bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomy of the Cystic Duct – Factors Affecting the Stasis of Bile and Formation of Gall Stones
Authors: Rahman Khalilur , Anwar Selina , Begum Anjum Ara , Saha Narayan Chandra , Ahmed Neaz , Yesmin Shamima
Published: April 2024

Background: An increasing incidence of liver and gall bladder diseases bring about an increasing necessity of their precise diagnosis. Unrecognized anatomic variants of the extrahepatic billiary apparatus may cause confusion on imaging studies and complicate subsequent surgical, endoscopic, and percutaneous procedures. Although much have been written about the normal anatomy and related diseases of the gallbladder and biliary tract but no available data have been found about the variations of the cystic duct in Bangladeshi people. This study was aimed at determining the anatomical variations of gross morphological features of cystic duct in relation to age and sex in Bangladeshi people as well as to find out any congenital anomalies of the extrahepatic biliary system.

Materials and methods: A cross sectional descriptive type of study was carried out at the Department of Anatomy, Rangpur Medical College, Rangpur. The study was conducted on postmortem gallbladder with cystic duct from 60 unclaimed dead bodies of Bangladeshi people. Of which, 32 were male specimens and 28 were female specimens. The specimens were divided into two groups according to age, young age group A (20-40 years) and elderly age group B (41-65 years). The length and diameter of cystic duct was measured and number of valves in cystic duct was counted. Comparison was done between male and female of two age groups by Student’s unpaired‘t’ test.

Results: The length of the cystic duct showed a significantly higher value in elderly male than younger male and corresponding f emale groups of similar age. The number of spiral valves showed similar values in both sexes.

Conclusion: No relationship between cystic duct length, diameter and number of spiral valves with different sex and different age could be established in this study.

Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy July 2015, Vol. 13, No. 2, pp. 32-36
Analisis Peramalan Permintaan Jaket Inalcafa pada Produk Pria dengan Metode Double Moving Average
Authors: Kusuma Harun Indra , Saputra Ridwan
Published: April 2024

Produk jaket Inalcafa memiliki tiga jenis variasi, antara lain untuk pria, wanita dan anak-anak. Pada penelitian ini, peneliti mencoba untuk meramalkan jumlah permintaan jaket inalcafa pada variasi produk pria  selama enam bulan kedepan. Dengan meramalkan jumlah permintaan jaket Inalcafa, dapat memberikan informasi jumlah permintaan jaket Inalcafa pada variasi produk pria di periode berikutnya. Metode peramalan yang kami lakukan perhitungan antara lain metode double moving average. Setelah peneliti melakukan perhitungan peramalan dari metode double moving average, selanjutnya peneliti menetapkan batas kelas atas, nilai tengah dan batas kelas bawah berdasarkan data penjualan 24 bulan sebelumnya.Terakhir peneliti melakukan perhitungan moving range untuk menunjukkan perbandingan nilai data aktual dengan nilai peramlan. Setelah peneliti melakukan perhitungan peramlan dari metode double moving average, didapatkan nilai error sebesar 6,77%. Jumlah produksi yang diramalkan selama 6 bulan berikutnya memiliki rata-rata sebanyak 34,67  buah dari jaket variasi produk pria yang diproduksi.
PENGARUH TEKNIK ROLE PLAYING TERHADAP KETERAMPILAN KOMUNIKASI VERBAL SISWA SMP
Authors: Ahmad Hariadi , Utami Elfida
Published: April 2024

Berdasarkan kondisi yang terjadi di SMPN 2 Lingsar ada beberapa siswa yang cenderung mengarah pada kurangnya kemampuan dalam komunikasi verbal. Teknik role playing merupakan kegiatan bermain peran dengan permainan yang imajinatif dalam mengenali kelemahan dan kekurangan diri yang dimiliki dalam keterampilan komunikasi verbal dengan tahapan sebagai berikut: persiapan/pemanasan, pengaturan adegan, memilih peran, memainkan peran, berbagi dan umpan balik, bermain peran ulang, menindaklanjuti. Komunikasi verbal merupakan interaksi yang dilakukan individu secara lisan dan tertulis dengan menggunakan simbol-simbol, tatabahasa, yang mudah dipahami dalam meyampaikan pesan, informasi dan gagasan, serta kesepakatan dengan komponen simbol bahasa, tatabahasa, bahasa tubuh, dan kesepakatan. Rumusan masalah dalam penelitian ini adalah apakah ada Pengaruh Teknik Role Playing Terhadap Keterampilan Komunikasi Verbal Pada Siswa Kelas VIII di SMPN 2 Lingsar. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah angket sebagai metode pokok, observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi sebagai metode pelengkap dengan menggunakan rancangan one group pre-test dan post-test. Dalam penelitian ini terdapat populasi penelitian berjumlah 128 siswa dan 10 siswa yang keterampilan komunikasi verbal nya masih rendah di sekolah. Teknik sampling yang digunakan adalah Purposive Sampling dan untuk analisis data menggunakan rumus t-test.
IDENTIFIKASI TIPE KEPRIBADIAN DITINJAU DARI TEORI ALRBERT BANDURA
Authors: Sulastri Ni Made
Published: April 2024

Kepribadian merupakan salah satu aspek yang penting dalam diri manusia atau individu, kepribadian menentukan bagaimana kita berpikir, merasa dan bertindak dalam berbagai situasi. Kepribadian juga dapat mempengaruhi hubungan kita dengan orang lain, kesuksesan kita dalam pekerjaan, dan kesehatan mental. Kepribadian dapat dipengaruhi oleh adanya factor lingkungan yang berasal dari luar diri kita yang meliputi keluarga, teman, sekolah, dan budaya. Factor bawaan memberikan fondasi dasar bagi kepribadian individu,sedangkan factor lingkungan berperan dalam mengembangkan dan membentuk kepribadian individu. Kepribadian secara umum dapat digolongkan ke dalam dua tipe yaitu kepribadian yang bersifat positif dan yang bersifat negative. Metode pengumpulan data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tipe kepribadian yang dimiliki seseorang dalam penelitian ini memiliki kepribadian yang positif karena dipengaruhi oleh factor lingkungan keluarga yaitu oarng tua dan dari hasil kognitif seseorang tersebut, hal ini sesuai dengan teori Albert Bandura dimana factor lingkungan lingkungan dan kognitif menjadi factor penentu kepribadian seseorang. Dari penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa lingkungan sangat berpengaruh dalam kepribadian.
PENGARUH TEKNIK ART THERAPY TERHADAP EMOSI MARAH PADA SISWA KELAS VIII DI SMPN 5 PRAYA
Authors: Astuti Farida Herna
Published: April 2024

Art therapy adalah sebuah terapi yang menggabungkan seni dan psikologi untuk membantu individu mengatasi masalah emosional dan psikologis yang mengalami trauma, penyakit, serta orang-orang yang mencari pengembangan pribadi.Emosi marah adalah salah satu dari berbagai jenis emosi manusia yang timbul sebagai respons terhadap suatu situasi atau peristiwa yang memicu perasaan kemarahan atau amarah.Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui Pengaruh Teknik Art Therapy Terhadap Emosi Marah Pada Siswa Kelas VIII di SMPN 5 Praya Tahun Pelajaran 2022/2023. Desain penelitian ini yaitu one group pre-test – post-test design. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa siswa kelas VIII SMPN 5 Praya yang berjumlah 64 siswa, dan sampel dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 7 orang siswa yang memiliki tingkat emosi marah yang tinggi berdasarkan hasil dari pre-test. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu purposive sampling. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah angket sebagai metode pokok,  metode observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi sebagai metode pelengkap. Analisis data menggunakan rumus t-test. Berdasarkan hasil analisis data, diperoleh nilai thitung sebesar (6,687), sedangkan untuk nilai ttabel pada taraf signifikansi 5% sebesar (2,447). Karena thitung lebih besar dari nilai ttabel (6,687 > 2,447), maka Ho ditolak dan Ha diterima. Jadi hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan ada Pengaruh Teknik Art Therapy Terhadap Emosi Marah Pada Siswa Kelas VIII Di SMPN 5 Praya.
PENERAPAN TEORI BELAJAR BEHAVIORISTIK DALAM MEMBENTUK KEPRIBADIAN SISWA YANG BERLANDASKAN PADA NILAI TINDIH ETNIS SASAK
Authors: Nuraeni Nuraeni
Published: April 2024

Metode pembelajaran yang masih relevan untuk di terapkan saat ini dengan menggunakan model modifikasi tingkah laku (behavioral), model ini bertitik tolak dari teori belajar behavioristik yang bertujuan untuk mengembangkan sistem yang efisien di dalam mengurutkan tugas-tugas belajar dan membentuk tingkah laku dengan cara memanipulasi penguatan (reinforcement). Karakteristik model pembelajaran behavioral ini menuntut siswa untuk dapat belajar dalam hal penjabaran tugas-tugas yang harus dipelajari agar menjadi lebih efisien dan berurutan. Penerapan teori behavioristik sesuai untuk penanaman pendidikan karakter di sekolah. Pendidikan karakter yang dibangun dalam sistem pendidikan adalah pendidikan karakter berbasis nilai budaya sehingga akan terbentuk karakter masyarakat secara sosial. Dengan demikian maka dalam memahami karakter seseorang atau suatu masyarakat, harus dipahami terlebih dahulu sistem nilai budaya yang membangunnya. Nilai tindih suku Sasask dalam hal ini dapat diterapkan melalui model pembelajaran disekolah sehingga siswa mampu memiliki karakter posistif yang mencerminkan nilai-nilai luhur etnik Sasak. Nilai tindih merupakan nilai yang berarti motivasi untuk menjadi manusia yang patut, patuh, dan pacu, solah, dan seleh sebagai basis filosofi masyarakat Sasak.
Two Cases of Massive Subretinal Fluid Accumulation after Photodynamic Therapy for Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Han Su Yeon , Park Min Soo , Yang Yun Sik
Published: April 2024

Purpose: To report two cases of massive subretinal fluid accumulation at laser irradiated sites after photodynamic therapy in patients with age-related macular degeneration (ARMD).Case summary: (Case 1) A patient with bilateral polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy, who was treated with half-dose verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT), developed decreased visual acuity. On fundus examination, massive subretinal fluid accumulation was observed in the laser irradiated sites of both eyes. The subretinal fluid was reabsorbed without further treatment, and the patient's visual acuity has recovered. (Case 2) A patient with ARMD, accompanied by a choroidal neovascular membrane and accumulation of subretinal fluid in the right eye, developed decreased visual acuity on the treated eye a day after receiving half-dose PDT treatment. On fundus examination, the subretinal fluid in the right eye had increased more than 5-fold compared to pre-treatment levels. After one week, the amount of subretinal fluid decreased and the patient's visual acuity improved. However, since retinal exudate still remained, intravitreal bevacizumab treatment was administered. Thereafter, the patient’s fundus findings were unremarkable.Conclusions: In the case of photodynamic therapy for ARMD, a large amount of subretinal fluid may occur as a rare complication. The subretinal fluid was naturally absorbed, but close observation is needed with the possibility of developing subretinal fluid in the event of decreased vision after photodynamic therapy.
História clínica da fibromialgia: Importância da avaliação da dor no diagnóstico e o impacto na qualidade de vida dos pacientes
Authors: Macedo Baruc Silveira Veras , Gadelha Cláudia Sarmento , Galvão José Guilherme Ferreira Marques , Coutinho Vanessa Erika Abrantes
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: entender a história clínica da fibromialgia, com enfoque na importância da avaliação da dor no diagnóstico e o impacto na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Metodologia: trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura. A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados: Portal Regional BVS (LILACS), Sientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO) e National Library of Medicine (PUBMED). Usou-se os Descritores em Ciências da Saúdes (DeCS): “Fibromialgia”; “Dor Crônica”; “Qualidade de Vida”. Os critérios de elegibilidade foram: artigos completos disponíveis eletronicamente; escritos em inglês, português ou espanhol; publicados entre 2015 e 2023. Foram excluídos resumos de anais, dissertações, duplicatas, projetos em andamento, estudos piloto ou em conflito de interesse. Resultados e discussão: obteve-se 28 publicações integradas nessa revisão. Observou-se que a principal hipótese etiológica envolve sensibilização central, associada a fatores físicos, emocionais, genéticos e ambientais. O diagnóstico está sujeito a subjetividade clínica porque não envolve marcadores clínico-laboratoriais objetivos. A repercussão na qualidade de vida vai desde o sono não reparador, até problemas sexuais, distúrbios psíquicos e associação com outras doenças crônicas. O manejo deve ser multidisciplinar, com medidas não farmacológicas, como atividade física e terapia psicológica, e medidas farmacológicas, com predileção por antidepressivos. Conclusão: trata-se de uma patologia com repercussões significativas na qualidade de vida e que deve se considerar o âmbito multidisciplinar para elucidação do curso da doença, aumento da acurácia diagnóstica, efetividade do tratamento/arsenal terapêutico como fatores fundamentais para manutenção da qualidade de vida.
MOLECULAR DOCKING AND MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATIONS INHIBITION AGAINST OF HUMAN TELOMERASE BY NUCLEOSIDE AND NON-NUCLEOSIDE REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE INHIBITORS (NRTIs/NNRTIs)
Authors: Konyar Dilan , Muhammed Muhammed Tılahun
Published: April 2024

Objective: This study investigated the anticancer effects of nucleoside and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors drugs by computational methods. The study aimed to evaluate the binding capacity of these drugs on the telomerase essential N-terminal (TEN) domain of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). Molecular docking was used to assess the drugs' binding potential to the TEN domain. The stability of the protein-drug combination obtained from the docking method was assessed using molecular dynamics (MD) modeling.
Material and Method: The TEN domain of TERT's crystal structure was obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). The crystal structure identified by the PDB code 2B2A has a resolution of 2.2 Å. The molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina. The complexes were visualized using Biovia Discovery Studio. The MD simulation was conducted using GROMACS 2020 as indicated. An MD simulation was conducted for 200 ns on both the complexes and the free protein. The RMSD (root mean square deviation) of the protein and the molecules in relation to the protein, RMSF (root mean square fluctuation), and Rg (radius of gyration) were shown via Qt Grace.
Result and Discussion: Doravirine, Etravirine, Rilpivirine showed higher binding affinity to the TEN domain compared to the reference TERT inhibitor, BIBR1532, based on the docking investigation. The MD simulation analysis showed that the protein-Doravirine complex had the highest stability in remaining within the protein's binding pocket. On the contrary, the protein-Rilpivirine complex decreased stability, potentially causing the ligand to not stay within the binding site. Doravirine was found to inhibit the TEN domain in the computational study. Therefore, the design and synthesis of novel doravirin derivatives is being considered because of the potential anticancer activity of doravirin in inhibiting the TEN domain of TERT.
Desafíos del enfoque de competencias culturales para atender la salud de personas migrantes en Chile
Authors: Ferrer Lues Marcela Patricia , Jaramillo Matías , Chepo Macarena , MuñozLizana Nelson , Ambiado Cortés Constanza , Tijoux Merino María Emilia
Published: April 2024

El objetivo de esta investigacióncualitativa esidentificarlos factores que facilitan u obstaculizanlaadquisicióno el fortalecimientode competencias culturales en la labor de los profesionales de atención primaria de salud en Chile. Con base en lasentrevistas semiestructuradas realizadas a 32 profesionales que trabajan en una comuna de Santiago,se efectuó un análisis de contenido considerando cuatro dimensiones de las competencias culturales: conciencia, conocimiento, habilidades y motivación. Este análisis fue discutido en ochoconversatorios con profesionales de atención primaria, académicos/as eintegrantesde colectivos migrantes;estopermitió reconocerlospatrones en eltrato y en la atención que avalanciertas prácticas y valores. Se concluye que los factores analizadosinterpelan a los/as profesionalesyconstituyen un insumo para estimular los procesos de reflexión individual y de los equipos.
El escritor en la era digital (Un elogio de la segunda textualidad)
Authors: Lucía Megías José Manuel
Published: April 2024

La tecnología digital ha venido a cam­biar nuestros modos de difusión de la in­formación y del conocimiento. Pero más allá de los problemas suscitados en los últimos años sobre la pervivencia o no de los modelos culturales y empresariales, que nacieron con la tecnología de la imprenta en los siglos XV y XVI, en la era digital, los modelos de difusión de los testimonios en diferentes proyectos (Google Libros, Europeana, Biblioteca Digital Mundial), nos obligan a incidir sobre la verdadera naturaleza del cambio de paradigma que estamos viviendo: la segunda textualidad, que ofrecerá sus mejores resultados en los próximos años.
Algarve-huelva-cádiz: un eje clave en la guerra de la independencia
Authors: Saldaña Fernández José , Butrón Prida Gonzalo
Published: April 2024

El escenario geoestratégico dibujado por la Guerra de la Independencia propició un cambio importante en la consideración del Suroeste peninsular, que pudo despo­jarse de su tradicional carácter periférico y pasar a ocupar una posición central, vincu­lada sobre todo con el amplio apoyo pres­tado a Cádiz, a cuya resistencia contribuyó de manera decisiva mediante el envío regu­lar de hombres, suministros e información.
La imagen de la mujer en el primer franquismo a través del diario odiel
Authors: Calero Delgado María Luisa
Published: April 2024

El presente artículo pretende contribuir a la historia de género a partir del análisis del Diario Odiel, como “agente de sociali­zación” del modelo de mujer vigente en el primer franquismo y reflejo del resto de es­trategias implementadas por el régimen de Franco, así como de la vida femenina den­tro de estas coordenadas temporales. Para ello profundizaremos en el pensamiento del Movimiento Nacional sobre la mujer y el papel asignado a la misma, en base a la construcción y perpetuación de la dictadu­ra personal del caudillo.
Undervisning och lärande för hållbarhet i högre utbildning: Rapport om ett utvecklingsarbete med några praktiska exempel
Authors: Bladh Daniel , Holmqvist Diana
Published: April 2024

I högre utbildning ligger kurs- och programplaner till grund för undervisningen som organiseras och bedrivs (Biggs, 2003; Whetten, 2007), inte minst eftersom det är i dessa som lärandemål stipuleras – alltså vilket lärande undervisningen ämnar bidra till. Vad som formuleras som ett lärandemål, samt hur lärandemål är formulerade, är således helt centrala i formella utbildningssamhang såsom högre utbildning (se t.ex. Person m.fl., 2023). Att arbeta med hållbarhetsfrågor i undervisning på ett relevant och meningsfullt sätt förutsätter också pedagogisk skicklighet och didaktisk medvetenhet hos lärare (Vare, Lausselet & Rieckmann, 2022). Här krävs det stöd i form av resurser och utrymme för kompetensutveckling, exempelvis när det kommer till didaktiska val av innehåll och undervisningsmetoder (Person m.fl., 2023; Öhman & Sund, 2021). Mot denna bakgrund, är vårt syfte med denna rapport, att utifrån ett didaktiskt perspektiv, synliggöra undervisningens olika delar, deras sammanlänkning, samt de val som lärare kan och behöver göra för att stödja studenters lärande för hållbarhet. Vi gör detta på två vis. Dels presenterar vi ett enkelt stöd som vi tagit fram och använt oss av vid Avdelningen för pedagogik och vuxnas lärande i vårt arbete med hållbarhetsintegrering i relation till vårt utbildningsuppdrag. Den enkla modellen är inte ämnes- eller utbildningsnivåbunden, utan kan användas för att inventera, utvärdera och stärka arbetet med undervisning och lärande för hållbarhet i en bredd av utbildningssamhang. Vidare ger vi några exempel, där vi visar hur olika hållbarhetskompetenser kan inbegripas i lärandemål och vilka under-visningsmetoder som kan vara lämpliga. Genom att illustrera vårt angrepps-sätt med konkreta exempel hoppas vi kunna inspirera andra universitets-lärare i sitt praktiska arbete och bidra med verktyg som innebär att fler kan gräva där de står. Nedan redogör vi för de hållbarhetskompetenser som forskning om lärande för hållbarhet lyfter fram som avgörande för att svara på de hållbarhetskriser vi befinner oss i och står inför. Därefter beskriver vi vårt utvärderings- och utvecklingsarbete i projektet och ger fyra exempel på hur undervisning och lärande för hållbarhet kan operationaliseras i högre utbildning. Rapporten avslutas med en övergripande diskussion med basis i några lärdomar som vi gjort under vårt arbete med projektet och författandet av denna rapport.
The current state of the altitude network of Ukraine, study of the technical characteristics of level markings
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Thevoho I. , ILKIV E. ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas, GALYARNYK M. ,   Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas
Published: April 2024

The goal is to determine the current state of points of height networks of I and II classes based on the analysis of technical characteristics of leveling points and regulatory documents with the aim of presenting the scientific and industrial geodetic community with author’s proposals. Method. The following methods of scientific knowledge – analysis, toponymic, etymological, statistical, systematic, historical, monographic, as well as methods – generalization, abstraction, concretization, were used to process the information on the technical characteristics of leveling points, presented on the geoportal of the State Government of Ukraine. The results. The quantitative and qualitative composition of leveling networks of the I and II classes is given, which showed together the technical and technological inconsistency of regulatory documents with the current state of the leveling (altitude) network, which necessitates the use of complex methods for monitoring leveling points on the territory of Ukraine. Scientific novelty. A comprehensive analysis of the information source on the state (technical characteristics) of leveling networks of I and II classes, which is the geoportal of the State Ministry of Ukraine, with the analysis of the provisions of the relevant regulatory documents, is the basis for the development of scientific and technical proposals for the long-term operation of leveling points of the State Ministry of Ukraine and will allow to identify weak aspects of their functioning caused by changes in their surrounding environment. The practical significance of the work shows the inconsistency of the provisions of the instructions and orders during monitoring of the state of leveling points and. accordingly, during the preparation of reporting documentation, which is due to the large number of types of centers, benchmarks of brands in leveling networks of I and II classes, as well as a significant amount of available at all levels, different in terms of physical and historical information about the surrounding environment of leveling points, proposals are proposed to solve the scientifically identified – technical contradictions when using leveling networks of I and II classes. The basis of the scientific proposals is the long-term scientific research conducted by the authors.
Scientific, international and public activities of the society in 2023
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Thevoho I. , CHETVERIKOV B. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, TARNAVSKYY V. ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: April 2024

Information on the main results of the activities of the Public Union “Ukrainian Society of Geodesy and Cartography (GS “USGC”)” and the Western Geodetic Society of USGC (WGS USGC) in the difficult conditions of the military state. The main focus is on the professional protection of the country’s geodetic industry, the holding of the Geoforum-2023 MNTC and the support of other MNTCs, the participation of the Society’s delegation in the INTERGEO world congress in Berlin, in the work of the CLGE Assembly in Romania, cooperation with FIG CLGE and professional public societies of various countries, publication of regular issues of the professional journal of HRT, marking of important events in the country, industry, society, collectives, in the life of specialists in Ukraine and abroad, etc.
Organ-on-a-chip for studying immune cell adhesion to liver sinusoidal endothelial cells: the potential for testing immunotherapies and cell therapy trafficking
Authors: Kennedy James I. , Davies Scott P. , Hewett Peter W. , Wilkinson Alex L. , Oo Ye H. , Lu Wei-Yu , El Haj Alicia J. , Shetty Shishir
Published: April 2024

Immunotherapy has changed the landscape of treatment options for patients with hepatocellular cancer. Checkpoint inhibitors are now standard of care for patients with advanced tumours, yet the majority remain resistant to this therapy and urgent approaches are needed to boost the efficacy of these agents. Targeting the liver endothelial cells, as the orchestrators of immune cell recruitment, within the tumour microenvironment of this highly vascular cancer could potentially boost immune cell infiltration. We demonstrate the successful culture of primary human liver endothelial cells in organ-on-a-chip technology followed by perfusion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We confirm, with confocal and multiphoton imaging, the capture and adhesion of immune cells in response to pro-inflammatory cytokines in this model. This multicellular platform sets the foundation for testing the efficacy of new therapies in promoting leukocyte infiltration across liver endothelium as well as a model for testing cell therapy, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell, capture and migration across human liver endothelium.
Extremum information transfer over networks for remote estimation and distributed learning
Authors: Vasconcelos Marcos M. , Mitra Urbashi
Published: April 2024

Most modern large-scale multi-agent systems operate by taking actions based on local data and cooperate by exchanging information over communication networks. Due to the abundance of sensors, each agent is capable of generating more data than what could be supported by communication channels in near real-time. Thus, not every piece of information can be transmitted perfectly over the network. Such communication constraints lead to a large number of challenging research problems, some of which have been solved, and many more that remain open. The focus of this paper is to present a comprehensive treatment of this new class of fundamental problems in information dissemination over networks, which is based on the notion of extremum information. The unifying theme herein is that the strategic communication, i.e., when the agents decide on what to transmit based on their observed data (or state), leads to the optimality of extremum (or outlier) information. In other words, when a random information source deviates from the average by a certain amount, that realization should be prioritized for transmission. This creates a natural ranking of the data points based on their magnitude such that if an agent has access to more than one piece of information, the ones that display the largest deviation from the average are transmitted and the rest is discarded. We show that the problem of finding the top-K largest measurements over a network can be cast and efficiently implemented as a distributed inference problem. Curiously, the same principle holds for the framework of distributed optimization, leading to a class of state-dependent protocols known as max-dissent. While still a heuristic, max-dissent can considerably accelerate the convergence to an optimal solution in distributed convex optimization. We provide open problems and present several directions for future work including questions related to cyber-security and robustness of such networks as well as new architectures for distributed learning and optimization.
Predictive value of the inconsistency between the residual and post-PCI QFR for prognosis in PCI patients
Authors: Chen Lihua , Zhong Jiaxin , Hong Ruijin , Chen Yuxiang , Li Beilei , Wang Laicheng , Yan Yuanming , Chen Lianglong , Chen Qin , Luo Yukun
Published: April 2024

Introduction

To investigate the prognostic value of the consistency between the residual quantitative flow ratio (QFR) and postpercutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) QFR in patients undergoing revascularization.

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective, observational study. All enrolled patients were divided into five groups according to the ΔQFR (defined as the value of the post-PCI QFR minus the residual QFR): (1) Overanticipated group; (2) Slightly overanticipated group; (3) Consistent group; (4) Slightly underanticipated group; and (5) Underanticipated group. The primary outcome was the 5-year target vessel failure (TVF).

Results

A total of 1373 patients were included in the final analysis. The pre-PCI QFR and post-PCI QFR were significantly different among the five groups. TVF within 5 years occurred in 189 patients in all the groups. The incidence of TVF was significantly greater in the underanticipated group than in the consistent group (P = 0.008), whereas no significant differences were found when comparing the underanticipated group with the other three groups. Restricted cubic spline regression analysis showed that the risk of TVF was nonlinearly related to the ΔQFR. A multivariate Cox regression model revealed that a ΔQFR≤ −0.1 was an independent risk factor for TVF.

Conclusions

The consistency between the residual QFR and post-PCI QFR may be associated with the long-term prognosis of patients. Patients whose post-PCI QFR is significantly lower than the residual QFR may be at greater risk of TVF. An aggressive PCI strategy for lesions is anticipated to have less functional benefit and may not result in a better clinical outcome.
Effects of high-intensity interval exercise on arterial stiffness in individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis
Authors: Luo Ping , Wu Ruoshan , Gao Weifeng , Yan Weiyi , Wang Ruixue , Ye Yufang
Published: April 2024

Objective

The purpose of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on arterial stiffness (AS) and vascular function in persons at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, and Ebsco) since their inception through October 2023 to evaluate the effect of HIIT on AS and vascular function in persons at high risk for CVD. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test.

Results

This study included 661 participants from 16 studies. HIIT significantly reduced pulse wave velocity (PWV) in persons at high risk for CVD [weighted mean difference (WMD), −0.62; 95% CI, −0.86–−0.38; P < 0.00001]. Subgroup analysis showed that the PWV improvement effect was better when the HIIT program was performed 2–3 times per week and the duration was controlled within 40 min [2–3 times, −0.67; 95% CI, −0.93–−0.41; P < 0.00001; time of duration, ≤40 min, −0.66; 95% CI, −0.91–−0.41; P < 0.00001]. HIIT significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP, −5.43; 95% CI, −8.82–−2.04; P = 0.002), diastolic blood pressure (DPB, −2.96; 95% CI, −4.88–−1.04; P = 0.002), and resting heart rate (RHR, −4.35; 95% CI, −7.04–−1.66; P = 0.002), but had no significant effect on augmentation index (AIX, −2.14; 95% CI, −6.77–2.50; P = 0.37).

Conclusion

HIIT can improve PWV in high-risk individuals with CVD and reduce SBP, DBP, and RHR, but has no significant effect on AIX. HIIT can effectively improve AS and vascular function and can be recommended as an effective method to improve AS in high-risk persons with CVD.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42023471593.
Elevated sortilin expression discriminates functional from non-functional neuroendocrine tumors and enables therapeutic targeting
Authors: Bolduan Felix , Wetzel Alexandra , Giesecke Yvonne , Eichhorn Ines , Alenina Natalia , Bader Michael , Willnow Thomas E. , Wiedenmann Bertram , Sigal Michael
Published: April 2024

A subset of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) can cause an excessive secretion of hormones, neuropeptides, and biogenic amines into the bloodstream. These so-called functional NETs evoke a hormone-related disease and lead to several different syndromes, depending on the factors released. One of the most common functional syndromes, carcinoid syndrome, is characterized mainly by over-secretion of serotonin. However, what distinguishes functional from non-functional tumors on a molecular level remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the expression of sortilin, a widely expressed transmembrane receptor involved in intracellular protein sorting, is significantly increased in functional compared to non-functional NETs and thus can be used as a biomarker for functional NETs. Furthermore, using a cell line model of functional NETs, as well as organoids, we demonstrate that inhibition of sortilin reduces cellular serotonin concentrations and may therefore serve as a novel therapeutic target to treat patients with carcinoid syndrome.
Decreasing lifetime prevalence of diabetes-related foot ulcers in Norway: repeated cross-sectional population-based surveys from the HUNT study (1995-2019)
Authors: Riise Hilde K. R. , Igland Jannicke , Graue Marit , Haugstvedt Anne , Østbye Truls , Søfteland Eirik , Hermann Monica , Carlsson Sofia , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Iversen Marjolein M.
Published: April 2024

Background and aims

Diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFU) are a persistent healthcare challenge, impacting both patients and healthcare systems, with adverse effects on quality of life and productivity. Our primary aim was to examine the trends in lifetime prevalence of DFU, as well as other micro- and macrovascular complications in the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) in Norway.

Methods

This study consists of individuals ≥20 years with diabetes participating in the population-based cross-sectional HUNT surveys (1995-2019). Prevalence ratios, comparing the lifetime prevalence of DFU and other relevant micro- and macrovascular complications between the HUNT surveys, were calculated using Poisson regression.

Results

The lifetime prevalence (95% confidence interval (CI)) of a DFU requiring three or more weeks to heal was 11.0% (9.5-12.7) in HUNT2, 7.5% (6.3-8.8) in HUNT3 and 5.3% (4.4-6.3) in HUNT4. The decrease in DFU prevalence from 1995 to 2019 was observed in both men and women, for all age groups, and for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The highest lifetime prevalence of DFU was found among those with type 1 diabetes. The decrease in HbA1c from HUNT2 to HUNT4 did not differ between those with and without a DFU. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (eGFR categories G3-G5)) increased in both individuals with and without a DFU.

Conclusion

Results from the HUNT surveys show a substantial decline in the lifetime prevalence of DFU from 1995 to 2019.
An evolutionary planning method for distribution networks considering prosumers and shared energy storage
Authors: Han Jinglin , Feng Xichun , Chen Zhiyong , Hu Ping , Zhao Hui , Chen Yubing , Liu Nian
Published: April 2024

This research provides a rolling planning method for distribution networks, which takes into account shared energy storage capacity configuration and grid topology optimization due to the stochastic unpredictability of the planning scenarios and the interaction between multi-agents. First, the grid topology and the investment capacity of the shared energy storage are optimized by the gird company with the aim of minimizing the overall cost within the planning time scale, and a distribution network planning model that precisely satisfies the reliability requirements is built. Second, the operational utility model of prosumers is suggested based on the planning strategy of the grid company. The cooperation of grid company corporations with prosumers is established in the evolutionary game model. The differential evolution algorithm is used to realize the dynamic solution of the planning strategy by creating the replicator dynamic equation of the grid company. The IEEE-33 bus system is taken as an example for simulation analysis for demonstrating the usefulness of the suggested evolution game-based planning model, which can reduce network planning costs and system operational costs while optimizing prosumers’ load curves.
Tubakia spp., Didymella macrostoma and Apiognomonia errabunda causing leaf spot and anthracnose of Quercus robur in the Mura-Drava-Danube Biosphere Reserve
Authors: Zlatković Milica , Sallmannshofer Markus , Schueler Silvio , Cech Thomas L. , Djilas Milutin , Hoch Gernot , Lapin Katharina , Ogris Nikica , Piškur Barbara , Schwanda Katharina , Stojnić Srđan , Westergren Marjana , Orlović Saša
Published: April 2024

The Mura-Drava-Danube transboundary UNESCO Biosphere Reserve represents one of the best-preserved wetlands in Europe. The Reserve’s riparian forests play a significant role in ecosystem functioning and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) is one of the keystone species of these forests. In recent years, pedunculate oak trees in the Reserve displayed symptoms of necrotic lesions on their leaves. The lesions varied in size, from small, circular to irregular reddish brown to grayish spots to larger necrotic areas that resembled leaf anthracnose and extended along the leaf nerves. In 2021, symptomatic leaves were collected in three countries of the Reserve, i.e. Austria, Slovenia, and Serbia to identify the causative agents of these diseases. Fungal cultures were obtained from symptoms and identified using morphology and multilocus phylogenetic analyses of the ITS rDNA, partial LSU rDNA, tef 1-α, BT2, CAL, ACT, and RPB2 genes. The fungi were identified as Tubakia dryina, Tubakia sp. (Tubakia dryinoides sensu lato), Didymella macrostoma, and Apiognomonia errabunda. Pathogenicity tests done by inoculating the leaves of one-year old pedunculate oak plants revealed that the isolated fungi caused symptoms as those seen in the forest. To our knowledge, this study represents the first report of D. macrostoma as the cause of pedunculate oak leaf spot disease in Serbia and worldwide. It is also the first finding of Tubakia leaf spot disease of pedunculate oak caused by T. dryina in Austria and Serbia. Moreover, Tubakia sp. was proven to be another causative agent of Tubakia leaf spot disease. Additionally, oak anthracnose caused by A. errabunda was found for the first time on pedunculate oak leaves in Austria and Slovenia. During the past decade, pedunculate oak trees have been facing increasing threats from multiple abiotic and biotic factors which has resulted in decline and absence of natural regeneration of these trees. The results of this study add to the understanding of the contributing factors to the decline of pedunculate oak in riparian forests and are important for the development of management strategies to counteract this decline.
Detection and characterization of copy number variation in three differentially-selected Nellore cattle populations
Authors: Benfica Lorena F. , Brito Luiz F. , do Bem Ricardo D. , de Oliveira Leticia F. , Mulim Henrique A. , Braga Larissa G. , Cyrillo Joslaine N. S. G. , Bonilha Sarah F. M. , Mercadante Maria Eugenia Z.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Nellore cattle (Bos taurus indicus) is the main beef cattle breed raised in Brazil. This breed is well adapted to tropical conditions and, more recently, has experienced intensive genetic selection for multiple performance traits. Over the past 43 years, an experimental breeding program has been developed in the Institute of Animal Science (IZ, Sertaozinho, SP, Brazil), which resulted in three differentially-selected lines known as Nellore Control (NeC), Nellore Selection (NeS), and Nellore Traditional (NeT). The primary goal of this selection experiment was to determine the response to selection for yearling weight (YW) and residual feed intake (RFI) on Nellore cattle. The main objectives of this study were to: 1) identify copy number variation (CNVs) in Nellore cattle from three selection lines; 2) identify and characterize CNV regions (CNVR) on these three lines; and 3) perform functional enrichment analyses of the CNVR identified.

Results: A total of 14,914 unique CNVs and 1,884 CNVRs were identified when considering all lines as a single population. The CNVRs were non-uniformly distributed across the chromosomes of the three selection lines included in the study. The NeT line had the highest number of CNVRs (n = 1,493), followed by the NeS (n = 823) and NeC (n = 482) lines. The CNVRs covered 23,449,890 bp (0.94%), 40,175,556 bp (1.61%), and 63,212,273 bp (2.54%) of the genome of the NeC, NeS, and NeT lines, respectively. Two CNVRs were commonly identified between the three lines, and six, two, and four exclusive regions were identified for NeC, NeS, and NeT, respectively. All the exclusive regions overlap with important genes, such as SMARCD3, SLC15A1, and MAPK1. Key biological processes associated with the candidate genes were identified, including pathways related to growth and metabolism.

Conclusion: This study revealed large variability in CNVs and CNVRs across three Nellore lines differentially selected for YW and RFI. Gene annotation and gene ontology analyses of the exclusive CNVRs to each line revealed specific genes and biological processes involved in the expression of growth and feed efficiency traits. These findings contribute to the understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying the phenotypic differences among the three Nellore selection lines.
Predictive value of a stemness-based classifier for prognosis and immunotherapy response of hepatocellular carcinoma based on bioinformatics and machine-learning strategies
Authors: Chen Erbao , Zou Zhilin , Wang Rongyue , Liu Jie , Peng Zhen , Gan Zhe , Lin Zewei , Liu Jikui
Published: April 2024

Objective

Significant advancements have been made in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapeutics, such as immunotherapy for treating patients with HCC. However, there is a lack of reliable biomarkers for predicting the response of patients to therapy, which continues to be challenging. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in the oncogenesis, drug resistance, and invasion, as well as metastasis of HCC cells. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to create an mRNA expression-based stemness index (mRNAsi) model to predict the response of patients with HCC to immunotherapy.

Methods

We retrieved gene expression and clinical data of patients with HCC from the GSE14520 dataset and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Next, we used the “one-class logistic regression (OCLR)” algorithm to obtain the mRNAsi of patients with HCC. We performed “unsupervised consensus clustering” to classify patients with HCC based on the mRNAsi scores and stemness subtypes. The relationships between the mRNAsi model, clinicopathological features, and genetic profiles of patients were compared using various bioinformatic methods. We screened for differentially expressed genes to establish a stemness-based classifier for predicting the patient’s prognosis. Next, we determined the effect of risk scores on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and the response of patients to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Finally, we used qRT-PCR to investigate gene expression in patients with HCC.

Results

We screened CSC-related genes using various bioinformatics tools in patients from the TCGA-LIHC cohort. We constructed a stemness classifier based on a nine-gene (PPARGC1A, FTCD, CFHR3, MAGEA6, CXCL8, CABYR, EPO, HMMR, and UCK2) signature for predicting the patient’s prognosis and response to ICBs. Further, the model was validated in an independent GSE14520 dataset and performed well. Our model could predict the status of TIME, immunogenomic expressions, congenic pathway, and response to chemotherapy drugs. Furthermore, a significant increase in the proportion of infiltrating macrophages, Treg cells, and immune checkpoints was observed in patients in the high-risk group. In addition, tumor cells in patients with high mRNAsi scores could escape immune surveillance. Finally, we observed that the constructed model had a good expression in the clinical samples. The HCC tumor size and UCK2 genes expression were significantly alleviated and decreased, respectively, by treatments of anti-PD1 antibody. We also found knockdown UCK2 changed expressions of immune genes in HCC cell lines.

Conclusion

The novel stemness-related model could predict the prognosis of patients and aid in creating personalized immuno- and targeted therapy for patients in HCC.
Zinc metabolism and its role in immunity status in subjects with trisomy 21: chromosomal dosage effect
Authors: Ramacieri Giuseppe , Locatelli Chiara , Semprini Michela , Pelleri Maria Chiara , Caracausi Maria , Piovesan Allison , Cicilloni Michela , Vigna Marco , Vitale Lorenza , Sperti Giacomo , Corvaglia Luigi Tommaso , Pirazzoli Gian Luca , Strippoli Pierluigi , Catapano Francesca , Vione Beatrice , Antonaros Francesca
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Trisomy 21 (T21), which causes Down syndrome (DS), is the most common chromosomal aneuploidy in humankind and includes different clinical comorbidities, among which the alteration of the immune system has a heavy impact on patient’s lives. A molecule with an important role in immune response is zinc and it is known that its concentration is significantly lower in children with T21. Different hypotheses were made about this metabolic alteration and one of the reasons might be the overexpression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene, as zinc is part of the SOD1 active enzymatic center.

Methods

The aim of our work is to explore if there is a linear correlation between zinc level and immune cell levels measured in a total of 217 blood samples from subjects with T21. Furthermore, transcriptome map analyses were performed using Transcriptome Mapper (TRAM) software to investigate whether a difference in gene expression is detectable between subjects with T21 and euploid control group in tissues and cells involved in the immune response such as lymphoblastoid cells, thymus and white blood cells.

Results

Our results have confirmed the literature data stating that the blood zinc level in subjects with T21 is lower compared to the general population; in addition, we report that the T21/control zinc concentration ratio is 2:3, consistent with a chromosomal dosage effect due to the presence of three copies of chromosome 21. The transcriptome map analyses showed an alteration of some gene’s expression which might explain low levels of zinc in the blood.

Discussion

Our data suggest that zinc level is not associated with the levels of immunity cells or proteins analyzed themselves and rather the main role of this ion might be played in altering immune cell function.