bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N-terminal titin fragment: a non-invasive, pharmacodynamic biomarker for microdystrophin efficacy
Authors: Boehler Jessica F. , Brown Kristy J. , Ricotti Valeria , Morris Carl A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Multiple clinical trials to assess the efficacy of AAV-directed gene transfer in participants with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are ongoing. The success of these trials currently relies on standard functional outcome measures that may exhibit variability within and between participants, rendering their use as sole measures of drug efficacy challenging. Given this, supportive objective biomarkers may be useful in enhancing observed clinical results. Creatine kinase (CK) is traditionally used as a diagnostic biomarker of DMD, but its potential as a robust pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarker is difficult due to the wide variability seen within the same participant over time. Thus, there is a need for the discovery and validation of novel PD biomarkers to further support and bolster traditional outcome measures of efficacy in DMD.

Method

Potential PD biomarkers in DMD participant urine were examined using a proteomic approach on the Somalogic platform. Findings were confirmed in both mdx mice and Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) dog plasma samples.

Results

Changes in the N-terminal fragment of titin, a well-known, previously characterized biomarker of DMD, were correlated with the expression of microdystrophin protein in mice, dogs, and humans. Further, titin levels were sensitive to lower levels of expressed microdystrophin when compared to CK.

Conclusion

The measurement of objective PD biomarkers such as titin may provide additional confidence in the assessment of the mechanism of action and efficacy in gene therapy clinical trials of DMD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03368742.
Cross-lagged analysis of rumination and social anxiety among Chinese college students
Authors: Wu Peibo , Cao Keyan , Feng Wenjing , Lv Shuai
Published: January 2024

Background

Social anxiety, which is widely prevalent among Chinese college students, poses a significant barrier to their holistic psychological and physiological development. Although numerous cross-sectional studies have examined the relationship between rumination and social anxiety, there is still a gap in understanding their interplay over time. This longitudinal study aimed to explore and analyze the intricate interrelations between these two factors, with the ultimate goal of informing the development of effective mental health education interventions for university students.

Methods

Using the Ruminative Responses Scale (RRS) and the Interaction Anxiousness Scale (IAS), a two-stage longitudinal follow-up study of 392 college students from three universities in Henan Province was conducted over a six-month period (October 2022 to March 2023) using a cross-lagged model to explore the correlation between rumination and social anxiety. The results of the correlation analysis showed that rumination was positively associated with social anxiety at both time points (r = 0.18,0.12, p < 0.01).

Results

Cross-lagged regression analyses revealed that the predictive effect of the first measure (T1) rumination on the second measure (T2) rumination was statistically significant (β = 0.32, p < 0.001). The predictive effect of T1 social anxiety on T2 social anxiety was statistically significant (β = 0.65, p < 0.001), the predictive effect of T1 rumination on T2 social anxiety was statistically significant (β = 0.33, p < 0.001), and the prediction of T1 social anxiety on T2 rumination was statistically significant (β = 0.28, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

College students’ rumination and social anxiety are mutually predictive of each other, and interventions by educators in either of these areas have the potential to interrupt the vicious cycle between ruminant thinking and social anxiety.
Exploring in-person self-led debriefings for groups of learners in simulation-based education: an integrative review
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Somerville Susan
Published: January 2024

Background

Facilitator-led debriefings are well-established for debriefing groups of learners in immersive simulation-based education. However, there has been emerging interest in self-led debriefings whereby individuals or groups of learners conduct a debriefing themselves, without the presence of a facilitator. How and why self-led debriefings influence debriefing outcomes remains undetermined.

Research aim

The aim of this study was to explore how and why in-person self-led debriefings influence debriefing outcomes for groups of learners in immersive simulation-based education.

Methods

An integrative review was conducted, searching seven electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, ERIC, SCOPUS, CINAHL Plus, PsychINFO) for peer-reviewed empirical studies investigating in-person self-led debriefings for groups of learners. Data were extracted, synthesised, and underwent reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Eighteen empirical studies identified through the search strategy were included in this review. There was significant heterogeneity in respect to study designs, aims, contexts, debriefing formats, learner characteristics, and data collection instruments. The synthesised findings of this review suggest that, across a range of debriefing outcome measures, in-person self-led debriefings for groups of learners following immersive simulation-based education are preferable to conducting no debriefing at all. In certain cultural and professional contexts, such as postgraduate learners and those with previous debriefing experience, self-led debriefings can support effective learning and may provide equivalent educational outcomes to facilitator-led debriefings or self-led and facilitator-led combination strategies. Furthermore, there is some evidence to suggest that self-led and facilitator-led combination approaches may optimise participant learning, with this approach warranting further research. Reflexive thematic analysis of the data revealed four themes, promoting self-reflective practice, experience and background of learners, challenges of conducting self-led debriefings and facilitation and leadership. Similar to facilitator-led debriefings, promoting self-reflective practice within groups of learners is fundamental to how and why self-led debriefings influence debriefing outcomes.

Conclusions

In circumstances where simulation resources for facilitator-led debriefings are limited, self-led debriefings can provide an alternative opportunity to safeguard effective learning. However, their true value within the scope of immersive simulation-based education may lie as an adjunctive method alongside facilitator-led debriefings. Further research is needed to explore how to best enable the process of reflective practice within self-led debriefings to understand how, and in which contexts, self-led debriefings are best employed and thus maximise their potential use.
Mapping of health technology assessment in China: a comparative study between 2016 and 2021
Authors: Liu Shimeng , Xia Yu , Yang Yi , Ming Jian , Sun Hui , Wei Yan , Chen Yingyao
Published: January 2024

Background

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in China has recently expanded from purely academic research to include policy or decision-oriented practice, especially after HTA evidence was used to update the National Reimbursement Drug List for the first time in 2017. This study aims to identify the progress and challenges of HTA development from 2016 to 2021 and inform policies and decisions to promote further HTA development in China.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey with policy makers, researchers and industry-providers in China in 2016 and 2021 respectively. The ‘Mapping of HTA Instrument’, was utilized to assess the HTA development across eight domains: Institutionalization, Identification, Priority setting, Assessment, Appraisal, Reporting, Dissemination of findings and conclusions, and Implementation in policy and practice. To reduce the influence of confounders and compare the mapping outcomes between the 2016 and 2021 groups, we conducted 1:1 Propensity Score Matching (PSM). Univariate analysis was conducted to compare the differences between the two groups. The overall results were further compared with those of a mapping study that included ten countries.

Results

In total, 212 and 255 respondents completed the survey in 2016 and 2021, respectively. The total score of the HTA development level in China in 2021 was higher than that in 2016 before PSM (89.38 versus 83.96). Following PSM, 183 respondents from the 2016 and 2021 groups were matched. Overall, the mean scores for most indicators in the Institutionalization domain and Dissemination domain in 2021 were higher than those in 2016 (P < 0.05). The Appraisal domain in 2021 was more explicit, transparent and replicable than that in 2016 (t = −3.279, P < 0.05). However, the mean scores of most indicators in the Assessment domain were higher in 2016 than those in 2021 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our study suggest that the level of HTA development in China progressed significantly from 2016 to 2021. However, before engaging in HTA activities, further efforts are required to enhance the assessment process. For instance, it is important to establish a clear goal and scope for HTA; adapt standardized methodologies for evaluating the performance of systematic reviews or meta-analyses; and provide comprehensive descriptions of the safety, clinical effectiveness, cost, and cost-effectiveness of the assessed technologies, thus improving the development of HTA in China.
The Basis for Weekly Insulin Therapy: Evolving Evidence With Insulin Icodec and Insulin Efsitora Alfa
Authors: Rosenstock Julio , Juneja Rattan , Beals John M , Moyers Julie S , Ilag Liza , McCrimmon Rory J
Published: January 2024

Basal insulin continues to be a vital part of therapy for many people with diabetes. First attempts to prolong the duration of insulin formulations were through the development of suspensions that required homogenization prior to injection. These insulins, which required once- or twice-daily injections, introduced wide variations in insulin exposure contributing to unpredictable effects on glycemia. Advances over the last 2 decades have resulted in long-acting, soluble basal insulin analogues with prolonged and less variable pharmacokinetic exposure, improving their efficacy and safety, notably by reducing nocturnal hypoglycemia. However, adherence and persistence with once-daily basal insulin treatment remains low for many reasons including hypoglycemia concerns and treatment burden. A soluble basal insulin with a longer and flatter exposure profile could reduce pharmacodynamic variability, potentially reducing hypoglycemia, have similar efficacy to once-daily basal insulins, simplify dosing regimens, and improve treatment adherence. Insulin icodec (Novo Nordisk) and insulin efsitora alfa (basal insulin Fc [BIF], Eli Lilly and Company) are 2 such insulins designed for once-weekly administration, which have the potential to provide a further advance in basal insulin replacement. Icodec and efsitora phase 2 clinical trials, as well as data from the phase 3 icodec program indicate that once-weekly insulins provide comparable glycemic control to once-daily analogues, with a similar risk of hypoglycemia. This manuscript details the technology used in the development of once-weekly basal insulins. It highlights the clinical rationale and potential benefits of these weekly insulins while also discussing the limitations and challenges these molecules could pose in clinical practice.
Black Transmission: Toward a Hieroglyph-Analysis
Authors: Warren Calvin
Published: January 2024

This meditation is an experimentation with Hortense Spiller’s concept of psychoanalytics. It considers the hieroglyph as a repetitive and enacted (but unrepresentable) force of historical trauma marking black bodies and passed between them generationally (much like the Lacanian object a). Reading the Lacanian pass and erotogenic zones as heuristic features of the hieroglyph, this meditation presents black nihilism as an analytic setting enabling the hieroglyph to speak its ineffable repetition, rather than just a repertoire of hedonistic pleasures and destructive behaviors as described in black optimism.
Ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Μακάριος και η πολιτική του ρίσκου (1955-1977)
Authors: Λουδοβίκου Μαρία-Ελένη
Published: January 2024

Η παρούσα εργασία εξετάζει την έννοια του ρίσκου στην πολιτική του Αρχιεπισκόπου Μακαρίου Γ᾽ μεταξύ των ετών 1955 και 1977 με βάση τις διαθέσιμες Κυπριακές αρχειακές πηγές. Πιο συγκεκριμένα επιχειρεί να δώσει μια οπτική της έννοιας του ρίσκου έτσι όπως το αντιλαμβανόταν, ή έδειχνε να το αντιλαμβάνεται ο Μακάριος, στο βαθμό που το επιτρέπουν οι διαθέσιμες ιστορικές πηγές. Υπό το πρίσμα αυτό, στην εργασία εξετάζονται ο Κυπριακός Αγώνας του 1955-1959, η Μεταβατική περίοδος προς την Ανεξαρτησία, η Πρώτη περίοδος της Ανεξάρτητης Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας (1960-1963), τα Δεκατρία Σημεία, οι έννοιες του εφικτού και του ευκταίου, η Εκκλησιαστική κρίση του 1972, η πορεία προς το 1974 και η περίοδος μετά την εισβολή, μέχρι και τον θάνατο του Αρχιεπισκόπου Μακαρίου Γ᾽. Κατά τη διάρκεια των ετών αυτών επιχειρείται ο εντοπισμός και η ανάλυση των γεγονότων που αποκαλύπτουν την κατανόηση της έννοιας του ρίσκου στις πολιτικές δηλώσεις και κινήσεις του Αρχιεπισκόπου Μακαρίου Γ᾽, μιας έννοιας η οποία έχει αποδοθεί στην πολιτική Μακαρίου κατά τη διάρκεια της πολιτικής του πορείας.
Σημασιακή διαλειτουργικότητα και ανακάλυψη κατανεμημένης γνώσης στον σημασιολογικό ιστό
Authors: Σολωμού Γεωργία
Published: January 2024

Ο Σημασιολογικός Ιστός (Semantic Web) αποτελεί εφαρμογή των προηγμένων τεχνολογιών γνώσης στον Παγκόσμιο Ιστό και σε άλλα κατανεμημένα συστήματα. Η ύπαρξη σημασιακής διαλειτουργικότητας υπονοεί τη δυνατότητα συνδιαλλαγής και διαπραγμάτευσης πληροφοριών μεταξύ συστημάτων, οι οποίες, ενώ μπορεί να είναι κατά βάση ετερογενείς, προερχόμενες από πολλαπλές πηγές και αδόμητες σημασιακά, μπορούν να συσχετιστούν και, βάσει συμπερασμών, να συνδυαστούν κατάλληλα με στόχο την ανακάλυψη νέας γνώσης. Δεδομένου, λοιπόν, ότι η συντακτική διαλειτουργικότητα έχει ως ένα βαθμό επιτευχθεί, στα πλαίσια της παρούσας έρευνας επικεντρωνόμαστε στη δυνατότητα ανακάλυψης νέας γνώσης στο Σημασιολογικό Ιστό μέσα από την υλοποίηση της σημασιακής διαλειτουργικότητας. Αρχικό στόχο της παρούσας έρευνας αποτελεί η μελέτη των τελευταίων εξελίξεων σε θέματα αναζήτησης κι ανάκτησης γνώσης στο Σημασιολογικό Ιστό καθώς και η αξιοποίηση αποτελεσματικών τεχνικών για το διαμοιρασμό γνώσης. Εστιάζουμε στο χώρο των ψηφιακών βιβλιοθηκών και ειδικότερα των αποθετηρίων που διαχειρίζονται μαθησιακούς πόρους. Επιδιώκουμε τη μελέτη και αξιολόγηση των ήδη υπαρχουσών τεχνικών και εν τέλει την πρόταση συγκεκριμένης τεχνικής που θα προσφέρει μια αποδοτική λύση στο ζήτημα της σημασιακής αναζήτησης και της επίτευξης διαλειτουργικότητας μεταξύ ετερογενών πηγών δεδομένων. Για το σκοπό αυτό βασιζόμαστε σε θεμελιώδη πρότυπα του Σημασιολογικού Ιστού που συνεισφέρουν προς αυτή την κατεύθυνση, όπως το Πλαίσιο Περιγραφής Πόρων RDF και ειδικότερα η γλώσσα περιγραφής οντολογιών OWL, το μοντέλο αναπαράστασης ελεγχόμενων λεξιλογίων SKOS, αλλά και πρότυπα αναπαράστασης εκπαιδευτικών μεταδεδομένων. Απώτερο στόχο της έρευνάς μας αποτελεί η παρουσίαση μιας ολοκληρωμένης υπηρεσίας που μέσα από την εφαρμογή των οντολογιών επιτυγχάνει την ανάκτηση γνώσης, υιοθετώντας εκείνα τα πρότυπα που ανταποκρίνονται αποτελεσματικότερα στις σύγχρονες απαιτήσεις ενός σημασιακά κατανεμημένου χώρου, όπως ο Σημασιολογικός Ιστός. Ουσιαστικό γνώρισμα της υπηρεσίας αυτής είναι ότι δεν αφήνει ανεκμετάλλευτους τους σημασιολογικούς υπαινιγμούς και αποσκοπεί στην εξαγωγή νέας πληροφορίας. Εν τέλει, η προτεινομένη υπηρεσία εφαρμόζεται σε ψηφιακά αποθετήρια εκπαιδευτικού υλικού, καθιστώντας εφικτή όχι μόνο τη δυνατότητα προηγμένης αναζήτησης σε αυτά αλλά παράλληλα επιτρέποντας τη διάθεση της ανακτώμενης πληροφορίας με τη μορφή Διασυνδεδεμένων Δεδομένων (Linked Data). Τέλος, όλα τα παραπάνω μελετώνται συναρτήσει ορισμένων βασικών μετρικών και παραμέτρων, που παίζουν ουσιαστικό ρόλο σε μεγάλου εύρους και όγκου (δηλαδή σε πραγματικά) αποθετήρια δεδομένων.
The DNA Cloud
Authors: Μπαργιώτας Θεόδωρος
Published: January 2024

Σε αυτή την ανάλυση, θα παρουσιάσω αρχικά την τρέχουσα γνώση σχετικά με την ουσιαστικότητα του διαδικτυακού νέφους, το οποίο στο εξής θα αναφέρω απλώς ως νέφος. Για λόγους οργάνωσης δημιούργησα δύο κατηγορίες-ομπρέλες κάτω από τις οποίες τοποθετώ την τρέχουσα έρευνα στον τομέα. Οι μελετητές έχουν ασχοληθεί με το ζήτημα της υλικότητας του Νέφους μέσα από δύο σε γενικές γραμμές πρίσματα: την κοινωνιολογική υλικότητα και τη γεωπολιτική υλικότητα. Η βιβλιογραφία ασχολείται βέβαια με τις περιπλοκές του Νέφους με βάση την παρούσα σιδηρομαγνητική αποθηκευτική του λειτουργικότητα. Ωστόσο, οι εξελίξεις στη συνθετική βιολογία έχουν κάνει ιδιωτικές εταιρείες τεχνολογίας και πανεπιστημιακά spin-offs να φλερτάρουν με την ιδέα ενός συστήματος νέφους βασισμένου στο DNA. Η προοπτική αυτή γεννά αναπόφευκτα ανεπίλυτα ερωτήματα που αφορούν τη βιολογική (νουκλεοτίδια αντί για μαγνητικούς δίσκους) υλικότητα ενός επερχόμενου συστήματος νέφους αυτού του είδους, αφού τα σχετικά ερωτήματα αιμορραγούν σε πεδία της υλικότητας της ανθρώπινης ψυχής και του σώματος, ακόμη και της υλικότητας της γνώσης και της μνήμης. Αυτή η νέα έρευνα που θα διεξάγω αφορά ένα υποθετικό μοντέλο νέφους, η τεχνολογική μηχανική του οποίου βρίσκεται προς το παρόν σε εμβρυακό στάδιο, και ένα βασικό ερώτημα που είναι αν αυτό το κατασκευασμένο δημιούργημα θα μπορούσε να θεωρηθεί δυνητικά ζωντανό.
What was ultimately J. Mezirow's perception of the role of emotions in Transformation Theory?
Authors: Karakou Maria , Karalis Thanassis
Published: January 2024

This article attempts to contribute -with bibliographic data- to the constructive dialogue that continues to evolve around the emotional dimension of learning, within the framework of Transformation Theory (TT). It presents the findings of a literature review - as part of a doctoral thesis - regarding the significance that Mezirow himself attaches to the role of emotion in a transformative process. The research was conducted using the content analysis technique of primary sources, namely the texts of J. Mezirow.

The research findings indicated that Mezirow linked emotion to the key elements of his framework: the object of transformation, the means, the phases of the process, the taking of action and the role of the adult educator. These constitute the "strong" points of the emotional dimension of his theory. On the other hand, points were identified that Mezirow chose to touch upon only superficially or not to analyze further, such as a more detailed examination of the relationship between the emotion of critical reflection in each phase of the process, the recognition and utilization of positive emotions, and proposals for specific techniques for the emergence and management of emotions in practice.

Ultimately, the research highlighted that Mezirow, despite any omissions, managed to synthesize a comprehensive theory with a relative balance of rational and emotional elements. In his effort to keep the boundaries of adult education distinct from psychotherapy, he didn't go any deeper into issues in which he had not delved, leaving them open to more specialized theorists in the field.
Biological and cognitive mechanisms and the role of culture in theory of mind development: In need of an integrative, biocultural perspective?
Authors: Chrysochoou Elisavet
Published: January 2024

The present paper attempts a comprehensive approach to the biological, cognitive, as well as cultural foundations of theory of mind development. A critical analysis and synthesis of contemporary research findings serves as a basis for revisiting key theoretical accounts regarding the nature and development of this valuable sociocognitive faculty. Are the findings best interpreted within frameworks which consider developmental change and individual differences in the domain-general cognitive abilities (executive functions) that may underlie performance on theory of mind tasks (processing account)? Or is it more fruitful to discuss the development of theory of mind based on domain-specific mechanisms or capacities: an innate, modular mechanism that is underpinned by neurological maturation (modularity theories), or an inborn capacity to form naïve, intuitive theories about the mind, which are then subject to conceptual change as a function of experience (theory theory account), or a mechanism that serves simulations of mental states and related attributions (simulation theories)? Where possible, biological and neurocognitive processes, and experiential influences are discussed in combination. A disentanglement of general cultural influences from more proximal, social or familial effects on theory of mind development is also attempted. The aim is to highlight the value of an integrative, interdisciplinary approach to its study: a biocultural perspective could essentially serve this purpose by shifting attention to the interplay of biological, cognitive, and environmental forces shaping the lifespan dynamics of human theory of mind.
Exploring Ergonomic Factors: The Effect of Wind on Ball Serving in Beach Volleyball
Authors: Ovchinnikov Yu. , Pavel'ev I. , Nibo R.
Published: January 2024

In the article, the authors consider one of the actively developing sports in the world and Russia – beach volleyball. Comparative analysis revealed the features of classic and beach volleyball and interdependent factors. The purpose of the scientific study was to determine the effect of wind on the delivery of various methods in beach volleyball. To conduct a scientific study, video and photographic materials were collected and studied, on which an analysis was carried out and the main phases of motor activity were identified. Applied research was carried out in the study of the profile subject “Biomechanics of motional activity”, biomechanical actions in the game and the main ergonomic factor in the chosen sport were revealed. With the help of ergonomic biomechanical factors, the features of classic and beach volleyball are determined. The main ergonomic natural factor was identified, which is the wind as a physical phenomenon that affects not only the trajectory of motor actions, in which the serve acts as the main link in the development of the concept of the game, but also the influence of atmospheric phenomena on the stability of the support and movement of the body in space.
Tener coche y no usarlo en México. Una ventana abierta a la sustentabilidad urbana
Authors: Calonge Reillo Fernando
Published: January 2024

Diversos estudios han señalado que, conforme aumenten los niveles de renta en la región, el parque vehicular y el uso del automóvil en los diversos países latinoamericanos se incrementarán, con lo que quedará seriamente comprometida la sustentabilidad de las principales urbes. El objetivo fue indagar en las posibilidades de que los sujetos dispongan de automóvil, pero que prescindan de este en sus viajes cotidianos, situación que permitiría rebajar dichas tensiones a la sustentabilidad. El artículo se basa en una explotación estadística del Censo de Población y Vivienda 2020 de México, y analiza los condicionantes para que las y los jefes de hogar que disponen de automóvil no lo usen en sus viajes al trabajo. Se descubre que las peores condiciones socioeconómicas acarrean prescindir más del automóvil, pero, al mismo tiempo, que sujetos acaudalados con actitudes y comportamientos respetuosos hacia el medioambiente, también muestran más probabilidades de prescindir del automóvil.
The Potential Use of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) for Medicinal Plant Cultivation in Meghalaya: A Review
Authors: Chanda Dhritiman , Ibnat G. D Sharma , Marufa , Jamir T Menangrichet
Published: January 2024

Beneficial PGPR have been identified in a range of plant species, including those with medicinal properties. These PGPR have been shown to enhance the growth and development of medicinal plants through the improvement of nutrient availability in rhizospheric root systems. Some medicinal plants have been found to harbour specific strains of PGPR that are associated with increased medicinal properties and enhanced bioactive compound production. So, the use of PGPR can minimise the application of chemical fertilizer for the production of rare species of medicinal plants. This review highlights the future research works which are needed in many areas of Meghalaya by the use of various beneficial strains of PGPR to reduce the use of pesticide for commercial application in the cultivation of medicinal plants. The PGPR has the ability to increase the soil fertility be decreasing the concentration of inorganic fertilizer and thereby they are regarded as the potential strains to be used as biofertilizer which in turn will also improve the cultural practices of Meghalaya to conserve a large number of rare and endangered medicinal plants.
Aquatic Insects as Bioindicators of Water Quality in the Achenkovil River, Kerala, India.
Authors: S Sujitha , R Sreejai , Kurup Beena S
Published: January 2024

The origin of the Achenkovil River, the Devarmalai of Western Ghats, is within the Konni reserve forest of Pathanamthitta district, flowing through Pathanamthitta, Kollam, and merging with the Pamba river in the Alappuzha district. This study included the spatial variation of aquatic insect fauna with respect to water quality. The bottom water samples and insect fauna were collected bimonthly using a Niskin sampler and D-frame nets for a period of one year (February 2019 to January 2020). The study yielded 10736 insect fauna under 8 orders, 21 families, 35 genera, and 36 species. How the quality of the water affects biodiversity of aquatic insects was examined using multivariate statistical techniques (PCA and CCA) and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The findings showed that the upstream portion of the river has a remarkable diversity and quantity of aquatic insect species. The major insect group in the collected sample was ephemeroptera. There were no pollution-sensitive taxa in the middle stream or downstream portions of the river, which suggests that the water quality was declining. The middle stream and downstream sections of the river did not contain any pollution-sensitive taxa, indicating deteriorating water quality. Human-caused factors like washing, cleaning cars, and washing cattle and disposal of garbage are common in these regions. Because most aquatic insects are sensitive to environmental fluctuations, they can be used as an efficient tool in biomonitoring studies.
Maintaining Strong Ties
Authors: Stone Tom
Published: January 2024

As industry legend Eric Sampson steps down from his official ITS World Congress duties, TTi catches up with him to reflect on the last 30 years, get some advice for his successor and predict what’s next for the industry he will undoubtedly remain connected to
Unsupervised topological analysis of polarized light microscopy: application to quantitative birefringence imaging
Authors: Bouhy Julie , Roy Nicolas , Dekoninck Augustin , Poot Julien , Yans Johan , Deparis Olivier
Published: January 2024

The determination of birefringence (magnitude and axis orientation) of optical materials is of significant interest in various fields. In the case of composite samples, this task becomes complicated and time-consuming; therefore, a partially automated procedure for reconstructing birefringence spatial distribution becomes valuable. Herein, we propose a procedure to reconstruct the spatial distributions of the retardance and optical axis orientation in a geological thin section from sparse quantitative birefringence measurements, using automatic boundary detection on cross-polarized light microscopy images. We examine two particular areas on the selected geological thin section: one that presents a uniaxial crystal with a circular cross-section of its refractive index ellipsoid and the other with grains of varying orientations. The measurement gives the orientation of the grain’s optical axis both in and out of the plane of the thin section, which explains the qualitative observations with the cross-polarized light microscope. Future work will connect the measured orientation of the rock thin section with its 3D geological orientation in the field.
Multi-image optical information hiding algorithm based on Fourier transform without hidden key transmission
Authors: Guo Yuan , Zhai Ping , Wang Xuewen , Li WenPeng
Published: January 2024

Existing optical information hiding algorithms for multiple images require generating hidden keys for embedded images, resulting in the transmission of numerous keys. This challenge undermines the usage of these algorithms in low-quality networks. To address this issue and enhance transmission efficiency, we present a multi-image optical information hiding algorithm based on Fourier transformation principles, which is employed to generate hidden frequency maps and carrier frequency maps. Specific low-frequency information zones are extracted within these hidden frequency maps. A chaotic system integrates a phase mask, modulated with the low-frequency regions, positioned in the carrier frequency map’s high-frequency sector. The final stego image is obtained by subjecting the carrier frequency map to inverse Fourier transformation. Experimental analysis shows that concealing three images takes only 0.0089 s, with extraction requiring 0.0658 s. Post-extraction PSNR values for hidden images exceed 32 dB. Robustness and anti-attack experiments were done to prove the security of this algorithm. The compared experiments between the proposed method and other state-of-the-art algorithms affirm the algorithm’s attributes of simplicity, ease of implementation, robust security, and high efficiency. Importantly, the restoration process eliminates the necessity of transmitting hidden keys, reducing network burdens and enhancing both concealment and extraction efficiencies significantly.
Geometric attenuation function analysis based on V-grooved surfaces
Authors: Sun Linli
Published: January 2024

In this study, we present a simulation addressing the phenomena of shadowing and masking in TE and TM polarized incident plane waves interacting with V-grooved rough surfaces. Blinn’s theory on light attenuation posits that such a rough surface is represented by a symmetric, elongated V-shaped groove cavity, considering only the tilt angles of the slopes. Our numerical analysis considers variables such as polarization (TE or TM), wavelength, tilt, and slant of the incident or viewing direction, as well as the material properties of the rough surfaces, to accurately calculate light attenuation on V-grooved rough surfaces. The findings indicate enhanced precision in the measurement of light attenuation on these complex geometries.
High performance CsBi3I10/PCBM bulk heterojunction perovskite photodetector
Authors: Zhao Hongliang , Zhang Yating , Yao Jianquan
Published: January 2024

Lead halide perovskites (LHPs) have been extensively studied due to their remarkable optoelectronic performance. However, the toxicity of a lead ion to humans and its instability under ambient conditions render lead-based halide perovskite an unsuitable material for commercialization. Meanwhile, lead-free halide perovskite (LFHP) devices generally exhibit poor performance. Therefore, enhancing photoelectric conversion capacity is the most important issue that needs to be addressed. Here, we propose a photodetector (PD) fabricated using CsBi3I10/phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) bulk heterojunction as the active layer. The PD illuminated under 532 nm can reach a high responsivity (1.54 A/W) at −2V bias, while at 2 V bias, the PD reaches a higher responsivity (224.40 A/W). All of those results suggest that CsBi3I10/PCBM bulk heterojunctions hold enormous potential in substituting for LHPs in optoelectronic devices.
Multi-solution inverse design in photonics using generative modeling
Authors: Kumar Preetam , Patra Aniket , Shivaleela E. S. , Caligiuri Vincenzo , Krahne Roman , De Luca Antonio , Srinivas T.
Published: January 2024

The lack of uniqueness poses a common challenge in the inverse design of nanophotonic structures. This issue arises from the presence of multiple sets of design parameters that yield identical output configurations. Several existing machine learning methods offer promising solutions for enabling flexibility in selecting sets of design variables. However, these approaches still face significant challenges like limited output diversity, and training instability. These issues constrain the variety of solutions attainable for a particular target response. To overcome these challenges in the realm of multi-solution inverse design problems in nanophotonics, we have developed a GA-βCVAE architecture based on generative models. This approach effectively tackles such problems, thereby expanding the range of distinct solutions achievable in nanophotonics. Our approach combines a genetic algorithm with a β conditional variational autoencoder neural network based generative model, capturing multiple distinct solutions for a given target. It provides flexibility in selecting design variables. We successfully applied it to design TiO2-SiO2 based multilayer thin films in the visible range (400–750 nm), with layer thickness as the design variable. Experimental verification confirmed the effectiveness of our proposed architecture.
Thermal optima in the hypoxia tolerance of marine ectotherms: Physiological causes and biogeographic consequences
Authors: Endress Martin-Georg A. , Penn Justin L. , Boag Thomas H. , Burford Benjamin P. , Sperling Erik A. , Deutsch Curtis A.
Published: January 2024

The minimum O2 needed to fuel the demand of aquatic animals is commonly observed to increase with temperature, driven by accelerating metabolism. However, recent measurements of critical O2 thresholds (“Pcrit”) reveal more complex patterns, including those with a minimum at an intermediate thermal “optimum”. To discern the prevalence, physiological drivers, and biogeographic manifestations of such curves, we analyze new experimental and biogeographic data using a general dynamic model of aquatic water breathers. The model simulates the transfer of oxygen from ambient water through a boundary layer and into animal tissues driven by temperature-dependent rates of metabolism, diffusive gas exchange, and ventilatory and circulatory systems with O2-protein binding. We find that a thermal optimum in Pcrit can arise even when all physiological rates increase steadily with temperature. This occurs when O2 supply at low temperatures is limited by a process that is more temperature sensitive than metabolism, but becomes limited by a less sensitive process at warmer temperatures. Analysis of published species respiratory traits suggests that this scenario is not uncommon in marine biota, with ventilation and circulation limiting supply under cold conditions and diffusion limiting supply at high temperatures. Using occurrence data, we show that species with these physiological traits inhabit lowest O2 waters near the optimal temperature for hypoxia tolerance and are restricted to higher O2 at temperatures above and below this optimum. Our results imply that hypoxia tolerance can decline under both cold and warm conditions and thus may influence both poleward and equatorward species range limits.
Deep learning to estimate impaired glucose metabolism from Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the liver: An opportunistic population screening approach
Authors: Michel Lea J. , Rospleszcz Susanne , Reisert Marco , Rau Alexander , Nattenmueller Johanna , Rathmann Wolfgang , Schlett Christopher. L. , Peters Annette , Bamberg Fabian , Weiss Jakob
Published: January 2024

Aim

Diabetes is a global health challenge, and many individuals are undiagnosed and not aware of their increased risk of morbidity/mortality although dedicated tests are available, which indicates the need for novel population-wide screening approaches. Here, we developed a deep learning pipeline for opportunistic screening of impaired glucose metabolism using routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver and tested its prognostic value in a general population setting.

Methods

In this retrospective study a fully automatic deep learning pipeline was developed to quantify liver shape features on routine MR imaging using data from a prospective population study. Subsequently, the association between liver shape features and impaired glucose metabolism was investigated in individuals with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and healthy controls without prior cardiovascular diseases. K-medoids clustering (3 clusters) with a dissimilarity matrix based on Euclidean distance and ordinal regression was used to assess the association between liver shape features and glycaemic status.

Results

The deep learning pipeline showed a high performance for liver shape analysis with a mean Dice score of 97.0±0.01. Out of 339 included individuals (mean age 56.3±9.1 years; males 58.1%), 79 (23.3%) and 46 (13.6%) were classified as having prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, respectively. Individuals in the high risk cluster using all liver shape features (n = 14) had a 2.4 fold increased risk of impaired glucose metabolism after adjustment for cardiometabolic risk factors (age, sex, BMI, total cholesterol, alcohol consumption, hypertension, smoking and hepatic steatosis; OR 2.44 [95% CI 1.12–5.38]; p = 0.03). Based on individual shape features, the strongest association was found between liver volume and impaired glucose metabolism after adjustment for the same risk factors (OR 1.97 [1.38–2.85]; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Deep learning can estimate impaired glucose metabolism on routine liver MRI independent of cardiometabolic risk factors and hepatic steatosis.
Cloning of maize chitinase 1 gene and its expression in genetically transformed rice to confer resistance against rice blast caused by Pyricularia oryzae
Authors: Anwaar Sadaf , Jabeen Nyla , Ahmad Khawaja Shafique , Shafique Saima , Irum Samra , Ismail Hammad , Khan Siffat Ullah , Tahir Ateeq , Mehmood Nasir , Gleason Mark L.
Published: January 2024

Fungal pathogens are one of the major reasons for biotic stress on rice (Oryza sativa L.), causing severe productivity losses every year. Breeding for host resistance is a mainstay of rice disease management, but conventional development of commercial resistant varieties is often slow. In contrast, the development of disease resistance by targeted genome manipulation has the potential to deliver resistant varieties more rapidly. The present study reports the first cloning of a synthetic maize chitinase 1 gene and its insertion in rice cv. (Basmati 385) via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation to confer resistance to the rice blast pathogen, Pyricularia oryzae. Several factors for transformation were optimized; we found that 4-week-old calli and an infection time of 15 minutes with Agrobacterium before colonization on co-cultivation media were the best-suited conditions. Moreover, 300 μM of acetosyringone in co-cultivation media for two days was exceptional in achieving the highest callus transformation frequency. Transgenic lines were analyzed using molecular and functional techniques. Successful integration of the gene into rice lines was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction with primer sets specific to chitinase and hpt genes. Furthermore, real-time PCR analysis of transformants indicated a strong association between transgene expression and elevated levels of resistance to rice blast. Functional validation of the integrated gene was performed by a detached leaf bioassay, which validated the efficacy of chitinase-mediated resistance in all transgenic Basmati 385 plants with variable levels of enhanced resistance against the P. oryzae. We concluded that overexpression of the maize chitinase 1 gene in Basmati 385 improved resistance against the pathogen. These findings will add new options to resistant germplasm resources for disease resistance breeding. The maize chitinase 1 gene demonstrated potential for genetic improvement of rice varieties against biotic stresses in future transformation programs.
Comparative analysis of RADAR vs. conventional techniques for AVF maturation in patients with blood viscosity and vessel elasticity-related diseases through fluid-structure interaction modeling: Anemia, hypertension, and diabetes
Authors: Wongchadakul Patcharaporn , Lohasammakul Suphalerk , Rattanadecho Phadungsak
Published: January 2024

Purpose

This study aims to compare two surgical techniques, the standard Vein-to-Artery and the newer Artery-to-Vein (Radial Artery Deviation And Reimplantation; RADAR), for enhancing the success of Arterio-Venous Fistula maturation in end-stage renal disease patients. The impact of diseases like anemia, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease were considered. The goals are to advance Arterio-Venous Fistula (AVF) surgery, improve patient outcomes, and contribute to evidence-based surgical guidelines.

Methods

Fluid-structure interaction modeling was employed to investigate how hemodynamic and mechanical stresses impact arteriovenous fistula maturation, with a particular focus on the role of wall shear stress in determining maturation outcomes. The critical threshold for vessel injury was identified as wall shear stress values exceeding 35 N/m2, while stenosis formation was projected to occur at levels below 1 N/m2. This work introduced a novel approach by considering disease-related factors, including blood viscosity (anemia), and vessel elasticity (diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney diseases), which directly influence hemodynamics and the generation of wall shear stress. Furthermore, the model was designed to incorporate varying thicknesses and elasticities for both the vein and artery, accurately representing authentic vascular anatomy.

Results

The RADAR technique has demonstrated superior performance compared to the standard technique by providing appropriate wall shear stress in critical regions and minimizing the risk of wall damage. Its use of a thicker vessel also reduces the risk of vessel injury, making it particularly effective for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), hypertension, anemia, and diabetes, ensuring optimal blood flow and fewer complications. However, there are minor concerns about stenosis formation in hypertension and anemia cases, which could be mitigated by adjusting the anastomosis angle to be lower than 30°.

Conclusion

Diabetes and hypertension have significant physiological effects that increase the risks associated with arteriovenous fistula maturation. The anemic condition resulting from CKD may help reduce vessel injury but raises concerns about potential stenosis formation. Despite these co-morbidities, the RADAR technique has demonstrated its ability to induce more favorable hemodynamic changes, promoting arteriovenous fistula maturation.
Ameliorating impact of coenzyme Q10 on the profile of adipokines, cardiomyopathy, and hematological markers correlated with the glucotoxicity sequelae in diabetic rats
Authors: Jbrael Yousif Jameel , Hamad Badraldin Kareem
Published: January 2024

Background

In diabetes, high blood glucose induces glucotoxicity, resulting in the further damage of pancreatic beta-cells and then precipitating diabetic complications. This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between glucotoxicity with the level of adipokines, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and hematological markers. Moreover, the study examined the potential modulatory effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on the aforementioned markers associated with the sequelae of diabetes mellitus.

Material and methods

Twenty-four male rats were randomly assigned to receive an injection of STZ to induce diabetes (n = 16) or to remain uninduced (n = 8). The hyperglycemic status was induced in fasting rats by single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (45 mg /kg b.w.) dissolved in citrate buffer (pH 4.5). Three days after STZ injection, rats were divided into three groups; Normal control group (A), Diabetic control group (B), and CoQ10- treated diabetic group (C). The group (C) was fed with the basal diet supplemented with 5 g of CoQ10 per kilogram of diet for three weeks after the diabetes induction. After 21 days, the blood and serum samples were taken to conduct biochemical analyses. Blood glucose was determined by Blood Glucose Monitoring System. Adipokines or cytokines were evaluated by ELISA from a serum sample. Cardiac myopathy biomarkers were estimated by UP-Converting Phosphor Immunoassay Analyzer, and hematological parameters were measured by automatic hematology analyzer.

Results

In hyperglycemic rats, the level of fasting blood glucose, and serum level of resistin, omentin, TNF-α, and cardiomyopathy biomarkers significantly increased (P < 0.05). The treatment with CoQ10 significantly decreased the profile of adipokines and cardiomyopathy markers (cardiac enzymes and LPPLA2) in diabetic rats and also reduced glucose levels (P < 0.05). Lymphocyte percentages significantly decreased while significant increases were observed in granulocytes and MID percentages in hyperglycemic rats.

Conclusion

Diabetic rats had higher serum levels of adipokines and cardiomyopathy markers. Among the hematological markers, GRA% and MID% increased while LYM% decreased. The profile of adipokines and cardiomyopathy markers improved when CoQ10 was supplemented. The study suggests that CoQ10 may have a beneficial effect on improving diabetic complications.
Atresia yeyuno ileal, un diagnóstico temprano que impacta en la morbilidad
Authors: Sánchez Gómez Leidy  Cristina , Arroyo López Norma Patricia
Published: January 2024

Antecedentes: La atresia intestinal, es la causa más común de obstrucción intestinal congénita. Es producto de la oclusión completa de la luz intestinal que afecta con mayor frecuencia al intestino delgado en su porción yeyuno ileal, seguido en frecuencia por la atresia del duodeno. Se propone como patogenia una falla en la revacuolización intestinal en la etapa de crecimiento del cordón sólido. Los hallazgos sonográficos antenatales consisten en dilatación de asas delgadas, asociado a un aumento en la ecogenicidad del contenido de estas. Su posterior confirmación radiográfica se realiza mediante un estudio baritado que muestra la falta de progresión del contraste. Su diagnóstico oportuno permite el manejo que, garantice la viabilidad de la mayor proporción de intestino, dado que dentro de las complicaciones más frecuentes se encuentra el síndrome de intestino corto. Reporte de caso: Se presenta el caso de un neonato femenino con datos ecográficos prenatales consistentes en dilatación de asas y radiográficos posnatales tempranos de atresia intestinal requiriendo resección del segmento atrésico y anastomosis ilecólica con posterior manejo con nutrición parenteral hasta lograr tolerancia a la vía oral, egresando a las dos semanas de vida.  Conclusiones:  una adecuada intervención multidisciplinaria conformada por radiólogos, neonatólogos, pediatras y cirujanos pediatras, en los pacientes con atresia intestinal, permite una reducción en su morbilidad, demostrada en menor estancia hospitalaria, rápida ganancia ponderal y menor riesgo de intestino corto.