bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimasi Sudut Baji, Kecepatan Pemakanan & Rpm Terhadap Kekasaran Permukaan Material SCM 440 Dengan Metode Respon Surface (RSM)
Authors: Saputra Deri , Kurniawan Zaldy , Husman Husman
Published: January 2024

The development of manufacturing technology has developed so rapidly. In this study, SCM 440 steel material was used, which is an alloy steel of chromium molybdenum. This steel has the advantages of stable composition,low harmful elements,high steel purity. Surface roughness is important, surface roughness is defined as the irregularity of surface configuration in an object resulting from a finishing process. This study aims to determine the influence of process variables on the surface roughness rate of SCM 440 material by varying the total cutting angles of 700,750 and 800 then variations in feeding speed of 0.08mm, 0.09mm, and 0.10mm and spindle speed or RPM, namely 160,220, and 280 puts / min in the RSM method. The Rspon Surface method is a set of mathematical and statistical techniques that are useful for analyzing problems where several independent variables affect the response variable and determine the optimal value of the process variable. From the results of the study, the value of the Second order yˆ = + 0.092224 X1² + 0.208515 X2² - 0.03661 X3² was obtained. With stationary point value X0 = ( total Cut angle ) = - 0.382409, X0 = (feeding) = 0.161715, X0 = (RPM) = 0.578250. and found the optimal values of Wedge Angle (78.212), Feeding Speed (0.095 mm) and RPM (278.29 put/min). Then it can be analyzed the optimal value that is different from the value of the RSM method framework and if the values are the same then the research fails.
Pengaruh Parameter Proses Terhadap Kekasaran Permukaan Menggunakan Filamen PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
Authors: Aji Bayu , Pristiansyah Pristiansyah , Ariyani Yang Fitri
Published: January 2024

3D printing is a manufacturing process technology that has been developed to create a fast prototype according to the desired design, one of which is FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology is a printing technique used to print products using fibrous materials, the printed products have ideal geometric characteristics. The working principle of FDM is by extruding thermoplastic through a nozzle at a melting temperature, then the product is printed layer by layer. In this study the filament used is PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) filament. In this study using the Taghuci L9(4^3) OA method. This study aims to determine the most optimal process parameters with the parameters used in surface roughness testing according to the process parameters used, namely Nozzle Temperature, Flowrate, Printing Speed, Layer Thickness. the results of the research that has been carried out show the optimum parameter values for surface roughness, namely Nozzle Temperature (230℃), Flowrate (110%), Printing Speed (40mm/s), Layer Thickness (0.15mm).
A Problem as Colonial Legacy Northern Mali and Azawad
Authors: KÜÇÜKALTAN Ensar
Published: January 2024

Mali has been experiencing a long period of instability in the security context due to terrorist activities, civil wars, and coups in the region. The turmoil following the Libyan crisis, the military coup in Mali, and the subsequent coups in West Africa have created favorable conditions for the proliferation and attacks of groups armed for different purposes. This brings to mind the current position of the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), which rebelled in 2012 under the leadership of the Tuaregs, emerged as an armed movement in the northern regions of the country and declared its independence from Mali. Contrary to popular belief, the Tuareg-led armed insurgency in the northern regions is as old as the post-colonial Malian state. The recent crisis in the Sahel region is one of the most serious since the end of the Cold War, with dire long-term implications for the region's security. This article aims to provide a clearer understanding of the past and present of the crisis by examining various parameters on a historical plane that considers the Tuareg's persistent rebellion against Bamako. For this reason, it will first examine the political conjuncture in post-colonial and independent Mali, and then discuss the roots of the Azawad conflict and the potential threats it poses in today's political environment.
Federico Obanos. ¿Un precursor de la doctrina anfibia del siglo XX?
Authors: Quesada González José Miguel
Published: January 2024

En 1934, el Cuerpo de Marines emitió la primera doctrina anfibia moderna. Se trataba de una respuesta a la necesidad estratégica de ejecutar con brillantez este tipo de operaciones en los años venideros, como acabaría sucediendo durante la contienda mundial. Justo ese año fallecía el general Federico Obanos y Alcalá del Olmo. Observador del entorno estratégico de su tiempo y visionario en su profesión, el casi desconocido oficial español de infantería de marina adelantó someramente, con casi cuatro décadas de ventaja, tanto las bases del pensamiento anfibio actual como alguna de las tácticas plasmadas en la doctrina de los Marines.
Las guerras Kanakas: Fin de la Oceanía española
Authors: Cabello Berdún Santiago
Published: January 2024

El enfrentamiento entre España y USA de finales del siglo XIX no solo hay que circunscribirlo a las grandes entidades territoriales de Cuba y Filipinas, sino extenderlo a todos los baluartes de soberanía que aún perduraban en el Pacífico español: Los archipiélagos de Palaos, Marianas y Carolinas. De hecho, la pugna entre España y los agentes norteamericanos en la carolina isla de Ponapé ya era un conflicto crónico en 1898. En su trascurso tuvieron lugar diversos enfrentamientos entre las guarniciones españolas y los nativos kanakos, que serán la praxis de la rivalidad entre los modelos coloniales de España y Estados Unidos.
Identification and validation of potential biomarkers for atrial fibrillation based on integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Tong Fei , Sun Zhijun
Published: January 2024

Background: Globally, the most common form of arrhythmias is atrial fibrillation (AF), which causes severe morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic burden. The application of machine learning algorithms in combination with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) can be used to screen genes, therefore, we aimed to screen for potential biomarkers associated with AF development using this integrated bioinformatics approach.

Methods: On the basis of the AF endocardium gene expression profiles GSE79768 and GSE115574 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between AF and sinus rhythm samples were identified. DEGs enrichment analysis and transcription factor screening were then performed. Hub genes for AF were screened using WGCNA and machine learning algorithms, and the diagnostic accuracy was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. GSE41177 was used as the validation set for verification. Subsequently, we identified the specific signaling pathways in which the key biomarkers were involved, using gene set enrichment analysis and reverse prediction of mRNA–miRNA interaction pairs. Finally, we explored the associations between the hub genes and immune microenvironment and immune regulation.

Results: Fifty-seven DEGs were identified, and the two hub genes, hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha inhibitor (HIF1AN) and mitochondrial inner membrane protein MPV17 (MPV17), were screened using WGCNA combined with machine learning algorithms. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for MPV17 and HIF1AN validated that two genes predicted AF development, and the differential expression of the hub genes was verified in the external validation dataset. Enrichment analysis showed that MPV17 and HIF1AN affect mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, gap junctions, and other signaling pathway functions. Immune cell infiltration and immunomodulatory correlation analyses showed that MPV17 and HIF1AN are strongly correlated with the content of immune cells and significantly correlated with HLA expression.

Conclusion: The identification of hub genes associated with AF using WGCNA combined with machine learning algorithms and their correlation with immune cells and immune gene expression can elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying AF occurrence. This may further identify more accurate and effective biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the diagnosis and treatment of AF.
Genetic evidence on the causality between gut microbiota and various asthma phenotypes: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Cheng Zi-Xuan , Wu Yi-Xing , Jie Zhi-Jun , Li Xing-Jing , Zhang Jing
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Asthma is a multifarious disease that manifests in various phenotypes. Among the various factors that contribute to the development of asthma, the gut microbiota has recently emerged as a compelling area of investigation. This study aims to investigate the causal relationships between gut microbiota and distinct asthma phenotypes.

Methods

The genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics for 211 gut microbial taxa were used as study exposure. Five traits pertaining to various asthma phenotypes (asthma, allergic asthma, childhood asthma, suggestive for eosinophilic asthma and obesity-related asthma) were included as study outcome. We conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and sensitivity analysis for each bacterial taxa and asthma phenotypes.

Result

We discovered a total of 58 associations that exhibited evidence of causality. Out of these, 4 associations remained significant even after applying multiple correction. An increased risk of asthma was causally associated with higher abundance of genus Holdemanella (OR = 1.11; CI: 1.05-1.17; p = 0.027), genus Oxalobacter (OR = 1.09; CI: 1.04-1.15; p = 0.025) and genus Butyricimonas (OR = 1.14; CI: 1.06-1.22; p = 0.027). Order NB1n was causally linked with an increased risk of obesity-related asthma (OR = 1.17; CI: 1.07-1.29; p = 0.015). There was limited overlap among the taxa that exhibited potential causal relationships with distinct asthma phenotypes.

Conclusion

Our research has provided genetic evidence that establishes multiple causal relationships between the gut microbiota and distinct asthma phenotypes, supporting the role of the gut microbiota in various asthma phenotypes. It is possible that different taxa play a role in the development of distinct asthma phenotypes. The causal relationships identified in this study require further investigation.
Streptomyces albireticuli lung infection managed as a pulmonary air cyst: a case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Jiajiao , Xu Zhaoxia , Bai Yujie , Feng Jian , Xu Lunshan , Li Fuxiang
Published: January 2024

Streptomyces, the largest genus in the Streptomycetaceae family and a prolific producer of antibacterial drugs, is a saprophytic soil organism that rarely causes invasive infections. Here we report a case of necrotic pneumonia caused by Streptomyces albireticuli in a 75-year-old man who presented with progressive chest tightness and dyspnea. Streptomyces albireticuli was isolated from his bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and identified through whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and phylogenetic analysis. The patient responded satisfactorily to clarithromycin therapy. The findings of this study may enhance our vigilance in identifying visceral infections caused by Streptomyces.
The effect and mechanism of Fushen Granule on gut microbiome in the prevention and treatment of chronic renal failure
Authors: Wang Lin , Xu Ao , Wang Jinxiang , Fan Guorong , Liu Ruiqi , Wei Lijuan , Pei Ming
Published: January 2024

Background

Fushen Granule is an improved granule based on the classic formula Fushen Formula, which is used for the treatment of peritoneal dialysis-related intestinal dysfunction in patients with end-stage renal disease. However, the effect and mechanism of this granule on the prevention and treatment of chronic renal failure have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

A 5/6 nephrectomy model of CRF was induced and Fushen Granule was administered at low and high doses to observe its effects on renal function, D-lactate, serum endotoxin, and intestinal-derived metabolic toxins. The 16SrRNA sequencing method was used to analyze the abundance and structure of the intestinal flora of CRF rats. A FMT assay was also used to evaluate the effects of transplantation of Fushen Granule fecal bacteria on renal-related functional parameters and metabolic toxins in CRF rats.

Results

Gavage administration of Fushen Granule at low and high doses down-regulated creatinine, urea nitrogen, 24-h urine microalbumin, D-lactate, endotoxin, and the intestinal-derived toxins indophenol sulphateand p-cresol sulphate in CRF rats. Compared with the sham-operated group in the same period, CRF rats had a decreased abundance of the firmicutes phylum and an increased abundance of the bacteroidetes phylum at the phylum level, and a decreasing trend of the lactobacillus genus at the genus level. Fushen Granule intervention increased the abundance of the firmicutes phylum, decreased the abundance of the bacteroidetes phylum, and increased the abundance of the lactobacillus genus. The transplantation of Fushen Granule fecal bacteria significantly reduced creatinine(Cr), blood urea nitrogen(Bun), uric acid(UA), 24-h urinary microalbumin, D-lactate, serum endotoxin, and enterogenic metabolic toxins in CRF rats. Compared with the sham-operated group, the transplantation of Fushen Granule fecal bacteria modulated the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla and the Lactobacillus genus.

Conclusion

Fushen Granule improved renal function and intestinal barrier function by regulating intestinal flora, inhibiting renal fibrosis, and delaying the progression of chronic renal failure.
Lysosomal trafficking regulator restricts intracellular growth of Coxiella burnetii by inhibiting the expansion of Coxiella-containing vacuole and upregulating nos2 expression
Authors: Wan Weiqiang , Zhang Shan , Zhao Mingliang , OuYang Xuan , Yu Yonghui , Xiong Xiaolu , Zhao Ning , Jiao Jun
Published: January 2024

Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes Q fever, a zoonotic disease typically manifests as a severe flu-illness. After invading into the host cells, C. burnetii delivers effectors to regulate the vesicle trafficking and fusion events to form a large and mature Coxiella-containing vacuole (CCV), providing sufficient space and nutrition for its intracellular growth and proliferation. Lysosomal trafficking regulator (LYST) is a member of the Beige and Chediak-Higashi syndrome (BEACH) family, which regulates the transport of vesicles to lysosomes and regulates TLR signaling pathway, but the effect of LYST on C. burnetii infection is unclear. In this study, a series of experiments has been conducted to investigate the influence of LYST on intracellular growth of C. burnetii. Our results showed that lyst transcription was up-regulated in the host cells after C. burnetii infection, but there is no significant change in lyst expression level after infection with the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system (T4SS) mutant strain, while CCVs expansion and significantly increasing load of C. burnetii appeared in the host cells with a silenced lyst gene, suggesting LYST inhibits the intracellular proliferation of C. burnetii by reducing CCVs size. Then, the size of CCVs and the load of C. burnetii in the HeLa cells pretreated with E-64d were significantly decreased. In addition, the level of iNOS was decreased significantly in LYST knockout THP-1 cells, which was conducive to the intracellular replication of C. burnetii. This data is consistent with the phenotype of L-NMMA-treated THP-1 cells infected with C. burnetii. Our results revealed that the upregulation of lyst transcription after infection is due to effector secretion of C. burnetii and LYST inhibit the intracellular replication of C. burnetii by reducing the size of CCVs and inducing nos2 expression.
The role of institutionalized cooperation in transboundary basins in mitigating conflict potential over hydropower dams
Authors: Schmeier Susanne
Published: January 2024

Numerous dams are currently being built, many of them in transboundary basins. This can lead to disagreements and conflicts between riparian states, compromising not only environmental and social sustainability, but also regional stability and peace. Addressing such conflict risks, states have developed legal and governance mechanisms to address the conflict potential around dams, ranging from international water law principles to dam-specific provisions in basin treaties and from basin management plans to environmental impact assessment approaches. This paper assesses whether, how and to what extent such institutionalized governance mechanisms can prevent or mitigate conflict through both a global perspective (based on global datasets on international water treaties and basin organizations) and a case study perspective (conducting an in-depth analysis of three basins the Mekong, Zambezi, and Senegal river basins). It finds that globally there is a shortcoming in institutionalized cooperation mechanisms preventing and mitigating conflict risks over dams, but in those albeit rather few basins where they do exist, they can reduce conflict risks and thus benefit riparian people, ecosystems, and countries. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on the role of international water law and basin organizations in sustainably managing shared water resources and support calls for the strengthening of those.
SGLT2 inhibitor improves the prognosis of patients with coronary heart disease and prevents in-stent restenosis
Authors: Zhang Qing , Deng Zhiwen , Li Tudi , Chen Kaitong , Zeng Zhihuan
Published: January 2024

Coronary heart disease is a narrowing or obstruction of the vascular cavity caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, which leads to myocardial ischemia and hypoxia. At present, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an effective treatment for coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. Restenosis is the main limiting factor of the long-term success of PCI, and it is also a difficult problem in the field of intervention. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor is a new oral glucose-lowering agent used in the treatment of diabetes in recent years. Recent studies have shown that SGLT2 inhibitors can effectively improve the prognosis of patients after PCI and reduce the occurrence of restenosis. This review provides an overview of the clinical studies and mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibitors in the prevention of restenosis, providing a new option for improving the clinical prognosis of patients after PCI.
Multimodality 3D image fusion with live fluoroscopy reduces radiation dose during catheterization of congenital heart defects
Authors: Buytaert Dimitri , Vandekerckhove Kristof , Panzer Joseph , Campens Laurence , Bacher Klaus , De Wolf Daniël
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Imaging fusion technology is promising as it is radiation and contrast sparing. Herein, we compare conventional biplane angiography to multimodality image fusion with live fluoroscopy using two-dimensional (2D)–three-dimensional (3D) registration (MMIF2D−3D) and assess MMIF2D−3D impact on radiation exposure and contrast volume during cardiac catheterization of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD).

Methods

We matched institutional MMIF2D−3D procedures and controls according to patient characteristics (body mass index, age, and gender) and the seven procedure-type subgroups. Then, we matched the number of tests and controls per subgroup using chronological ordering or propensity score matching. Subsequently, we combined the matched subgroups into larger subgroups of similar procedure type, keeping subgroups with at least 10 test and 10 control cases. Air kerma (AK) and dose area product (DAP) were normalized by body weight (BW), product of body weight and fluoroscopy time (BW × FT), or product of body weight and number of frames (BW × FR), and stratified by acquisition plane and irradiation event type (fluoroscopy or acquisition). Three senior interventionists evaluated the relevance of MMIF2D−3D (5-point Likert scale).

Results

The Overall group consisted of 54 MMIF2D−3D cases. The combined and matched subgroups were pulmonary artery stenting (StentPUL), aorta angioplasty (PlastyAO), pulmonary artery angioplasty (PlastyPUL), or a combination of the latter two (Plasty). The FT of the lateral plane reduced significantly by 69.6% for the Overall MMIF2D−3D population. AKBW and DAPBW decreased, respectively, by 43.9% and 39.3% (Overall group), 49.3% and 54.9% (PlastyAO), and 36.7% and 44.4% for the Plasty subgroup. All the aforementioned reductions were statistically significant except for DAPBW in the Overall and Plasty (sub)groups. The decrease of AKBW and DAPBW in the StentPUL and PlastyPUL subgroups was not statistically significant. The decrease in the median values of the weight-normalized contrast volume (CMCBW) in all five subgroups was not significant. Cardiologists considered MMIF2D−3D very useful with a median score of 4.

Conclusion

In our institution, MMIF2D−3D overall enabled significant AKBW reduction during the catheterization of CHD patients and was mainly driven by reduced FT in the lateral plane. We observed significant AKBW reduction in the Plasty and PlastyAO subgroups and DAPBW reduction in the PlastyAO subgroup. However, the decrease in CMCBW was not significant.
Arrhythmias in children undergoing orthotopic heart transplantation
Authors: Doğan Eser , Ergin Fırat , Beyter Mehmet B. , Kaşıkçı Gülçin K. , Ön Şeyma Ş. , Ay Oğuzhan , Levent Reşit E. , Engin Çağatay , Ülger Zülal
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Heart transplantation (HT) is the only treatment option in children with heart failure secondary to cardiomyopathies and non-reparable congenital heart diseases.

Methods

We performed a retrospective clinical data review of all consecutive pediatric patients (aged 2–18 years) who underwent orthotopic HT for advanced heart failure at our institution between January 2007 and January 2023. Clinical, procedural, and follow-up data were collected and comprehensively analyzed.

Results

We identified 27 children (66.7% males) with a median age of 15 years (IQR: 7–16) and a median weight of 45 kg (IQR: 22–66) at the time of the intervention. 24 patients (88.8%) were diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, 2 (7.4%) with restrictive cardiomyopathy, and 1 (3.7%) with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. On a median follow-up of 35.07 months (IQR: 13.13–111.87), arrhythmias were detected in 9 (33%) patients. Three patients developed symptomatic sinus node dysfunction at 18, 25, and 38 days and received permanent pacemakers. One patient developed a complete AV block during acute rejection at 76 months and received a temporary pacemaker. Two patients developed chronic sinus tachycardia at 4 and 16 months and were treated with Beta-blockers after eliminating all causes of sinus tachycardia. One patient developed a complete right bundle branch block at 12 months. One patient developed ventricular extrasystole at 10 months and was found to have grade 2 rejection. An Atrial extrasystole was detected in one patient at 96 months. We did not identify significant risk factors for arrhythmias post-HT.

Discussion

After pediatric HT, early-onset rhythm disturbances, often attributed to surgery-related issues such as sinus node dysfunction, may necessitate invasive treatments like permanent pacemaker therapy. Close monitoring post-transplantation is crucial, and routine follow-up with Holter ECG is necessary to identify potential rhythm disorders even in the absence of symptoms. Rhythm disturbances that develop during follow-up can serve as early indicators of graft rejection and should be carefully evaluated.
The impact of war on the development and progression of arterial hypertension and cardiovascular disease: protocol of a prospective study among Ukrainian female refugees
Authors: Shalimova A. , Stoenoiu M. S. , Cubała W. J. , Burnier M. , Persu A. , Narkiewicz K.
Published: January 2024

Background

Growing evidence supports the impact of psychological factors such as traumatic experiences and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on the incidence of arterial hypertension (HTN) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The war in Ukraine is exposing million inhabitants to traumatic experiences and severe stress. Part of Ukrainians (mostly women and children) left the country to escape war. We report the protocol of a prospective study aiming at the assessment of the impact of war-induced stress on HTN and CVD in women Ukrainian refugees who moved to Poland.

Methods and design

The study will be conducted in 3 stages. Stage 1 will assess the prevalence of HTN and PTSD among Ukrainian refugees and will estimate the impact of war-related trauma exposure on these parameters. Data on office blood pressure (BP) will be compared to data already collected in STEPS data 2019 and May Measurement Month 2021 in Ukraine, matched for age and sex. Stage 2 will involve subjects diagnosed with HTN and/or PTSD referred for management and follow-up of these conditions. Psychologic targeted therapies will be offered to subjects with confirmed PTSD, with a periodical reassessment of the severity of PTSD-associated symptoms and of its impact on HTN and cardiovascular health. Clinical history and characteristics will be compared among three groups: subjects with HTN and PTSD, with HTN without PTSD, with PTSD but without HTN. Stage 3 will involve a subgroup among those screened in Stage 1, with the objective of investigating the biological mechanisms underlying the relation between HTN and trauma exposure, identifying early signs of subclinical target organ damage in subjects with HTN with/without PTSD.

Discussion

This study will test the hypothesis that trauma exposure and psychological stress contribute to BP elevation and progression of CVD in this population. It will provide new evidence on the effect of an integrated management, including psychological therapy, on BP and cardiovascular risk. Such approach may be further tested and extrapolated to other populations exposed to war and chronic violence, migrants and refugees around the world.

Research Study Registration

number 2022/45/P/NZ5/02812.
Case Report: Left bundle branch pacing in an amyloid light-chain cardiac amyloidosis patient with atrioventricular block
Authors: Yu Jiaqi , Kong Fanyi , Gao Peng , Chen Taibo , Liu Yongtai , Cheng Zhongwei , Deng Hua , Lai Jinzhi , Zhang Lihua , Fan Jingbo , Wang Jiaqi , Qin Xiaohan , Sun Keyue , Li Jian , Fang Quan , Yang Deyan , Cheng Kang’an
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Amyloid light-chain cardiac amyloidosis is a progressive infiltrative disease characterized by the deposition of amyloid fibrils in the cardiac tissue, which can cause serious atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker implantation. Left bundle branch pacing has emerged as an alternative method for delivering physiological pacing to achieve electrical synchrony of the left ventricle. However, left bundle branch pacing in patients with amyloid light-chain cardiac amyloidosis has not been studied in detail. Therefore, in this study, we present a case of left bundle branch pacing in a patient with amyloid light-chain cardiac amyloidosis.

Case summary

A 66-year-old male patient with amyloid light-chain cardiac amyloidosis presented with syncope for 1 month. Holter monitoring revealed intermittent third-degree atrioventricular block. Left bundle branch pacing was performed successfully. During the 1-year follow-up, it was observed that the left bundle branch capture threshold remained stable without any pacemaker-related complications or left ventricle systolic dysfunction, and there was no recurrence of syncope.

Conclusion

Left bundle branch pacing appears to be a safe and feasible option for patients with amyloid light-chain cardiac amyloidosis experiencing atrioventricular block.
Fracture-vuggy carbonate reservoir characterization based on multiple geological information fusion
Authors: Wang Yan , Xie Pengfei , Zhang Huitao , Liu Yuming , Yang Aiying
Published: January 2024

The complexity and strong heterogeneity of carbonate reservoirs with fracture-vuggy structures present significant challenges in reservoir characterization. To address these challenges, we propose a novel multi-element information fusion modeling approach. This approach is designed to integrate multiple methods and incorporate multi-probability fusion at various facies and scales, thereby bridging the gap between geological information and reservoir modeling. Our methodology involves four key steps. First, the statistics between frequency of karst and geological information are acquired, and we quantify the statistics to regression equations. Second, these regression equations are transferred to probability bodies. The probability bodies can be applied in modeling as a soft control. But just one single body can be input in modeling process. Third, multiple probability bodies are fused into a fusion probability body by a probability fusion algorithm, which can keep the potential information of probability bodies. Finally, we apply the probability body in modeling workflow. By this way, the fusion method bridges the gap between geological information and modeling. The model established through our proposed method showed a significant level of consistency with reservoir re-evaluation, achieving an impressive 90% degree of alignment. Furthermore, the history match analysis revealed a high correlation, indicating the model's reliability. The method effectively integrates various scales and types of geological information, offering an accurate approach to complex carbonate reservoir modeling.
Embedding mental wellbeing in the curriculum: a collaborative definition and suite of examples in practice
Authors: Lister Kate , Allman Zoë
Published: January 2024

The sector-wide challenge of student mental wellbeing within higher education (HE) requires universities to systematically and holistically enhance their practice and approaches. This paper recounts how an interdisciplinary team of academics, senior leaders, professional services and Students’ Union representatives across seven institutions responded to this need by collaboratively identifying definitions, good-practice for replication, and benefits of activity to embed mental wellbeing in the curriculum. Considering and exploring definitions across HE, our study provides clarity and reference points for definitions, particularly around the nature of “embedding” in relation to mental wellbeing for students. Five core themes for mental wellbeing in HE were identified and defined through this study: flourishing or thriving, balance, community and belonging, dynamic, and inclusive. Furthermore, a five-point definition of embeddedness developed; it being modeled in practice, tailored to needs, inherent in values, ethos and culture, a holistic partnership approach, and represented in strategy supported by appropriate resource. These are represented as a Mental Wellbeing Embeddedness Framework. The study sought good-practice examples from across seven HE providers, presented as example resources for replication by others in the sector seeking to address similar challenges within their institutions. Twenty-seven examples were developed into an online open educational resource toolkit, providing clear examples for use in a range of settings and responding to different needs around student mental wellbeing. Each example sharing its original rationale for development and clear list of benefits to be seen from replicating the initiative. Sector feedback to date indicates referencing the definitions activity and expanding this for use in other contexts, replication of good-practice examples in different settings, and support for identification of the benefits that can be achieved from embedding mental wellbeing in the curriculum. This paper is a call to action, shaping the future direction of student mental wellbeing, supported by policy, practice, and constant innovation.
Teaching action competence in education for sustainable development – a qualitative study on teachers’ ideas, opinions, attitudes and self-conceptions
Authors: Schönstein Robin Felix , Budke Alexandra
Published: January 2024

Education for sustainable development (ESD) is a policy guideline which has a significant impact on the teaching of geography in Germany. A central element of this model is to impart and develop in students a goal-oriented action competence to solve sustainability problems. However, action competence in ESD has not yet been scientifically defined or sufficiently researched. This raises the question of how teachers currently teach action competence to students as a central element of ESD. This article examines teachers’ understanding of ESD, action competence and their own role in this context. To this end, a literature-based model of geographical action competence in ESD is presented. Subsequently, a qualitative triangulated teacher study is presented, which is analysed with the help of the model. It is shown that teachers generally have a high level of knowledge about ESD and are highly motivated to teach action competence. However, it becomes clear that the teachers seem to differ in their understanding of sustainable action competence as well as in their understanding of their own role.
Causal association of lipoprotein-associated phospholipids on the risk of sepsis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zeng Liying , Tang Haoxuan , Chen Jiehai , Deng Yijian , Zhao Yunfeng , Lei Hang , Wan Yufei , Pan Ying , Deng Yongqiang
Published: January 2024

Background

Many previous studies have revealed a close relationship between lipoprotein metabolism and sepsis, but their causal relationship has, until now, remained unclear. Therefore, we performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to estimate the causal relationship of lipoprotein-associated phospholipids with the risk of sepsis.

Materials and methods

A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed to investigate the causal relationship between lipoprotein-associated phospholipids and sepsis based on large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics. MR analysis was performed using a variety of methods, including inverse variance weighted as the primary method, MR Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode as complementary methods. Further sensitivity analyses were used to test the robustness of the data.

Results

After Bonferroni correction, the results of the MR analysis showed that phospholipids in medium high-density lipoprotein (HDL; ORIVW = 0.82, 95% CI 0.71-0.95, P = 0.0075), large HDL (ORIVW = 0.92, 95% CI 0.85-0.98, P = 0.0148), and very large HDL (ORMR Egger = 0.83, 95% CI 0.72-0.95, P = 0.0134) had suggestive causal relationship associations with sepsis. Sensitivity testing confirmed the accuracy of these findings. There was no clear association between other lipoprotein-associated phospholipids and sepsis risk.

Conclusions

Our MR analysis data suggestively showed a correlation between higher levels of HDL-associated phospholipids and reduced risk of sepsis. Further studies are required to determine the underlying mechanisms behind this relationship.
A novel risk stratification model based on tumor size and multifocality to predict recurrence in pediatric PTC: comparison with adult PTC
Authors: Du Rui , Zhang Ying , Kou Jiedong , Li Jingting , Sui Chengqiu , Zhang Daqi , Fu Yantao , Zhou Le , Fu Qingfeng , Li Fang , Dionigi Gianlorenzo , Liang Nan , Sun Hui
Published: January 2024

Background

Pediatric papillary thyroid cancer presents with a more advanced stage of disease than adult PTC; and it is more likely to be aggresive and distant metastases, although the survival rate is high.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was performed in children and adults with PTC. Fisher’s exact, chi-square, and rank-sum tests were used to examine the differences. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to determine the possible risk factors for prognosis. A Kaplan-Meier curve analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the clinicopathological characteristics and recurrence rate.

Results

The study involved 156 children and 1,244 adults with PTC. Compared to the group without recurrence, proportions of tumors measuring > 1 cm (48.3% vs. 90.9%) and multifocality (30.3% vs. 63.6%) were higher, N1b stage occurred more frequently (33.8% vs. 100%). However, among adult PTC patients, those with recurrence were older (76.1% vs. 59.4%) than those without recurrence. Risk factors for pediatric PTC recurrence included tumor size and multifocality. However, in adult PTC, the risk factor was LLNM. The newly constructed Stratification.N showed better performance, as illustrated by the fact that patients who were classified into Stratification.N 3 showed an obviously poorer prognosis (P=0.01 and P=0.00062), especially in those aged >14 years (P=0.0052).

Conclusion

Compared with adult PTC, pediatric PTC showed unique characteristics in terms of clinical pathology and recurrence. Tumor size and multifocality were strong risk factors for pediatric PTC. Accordingly, the novel proposed risk stratification method could effectively predict the recurrence of pediatric PTC.
Effect of cadmium and lead on the morphology and protein profile of Calligonum comosum seeds
Authors: Alotaibi Modhi O.
Published: January 2024

Background

Soils contaminated with heavy metals (HMs) pose a risk to human health via the food chain, as many edible plants absorb these metals. In turn, some of these plants could be used as phytoremediators for such soils. Calligonum comosum is an indigenous medicinal shrub that grows naturally in wide swaths of sandy soil in Saudi Arabia and has many advantages that render it a promising candidate for the treatment of HM-contaminated areas. But the impact of HM on this plant remains unknown, especially in the early stages of its development.

Objective

This investigation aimed to study the effects of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) on the germination of C. comosum seeds under laboratory conditions, and assess the seeds’ response to these metals.

Methods

The C. comosum seed germination was monitored in Petri dishes containing Pb and Cd at increasing concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100 µM) for up to 3 weeks. SDS-PAGE was used to examine the protein profile of germinated seeds and the western blot was used to assess the influence of HMs on the activities of the catalase enzyme and the beta subunit of ATP synthase (AtpB).

Results

The germination rate and speed of C. comosum seeds were delayed by increasing concentrations of either Pb or Cd, but this effect was dose-dependent. SDS-PAGE analysis results revealed that exposure to both metals led to altered protein profiles as indicated by the resulting band intensities and disappearance of some proteins compared with the untreated controls. Further, the western blot analysis detected greater activity of catalase enzyme as well as AtpB in the Cd- and Pb-treated seeds.

Conclusion

C. comosum seeds treated with Cd or Pb enhance protein degradation and denaturation beside oxidative stress, leading to reduced seed viability. These results suggest oxidoreduction proteins and those involved in ATP synthesis are enhanced in C. comosum seeds in response to Cd and Pb stressors, which is a probable mechanism by which seeds may tolerate heavy metal stress.
Spatial distributions and multi-factor driving mechanism of landslide in southern Liaodong Peninsula
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Zheng Defeng , Yan Chenglin , Wang Zehao , Nian Tingkai
Published: January 2024

Coastal areas are characterized by high levels of urbanization and also the most active and highly sensitive to geological activities. Due to the impact of global climate change, landslides occur frequently in coastal areas, which have significantly impacted the sustainable socio-economic development of the region. Therefore, studying the spatial distribution of landslides and the factors that drive them holds immense practical significance for the geohazards prevention and mitigation work and optimization of ecological security patterns in coastal areas. This study takes the southern Liaodong Peninsula as the study area and analyzes the spatial distribution characteristics and influence mechanism of landslides. We first applied the Getis-Ord Gi*, kernel density analysis techniques, and Ripley’s K function to explore the spatial distribution characteristics of landslides in the study area at different scales. Then, we employed the information value method to test for the linkage relationships between the driving factors and landslides. Finally, we utilized the geographical detector to reveal the potential impacts and interaction of the driving factors on landslides. The results showed that: (1) landslides in the Southern Liaodong Peninsula exhibit strong spatial clustering characteristics, and have a spatial scale effect; (2) the high susceptibility areas are mainly concentrated in the southern hilly regions and the mountainous regions in the northern parts of the study area; (3) The information value method reveals that there is an optimal combination of factors driving landslides. (4) The factor detector analysis reveals that the primary driver of landslide spatial distribution is the geomorphological types (q-value of 39.10%). (5) The interaction detector indicates that the interplay of all driving factor pairs exhibited an enhanced effect, which is not a simple superposition effect but bivariate and non-linear. The collective influence of natural factors and human activities holds a more substantial influence over landslide development and distribution. The research offers guidance for the execution of landslide prevention initiatives and the establishment of preservation policies for the ecological environment in the southern Liaodong Peninsula region.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal plants together shape seedling diversity in a subtropical forest
Authors: Chen Zhaoquan , Liu Wande , Lang Xuedong , Wang Minghui , Liu Jiao , Xu Chonghua
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Burgeoning mycorrhizal research has focused on identifying the various diverse mycorrhizal strategies of forest communities. Mounting evidence suggests that mycorrhizae play important roles in regulating forest community structure and composition. However, research into the manifestation of this influence in the seedling stage is lacking, especially in small-scale plots.

Methods

Our research utilized structural equation models parameterized using data from a subtropical monsoon broad-leaved evergreen forest situated in Yunnan Province, China.

Results

We noted that seedlings included plants that utilized both arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi. More seedling plots with the relatively higher species diversity were the product of the mixed mycorrhizal strategy, meaning the coexistence of AM and EM seedlings in a small-scale plot rather than the dominance of one type of strategies. These mixed communities were primarily found on slopes and mountain ridges. The abundance of AM or EM trees indirectly affected seedling diversity by influencing the abundance of different mycorrhizal seedlings. In this case, the diversity of the mixed mycorrhizal community was also restricted by the level of leaf thickness in the community, followed by abiotic factors such as elevation, convexity, soil pH and soil available phosphorus.

Discussion

The effect of leaf thickness on mycorrhizal seedling abundance reflected the importance of water conditions in shaping seedling communities. The effect of convexity on seedling diversity also reflected the limitation of seedling communities by the distribution of humidity and heat conditions during topographic change. The results suggested that it is crucial to preserve seedling diversity via the mixed mycorrhizal strategy of communities in the subtropical forest.
Identification of gene mutations associated with type 1 diabetes by next-generation sequencing in affected Palestinian families
Authors: Bawatneh Abrar , Darwish Alaa , Eideh Hasan , Darwish Hisham M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia secondary to insulin resistance or deficiency. It is considered a major health problem worldwide. T1DM is a result of a combination of genetics, epigenetics, and environmental factors. Several genes have been associated with T1DM, including HLA, INS, CTLA4, and PTPN22. However, none of these findings have been based on linkage analysis because it is rare to find families with several diabetic individuals. Two Palestinian families with several afflicted members with variations in the mode of inheritance were identified and selected for this study. This study aimed to identify the putative causative gene(s) responsible for T1DM development in these families to improve our understanding of the molecular genetics of the disease.

Methods: One afflicted member from each family was selected for Whole-Exome Sequencing. Data were mapped to the reference of the human genome, and the resulting VCF file data were filtered. The variants with the highest phenotype correlation score were checked by Sanger sequencing for all family members. The confirmed variants were analyzed in silico by bioinformatics tools.

Results: In one family, the IGF1R p.V579F variant, which follows autosomal dominant inheritance, was confirmed and segregated in the family. In another family, the NEUROD1 p.P197H variant, which follows autosomal recessive inheritance, was positively confirmed and segregated.

Conclusion:IGF1R p.V579F and NEUROD1 p.P197H variants were associated with T1DM development in the two inflicted families. Further analysis and functional assays will be performed, including the generation of mutant model cell systems, to unravel their specific molecular mechanism in the disease development.