bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El desarrollo de la investigación educativa en la actualidad
Authors:   Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, Fabra Eduardo , Cobos-Cali Martha ,   Universidad del Azuay, Bueno-Pacheco Alexandra ,   Universidad del Azuay, Freire-Cruz Manuel ,   Universidad del Azuay, Astudillo-Rodríguez Catalina-Verónica ,   Universidad del Azuay, Arteaga-Sarmiento Sonia Magali ,   Universidad del Azuay, Guillén-Guerrero María Gabriela ,   Universidad del Azuay, González-Trelles Silverio ,   Universidad Nacional de Educación, Ortega-Chasi Patricia Margarita ,   Universidad del Azuay, Arteaga-Ortiz Ana Cristina ,   Universidad del Azuay, Guillén-García Luis Jacinto ,   Universidad del Azuay
Published: January 2023

Con el fin de que el lector pueda tener un panorama de lo que acontece en la investigación educativa en el Ecuador de comienzos de este milenio, se presenta el trabajo titulado: “El Estado del Arte de la Investigación Educativa en el Ecuador” del Dr. Eduardo Fabara Garzón, quien, a ese momento desempeñaba la Presidencia de ASEFIE y dio la exposición inicial, con la que se inauguraba la referida Conferencia, el 26 de Octubre de 2017, en la Universidad del Azuay de la ciudad de Cuenca. En este trabajo se pone de manifiesto que es la primera ocasión que en el Ecuador se recoge lo que se ha efectuado en investigación educativa, especial mente desde el año 2000 hasta la presente fecha, puesto que el estudio en mención toma en cuenta a las instituciones que auspician, financian o realizan investigaciones educativas, también los eventos que, sobre la materia, se han llevado a cabo, especialmente por parte de las universidades ecuatorianas; los investigadores que han publicado sus trabajos en los últimos años, así como los títulos y referencias de las principales investigaciones desarrolladas en este período.134 páginas ISBN: 978-9942-778-95-6 e-ISBN: 978-9942-778-96-3
La inclusión educativa en números Zona2: Napo
Authors:   Universidad del Azuay, León-Pesántez Adriana , Tapia-Encalada Eulalia Ximena ,   Universidad del Azuay
Published: January 2023

El desarrollo del proyecto, en gran medida, se posibilitó gracias al convenio de cooperación establecido entre la Universidad del Azuay y la Secretaría Técnica de Discapacidades del Ecuador, SETEDIS, organismo que, entre otras acciones, facilitó la colaboración del Ministerio de Educación, y posibilitó el desarrollo de las actividades planificadas tanto a nivel local como nacional. La investigación fue realizada en el marco de la primera Maestría de Educación Básica Inclusiva, e involucró a los 26 maestrantes a través del desarrollo de sus respectivas tesis de grado, así como a 11 profesores del programa. Este selecto grupo laboró con gran entusiasmo y compromiso social por el lapso aproximado de 9 meses y se desplazó, en estricto cumplimiento de los objetivos trazados, a diferentes zonas de la geografía patria. 60 páginas ISBN: 978-9942-822-02-4 e-ISBN: 978-9942-822-10-9
La inclusión educativa en números Zona 6: Azuay, Cañar y Morona Santiago
Authors:   Universidad del Azuay, León-Pesántez Adriana , Granda-Verdugo Rosana ,   Universidad del Azuay, Fiallo-Flor Diana ,   Universidad del Azuay, MercháValdivieso Valeria ,   Universidad del Azuay, Puin-Gutama Martha ,   Universidad del Azuay
Published: January 2023

El desarrollo del proyecto, en gran medida, se posibilitó gracias al convenio de cooperación establecido entre la Universidad del Azuay y la Secretaría Técnica de Discapacidades del Ecuador, SETEDIS, organismo que, entre otras acciones facilitó la colaboración del Ministerio de Educación, y posibilitó el desarrollo de las actividades planificadas tanto a nivel local como nacional. La investigación fue realizada en el marco de la primera Maestría de Educación Básica Inclusiva, e involucró a los 26 maestrantes a través del desarrollo de sus respectivas tesis de grado, así como a 11 profesores del programa. Este selecto grupo laboró con gran entusiasmo y compromiso social por el lapso aproximado de 9 meses y se desplazó, en estricto cumplimiento de los objetivos trazados, a diferentes zonas de la geografía patria. 148 páginas ISBN: 978-9942-822-06-2 e-ISBN: 978-9942-822-15-4
La inclusión educativa en números Zona 7: Loja
Authors:   Universidad del Azuay, Arteaga-Ortiz Ana Cristina , Proaño-Arias Elida Margarita ,   Universidad del Azuay, Reyes-Fernández-de-Córdova Norma Alexandra ,   Universidad del Azuay, Reinoso-Gomezcoello Andrea Carolina ,   Universidad del Azuay
Published: January 2023

El desarrollo del proyecto, en gran medida, se posibilitó gracias al convenio de cooperación establecido entre la Universidad del Azuay y la Secretaría Técnica de Discapacidades del Ecuador, SETEDIS, organismo que, entre otras acciones facilitó la colaboración del Ministerio de Educación, y posibilitó el desarrollo de las actividades planificadas tanto a nivel local como nacional. La investigación fue realizada en el marco de la primera Maestría de Educación Básica Inclusiva, e involucró a los 26 maestrantes a través del desarrollo de sus respectivas tesis de grado, así como a 11 profesores del programa. Este selecto grupo laboró con gran entusiasmo y compromiso social por el lapso aproximado de 9 meses y se desplazó, en estricto cumplimiento de los objetivos trazados, a diferentes zonas de la geografía patria. 78 páginas ISBN: 978-9942-822-07-9 e-ISBN: 978-9942-822-16-1
Introducción a la tecnología de conservas vegetales
Authors:   Universidad del Azuay, Carrión-Calderón Miguel , Rojas Cristian ,   Universidad del Azuay
Published: January 2023

El presente libro, iniciativa destacada de dos emblemáticos catedráticos, Miguel Carrión Calderón y Cristian Rojas, de la Escuela de Ingeniería en Alimentos de la Universidad del Azuay en Cuenca-Ecuador, aborda de manera concisa y profunda la tecnología de conservas vegetales en diez capítulos. La originalidad del trabajo radica en que trata, de manera holística y multivariada, el procesamiento de los vegetales; desde la composición de macro y micronutrientes de los productos en estudio (cereales, leguminosas, vegetales y frutas), el tratamiento de materias primas, sus procesos de transformación, las operaciones de acabado, el envasado y sus defectos, hasta los tratamientos clásicos y emergentes para la prolongación de la vida útil de un alimento de buena calidad. En este escueto marco de análisis, consideramos sinceramente que una puerta interesante para la investigación y el desarrollo del país, especialmente en la lucha local y mundial contra el hambre y la desnutrición, considerada desde el área de alimentos vegetales, se abre y visualiza mediante esta importante contribución. La obra está dirigida a profesionales de la industria agroalimentaria, a estudiantes de Ingeniería de Alimentos y afines, y a otras personas interesadas en aplicar correcta y responsablemente la tecnología de conservas vegetales. 341 páginas ISBN: 978-9942-822-22-2 e-ISBN: 978-9942-822-23-9
Manual de auditoría de gestión: Enfoque empresarial de riesgos
Authors:   Universidad del Azuay, Cubero-Abril Teodoro
Published: January 2023

El presente manual desarrolla una metodología de trabajo y brinda una ayuda teórica y práctica, que sirve de guía a los estudiantes, a los profesionales de las carreras de Economía, Administración, Contabilidad y Auditoría; y al público en general. Genera resultados de aprendizaje y es un medio de consulta para los profesionales auditores. Está concebido con métodos, procedimientos, técnicas y prácticas nuevas y modernas, con un enfoque empresarial y con base en la gestión de riesgos, posibilitando de esta manera, evaluar el desempeño aadministrativo de los negocios. 290 páginas ISBN: 978-9942-778-80-2 e-ISBN: 978-9942-778-82-6
Promoting nurses’ behaviour change in nutritional care
Authors:   , ten Cate Debbie
Published: January 2023

Approximately 35% of older adults with care needs are malnourished and this has negative consequences for their health. Nutritional care for older adults is of utmost importance to fight malnutrition. The focus of this PhD project was on how nutritional care is provided by nurses. Although nurses stated that they consider nutritional care important, it is suboptimal for older adults in hospital and home care.

Several studies were conducted with nurses, older adults and informal caregivers. In these studies, several factors which influence behaviour of nurses in nutritional care were identified. The studies showed that there is e.g. a lack of sufficient knowledge about nutritional care, that nutritional care has low prioritisation and that there is a moderate awareness about risk factors for malnutrition.

Based on these factors, an educational intervention was developed to enhance knowledge and behaviour of nurses regarding nutritional care. Motivating nurses was taken as a starting point. This has led to the development of a brief and concise microlearning intervention consisting of 30 statements about nursing nutritional care for older adults, which are presented through an online platform.

The microlearning intervention is an important first step to enhance nutritional care. Nurses are willing to learn, but behaviour change is complex. But there are opportunities enabling nurses to adequately integrate nutritional care in their routine practice. They can provide proper nutritional care together with other professionals, older adults and their relatives. Ultimately, it is important that older adults stay healthy. Therefore, good nutrition is crucial.
INVESTIGATION OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AS A VIRAL RESERVOIR FOR HIV
Authors:   , Gumbs Stephanie Beantha Henriëtta
Published: January 2023

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has substantially improved treatment outcomes for people with HIV (PWH) by effectively suppressing viral replication. However, HIV hides in resting cells and achievement of HIV cure therefore relies on the eradication or permanent silencing of these infected resting cells.

We investigated whether the central nervous system (CNS) can serve as an anatomical reservoir for HIV and in which brain cells HIV might be hiding. Therefore, we used a unique collection of samples, obtained from blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain biopsies from untreated and treated PWH. Importantly, we detected intact proviral DNA in the CNS despite long-term effective treatment. Furthermore, we found that some individuals had significant differences between the virus population in the blood and the CSF, indicating that HIV can infect and replicate within cells in the CNS. Using microglial culture models, we demonstrated that microglia support productive HIV infection and based upon our newly developed cerebral organoid culture model, also known as “mini-brains”, we demonstrated microglia to be the only HIV target cell in the CNS.

Overall, we demonstrated that the CNS, particularly microglial cells, can support HIV infection and replication and also harbor intact HIV DNA despite long-term ART and viral suppression, suggesting that the CNS can function as a viral reservoir. With this knowledge, we advocate for the inclusion of the CNS in future HIV eradication strategies.
The Impact of Intermediate Antidrug Antibodies to Infliximab and Adalimumab on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Wang Chaoyang , Tolaymat Mazen , Cross Raymond
Published: January 2023

Background: The anti-TNF drugs adalimumab (ADA) and infliximab (IFX) are effective treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, 40% of patients lose response, often due to the development of antibodies-to-ADA (ATA) and antibodies-to-IFX (ATI). While low ATA/ATI titres (<200 ng/mL) are associated with better outcomes and high ATA/ATI titres (>1,000 ng/mL) are associated with poorer outcomes, the significance of intermediate ATA/ATI titres (200–999 ng/mL) is not well understood. This study aims to investigate the impact of intermediate ATA/ATI titres on outcomes in patients with IBD.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 376 patients with IBD was conducted. The primary clinical outcome was persistence on anti-TNF therapy for 1 year after the measurement of ATA/ATI titres. The participants consisted of patients with IBD treated with IFX or ADA at the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program between October 2016 and October 2019.

Results: Out of 322 patients with low titres, 271 persisted on their original anti-TNF, compared with nine out the 15 patients with intermediate titres (p=0.026) and one out the 10 patients with high titres (p<0.0001). The odds ratio of persistence when comparing intermediate titres to low titres was 0.26 (0.09–0.80), and when comparing high titres to low titres was 0.02 (0.00–0.14).

Conclusion: Patients with intermediate titres were more likely to lose response to anti-TNF drugs and require a change in anti-TNF therapy than patients with low titres. Although the sample size of patients with intermediate titres was small, providers should consider dose optimisation of anti-TNF drugs, with or without the addition of an immunosuppressant, when intermediate titres are present.
Low-Dose Dopamine in the Management of Intradialysis Hypotension: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Nigeria
Authors: Uduagbamen Peter , Ogunmola Marion , Nwogbe Igwebuike , Falana Tolulope
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Intradialytic hypotension (IDH) still remains a common finding in maintenance haemodialysis despite improvements in dialysis delivery. Measures are needed to minimise some aftermath of IDH like dialysis termination, which can impact poorly on dialysis outcome. Methods: This retrospective study assessed IDH in a low-income setting, and compared two cohorts of IDH with and without dopamine treatment. Results: Of the 416 participants, 92 (22.1%) had at least an episode of symptomatic IDH. Of these, 20 (21.7%) were treated with dopamine. Of the 2,205 sessions, 468 (21.2%) had symptomatic IDH, of which 63 (13.4%) with severe IDH were treated with dopamine. The mean age of all participants and dopamine treatment participants were 50.8 ± 9.3 years and 64.6 ± 9.5 years, respectively (P=0.001). Blood pressure (BP) reductions following dialysis were more with females (P=0.04). Dialysis dose was adequate in 7.9% and 4.2% of sessions with and without dopamine (P<0.001). Improvements in glomerular filtration rate were greater in dopamine-treated sessions (P=0.03 and P=0.04, respectively). Fewer anti-hypertensives (aOR: 14.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.88–20.41), low predialysis systolic (aOR:5.59; 95% CI: 3.88–9.41), and diastolic blood pressure (aOR: 5.78; 95% CI: 4.06-9.81) were independently associated with dopamine-treated sessions. Conclusion: IDH was found in 21.2% of dialysis sessions. 13.4% with severe IDH had dopamine treatment. Participants with dopamine-treated sessions had fewer dialysis terminations and hospitalisations, and dopamine treatment improved the prescribed dialysis and gave higher dialysis doses. Considering the economic effects of dialysis termination in low-income nations, intradialytic dopamine could be very beneficial.
Crossing the line: Building value with 1-credit experiential courses
Authors: Thunberg Michael , Sodergren Steven
Published: January 2023

The 3-credit course model provides faculty the time to cover content breadth or specialization. This model focuses on drawing students based on content, commonly majors. Interested outside majors might not think they have the prerequisite knowledge to succeed hindering the student’s ability to learn and other students’ ability to gain diverse perspectives. This research examines 1-credit experiential classes that helps recruit students for both the content and method of delivery. Such courses use a range of pedagogical approaches that provide a more engaging experience than the traditional classroom. The 1-credit model that focuses on method of delivery reduces the content burden and barrier to entry for outside majors. These courses can also help general retention trends as students earn credit for more engaging courses. This paper uses student surveys in a topically similar 3-credit and 1-credit course to better understand the positive impact of 1-credit courses.
The Failure to Generalize Empathy
Authors: Rahal Louai
Published: January 2023

Why are humans selective in their empathy and why do they empathize with some and are indifferent towards others ? Can empathy be generalized to include everyone or is empathy always prone to bias and selectivity ? The presentation examines two theories that explain humans' failure to generalize their empathy. The first theory is based on the writings of Darwin and argues that "Us vs Them" distinctions make our prosocial instincts biased, the second theory is based on the writings of Paul Bloom and argues that empathy is selective and biased and is therefore bound to produce discriminatory behavior. The presentation also discusses the role of misrepresentations in misguiding our empathy.
Some New Correlation Coefficient Measures Based on Fermatean Fuzzy Sets using Decision Making Approach in Pattern Analysis and Supplier Selection
Authors: Bhatia Mansi , Arora H. D. , Naithani Anjali
Published: January 2023

Fermatean fuzzy set (FFS) is an effective tool to depict expert reasoning information in the decision‐making process than fuzzy sets (FS), intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFS), and Pythagorean fuzzy sets (PFS). Keeping in mind the importance of correlation coefficient and application in medical diagnosis, decision making and pattern recognition, several studies on correlation coefficient measures have been proposed in the literature. As there does not exist any study concerning correlation coefficient measures for FFS, in this communication, we propose novel entropy-correlation measures for Fermatean fuzzy sets and applied it decision making problems of pattern analysis and multi-criteria decision making for supplier selection. With the help of proposed correlation coefficient, we establish some weighted measures for FFS. Using numerical computations, we determine the efficacy of the suggested measures over other measures. The aim of this study is to propose a novel and efficient methodology for evaluation of supplier’s selection with uncertain information. Finally, we establish the comparative study of our developed measures over the existing correlation coefficient measures. The analysis showed that the suggested methodology is reliable, flexible, and consistent with the existing techniques.
Sustainable Warehouse Location Selection in Humanitarian Supply Chain: Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach
Authors: Mittal Rubina , Obaid Amna
Published: January 2023

The frequency of catastrophic natural disasters is rising, and much emphasis is being given to the Humanitarian Supply chain (HSC). The main goal of relief efforts is to get enough emergency supplies to the area hit by the disaster as quickly as possible. The decision of where to locate warehouses that will store relief supplies presents a significant obstacle for humanitarian relief organizations as they work to enhance their capacity for providing aid and their rescue plan. A non-optimal location could make the search and rescue efforts harder. More importantly, it has been seen that when these kinds of geographical sites are evaluated, social and environmental issues are not considered. This research paper aims to make humanitarian networks more accountable by determining the ideal warehouse site and considering both traditional and sustainable factors. A framework for selecting warehouses to keep relief goods was devised using the Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) approach. Best-Worst and TOPSIS (“Technique for Order Performance by Similarity to the Ideal Solution”) methods were used to rank the potential locations based on Cost, Logistics, Environmental, and Social Criteria. A research study has been done in the State of West Bengal (District Arambagh).
Brain Tumor Detection and Localization: An Inception V3 - Based Classification Followed By RESUNET-Based Segmentation Approach
Authors: Rastogi Deependra , Johri Prashant , Tiwari Varun
Published: January 2023

Adults and children alike are at risk from brain tumors. Accurate and prompt detection, on the other hand, can save lives. This research focuses on the identification and localization of brain tumors. Many research has been available on the analysis and classification of brain tumors, but only a few have addressed the issue of feature engineering. To address the difficulties of manual diagnostics and traditional feature-engineering procedures, new methods are required. To reliably segment and identify brain tumors, an automated diagnostic method is required. While progress is being made, automated brain tumor diagnosis still confront hurdles such as low accuracy and a high rate of false-positive outcomes. Deep learning is used to analyse brain tumors in the model described in this work, which improves classification and segmentation. Using Inception-V3 and RESUNET, deep learning is pragmatic for tumor classification and segmentation. On the Inception V3 model, add one extra layer as a head for classifying. The outcomes of these procedures are compared to those of existing methods. The test accuracy of the Inception-V3 with extra classification layer model is 0.9996, while the loss value is 0.0025. The model tversky value for localization and detection is 0.9688, while the model accuracy is 0.9700.
Influence of porosity on osteogenesis, bone growth and osteointegration in trabecular tantalum scaffolds fabricated by additive manufacturing
Authors: Jiao Juyang , Hong Qimin , Zhang Dachen , Wang Minqi , Tang Haozheng , Yang Jingzhou , Qu Xinhua , Yue Bing
Published: January 2023

Porous tantalum implants are a class of materials commonly used in clinical practice to repair bone defects. However, the cumbersome and problematic preparation procedure have limited their widespread application. Additive manufacturing has revolutionized the design and process of orthopedic implants, but the pore architecture feature of porous tantalum scaffolds prepared from additive materials for optimal osseointegration are unclear, particularly the influence of porosity. We prepared trabecular bone-mimicking tantalum scaffolds with three different porosities (60%, 70% and 80%) using the laser powder bed fusing technique to examine and compare the effects of adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation capacity of rat mesenchymal stem cells on the scaffolds in vitro. The in vivo bone ingrowth and osseointegration effects of each scaffold were analyzed in a rat femoral bone defect model. Three porous tantalum scaffolds were successfully prepared and characterized. In vitro studies showed that scaffolds with 70% and 80% porosity had a better ability to osteogenic proliferation and differentiation than scaffolds with 60% porosity. In vivo studies further confirmed that tantalum scaffolds with the 70% and 80% porosity had a better ability for bone ingrowh than the scaffold with 60% porosity. As for osseointegration, more bone was bound to the material in the scaffold with 70% porosity, suggesting that the 3D printed trabecular tantalum scaffold with 70% porosity could be the optimal choice for subsequent implant design, which we will further confirm in a large animal preclinical model for better clinical use.
New perspectives in architecture through transformable structures: A simulation study
Authors: Matheou Maria , Phocas Marios C. , Christoforou Eftychios G. , Müller Andreas
Published: January 2023

Structures enabling transformability of buildings, components and materials at different levels gain significance in view of a sustainable built environment. Such structures are capable of obtaining different shapes in response to varying functional, environmental or loading conditions. Certain limitations of classic tensegrity and scissor-like structures, applied so far in an architectural and engineering context, are attributed to a limited number of possible configurations and a big number of actuators required. In this context, rigid-bar linkages offer a promising alternative with regard to constructability, modularity, transformability and control components integration. In achieving improved flexibility and controllability with a reduced number of actuation devices, a kinematics principle has been previously proposed by the authors that involves the reduction of the system to an externally controlled one degree-of-freedom mechanism in a multistep transformation process. The paper presents application of the kinematics principle in two classes of a transformable spatial rigid-bar linkage structure. Investigation of the system kinematics was conducted using parametric associative design. The kinematics principle is applied on a torus-shaped spatial structural system composed of planar interconnected linkages. Alternative motion sequences of multiple transformation steps by the planar linkages can be implemented for the stepwise adjustment of the joints to their desired values. The actuators employed are positioned at the ground supports and are detached from the main structural body. Thus, minimum structural self-weight, simplicity and reduced energy consumption become possible. The transformation approaches using parametric associative design are exemplified based on a selected motion sequence pattern. The case study demonstrates the high degree of control flexibility and transformability of the system.
Xin-Li-Fang efficacy and safety for patients with chronic heart failure: A study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Liu Tong , Yao Sijie , Jiang Wei , Lan Taohua , Xu Wenjing , Cao Haiming , Yao Ping , Wang Chao , Lu Weihui , Chen Xiankun
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Xin-Li-Fang (XLF), a representative Chinese patent medicine, was derived from years of clinical experience by academician Chen Keji, and is widely used to treat chronic heart failure (CHF). However, there remains a lack of high-quality evidence to support clinical decision-making. Therefore, we designed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the efficacy and safety of XLF for CHF.

Methods and design

This multicenter, double-blinded RCT will be conducted in China. 300 eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either an XLF group or a control group at a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the XLF group will receive XLF granules plus routine care, while those in the control group will receive placebo granules plus routine care. The study period is 26 weeks, including a 2-week run-in period, a 12-week treatment period, and a 12-week follow-up. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients whose serum NT-proBNP decreased by more than 30%. The secondary outcomes include quality of life, the NYHA classification evaluation, 6-min walking test, TCM symptom evaluations, echocardiography parameters, and clinical events (including hospitalization for worsening heart failure, all-cause death, and other major cardiovascular events).

Discussion

The results of the study are expected to provide evidence of high methodological and reporting quality on the efficacy and safety of XLF for CHF.

Clinical trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registration Center (www.chictr.org.cn). The trial was registered on 13 April 2022 (ChiCTR2200058649).
Elastic and electrical properties of calcite-cemented artificial sandstones based on a new manufacturing method
Authors: Wang Pan , Han Tongcheng , Fu Li-Yun
Published: January 2023

Calcite cement is widely existing in sandstones and can significantly affect the elastic and electrical properties of sandstones. Accordingly, understanding the effects of calcite cement on the elastic and electrical rock properties is of key importance for the accurate characterization of sandstone reservoirs through seismic and electromagnetic surveys. To obtain such knowledge, we design and implement dedicated laboratory experiments to investigate the effects of calcite cement and porosity on the P- and S-wave velocities and electrical resistivity of synthetic calcite-cemented sandstones made using a new recipe. The experimental results show that elastic velocities and electrical resistivity generally decrease with increasing porosity when the content of the calcite cement keeps constant, whereas the elastic and electrical rock properties exhibit complex variation with cement content in sandstones with approximately the same porosity. Analyses and interpretation of the experimental data indicate that the elastic and electrical rock properties are affected jointly by porosity, the content and distribution of the calcite cement, as well as the microstructure of the pore space resulting from the different axial stress employed for the consolidation of the rock samples. The results have revealed the mechanisms of how porosity and calcite cement affect the elastic and electrical properties of calcite-cemented sandstones, and provided a theoretical basis for the accurate characterization of sandstone reservoirs through seismic and electromagnetic surveys.
Effect of SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine on thyroid autoimmunity: A twelve-month follow-up study
Authors: Morita Shuhei , Takagi Tomoyuki , Inaba Hidefumi , Furukawa Yasushi , Kishimoto Shohei , Uraki Shinsuke , Shimo Naoki , Takeshima Ken , Uraki Saya , Doi Kei , Imagawa Mitsuyo , Kokawa Mika , Konami Tomomi , Hara Hitomi , Hara Yoshihiro , Sone Emiko , Furuta Hiroto , Nishi Masahiro , Doi Asako , Tamura Shinobu , Matsuoka Taka-aki
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Graves’ disease (GD) has been highlighted as a possible adverse effect of the respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine. However, it is unknown if the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine disrupts thyroid autoimmunity. We aimed to present long-term follow-up of thyroid autoimmunity after the SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine.

Methods

Serum samples collected from seventy Japanese healthcare workers at baseline, 32 weeks after the second dose (pre-third dose), and 4 weeks after the third dose of the vaccine were analyzed. The time courses of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody, thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb), and thyroid function were evaluated. Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) were additionally evaluated in thirty-three participants.

Results

The median age was 50 (IQR, 38-54) years and 69% were female. The median anti-spike IgG antibody titer was 17627 (IQR, 10898-24175) U/mL 4 weeks after the third dose. The mean TRAb was significantly increased from 0.81 (SD, 0.05) IU/L at baseline to 0.97 (SD, 0.30) IU/L 4 weeks after the third dose without functional changes. An increase in TRAb was positively associated with female sex (β = 0.32, P = 0.008) and low basal FT4 (β = -0.29, P = 0.02) and FT3 (β = -0.33, P = 0.004). TgAb was increased by the third dose. Increase in TgAb was associated with history of the thyroid diseases (β = 0.55, P <0.001).

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine can disrupt thyroid autoimmunity. Clinicians should consider the possibility that the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine may disrupt thyroid autoimmunity.
Clinical characteristics of antithyroid drug-induced aplastic anemia cases over the past 30 years
Authors: Cheng Ying , Xia Xin-Yu , Zhang Wei , Ren Li , Tian Chen-Fu , Liu Dan , Xue Gang
Published: January 2023

Objective

The authors aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of antithyroid drug-induced aplastic anemia cases over the past 30 years.

Methods

The data of patients with antithyroid drug-induced aplastic anemia were retrieved from PubMed and Wanfang Medical Network databases from 1992 to August 2022. The clinical characteristics, such as age distribution, gender tendency, common symptoms, blood cell count, bone marrow features, treatment strategy, and prognosis, were analyzed.

Results

A total of 17 cases (male:female = 1:16) had been retrieved. Patients’ age ranged from 16 to 74 years (median 50 years). Among them, 82.3% (14/17) of the patients were administered methimazole (MMI), and 78.6% of them had MMI ≥30 mg/day. In addition, 88.2% (15/17) of the patients had sore throat and fever, and 47.1% (8/17) of the patients had hemorrhagic symptoms. Aplastic anemia occurred within 6 months after initiation of the antithyroid therapy in 94.1% of the patients. Agranulocytosis (94.1%) was the most common and earliest blood cell change, and 47.1% of the patients experienced progressive platelet decline during the treatment process. The treatments include timely withdrawal of antithyroid drugs, broad-spectrum antibiotics, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)/granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), glucocorticoids and other immunosuppressive agents, and supportive treatments such as erythrocyte transfusion and platelet transfusion. Moreover, 70.6% of the patients had complete or near-complete remission within 8 days to 6 weeks.

Conclusion

Aplastic anemia is a rare and serious adverse reaction of antithyroid drugs, which is more common in women. It usually occurs during early treatment with high-dose antithyroid drugs. Most patients have a good prognosis after timely drug ceasing and appropriate treatment.
Ingestion of whey protein and β-conglycinin exerts opposite effects on intestinal FGF15 and serotonin secretion in mice
Authors: Nonogaki Katsunori , Kaji Takao
Published: January 2023

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and Takeda G protein-coupled Receptor 5 (TGR5), the intestinal bile acid (BA) receptors, regulate the gut-derived hormones including fibroblast growth factor 15/19 (FGF15/19) and serotonin (5-hydrooxytryptamine, 5-HT). Here we show that ingestion of whey protein isolate, a milk protein, significantly decreased expression of heteromeric organic solute transporter Ostα and Ostβ, which is the basolateral BA transporter in the enterocyte, and increased the expression of FXR and FGF15 in C57BL6J mouse ileum and plasma FGF15 levels. In addition, the ingestion of whey protein isolate significantly suppressed expression of hepatic cholesterol-7α hydroxylase (CYP7A1), which induces the primary BA synthesis, bile salt export pump (BSEP) and sodium-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), which are the key transporters for the BA excretion and uptake in the liver, and genes involved in gluconeogenesis, and decreased the primary BAs including cholic acid, taurocholic acid, glycocholic acid, and taurochenodeoxycholic acid in the liver compared with controls. Moreover, ingestion of whey protein isolate significantly decreased the expression of TGR5, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and tryptophan hydroxylase1 (Tph1) in the small intestine, leading to decreases in plasma 5-HT and insulin levels. On the other hand, ingestion of the soy protein β-conglycinin significantly increased the expression of Ostα and Ostβ, and decreased the expression of FGF15 in the ileum and plasma FGF15 levels, leading to the increases in expression of hepatic CYP7A1, BSEP, NTCP, and genes involved in gluconeogenesis, and the primary BAs in the liver. Moreover, ingestion of β-conglycinin significantly increased the expression of intestinal TGR5, GLP-1, and Tph1, leading to increases in plasma 5-HT and insulin levels. These findings suggest that whey protein and β-conglycinin have opposite effects on intestinal FGF15 and 5-HT secretion in mice.
Research on the uncertainty problem of SDG fault diagnosis based on information flow
Authors: Huang Jiahui , Liu Jie , Yang Xiaohua , Ma Jiayu , Liu Hua
Published: January 2023

Accurate and complete diagnosis of nuclear accidents is the primary link to nuclear emergencies. The signed directed graph (SDG), as a common method of fault diagnosis, has good completeness. However, if there are feedforward and negative feedback control loops, compensation response and reverse response will be generated in the process of fault occurrence and propagation, which makes the state of the compensation variable and reverse variable uncertain, thus destroying the compatibility of the fault propagation path, leading to incomplete SDG reverse reasoning. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a SDG fault diagnosis method based on information flow. This method first finds out all the directed edges with the compensation variable or inverse variable node as the endpoint. By comparing the goodness of fit between the information flow on these directed edges and their total information flow curves, the path that contained the directed edge represented by sub-information flow with the highest R2 is obtained, and it is used as the fault propagation path with the maximum probability to determine the state of the compensation variable or inverse variable and fault location. At the same time, this paper extends the SDG model from the structure to build an FR-SDG model that can intuitively describe the node steady-state information under the final response and the fault propagation path with the maximum probability, which improves the diagnosis resolution. Finally, this paper carried out the relevant experiments in the subsystem of the nuclear reactor primary loop by using the simulation system PCTran AP1000, which verified the feasibility of this method.
AI explainability and governance in smart energy systems: A review
Authors: Alsaigh Roba , Mehmood Rashid , Katib Iyad
Published: January 2023

Traditional electrical power grids have long suffered from operational unreliability, instability, inflexibility, and inefficiency. Smart grids (or smart energy systems) continue to transform the energy sector with emerging technologies, renewable energy sources, and other trends. Artificial intelligence (AI) is being applied to smart energy systems to process massive and complex data in this sector and make smart and timely decisions. However, the lack of explainability and governability of AI is a major concern for stakeholders hindering a fast uptake of AI in the energy sector. This paper provides a review of AI explainability and governance in smart energy systems. We collect 3,568 relevant papers from the Scopus database, automatically discover 15 parameters or themes for AI governance in energy and elaborate the research landscape by reviewing over 150 papers and providing temporal progressions of the research. The methodology for discovering parameters or themes is based on “deep journalism,” our data-driven deep learning-based big data analytics approach to automatically discover and analyse cross-sectional multi-perspective information to enable better decision-making and develop better instruments for governance. The findings show that research on AI explainability in energy systems is segmented and narrowly focussed on a few AI traits and energy system problems. This paper deepens our knowledge of AI governance in energy and is expected to help governments, industry, academics, energy prosumers, and other stakeholders to understand the landscape of AI in the energy sector, leading to better design, operations, utilisation, and risk management of energy systems.
Impacts of climate change and fruit tree expansion on key hydrological components at different spatial scales
Authors: Xu Yarui , Liu Wenfei , Fan Houbao , Shen Fangfang , Wu Jianping , Liu Peng , Sang Dongxin , Qiu Wanbin , Duan Honglang , Cai Wei
Published: January 2023

Assessing how fruit tree expansion and climate variability affect hydrological components (e.g., water yield, surface runoff, underground runoff, soil water, evapotranspiration, and infiltration) at different spatial scales is crucial for the management and protection of watersheds, ecosystems, and engineering design. The Jiujushui watershed (259.32 km2), which experienced drastic forest changes over the past decades, was selected to explore the response mechanisms of hydrological components to fruit tree expansion and climate variability at different spatial scales (whole basin and subbasin scale). Specifically, we set up two change scenarios (average temperature increase of 0.5°C and fruit tree area expansion of 18.97%) in the SWAT model by analyzing historical data (1961∼2011). Results showed that climate change reduced water yield, surface runoff, and underground runoff by 6.75, 0.37, and 5.91 mm, respectively. By contrast, the expansion of fruit trees increased surface runoff and water yield by 2.81 and 4.10 mm, respectively, but decreased underground runoff by 1 mm. Interestingly, the sub-basins showed different intensities and directions of response under climate change and fruit tree expansion scenarios. However, the downstream response was overall more robust than the upstream response. These results suggest that there may be significant differences in the hydrological effects of climate change and fruit tree expansion at different spatial scales, thus any land disturbance measures should be carefully considered.
Construction and comprehensive analysis of a curoptosis-related lncRNA signature for predicting prognosis and immune response in cervical cancer
Authors: Liu Li , Zheng Jianfeng , Xia Hongmei , Wu Qiaoling , Cai Xintong , Ji Liyan , Sun Yang
Published: January 2023

Cuproptosis (copper-ion-dependent cell death) is an unprogrammed cell death, and intracellular copper accumulation, causing copper homeostasis imbalance and then leading to increased intracellular toxicity, which can affect the rate of cancer cell growth and proliferation. This study aimed to create a newly cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature that can be used to predict survival and immunotherapy in patients with cervical cancer, but also to predict prognosis in patients treated with radiotherapy and may play a role in predicting radiosensitivity. First of all, we found lncRNAs associated with cuproptosis between cervical cancer tumor tissues and normal tissues. By LASSO-Cox analysis, overlapping lncRNAs were then used to construct lncRNA signatures associated with cuproptosis, which can be used to predict the prognosis of patients, especially the prognosis of radiotherapy patients, ROC curves and PCA analysis based on cuprotosis-related lncRNA signature and clinical signatures were developed and demonstrated to have good predictive potential. In addition, differences in immune cell subset infiltration and differences in immune checkpoint expression between high-risk and low-risk score groups were analyzed, and we investigated the relationship between this signature and tumor mutation burden. In summary, we constructed a lncRNA prediction signature associated with cuproptosis. This has important clinical implications, including improving the predictive value of cervical cancer patients and providing a biomarker for cervical cancer.
Clinical Management of Patients With B-Cell Depletion Agents to Treat or Prevent Prolonged and Severe SARS-COV-2 Infection: Defining a Treatment Pathway
Authors: D’Abramo Alessandra , Vita Serena , Maffongelli Gaetano , Beccacece Alessia , Agrati Chiara , Cimini Eleonora , Colavita Francesca , Giancola Maria Letizia , Cavasio Alessandro , Nicastri Emanuele ,   Spallanzani COVID-19 Case Investigation Team
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Immunocompromised patients with B-cell depletion agents are at risk for persistence and/or severe SARS-COV-2 infection. We describe a case series of 21 COVID-19 patients under B cell depletion therapy, mostly treated with a combined therapy based on intravenous remdesevir (RDV) and steroid associated with SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies against Spike glycoprotein and/or hyper-immune convalescent plasma.

Methods

This is a single-center longitudinal study. We retrospectively enrolled a total number of 21 B-cell depleted consecutive hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at the Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Rome, Italy, from November 2020 to December 2021. Demographic characteristics, medical history, clinical presentation, treatment, adverse drug reactions, and clinical and virological outcome were collected for all patients. In a subgroup, we explore immune T cells activation, T cells specific anti-SARS-COV-2 response, and neutralizing antibodies.

Results

Twenty-one inpatients with B-cell depletion and SARS-COV-2 infection were enrolled. A median of 1 B cells/mm3 was detected. Eighteen patients presented hypogammaglobulinemia. All patients presented interstitial pneumonia treated with intravenous RDV and steroids. Sixteen patients were treated with monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, four patients were treated with SARS-CoV-2 hyper-immune convalescent plasma infusion, and three patients received both treatments. A variable kinetic of T cell activation returning to normal levels at Day 30 after immunotherapy infusion was observed. All treated patients recovered.

Conclusion

In COVID-19 immunosuppressed subjects, it is mandatory to establish a prompt, effective, and combined multi-target therapy including oxygen, antiviral, steroid, and antibody-based therapeutics, tailored to the patient’s clinical needs.
Incorporation of a TGF-β2-inhibiting oligodeoxynucleotide molecular adjuvant into a tumor cell lysate vaccine to enhance antiglioma immunity in mice
Authors: Tu Liqun , Wang Zhe , Yang Lei , Sun Xiaomeng , Yao Yunpeng , Zhang Peng , Zhang Xiaotian , Wang Liying , Yu Yongli , Yang Ming
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Transforming growth factor β2 (TGF-β2), also known as glioma-derived T-cell suppressor factor, is associated with the impairment of tumor immune surveillance. Therefore, blocking TGF-β2 signaling probably be a feasible strategy to develop a novel type of adjuvant for glioma vaccines to enhance antitumor immunity.

Methods

A TGF-β2 inhibitory oligodeoxynucleotide, TIO3, was designed with sequences complementary to the 3' untranslated region of TGF-β2 mRNA. The expression of TGF-β2 and MHC-I was detected by qPCR, western and flow cytometry in vitro. All the percentage and activation of immune cells were detected by flow cytometry. Subsequently, TIO3 was formulated with Glioma cell lysate (TCL) and investigated for its antitumor effects in GL261 murine glioma prophylactic and therapeutic models.

Results

TIO3 could efficiently downregulate the expression of TGF-β2 while increase the MHC-I's expression in GL261 and U251 glioma cells in vitro. Meanwhile, TIO3 was detected in mice CD4+ T, CD8+ T, B and Ly6G+ cells from lymph nodes after 24 hours incubation. Moreover, TCL+TIO3 vaccination significantly prolonged the survival of primary glioma-bearing mice and protected these mice from glioma re-challenge in vivo. Mechanistically, TCL+TIO3 formulation strongly evoke the antitumor immune responses. 1) TCL+TIO3 significantly increased the composition of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from draining lymph nodes while promoted their IFN-γ production and reduced the expression of TGF-β2 and PD1. 2) TCL+TIO3 activated the NK cells with the elevation of CD69 or NKG2D expression and PD1 reduction. 3) TCL+TIO3 increased the glioma-specific lysis CTLs from spleen. 4) TCL+TIO3 downregulated PD-L1 expression in glioma tissues and in Ly6G+ cells among glioma-infiltrating immune cells.

Conclusion

TIO3 is a promising adjuvant for enhancing TCL-based vaccines to produce a more vigorous and long-lasting antitumor response by interfering with TGF-β2 expression.