bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formação continuada em educação física inclusiva: perspectivas interseccionais
Authors: Vieira de Lima Miyashiro Nayane , Henrique Domingues Verão das Neves Luis , Brasiliano Salerno Marina , Victor da Rosa Marcelo
Published: August 2024

O presente estudo tem como objetivo partilhar inquietações e construir um diálogo a respeito das formações continuadas em Educação Física inclusiva, a partir de aspectos interseccionais. Para isso, foi realizada uma busca de estudos publicados entre o período de 2016 e 2022, no Portal de Periódicos da CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, utilizando os seguintes descritores: Formação continuada/Formação docente, Educação Física inclusiva e Interseccionalidade. Os estudos encontrados não apresentaram correlação entre os três descritores, diante disso, foram apresentados os marcadores sociais das diferenças e os aspectos interseccionais que podem ser considerados para as formações continuadas em Educação Física inclusiva. Apontamos que trazer a perspectiva interseccional para as formações continuadas em Educação Física inclusiva, indo além da visão estritamente biológica da deficiência e abarcando temáticas como raça, etnia, religião, classe social, gênero, entre outros marcadores sociais das diferenças que se interligam no âmbito da educação inclusiva, pode ampliar o horizonte de possibilidades dos docentes. Compreendemos que é somente enxergando e valorizando as diferenças que se pode elaborar novas ações nos ambientes escolares que, de fato, sejam baseadas nas individualidades dos ambientes escolares e assim seja possível aprofundar os diálogos a respeito das diferenças e alteridades nesses espaços.
A formação de professores do campo: um estudo com estados da arte
Authors: Oliveira Josiléia Curty de , Foesrte Erineu
Published: August 2024

Este estudo investiga a formação de professores do campo a partir de estados da arte sobre a produção acumulada em Educação do Campo, publicados no período de 2004 a 2020. Trata-de uma pesquisa bibliográfica, com o objetivo de fazer um mapeamento da produção científica de teses e dissertações, a fim de identificar o vem sendo discutido no âmbito acadêmico depois de importantes marcos políticos e legais da Educação do Campo no Brasil. Os resultados indicam um aumento expressivo de pesquisas defendidas  na grande área de Ciências Humanas e da Educação nos programas de pós- graduação stricto sensu registrados na área de avaliação da Educação da Capes, com destaque para as temáticas escolas públicas (estaduais e municipais), formação de professores e políticas públicas. Os dados revelam que as discussões das pesquisas de teses e dissertações estão atentas à realidade das escolas públicas, ressaltando a vulnerabilidade na aplicação das políticas públicas em Educação do Campo. A formação de professores do campo ganha destaque com investigações sobre identidade docente, Pedagogia Socialista, Pedagogia da Terra, pesquisa nos processos formativos, formação continuada, Escola Ativa, Pró-letramento, formação para Educação de Jovens e Adultos e a Licenciatura em Educação do Campo.
O uso de laboratório virtual no ensino de Ciências da Natureza diante da conjuntura da covid-19: uma pesquisa bibliográfica
Authors: Layanne Guimarães Rodrigues Joice , Gregório de Oliveira Maraiza , Svedese Virgínia Michelle
Published: August 2024

Diante da pandemia provocada pelo SARS-CoV-2, muitas mudanças aconteceram em vários âmbitos, dentre elas as adaptações no campo educacional. Na vivência da pandemia da COVID-19, houve a impossibilidade da continuação do ensino presencial, restando apenas o ensino remoto emergencial como suporte e manutenção da educação, já que os órgãos de vigilância sanitária e de saúde indicaram que o distanciamento social funciona como uma alternativa de controle para barrar a disseminação do SARS-CoV-2. Nesse cenário, o presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento do uso dos laboratórios virtuais no ensino das Ciências da Natureza diante da conjuntura da COVID-19. Para a confecção deste estudo, foram realizadas buscas nas plataformas acadêmicas digitais Scielo, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct e Google Scholar utilizando palavras descritoras previamente definidas. Todas as buscas ocorreram na Língua Inglesa, com o intuito de assegurar o encontro do maior número possível de estudos. Feitas as análises pedagógicas, ficou evidente que o uso dos laboratórios virtuais no campo das Ciências da Natureza teve resultados positivos, pois oportunizaram que os alunos se mantivessem ativos e encorajados no novo modelo de ensino emergencial. Ademais, o docente também pôde perceber a necessidade de se atualizar com o uso das tecnologias de informações. Sendo assim, a análise pedagógica do presente estudo mostra que as chamadas soluções digitais funcionam de modo favorável e como alternativas eficientes que dão acesso à educação durante a pandemia da COVID-19.
Ensino de Geografia, metodologias ativas, interação com as categorias geográficas paisagem, lugar e território
Authors: Buch Helena Edilamar
Published: August 2024

A proposta deste relato de pesquisa foi apresentar alternativas metodológicas ativas interagindo com as categorias geográficas: paisagem, território e lugar, construídas entre a prática pedagógica e a realidade dos alunos do ensino médio, no sítio urbano das cidades de União da Vitória PR e Porto União SC. Os temas focalizaram o cotidiano da cidade: a paisagem vista pelo catador de material reciclável; o território das cidades gêmeas e o conflito das regiões contestadas; a vulnerabilidade das regiões marginais e suas matas ciliares do rio Iguaçu. Destacamos a importância da realidade vivida e seus significados para a população, com sugestões para melhorar o ambiente onde que se vive.
Universidade e Educação Básica: contribuições do mestrado profissional em educação
Authors: Andrade Maria de Fátima Ramos de , Aparício Ana Silvia Moço
Published: August 2024

Os Mestrados Profissionais surgiram no Brasil com a intenção de qualificar profissionais em diferentes áreas. São cursos de pós-graduação direcionados ao campo profissional que visam atender demandas sociais, organizacionais ou profissionais. Procuram, entre outros aspectos, capacitar profissionais qualificados para o exercício da prática profissional. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo investigar contribuições do Mestrado Profissional em Educação (MP) para uma maior aproximação das relações entre universidade e educação básica. Como referenciais teóricos, consideramos estudos que concebem o desenvolvimento profissional docente como um processo de aprendizagem contínuo e que tem como elemento central a ampliação do conhecimento pedagógico do conteúdo, isto é, uma categoria que compõe a base de conhecimento do professor, proposta por Lee Shulman, que articula conteúdo e pedagogia, o terreno exclusivo dos professores, o meio que lhes propicia a compreensão profissional. Partindo da ideia de que o MP é um espaço que potencializa essa ampliação, buscamos em cinco pesquisas de MP, realizadas em uma universidade pública municipal paulista, por professores de educação básica, aspectos que, sob a ótica deles, apontam avanços no seu desenvolvimento profissional docente. Resultados desta investigação indicam que reflexões/estudos desenvolvidos no MP, que consideram as práticas dos professores como objeto de análise, são reconhecidos pela escola, uma vez que contribuem para a qualificação do trabalho docente. Além disso, a tomada de consciência desses professores sobre seu próprio fazer pedagógico dá a oportunidade à universidade de conhecer as práticas escolares da educação básica e de repensar as estratégias formativas no campo da educação. Tais aspectos, ao aproximarem universidade e escola, contribuem de fato para a construção de um trabalho colaborativo.
Conhecimento necessário às crianças sobre a COVID-19: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Sales Vieira Diane , Vieira Lopes Maria do Socorro , Figueirêdo Vidal Eglídia Carla , Menezes de Souza Teixeira Marlene , Lima Martins Alissan Karine , Gomes Rocha Cavalcante Edilma , Amorim Alves Sabrina Alaide
Published: August 2024

Objetivou-se identificar na literatura científica informações necessárias para promoção de hábitos adequados em crianças no enfrentamento a COVID-19. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa. A busca foi realizada de forma pareada, por meio do portal de periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) e do eBook Collection da Universidade Regional do Cariri (URCA), na biblioteca virtual Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e nas bases de dados Medical Literature Analyses and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Literatura Latino Americana em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Índice Bibliográfico Espanhol de Ciências da Saúde (IBECS), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Base de Dados de Enfermagem (BDENF) e na SciVerse Scopus (SCOPUS). Como estratégia de busca utilizou-se os descritores indexados no Medical Subject Heading (MeSH), da National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health (PubMed): Child; COVID-19; Education. Interligados pelo booleano “AND”. Ao final foram selecionados nove estudos para compor esta pesquisa, ambos publicados entre os anos 2020 e 2022, período que compreende o surgimento da COVID-19. Os dados encontrados evidenciam que os principais hábitos necessários as crianças para prevenção da COVI-19 incluem: higiene adequada, distanciamento social, uso de máscara, manter o ambiente ventilado e isolamento em caso de infecção.
Música e o cotidiano de trabalho da equipe de enfermagem em tempos de pandemia de covid-19
Authors: Souza Marcone Ferreira de , Souza Ândrea Cardoso de , Lucietto Deison Alencar , Figueiredo Eluana Borges Leitão de , Cortez Elaine Antunes , Sousa Sandra Regina Peixoto de , Paquiela Eliane Oliveira de Andrade , Carvalho Ana Lamdin
Published: August 2024

A pandemia da covid-19 foi um período histórico fundamentalmente estressante e intenso que levou muitos profissionais da equipe de enfermagem ao esgotamento profissional. À medida que a doença se espalhava rapidamente, na mesma velocidade, foi preciso atualizar quase que instantaneamente, os recursos disponíveis para a promoção de bem-estar dos profissionais, sendo a música terapêutica e as artes um desses recursos. O presente estudo tem como objetivo geral: analisar como a música pode contribuir para os processos de cuidado de si das equipes de enfermagem que atenderam pacientes com covid-19 na pandemia, e com isso, compreender como a música também pode ser utilizada como uma ferramenta da Educação Permanente em Saúde. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva de abordagem qualitativa, com sete enfermeiros e nove técnicos de enfermagem, que atuaram na linha de frente no enfrentamento da covid-19. O estudo foi realizado no hospital de referência de combate ao coronavírus Hospital Municipal Oceânico Secretário Gilson Cantarino, localizado no município de Niterói, Rio de Janeiro. Foi realizado um encontro musical com uma orquestra de cordas, e entrevistas. Os resultados do estudo apontam que a música terapêutica é um recurso eficaz para a promoção de qualidade de vida e cuidado de si, da equipe de enfermagem, e também, extensiva aos pacientes, familiares e a comunidade. Espera-se que os achados da pesquisa contribuam para alertar estes profissionais para a necessidade do cuidado de si, e que sejam elaboradas atividades e instituídos programas, políticas que assegurem a prática da música terapêutica em ambientes hospitalares.
The effect of the housing crisis in the Alabama Black Belt on respiratory health
Authors: Newman Sharlene D. , Akca Sumengen Aylin , Rasbury Michael , McDaniel Steven
Published: August 2024

Background

There is a growing housing crisis in rural America with homelessness growing in addition to a growing number of substandard homes due to an inability to afford the costs of repair and maintenance. The goal of the current study was to assess the housing concerns in rural Alabama Black Belt communities which are often understudied and the relationship between housing quality and respiratory health.

Methods

A semi-random sampling of five Black Belt counties was conducted to obtain a sample of 253 rural households. The survey was designed to obtain information regarding household income, housing status including a list of safety concerns and respiratory health. A χ2 analysis was performed to examine the effect of housing type and income on prevalence of respiratory illness and safety home concerns (e.g., roofing, windows/doors, floors, mold/mildew).

Results

The majority of households surveyed had an annual income below $15,000 and owned their homes with over half of the homes being manufactured homes. Lower income was associated with increased prevalence of asthma [χ2(2, N = 237) = 7.75, p = 0.021], while living in a manufactured home was associated with increased risk of allergies [χ2(1, N = 251) = 7.88, p = 0.005]. Additionally, poor windows and doors [χ2(1, N = 253) = 3.8, p = 0.05] was associated with higher prevalence of asthma.

Conclusions

The results confirm and expand previous results and demonstrate the relationship between quality housing and allergy and asthma prevalence in rural areas with an abundance of aging manufactured homes.
Altered activation patterns of the sensory-motor cortex in patients with knee osteoarthritis during knee isokinetic movement at different speeds
Authors: Yang Kun , Ding Yuwu , Chu Lixi , Cheng Changfeng , Yu Xiaoming , Xu Haichen , Tao Ying , Liu Tiantian , Yin Lei , Wu Xubo , Liu Bingli , Jiang Liming
Published: August 2024

Background

Abnormal brain activation patterns in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) at rest have been revealed, but it is unclear how brain activation patterns change during movement. This study aimed to investigate the alterations in brain activation patterns in KOA patients during knee isokinetic movement, and the correlation between cortical activity changes and pain severity and dysfunction.

Methods

Eighteen patients with KOA and 18 healthy controls (HC) were recruited, and to performed the knee isokinetic test with three speeds. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to detect the cerebral cortex hemodynamics changes of primary somatosensory (S1), primary motor (M1) and somatosensory association cortex (SAC) in the region of interest (ROI) during movement. Then, we evaluated potential correlations between M1, S1 and SAC values and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and visual analog scale (VAS) scores.

Results

The results showed that peak torque of knee extension in KOA patients was significantly smaller than that in HC. For HC, unilateral knee movement activated bilateral ROIs. The contralateral activation was dominant, showing the phenomenon of high contralateral activation. For KOA patients, there were no statistical difference in the activation level between the left and right of the cerebral cortex, with both sides showing lower activation levels compared to HC. Further analysis found that the contralateral M1, S1, and SAC of the affected knee in KOA patients were significantly lower than those in HC, while no difference was found on the ipsilateral side. Moreover, during isokinetic movement at 180°/s, VAS score in KOA patients was negatively correlated with the activation level of the contralateral S1 and M1 values, and WOMAC was negatively correlated with the activation level of the contralateral M1 value.

Conclusion

Contralateral activation of the sensorimotor cortex exists during unilateral knee movement, but in KOA patients, this contralateral cortical activation is suppressed. Furthermore, the clinical pain and dysfunction in KOA patients are associated with activation levels of specific brain regions. These findings can provide a better understanding of KOA brain science and are expected to contribute to the development of central intervention for the disease.
Radiofrequency ablation with sine and square electrical waveforms to enhance ablation range
Authors: Won Dong-Sung , An Jinsu , Kim Ji Won , Park Yubeen , Lee Sang Soo , Kim Hyung-Sik , Park Jung-Hoon
Published: August 2024

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a local treatment modality for primary liver cancers. Although various input parameters of the RF generator have been adjusted to improve the ablation ranges, the limited ablation ranges remain an obstacle to RFA. This study aimed to compare the ablation ranges and efficacy of sine and square electrical waveforms in a mouse tumor model. An RF generator with an adjustable electrical waveform was developed, and its ablation range in the porcine liver was compared. For all RF parameters, the square electrical waveform ablation range was greater than that of the sine electrical waveform (all p < 0.001) in the porcine liver. The 45 BALB/c nude mice were used to evaluate the efficacy of the two electrical waveforms after the RFA. The mean tumor volume in the square group was significantly lower than that in the sine group (p < 0.001), indicating a higher survival rate (60%). The cellular coagulative necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, heat shock proteins, cellular necrosis, and tumor necrosis were significantly greater in square electrical waveform than in sine electrical waveform (all; p < 0.05). RFA with square electrical waveforms has therapeutic potential for tumor management with an enhanced ablation range.
Revolutionizing tracheal reconstruction: innovations in vascularized composite allograft transplantation
Authors: Zhang Yiyuan , Wei Shixiong , Li Mingqian , Lv Guoyue
Published: August 2024

Tracheal defects, particularly those extending over long segments, present substantial challenges in reconstructive surgery due to complications in vascularization and integration with host tissues. Traditional methods, such as extended tracheostomies and alloplastic stents, often result in significant morbidity due to mucus plugging and mechanical erosion. Recent advances in vascularized composite allograft (VCA) transplantation have opened new avenues for effective tracheal reconstruction. This article reviews the evolution of tracheal reconstruction techniques, focusing on the shift from non-vascularized approaches to innovative revascularization methods that enhance graft integration and functionality. Key advancements include indirect revascularization techniques and the integration of regenerative medicine, which have shown promise in overcoming historical barriers to successful tracheal transplantation. Clinical case studies are presented to illustrate the complexities and outcomes of recent tracheal transplantation procedures, highlighting the potential for long-term success through the integration of advanced vascular engineering and immune modulation strategies. Furthermore, the role of chimerism in reducing graft rejection and the implications for future tracheal transplantation and tissue engineering efforts are discussed. This review underscores the transformative potential of VCA in tracheal reconstruction, paving the way for more reliable and effective treatments for extensive tracheal defects.
Inducible degradation-coupled phosphoproteomics identifies PP2ARts1 as a novel eisosome regulator
Authors: DeMarco Andrew G. , Dibble Marcella G. , Hall Mark C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Reversible protein phosphorylation is an abundant post-translational modification dynamically regulated by opposing kinases and phosphatases. Protein phosphorylation has been extensively studied in cell division, where waves of cyclin-dependent kinase activity, peaking in mitosis, drive the sequential stages of the cell cycle. Here we developed and employed a strategy to specifically probe kinase or phosphatase substrates at desired times or experimental conditions in the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Methods

We combined auxin-inducible degradation (AID) with mass spectrometry-based phosphoproteomics, which allowed us to arrest physiologically normal cultures in mitosis prior to rapid phosphatase degradation and phosphoproteome analysis.

Results and discussion

Our results revealed that protein phosphatase 2A coupled with its B56 regulatory subunit, Rts1 (PP2ARts1), is involved in dephosphorylation of numerous proteins in mitosis, highlighting the need for phosphatases to selectively maintain certain proteins in a hypophosphorylated state in the face of high mitotic kinase activity. Unexpectedly, we observed elevated phosphorylation at many sites on several subunits of the fungal eisosome complex following rapid Rts1 degradation. Eisosomes are dynamic polymeric assemblies that create furrows in the plasma membrane important in regulating nutrient import, lipid metabolism, and stress responses, among other things. We found that PP2ARts1-mediated dephosphorylation of eisosomes promotes their plasma membrane association and we provide evidence that this regulation impacts eisosome roles in metabolic homeostasis. The combination of rapid, inducible protein degradation with proteomic profiling offers several advantages over common protein disruption methods for characterizing substrates of regulatory enzymes involved in dynamic biological processes.
The dynamics of multilingual assessment: exploring the impact of linguistic accommodations on science achievement
Authors: De Backer Fauve , Vantieghem Wendelien , Slembrouck Stef , Van Avermaet Piet
Published: August 2024

This study examines the impact of linguistic accommodations on the science performance of multilingual pupils. In a randomized controlled trial conducted in Flanders (Belgium), pupils aged 9–12 were assigned to one of three conditions: a control group taking a science test in the language of schooling (n = 64), a group receiving a written bilingual test in both the pupils’ L1 and language of schooling (n = 64), and a group with a written bilingual test accompanied by read-aloud accommodations in both languages (n = 69). The hypothesis posited that pupils in accommodated conditions would outperform those in non-accommodated conditions. However, univariate analysis of variance did not reveal significant differences between conditions, suggesting that accommodations did not lead to higher test scores. Subsequent multiple linear regression within the condition involving the bilingual test with read-alouds examined how within-group variance impacted accommodation effectiveness, considering both main effects and interaction effects. Results indicate that proficiency in the L1 and frequency of read-aloud use in the L1 significantly predict science performance. Notably, for pupils who frequently used read-alouds, the significant interaction effect with L1 proficiency suggests an amplified beneficial effect on the test scores when pupils are more proficient in their L1.
The creative cosmos beyond humans: a symphony of participatory design and visual artificial intelligence
Authors: Zhao YangYang
Published: August 2024

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to pervade our daily lives, expanding the boundaries of participatory design to include aspects of visual communication beyond humans is imperative. This research explores the intriguing convergence of participatory design and AI-enabled visual-based design as powerful methodologies for shaping the creation of new ideas (e.g., products/services). The specific research objectives are 3-fold: to unravel the nuanced dynamics in terms of perception inherent in the increasingly intertwined visual communication between humans and AI (e.g., sketch AI); to investigate how AI-enabled visual communication supports the participatory process with stakeholders; and to explore their experiences in AI-enabled visual-based design for non-human subjects (e.g., animals and plants). A laboratory study of 18 experimental groups found that AI-enabled visual-based design significantly enhances creative ideation performance when (novice) designers engage AI as a partner rather than merely a tool or collaboratively interact with stakeholders. Notably, the engagement level of internal stakeholders is much higher than that of external stakeholders.
Coronary microvascular dysfunction in autoimmune rheumatic diseases: beyond coronary flow velocity reserve
Authors: Cecere Annagrazia , Perazzolo Marra Martina , Zanatta Elisabetta , Civieri Giovanni , Iliceto Sabino , Tona Francesco
Published: August 2024

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by an inappropriate immune reactivity against different body tissues. Patients affected by ARDs present increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, which significantly impacts long-term prognosis. Endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, and autoimmunity are strictly involved in atherosclerosis progression and coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), both of which contribute to increased cardiovascular risk. CMD represents the inability of the coronary microvasculature to respond with vasodilation to increased cardiac metabolic demands and can be assessed by non-invasive and invasive imaging tests. Coronary flow velocity reserve assessed by echocardiography has been demonstrated to accurately identify ARDs patients with CMD. However, stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) accurately assesses myocardial ischemia, perfusion, and viability in ARDs patients. The myocardial perfusion reserve index (MPRI) is a robust semiquantitative imaging marker that represents the vasodilatory capacity of the coronary microcirculation in response to a vasodilator stress. In the absence of significant coronary stenosis, ARDs patients revealed a reduced MPRI in comparison with the general population, regardless of the presence of myocardial fibrosis. Identification of CMD in asymptomatic patients could be crucial to precociously start targeted medical therapy, avoiding major adverse cardiac events in this clinical setting. This review aims to summarize the current evidence regarding CMD in ARDs patients, focusing on the role of stress CMR and the promising myocardial perfusion analysis.
A nomogram for individualized prediction of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation in acute type A aortic dissection patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Yang Zhihao , Liu Chunxiao , Fu Chao , Zhao Xin
Published: August 2024

Objective

The objective of this study is to explore the risk factors associated with new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) following Sun's surgery(total arch replacement using a tetrafurcate graft with stented elephant trunk implantation) for acute type A aortic dissection(AAAD) and to develop a predictive model for assessing the likelihood of new-onset POAF in patients undergoing Sun's surgery for AAAD.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical parameters of patients diagnosed with AAAD who underwent Sun's surgery at Qilu Hospital between December 1, 2017 and December 31, 2022. The data was analyzed through univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Variance inflation factor was used to investigate for variable collinearity. A nomogram for predicting new-onset POAF was developed and verified by bootstrap resampling. In addition, the calibration of our model was evaluated by the calibration curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test. Furthermore, the clinical utility of our model was evaluated using the net benefit curve.

Results

This study focused on a cohort of 242 patients with AAAD, among whom 42 experienced new-onset POAF, indicating an incidence rate of 17.36%. Age, left atrial diameter (LA), right atrial diameter (RA), preoperative red blood cells (RBC), and previous acute coronary syndrome (preACS) emerged as independent influences on new-onset POAF following Sun's surgery, as identified by univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Collinearity analysis with demonstrated no collinearity among the variables. A user-friendly prediction nomogram for new onset POAF following Sun's surgery was formulated. The model demonstrated commendable diagnostic accuracy with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.7852. Validation of the model through bootstrapping (1,000 repetitions) yielded an AUC of 0.8080 (95% CI: 0.8056–0.8104). affirming its robustness. Additionally, the model exhibited favorable fit, calibration, and positive net benefits in decision curve analysis.

Conclusions

Drawing upon these findings, we have developed a predictive model for the occurrence of new-onset POAF. These results suggest the potential efficacy of this prediction model for identifying patients at risk of developing POAF. The visualization of this model empowers healthcare professionals to conveniently and promptly assess the risk of AF in patients, thereby facilitating the timely intervention implementation.
Quantifying the impact of climate change and urbanization on groundwater resources using geospatial modeling
Authors: Ali Junaid , Islam Fakhrul , Bibi Tehmina , Islam Ijazul , Mughal Muhammad Rizwan , Sabir Muhammad , Awwad Fuad , Ismail Emad
Published: August 2024

Urbanization poses a significant threat to environmental sustainability, particularly in Pakistan, where uncontrolled urban growth and water mismanagement have exacerbated water scarcity and climate variability. This study investigates the spatiotemporal impacts of urbanization and climate change on groundwater in Lahore District, Pakistan. various parameters were considered to execute the study including land use/land cover (LULC), rainfall, Land Surface Temperature (LST), ground wells and population data using advanced techniques such as Random Forest machine learning algorithm, Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation, and geographically weighted regression (GWR) analysis. Our findings reveal that urbanization has severely impacted the water table in the north, northwest, and southwest areas. There is a significant negative negative correlation (−0.333) between the quantity of groundwater level (GWL) and the annual average LST whereas, the p-value (0.75) is also showing highly significant relation of GWL and LST in the study area. Whereas a positive association (0.666) exist (p-value 0.333 moderately significant) between yearly GWL and the mean precipitation. This research provides crucial insights for policymakers to understand the effects of urbanization and climate change on groundwater and develop strategies to mitigate adverse impacts in the study area.
Analysis on the dynamics of flexible drillstring under different drilling parameters
Authors: Cao Jifei , Zou Deyong , Xue Qilong , Wang Jin , Huang Leilei , Guo Feng , Wang Chong , Qu Jun
Published: August 2024

During the operation of the drill string, it displays a degree of flexibility. Simultaneously, its dynamic properties, influenced by complex stress conditions, manifest nonlinearity and uncertainty. A comprehensive investigation into the dynamics of flexible drill strings is imperative for deep well drilling. This paper presents a model that simulates random interactions between a flexible drill string and the borehole wall, simplifying the actual drill string model using analogous principles. Dynamic simulation software is utilized for analysis, and an indoor experimental setup has been established. The results reveal that with a constant weight on bit (WOB), higher drill string rotational speeds correlate with increased susceptibility to buckling deformation. Additionally, the critical time for deformation onset exhibits a nearly linear relationship with rotational speed. Maintaining a constant rotational speed, an increase in WOB enhances the likelihood of buckling deformation. The experimental findings suggest a correlation between the drill string’s rotation frequency and the WOB.
The application of predictive value of diabetes autoantibody profile combined with clinical data and routine laboratory indexes in the classification of diabetes mellitus
Authors: Xian Jiawen , Du Rongrong , Yuan Hui , Li Jingyuan , Pei Qin , Hao Yongjie , Zeng Xi , Wang Jingying , Ye Ting
Published: August 2024

Objective

Currently, distinct use of clinical data, routine laboratory indicators or the detection of diabetic autoantibodies in the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus is limited. Hence, this study was aimed to screen the indicators, and to establish and validate a multifactorial logistic regression model nomogram for the non-invasive differential prediction of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Clinical data, routine laboratory indicators, and diabetes autoantibody profiles of diabetic patients admitted between September 2018 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Logistic regression was used to select the independent influencing factors, and a prediction nomogram based on the multiple logistic regression model was constructed using these independent factors. Moreover, the predictive accuracy and clinical application value of the nomogram were evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and clinical impact curves (CIC).

Results

A total of 522 diabetic patients were included in this study. These patients were randomized into training and validation sets in a 7:3 ratio. The predictors screened included age, prealbumin (PA), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), islet cells autoantibodies (ICA), islets antigen 2 autoantibodies (IA-2A), glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (GADA), and C-peptide levels. Based on these factors, a multivariate model nomogram was constructed, which had an Area Under Curve (AUC) of 0.966 and 0.961 for the training set and validation set, respectively. Subsequently, the calibration curves demonstrated a strong accuracy of the graph; the DCA and CIC results indicated that the graph could be used as a non-invasive valid predictive tool for the differential diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus, clinically.

Conclusion

The established prediction model combining patient’s age, PA, HDL-C, ICA, IA-2A, GADA, and C-peptide can assist in differential diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus and type 2 diabetes mellitus and provides a basis for the clinical as well as therapeutic management of the disease.
The metabolomics changes in epididymal lumen fluid of CABS1 deficient male mice potentially contribute to sperm deformity
Authors: Zhao Xiuling , Nie Junyu , Zhou Wenwen , Zeng Xuhui , Sun Xiaoli
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Epididymal lumen fluids provides a stable microenvironment for sperm maturation. Ca2+ binding protein CABS1 is known to maintain structural integrity of mouse sperm flagella during epididymal transit of sperm. Besides, CABS1 was reported to contain anti-inflammatory peptide sequences and be present in both human saliva and plasma. However, little is known about the role of CABS1 in regulation of the microenvironment of epididymal lumen fluids.

Methods

To further confirm the role of CABS1 in epididymis, we identified the expression of CABS1 in epididymal lumen fluids. Moreover, high performance liquid chromatography, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry technique was used to analyze the metabolic profiles and in vivo microperfusion of the cauda epididymis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) assays was used to detect the concentration of metal ion of mouse cauda epididymal lumen fluids in CABS1 deficient and normal mice.

Results

The results showed that CABS1 is present in epididymal lumen fluids, and the concentration of calcium in epididymal lumen fluids is not changed in Cabs1-/- male mice. Among 34 differential metabolites identified in cauda epididymis, 21 were significantly upregulated while 13 were significantly downregulated in KO cauda epididymis. Pathway analysis identified pyrimidine metabolism, inositol phosphate metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, purine metabolism and histidine metabolism as relevant pathways in cauda epididymis.

Discussion

The perturbations of mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation may be the crucial reason for the poor performance of Cabs1-/- sperm.
Techno-economic analysis of a pressure retarded osmosis (PRO) - seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) hybrid: a case study
Authors: Ahmed Amr , Alghamdi Ahmed , Ahmed Sultan
Published: August 2024

This study offers a thorough techno-economic evaluation of a hybrid desalination system merging Pressure Retarded Osmosis (PRO) with Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) process. The primary aim is to determine the feasibility and economic viability of the hybridized approach to conventional SWRO methods. Diverse scenarios are studied based on parameters such as PRO module costs, energy savings achievable and payback period. Our findings reveal the potential for energy savings through the PRO-SWRO hybrid system. For instance, in scenarios where PRO membrane costs are low, such as $450 per element, and electricity prices are relatively high at $0.12 per kilowatt-hour, energy savings of up to 7% are attainable compared to standalone SWRO setups. This potential could be amplified with increasing salinity levels in the feed solution and higher draw solution pressures. The study extends beyond theoretical analysis, offering practical solutions for the design and implementation of sustainable desalination solutions; by studying the interaction between various parameters and their impact; on both energy consumption and economic viability. The current study estimates the membrane break-even costs of a PRO-SWRO hybrid system by estimating and equating the Net Present Value (NPV) of the SWRO system (base configuration) with the NPV of the PRO-SWRO hybrid. This research lays a solid foundation for the development of hybrid desalination systems capable of addressing water scarcity challenges in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner.
Construction of an evaluation system for the effectiveness of rural sewage treatment facilities and empirical research
Authors: He Yuxiao , Yang Lu , Xu Huashan , Han Xu , Sun Changlei , Di Yanming , Zhao Tongqian
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Rural domestic sewage treatment is an important starting point to improve the quality of the rural ecological environment, an important part of new rural construction, and an inherent requirement to promote rural economic development. The operation of rural sewage treatment facilities is not good, and there is a lack of long-term operation guarantees and supervision mechanisms. It is urgent to carry out research on the evaluation index system, evaluation method, and evaluation benchmark of the operational effectiveness of rural sewage treatment facilities.

Methods

This article used rural sewage treatment facilities in a city in northern China as the research object and constructed an evaluation method for the operational effectiveness of rural sewage treatment facilities. This study selected evaluation indexes from three perspectives, namely, economy, technology, and management, which are divided into two stages, namely, planning and operation. A judgment matrix was constructed using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and index weights were calculated using Yaahp10.3 software to determine the evaluation criteria. Fifteen rural sewage treatment plant stations were selected to evaluate their planning and operation effectiveness.

Results

The results of the weight assignment show that the weight of the COD removal rate, operating load rate, and operating cost indexes are high, which is in line with the actual evaluation of the effectiveness of rural sewage treatment facilities at different stages. The empirical calculation results showed that the rural sewage treatment facilities have a comprehensive score of more than 80 points in 7 cases and 60–80 points in 8 cases, with an average score of 79.05 points; the overall performance of the score in the operation stage was better than that in the planning stage, and the overall operation effect was good.

Discussion

The calculation results were consistent with the actual operation, verifying the scientific nature and availability of the selected indices, the evaluation method constructed, and the evaluation benchmark determined. The research results can provide technical methods for evaluating the operational effectiveness of rural sewage treatment facilities in similar areas and provide technical support for the planning, design, optimization, upgrading, and transformation of rural sewage treatment plants.
Identification of TIMP1-induced dysregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition as a key pathway in inflammatory bowel disease and small intestinal neuroendocrine tumors shared pathogenesis
Authors: Tran Minh Tuan
Published: August 2024

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is believed to be a risk factor for Small Intestinal Neuroendocrine Tumors (SI-NET) development; however, the molecular relationship between IBD and SI-NET has yet to be elucidated. In this study, we use a systems biology approach to uncover such relationships. We identified a more similar transcriptomic-wide expression pattern between Crohn’s Disease (CD) and SI-NET whereas a higher proportion of overlapping dysregulated genes between Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and SI-NET. Enrichment analysis indicates that extracellular matrix remodeling, particularly in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and intestinal fibrosis mediated by TIMP1, is the most significantly dysregulated pathway among upregulated genes shared between both IBD subtypes and SI-NET. However, this remodeling occurs through distinct regulatory molecular mechanisms unique to each IBD subtype. Specifically, myofibroblast activation in CD and SI-NET is mediated through IL-6 and ciliary-dependent signaling pathways. Contrarily, in UC and SI-NET, this phenomenon is mainly regulated through immune cells like macrophages and the NCAM signaling pathway, a potential gut-brain axis in the context of these two diseases. In both IBD and SI-NET, intestinal fibrosis resulted in significant metabolic reprogramming of fatty acid and glucose to an inflammatory- and cancer-inducing state. This altered metabolic state, revealed through enrichment analysis of downregulated genes, showed dysfunctions in oxidative phosphorylation, gluconeogenesis, and glycogenesis, indicating a shift towards glycolysis. Also known as the Warburg effect, this glycolytic switch, in return, exacerbates fibrosis. Corresponding to enrichment analysis results, network construction and subsequent topological analysis pinpointed 7 protein complexes, 17 hub genes, 11 microRNA, and 1 transcription factor related to extracellular matrix accumulation and metabolic reprogramming that are candidate biomarkers in both IBD and SI-NET. Together, these biological pathways and candidate biomarkers may serve as potential therapeutic targets for these diseases.
Biogeochemistry of the rare sulfidic glaciovolcanic cave system on Mount Meager, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Clance Jared J. , Shaffer Jacob M. C. , Cable Morgan L. , Stenner Christian , Williams-Jones Glyn , Szynkiewicz Anna , Paton Michael , Graham Kathleen , Vinnes Olivia , Mikucki Jill A.
Published: August 2024

The Mount Meager Volcanic Complex (Q̓welq̓welústen) is an active glacier-capped volcanic massif in the Garibaldi Volcanic Belt (British Columbia) and the only known glaciovolcanic cave system in North America steadily releasing sulfur-rich gases. In September 2022, leveraging specialized cave explorer expertise, the fumarole-carved ice cave at the Job Glacier on Mt. Meager was surveyed. Direct measurements of fumarolic gas concentrations were taken at the source, with H2S >200 ppm, SO2>100 ppm, CO2∼5,200 ppm, and CO ∼230 ppm. Snowpack and fumarole-associated sediments were characterized for microbial diversity, functional potential, and biogeochemistry including measurements of nutrients, major ions, dissolved organic and inorganic carbon concentrations as well as the stable isotope compositions of carbon, sulfur, hydrogen and oxygen. Green algae (Chlorophyta) dominated the snowpack, consistent with other Pacific Northwest glaciers. Representatives of Firmicutes were the most abundant bacterial sequences detected in our samples, contrasting with other glacier and snowpack samples which harbor abundant Sphingobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, and Alphaproteobacteria. Sediments and water collected inside the cave were mostly high in SO42-(5.3–185.2 mg/L) and acidic (pH = 3.6–6.0), while most other major anions and cations were below detection of the method used. Snow at the cave entrance had more SO42-(0.08 mg/L) and lower pH (5.9) than snow collected at a distance (SO42-undetectable, pH 7.6), suggesting influence by fumarole exhalations. Negative δ13C values of organic matter (−29.0‰ to −26.1‰, respectively) in sediments suggestin-situmicrobial carbon transformations, findings that are supported by the presence of genes encoding complete heterotrophic and autotrophic carbon transformation pathways. The δ34S value of H2S was ∼0‰, suggesting a deep magmatic origin; however, both sulfur-oxidizing and sulfate-reducing microbial phyla were present in the sediment samples as were genes encoding both dissimilatory sulfur-oxidizing and sulfate-reducing pathways. Metagenomic data suggest diverse chemosynthetic lifestyles in the cave microbial community. This study provides insight on the microbiomes associated with a sulfidic glaciovolcanic system and identifies unique analog features for icy celestial bodies like Saturn’s moon Enceladus, where cryovolcanic activity may carry biomarkers from the subsurface and deposit them on surface ice.
The phenotypic characteristics of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and their correlation with B cell and CD4+T cell subsets in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy
Authors: Jin Ke , Yao Qian , Sun Bin
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is considered to be an organ-specific autoimmune disease. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of TAO. However, little is known about the role of PMN in the development of TAO, much less the relationship between PMN with B cells and CD4+T cells in TAO.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the phenotypic characteristics of PMN and the relationship between PMN with CD4+T cell and B cell subsets in the pathogenesis of TAO.

Methods

Blood routine information was collected from 135 TAO patients, 95 Grave’s disease without TAO (GD) patients, and 116 normal controls (NC), while surface marker expression of PMN and the level of CD4+T cell and B cell subsets in peripheral blood from 40 TAO patients, 17 GD patients, and 45 NC was assessed by flow cytometry.

Result

The level of PMN, CD62L+PMN, CD54+PMN, CD4+T cells, and Th17 cells displayed an increase in TAO patients than NC, while Treg cells were lower in the TAO group compared to NC. There was no statistical difference in Th1 and plasma cells among the groups. PMN were positively correlated with Th17 cells, but not the Th1, Treg, and plasma cells.

Conclusion

In the present study, we found that the percentage of PMN and PMN subset cells was significantly higher in TAO than in NC, and PMN were positively correlated with Th17 cells. It suggests that PMN may be involved in the immunopathogenesis of TAO and modulate the Th17 cell response during this process.