bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of the recreation and sports environment of the city on health of its residents.
Authors:   Federal State Scientific Budgetary Institution «N. A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health», Rotov V. M. , Gorenkov R. V. ,   Federal State Scientific Budgetary Institution «N. A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health», Vasilieva T. P. ,   Federal State Scientific Budgetary Institution «N. A. Semashko National Research Institute of Public Health»
Published: January 2024

Recreation and sports environment is an essential part of the urban space, which is the most important factor in improving and maintaining health of the citizens, contributing to better mental health, cognitive functions, lower overall mortality, higher life expectancy, lower morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases, prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, better pregnancy and birth outcomes. Recreation and sports environment of the urban space includes the city’s greenery, recreational areas, areas for physical activities and sports, and waterfront areas. This study uses a correlation analysis to analyze impact of the recreation and sports environment of cities on health of the population of working and post-working ages. The study was conducted in 2019 on the example of large and huge urban cities of the Moscow region populated with more than 125,000 people. Based on the correlation analysis results, the authors have demonstrated the impact of the overall set of all sports facilities, sports structures, flat sports structures, swimming pools, sports halls, and public green spaces in cities on health of the post-working age. The study has also shown the impact of swimming pools, the overall set of all types of sports facilities, sports structures, flat sports structures, sports halls, and public green spaces in cities on health of the workingage population. The development and constant support of the city’s fitness and sports environment in a functional state is an important task of city administrations, the result of which is able to increase the physical activity of citizens and lead to a decrease in the morbidity of the urban population.
Socio-hygienic parameters, lifestyle and medical activity of the elderly according to the results of the survey (on the example of the Tambov region).
Authors:   Derzhavin Tambov State University., Kalugina M. G. , Nassif U. ,   Derzhavin Tambov State University., Polukhin К. I. ,   Derzhavin Tambov State University., Rogachev D. Y. ,   Derzhavin Tambov State University.
Published: January 2024

The purpose of our study was to study the lifestyle and medical activity of elderly people in the Tambov region in order to form a scientific understanding of the possibilities of a comprehensive medical and social corrective effect on this contingent. Materials and methods. The observation unit of our study is an elderly person who has reached the age of 60 years. A total of 412 people took part in the survey. The study was conducted from September 2022 to January 2023. The average age of respondents is 68.9 years. Among the respondents – 53.2% (219 people) are women, 46.8% (193 people) are men. Results and conclusion. One of the leading socio-hygienic factors affecting the health of the elderly and lifestyle should be considered the low-income level of a large number of respondents. 22% live close to poverty, 16% of the elderly people in the sample live below the poverty line (10% qualify as «Poverty», and 6% as «super-poverty»). The conducted research allows you to see the rea.
Statistical analysis of the medical and social causes of the formation of benign men prostatic hyperplasia.
Authors:   «SM-Clinic» LLC, Votyakov E. O. , Aliev R. T. ,   Federal State Budget Institution «Russian State Research Center – Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Yurlova T. V. ,   Federal State Budgetary Institution of Higher Education «Altai State Medical University», Trukhacheva N. V. ,   Federal State Budgetary Institution of Higher Education «Altai State Medical University», Mukhamedzyanova А. А. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education «Omsk State Medical University»
Published: January 2024

With the world’s population growing and aging, one of the challenges facing physicians and primary care professionals as the population ages is the management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It is known from the literature that 18% of men at the age of 40 report anxiety due to an enlarged prostate, but this figure rises sharply at the age of 50, when already 50% of men complain of unpleasant symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, and at the age of 90 years of such men becomes 90%. In our study, we analyzed numerous works (articles) that studied the prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia in different population groups and at different times. In addition to analyzing the prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia, the article presents statistical data on the main causes of the formation of benign prostatic hyperplasia in men.
On the Formation of Innovative lean Competence of nursing staff providing assistance to the population in the PSMP System.
Authors:   GBPOU NO «Arzamas Medical College», Pchelina N. V. , Pozdeyeva T. V. ,   Volga Research Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia
Published: January 2024

Introduction. The article proposes and proves the effectiveness of a model for the formation of innovative lean competencies among nursing staff operating in an optimized healthcare environment. Goal: to determine the effectiveness of the implementation within the framework of postgraduate training of an educational module on the formation of innovative lean competence in the professional activities of practicing nursing specialists. Methods. The study was conducted according to a specially developed questionnaire in two stages: the first – in 2019 (before the implementation of the educational module); the second – in 2022 (evaluation of the implementation results). The analysis of the results provided for the calculation of relative values (P) and their errors (± m). The same indicators were compared in dynamics, the Student’s coefficient (t) was used to assess the reliability of the differences. The differences were considered statistically significant at p<0,05. Microsoft Office Excel and Statistica 5,0 programs were used to create an electronic database and calculate indicators. Results. At the first stage, a high readiness of the majority of nurses for innovation was revealed, but a number of limitations for innovation were recorded: low level of computer skills, lack of necessary competencies for implementing innovations, lack of leadership qualities, search for personal gain. A strong inverse correlation was found between age and the desire to introduce innovations. The results of the second stage showed a 1,4-fold increase in the share of nursing staff who want to introduce innovations in their workplace; a 1,8-fold decrease in the proportion of people who are wary of changes in their professional activities; reducing the time spent on processing medical documentation and increasing the amount of time allocated to working with patients. The proportion of nursing specialists using an electronic document management system in their professional activities has also increased – from 1,6% to 41,6%. Conclusion. The effectiveness of the proposed educational module for the formation of innovative lean competence in the professional activities of nurses providing assistance to the population in the primary health care system is confirmed by the achieved positive results of its testing in healthcare institutions.
Clinical unit rating calculation system using HIS.
Authors:   Federal V. A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Misiyuk A. S. , Mantserov K. M. ,   Federal V. A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Khatkevich M. I. ,   Federal Ailamazyan А. К. Program Systems Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, Khatkevich M. M. ,   Federal Ailamazyan А. К. Program Systems Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: January 2024

The article notes that the organization of an effective management system for a healthcare organization cannot do without the use of carefully developed mechanisms of material incentives. It should encourage staff to do their best work, not just the administrative directives of management. The system of material incentives should be based on algorithms for objective assessment of the work of the personnel of the healthcare organization, which requires the development of numerical indicators. This article focuses on the performance of clinical units. The means of the Interin medical information system is used. The features of the activities of the V. A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology are briefly presented. Goals and objectives are discussed. The basic concepts of the subsystem for calculating the rating of clinical units are introduced. 34 indicators of clinical units, grouped into 5 sections, are described. The specifics of the implementation of the HIS Interin rating calculation subsystem are described. Conclusion presents the stages of the project to create a subsystem of information support for material incentives.
Taman Bermain Asyik
Authors: Wati Emy Rosna
Published: January 2024

Rasa syukur selalu tercurahkan kepada Allah SWT yang senantiasa melimpahkan rahmat, hidayah serta inayah nya, sehingga dapat melakukan Program Pengabdian Masyarakat Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo Tahun 2019. Pengabdian Masyarakat yang di selenggarakan oleh Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo merupakan pengaplikasian Catur Dharma Perguruan Tinggi yaitu Pendidikan, penelitian dan pengabdian pada masyarakat, serta Dharma keempat yaitu sebagai dharma moral yakni perguruan tinggi sebagai Lembaga percontohan moral
Total Hip Replacement in a Case of Ankylosing Spondylitis: Anesthetist’s Preparedness
Authors:   Senior resident, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh 249201, Uttarakhand, India., Kadian Sakshi , M Sharadha ,   Junior resident, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh 249201, Uttarakhand, India., Talwar Praveen ,   Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh 249201, Uttarakhand, India.
Published: January 2024

Ankylosing Spondylitis is an autoimmune seronegative spondyloarthropathy which manifests as a relapsing remitting disease. Since the disease involves the spine, it becomes significant for anesthesiologists as ensuring airway control in general anesthesia, and regional neuraxial blockade becomes difficult. Hence the anesthesiologist should be prepared beforehand with the anesthesia plan and the backup plan if the primary plan fails. In this report, we highlight the anesthetic management of a 66 year-old male who was a known case of ankylosing spondylitis and was planned for a total hip replacement.
Clinical Evaluation of Plasma Cholinesterase with Clinical Symptomatology in Organophosphorus PoisoningClinical Evaluation of Plasma Cholinesterase with Clinical Symptomatology in Organophosphorus Poisoning
Authors:   Resident, Department of Anesthesia, Government Medical College, Latur 413512, Maharashtra, India., Pakhare Vikrant Navnath , Shrirang Sirsat Vinayak ,   Associate professor, Department of Anesthesia, Government Medical College, Latur 413512, Maharashtra, India., Deshpande Satish G ,   Ex-Professor and HOD, Department of Anesthesia, Government Medical College, Latur 413512, Maharashtra, India.
Published: January 2024

Objective: Level of plasma cholinesterase and its association with clinical manifestations. Methods: This is a prospective study and observation study of 50 cases of organo phosphorus poisoning compound admitted in casualty and intensive care department. In present study we were evaluated plasma cholinesterase levels and correlate with clinical symptomatology in organo phosphorus poisoning, also included patient requiring ventilator support in respiratory failure patients. Prior approval for the study and the protocol was obtained from the institution ethical committee. In present study, serum cholinesterase estimation was repeated on after 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 96 hours and 7th day of stay in intensive care unit. The serum cholinesterase activity was measured by Genx cholinesterase butyryl thiocholinemethod (quantitative determination of cholinesterase in human serum). Conclusion: In present study 50 cases of organophosphorus compound poisoning admitted to our tertiary care centre. Commonest age group 21 to 30 years and 31 to 40 years. Serum cholinesterase is a useful marker for predicting clinical outcome in op poisoning as marked reductions are associated with increased need for ventilator support, atropine requirement, duration of hospital stay and outcome. Serum cholinesterase levels correlated well with clinical manifestation, severity of poisoning, ventilator support required or not and outcome.
Fluoroscopy Guided Lumbar Facet Joint Block as a Diagnostic Tool in the Evaluation of Chronic Low Back Ache
Authors:   Consultant, Department of Pain Medicine, Alleviate Pain Hospital, Bengaluru 560057, Karnataka, India., Khan Khaja Javed , M N Satish Kumar ,   Resident, Department of Pain Medicine, Alleviate Pain Hospital, Bengaluru 560057, Karnataka, India., Ahmed Wiquar ,   Consultant, Department of Pain Medicine, Alleviate Pain Hospital, Bengaluru 560057, Karnataka, India., Putran Prashanth R ,   Consultant, Department of Pain Medicine, Alleviate Pain Hospital, Bengaluru 560057, Karnataka, India.
Published: January 2024

Acute low back pain is a common cause of pain in the majority of the adult population. Facet joints are a potential source of pain in low back pain (LBP) and its prevalence increases with age. Our case report is about a 34-year-old male patient who came with chief complaints of chronic low back ache, more on the left side, insidious in onset, non-radiating not associated with tingling or numbness. Pain aggravates on walking, sitting to standing posture, and left side movements. His Numerical rating scale (NRS) was 7 and the Verbal rating scale (VRS) was moderate. On palpation patient had left para median tenderness more at L5-S1 area. The Lasegue straight leg raising test and flexion, abduction, external rotation (FABER) were also negative. We decided to proceed with diagnostic block of left L5-S1 facet joint with 1ml 0f 1% lignocaine and our patient had significant pain relief of about 80%.
Fraud Prevention Portrait in Sharia Financial Institutions: It Takes a Village
Authors: Faisol Faisol , Alim Mohammad Nizarul , Munawaroh Siti
Published: January 2024

Fraud prevention is very necessary to be applied in Islamic financial institutions, especially in BMT NU, it aims to keep the organization's assets from human hands crime that can harm institutions BMT NU. The purpose of this study was to describe the fraud prevention model in BMT NU Torjun branch. This study uses a case study approach to investigate the fraud prevention model in BMT NU Torjun branch by interviewing several informants who are working in the world of work BMT NU Torjun branch. The findings of this study can be concluded that the fraud prevention model in BMT NU Torjun branch starts from BMT NU managers who must run according to the SOP (standard operating procedures) that have been established in the BMT NU Torjun branch. To prevent fraud in BMT NU Torjun branch, an internal audit is conducted by the central RKM team which is carried out every month twice on the second weekend, so that one's space is getting narrower to commit fraud in BMT NU. Furthermore, the fraud prevention model at BMT NU Torjun branch has strict supervision from several parties, both supervision from area managers, DPS (Sharia Supervisory Board), and supervision from the headquarters. With the Prevention of fraud set in the BMT NU Torjun branch will effectively minimize the occurrence of fraud, even avoid fraud actions that can harm the institution BMT NU Torjun branch.
Auditor Readiness in Preparing Extended External Reporting (In accordance with ISAE 3000 Revised)
Authors: Rustam Akie Rusaktiva , Satyawan Made Dudy , Widiastutik Rika Nur
Published: January 2024

Increased publication regarding Extended External Reporting (EER) has encouraged the IAASB to develop Extended External Reporting (EER) guidelines, namely ISAE 3000 revised, to implement standards in sustainable reporting engagements. This research aims to determine how prepared auditors are in preparing Extended External Reporting according to ISAE 3000 revised. This research uses an interpretive paradigm, with qualitative methods and a case study approach. The data collection technique is interviews and observation non-participation. From the research results, it was concluded that auditors have sufficient knowledge regarding Extended External Reporting in accordance with ISAE 3000 revised. However, auditors do not understand this in depth. Extended External Reporting, according to ISAE 3000 revised, is new and has not been mandatorily disclosed in Indonesia.
Pengembangan Media “Kanca” (Keseimbangan Angka Ceria) Berbasis Local Culture
Authors: Purwinda Afri , Sari Tita Tanjung , Kadarisman Kadarisman
Published: January 2024

Media pembelajaran kreatif salah satunya adalah media “Kanca”. Media “Kanca” adalah media berhitung yang dapat digunakan pada siswa kelas 1. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: (1) mendeskripsikan pengembangan media “kanca” berbasis local culture (2) mengetahui respon guru dan siswa terhadap pengembangan media “kanca” berbasis local culture. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian ADDIE yang dikembangkan oleh Dick and Carry yang terdiri atas 5 tahap yaitu analyze, design, development, implementation, evuation. Kanca diujicobakan dalam uji coba terbatas dan uji coba lapangan kelas I sekolah dasar negeri Pojah II dan Paberasan I. Kelayakan  produk  didasarkan  oleh  ahli  media,  ahli  materi,  respon guru, respon siswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan: (1) media “kanca” dikembangkan dengan model  pengembangan  ADDIE, penilaian ahli media memperoleh persentase 98%, penilaian ahli materi memperoleh persentase 97,5%  kriteria  “Sangat Sesuai dan Tidak Revisi”,  (2) penilaian  respon  siswa  pada uji coba terbatas memperoleh persentase 92,5%, penilaian  respon  guru dan siswa pada uji coba lapangan memperoleh persentase 100% dan 93,6% kriteria “Sangat  Baik”, media“ kanca” berbasis local culture dapat digunakan sebagai alternatif media pembelajaran matematika.
Peran Media Pembelajaran Monopoli Matematika terhadap Motivasi Belajar Siswa Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Afifah Jihan , Suryatin Suryatin , Al Fath Ayatullah Muhammadin
Published: January 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana peran dari media pembelajaran monopoli matematika terhadap motivasi belajar siswa kelas V SDN 2 Hadiwarno pada pembelajaran matematika khususnya pada materi kecepatan dan debit. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian kualitatif yang bersifat deskriptif. Subjek dalam penelitian ini adalah 12 siswa dan seorang guru kelas V. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Uji keabsahan data yang digunakan adalah triangulasi sumber dan triangulasi teknik. Teknik analisis data menggunakan model analisis data Miles dan Huberman. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa media pembelajaran monopoli matematika memiliki peran positif yang penting terhadap motivasi belajar siswa kelas V SDN 2 Hadiwarno yaitu berperan dalam meningkatkan motivasi belajar siswa dengan menarik atensi dan perhatian siswa yang membuatnya terfokus mengikuti pembelajaran, serta melibatkan siswa berpartisipasi aktif saat pembelajaran. Bertambahnya motivasi belajar siswa ini ditandai dengan adanya semangat, antusiasme, daya juang, kemandirian, rasa ingin tahu, dan tekad menghadapi kesulitan yang lebih baik daripada sebelum menggunakan media.
A Target-Aware Well Path Control Method Based on Transfer Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Dandan Zhu , Xu Qiuhan , Wang Fei , Chen Dong , Ye Zhihui , Zhou Hao , Zhang Ke
Published: January 2024

In the actual construction process, well path control is a challenging task mainly due to the inevitable well deflection caused by geological factors, drilling tools as well as borehole enlargement. Most conventional well path control methods focus on elaborate mechanism model construction. The methods are typically constructed on the basis of certain constraints or assumptions, which reflect their limited ability to accurately capture the actual drilling process, low level of intelligence, poor anti-interference performance, and weak adaptive capacity. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a target-aware well path control method that integrates reinforcement learning and transfer learning. The proposed method employs a deep deterministic policy gradient model based on the prioritized experience replay mechanism and leverages transfer learning to accelerate model learning. This enables the construction of a target-aware well path adaptive control system with strong anti-interference capability. The proposed target-aware control method of well path based on reinforcement learning and transfer learning can accurately track the preset trajectory in diverse geological environments, reach the target area with high precision, and make reasonable trajectory optimization decisions with measurement while drilling (MWD) even when the target trajectory does not match the actual distribution of the reservoir. This approach exhibits excellent anti-interference and adaptive abilities.
CRISPR/Cas9 model of prostate cancer identifies Kmt2c deficiency as a metastatic driver by Odam/Cabs1 gene cluster expression
Authors: Thomsen Martin , Cai Huiqiang , Zhang Bin , Ahrenfeldt Johanne , Joseph Justin , Riedel Maria , Gao Zongliang , Christensen Ditte , Bak Rasmus , Hager Henrik , Vendelbo Mikkel , Gao Xin , Birkbak Nicolai , Thomsen Sofie
Published: January 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, and treatment options for metastatic disease remain limited. In this study, we employed Adeno-associated virus (AAV) delivery and CRISPR-Cas9 technology to simultaneously mutate multiple genes in the mouse prostate, in order to investigate positive genetic interactions during PCa progression. By targeting five potential tumor suppressor genes (Pten, Trp53, Rb1, Stk11, and RnaseL), we induced advanced prostate tumors in mice without metastasis, and mice reached humane endpoint at eight weeks. When three epigenetic factors (Kmt2c, Kmt2d, and Zbtb16) were further depleted, tumor progression remained identical, but metastases were observed in the lung of all mice. Whole genome sequencing of metastatic tumors revealed few genetic alterations, confirming that mutations in the targeted genes are sufficient to transform prostatic cells into metastatic cancer. Mechanistic analysis uncovered multiple altered pathways, including impaired p-Src/p-Lyn-cMyc signaling, underscoring the importance of cMyc signaling in PCa metastasis. RNA sequencing revealed a significant dysregulation of overall transcriptome and increased expression of numerous genes in a genomic region at chr5qE1, which is highly conserved to human chr4q13.3 and regulated by KMT2C. Intriguingly, the depletion of Odam and Cabs1 in this gene cluster dismissed metastasis formation, indicating that they have critical functions for secondary tumor formation, which has not been reported before. Further genetic analysis demonstrated that Kmt2c deficiency is sufficient to facilitate lung metastasis, identifying Kmt2c as an essential gatekeeper for metastatic formation. Interestingly, the gene expression signature from mutations of the three epigenetic regulators were predictive of progression-free and overall survival and able to distinguish primary and metastatic human prostate cancer. Overall, this study highlights the positive genetic interactions between classical tumor suppressor genes and epigenetic modulators in the progression and onset of metastatic disease, providing predictions and insights into possible treatments for metastatic PCa.
Characterization of the Fusarium circinatum biofilm environmental response role
Authors: Ratsoma Francinah M , Mokoena Nthabiseng Z , Santana Quentin C , Wingfield Brenda D , Steenkamp Emma T , Motaung Thabiso E
Published: January 2024

The capacity to form biofilms is a common trait among many microorganisms present on Earth. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that the fatal pine pitch canker agent, Fusarium circinatum, can lead a biofilm-like lifestyle with aggregated hyphal bundles wrapped in extracellular matrix (ECM). Our research shows F. circinatum's ability to adapt to environmental changes by assuming a biofilm-like lifestyle. This was demonstrated by varying metabolic activities exhibited by the biofilms in response to factors like temperature and pH. Further analysis revealed that while planktonic cells produced small amounts of ECM per unit of the biomass, heat- and azole-exposed biofilms produced significantly more ECM than non-exposed biofilms, further demonstrating the adaptability of F. circinatum to changing environments. The increased synthesis of ECM triggered by these abiotic factors highlights the link between ECM production in biofilm and resistance to abiotic stress. This suggests that an ECM-mediated response may be a key survival strategy of F. circinatum biofilms in response to changing environments. Interestingly, azole exposure also led to biofilms that were resistant to DNase, which typically uncouples biofilms by penetrating the biofilm and degrading its extracellular DNA; we propose that DNases were likely hindered from reaching target cells by the ECM barricade. The interplay between antifungal treatment and DNase enzyme suggests a complex relationship between eDNA, ECM, and antifungal agents in F. circinatum biofilms. Therefore, our results show how a phytopathogen’s sessile (biofilm) lifestyle could influence its response to the surrounding environment.
Investigating the Impact of Substrate Defects on the Operational Performance of a Silicon-Substrate Bimorph Piezoelectric Energy Harvester
Authors: Jamshiddoust Asghar , Karamooz Morteza , Farrokhabadi Amin
Published: January 2024

Cracks are prevalent defects found in micro-electromechanical systems, influencing both the operational dynamics and performance of these structures. These cracks have the potential to alter the stiffness of the structure and impact various parameters such as resonance frequency, voltage, and output power. This transformation may eventually result in structural failure over a defined period. Hence, it is imperative to diagnose and detect structural cracks. In this study, we introduce a semi-analytical method to examine transverse cracks occurring within the mid-layer of a bimorph piezoelectric energy harvester. The investigation encompasses reductions in stiffness and variations in capacitance resulting from mid-layer transverse cracks. From a microscale perspective, we employ a stress transfer technique based on crack density to quantify stiffness reduction caused by mid-layer cracks. Analytical outcomes concerning the influence of cracks in the mid-layer of the bimorph are obtained using assumptions derived from the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and substantiated through finite element analysis. The consequences of these imperfections on mechanical parameters such as resonance frequency, as well as electrical parameters like output electrical power, are deliberated upon. It is observed that the existence of cracks in the mid-layer of the bimorph piezoelectric energy harvester leads to a decline in its resonance frequency, accompanied by an increase in voltage and output power, indicative of impending device malfunction. This research facilitates the identification of defects in MEMS by monitoring the harvester's operational performance.
Graded changes in local functional connectivity of the cerebral cortex in young people with depression
Authors: Jamieson Alec , Davey Christopher , Pujol Jesus , Blanco-Hinojo Laura , Harrison Ben
Published: January 2024

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is marked by significant changes to the coupling of spontaneous neural activity within various brain regions. However, many methods for assessing this local connectivity use fixed or arbitrary neighborhood sizes, resulting in a decreased capacity to capture smooth changes to the spatial gradient of local correlations. A newly developed method sensitive to classical anatomo-functional boundaries, Iso-Distant Average Correlation (IDAC), was therefore used to examine depression associated alterations to the local functional connectivity of the brain. One-hundred and forty-five adolescents and young adults with MDD and 95 healthy controls underwent a resting-state fMRI scan. Whole-brain functional connectivity maps of intracortical neural activity within iso-distant local areas (5-10mm, 15-20mm, and 25-30mm) were generated to characterize local fMRI signal similarities. Across all spatial distances, MDD participants demonstrated greater local functional connectivity of the bilateral posterior hippocampus, retrosplenial cortex, dorsal insula, fusiform gyrus, and supplementary motor area. Additionally, in the short and medium range connections there were depression associated alterations in the midcingulate (15-20mm and 25-30mm) and subgenual anterior cingulate (15-20mm). Our study identified increased synchrony of the neural activity in several regions commonly implicated in the neurobiology of depression; however, a subset of identified effects was dependent on the spatial distance under consideration. Longitudinal examination of these effects will clarify whether these differences are also found in other age groups and if this synchrony is additionally altered by continued disease progression.
Good Statistical Monitoring: A Flexible Open-Source Tool to Detect Risks in Clinical Trials
Authors: Wu George , Childress Spencer , Wang Zhongkai , Roumaya Matt , Stern Colleen , Dickens Chelsea , Wildfire Jeremy
Published: January 2024

Background
Risk-based quality management is a regulatory-recommended approach to manage risk in a clinical trial. A key element of this strategy is to conduct risk-based monitoring to detect potential risks to critical data and processes earlier. However, there are limited publicly available tools to perform the analytics required for this purpose. Good Statistical Monitoring is a new open-source solution developed to help address this need.
Methods
A team of statisticians, data scientists, clinicians, data managers, clinical operations, regulatory, and quality compliance staff collaborated to design Good Statistical Monitoring, an R package, to flexibly and efficiently implement end-to-end analyses of key risks. The package currently supports the mapping of clinical trial data from a variety of formats, evaluation of 12 key risk indicators, interactive visualization of analysis results, and creation of standardized reports.
Results
The Good Statistical Monitoring package is freely available on GitHub and empowers clinical study teams to proactively monitor key risks. It employs a modular workflow to perform risk assessments that can be customized by replacing any workflow component with a study-specific alternative. Results can be exported to other clinical systems or can be viewed as an interactive report to facilitate follow-up risk mitigation. Rigorous testing and qualification are performed as part of each release to ensure package quality.
Conclusions
Good Statistical Monitoring is an open-source solution designed to enable clinical study teams to implement statistical monitoring of critical risks, as part of a comprehensive risk-based quality management strategy.
A Niche for Nasty Nippers: Exploring harvest management for control of Invasive Asian Paddle Crabs in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Pande Anjali , Matthews Yvonne , Holland Paula , Datta Samik , Beentjes Michael , Inglis Graeme
Published: January 2024

This paper examines the feasibility of opening a fishery in New Zealand to manage the invasive Asian paddle crab Charybdis japonica. C. japonica is known for its predatory nature and high reproductive capacity, posing a threat to native species and benthic ecosystems The current management approach of surveillance and research, has been ineffective in halting the continuous spread of C. japonica around the upper North Island. We assess the feasibility of commercial exploitation by assessing fishing costs, stock availability, and consumer interest. We find strong interest by fishers in participating in a C. japonica fishery and considerable interest among consumers to purchase and consume invasive crabs even at prices above the retail prices of other species. We assess the public acceptability of commercialisation, emphasizing the importance of fishery management, safeguards and marketing in such a strategy. We examine the legal environment surrounding invasive marine species, which does not consider or enable commercial harvest as a sustained management tool. Regulatory limitations hinder the conducting of commercial fishing or consumer trials to investigate the viability of a fishery. There are inherent risks in commercialising an invasive species, however, these must be balanced against allowing the socially unacceptable current population trajectory to continue. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on invasive marine species management and provides economic insights into the potential for a C. japonica fishery. We recommend a balanced approach that maximises ecological integrity, aligns with societal expectations and ensures sustainable resource utilization.
Efficacy of balneotherapy on pain, function and sleep quality in patients with chronic low back pain: A prospective observational study
Authors: Manica Patrizia , Claudatus Justina , Pertile Riccardo , Ariani Alarico , Fioravanti Antonella
Published: January 2024

The aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the efficacy of a cycle of sulphate-arsenical-ferruginous mud-bath therapy on pain, function and sleep quality in patients with Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP).
One hundred twenty three patients treated at Levico Spa Center (Italy) with 12 daily local mud packs and generalized thermal baths, were included in this experience. General medical assessments were performed before starting the therapy, at the end of the treatment and three months later. Pain intensity and stiffness were measured by a 0 to 10 cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the range of mobility of the lumbar spine was evaluated using the Schober test and functional disability by the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDI). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess the sleep quality. The VAS score for pain and stiffness showed a significant reduction (p<0.0001) at the end of the treatment persisting for 3 months of follow-up. Similarly, a significant improvement was found for the Schober test and RMDQ. Finally, we showed a significant decrease of PSQI score at the end of the cycle of mud-bath and at 3 months of follow-up. The Spearman analysis showed a significant positive correlation between the score of PSQI and VAS pain, VAS stiffness and RMDQ.
In conclusion, this preliminary study confirms the beneficial and longterm efficacy of balneotherapy on pain and function and, for the first one, shows the positive effect on quality of sleep in patients with CLBP treated with a cycle of mud-bath therapy.
SEL1L-HRD1 ER-associated degradation regulates leptin receptor maturation and signaling in POMC neurons in diet-induced obesity
Authors: Qi Ling , Mao Hancheng , Kim Geun Hyang
Published: January 2024

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis in the hypothalamus has been implicated in the pathogenesis of certain patho-physiological conditions such as diet-induced obesity (DIO) and type 2 diabetes; however, the significance of ER quality control mechanism(s) and its underlying mechanism remain largely unclear and highly controversial in some cases. Moreover, how the biogenesis of nascent leptin receptor in the ER is regulated remains largely unexplored. Here we report that the SEL1L-HRD1 protein complex of the highly conserved ER-associated protein degradation (ERAD) machinery in POMC neurons is indispensable for leptin signaling in diet-induced obesity. SEL1L-HRD1 ERAD is constitutively expressed in hypothalamic POMC neurons. Loss of SEL1L in POMC neurons attenuates leptin signaling and predisposes mice to HFD-associated pathologies including leptin resistance. Mechanistically, newly synthesized leptin receptors, both wildtype and disease-associated human mutant Cys604Ser (Cys602Ser in mice), are misfolding prone and bona fide substrates of SEL1L-HRD1 ERAD. Indeed, defects in SEL1L-HRD1 ERAD markedly impair the maturation of these receptors and causes their ER retention. This study not only uncovers a new role of SEL1L-HRD1 ERAD in the pathogenesis of diet-induced obesity and central leptin resistance, but a new regulatory mechanism for leptin signaling.
Performance of self-cured versus light-cured universal adhesive in patients with non- carious cervical lesions: 18-month randomized clinical trial.
Authors: Yassen Asmaa , Ashour Aya , Aziz Rawda Abdel
Published: January 2024

Objective: To evaluate the clinical performance of self versus light-cured universal adhesive in non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) after 18 months.
Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight NCCLs in 28 patients were divided into two equal groups; G1: self-cured universal adhesive (Palfique,Tokuyama,Japan) and G2: light-cured universal adhesive (Single Bond Universal,3M ESPE,USA). Nanohybrid resin composite (Z350XT, 3M ESPE, USA) was used as a final restoration. Evaluation for fracture, loss of retention, marginal adaptation and discoloration were done after 1 week, 6,12, and 18 months using FDI criteria. Postoperative sensitivity was assessed after 1 week. Chi-Square and Mann-Whitney tests with statistical significance at (P ≤0.05) were used for intergroup comparison,while the intragroup one was performed using the Cochran's Q and Friedman's tests. Survival rate was analyzed using Kaplan-meier and Log-rank test,
Results: Both groups exhibited fracture and retention loss, however, there was statistically significant difference favoring the control group at 6 months (p=0.0114,0.0016). For secondary outcomes, marginal adaptation and discoloration revealed no significant differences. For postoperative sensitivity, there was a significant difference favoring the control group (p=0.0007 ,0.0011). Palfique had 1.5 Relative-Risk (RR) after 6 months (95% CI 0.5659-4.2617; P = 0.3928) and 20% less risk of failure after 18 months (RR 0.8) (95% CI 0.4618-1.3858; P=0.4260). Tested adhesives showed equal survival rate (P=0.5685).
Conclusions: Both adhesives revealed similar clinical performance in restoring the NCCLs after 18 m, however, the early failure was more abundant in the self-cured universal adhesive.
New insights on measuring soil water content in arduino plataform
Authors: Brum Marcelo Lovato , Rodrigues Pablo Eanes Cocco , Martins Juliano Dalcin , Swarowsky Alexandre
Published: January 2024

The use of sensors to estimate soil water content is of great importance for managing water resources and making decisions on its multiple uses. However, commercial platforms are still very expensive, and the development of more accessible systems is essential. This study was to identify the insights in the calibration of low-cost capacitive sensors v1.2 to estimate the water content in the soil using the Arduino platform. Undeformed samples of two different soils (Rhodic Paleudalf and Rhodic Hapludox) were collected at two different depths (0 to 10cm and 20 to 30cm) and different sample volumes (196.35cm³, 785.4cm³, 1767.15cm³). The mass difference data due to sample drainage were collected every five minutes together with the reading values of the soil sensors. To evaluate the obtained results, statistical resources were used, such as Person Correlation Analysis (r), simple linear regression, second-order polynomial regression, Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE), Willmott Index (IW) and Performance Index (ID). It was possible to verify that factors such as soil type, sample volume and the time interval between collections affect the performance of the sensors. The shortest time intervals between each reading of the sensors showed that soils with sandy texture should be calibrated with second order equations in soil samples, at least, greater than 785cm³ and with reading intervals not exceeding 24 hours.
Immune and molecular landscape behind non-response to Mycophenolate Mofetil and Azathioprine in lupus nephritis therapy
Authors: López-Domínguez Raúl , Villatoro-García Juan Antonio , Marañón Concepción , Goldman Daniel , Petri Michelle , Carmona-Sáez Pedro , Alarcón-Riquelme Marta , Toro-Dominguez Daniel
Published: January 2024

Lupus nephritis (LN) represents one of the most severe complications of systemic lupus erythematosus, leading to end-stage kidney disease in worst cases. Current first-line therapies for LN, including mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and azathioprine (AZA), fail to induce long-term remission in 60–70% of the patients, evidencing the urgent need to delve into the molecular knowledge-gap behind the non-response to these therapies. A longitudinal cohort of treated LN patients including clinical, cellular and transcriptomic data, was analyzed. Gene-expression signatures behind non-response to different drugs were revealed by differential expression analysis. Drug-specific non-response mechanisms and cell proportion differences were identified. Blood cell subsets mediating non-response were described using single-cell RNASeq data. We show that AZA and MMF non-response implicates different cells and regulatory functions. Mechanistic models were used to suggest add-on therapies to improve their current performance. Our results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms associated with treatment failures in LN.
Road-associated microplastics (RAMP) in metropolitan areas of the Philippines: potential source of suspended plastics in the air
Authors: II Rodolfo Romarate , Bacosa Hernando
Published: January 2024

Microplastics (MPs) with sizes ranging from 1 mm − 5 mm are increasingly seen as a new source of air pollution because of the contaminants they take in and the interactions they have with other pollutants. This study investigates dust size fractionation based on weight and the abundance of suspected MPs in selected metropolitan areas in the Philippines-Metro Manila and Metro Cebu. The results of the study show that among the sampled dust particles, those with a grain size of 250 µm are the most abundant, followed by 45 µm and 150 µm, and 125 µm as the lowest. Additionally, the occurrence of roadside-associated microplastics (RAMPs) in different sampling stations revealed varying numbers and densities of microplastics in Metro Manila and Metro Cebu. The highest counts of RAMP were found in Taguig City, Metro Manila, and Apas in Cebu City, Metro Cebu. The most abundant shape is fiber, and blue is the most prevalent color. Furthermore, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis results show that polypropylene is the most common polymer type identified. The findings of this study contribute to understanding the distribution and characteristics of dust particles and microplastics in the studied areas, highlighting the environmental implications of plastic pollution especially that this MPs could very be a potential source of suspended MPs in the air. Hence, future research should focus on exploring the sources, transport mechanisms, and potential ecological impacts of these microplastics.
A Deep Dive into the Waterbird Community of an Urban Oasis: Implications for Park Management
Authors: Wise August , Rosener Anya , Martin Arina , Cote Melissa , Hopwood Christopher D. , Schwartz Elizabeth , Tharp Riley , Blake Stephen
Published: January 2024

The rapid decline in avifauna populations across North America underscores the urgency of implementing effective conservation strategies. While waterfowl species have generally increased in abundance, due to investments in habitat restoration and species management, most other waterbird species have declined. In contrast to the widespread decline of natural habitat for waterbirds, urban greenspaces have proliferated. However, the extent to which urban greenspaces provide habitat for waterbirds is largely unknown. We measured waterbird abundance in Forest Park, Saint Louis, which contains a large expanse of restored waterways. Between 2020 and 2022, we used point counts to quantify alpha and beta diversity of waterbirds across five waterbodies. We also quantified several environmental factors hypothesized to influence waterbird presence including weather, bathymetry, water quality, and prey abundance. We assessed environmental drivers of alpha and gamma diversity using Generalized Linear Mixed Models, and beta diversity with Jaccard’s similarity indices and Mantel tests. Water depth and depth heterogeneity were the strongest determinants of alpha diversity. Measured environmental variables did not predict beta diversity. Forest Park is a regionally important urban habitat for waterbirds, hosting 62% of the total regional species pool, including nine species of conservation concern and two state endangered species. Urban parks can contribute to waterbird conservation in the face of habitat loss elsewhere if park managers prioritize habitat restoration. In addition to the total area of waterways, water depth and water depth homogeneity are important considerations to maximize waterbird species diversity in urban greenspaces.
A novel method-based reinforcement learning with deep temporal difference network for flexible double shop scheduling problem
Authors: Wang Xiao , Zhong Peisi , Liu Mei , Zhang Chao , Yang Shihao
Published: January 2024

This paper studies the flexible double shop scheduling problem (FDSSP) that considers simultaneously job shop and assembly shop. It brings about the problem of scheduling association of the related tasks. To this end, a reinforcement learning algorithm with a deep temporal difference network (DTDN) is proposed to minimize the makespan. Firstly, the FDSSP is defined as the mathematical model of the flexible job-shop scheduling problem (FJSP) joined to the assembly constraint level. It is translated into a Markov Decision Process (MDP) that directly selects behavioral strategies according to historical machining state data. Secondly, the proposed ten generic state features are input into the deep neural network model to fit the state value function. Similarly, eight Simple Constructive Heuristics (SCH) are used as candidate actions for scheduling decisions. From the greedy mechanism, optimally combined actions of all machines are obtained for each decision step. Finally, a deep temporal difference reinforcement learning framework is established, and a large number of comparative experiments are designed to analyze the basic performance of this algorithm. The results showed that the proposed algorithm was better than most other methods, which contributed to solving the practical production problem of the manufacturing industry.