bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of nucleation/growth kinetics for NaP zeolite crystals and the adsorption removal of phenol compound
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Deng Jitong , Zhai Changxiu , Zhang Yongjun , Han Hongjing , Zhang Mei , Wang Haiying , Tian Yuxuan , Chen Yanguang
Published: November 2023

The NaP zeolite with excellent crystallinity and adsorption performance was obtained by adopting the Na2SiO3 and NaAlO2 from coal fly ash as the raw materials. As the synthesis condition of aging for 0.5 h at 30°C and crystalizing for 8 h at 120°C with n(H2O)/n(SiO2) = 116, n(Na2O)/n(SiO2) = 1.4, and n(SiO2)/n(Al2O3) = 2.8, NaP zeolite owned higher crystallinity (98.98%) and spherical morphology (∼2.78 μm). During the crystallization, the nucleation/growth kinetics was calculated to survey the crystallization mechanism via the theoretical calculation and characterization methods. The diffusion of reactants in the solid–liquid‐phase interface was dominant, wherein the heterogeneous nucleation and solid‐phase transformation were also proposed based on the fitting results of Avarami–Erofeev and simple kinetic equations. The activation energy results of nucleation (En, 27.67 kJ/mol) and growth (Eg, 13.31 kJ/mol) demonstrated that the induced nucleation period was the critical step during the crystallization. Hence, the method of rapid nucleation was introduced and the induced nucleation time was shortened 50% (from ∼2.0 to ∼1.0 h) as the crystal seed was added. Moreover, the grain size of NaP‐Seed zeolite reduced to ∼2.02 μm. Meanwhile, the synthesized NaP zeolite adsorbent was employed for the removal of phenol compound from the aqueous solution. Under the synergistic effect of electrostatic interaction and pore filling effect, NaP zeolite exhibited better adsorption with the removal rate of 82.63% (pH = 5.0 and 40 min) and stability in the five consecutive cycles.
Induced pluripotent stem cells‐based disease modeling, drug screening, clinical trials, and reverse translational research for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Okano Hideyuki , Morimoto Satoru , Kato Chris , Nakahara Jin , Takahashi Shinichi
Published: November 2023

It has been more than 10 years since the hopes for disease modeling and drug discovery using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology boomed. Recently, clinical trials have been conducted with drugs identified using this technology, and some promising results have been reported. For amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neurodegenerative disease, several groups have identified candidate drugs, ezogabine (retigabine), bosutinib, and ropinirole, using iPSCs‐based drug discovery, and clinical trials using these drugs have been conducted, yielding interesting results. In our previous study, an iPSCs‐based drug repurposing approach was utilized to show the potential of ropinirole hydrochloride (ROPI) in reducing ALS‐specific pathological phenotypes. Recently, a phase 1/2a trial was conducted to investigate the effects of ropinirole on ALS further. This double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study confirmed the safety and tolerability of and provided evidence of its ability to delay disease progression and prolong the time to respiratory failure in ALS patients. Furthermore, in the reverse translational research, in vitro characterization of patient‐derived iPSCs‐motor neurons (MNs) mimicked the therapeutic effects of ROPI in vivo, suggesting the potential application of this technology to the precision medicine of ALS. Interestingly, RNA‐seq data showed that ROPI treatment suppressed the sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 2‐dependent cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Therefore, this pathway may be involved in the therapeutic effect of ROPI on ALS. The possibility that this pathway may be involved in the therapeutic effect of ALS was demonstrated. Finally, new future strategies for ALS using iPSCs technology will be discussed in this paper.
Adult sibling relationships: The impact of cohabitation, marriage, separation, and childbearing
Authors: Buyukkececi Zafer , Çineli Beyda
Published: November 2023

Objective

This study explores how life transitions, such as cohabitation, marriage, separation/divorce, and childbearing, affect three dimensions of full‐sibling relationships (contact, intimacy, and conflict).

Background

Sibling relationships shape family dynamics and context, providing enduring support and affection as the longest‐lasting relationships in an individual's life. Studying their evolution during life transitions enhances our understanding of these dynamics, considering their prolonged nature, peer status, and shared family history.

Method

We use data from the German Family Panel, specifically five waves (V, VII, IX, XI, and XIII), and fixed effects regression models that acknowledge life course transitions of both sibling dyads.

Results

The life course perspective fails to fully capture the complex sibling bond, as contact between siblings decreased when one entered into cohabitation, but increased with marriage, separation, and parenthood. Nevertheless, the findings revealed that changes in sibling intimacy afterlife course transitions are consistent with the perspective. This dimension weakened during family formation but strengthened when unions dissolved. Conflict between siblings also decreased when starting to live with a partner, while it increased after separation, implying a spillover from romantic to sibling relationships.

Conclusion

Overall, these findings suggest that the theoretical framework for adult sibling life courses should consider sibling family formation events. The study highlights the significance of sibling relationships and their potential impact on shaping family context and dynamics as they are often the longest‐lasting relationships.
Pharmacogenomic testing for CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 in cyclic vomiting syndrome
Authors: Patel Milan , Partovi Omeed , Karrento Katja , Garacchi Zhuping , Balasubramanian Gokulakrishnan , Venkatesan Thangam
Published: November 2023

Background

Amitriptyline (AT) is recommended as first‐line prophylactic therapy in patients with cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS). However, significant side effects limit its use and dosing is based on trial and error. Though the Clinical Pharmacogenetic Implementation Consortium (CPIC) Guidelines recommend dosing for AT based on CY2D6 and CYP2C19 genotype profile, this is not followed in clinical practice.

Methods

This pilot study determined CYP2C19 and CYP2D6 genotypes and ascertained its association with adverse drug reactions (ADRs), clinical response, and serum concentration of AT and nortriptyline in a well‐characterized cohort of adults with CVS.

Key Results

Of 46 subjects with CVS, age 33 ± 12 years, 61% female, 85% Caucasian, a third (33%) had normal CYP2C19 metabolizer status, while 4% were poor, and 43% were ultrarapid metabolizers. Most (61%) had normal CYP2D6 genotype while 9% were poor and 2% were ultra‐rapid metabolizers. There was no statistically significant association between genotype and ADRs, clinical response or serum drug concentration. There was a trend towards significance between genotype and clinical response, with 64% of responders having normal CYP2D6 metabolism versus 36% of nonresponders (p = 0.06). ADRs were encountered in 46% of patients with 28% discontinuing the medication as a result.

Conclusions and Inferences

A subset of patients with CVS have dysfunctional alleles of CYP2C19 and CYP2D6. Larger prospective studies to evaluate the clinical impact of pharmacogenomic testing in CVS are needed. This has the potential to optimize clinical management, predict ADRs and allow for personalized therapy.
Limited convergence in the postcranium of aquatic Crocodylomorpha
Authors: Scavezzoni Isaure , Fischer Valentin
Published: November 2023

Thalattosuchia (Early Jurassic to Early Cretaceous) and Dyrosauridea (Late Cretaceous to Early Eocene) are crocodylomorph archosaurs which diversified in fluvial and marine environments and endured extinction events (i.e. Jurassic–Cretaceous boundary for Thalattosuchia; Cretaceous–Palaeogene for Dyrosauridea). Their postcrania remain globally undervalued in anatomical descriptions and diagnoses, shrouding the locomotive adaptations that possibly underpinned their radiations and longevity. We thoroughly surveyed the postcranial morphology of Dyrosauridea and Thalattosuchia, recreated their girdles in three‐dimensions using tens of high‐precisions 3D scans, and analysed their shape using geometric morphometrics. Dyrosauridea and Thalattosuchia have clearly distinct postcrania, even when found within similar environments, suggesting the existence of clade‐specific features limiting the strength of evolutionary convergence. Moreover, the range of postcranial morphologies evolved by dyrosaurids and thalattosuchians is large compared to extant crocodylians, making the latter unsatisfactory functional analogues for every group of extinct crocodylomorphs. Our work reveals the previously unsuspected potential of postcranial anatomy as an abundant source of phylogenetic and taxonomic characters to assess the relationships within Crocodylomorpha. Incorporation of postcranial anatomy therefore appears crucial to fully assess the ecology, disparity, and relationships of crocodylomorphs.
Online commentaries of the sugar‐sweetened beverages tax in Malaysia: Content analysis
Authors: Mohd Hanim Muhammad Faiz Bin , Md Sabri Budi Aslinie , Yusof Norashikin
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Implementing taxes on sugary drinks, or SSBs, has been a controversial topic in many countries, including Malaysia. This study aimed to examine how Malaysian Facebook users responded to the announcement and implementation of the SSBs tax through netnography.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study employed qualitative and quantitative methods and used an inductive approach and thematic content analysis to analyze online commentaries on news articles published on popular online news portals from November 2018 to August 2019. Data was collected by downloading the commentaries onto Microsoft Word and importing them into NVivo.

Results

Of the commentaries analyzed, 60.9% rejected the SSBs tax, and 39.1% favored it. No association was found between the online news articles and the slants of the commentaries.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate a clear divide in public opinion regarding the SSBs tax in Malaysia, with many online readers expressing opposition to the tax despite evidence of the harmful effects of sugar presented in the articles they are commenting on. These findings have implications for policymakers and public health advocates seeking to implement similar taxes in the future.
Holistic rockfall risk assessment in high mountain areas affected by seismic activity: Application to the Uspallata valley, Central Andes, Chile
Authors: Farvacque Manon , Eckert Nicolas , Candia Gabriel , Bourrier Franck , Corona Christophe , Toe David
Published: November 2023

Over large regions exposed to natural disasters, cascading effects resulting from complex or concatenated natural processes may represent a large portion of total risk. Populated high‐mountain environments are a major concern, and methods for large‐scale quantitative risk analyses are urgently required to improve risk mitigation. This article presents a comprehensive quantitative rockfall risk assessment over a large archetypal valley of the Andean mountains, in Central Chile, which integrates a wide spectrum of elements at risk. Risk is expressed as an expected damage both in monetary terms and casualties, at different scales relevant for decision making. Notably, total rockfall risk is divided into its main drivers, which allows quantifying seismically induced rockfall risk. For this purpose, the local seismic hazard is quantified and the yield acceleration, that is, acceleration required to initiate rockfall, is determined at the regional scale. The probability of failure is thereafter derived in terms of annual frequency of rockfall initiation and integrated in the quantitative risk assessment (QRA) process. Our results show the significant role of seismic activity as the triggering mechanism of rockfalls, and highlight elements at risk that have a major contribution to the total risk. Eventually a sensitivity analysis is conducted to (i) assess the robustness of obtained risk estimates to the data and modeling choices and (ii) identify the most influential assumptions. Our approach evidences the feasibility of large‐scale QRAs in sensitive environments and opens perspectives for refining QRAs in similar territories significantly affected by cascading effects and multihazards.
Model‐centric optimisation of biochemical remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil
Authors: Jakubauskaite Viktorija , Zukauskaite Audrone , Kryzevicius Zilvinas , Khan Mohammad Jakir Hossain
Published: November 2023

In this preliminary research investigation, we introduce a multifactorial approach aimed at optimizing the biochemical remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon (PH) polluted soil. The development of these optimizations was determined after solving the equation set. Moreover, we specified the quantitative correlation between the soil treatment aspects and remediation efficiency by the use of real‐world environmental data from the Klaipeda Oil Terminal, Lithuania. The reaction retention time (RTT) and aeration periodicity were the primary aspects affecting soil fertilization and frequency of microbial addition. Over a 2‐month period, remediation efficiency peaked at 99.99%. The study outcomes suggest that the recommended framework may be used to generalize more rapid biochemical degradation of PHs in polluted soil, moving from laboratory‐scale processes to the field (landfill‐polluted soil) at more than 95% process effectiveness. The accuracy of the formulated framework can be used to arrive at evidence‐based decisions concerning extensive landfill pollution management by estimating contaminant loads and soil‐related treatment aspects.
Nanofibrous polycaprolactone/gelatin scaffold containing gold nanoparticles: Physicochemical and biological characterization for wound healing
Authors: Rezaei Kolarijani Nariman , Cheraghali Danial , Khastar Hossein , Ehterami Arian , Alizade Morteza , Vaez Ahmad , Amini Seyed Mohammad , Salehi Majid
Published: November 2023

In this study, gold nanoparticles were loaded into poly (ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/gelatin nanofibrous matrices to fabricate a potential wound dressing. The mats were produced by electrospinning of PCL/gelatin solution supplemented with synthesized gold nanoparticles (200, 400 and 800 ppm). Prepared scaffolds were investigated regarding their chemical properties, morphology, mechanical properties, surface wettability, water‐uptake capacity, water vapor permeability, porosity, blood compatibility, microbial penetration test and cellular response. In addition to in vivo study, a full‐thickness excisional wound in a rat model was used to evaluate the healing effect of prepared scaffolds. Results showed appropriate mechanical properties and porosity of prepared scaffolds. With L929 cells, the PCL/gelatin scaffold containing 400 ppm gold nanoparticles demonstrated the greatest cell growth. In vivo results validated the favorable wound‐healing benefits of the scaffold incorporating gold nanoparticles, which triggered wound healing compared to sterile gauze. Our results showed the capability of nanofibrous matrices containing gold nanoparticles for successful wound treatment.
Temporalidades heterogéneas en tiempo de fiesta. A propósito de la Romería de Tomelloso (Ciudad Real, España) como fenómeno cultural antropológico.
Authors:   Universidad de Castilla y la Mancha, De Haro Honrubia Alejandro
Published: November 2023

La reivindicación de la tradición de las romerías en España como símbolo de identidad popular en un mundo global exige de una explicación científica que puede aportar, por ejemplo, la antropología como ciencia social. En este trabajo nos ocuparemos del tiempo de romería desde la etnografía, analizando el concepto de temporalidades heterogéneas en tiempo de fiesta y a propósito de la Romería de Tomelloso (Ciudad Real, España) -declarada desde el año 2014 fiesta de Interés Turístico Regional- como fenómeno cultural antropológico. Nuestra atención no se centrará solamente en los aspectos tradicionalmente estudiados de las fiestas romeras, y que tienen que ver sobre todo con su dimensión/tiempo religioso. También nos ocuparemos –y aquí radica la justificación de la elección del tema– de analizar el por qué las romerías han evolucionado en los últimos tiempos de lo espiritual a lo corporal en un "mundo consumo" que se caracteriza como global. Nuestro objetivo es analizar, a partir de un estudio etnográfico, el tiempo de fiesta romera como tiempo antropológico que se fragmenta por un lado en tiempo de ocio y, por otro lado, en tiempo espiritual religioso.
Fish hearing revealed: Do we understand hearing in critical fishes and marine tetrapods
Authors: Fritzsch Bernd , Elliott Karen L.
Published: November 2023

Hearing evolved in lampreys with a frequency range of 50–200 Hz. This hearing range is comparable to that of elasmobranchs, most non-teleosts, and lungfish. Elasmobranchs most likely use the saccule and the papilla neglecta (PN) for hearing. In non-teleosts and teleosts, lungfish, and certain tetrapods the saccule is the likely sensor for sound reception while the lagena and the PN are important for gravistatic sensing. Coelacanth and most tetrapods have a basilar papilla (BP) for hearing. In coelacanth and tetrapods, the hair cells of the BP are in contact with a basilar and a tectorial membrane. These membranes transmit mechanical vibrations. A cochlear aqueduct (CA) provides a connection between the cerebrospinal fluid that has a sodium rich space in coelacanth and tetrapods while the potassium rich endolymph is known in vertebrates. A unique feature is known in basic sarcopterygians, the intracranial joint, that never developed in actinopterygians and has been lost in lungfish and tetrapods. The BP in coelacanths is thought to generate pressure with the intracranial joint that will be transmitted to the CA. Lungs or a swim bladder are not forming in Chondrichthyes, structures that have a major impact on hearing in teleosts and tetrapods.
Conformal gravitational theories in Barthel–Kropina-type Finslerian geometry, and their cosmological implications
Authors: Hama Rattanasak , Harko Tiberiu , Sabau Sorin V.
Published: November 2023

We consider dark energy models obtained from the general conformal transformation of the Kropina metric, representing an $$(\alpha , \beta )$$

(
α
,
β
)

-type Finslerian geometry, constructed as the ratio of the square of a Riemannian metric $$\alpha $$
α
and the one-form $$\beta $$
β
. Conformal symmetries appear in many fields of physics, and they may play a fundamental role in our understanding of the Universe. We investigate the possibility of obtaining conformal theories of gravity in the osculating Barthel–Kropina geometric framework, where gravitation is described by an extended Finslerian-type model, with the metric tensor depending on both the base space coordinates and a vector field. We show that it is possible to formulate a family of conformal Barthel–Kropina theories in an osculating geometry with second-order field equations, depending on the properties of the conformal factor, whose presence leads to the appearance of an effective scalar field of geometric origin in the gravitational field equations. The cosmological implications of the theory are investigated in detail by assuming a specific relation between the component of the one-form of the Kropina metric and the conformal factor. The cosmological evolution is thus determined by the initial conditions of the scalar field and a free parameter of the model. We analyze in detail three cosmological models corresponding to different values of the theory parameters. Our results show that the conformal Barthel–Kropina model can provide an acceptable description of the observational data, and may represent a theoretically attractive alternative to the standard $$\Lambda $$
Λ
CDM cosmology.
Quantum process matrices as images: New tools to design novel denoising methods
Authors: Guarneri Massimiliano , Chiuri Andrea
Published: November 2023

Inferring a process matrix characterizing a quantum channel from experimental measurements is a key issue of quantum information. Noise affecting the measured counts could bring to matrices different from the expected ones and optimization methods usually employed, i.e. the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), are characterized by several drawbacks. Lowering the noise could be necessary to increase the experimental resources, e.g. time for each measurement. In this paper, an alternative procedure, based on suitable Neural Networks, has been implemented and optimized to obtain a denoised process matrix and this approach has been tested with a specific quantum channel, i.e. a Control Phase. This promising method relies on the analogy that can be established between the elements of a process matrix and the pixels of an image.
New stratigraphic and palaeontological data from carbonates related to the Vourinos–Pindos ophiolite emplacement: implications for the provenance of the ophiolites (Hellenides)
Authors: Kostaki Georgia , Gawlick Hans-Jürgen , Missoni Sigrid , Kilias Adamantios , Katrivanos Emmanouil
Published: November 2023

Microfacies analysis and conodont dating on carbonates associated with the Vourinos–Pindos ophiolite emplacement on the Pelagonian unit in northern Greece, combined with structural analysis, enhance our understanding of the palaeogeography and geotectonic evolution of the Hellenides. We focus on a dismembered Triassic Hallstatt Limestone succession incorporated as blocks in the Middle–Late Jurassic Avdella ophiolitic mélange, which is identical to a Triassic succession in the western Pindos (Hallstatt–Pindos succession). Initially, the Hallstatt–Pindos succession was deposited on the outer shelf along the eastern Pelagonian margin and later incorporated into the mélange during west-directed obduction processes. During the Middle to early Late Jurassic, ophiolites were obducted on the eastern Pelagonian margin, resulting in a nappe stack in front of the ophiolites in the lower plate position. Newly formed trench-like basins in front of the advancing nappe stack became filled with sedimentary mélanges, consisting of ophiolitic material mixed with blocks from the Hallstatt–Pindos succession, deposited in an outer shelf position. Subsequently, the Pindos ophiolites overthrust their foreland basin, forming a typical ophiolitic mélange (Avdella mélange). Consequently, the Triassic–Middle Jurassic Hallstatt–Pindos succession represents a far-travelled Middle–Late Jurassic nappe derived from east of the Pelagonian unit, which was bulldozed westward in front of the west-directed obducting Neotethys ophiolites.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Ophiolites, melanges and blueschists collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/ophiolites-melanges-and-blueschists
The early history of the Neotethys archived in the ophiolitic mélange of northwestern Croatia
Authors: Kukoč Duje , Slovenec Damir , Šegvić Branimir , Vukovski Matija , Belak Mirko , Grgasović Tonći , Horvat Marija , Smirčić Duje
Published: November 2023

Ophiolite exposures in NW Croatia have been attributed to the Western Vardar Ophiolitic Unit and interpreted as derived from the Meliata–Maliac–Vardar branch of the Neotethys Ocean. Blocks within the ophiolitic mélange on Mt Ivanščica were investigated to determine the petrological and geochemical characteristics of the effusive rocks and to carry out radiolarian dating of the associated pelagic sedimentary rocks. The analysed effusive basic rocks represent chemostratigraphically uniform subalkaline high-Ti massive tholeiitic basalts characterized by an enriched composition typical of incompatible element-enriched mid-ocean ridge basalt (E-MORB). These basalts are compatible with
c.
9–11% of partial melting of an enriched mantle source transitional between primitive and depleted MORB-type mantle and were formed in the non-subduction geotectonic setting of E-MORB-type rocks. This reflects an initial succession of oceanic protocrust formation and the onset of ocean spreading. Radiolarians from the chert and shale successions associated with the basalts indicate a Late Anisian–Early Ladinian age of initial ocean floor spreading, which continued into the Langobardian. The obtained data are correlative with reported blocks interpreted as remnants of the Triassic Neotethys crust from the ophiolitic mélange of the Western Vardar Ophiolitic Unit and reaffirm a common origin from a single ocean basin located east of the Adria microplate.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Ophiolites, melanges and blueschists collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/ophiolites-melanges-and-blueschists
3-D culture of human lung fibroblasts decreases proliferative and increases extracellular matrix remodeling genes
Authors: Migulina Nataliya , de Hilster Roderick H. J. , Bartel Sabine , Vedder Rolf H. J. , van den Berge Maarten , Nagelkerke Anika , Timens Wim , Harmsen Martin C. , Hylkema Machteld N. , Brandsma Corry-Anke , Burgess Janette K.
Published: November 2023

With the introduction of complex three-dimensional (3-D) lung models, comes a need for understanding cellular behavior in these models. We compared gene expression profiles of human lung fibroblasts grown on two-dimensional (2-D) collagen I-coated surfaces with those in 3-D collagen I hydrogels. RNA sequencing and subsequent pathway analyses showed decreased proliferation, increased extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and altered Hippo signaling and ECM deposition-related gene signatures. These findings highlight unique responses of fibroblasts in 3-D models.
Hyperfiltration can be detected by transcutaneous assessment of glomerular filtration rate in diabetic obese mice
Authors: Hettler Steffen A. , Picascia Tiziana , Pastene Diego O. , Vajpayee Srishti , Perciaccante Rossana , Yard Benito A. , Gretz Norbert , Krämer Bernhard K.
Published: November 2023

tGFR measurement is a relatively new method to assess kidney function in conscious rodents, which can be repeated multiple times in the same animal to track the course of the disease and/or the effect of potential treatments. Since the literature was inconclusive on the suitability of this technique in obese mice, we validated it for the first time against classical plasma clearance in the commonly used BTBR ob/ob mouse model.
Advances in cellular and tissue-based imaging techniques for sarcoid granulomas
Authors: Kim Junwoo , Dwivedi Girish , Boughton Berin A. , Sharma Ankur , Lee Silvia
Published: November 2023

Sarcoidosis embodies a complex inflammatory disorder spanning multiple systems, with its origin remaining elusive. It manifests as the infiltration of inflammatory cells that coalesce into distinctive noncaseous granulomas within afflicted organs. Unraveling this disease necessitates the utilization of cellular or tissue-based imaging methods to both visualize and characterize the biochemistry of these sarcoid granulomas. Although hematoxylin and eosin stain, standard in routine use alongside cytological stains have found utility in diagnosis within clinical contexts, special stains such as Masson’s trichrome, reticulin, methenamine silver, and Ziehl–Neelsen provide additional varied perspectives of sarcoid granuloma imaging. Immunohistochemistry aids in pinpointing specific proteins and gene expressions further characterizing these granulomas. Finally, recent advances in spatial transcriptomics promise to divulge profound insights into their spatial orientation and three-dimensional (3-D) molecular mapping. This review focuses on a range of preexisting imaging methods employed for visualizing sarcoid granulomas at the cellular level while also exploring the potential of the latest cutting-edge approaches like spatial transcriptomics and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI), with the overarching goal of shedding light on the trajectory of sarcoidosis research.
Exploring myometrial microenvironment changes at the single-cell level from nonpregnant to term pregnant states
Authors: Ji Kaiyuan , Zhong Junmin , Cui Long , Wang Xiaodi , Chen Li-Na , Wen Bolun , Yang Fan , Deng Wenfeng , Pan Xiuyu , Wang Lele , Bao Junjie , Chen YunShan , Liu Huishu
Published: November 2023

Using single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics, the myometrium was examined at the single-cell level during pregnancy. We identified spatially distinct cell populations and observed alterations in smooth muscle cells and increased M2 macrophages in term pregnant women. These findings offer unprecedented insights into myometrial remodeling and the anti-inflammatory response during pregnancy. The study advances our understanding of pregnancy-related myometrial changes.
Collagen induction of immune cells in the mammary glands during pregnancy
Authors: Yamaguchi Karen , Nakayama Jun , Yamamoto Tomofumi , Semba Kentaro , Shirota Tatsuo , Yamamoto Yusuke
Published: November 2023

Our study evaluated mammary gland collagen dynamics during the pregnancy-lactation cycle using single-cell RNA-sequencing data. We found ectopic collagen expression in immune cells and an increase in collagen interactions during pregnancy. Type I and type III collagen were produced by lymphoid, myeloid, and stromal fibroblast cells during pregnancy. These findings suggest that immune cells, including lymphoid and myeloid cells, play a crucial role in supporting the extracellular matrix in mammary glands during pregnancy-lactation cycles.
News Classification and Categorization with Smart Function Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Nkongolo Wa Nkongolo Mike
Published: November 2023

Search engines are tools used to find information on the Internet. Since the web has a plethora of websites, the engine queries the majority of active sites and builds a database organized according to keywords utilized in the search. Because of this, when a user types a few descriptive words on the home page of the search engine, the search function lists websites corresponding to these keywords. However, there are some problems with this search approach. For instance, if a user wants information about the word Jaguar, most search results are animals and cars. This is a polysemic problem that forces search engines to always provide the most popular but not the most relevant results. This article presents a study of using sentiment technology to help news classification and categorization and improve the classification accuracy. We have introduced a smart search function embedded into a search engine to tackle polysemic issues and record relevant results to determine their sentimentality. Therefore, this study presents a topic that involves several aspects of natural language processing (NLP) and sentiment analysis for news categorization and classification. A web crawler was used to collect British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) news across the Internet, carried out preprocessing of text by using NLP, and applied sentiment analysis methods to determine the polarity of the processed text data. The sentimentality represents negative, positive, or neutral polarities assigned by the sentiment analysis algorithms. The research utilized the BBC news site to collect different information using a web crawler and a database to explore the sentimentality of BBC news. The natural language toolkit (NLTK) and BM25 indexed and preprocessed patterns in the database. The experimental results depict the proposed search function surpassing normal search with an accuracy rate of 85%. Moreover, the results show a negative polarity of BBC news using the Sentistrength algorithm. Furthermore, the Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner (VADER) was the best‐performing sentiment analysis model for news classification. This model obtained an accuracy of 85% using data collected with the proposed smart function.
Predictors of Stunting among 6–35 Months Old Children in Assosa Zone, Northwest Ethiopia: Unmatched Case–Control Study
Authors: Gudeta Habtamu Tadesse , Nagari Shalama Lekasa , Dadi Degu Getu , Abdulahi Temkin , Abose Samuel
Published: November 2023

Background. In 2020, globally, 149.2 million under 5 years old children were stunted. In Africa, 61.4 million and 79 million under 5 years old children in Asia were also stunted in 2020. Stunting is a major public health problem in Ethiopia, where more than 5.5 million children under 5 years old are stunted. Stunting has irreversible and intergenerational health consequences, including impaired cognitive and physical growth, poor learning capacity, and reduced work productivity. Efforts to end stunting need comprehensive and context identification of risk factors. For this reason, this study aims to identify the predictors of stunting among children 6–35 months of age in Northwest Ethiopia. Method. A community-based, unmatched case–control study was employed in the Assosa zone, Benishangul Gumuz, west Ethiopia. A multistage and simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires using validated structured questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Data were entered into Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS 25.0 statistical software for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were computed. Finally, an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to identify independent predictors of stunting using a multivariable logistic regression model. Result. The study included 544 mother–child pairs (181 cases and 363 controls), with a 100% response rate. The majority of the mothers, 85 (47.0%) in the case and 153 (42.1%) in the control group, were in the 25- to 29-year-old age group. This study revealed that mothers who had no formal education (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI (1.436, 4.180)), short maternal height (<150 cm) (AOR = 4.25, 95% CI (2.714, 6.663)), exclusive breastfeeding for less than 6 months (AOR = 3.16, 95% CI (1.97, 5.10)), minimum dietary diversity (AOR = 3.09, 95% CI (1.97, 5.01)), additional food during pregnancy (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI (1.44, 3.5)) and food security (AOR = 3.08, 95% CI (1.79, 5.26)) were found to be independently statistically associated with child stunting. Conclusion and Recommendation. This study revealed that the predictors of stunting among children aged 6–35 months were multifactorial, which calls for an integrated and multisectoral intervention to reduce or eliminate stunting. Mothers’ factors, educational status, additional food during pregnancy, and child feeding, including dietary diversity and exclusive breastfeeding, were modifiable predictors of child stunting. Therefore, we call for promoting mothers’ education, creating awareness among mothers about optimum infant and young child feeding, specifically exclusive breastfeeding, and promoting mothers’ practices of dietary diversity feeding.
Ceftriaxone Use Evaluation in Western Zone Tigray Hospitals, Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Shegute Tewodros , Hiruy Mulugeta , Hadush Haftom , Gebremeskel Leake
Published: November 2023

Background. Drug use evaluation is a systematic approach to determining the appropriateness of drug use, identifying drug therapy problems, and proposing interventions. Ceftriaxone is one of the most widely used drugs in hospitals, requiring the performance of drug use evaluation. This study was aimed at evaluating the appropriateness of ceftriaxone use at Kahsay Abera and Mearg hospitals in the Western zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods. An institution‐based retrospective cross‐sectional study design was conducted in both hospitals from December 2015 to August 2016 using standardized and pretested data collection formats. Systematic random sampling was used, and a total of 800 patients’ medication records (patients who took ceftriaxone) from both hospitals (400 each) were assessed in this study. Statistical analysis was performed by using the statistical package for social sciences (version 20). Results. The overall appropriateness of ceftriaxone use in Kahsay Abera and Mearg hospitals was 247 (61.75%) and 252 (63.0%), respectively. The majority of inappropriate use of ceftriaxone was noted in indication errors at both Kahsay Abera (71.2%) and Mearg hospitals (52.0%). The treatment duration in Kahsay Abera (69%) and Mearg hospitals (88%) was in the range of 2‐7 days. Mostly, a 2‐gram ceftriaxone daily dose was prescribed in both Kahsay Abera and Mearg hospitals, accounting for 285 (71.25%) and 318 (79.5%), respectively. In this study, the top three diseases, indicated for ceftriaxone in both hospitals, were typhoid fever, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia in descending order. Among the medications coadministered with ceftriaxone, the top three coprescribed drugs with ceftriaxone in Kahsay Abera Hospital were metronidazole (17.25%), tramadol 68 (11.28%), and diclofenac (8.96%), but in Mearg Hospital, next to metronidazole, drugs like paracetamol and doxycycline were the most common coprescribed medicines along with ceftriaxone. Conclusion. The appropriateness of ceftriaxone use in Kahsay Abera and Mearg hospitals was 247 (61.8%) and 252 (63%), respectively, in which about one‐third of patients’ charts were not compliant with the standard treatment guidelines of Ethiopia for general hospitals. In Kahsay Abera and Mearg hospitals, the empiric use of ceftriaxone was 262 (65.5%) and 375 (93.8%), respectively.
Over-the-Air Computation with Quantized CSI and Discrete Power Control Levels
Authors: Tsinos Christos , Spantideas Sotirios , Giannopoulos Anastasios , Trakadas Panagiotis
Published: November 2023

In this paper, an Over-the-Air Computation (AirComp) scheme for fast data aggregation is considered. Multisource data are simultaneously transmitted by single-antenna mobile devices to a single-antenna fusion center (FC) through a wireless multiple-access channel. The optimal power levels at the devices and a postprocessing scaling function at the FC are jointly derived such that mean square error of the computation is minimized. Different than the existing approaches that rely on perfect channel state information (CSI) at the FC and assume that the devices’ optimal power levels can be selected from an infinite solution set, in the present paper, it is assumed that only quantized CSI is available at the FC and that the aforementioned optimal power levels lie in a finite discrete set of solutions. To derive the optimal power levels and FC’s scaling factor, a difficult nonconvex constrained optimization problem is formulated. An efficient and robust solution to quantization errors is developed via the deep reinforcement learning framework. Numerical results verify the good performance of the proposed approach while it exhibits a significant reduction in the required feedback.
Digital Laser-Sintered Expander in Adolescent Patient with Hyperdontia and Molar Impaction
Authors: Yordanova-Kostova Greta Roussanova , Emiliyanov Emanuel , Yanev Nikolay
Published: November 2023

Supernumerary teeth can have normal or abnormal morphologic structure and characteristics, and their impacted form is diagnosed usually during X-ray examinations. In this case report, the presented patient is a 16-year-old female with anterior and right posterior open bite and bilateral posterior crossbite, upper right supernumerary paramolar, and impacted second and third molars. The paramolar development was the reason for the asymmetric growth of the alveolar bone in the upper jaw. The development of the bone is connected with the development of the teeth, and one additional tooth leads to extensive development in the maxilla. There is a risk of gingival recession occurrence when leveling the lower incisors due to the thin gingival biotype. A combined surgical-orthodontic treatment was done according to the following plan: extraction of supernumerary paramolar, germectomy of the upper right third molar (18) and at the same time periodontal graft in the lower anterior segment. A digitally three-dimensional (3D) printed appliance for rapid maxillary expansion was used for the transverse insufficiency of the upper jaw. The upper dental arch expander was designed with distal extension in the area of the upper right second molar (17). The extension was used as an anchorage during the orthodontic traction of the second molar. The treatment continued with a fixed orthodontic appliance—braces in the upper and lower jaw. With the extraction of the impacted and supernumerary teeth in the right maxillary segment, the eruption of 17 was stimulated and a change in the height of the alveolar bone was achieved. This favored the vertical changes and normalization of the occlusion. The maxillary expansion was also a significant factor in normalizing the occlusion. Observations on paramolar behavior showed that more often they develop in the bone and do not erupt. Each clinical case is highly individual, and patients seek orthodontic treatment at different stages of dentition development and corresponding development of the supernumerary teeth.
How Nurses Can Support Families Where a Person with Serious Illness Is Living at Home: A Scoping Review
Authors: Fuglsang Christina Maud Brochstedt , Johnsen Emilie Marie Wædele , Dieperink Karin Brochstedt
Published: November 2023

More tasks and responsibilities have been transferred to the caregivers of a seriously ill person living at home. The caregivers risk getting overburdened and sick themselves and therefore cannot help with sufficient support. Limited knowledge exists about what applies in a private home, and there is a general lack of knowledge about how healthcare professionals can support the caregivers. In this review, we investigated how nurses can support caregivers where a seriously ill person is living at home. The design was a scoping review. Literature published from 2007 to 2022 was searched in four databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycINFO. Quality assessment was made by Hawkers model, and n = 18 studies from Northern Europe, the USA, and Canada were included. The methods used were 11 qualitative, 5 quantitative, and 2 mixed-method studies, including 971 caregivers, 217 patients, and 10 healthcare professionals. Multidisease, cancer, apoplexy, and recipients of palliative care were the main focus, but other diseases were also represented. The nurse’s task is to ensure the presence of a number of prerequisites for the care process to be successful and to be aware that caregivers may find themselves in a number of dilemmas and to try to remedy these dilemmas. If possible, the nurse should facilitate that the care burden is shared between several members of the family. Care must be performed according to the principles of family nursing, meaning that all relevant members of the family, appointed by the patient, are included, and collaboration is established. Future research and practice should focus on the nurses, the framework home care nurses work under, and how they can practice family nursing, so that family nursing becomes a natural part of primary care.
Research and Application of Vibration Isolation Platform Based on Nonlinear Vibration Isolation System
Authors: Wang Fei , Zheng Shengen , Huang Chengbao , Wang Weijie , Yan Jin , He Zhaoqi , Yu Hongliang , Liao Jianbin
Published: November 2023

In order to weaken the ground vibration caused by mechanical equipment, a vibration isolation platform of nonlinear vibration isolation system is proposed. The influence of flexible foundation and nonlinear isolator parameters on the performance of nonlinear vibration isolation platform is studied. By optimizing the nonlinear parameters of the vibration isolation platform, the vibration response of equipment vibration is effectively blocked. The research results show that the structural parameters such as stiffness and damping of the nonlinear vibration isolation system affect the vibration mode of the vibration isolation platform, thus affecting the vibration response of the whole system. Applying the nonlinear vibration isolation system to the project, the impact of the vibration of the refiner on the vibration of the floor is greatly reduced. It shows that this method can be used to reduce the foundation vibration caused by the equipment, improve the operation status of the equipment, and increase the safety factor of the building.
A Phase 1b Study of Lenvatinib plus Pembrolizumab in Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Extended Analysis of Study 116
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi , Finn Richard S. , Ikeda Masafumi , Sung Max W. , Baron Ari D. , Okusaka Takuji , Kobayashi Masahiro , Kumada Hiromitsu , Kaneko Shuichi , Pracht Marc , Meyer Tim , Nagao Satoshi , Saito Kenichi , Mody Kalgi , Ramji Zahra , Dubrovsky Leonid , Llovet Josep M.
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Lenvatinib (dosing for patients who weigh ≥60 kg was 12 mg/day; for patients who weigh <60 kg, the dose was 8 mg/day) plus pembrolizumab 200 mg once every 3 weeks demonstrated antitumor activity and a manageable safety profile in patients with first-line unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) in the open-label phase 1b Study 116/KEYNOTE-524 (primary analysis data cutoff date: October 31, 2019; median follow-up: 10.6 months). This analysis (updated data cutoff date: March 31, 2021) reports efficacy results from 17 months of additional follow-up time. Methods: 100 patients with uHCC were included in the primary analysis (median follow-up: 27.6 months). Endpoints included overall survival (OS), investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and duration of response (DOR) per modified RECIST. Landmark analyses of OS by the best response at 3 and 9 months were performed. Pembrolizumab antidrug antibodies (ADAs) and concentrations were also measured (cutoff date: August 7, 2020). Results: ORR was 43.0% (95% CI 33.1–53.3%) and median DOR was 17.1 months (95% CI 6.9–19.3 months). Median PFS and OS were 9.3 months (95% CI 7.4–9.8 months) and 20.4 months (95% CI 14.4–25.9 months), respectively. No treatment-emergent ADAs were detected. Conclusion: Results show a sustained treatment effect with lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab in patients with uHCC in the first-line setting.
Os impactos da tecnologia 5G ao direito à privacidade no Brasil
Authors: Rocha Lucas Enriquez
Published: November 2023

O presente artigo tem como principal meta delinear os possíveis impactos ao direito à privacidade trazidos pelo advento da tecnologia 5G no Brasil. Com tal objetivo em vista, utilizou-se o método de análise comparativa, traçando paralelos com a União Europeia, onde o 5G já está mais presente, para, em seguida, com base em tal análise, estudar a forma como certos institutos do ordenamento jurídico brasileiro (Marco Civil da Internet, Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados, Código de Defesa do Consumidor) lidarão com tal tecnologia. Ademais, no âmbito do setor regulatório, também foi estudada a capacidade da Anatel, órgão responsável por lidar com tal setor, de tratar dos impactos em tela. Conclui-se que o 5G trará novas características, como a alta velocidade de transmissão de dados, os quais podem representar grandes desafios para o ordenamento jurídico pátrio no âmbito da privacidade, os quais devem ser observados no futuro.