bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case Study on the Sixth Industrialization of Japan Utilizing Fruit
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Jeon Jiyoung
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this study is to analyze a case study on Japan's sixth industrialization, specifically within fruit production areas. Three businesses were carefully selected based on secondary data to examine their production, processing, and sales methods, as well as to explore the distinctive characteristics of each case. As a result, in the first case, tangerines were transformed into products through collaboration with local universities, processed, and subsequently distributed to various sellers. The second case achieved a consistent income through direct sales at the fruit-producing farm's on-site store and emerged as a local tourism hub by coordinating with nearby tourist farms and farm stays through the Green Tourism Promotion Council. Lastly, the third case involved the acquisition of 'non-standardized products' from fruit-producing farms, which were then sold through original product development. By delving into case studies related to Japan’s sixth industry, specifically within fruit production areas and encompassing product development and the establishment of a local tourism hub, this research aims to propose alternative solutions to the challenges faced by rural areas.
Systematic Study of School Safety Policy Based on Kant's a Priori: Focusing on the Concepts of Inevitability and Tniversality
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Pyo Seok-hwan
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this paper is to infer the experientiality and complementarity of the concept of school safety based on Kant's concepts of inevitability and universality, which are signs of a priori, and to critically review school safety policies based on this. Kant's philosophy is based on a priori, and the a priori that makes experience possible is a sign of inevitability that does not allow coincidences and universality that does not allow exceptions. The concept of school safety subjectively has experiential characteristics based on coincidences and exception, and objectively has a complementary nature of individual studies related to curriculum and educational administration. The institutionalization of school safety instructor qualifications or the current mandatory school safety education hours and result reporting that do not meet these empirical and supplementary characteristics of school safety have limitations that make it difficult to achieve policy results. It is necessary to implement practical school safety by establishing and implementing policies that are consistent with the empirical and supplementary nature of school safety.
Comparison of the Effectiveness Between Kuresif Audiovisual Media with Flipchart Media on Increasing Knowledge and Attitudes of 0-24 Month Invant Underweight’s Mother about Complementary Feeding
Authors: Suminar Ratna , Setiawan Henri , Suardi Achmad , Komalaningsih Sri , Garna Herry , Wijayanegara Hidayat , Sutisna Ma'mun
Published: February 2024

Aims: This research aims to compare the effectiveness between Kuresif audiovisual media and Flip Sheet Media in improving mothers' knowledge and attitudes.
Methods: This type of research is a quasi-experiment with a pretest posttest control group design based on the total sampling technique. The research was conducted during August-September 2021. The sample consisted of 102 control groups and 102 intervention groups. Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon test with questionaire. which aims to determine the effect of applying flip-sheet media and Kuresif audiovisual media on mothers' knowledge and attitudes in providing appropriate complementary feeding.
Results: The results showed that in the flipchart media group there was an average increase in knowledge of 4,3% from 11,8% to 16,1%. Mothers' attitudes experienced an average increase of 20,9% from 56,8% to 77,7%. Meanwhile, in the kuresif audiovisual media group the average increase in knowledge was 6,9% from 12,4% to 19,3% and attitudes experienced an average increase of 33,4% from 59,1% to 94,5% with p=0,00.
Conclusions: Kuresif audiovisual media is the most effective in increasing mothers' knowledge and attitudes compared with flipchart media. Indonesia is still facing nutritional problems that have a serious impact on the quality of human resources. Mother's lack of knowledge is one of the causes of improper nutritional intake. One way to accelerate efforts to break the cycle of nutritional problems is to increase mother's knowledge through counseling using flipchart media. Based on the evaluation carried out, the flipchart media has not shown an increase in the knowledge and attitudes of mothers regarding complementary feeding. Innovation is needed from counseling media in order to increase mother's knowledge and attitudes.
Grotowski dentro da escola pública: O trabalho com não atores a partir da pedagogia para o ator.
Authors: Alves Cleyton
Published: February 2024

Este artigo analisa a reverberação de um processo artí­stico-pedagógico, voltando o olhar na participação de alunos da escola pública em uma vivência cênica não obtida anteriormente. Suas evoluções, a partir da preparação do ator, dentro e fora do âmbito escolar, ampliam seus acervos culturais proporcionando resoluções de problemáticas interpessoais, norteada pela exaustão fí­sica e a pedagogia do ator, conduzindo-os a uma nova visão de mundo.
Um Deus assassino de si mesmo - Ars bellicorum de Enrique Andrade.
Authors: Pascoal Vinicius Gomes
Published: February 2024

Enrique Andrade é de Camaragibe, cidade pernambucana com a sexta maior população da região metropolitana do Recife. Em tupi guarani "caa" significa planta e "mbaraá" significa enfermidade. Camaragibe significa rio dos camarás, o rio das camará-de-cheiro, da cambará-miúdo, do cambará-verdadeiro e do cambará-vermelho, um arbusto Eukaryota Plantae Magnoliophyta Magnoliopsidia Lamiales Verbenacea Lantana. As flores da camará são aromáticas e altamente tóxicas e sua ingestão é capaz de matar bovinos e suí­nos. Desde junho de 2019 a cidade de Camaragibe encontra-se privada de seu prefeito, Meira, que é investigado por crimes de lavagem de dinheiro, desvio de bens e rendas públicas, fraudes a licitações, organização criminosa, peculato, além de terconvocado funcionários da esfera pública para participação compulsória do show de sua noiva.
RESISTÊNCIA DE UM CURRÍCULO HISTÓRICO DA DANÇA
Authors: Motta Everson Luiz Oliveira
Published: February 2024

Trata-se de uma resenha crí­tica do livro História das ideias do ensino da dança na educação brasileira, do autor Marcí­lio de Souza Vieira, publicado em 2019 pela Editora Appris (Curitiba, PR) e contendo 183 páginas.
A respiração no trabalho do ator: um estudo a partir da experiência com atores do grupo de teatro estudantil Rave Theatre
Authors: Merlo Larissa , Fazzini da Silva Elvira
Published: February 2024

O presente artigo busca compreender o papel da respiração na criação cênica, considerando a relação entre respiração e emoções e como isso colabora para a interpretação do ator. Para tanto, foi realizada uma oficina intituladaRespiração e criação cênica: um caminho para as emoçõesnos dias 09, 16 e 23 de maio de 2019, com carga horária total de seis horas, com público alvo atores amadores do grupo de teatro estudantil Rave Theater e faixa etária entre 14 e 18 anos. A oficina teve por objetivo o desenvolvimento de uma cena da obraAntônio e Cleópatra, de William Shakespeare, cujo disparador para a criação foram exercí­cios respiratórios. As concepções de teóricos do teatro, como Antonin Artaud e Yoshi Oida; da neurociência, como António Damásio e Mariana Zuanazzi Cruz e da fonoaudiologia, como Mara Behlau, Paulo Pontes e Eudósia Acuña Quinteiro, servem de referência para a elaboração e para a análise das experiências da oficina, resultando em reflexões acerca do potencial criativo da respiração como disparadora cênica.
AURITA: UMA PERSONA DESPROVIDA DE OBRA
Authors: Dantas Pamela Dutra , Ciotti Naira
Published: February 2024

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo geral performar as dores e os afetos que circundam o feminino, a partir de uma dinâmica diretamente vinculada às narrativas familiares associadas à violência, aos traumas e às resistências. Os objetivos especí­ficos da pesquisa visam à reflexão sobre a persona, construí­da de forma hí­brida e ficcional, por meio do atravessamento que ocorre diante da pessoalidade que se apresenta no encontro com a memória mediante os exercí­cios de ressignificação da materialidade. Estou interessada na questão de como a performance imprime uma transgressão especí­fica diante da realidade, mudando a perspectiva de espaço e tempo, o que permite experiências que enquadram o passado, o presente e até o futuro. A partir disso, compreendo a pesquisa como uma criação diária, como um processo repetitivo que tende a aumentar potencialidades por meio de interações com o espaço e os elementos da cena. Deste modo, faz-se necessária a utilização de metodologias abertas, que evidenciam a discussão sobre dinâmica epistemológica, pois levam em consideração as demandas especí­ficas que envolvem o lidar com um objeto de estudo vivo, 'não passivo'. O processo artí­stico é uma espécie de "instauração" , isto é, um estado criativo que permanece em contí­nuo desmantelamento e que expressa metamorfoses da "persona" , que se mantém fluida, em processo e desprovida da obra de arte.
AS ARTES CÊNICAS EM UMA NOVA ERA: O IMPACTO DA EPIDEMIA DO CORONAVIRUS NO CURSO DE BACHARELADO EM ARTES CÊNICAS NA FACULDADE DE ARTES DO PARANÁ
Authors: Arruda Leticia de Fátima Fátima
Published: February 2024

Este artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre o impacto da pandemia no curso de bacharelado em artes cênicas, o presente estudo suscitou do interesse em refletir sobre o contexto pandêmico onde as relações humanas se desvincularam por conta do isolamento social, assim, artistas teatrais que necessitam do corpo presença para fundamentar as praticas teatrais, se assolam em questionamentos referentes a metodologia do ensino a distância. Embora a educacão a distância seja a ferramenta precursora para o enfrentamento das dificuldades assoladas na educacão, ousa-se questionar suas relevâncias quando associada ao corpo- presença nas atividades práticas dos cursos de bacharelado em artes cenicas, culminando em um desfavorecimento explicito nas praticas artisticas ou o pensar em novos caminhos a serem descobertos pelos artistas que estão em processo de formação acadêmica. É notavél a preocupacao em manter o ensino ativo para a populaçao academica, porém, com a educacão a distância em pauta, implicacões são necessárias sobre este novo tempo no campo das artes cênicas.
DANÇA-TEATRO & PERFORMANCE: ENTRELAÇANDO POÉTICAS E METODOLOGIAS PARA O ENSINO DA ARTE
Authors: Rosa André Luís , Marcelino Gabriel Fajonni
Published: February 2024

O presente trabalho analisa possí­veis caminhos em direção a metodologias de ensino da arte inspiradas nas intersecções entre a performance e a dança-teatro. Quais as contribuições da dança-teatro e da performance para as pedagogias contemporâneas das artes da cena? Dos encontros e confrontos que esta indagação nos levou a trilhar, propõem-se algumas abordagens para a arte e educação no âmbito escolar a partir dos entrelaçamentos de aspectos relevantes para um ensino do teatro entre as fissuras da arte e da vida, acionadas por arquivos e repertórios culturais, numa perspectiva auto-etnográfica. Neste sentido, as inspirações metodológicas, aqui abordadas como desobedientes, procuram legitimar uma construção compartilhada de conhecimentos que redimensionam comportamentos normativos e marcadores sociais impostos aos corpos pelas narrativas hegemônicas no campo da pedagogia da performance.
O CURSO DE DANÇA MODERNA DA UFPR COMO ESPAÇO NÃO FORMAL PARA O ENSINO DAS ARTES DO CORPO
Authors: Wosniak Cristiane , Virtuoso Juliana
Published: February 2024

Neste artigo decorrente de uma investigação qualitativa, ancorada em umarevisão de literatura e análise de diferentes fontes documentais, temos como objeto deestudo um percurso histórico dos processos formativos do Curso Permanente de DançaModerna da Universidade Federal do Paraná - UFPR (C[P]DM) – compreendido aqui comoespaço de educação não formal e inserido no âmbito de uma instituição de ensino superiorpública e gratuita. Desta forma, partimos das seguintes questões-problema: de que formae com que meios o C[P]DM – como espaço de educação não formal para as artes do corpo– permanece [in]alterado ou atualizado no ambiente institucional (UFPR)? Seria possí­velafirmar que seus objetivos educacionais e formativos e seu espaço de desenvolvimentode atividades artí­sticas e pedagógicas o colocariam no patamar de um complexo conjuntohí­brido de educação formal e não formal? Como embasamento teórico sobre a educaçãonão formal trazemos para o estudo os aportes de Gohn (2010; 2011; 2014) e Souza (2018).
Rhythms of Diplomacy: Pan-American Echoes in Guarnieri’s Flute Improviso No. 2
Authors: Talone Pyero
Published: February 2024

This article delves into composer Camargo Guarnieri's interaction with Pan-Americanist thinking in 1940s Brazil and its impact on his compositions, particularly focusing on Improviso No. 2 for solo flute. Amid intercontinental unity ideals, Guarnieri's connections with U.S. cultural envoys Carleton Sprague Smith and Aaron Copland influenced his works. Examining Improviso No. 2 through Topic Theory, the study unveils the rhythmic elements reflecting Guarnieri's immersion in the Latin Americanist environment fostered by his American contacts. Overlooked archival sources, including Smith's and Copland's reports and correspondence, enrich the analysis, providing insights into Guarnieri's musical choices and experiences within the cultural exchange landscape. The article contributes to a deeper understanding of Guarnieri's music and its ties to Pan-Americanist ideals, shedding light on a lesser-known facet of his compositional output.
MRSLpred—a hybrid approach for predicting multi-label subcellular localization of mRNA at the genome scale
Authors: Choudhury Shubham , Bajiya Nisha , Patiyal Sumeet , Raghava Gajendra P. S.
Published: February 2024

In the past, several methods have been developed for predicting the single-label subcellular localization of messenger RNA (mRNA). However, only limited methods are designed to predict the multi-label subcellular localization of mRNA. Furthermore, the existing methods are slow and cannot be implemented at a transcriptome scale. In this study, a fast and reliable method has been developed for predicting the multi-label subcellular localization of mRNA that can be implemented at a genome scale. Machine learning-based methods have been developed using mRNA sequence composition, where the XGBoost-based classifier achieved an average area under the receiver operator characteristic (AUROC) of 0.709 (0.668–0.732). In addition to alignment-free methods, we developed alignment-based methods using motif search techniques. Finally, a hybrid technique that combines the XGBoost model and the motif-based approach has been developed, achieving an average AUROC of 0.742 (0.708–0.816). Our method—MRSLpred—outperforms the existing state-of-the-art classifier in terms of performance and computation efficiency. A publicly accessible webserver and a standalone tool have been developed to facilitate researchers (webserver: https://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/mrslpred/).
Agent-based modelling of high-speed railway interdependent critical infrastructures facing physical and cyber threats
Authors: Kongsap Pattrapon , Kaewunruen Sakdirat
Published: February 2024

Globally, high-speed rail systems serve nearly 2 billion passenger-km daily. By virtue, they are a critical infrastructure like telecommunication and power networks. Accordingly, they become a catalyst for societal and economic growth stemming from the mobility business. The highspeed rail operations are very complex and interdependent, owing to the escalated demands for long-distance interconnected transportation. In recent years, there have been unreasonable delays for passengers as a new norm due to unfortunate train cancellations and relaxation of mobility performance requirements. Therefore, accurate measurements, monitoring and prediction of disruptive impacts and service performance metrices are indispensable. Within the scope of high-speed rail services, this paper examines how agent-based and multi-agent-based models are utilized to address such the challenges. Our findings reveal that the current use of agents or multi-agent models has some limitations for practical applications. Previous studies showed that mathematical methods to assess the resilience of critical infrastructures, railway scheduling, and vehicle dispatching can yield more satisfactory outcomes, although the approaches can be relatively time-consuming. In contrast, agent-based and multi-agent-based models can shorten processing time and uncover disruptive events more promptly. The paper thus showcases several emerging concepts, including i) the utilization of big data for crisis management, ii) interconnectivity analysis of high-speed rail infrastructures, and iii) enhancement of transport resilience. In addition, our findings identify the most influential agents and their possible applications to enhance systems resilience of highspeed rail networks when dealing with unforeseen physical and cyber threats.
Role of autophagy in angiogenic potential of vascular pericytes
Authors: Milani Soheil Zamen , Rezabakhsh Aysa , Karimipour Mohammad , Salimi Leila , Mardi Narges , Narmi Maryam Taghavi , Sadeghsoltani Fatemeh , Valioglu Ferzane , Rahbarghazi Reza
Published: February 2024

The vasculature system is composed of a multiplicity of juxtaposed cells to generate a functional biological barrier between the blood and tissues. On the luminal surface of blood vessels, endothelial cells (ECs) are in close contact with circulating cells while supporting basal lamina and pericytes wrap the abluminal surface. Thus, the reciprocal interaction of pericytes with ECs is a vital element in the physiological activity of the vascular system. Several reports have indicated that the occurrence of pericyte dysfunction under ischemic and degenerative conditions results in varied micro and macro-vascular complications. Emerging evidence points to the fact that autophagy, a conserved self-digestive cell machinery, can regulate the activity of several cells like pericytes in response to various stresses and pathological conditions. Here, we aim to highlight the role of autophagic response in pericyte activity and angiogenesis potential following different pathological conditions.
Stability of potassium-promoted hydrotalcites for CO2 capture over numerous repetitive adsorption and desorption cycles
Authors: Xin Kun , Boon Jurriaan , van Dijk H. A. J. , van Sint Annaland Martin
Published: February 2024

Hydrotalcite-based adsorbents have demonstrated their potential for CO2 capture, particularly in the sorption-enhanced water-gas shift (SEWGS) process. This study aims to investigate the long-term stability of a potassium-promoted hydrotalcite-based adsorbent (KMG30) over many repetitive cycles under various operating conditions. The stability of the adsorbent, both in terms of its structure and sorption capacity, is examined through multiple consecutive adsorption and desorption cycles. However, it is observed that the capacity for CO2 adsorption decreases when subjected to many repeated cycles of CO2 adsorption followed by N2 flushing, or to many repeated cycles of H2O adsorption followed by N2 flushing. In-depth investigations employing various techniques such as thermogravimetric experiments, XRD, BET, and SEM-EDX analyses were conducted to elucidate the underlying phenomena that can explain this observed behavior. The former can be attributed to aggregation of K2CO3 from the sorbent during the CO2 adsorption and N2 flushing cycles (which can be reversed by re-dispersing the K2CO3 either by exposure to air or by processing the sorbent with cycles of CO2/H2O adsorption followed by N2 flushing), whereas the latter is ascribed to the only partial regeneration of the reactive site (referred to site C in earlier work), most likely associated with K2CO3 modification on MG30. In this case, morphological changes were found to be insignificant. Remarkable stability of KMG30, as known from SEWGS process studies, was confirmed during cycles of CO2 adsorption/steam purge. These findings significantly enhance our understanding of the stability of potassium-promoted hydrotalcite-based adsorbents and provide valuable insights for the design of diverse sorption processes.
A non-interventional cardiologist’s guide to coronary chronic total occlusions
Authors: Cilia Lindsey , Megaly Michael , Davies Rhian , Tehrani Behnam N. , Batchelor Wayne B. , Truesdell Alexander G.
Published: February 2024

Coronary chronic total occlusions (CTO) are present in up to one-third of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). It is thus essential for all clinical cardiologists to possess a basic awareness and understanding of CTOs, including optimal evaluation and management. While percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for CTO lesions has many similarities to non-CTO PCI, there are important considerations pertaining to pre-procedural evaluation, interventional techniques, procedural complications, and post-procedure management and follow-up unique to patients undergoing this highly specialized intervention. Distinct from other existing topical reviews, the current manuscript focuses on key knowledge relevant to non-interventional cardiologists.
Update on sex specific risk factors in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Nguyen Andrew H. , Hurwitz Madelyn , Sullivan Scott A. , Saad Antonio , Kennedy Jamie L. W. , Sharma Garima
Published: February 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and accounts for roughly 1 in 5 deaths in the United States. Women in particular face significant disparities in their cardiovascular care when compared to men, both in the diagnosis and treatment of CVD. Sex differences exist in the prevalence and effect of cardiovascular risk factors. For example, women with history of traditional cardiovascular risk factors including hypertension, tobacco use, and diabetes carry a higher risk of major cardiovascular events and mortality when compared to men. These discrepancies in terms of the relative risk of CVD when traditional risk factors are present appear to explain some, but not all, of the observed differences among men and women. Sex-specific cardiovascular disease research—from identification, risk stratification, and treatment—has received increasing recognition in recent years, highlighting the current underestimated association between CVD and a woman's obstetric and reproductive history. In this comprehensive review, sex-specific risk factors unique to women including adverse pregnancy outcomes (APO), such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm delivery, and newborn size for gestational age, as well as premature menarche, menopause and vasomotor symptoms, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and infertility will be discussed in full detail and their association with CVD risk. Additional entities including spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), coronary microvascular disease (CMD), systemic autoimmune disorders, and mental and behavioral health will also be discussed in terms of their prevalence among women and their association with CVD. In this comprehensive review, we will also provide clinicians with a guide to address current knowledge gaps including implementation of a sex-specific patient questionnaire to allow for appropriate risk assessment, stratification, and prevention of CVD in women.
The causal effect of hypertension, intraocular pressure, and diabetic retinopathy: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Xiao-Fang , Zhang Xiao-Wen , Liu Ya-Jun , Zheng Xin-Yu , Su Meng-Ru , Sun Xing-Hong , Jiang Feng , Liu Zhi-Nan
Published: February 2024

Background

Previous research has indicated a vital association between hypertension, intraocular pressure (IOP), and diabetic retinopathy (DR); however, the relationship has not been elucidated. In this study, we aim to investigate the causal association of hypertension, IOP, and DR.

Methods

The genome-wide association study (GWAS) IDs for DR, hypertension, and IOP were identified from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) Open GWAS database. There were 33,519,037 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and a sample size of 1,030,836 for DR. There were 16,380,466 SNPs and 218,754 participants in the hypertension experiment. There were 9,851,867 SNPs and a sample size of 97,465 for IOP. Univariable, multivariable, and bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) studies were conducted to estimate the risk of hypertension and IOP in DR. Moreover, causality was examined using the inverse variance weighted method, and MR results were verified by numerous sensitivity analyses.

Results

A total of 62 SNPs at the genome-wide significance level were selected as instrumental variables (IVs) for hypertension-DR. The results of univariable MR analysis suggested a causal relationship between hypertension and DR and regarded hypertension as a risk factor for DR [p = 0.006, odds ratio (OR) = 1.080]. A total of 95 SNPs at the genome-wide significance level were selected as IVs for IOP-DR. Similarly, IOP was causally associated with DR and was a risk factor for DR (p = 0.029, OR = 1.090). The results of reverse MR analysis showed that DR was a risk factor for hypertension (p = 1.27×10-10, OR = 1.119), but there was no causal relationship between DR and IOP (p > 0.05). The results of multivariate MR analysis revealed that hypertension and IOP were risk factors for DR, which exhibited higher risk scores (p = 0.001, OR = 1.121 and p = 0.030, OR = 1.124, respectively) than those in univariable MR analysis. Therefore, hypertension remained a risk factor for DR after excluding the interference of IOP, and IOP was still a risk factor for DR after excluding the interference of hypertension.

Conclusion

This study validated the potential causal relationship between hypertension, IOP, and DR using MR analysis, providing a reference for the targeted prevention of DR.
Alpha-fetoprotein level in fetuses, infants, and children with ovarian masses: a literature review
Authors: Matonóg Aleksandra , Drosdzol-Cop Agnieszka
Published: February 2024

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a serum protein highly produced during the fetal period. It is also known as a biomarker of various pathologies. Commonly, tumors requiring diagnosis and monitoring through AFP determination appear during the first year of life, with poorer outcomes when presenting in fetal life. Due to advancements in imaging technology, the detectability of ovarian masses in infants is higher. However, the use of AFP as a biomarker could improve diagnosis in cases when imaging and histological examinations are not sensitive enough to detect tumors. From the outcome of our investigation, it is possible to conclude that there is evidence of an association between increased AFP levels and ovarian masses. However, previous studies have presented contradictory and unverified results, with the authors emphasizing that future research is needed. In this article, an analysis of the available literature on AFP as a biomarker of ovarian masses in children was performed. Two types of literature were reviewed: guidance and published studies (clinical trials, reviews, and systematic reviews). We searched the Embase, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases to collect essential data.
Multiphysics analysis of a metal hydride moderated megawatt heat pipe reactor with burnable poisons
Authors: Feng KuaiYuan , Hu Jipu , Wang Yihu , Cong Tenglong , Gu Hanyang , Guo Hui
Published: February 2024

With the development of nuclear energy, microreactors have received increasing interest among researchers in recent years. In this paper, a megawatt heat pipe reactor with metal hydride moderators and burnable poisons is proposed. The hydrogen stability of the reactor under accident conditions, including reactivity insertion accidents, loss of power conversion unit heat sink accidents, and heat pipe failure accidents are analyzed. In this work, Gd2O3 is introduced as a burnable poison in the form of mixing with the UO2 fuel. According to the results of the burnable poison design, the 0.1% mass fraction of Gd2O3 is selected as the burnable poison loaded in the core. Safety analysis indicates that the introduction of burnable poisons can be beneficial during the positive reactivity insertion accident as it can reduce the excessive reactivity at BOL, thus reducing power peak and preventing hydrogen dissociation in ZrH1.4 rods. However, during the loss of PCU heat sink accident, ZrH1.4 rods will dissociate regardless of the presence of burnable poisons, whereas YH1.7 rods show better hydrogen stability. Moreover, in the event of the heat pipe failure accident, ZrH1.4 rods are more susceptible to dissociation than YH1.7 rods. As a result, the YH1.7+BP core is a better choice compared with other designs proposed in this paper as it provides a relatively high temperature margin.
Complexation of fungal extracellular nucleic acids by host LL-37 peptide shapes neutrophil response to Candida albicans biofilm
Authors: Juszczak Magdalena , Zawrotniak Marcin , Rapala-Kozik Maria
Published: February 2024

Candida albicans remains the predominant cause of fungal infections, where adhered microbial cells form biofilms - densely packed communities. The central feature of C. albicans biofilms is the production of an extracellular matrix (ECM) consisting of polymers and extracellular nucleic acids (eDNA, eRNA), which significantly impedes the infiltration of host cells. Neutrophils, as crucial players in the innate host defense, employ several mechanisms to eradicate the fungal infection, including NETosis, endocytosis, or the release of granules containing, among others, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The main representative of these is the positively charged peptide LL-37 formed from an inactive precursor (hCAP18). In addition to its antimicrobial functions, this peptide possesses a propensity to interact with negatively charged molecules, including nucleic acids. Our in vitro studies have demonstrated that LL-37 contacting with C. albicans nucleic acids, isolated from biofilm, are complexed by the peptide and its shorter derivatives, as confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. We indicated that the generation of the complexes induces discernible alterations in the neutrophil response to fungal nucleic acids compared to the effects of unconjugated molecules. Our analyses involving fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and Western blotting revealed that stimulation of neutrophils with DNA:LL-37 or RNA:LL-37 complexes hamper the activation of pro-apoptotic caspases 3 and 7 and fosters increased activation of anti-apoptotic pathways mediated by the Mcl-1 protein. Furthermore, the formation of complexes elicits a dual effect on neutrophil immune response. Firstly, they facilitate increased nucleic acid uptake, as evidenced by microscopic observations, and enhance the pro-inflammatory response, promoting IL-8 production. Secondly, the complexes detection suppresses the production of reactive oxygen species and attenuates NETosis activation. In conclusion, these findings may imply that the neutrophil immune response shifts toward mobilizing the immune system as a whole, rather than inactivating the pathogen locally. Our findings shed new light on the intricate interplay between the constituents of the C. albicans biofilm and the host’s immune response and indicate possible reasons for the elimination of NETosis from the arsenal of the neutrophil response during contact with the fungal biofilm.
Effects of serial radon spa therapy on pain and peripheral immune status in patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders– results from a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Donaubauer Anna-Jasmina , Becker Ina , Klein Gerhart , Voll Reinhard E. , Weikl Lena , Klieser Martin , Barzangi Shakar , Zhou Jian-Guo , Fietkau Rainer , Gaipl Udo S. , Frey Benjamin
Published: February 2024

In this randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over trial we aimed to investigate if radon spa therapy exerts more pain relief than exposure to warm water alone. In addition, immunological parameters were assessed in both treatment groups. In the RAD-ON02 trial, 116 patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) received either serial radon spa or solely warm water baths. Pain intensity was assessed by determination of different pain parameters on a visual analogue scale and by pressure point dolorimetry at baseline and at weeks 4, 12 and 24. The longitudinal immune status of the patients was analyzed by a flow cytometry-based assay from peripheral blood at the time points of pain assessments. There were no side effects attributable to radon exposure observed. However, radon spa was superior to warm water applications at week 4 in terms of pain reduction. Pain and morning stiffness at the time of assessment were significantly reduced after radon spa (p<0.001, p<0.01) but not after warm water baths. The dolorimetry resulted in a significantly higher exerted pressure strength in patients after radon spa (p<0.001), but not after warm water applications. During the long-term follow-up, both treatment modalities reduced pain to a similar degree and pain modulation was not distorted by the participants’ intake of analgesics. No significant changes in the immune status attributable specifically to radon were found, even though the increase in regulatory T cell counts occurs earlier after radon baths than after sole warm water baths and a higher level of significance is reached after radon spa at week 24. Serial radon spa has additive pain-relieving effects. The immunological parameters assessed in our study appear not to be directly linked to the pain reduction caused by radon exposure, at least in MSD patients with predominantly degenerative diseases.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/search?query=rad-on02, identifier 2016-002085-31; https://drks.de/search/de/trial, identifier DRKS00016019.
Successful salvage of a severe COVID-19 patient previously with lung cancer and radiation pneumonitis by mesenchymal stem cells: a case report and literature review
Authors: Huang Xiaohua , Tan Xin , Xie Xiuwen , Jiang Tingshu , Xiao Yang , Liu Zenghui
Published: February 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, elderly patients with underlying condition, such as tumors, had poor prognoses after progressing to severe pneumonia and often had poor response to standard treatment. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be a promising treatment for patients with severe pneumonia, but MSCs are rarely used for patients with carcinoma. Here, we reported a 67-year-old female patient with lung adenocarcinoma who underwent osimertinib and radiotherapy and suffered from radiation pneumonitis. Unfortunately, she contracted COVID-19 and that rapidly progressed to severe pneumonia. She responded poorly to frontline treatment and was in danger. Subsequently, she received a salvage treatment with four doses of MSCs, and her symptoms surprisingly improved quickly. After a lung CT scan that presented with a significantly improved infection, she was discharged eventually. Her primary disease was stable after 6 months of follow-up, and no tumor recurrence or progression was observed. MSCs may be an effective treatment for hyperactive inflammation due to their ability related to immunomodulation and tissue repair. Our case suggests a potential value of MSCs for severe pneumonia that is unresponsive to conventional therapy after a COVID-19 infection. However, unless the situation is urgent, it needs to be considered with caution for patients with tumors. The safety in tumor patients still needs to be observed.
Understanding the glioblastoma tumor microenvironment: leveraging the extracellular matrix to increase immunotherapy efficacy
Authors: Collado Jimena , Boland Lauren , Ahrendsen Jared T. , Miska Jason , Lee-Chang Catalina
Published: February 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) accounts for approximately half of all malignant brain tumors, and it remains lethal with a five-year survival of less than 10%. Despite the immense advancements in the field, it has managed to evade even the most promising therapeutics: immunotherapies. The main reason is the highly spatiotemporally heterogeneous and immunosuppressive GBM tumor microenvironment (TME). Accounting for this complex interplay of TME-driven immunosuppression is key to developing effective therapeutics. This review will explore the immunomodulatory role of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by establishing its contribution to the TME as a key mediator of immune responses in GBM. This relationship will help us elucidate therapeutic targets that can be leveraged to develop and deliver more effective immunotherapies.
Unveiling the flames: macrophage pyroptosis and its crucial role in liver diseases
Authors: Ni Linghong , Chen Dandan , Zhao Yanping , Ye Rongxia , Fang Peng
Published: February 2024

Macrophages play a critical role in innate immunity, with approximately 90% of the total macrophage population in the human body residing in the liver. This population encompasses both resident and infiltrating macrophages. Recent studies highlight the pivotal role of liver macrophages in various aspects such as liver inflammation, regeneration, and immune regulation. A novel pro-inflammatory programmed cell death, pyroptosis, initially identified in macrophages, has garnered substantial attention since its discovery. Studies investigating pyroptosis and inflammation progression have particularly centered around macrophages. In liver diseases, pyroptosis plays an important role in driving the inflammatory response, facilitating the fibrotic process, and promoting tumor progression. Notably, the role of macrophage pyroptosis cannot be understated. This review primarily focuses on the role of macrophage pyroptosis in liver diseases. Additionally, it underscores the therapeutic potential inherent in targeting macrophage pyroptosis.
Development and application of the direct mycobacterial growth inhibition assay: a systematic review
Authors: Painter Hannah , Harriss Eli , Fletcher Helen A. , McShane Helen , Tanner Rachel
Published: February 2024

Introduction

First described by Wallis et al. in 2001 for the assessment of TB drugs, the direct mycobacterial growth inhibition assay (MGIA) offers a tractable ex vivo tool measuring the combined influences of host immunity, strain virulence and intervention effects. Over the past 13 years, we have led efforts to adapt the direct MGIA for the assessment of TB vaccines including optimisation, harmonisation and validation of BCG vaccine-induced responses as a benchmark, as well as assay transfer to institutes worldwide.

Methods

We have performed a systematic review on the primary published literature describing the development and applications of the direct MGIA from 2001 to June 2023 in accordance with the PRISMA reporting guidelines.

Results

We describe 63 studies in which the direct MGIA has been applied across species for the evaluation of TB drugs and novel TB vaccine candidates, the study of clinical cohorts including those with comorbidities, and to further understanding of potential immune correlates of protection from TB. We provide a comprehensive update on progress of the assay since its conception and critically evaluate current findings and evidence supporting its utility, highlighting priorities for future directions.

Discussion

While further standardisation and validation work is required, significant advancements have been made in the past two decades. The direct MGIA provides a potentially valuable tool for the early evaluation of TB drug and vaccine candidates, clinical cohorts, and immune mechanisms of mycobacterial control.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023423491.
Anomalously large latent heat fluxes in low to moderate wind conditions within the eddy-rich zone of the Northwestern Pacific
Authors: Kang Sok Kuh , Kim Eun Jin , Kim Sunghun , Cione Joseph , Lee Dongkyu , Landwehr Sebastian , Kang Hyoun-Woo , Kim Kyeong-Ok , Hong Chang Su , Kwon Min Ho , Oh Kyung-Hee , Lee Jae Hak , Noh Suyun , So Jae Kwi , Kang Dong-Jin , Kim Dongseon , Park Jae-Hyoung , Nam SungHyun , Cho Yang Ki , Ward Brian , Ginis Isaac
Published: February 2024

An air-sea interaction field campaign was conducted in September of 2017 within the warm and cold eddy region of the western Northwest Pacific (WNP) (17.5˚-20.5˚N, 127.5˚E-133.5˚E). Both near-surface oceanic and atmospheric conditions in addition to ocean heat content (OHC) were examined to better understand the mechanisms governing high heat flux magnitudes responsible for rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones. Observations from this experiment indicate that the latent heat flux (LHF) under modest wind conditions reached 400 W m-2 within the vicinity of a warm eddy, with OHC higher than 100 kJ cm-2 of warm eddy region being 2~3 times as large as that of cold eddy region. These high OHC and a resultant high LHF in the warm eddy, comparable to the magnitude of LHF in the North Equatorial Current, may explain the mechanism of why tropical cyclones over a warm eddy in eddy-rich zones often rapidly intensify in the WNP. A month later typhoon Lan rapidly intensified into a super typhoon, while passing over the boundary region of warm and cold eddies during the observation period. Results from this study illustrate that both the wind-normalized LHF and the difference (Qs-Qa) between the specific humidity at air (Qa) and at the sea surface (Qs), closely correlate with OHC patterns, which suggests that the ocean looks likely to control the spatial pattern of LHF. Overall, both the ocean and weather conditions govern the pattern of specific humidity difference between the air-sea interface, with large OHC over the warm eddy controlling higher Qs and the pattern of Qa depending on the pattern of wind direction. Qa as a factor impacting LHF magnitude is strongly linked to wind direction in the experimental area, that is, the drier northwesterly flow and southeasterly moist wind, resulting in the enhanced contrast of specific humidity at cold eddy region.
Tribological investigations of hemp reinforced NAO brake friction polymer composites with varying percentage of resin loading
Authors: Naidu Mithul , Bhosale Ajit , Gaikwad Mahesh , Salunkhe Sachin , Čep Robert , Abouel Nasr Emad
Published: February 2024

NAO brake friction materials with 4%, 5%, and 6% (w/v) sodium hydroxide treated hemp fiber reinforcement having 25% wt. fiber loading and fixed percentage of phenol formaldehyde resin content (20% wt.) along with other fillers have been studied and reported by the authors earlier. However, the effect of variations in the resin content on the tribological performance has been studied and reported in the present paper. Five variants were prepared with varying percentages of phenol formaldehyde resin from 12% wt. to 22% wt. with incremental steps of 2% wt, along with the optimum of 6% (w/v) sodium hydroxide treated hemp fibers and other fillers. The prepared test variants’ tribological characterization was done using Taguchi’s L25 orthogonal array on a pin-on-disc experimental setup, as per ASTM G99, at room temperature and compared with the best of the earlier studied friction composite. Fade and recovery tests of the best of the earlier studied and present ones were performed on a chase tribology tester per SAE J661 standards. The results revealed moderate coefficient of friction of 0.4496, lower wear rate of 0.57 gm, and better fade recovery for the HF25P20 variant compared to its counterparts studied here.
Case report: Extracorporeal life support as a successful bridge to recovery in an incident case of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Pequignot Benjamin , Chaouat Ari , Chabot François , Levy Bruno , Valentin Simon
Published: February 2024

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is characterized by a progressive increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) due to vascular remodeling of the small pulmonary arteries. In advanced RV failure or severe hypoxemia, extra corporeal life support (ECLS) is now to be considered, with the objective to bridge patients back to their baseline clinical state while waiting or right after lung transplantation, or bridge to pharmacological optimization of PAH (i.e., bridge to recovery). We describe herein a case of a 30-year-old woman (gravida 6, para 6) with an incident case of heritable PAH revealed by refractory hypoxemia. Despite the use of mechanical ventilation and fluid optimization, the patient remained profoundly hypoxemic. ECLS was then initiated to avoid tissue hypoxia. The mechanical option chosen was peripheral femoro-femoral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygen (VA-ECMO), percutaneously implanted. Due to the absence of evidence of chronic respiratory disease or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, this severe pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension was attributed to PAH. Therefore, epoprostenol infusion and an association of oral treatments (bosentan and tadalafil) were administered. A dramatic improvement was observed, allowing decannulation 7 days after the initiation of pharmacological treatment. After 29 days, the patient was discharged from the hospital with epoprostenol, bosentan, and tadalafil. The assessment has been completed by positive research on mutations (c.741C > G, p.Tyr247) corresponding to a loss of function of the bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) gene. The final diagnosis was heritable PAH. The use of ECLS has been well demonstrated in patients with PAH complicated by acute RV failure or refractory hypoxemia in the “bridge-to-transplantation” strategy. Only a few reports have described the use of ECLS as a “bridge-to-recovery” with PAH drugs in untreated or undertreated PAH patients, but none has described such a rapid improvement with resolution of refractory hypoxemia. More studies are needed to assess the benefits and limitations of the “bridge-to-recovery” strategy and to identify the patients most likely to benefit from it.
Artificial intelligence-assisted management of retinal detachment from ultra-widefield fundus images based on weakly-supervised approach
Authors: Li Huimin , Cao Jing , You Kun , Zhang Yuehua , Ye Juan
Published: February 2024

Background

Retinal detachment (RD) is a common sight-threatening condition in the emergency department. Early postural intervention based on detachment regions can improve visual prognosis.

Methods

We developed a weakly supervised model with 24,208 ultra-widefield fundus images to localize and coarsely outline the anatomical RD regions. The customized preoperative postural guidance was generated for patients accordingly. The localization performance was then compared with the baseline model and an ophthalmologist according to the reference standard established by the retina experts.

Results

In the 48-partition lesion detection, our proposed model reached an 86.42% (95% confidence interval (CI): 85.81–87.01%) precision and an 83.27% (95%CI: 82.62–83.90%) recall with an average precision (PA) of 0.9132. In contrast, the baseline model achieved a 92.67% (95%CI: 92.11–93.19%) precision and limited recall of 68.07% (95%CI: 67.25–68.88%). Our holistic lesion localization performance was comparable to the ophthalmologist’s 89.16% (95%CI: 88.75–89.55%) precision and 83.38% (95%CI: 82.91–83.84%) recall. As to the performance of four-zone anatomical localization, compared with the ground truth, the un-weighted Cohen’s κ coefficients were 0.710(95%CI: 0.659–0.761) and 0.753(95%CI: 0.702–0.804) for the weakly-supervised model and the general ophthalmologist, respectively.

Conclusion

The proposed weakly-supervised deep learning model showed outstanding performance comparable to that of the general ophthalmologist in localizing and outlining the RD regions. Hopefully, it would greatly facilitate managing RD patients, especially for medical referral and patient education.