajakirja erinumber toetab seda protsessi, pakkudes uudseid teadmisi ja metoodikaid, mis toetavad kliimateadlikkuse kasvu ja ühiskonna valmisolekut astuda vastu muutustele.
Climate leadership competencies in public sector organisations in the Pirkanmaa region of Finland
Authors: Riuttanen Laura , Siponen Joula , Santala Marianne , Salovaara Janne
Published: October 2024

Piirkonnad saavad sobivaid meetmeid kasutusele võttes kliimamuutusi leevendada ja nendega kohanemist toetada. Selle uuringu raames küsisime Soome Pirkanmaa maakonna avaliku sektori organisatsioonide kliimastrateegia koostamise ja rakendamisega tegelevate töötajate arvamust selle kohta, mida on vaja kliimapoliitika eestvedamiseks piirkondlikus organisatsioonis. Kirjeldame piirkondliku tasandi avaliku sektori organisatsioonides töötavate kliimamuutuste leevendamise ja nendega kohanemisega tegelevate juhtide ehk kliimapoliitika juhtide omadusi ressursside, protsesside, probleemide ja motivatsiooni kaudu ning piirkondlikul tasandil kliimapoliitika eestvedamiseks vajalikke pädevusi. Selle uuringu eesmärk on toetada hariduse kavandamist selliselt, et see vastaks paremini piirkondliku kliimapoliitika elluviijate vajadustele.
Full text
Mõtteid kliimakriisist. Filosoofiline teejuht mõistlikuma eluviisi juurde
Authors: Uibu Krista
Published: October 2024

Viini ülikooli uurija­professor Graham Parkes’i tõlkeraamat "Kuidas mõelda kliimakriisist" pakub huvitavat sissevaadet kliimakriisi põhjustesse, tutvustab võimalikke lahendusi, aga ka takistusi, avab lugejale kliima ja looduskeskkonna kultuurilis­poliitilist tausta ning aitab mõtestada, kuidas Euroopa ja Aasia filosoofia tarkused saaksid toetada inimest toimetulekul kliimamuutustega teel rohelisema tuleviku poole. Teos suunab lugejat mõtlema küsimustele, kuidas kavatseme aeglustada üle ilmset soojenemist, püüdes vältida konflikti, mis tuleneb moraalsete tõekspidamiste kokkupõrkest. Raamat on kogunud suurt populaarsust paljudes maades, eesti keeles ilmus see 2024. aastal.
ЗАПОЛЯРНЫЙ ФИЛИАЛ ГМК "НОРИЛЬСКИЙ НИКЕЛЬ"
Authors: MARCHENKO N.V. , OLEYNIKOVA N.V. , CHEKUSHIN V.S. , KRUPNOV L.V.
Published: October 2024

В пособии приведены сведения о структуре и технологическом цикле Заполярного филиала ГМК «Норильский никель». Доступным языком изложены сведения о минерально-сырьевой базе, обогатительных процессах, пиро- и гидрометаллургических технологиях, реализуемых при переработке медно-никелевого сырья. Предназначено для студентов, обучающихся по направлению «Металлургия». Может быть полезно аспирантам, а также инженерно-техническим работникам предприятий цветной металлургии. Пособие может быть использовано при проведении профориентационной работы.
Evaluating the impact of structured POCUS training during internal medicine clerkship and residency training
Authors: Karim Sulaiman , Bhakta Shivam , Rangaswamy Barath
Published: October 2024

Background: Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is a vital tool in rheumatology for detecting pathologies like osteophytes and joint effusion. Its integration into rheumatology electives during internal medicine clerkship and residency is limited, despite its emphasis in pre-clinical years.
Methods: In this QIRB-approved, single-center, prospective study (2022–2023), third- and fourth-year medical students and internal medicine residents in a two-week rheumatology elective voluntarily completed online surveys. These surveys assessed their confidence using POCUS in rheumatology, using a 5-point Likert scale.
Results: A survey of 25 residents and 10 medical students found that 84% of residents and 90% of students rated POCUS training as valuable or very valuable. Both groups felt more confident identifying knee joint effusion (average scores: 3.5 for students, 2.6 for residents) compared to other ultrasound techniques and pathologies. Confidence was lower in hip ultrasounds (2.20 for students, 1.68 for residents) and chondrocalcinosis identification (2.20 for students, 1.76 for residents). Among participants, 28% of residents and 70% of students had prior informal POCUS training. Previous training significantly increased comfort levels, with average scores of 2.86 for students and 2.30 for residents, compared to 2.69 and 1.91 for those without prior training (P-values: <0.001).
Conclusion: Prior experience significantly enhances confidence and comfort, reinforcing the need for early, comprehensive, and targeted POCUS training in medical curricula to address proficiency gaps.
Keywords: Education, medical, undergraduate, rheumatology, point-of-care systems, ultrasonography
Transcatheter closure of the Gerbode type ventricular septal defect after redo mitral valve replacement
Authors: Talebi-Talghian Tara , Cevik Cihan , Hegeman Timothy , Walinsky Peter
Published: October 2024

Gerbode defect is an uncommon ventricular septal defect (VSD) resulting in a left ventricle to right atrium shunt. Although typically congenital, acquired defects have been reported following infective endocarditis, cardiac surgery, trauma, or acute myocardial infarction. This condition causes left-to-right intracardiac shunt and potential hemodynamic instability. This complex anatomy poses therapeutic challenges, and optimal management is often unclear. We present a case of acquired Gerbode defect following a redo mitral valve replacement surgery in a 71-year-old man who developed severe dyspnea and pulmonary hypertension. Treatment was successfully performed with percutaneous transcatheter VSD closure using an Amplatzer device. This case highlights the importance of considering Gerbode defects in postoperative patients and demonstrates the efficacy of transcatheter closure in reducing symptoms and avoiding high-risk redo cardiac surgery. Transcatheter repair offers shorter recovery times, reduces pain, and avoids repeat sternotomy, making it a valuable and minimally invasive alternative for patients with acquired Gerbode defects.
Keywords: Gerbode defect, left ventricle to right atrium shunt, redo mitral valve replacement, transcatheter closure
Average volume-assured pressure support versus fixed pressure support in chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Evans Abbie , Alam Aayan , Nugent Kenneth
Published: October 2024

Rationale: Chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure occurs due to alveolar hypoventilation resulting in carbon dioxide retention. This is commonly managed with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) with modalities including fixed pressure support and average volume-assured pressure support (AVAPS). However, there is limited information comparing outcomes with these two modes of ventilator support in the management of chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure.
Objective: This review and meta-analysis analyze the outcomes with fixed pressure NIV versus average volume-assured pressure support NIV in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure, focusing on patients’ perception of symptom burden and gas exchange based on arterial blood gases.
Search methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases were searched; the latest search date was December 1, 2023. Inclusion criteria: randomized control trials and crossover studies in English in adults over the age of 19 with the diagnosis of COPD and chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. Exclusion criteria: patients less than 19 years old, patients with acute exacerbations, and patients with central respiratory failure or neuromuscular disease. Outcomes included blood gas analysis after use of NIV measured in mmHg and patient perception of mental health, symptom burden, and comfort. Results for each outcome were analyzed in RevMan using an inverse variance statistical method with a fixed effect analysis. The final analysis included 7 studies with 252 participants.
Results: The patients were 64 ± 9 years old. Baseline pulmonary function testing showed a forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) of 34.6 ± 14.2 % predicted, consistent with severe COPD per GOLD criteria, and a baseline PaCO2 of 55.2 ± 9.2 mmHg. Primary outcomes for ventilation showed no statistical difference between AVAPS and fixed pressure support groups in PaCO2 (Odds Ratio [OR] -1.51; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: -3.18, 0.16; p=0.08). Patient perceived outcomes were evaluated using several questionnaires, including St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Comparable results were not available for all studies, but no statistically significant differences were found when comparing study results.
Conclusions: There was little or no clinically significant difference between fixed pressure support and AVAPS in gas exchange. There are inadequate data to draw conclusions about the effect of fixed pressure support compared to AVAPS on patient perceived outcomes, such as comfort and symptom burden. No studies evaluated mortality benefit, cost effectiveness, or hospitalizations.
 
Key words: COPD, chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure, non-invasive ventilation, average volume-assured pressure support ventilation
Vasospasm management: a meta-synthesis of current modalities used by different medical societies
Authors: Namratha Mohan  , Cooper Phillips
Published: October 2024

Background: Cerebral vasospasm is a life-threatening complication of an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), with approximately 6 to 10 cases per 100,000 patients yearly. Despite the publication of numerous guidelines from various medical societies, there is a lack of standardized consensus on what the optimal management strategies for this severe complication truly are. This meta-synthesis aims to synthesize these endorsed recommendations to ultimately identify standardized care guidelines and improve patient outcomes after aSAH.
Methods: A comprehensive database search of existing guidelines published by major medical societies in the past 10 years was performed.
Results: The analysis included 28 relevant documents from 7 major medical societies. Key findings included: 1) Unanimous endorsement for oral nimodipine administration for 21 days post-aSAH. 2) Varying recommendations for alternative calcium channel blockers and hemodynamic management methods. 3) Targeted hypermagnesemia and routine statin therapy were not universally recommended due to insufficient evidence. 4) Use of antifibrinolytics was considered on a case-by-case basis. 5) Endovascular interventions were recommended for refractory cases, specifically.
Conclusion: This meta-synthesis reveals consistencies and divergences in vasospasm management recommendations across medical societies, highlighting the need for more robust clinical trials, regular guideline updates, and increased medical society collaboration.
Keywords: Vasospasm, cerebral vasospasm, aSAH, management, guidelines, meta-synthesis
Buying from a Competitor: A Model of Knowledge Spillover and Innovation
Authors: Lauga Dominique Olié , Selove Matthew , Zia Mohammad
Published: October 2024

This paper builds a game theory model that shows how buying from a competitor affects incentives to invest in innovation.
Trauma Heritage as Memory Justice: Sites and Dilemmas in Rwanda
Authors: Wendel Delia Duong Ba
Published: October 2024

Abstract: After the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, killing sites were preserved as memorials to maintain evidence of crimes for public viewing. Rather than be seen as exceptional, those engagements in memory justice activism comprise part of a larger "era of trauma heritage" emerging largely from the Global South in the late twentieth century and continuing today. Trauma heritage refers to spatialized memories of violence that have been systematically marginalized or hidden. These are sites of truth-telling that aim to enact change in the contexts of impunity and gross negligence that they resist. But they are inordinately hard to see, both for those who are close and at a distance. Reflecting from Rwanda, this article engages the tensions inherent to trauma heritage and their potential as sites of repair.
"Our Auschwitz is the ESMA": Preservation and the Holocaust at the former Higher School of Mechanics of the Navy in Argentina
Authors: Rozas-Krause Valentina
Published: October 2024

Abstract: The article examines the transformation of the Higher School of Mechanics of the Navy in Buenos Aires, ESMA for its Spanish initials, from one of the largest clandestine detention centers of the Argentine military dictatorship (1976–83), into a historical monument, museum, and a campus for human rights organizations. Starting in 2004, ESMA was symbolically and materially recovered. Following the debates that framed this transformation, it explores how the efforts to preserve the memories of the victims of the civic-military dictatorship were transmuted into the preservation of buildings, and how the local argentine heritage discourse became entangled with global Holocaust tropes. The preservation efforts of ESMA reveal the contradiction between building boundaries to protect the site's past, while at the same time responding to the functional demands of a campus dedicated to present-day human rights and memory activists. Finally, by analyzing the successful application of the ESMA site to the UNESCO World Heritage List, the article explores the tensions between global heritage and local demands for memory, justice, and reparation.
Do New Words Propagate like Memes? An Internet Usage-Based Two-Stage Model of the Life Cycle of Neologisms
Authors: Jiang Menghan , Ahrens Kathleen , Shen Xiangying , Lee Sophia Yat Mei , Huang Chu-Ren
Published: October 2024

Neologisms reflect new ideas or new concepts in our life and play an important role in cultural transmission and the vitality of human language. The explosion of neologisms, especially in the past two decades, can also be ascribed to the popularity and accessibility of digital content and social media. In this paper, we focus on the issue of how neologisms arise by looking at the trajectory of developments in terms of their usage over time, i.e., their life cycle. By studying neologisms in vivo, instead of as fait accompli, we hope to better understand the nature of neologisms and to enable better prediction and earlier inclusion of neologisms. To achieve this goal, we examine the memetic model for the life cycle of neologisms and compare it with a recently studied epidemic model. We present a longitudinal modeling of the development of neologisms based on internet usage data aggregated from Google Trends, covering the 90 most influential Chinese neologisms from 2008–2016. Our study verifies that the memetic model can describe and predict the life cycle of the neologisms robustly for the early stages (i.e., the ascending stages) of its cycle, but not for its full life cycle, and crucially cannot predict the inflection point. We conclude that two models are needed for word propagation: a memetic model for the initial stages and an epidemic model for the latter stage, particularly the inflection point. This two-stage/two-model approach allows for neologisms to be more easily identified as potentially new words, as it is easier to write a program to automatically filter for emerging terms using a memetic model.
Word frequency modulates the selection of semantic access pathways of spoken words in the second language
Authors: Yan Hao , Huang Yingying , Feng Yanqin , Zhang Limin , Zhang Yanlong , Zhen Anna , Dong Jie
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT: Most second language (L2) learners comprehend words more difficult in its spoken form than the written form (Bekleyen 2009). Based on the findings of previous studies, we assumed that word frequency and language proficiency may be two critical factors in spoken word identification. To investigate how these two factors modulate L2 spoken word identification, we recruited Chinese-English bilinguals with different English proficiency levels, and manipulated words' orthographic consistency, and word frequency. Our results supported the phonological restructuring account, it suggested that only high frequency L2 spoken words can achieve phonological restructuring and rely on orthographic information to access meaning. The less frequently used word has a weak spelling-sound connection, leaving the primitive sound-meaning route the only choice. This effect may be unrelated to language proficiency, the order that orthographic and phonological information is acquired, or the language system. Altogether, these results revealed that Chinese-English bilinguals rely on both the direct route and the orthography-mediation route to process L2 spoken words. The choice of which route is modulated by word frequency. 摘要: 大多数第二语言学习者理解单词的口语形式比书面形式更困难。基于 以往的研究结果，我们认为词频和语言熟练度可能是口语词汇识别的 两个关键因素。为了研究这两个因素是如何调节第二语言口语单词识 别的，我们招募了具有不同英语熟练度的汉-英双语者为被试，并操纵 了单词的正字法一致性和词频这两个因素。我们的研究结果支持语音 重构理论，表明只有高频的二语口语词汇才能实现语音重构，并依赖 正字法信息获取意义。而低频单词的拼写与其发音之间的联系较弱， 这使得原始的音-义直接通路成为唯一的选择。这种出现的词频效应可 能与语言熟练度、正字法信息和语音信息获得的顺序或语言系统无关。 以上结果表明，汉-英双语者在加工二语口语时，既依赖于直接通路， 也依赖于正字法中介通路。且通路的选择是由词频调节的。
Historical phonological explanation of the mutual connection between the * et and * it rhyme groups: A study on the phonetic changes
Authors: Bian Tiangang
Published: October 2024

摘要: 月2 部*et、质部*it 原本是泾渭分明的不同韵部，后来能够跨部相通， 是历史音变的结果和反映。两部相通萌芽于西汉，显著于东汉，主要 集中在三、四等韵。两部入声四等韵相通，是质屑、月2 屑合流为中古 《切韵》四等屑韵的先声；两部去声四等韵相通，是质霁、月2 霁合流 为中古《切韵》四等霁韵的先声。两部三等韵相通主要集中在舌齿音 声母，但不见于河洛雅音，可能是方音现象，中古《切韵》音系中薛 韵字的质韵异读，以及祭韵字的至韵异读，可能源自该方言创新音变 的影响。 ABSTRACT: The interaction between the *et and *it rhyme groups, originally distinct rhyme groups, later being able to cross boundaries, is a result and reflection of historical phonetic changes. The germination of their mutual connection can be traced back to the Western Han period but became significant during the Eastern Han, primarily concentrated in the Division III and IV rhyme categories. The mutual connection of the two rhyme groups in the entering-tone (入声) of the Division IV (四等韵) signifies the merger of the *eet>eet(月2屑) and *iit>ᵉiit>eet(质屑) subgroups, resulting in the Middle Chinese Qieyun(《切韵》) Division IV 屑rhyme. Similarly, the mutual connection of the two rhyme groups in the departing-tone (去声) of the Division IV(四等韵) indicates the merging of the *eets>eets(月2霁) and *iits>ᵉiits>eets(质霁) subgroups, forming the Middle Chinese Qieyun(《切 韵》) Division IV 霁rhyme. The mutual connection of the two rhyme groups in the Division III (三等韵) is primarily concentrated in alveolar initials, but is not observed in the Heluo Yayin (河洛雅音) system, suggesting a potential regional phonetic phenomenon. The divergent readings of 质 rhymes in the 薛 rhyme category and the unusual readings of the 至 rhymes in the 祭 rhyme category in Middle Chinese Qieyun (《切韵》) phonology may be attributed to the influence of innovative phonetic changes in this dialect.
Mapping the Knowledge Management Education and Professional Landscape in Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Sueli Mara Soares Pinto , Paletta Francisco Carlos
Published: October 2024

Abstract: The article shows how the knowledge management area has developed in Brazil, in terms of academic and scientific foundations as well as organizational support and collaboration networks in the extra-academic context. In this way, it documents the existence of a corpus of reference sources already available for those interested in the subject as well as a deepening the understanding of knowledge management at the master’s and doctoral program levels.
Programmable Mach-Zehnder Interferometer without bends for high density and integrated linear operation
Authors: Rituraj . , Mane Onkar , Krishnamurthy Srini
Published: October 2024

The growth in computing demands driven by the advancements in artificial intelligence and data communication necessitate energy-efficient devices that can process information at high speeds and integrate seamlessly into compact platforms. Integrated photonic devices, networks of tunable Mach-Zehnder Interferometers (MZI) in particular, have emerged as a promising platform for performing linear computational tasks. The existing MZI networks suffer from having large footprint and poor scalability. We present a novel design of MZI which does not have bends and, consequently, it is significantly less complex and smaller than the conventional MZIs resulting in improved performance and enhanced device scalability. This work is a significant step towards the realization of larger and denser MZI networks enabling applications in both classical and quantum information processing tasks.
Old microscopy data reveals optical superresolution in line with information theory
Authors: Selci Stefano
Published: October 2024

This article reexamines a twenty-year-old experiment showing superresolved intensity variations in the far field using visible light, achieved by nanoscale modifications of the diffraction slit spacing. This study was motivated by earlier unexplained far-field microscopy images that achieved λ/10 resolution without near-field operation. Our hypothesis, backed by 2D finite element analysis, proposes that the local illumination of the scanning tip disturbs the intensity transmitted through the diffraction mask, creating super-resolved images through far-field collection of diffracted energy variations. A review of the historical scientific contributions supports this interpretation. We explore the relationship between information theory, space-bandwidth product concepts, and these observations. These findings demonstrate the possibility of achieving far-field optical super-resolution without requiring near-field proximity of the scanning element, potentially enabling new applications across various wavelengths and imaging scenarios.