bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palliative Care: Multidisciplinary Approach to People With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Castro Ivana Monique Corpes , Franco Mariane Cordeiro Alves
Published: December 2023

Objective: to analyze palliative care provided by a multidisciplinary team to people with traumatic brain injury, according to the literature.
Methodology: We opted for an Integrative Literature Review, of a qualitative type with a descriptive approach. To assist in collection, the PICo acromion strategy was used, with a time frame from 2018 to 2023, the data was analyzed according to the Bardin content method.
Results: The literature search resulted in a total of 479 publications for pre-selected and identified terms, only 16 articles were included in the review. From the analysis of the results on multidisciplinary care, two categories were created to expose the scientific evidence on “palliative care in neurological patients” and the “multidisciplinary team approach to people with Traumatic Brain Injury”. Therefore, palliative care is considered relevant in the performance of care for people with Traumatic Brain Injury, as it establishes a competent bias for the patient's therapeutic process, including physical, mental, affective and social attention and care, improving the quality of care for patients. and their families.
Conclusion: It is concluded that this review allowed recognizing the relevance of palliative care for trauma patients, their families and even their health teams, as they work in planning and implementing improvements in intensive care, through an approach qualification and integrated, respecting patients and their families.
Integrated mRNA- and miRNA-sequencing analyses unveil the underlying mechanism of tobacco pollutant-induced developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Zhong Xiaoping , Chen Jiasheng , Lin Yuxin , Geng Deyi , Chen Wanxian , Han Rui , Yuan Liang , Li Hao , Tang Shijie , Zheng Shukai
Published: December 2023

Tobacco pollutants are prevalent in the environment, leading to inadvertent exposure of pregnant females. Although there are studies examining the toxic effects of these pollutants on the development, they are not yet able to fully elucidate the potential underlying mechanisms. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the developmental toxicity induced by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) at concentrations of 0.25%, 1%, and 2.5% using a zebrafish embryo toxicity test and integrated transcriptomic analysis of microRNA (miRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA). The findings revealed that CSE caused developmental toxicity, including increased mortality and decreased incubation rate, in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, CSE induced malformations and apoptosis, specifically in the head and heart of zebrafish larvae. mRNA- and miRNA-sequencing analyses were used to compare changes in the expression of genes and miRNAs in zebrafish larvae. The results of bioinformatics analysis indicate that the mechanism underlying CSE-induced developmental toxicity was associated with genetic material damage, apoptosis disorder, as well as lipid metabolism disturbance. Morever, the enrichment analysis and RT-qPCR analysis results shown ctsba gene play crucial function in embryo developmental apoptosis, whereas fads2 gene mainly regulated lipid metabolic toxicity. The results of this study improve the current understanding of CSE-induced developmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos and contribute insights for the formulation of novel preventive strategies against tobacco pollutants during early embryonic development.
A Qualitative Analysis of Patient Narratives Describing Experiences of Radiotherapy for Gynaecological Cancer: Impacts on Social, Personal and Sexual Lives
Authors: Ashmore Lisa Anne , Stewart Hilary , Kragh-Furbo Mette , Hutton Daniel , Salisbury Lorraine , Singleton Corinne , Singleton Vicky
Published: December 2023

Background: Studies that have gathered patient experiences of radiotherapy for gynaecological cancers have described anguish related to body image, lack of control, social isolation, lack of social support, mystification and self-criticism. Frequently, outward experiences of side effects are presented as ‘necessary suffering’ hampering attempts to gain understanding of what can be done to offer adequate support.
This project aimed to address this gap in understanding through analysis of detailed patient accounts of how radiotherapy impacts on their bodies and their social, personal and sexual lives.
Methods: A qualitative study by means of collection of narratives (written, audio or video recorded journal entries) was conducted between September 2020 and August 2021. 34 women submitted narratives relating to their experiences of radiotherapy treatment for cervical, endometrial, vulval or ovarian cancer. Participants had all received radiotherapy for gynaecological cancer up to 25 years previous.
Results: The most prominent feature of the narratives related to patients not being listened to or not being heard. Seven principal areas for developing conversations for support were identified. Conversations about: (1) Life, (2) Treatment, (3) Late Effects, (4) Communication, (5) Sexual Selves, (6) Dignity and (7) Trauma.
Conclusions: The study offers insights into the experience of undergoing radiotherapy for gynaecological cancer and the support required. Further work needs to be done on improving listening to patients’ experiences and ensuring care is patient centred moving forward.
Neural-network sliding mode control of nonlinear systems via a fuzzy integral switching function
Authors: Fan Xiaofei , Li Tao , Tian Yufeng , Miao Guoying
Published: December 2023

A neural-network fuzzy sliding mode control (NNFSMC) problem for nonlinear systems via a fuzzy integral switching function (FISF) is investigated in this paper. Different from the existing results on sliding mode control (SMC), a novel FISF is presented to fully utilize the fuzzy membership functions, which is consisted by the four parts. The fuzzy membership functions and state variables are together used to design the first two terms of FISF. Meanwhile, an integral term on a derivative of fuzzy membership function is considered to design the last term. Combining with the designed FISF, a Gaussian radial basic neural network is used to design a NNFSMC law, which can effectively reduce the amplitude of the high-frequency chattering. Furthermore, a fuzzy Lyapunov method and a switching idea are applied to analyze the asymptotical stability of the developed systems, which can reduce the conservatism of asymptotic stability criteria. In the end, the availability and advantages of the proposed theoretical results can be verified via two simulations.
Association of serum Vitamin D 、C-reactive protein with multiple causes of death outcomes in obese adult population: The United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001 to 2006
Authors: Dong YuanJie , Tang Xuanfeng , Wang Ruohua , Li Xiaoqing , Lv Xinyi , Niu Yucun
Published: December 2023

Background Levels of chronic inflammation are common in individuals with obesity, and recent studies have indicated a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among this population. However, studies on the relationship between vitamin D levels and C reactive protein (CRP) levels which is the markers of inflammation in the body and the risk of death remain unclear.
Purpose This study focuses on the association between serum vitamin D (25(OH)D), CRP, and mortality risk and whether there is an association for mortality risk in different dietary inflammatory structures in obese adults.
Methods This study included 4,469 adults with obesity from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). A multivariate adjusted weighted Cox model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for multiple causes of death outcomes.
Results 25(OH)D level is significantly negatively associated with the risk of all-cause mortality. According to results of the joint action analysis, it was found that HCLD group had the highest risk of all-cause mortality compared to the LCHD group. There was a significant interaction between vitamin D and CRP in the risk of all-cause mortality (p=0.006). Furthermore, the interaction between two makers were particularly evident in the pro-inflammatory dietary pattern.
Conclusions 25(OH)D level is closely related to the risk of all-cause mortality. In particular, the risk of all cause death is highest among individuals with high CRP and low serum levels of vitamin D. Moreover, there is a significant interaction between 25(OH)D and CRP, especially in pro-inflammatory diets.
Calculations and Strategies to Mitigate Edge Phenomena in Planar Capacitors
Authors: JEBRI Zaineb , ALI Mahfoudh TALEB
Published: December 2023

An analysis of edge effects in planar capacitors with parallel electrodes is presented in this article. Many electronic applications utilize capacitors, and understanding the phenomena around their edges is crucial to their design and optimization. Our research explores in detail the distribution of electric fields and electric potential near electrodes using models and methods based on Maxwell's principles and Gauss's theorem. Divergent electric fields can create edge effects, which affect capacitor performance by creating edge effects. A circular electrode shape is one of the strategies we present to mitigate these effects. The implications of these findings in the field of electronics and related technologies are discussed in the final section.
Phenotyping Refractory Cardiogenic Shock Patients Receiving Venous-arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation with Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Wang Shuo , Wang Liangshan , Du Zhongtao , Hao Xing , Wang Xiaomeng , Shao Chengcheng , Wang Hong , Li Chenglong , Hou Xiaotong , Feng Yang
Published: December 2023

Background
Refractory cardiogenic shock (CS) is a heterogeneous clinical condition differing widely in mortality. This research phenotyped CS patients receiving venous-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) by machine learning algorithm to explain the potential heterogeneity.
Methods
A prospective cohort of CS patients receiving VA-ECMO support were enrolled and analyzed. After strict machine learning (ML) methods generating and verifying cluster-determined variables, algorithm based on these covariates generated certain clusters with distinct clinical outcomes, hence the clinical and laboratory profiles were analyzed.
Results
Among 210 CS patients receiving ECMO, 148 (70.5%) were men, with a median age of 62 years. Overall, 142 (67.6%) survived on ECMO, and 104 (49.5%) patients survived to discharge. The patients were phenotyped into three clusters: (1) “platelet preserved (I)” Phenotype [36 (17.1%) patients], characterized by preserved platelet count; (2) “hyperinflammatory (II)” phenotype [72 (34.3%) patients], characterized by a significant inflammatory state; and (3) “hepatic-renal (III)” phenotype [102 (48.6%) patients], characterized by unfavorable conditions in hepatic and renal functions tests. The in-hospital mortality rates were 25.0%, 52.8%, and 55.9% for phenotypes I, II, and III, respectively (P = 0.005).
Conclusion
The research explored three phenotypes in refractory CS patients receiving VA-ECMO with distinct clinical profile and mortality. Early recognition and intervention can conduce to manage patients presenting unfavorable signs.
Minimum acceptable diet and its associated factors among 6–23 months old children enrolled in Outpatient therapeutic program in the Tulla District, Sidama region, Ethiopia : A community- based cross-sectional study
Authors: Markos Mesfin , Samuel Beniyam
Published: December 2023

Background: Improving MAD is essential for ensuring optimal growth and development of children, as well as preventing malnutrition and its consequences. Previous studies in Ethiopia have focused on the magnitude and determinants of a minimum adequate diet. However, much emphasis was not given to minimum acceptable diet and its associated factorsamong 6–23 months old children enrolled in Outpatient therapeutic program, particularly, in the study area. This study determines minimum acceptable diet and its associated factorsamong 6–23 months old children enrolled in Outpatient therapeutic program.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 346 randomly selected mothers with children aged 6–23 months who were admitted to the OTP. The data were collected using structured questionnaires. Data entry and cleaning were exported to SPSS version 26 for further analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the determinants of an adequate diet.
Results: The overall prevalence of minium Acceptable diet among children aged 6–23 months was 14.5% (95% CI: 12.02%-19%). The odds of adequate diet were 1.9 times higher among children aged 18–23 months compared to children aged 6-11 months (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI ((1.2 3.9). The odds of adequate diet 2.9 times higher in children whose caregiver had greater than 70 percent of knowledge on recommended feeding (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI (1.2, 6.35). The odds of adequate diet to the children were 81 percent less likely in a caregiver who did not attend formal education compared to their counter part (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.24, 4.19).
Conclusion: The practice of minimum acceptable diet is inadequate. Nutrition education should be emphasized to improve the mothers’ nutrition knowledge regarding infant and young child feeding recommendations, to support mothers in overcoming barriers to feeding their children with adequate diets, and to foster complementary feeding practices for malinourished children.
Does forage type matter? Exploring opportunities for improved index- based livestock insurance using browse and grazing forage estimates
Authors: Kahiu Njoki , Anchang Julius , Alulu Vincent , Fava Francesco , Jensen Nathan , Hanan Niall
Published: December 2023

African pastoralists suffer recurrent droughts that cause high livestock mortality and vulnerability to climate change. The index-based livestock insurance (IBLI) program offers protection against drought impacts. However, the current IBLI design relying on the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) may pose limitation because it does not consider the mixed composition of rangelands (including herbaceous and woody plants) and the diverse feeding habits of grazers and browsers. To enhance IBLI, we assess the efficacy of utilizing distinct browse and grazing forage estimates from woody LAI (LAIW) and herbaceous LAI (LAIH), respectively, derived from aggregate leaf area index (LAIA), as an alternative to NDVI for refined IBLI design. Using historical livestock mortality data from northern Kenya as reference ground dataset, our analysis compares two competing models for i) aggregate forage estimates including sub-models for NDVI, LAI (LAIA); and ii) partitioned biomass model (LAIP) comprising LAIH and LAIW. By integrating forage estimates with ancillary environmental variables, we find that LAIP, with separate forage estimates, outperforms the aggregate models. For total livestock mortality, LAIP yields the lowest RMSE (5.9 TLUs) and higher R2 (0.83), surpassing NDVI and LAIA models RMSE (9.3 TLUs) and R2 (0.6). A similar pattern is observed for species-specific livestock mortality. The influence of environmental variables across the models varied, depending on level of mortality aggregation or separation. Overall, forage availability was consistently the most influential variable, with species-specific models showing the different forage preferences in various animal types. These results suggest that deriving distinct browse and grazing forage estimates from LAIP has the potential to reduce basis risk by enhancing IBLI index accuracy.
Use of Image Analysis in the Evaluation of Radicular Nodules in Chickpeas
Authors: Padilha Karla Sabrina Magalhães Andrade , Silva Pedro Vitor de Souza , Azevedo Alcinei Místico , Barroso Aline Martins Ferreira , Soares Verônica Aparecida Santos Ferreira , Bicalho Silvana Ferreira , Pegoraro Rodinei Facco
Published: December 2023

Through the use of computational systems, it is possible to employ a wide range of statistical techniques, available as open-source code, to perform various assessments in plants. This study aims to demonstrate the application of image analysis in the context of evaluating root nodules in chickpea plants, aiming to standardize a methodology. The research was conducted in the field, where roots were collected, cleaned, and photographed in a studio using a camera with ISO320, SPEED 1/1500 F1.5 M0.6, WB490K. Image analyses were carried out using R software. Parameters related to roots and nodules were obtained, including root area (cm2), nodule area (cm²), the percentage of nodules in relation to roots, and the number of nodules. Comparing the method with conventional approaches showed efficiency, highlighting the effectiveness of this tool for the intended purpose. It is concluded that the use of the developed methodology can be successfully applied to the analysis of nodules and root systems, providing the evaluation of various parameters with precision, reducing labor costs, and saving time.
TFinder: a Python web tool for predicting Transcription Factor Binding Sites
Authors: Minniti Julien , Duplan Eric , Checler Frédéric , Costa Cristine Alves da
Published: December 2023

Background: Transcription is a key cell process that consists in synthesizing several copies of RNA from a gene DNA sequence. This process is highly regulated and closely linked to the ability of transcription factors to bind specifically to DNA. TFinder is an easy-to-use Python web portal allowing the identification of Individual Motifs (IM) such as Transcription Factor Binding Sites (TFBS).
Results: Using the NCBI API, TFinder extracts either promoter or gene terminal regulatory regions, through a simple query of NCBI gene name or ID. It enables simultaneous analysis across five different species for an unlimited number of genes. TFinder searches for Individual Motifs in different formats, including IUPAC codes and JASPAR entries. Moreover, TFinder also allows de novo generation of a Position Weight Matrix (PWM) and the use of already established PWM. Finally, the data are provided in a tabular and a graph format showing the relevance and the P-value of the Individual Motifs found as well as their location relative to the Transcription Start Site (TSS) or the terminal region of the gene. The results are then sent by email to users facilitating the subsequent data analysis and sharing.
Conclusion: TFinder is written in Python and freely available on GitHub under the MIT license: https://github.com/Jumitti/TFinder. It can be accessed as a web application implemented in Streamlit at https://tfinder-ipmc.streamlit.app. Resources are available on Streamlit “Resources” tab. TFINDER strenght is that it relies in an all in one intuitive tool allowing users inexperienced with bioinformatics tools to retrieve gene regulatory regions sequences in multiple species and to search for individual motifs in huge number of genes.
Hypothesis testing and sample size considerations for the test-negative design
Authors: Huo Yanan , Yang Yang , Halloran M. Elizabeth , Longini Ira M. , Dean Natalie E.
Published: December 2023

The test-negative design (TND) is an observational study design to evaluate vaccine effectiveness (VE) that enrolls individuals receiving diagnostic testing for a target disease as part of routine care. VE is estimated as one minus the adjusted odds ratio of testing positive versus negative comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. Although the TND is related to case-control studies, it is distinct in that the ratio of test-positive cases to test-negative controls is not typically pre-specified. For both types of studies, sparse cells are common when vaccines are highly effective. We consider the implications of these features on power for the TND. We use simulation studies to explore three hypothesis-testing procedures and associated sample size calculations for case-control and TND studies. These tests, all based on a simple logistic regression model, are a standard Wald test, a continuity-corrected Wald test, and a score test. The Wald test performs poorly in both case-control and TND when VE is high because the number of vaccinated test-positive cases can be low or zero. Continuity corrections help to stabilize the variance but induce bias. We observe superior performance with the score test as the variance is pooled under the null hypothesis of no group differences. We recommend using a score-based approach to design and analyze both case-control and TND. We propose a modification to the TND score sample size to account for additional variability in the ratio of controls over cases. This work expands our understanding of the data mechanisms of the TND.
HLFVF Dietary Pattern Might Decrease the Risk of Multiple Chronic Diseases Among Older Adults
Authors: Mao Danhui , Liang Moxuan , Li Honggang , Wang Shixun , Cheng Hui
Published: December 2023

Background: The prevalence of multiple chronic diseases among older adults is as high as 36.1%, posing a risk to their well-being and imposing a financial burden on them. Optimal dietary patterns have a positive effect on multiple chronic diseases. This study aimed to determine the influences of dietary patterns on multiple chronic diseases among older adults.
Methods: Dietary food consumption was assessed through two non-consecutive 24-hour dietary recalls. The presence of multiple chronic diseases was assessed based on the existence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, sleep disorders, diabetes, moderate or severe depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairment, with two or more of these conditions being considered. Latent class analysis was used to identify types of multiple chronic diseases, and two-step cluster analysis was used to determine individual dietary patterns. Logistic regression analysis with robust standard errors was conducted to determine the associations between dietary patterns and types of multiple chronic diseases.
Results: 3Three dietary patterns (HLFVF, HGS-LMFF, and HME-LGS) and three types of multiple chronic diseases (LdHoElcf, LsHo, and HsLo) were identified. Individuals following the HLFVF dietary pattern had a 59% lower risk of developing LdHoElcf multiple chronic diseases than those following the HME-LGS dietary pattern (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.27–0.64, P < 0.001) and a 66% lower risk of developing LsHo multiple chronic diseases than those following the HGS-LMFF dietary pattern (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.14–0.87, P < 0.05).
Discussion: The HLFVF dietary pattern may serve as a healthy dietary pattern to reduce the risk of multiple chronic diseases and should be promoted among the older adult population.
Origin and generation mechanism of type-A Cs-bearing microparticles from Fukushima Daiichi
Authors: Laffolley Hugo , Journeau Christophe , Grambow Bernd
Published: December 2023

The Fukushima Daiichi accident resulted in the release of a novel form of radioactive Cs contamination into the environment, called Cs-bearing microparticles (CsMP). CsMPs constitute a substantial portion of the radioactive pollution near the nuclear power station and traveled beyond several hundred kilometers. Extensive characterization of the CsMPs revealed an amorphous silica matrix, along with Cs and other minor or trace elements such as Fe and Zn. This study explores the unclear generation mechanism of CsMPs by conducting experimental molten core concrete interactions (MCCI) as a source of Si and analyzing the resultant aerosols. The findings demonstrate that MCCI is in capacity to produce spherical submicronic and micronic particles, primarily composed of amorphous silica and incorporating elements akin to CsMPs. A humid atmosphere is found to favour an even closer chemical composition. Examination of the internal structure of the synthesized particles unveils numerous crystalline nanoinclusions, similar to those observed in CsMPs, possibly serving as nucleation sites for CsMP formation through the condensation of Si-rich vapors.
Alternating Graph-Regularized Neural Network for Adaptive Beamforming in 5G milli meter wave Massive MIMO Multicellular Networks
Authors: BOLLA SANDHYA , SINGH MANWINDER
Published: December 2023

The idea of ultra-dense networking (UDN) has been more and more popular in recent years as a potential way to increase energy efficiency (EE), spectral efficiency (SE) over tiny geographic areas. However, since channel state information (CSI) is necessary, deployment of large number of Access Points may not only significantly increase signaling burden but also take advantage of the pilot contamination effect. To overcome this issue, present an Alternating Graph-Regularized Neural Network for Adaptive Beamforming in 5G Milli Metre Wave Massive MIMO Multicellular Networks (AGNN-ABM-MIMO-MCN) is proposed. When each active base stations of evaluated orientations use huge multiple-input, multiple-output setups, here, beamforming is carried out with aid of preset set of configurations by appropriately producing higher directional beams on demand, can handle variety of traffic circumstances. Then, Beam forming approach depend on AGNN, which is trained to generate appropriate beam forming configuration. In general, AGNN classifier does not describe modifying optimization techniques to identify optimal parameters to beamforming configuration. Therefore, it is proposed to use Tyrannosaurus Optimization Algorithm (TOA) to optimize Alternating Graph-regularized Neural Network, which accurately generates the beamforming configuration. The proposed method is analyzed with different metrics likes Energy Efficiency, Spectral efficiency, Normalized Mean-Squared Error, Latency, Bit Error Rate, blocking probability and computational complexity. The simulation outcomes proves that the proposed technique attains provides 21.25%, 23.19% and 22.14% lower NMSE, 23.12%, 24.43% and 21.32% lower latency, 23.25%, 22.19% and 25.32% higher Spectral Efficiency while analyzed with existing techniques likes machine learning adaptive beamforming framework for 5G millimeter wave massive MIMO multi cellular networks (MLAB-MMWM-MIMO), deep learning-enabled relay node placement with selection framework in multicellular networks (DL-ERN-MCN) and deep learning framework for beam selection with power control in massive MIMO-millimeter-wave communications (DLF-BSPC-MIMO) respectively.
Anopheles’ development kinetic and longevity through different seasons in Burkina Faso
Authors: Djègbè Nicaise D. C. , Da Dari F. , Somé Bernard M. , Paré Lawata Inès G. , Cissé Fatoumata , Mamai Wadaka , Mouline Karine , Sawadogo Simon P. , Challenger Joseph D. , Churcher Thomas S. , Dabiré Roch K.
Published: December 2023

Background
Anopheles are ectothermic mosquitoes involved in numerous pathogens transmission. Their life-history traits are influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity and photoperiodicity. Despite extensive investigations of these environmental conditions on vectors populations ecology, their impact on the different life stages of Anopheles at different seasons in the year remains little explored. This study reports the potential impact of these abiotic factors during different seasons on the immature stages and adults of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l).
Methods
Environmental conditions were simulated in the laboratory using incubators to mimic two important periods of the year in Burkina Faso: the peak of rainy season (August) and the onset of dry season (December). An. gambiae s.l. were reared in parallel under these environmental conditions. Then, the mosquito’s life history traits were evaluated, including egg hatching rate, pupation rate, larval development time, larva-to-pupae development time, adult emergence dynamics and longevity of An. gambiae s.l.
Results
A best egg hatching was recorded overall in conditions mimicking the onset of the dry season than at the peak of the rainy season. Larval development time and longevity of female An. gambiae s.l. were significantly longer at the onset of the dry season compared to which recorded at the peak of the rainy season. The adult emergence was spread over 48h and 96h under the peak of the rainy season and the onset of the dry season conditions respectively. This duration of 96h in the controlled conditions of the onset of the dry season was also observed in the semi-field conditions of the onset of the dry season.
Conclusion
The impact of temperature and relative humidity on immature stages and longevity of An. gambiae sl females differed under both conditions. These findings contribute to a better understanding of vector population dynamics throughout different seasons of the year and may facilitate tailoring control strategies.
On the constructive aspects of the topological approach to define bifurcation points in applied problems
Authors: Vavilov Sergey
Published: December 2023

The present study deals with the detection of bifurcation points in the problems that are not covered by the well-known conventional methods. The approach based on the non standard application of the topological degree of mapping notion is used to tackle the challenge. Universality of the involved mathematical tool to explore the wide scope of problems is demonstrated. Generalization of classical Hopf bifurcation Theorem on the case of functional differential equations is given.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). 34C23, 34C25, 39A28, 46N20, 47G20, 47H11.
Posterior parietal cortex oscillatory activity shapes persistent spatial memory impairments induced by soluble amyloid-β oligomers
Authors: Djebari Souhail , Contreras Ana , Jimenez-Herrera Raquel , Castro-Andres Victor , Iborra-Lazaro Guillermo , Sanchez-Campusano Raudel , Jimenez-Diaz Lydia , Navarro-Lopez Juan D.
Published: December 2023

Background: In early stages of Alzheimer's disease (AD), soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) is a key player disrupting neuronal activity and contributing to cognitive decline in advanced stages of the disease. While the hippocampus has been a central focus in prior research due to its susceptibility to Aβ-induced alterations, a comprehensive understanding of early AD pathology requires exploring interconnected brain regions. The posterior parietal cortex (PPC), collaborating closely with the hippocampus and involved in various memory processes, particularly spatial memory formation, holds particular significance. Investigating the PPC's function is imperative, as it may contribute to early AD characteristics and provide a more holistic perspective on disease progression.
Methods: To address this gap, we examined the relationship between neural oscillations and memory processes in the PPC and hippocampus in a mouse model of early hippocampal amyloidosis generated by intracerebroventricular oligomeric Aβ1-42 (oAβ1‑42) injections by performing in vivo oscillatory activity recordings from these regions in alert animals, together with spatial and habituation memory tests (Barnes maze and open field habituation).
Results: We found oAβ1-42 to induce significant alterations in PPC oscillatory activity emerging several days after hippocampal disturbances showed by aberrant long-term potentiation (LTP) and network activity. Additionally, non-significant alterations of stereotyped behaviors were found.
Conclusions: Our results indicate that these atypical patterns provide insight into the persistent spatial memory deficits observed in our amyloidosis model and the temporal progression of the deleterious effects caused by Aβ. Furthermore, they support the potential use of PPC oscillatory activity as a valuable tool for early detection and intervention in AD.
Primary Care utilisation in different patients’ profiles: findings from a Spanish population-based cohort with cardiovascular risk factors.
Authors: Malo Sara , Maldonado Lina , Rabanaque María José , Bengoa Irantzu , Castel-Feced Sara , Sánchez-Calavera María Antonia , Aguilar-Palacio Isabel
Published: December 2023

Background
Chronic patients with higher complexity are those with the greatest need for care and to whom, foreseeably, more health care should be provided, especially at the Primary Care level. This study aimed to identify profiles of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, based on their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and to analyse how their complexity is related to their frequency of visits in Primary Care.
Methods
Observational longitudinal study conducted in the CArdiovascular Risk factors for HEalth Services research (CARhES) cohort. Individuals older than 15, resident in Aragón (Spain), with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and/or dyslipidaemia in 2017 were selected and followed-up until 2021. Secondary use of data from health system provided sociodemographic, clinical and healthcare services utilisation information. Cluster analyses were performed to identify patients’ profiles according to age, sex and morbidity burden. Characteristics and annual visits in Primary Care in the different profiles were described. Panel data models were applied to study the variability of the frequency of visits to both physicians and nurses in Primary Care in the profiles across different time points.
Results
In this population-based cohort of 436,601 individuals, different profiles were identified among those with hypertension, type 2 DM and/or dyslipidaemia. Profiles comprising the elderly and the women, up to the age of 80 years, showed the greatest morbidity burden. This higher complexity was associated with higher frequency of Primary Care visits, regardless of the patient’s socioeconomic level and depopulation level of his/her Basic Health Area.
Conclusions
Women and the elderly comprised the profiles with the greatest morbidity burden and the higher Primary Care attendance. Tailoring care and resources according to the complexity profile is essential to ensure that the patient receives the best possible care based on their needs.
Experiment and Smith, Watson and Topper model parameter to correlate fatigue life of rail steel
Authors: Tawfik M Nur , Padzi M M , Abdullah S , Harmanto Dani
Published: December 2023

This paper examines the correlation of fatigue life of R260 steel with using experiment and Smith,Watson and Topper model parameter. In order to correlation the fatigue life, three specimens have been used in testing for tensile strength in gaining properties of mechanical and eighteen specimens used for fatigue testing with using Servo-Pulser fatigue machine less 100 kN. In the meantime, the strain gauges were attaching to all specimens to measure the strain amplitude with one to one specimen during in run fatigue testing. All specimens were prepared in accordance standard E466-15 dimension and setting with R=-1 as fully reversed at room temperature with using constant loading amplitude and frequency of 10Hz. The main findings show that both experiment and SWT model parameter the best fit and a good agreement for correlation fatigue life.
Enrichment of a neutrophil-like monocyte transcriptional state
in glioblastoma myeloid suppressor cells
Authors: Wiencke John , Nissen Emily , Koestler Devin , Tamaki Stanley , Tamaki Courtney , Hansen Helen , Warrier Gayathri , Hadad Sara , McCoy Lucie , Rice Terri , Clarke Jennifer , Taylor Jennie , Salas Lucas , Christensen Brock , Kelsey Karl , Butler Rondi , Molinaro Annette
Published: December 2023

Glioblastomas (GBM) are lethal central nervous system cancers associated with tumor and systemic immunosuppression. Heterogeneous monocyte myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSC) are implicated in the altered immune response in GBM, but M-MDSC ontogeny and definitive phenotypic markers are unknown. Using single-cell transcriptomics, we revealed heterogeneity in blood M-MDSC from GBM subjects and an enrichment in a transcriptional state reminiscent of neutrophil-like monocytes (NeuMo), a newly described pathway of monopoiesis in mice. Human NeuMo gene expression and Neu-like deconvolution fraction algorithms were created to quantitate the enrichment of this transcriptional state in GBM subjects. NeuMo populations were also observed in M-MDSCs from lung and head and neck cancer subjects. Dexamethasone (DEX) and prednisone exposures increased the usage of Neu-like states, which were inversely associated with tumor purity and survival in isocitrate dehydrogenase wildtype (IDH WT) gliomas. Anti-inflammatory ZC3HA12/Regnase-1 transcripts were highly correlated with NeuMo expression in tumors and in blood M-MDSC from GBM, lung, and head and neck cancer subjects. Additional novel transcripts of immune-modulating proteins were identified. Collectively, these findings provide a framework for understanding the heterogeneity of M-MDSCs in GBM as cells with different clonal histories and may reshape approaches to study and therapeutically target these cells.
Evidence of the neuroprotective potential of NeuroEPO in preclinical studies and clinical trials: A systematic review
Authors: Fernández Gisselle , Pérez Carlos L , Román Olivia I , Fernández Tammy
Published: December 2023

Introduction
Neuroprotection is an essential purpose in the treatment of neurological disorders and several investigations have evaluated the usefulness of NeuroEPO in preclinical studies and clinical trials.
Objective
To evaluate the neuroprotective potential of NeuroEPO in neurological disorders.
Material and Methods
A systematic review of original articles in Spanish and English was conducted using PRISMA methodology, guided by the question: Is NeuroEPO a safe and effective therapeutic candidate for neuroprotection in neurological disorders? LILACS and PubMed databases, and Google Scholar search engine were used.
Results
With the strategy followed, a total of 20 articles were included for synthesis and review. Preclinical studies were conducted in biomodels of cerebral ischemia and Alzheimer's disease, while clinical trials were conducted in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Safety, tolerability, and efficacy of NeuroEPO were found when administered intranasally with varying doses, frequency of administration, and duration of intervention. Neuroprotective effects were observed in all studies, and some molecular mechanisms mediating these effects were evidenced.
Conclusions
NeuroEPO has been reported to be a safe product, without hematopoietic effects, and well tolerated intranasally, which provides benefits in conditions of ischemic or degenerative brain damage by stimulating endogenous neuroprotection mechanisms with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic action. The results support the continuity of studies aimed at enriching the scientific evidence of the potential of NeuroEPO for the treatment of neurological disorders.
WOSES: A Word Segmentation-Enhanced Framework for Chinese Spelling Check
Authors: Li Fangfang , Tang Dafu , Mao Xingliang , Shan Youran , Duan Junwen
Published: December 2023

Chinese spelling check (CSC) is a critical task in processing Chinese texts, impacting a variety of down-streaming tasks, such as information retrieval and search optimization applications. Traditional CSC methods have primarily focused on character-level phonetic and graphic information, often neglecting the crucial role of word segmentation. Our preliminary study reveals that typos frequently lead to incorrect word segmentation, and appropriately identifying word boundaries significantly enhances CSC accuracy. To address this gap, we introduce the Word Segmentation-Enhanced Speller (WOSES), a novel framework that uniquely incorporates word segmentation into the spelling correction process. WOSES is further developed into two distinct variants: the Hierarchical Word Speller (H-WSpeller) and the Word Speller (WSpeller). While both share a common architecture, they differ in their submodule interaction mechanisms, with H-WSpeller focusing on a layered approach and WSpeller employing parallel processing for enhanced efficiency. Our evaluation, conducted using benchmark datasets SIGHAN13, SIGHAN14, and SIGHAN15, demonstrates the effectiveness of our methods. On SIGHAN13 and SIGHAN15, WOSES variants outperform state-of-the-art models, and they achieve comparable results on SIGHAN14. Crucially, our analysis shows that incorporating word segmentation, whether derived from the original text or predicted, significantly boosts the CSC performance, underscoring the importance of this aspect in CSC tasks.
What are the perspectives of the circular economy in Kazakhstan?
Authors: Bralina Assiya
Published: December 2023

This research study aims to investigate the perspectives of the circular economy in Kazakhstan. The research question is based on the necessity to transform from a linear economy to a circular economy, which promotes sustainable production and consumption practices. The study examines the effects of the circular economy in the construction, plastic industry, and recycling sectors. The study draws on international examples of countries that have successfully implemented circular economy principles and the strategies they have used to achieve sustainability goals. In addition, the study presents the results of surveys and interviews conducted with a teacher, students, a civil engineer, and an ecologist, to assess their perspectives on the circular economy in Kazakhstan. The findings suggest that the circular economy has the potential to contribute to the country's sustainable development goals by reducing waste, conserving resources, and improving economic efficiency. The study concludes that there is a need for policymakers, industry leaders, and consumers to adopt circular economy principles and promote sustainable practices in Kazakhstan.
Time to Death and Its Predictors Among Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease on Hemodialysis at Dialysis Unit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Haile Azeb , Birhanu Adamu , Kolola Tufa , Etana Diriba , Hamza Lenja
Published: December 2023

Background
Over 10% of the world's population suffers from chronic kidney disease, which is the primary cause of death in the twenty-first century and it progresses over time. Furthermore, it places a heavy financial strain on those receiving hemodialysis. The time to death and its predictors among hemodialysis patients in Ethiopia, have not been extensively studied. As a result, improving survival rates and improving the prognosis of hemodialysis patients requires an understanding of time to death and the predictors that influence it.
Methods
Institution-based retrospective cohort study was carried out among 370 chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis from January 1st, 2017 to December 30th, 2022. Data were extracted from April 1st -May 20th, 2023, and each variable was coded and entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and then exported into STATA version 15 software for analysis. Kaplan-Meier and the log-rank test was done. Bivariable Cox-proportional regression was done, and a variables whose p-value < 0.25 and fulfilled proportional hazard assumption were entered into multivariable Cox-proportional regression. Finally, a variable whose p-value < 0.05 and Adjusted hazard ratio with its CI was declared statistically significant predictors for time to death.
Result
In this study the overall median survival time was 47 month (95% CI: 36.7, 56), with incidence rate of death 16.8/1000 person-month of observation (95% CI: 13.8–20.3). Age 64 and above (Adjusted Hazard Ration: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.67–4.98), Catheter vascular access (Adjusted Hazard Ration 3.47; 95% CI: 2.03–5.93), Cardiovascular disease (Adjusted Hazard Ration 1.88; 95% CI: 1.15–3.07), blood group B (Adjusted Hazard Ration 2.07; 95% CI: 1.17– 3.69) were significant predictors of time to death among hemodialysis patients.
Conclusion and recommendation:
The incidence rate of death was 16.8/1000 person-months of observation, and the median survival time was 47 months with an Interquartile range of 40. Cardiovascular disease, older adults, central venous catheters, and blood type B were significant predictors of time to death for hemodialysis patients. Therefore, in order to improve the survival of hemodialysis patients, health professionals should pay attention and work on those predictors.
Functional Characterization of a Novel Genetic Variant in Desmin (p.Glu353dup) Causing Myofibrillar Myopathy and Generation of Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Disease Modeling
Authors: Castañeda Sheila , Amin Guadalupe , Zabalegui Federico , Freiberger Maria Ines , Belli Carolina , Renes Sol , Fernandez Agata , Rosa Alberto Luis , Cejas Claudia , Rueda José Manuel Pastor , Waisman Ariel , Ferreiro Diego U. , Sevlever Gustavo , Miriuka Santiago , Moro Lucia Natalia
Published: December 2023

Desmin (DES) is a major intermediate filament protein crucial for the structural integrity and function of striated muscles. Mutations in DES have been associated with various forms of myopathies collectively known as "desminopathy." In this study, we identified a novel heterozygous mutation (c.1059_1061dupGGA) in exon 6 of DES in an Argentine family with myofibrillar myopathy. This mutation leads to the duplication of a glutamic acid residue at position 353 (p.Glu353dup) of the DES protein. Clinical and myo-pathological evaluations of the index patient revealed characteristic features of myofibrillar myopathy, including muscle weakness, atrophy, and muscle fatty replacement. In-silico analyses of DES dimer assembly revealed alterations in the coiled-coil structure and a more stable complex conformation when one or both monomers contain the mutation. Moreover, DES and vimentin (VIM) protein aggregates were observed in the membrane of HEK cells only when DES_dupGGA was overexpressed and not when wild-type DES was overexpressed. Both results suggest that p.Glu353dup mutation impairs the formation of a normal DES network after affecting its polymerization. To further investigate the disease mechanisms, patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated from the index patient, his siblings, and a CRISPR-edited DES_dupGGA homozygous variant derived from the index patient iPSCs. Characterization of these iPSCs demonstrated normal pluripotency, karyotype and the ability to differentiate into cell types representing the three germ layers. In summary, our study contributes to the understanding of the molecular basis of myofibrillar myopathy caused by a novel DES mutation. The combination of clinical, molecular, and iPSC-based approaches offers insights into the pathogenesis of desminopathies and opens new possibilities for therapeutic development and precision medicine strategies.