bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information system architecture for healthcare company based on TOGAF
Authors: Christy Vania , Andry Johanes Fernandes , Kamila Ahya Radiatul , Lee Francka Sakti
Published: October 2024

In 2020 COVID-19 cases have entered Indonesia causing public health problems and millions of deaths. To prevent transmission of COVID-19, an air purifier is needed whose function is to remove small droplets that can carry the virus. One of them is a medical device company located in Jakarta. The purpose of this research is to produce a design that can improve business processes in the health sector and achieve company goals. The current business process is not very optimal because it is still done conventionally and the existing system has not been integrated with other divisions. To achieve business goals, it is necessary to integrate business processes with information technology (IT) and technology development that will be proposed based on the design of information system architecture that will produce a blueprint and assisted by the open group architecture framework (TOGAF) framework which is very helpful in the process of analyzing company needs. In this research, data collection through interviews with directors and direct observation of health service companies. The results of this study are recommendations given to help health.
Early detection of coronary heart disease based on risk factors using interpretable machine learning
Authors: Wiharto Wiharto , Mufidah Farah Nada
Published: October 2024

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in the world. The risk of coronary heart disease can be reduced or even prevented by early detection. Early detection of CHD has been widely developed using machine learning, but the machine learning algorithms used sometimes have low interpretability. Low interpretability makes it difficult for users to understand the cause of the decision. Referring to this, this research aims to propose an early detection model using machine learning interpretability, which is implemented using the C5.0 algorithm and interpreted using Shapley additive explanations (SHAP). This research method is divided into 3 stages, namely preprocessing, interpretable machine learning, and performance evaluation. This study used 215 patient data from Dr. Moewardi Surakarta Hospital. Testing the resulting model using the k-folds cross-validation method. The test results show that the risk factors that make a high contribution to the output of the coronary heart disease detection model are systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and employment level, with the resulting accuracy performance of 84.64%. The proposed model can be an alternative for early prediction of coronary heart disease which can explain the influence of each selected risk factor on the model output.
Factors influencing the intention to use m-commerce in Malaysian: an extended IS success model
Authors: Barry Moussa , Haque Ahasanul , Jan Muhammad Tahir
Published: October 2024

The progress of mobile technology has undergone substantial development in recent years, leading to the emergence of new and creative ideas. This paper investigates the factors influencing consumers' intentions to use mobile commerce in Malaysia. The DeLone and McLean updated information system success model served as the basis for this study's proposed model. A convenience sampling method was employed to collect 310 surveys from smartphone owners who conduct mobile commerce activities in Malaysia. A “two-stage structural equation modeling” (SEM) technique assessed the research model and the study's assumptions. The findings revealed that “information quality”, “service quality”, “system quality”, and “trust” significantly influence consumers' “intention to use mobile commerce in Malaysia”. The findings further reveal that “system quality” is the strongest factor influencing the “intention to use mobile commerce in Malaysia”. Therefore, the research outcomes will benefit academicians, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the mobile commerce industry in Malaysia. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first empirical study that expanded the “information system success model” by including “trust” in the context of Malaysian mobile commerce users’ “intentions”. However, further research is recommended to explore the factors influencing consumers' “intention to use mobile commerce in Malaysia”.
Development of a primary reference material for the analysis of BTEX and chlorobenzenes in environmental samples
Authors: Tahoun Ibrahim F , Gab-Allah Mohamed Adly
Published: October 2024

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) and chlorobenzenes are measured in all environments as part of world ofﬁcial pollution control programs. The health impact of these analytes increased the relevance of the validity and comparability of the measurement results. Therefore, equipment performance, implementation of test methods, and accuracy of results need to be verified through internal and external quality control programs. Herein, a new certified reference material (CRM) for benzene, toluene, chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene, o-xylene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene and 1,4-dichlorobenzene, and m, p-xylene has been produced and characterized by an approach that is metrologically valid and complies with ISO 17034:2016 and ISO 33405:2024 standards. The reference material was prepared gravimetrically and certified values were calculated based on masses of pure components. Homogeneity results proved that the between-ampule heterogeneity was negligible in comparison with the method precision. The stability of the material was evaluated for both long-term storage and dispatch and no measurable loss of analytes was observed within one year period. The developed certified reference material with small uncertainties values will support regulatory bodies, environmental protection agencies, and testing laboratories in their efforts to improve the quality of motoring results and compliance with regulations.
Nanoparticle-Directed Antioxidant Therapy Can Ameliorate Disease Progression in a Novel, Diet-Inducible Model of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Su Shi , Chen Zhifen , Ke Qingen , Kocher Olivier , Krieger Monty , Kang Peter M.
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease. In cardiovascular research using murine models, the generation and maintenance of models with robust coronary arterial atherosclerosis has been challenging.

METHODS:

We characterized a new mouse model in which the last 3 amino acids of the carboxyl terminus of the HDL (high-density lipoprotein) receptor (SR-B1 [scavenger receptor, class B, type 1]) were deleted in a low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR
−/−
) mouse model (SR-B1ΔCT/LDLR
−/−
) fed an atherogenic diet. We also tested the therapeutic effects of an oxidative stress-targeted nanoparticle in atherogenic diet–fed SR-B1ΔCT/LDLR
−/−
mice.

RESULTS:

The SR-B1ΔCT/LDLR
−/−
mice fed an atherogenic diet had occlusive coronary artery atherosclerosis, impaired cardiac function, and a dramatically lower survival rate, compared with LDLR
−/−
mice fed the same diet. As SR-B1ΔCT/LDLR
−/−
mice do not exhibit female infertility or low pup yield, they are far easier and less costly to use than the previously described SR-B1–based models of coronary artery disease. We found that treatment with the targeted nanoparticles improved the cardiac functions and corrected hematologic abnormalities caused by the atherogenic diet in SR-B1ΔCT/LDLR
−/−
mice but did not alter the distinctive plasma lipid levels.

CONCLUSIONS:

The SR-B1ΔCT/LDLR
−/−
mice developed diet-inducible, fatal atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, which could be ameliorated by targeted nanoparticle therapy. Our study provides new tools for the development of cardiovascular therapies.
Impact of Heart Transplant Allocation Change on Waitlist Mortality and Posttransplant Mortality in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Tibrewala Anjan , Chuzi Sarah , Wu Tingqing , Baldridge Abigail S. , Harap Rebecca , Bryner Benjamin , Pham Duc Thinh , Wilcox Jane E.
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

In October 2018, the US heart transplant (HT) allocation system was revised giving patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) intermediate priority status. Few studies have examined the impact of this policy change on outcomes among patients with LVAD. We sought to determine how the allocation change impacted waitlist and posttransplant mortality in patients with LVAD.

METHODS:

We retrospectively assessed the United Network for Organ Sharing registry for patients with LVAD who were listed for or underwent HT between October 2016 and October 2021. We evaluated waitlist mortality using competing risks analysis and a multivariable Fine-Gray model, and posttransplant mortality using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and a multivariate proportional hazards model.

RESULTS:

We analyzed data from 3835 patients with LVAD listed for HT and 3486 patients with LVAD who underwent HT during the study period. Listing for HT preallocation change was significantly associated with an increased risk of waitlist mortality (Gray
P
=0.0058) compared with postallocation change. After adjustment for covariates, mortality differences by listing era were attenuated, but LVAD brand was significantly associated with waitlist mortality (HM3 versus HMII; hazard ratio, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.21–0.69];
P
=0.002; HVAD versus HMII; hazard ratio, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.48–1.30];
P
=0.36; overall
P
=0.004).

In contrast, HT postallocation change was associated with increased posttransplant mortality (log-rank
P
=0.0172) compared with preallocation change. In a multivariable analysis, the association with posttransplant mortality between transplant eras was attenuated, but ischemic time (hazard ratio, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.07–1.26];
P
<0.001) and status at time of HT (Status 1–3 versus 4; hazard ratio, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.04–1.61];
P
=0.02) were significantly associated with posttransplant mortality.

CONCLUSIONS:

Among patients with LVAD, lower waitlist mortality postallocation change was likely driven by improved LVAD technology. Higher posttransplant mortality following the allocation change was largely attributable to longer ischemic times and patient acuity.
Sound and vibration control crocodile hatching
Authors: Delbosc Naïs Caron , Boyer Nicolas , Mathevon Nicolas , Grimault Nicolas
Published: October 2024

The birth of a baby or the hatching of an egg are moments when the risk of predation is particularly high. In oviparous species where clutches contain many eggs, one strategy for limiting predation is based on mechanisms that synchronise hatching, which reduces the individual risk of being targeted and may allow hatchlings to emerge under parental protection. These mechanisms involve communication signals between eggs and between eggs and parents. While previous studies in various species have shown the importance of sound and vibration signals in these exchanges, how embryos integrate this information remains poorly understood. Here we show that crocodile embryos respond differently to calls emitted by siblings (hatching calls) and to vibrations mimicking parental intervention (rubbing and scratching the shell) or the presence of a predator, suggesting that these two stimuli carry different information. Through playback experiments, we confirm that hatching calls elicit vocal responses and synchronous hatching in mature embryos, while embryos hatch earlier when they perceive vibrations. Our study underlines that the control of hatching by external factors can rely on differential apprehension of multiple sensory inputs by embryos.
Challenges of Transnational Education in the Global South
Authors: Mason Robert
Published: October 2024

About ten per cent of Egyptian students are registered in 27 private universities and four private community universities in Egypt, amounting to 300,000 students studying in 169 faculties. Based on resident field experiences and drawing on communications with senior university managers in two private universities spanning six years, this research argues that a number of challenges persist in the implementation of transnational education in Egypt. Through the prisms of rational choice theory and institutional theory, it is found that underfunding, political interference (including ‘pedagogical balancing’) and negative norms set by university owners, managers and students alike, compounded by macro-economic instability, have had a major impact on the student experience and wider society. The findings are to various degrees applicable to other states in the Middle East, Africa and the wider Global South, as well as primary foreign stakeholders, such as the United Kingdom in this case.
A Critique of State and Law in Hans Kelsen’s Thought from Herman Dooyeweerd’s Philosophy
Authors: Paz Anderson Barbosa
Published: October 2024

The aim of this paper is to analyze the theoretical commitments and the legal-political problems of Hans Kelsen’s thought from the perspective of Herman Dooyeweerd’s philosophy. It seeks to answer the following question: Why was the relationship between state and law in Kelsen’s thought unable to protect civil society and individuals from the power of the state? The argument, based on Herman Dooyeweerd’s philosophy, is that Kelsen was trapped in an insurmountable theoretical dialectic or tension between nature and freedom. In pursuit of methodological purity, Kelsen reduced the state and law to the logical aspect and morality to the historical aspect. Analyzing Kelsen’s thought from the point of view of Dooyeweerd’s transcendental critique, this paper demonstrates that Kelsen’s commitments with respect to reality led him to a reductionist theory that rendered society defenseless against the power of the state.
Review of the genus Pseudodolbina Rothschild, 1894, with the description of a new species from Yunnan, China (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae)
Authors: JIANG ZHUO-HENG , YAN MING , WANG JIA-XIN , HU SHAO-JI
Published: October 2024

The two species currently included in the genus Pseudodolbina Rothschild, 1894, Pseudodolbina fo (Walker, 1856) and Pseudodolbina aequalis Rothschild & Jordan, 1903, were studied and a new species, Pseudodolbina yunnana sp. nov., was described from Yunnan, China. The diagnostic features and a distribution map of three species are provided, with a phylogenetic analysis based on DNA barcodes.
Six new species of Chelipoda (Diptera: Empididae) from Shennongjia, China
Authors: ZHANG LEYOU , LIN CHEN , GAO SHANG , YANG DING
Published: October 2024

Only three species of Chelipoda were known to occur in Shennongjia National Nature Reserve. The following six species are described as new to science: C. biancistroides sp. nov., C. conica sp. nov., C. curva sp. nov., C. digitiformis sp. nov., C. dorsispina sp. nov. and C. trifurcata sp. nov. A key to separate these species is presented.
Helicosina, a new genus of Neotropical Limosininae (Diptera: Sphaeroceridae)
Authors: KUWAHARA GREGORY K. , MARSHALL STEPHEN A. , YAU TIFFANY
Published: October 2024

The new genus Helicosina is described to include three new Neotropical species characterized by swollen hind femora, cruciate interfrontal setae, strongly flattened notum and a distinctly narrow-elongate surstylus. At least one species is associated with furled Heliconia leaves. The following new species are described: H. crena sp. nov. from Costa Rica, H. sica sp. nov. from Ecuador, and H. valga sp. nov. from Costa Rica and Panama.
A new species of the hermit crab genus Catapagurus A. Milne-Edwards, 1880 (Decapoda: Anomura: Paguridae) from the Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI
Published: October 2024

A new species of the pagurid hermit crab genus Catapagurus A. Milne-Edwards, 1880, is described based on a single male specimen from off Okinawa Islands, Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan, at a depth of 150 m. Catapagurus cracens sp. nov. appears closest to C. tenuilamina Komai, Miller & Malay, 2022 among the 27 congeners, but is distinguished from the latter by some minor morphological features, including the more stout ultimate article of the antennular peduncle, unarmed coxae of the chelipeds, the absence of spiniform setae on the dorsal margins of the propodi of the second and third pereopods and the different shape of the terminal cleft of the telson, as well as the living colouration. Sequences of the two mitochondrial markers (16S rRNA and COI genes) were generated for the new species. Although sequences of the COI gene are not available for any congeneric species, the high pairwise genetic divergence of the 16S rRNA gene (11.7%) supports the new taxon as distinct from C. tenuilamina.
The Dhaid Oasis
Authors: Shockley Mark
Published: October 2024

The eastern Arabian peninsula had two primary sources of influence in antiquity: Mesopotamia and South Arabia (Holes 2016, 12; Rohmer et al. 2018, 300). This study presents evidence of linguistic contact with both regions, from primary and secondary data from the northern United Arab Emirates and the adjoining areas of Oman. This chapter is also a first attempt at elucidating the origins of several unique proper names found in the northern U.A.E., using an onomastic database including comprising more than 910,000 proper names in eastern Arabia, including toponyms, family names, and personal names. While most Emirati names are transparently Arabic, a few names have their origins in Akkadian, Aramaic, and Persian. Other names resemble Ancient South Arabian onomastics, corroborating traditional accounts that link certain Emirati tribes with southwestern Arabia. In particular, this paper focuses on the name of the oasis town Dhaid (il-ḏēd), in Sharjah Emirate, and the Bani Kitab (banī kitab) tribe, for whom Dhaid is a historic center.
Changes in Clouds and the Tropical Circulation in Global Kilometer-Scale Simulations under Different Warming Patterns
Authors: Tomassini Lorenzo
Published: October 2024

One-year-long global kilometer-scale simulations with prescribed sea surface temperatures are presented that are used to study how clouds, convection, and the tropical circulation change under two different warming patterns. The warming patterns, one of which exhibits La Niña–like characteristics and the other an El Niño–like feature, are added to the historical year 2020 and derived from past observed sea surface temperatures. They contain both signatures of natural variability and climate change. Climate sensitivities distinctly differ depending on the warming pattern, mainly due to diverse changes in low clouds over the eastern tropical Pacific. These changes are connected with alterations in larger-scale circulations. Processes related to the interaction between clouds, convection, and circulation are further examined with a focus on the tropical Pacific. Better understanding those processes helps elucidate apparent discrepancies between recent observed trends over the tropical Pacific and trends simulated by low-resolution global climate models. Evidence suggests an active role of moisture dynamics in shaping low-level moist static energy anomalies over the western tropical Pacific and a positive feedback of resulting moist convection on larger-scale zonal circulations, including over the eastern Pacific subsidence region. Complementary to the global kilometer-scale simulations, the same experiments are conducted with a lower-resolution model version in which convection is parameterized. Even though climate sensitivities and the broad responses are not strongly changed, the differences in the convection-permitting experiments might still be consequential in global coupled climate simulations.
Indigenous and Native American Perspectives on Mental Health and Well-Being: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Pieterse Alex L. , Blume Arthur W. , Morse Gayle S. , McCubbin Laurie D. , Kim Bryan S. K.
Published: October 2024

The current Special Issue focuses on the Indigenous and Native American perspectives on mental health and well-being. This introduction highlights the need to explore how psychological health is conceptualized and operationalized among this population and the ways in which their mental health needs can be better met. The article also provides a brief review of each of the articles in the Special Issue.
Household Guardians: A Multilevel Analysis of Household-Level Guardianship and Individual-Level Victimization Risks
Authors: Shim Hyunjung , Hayes Brittany E.
Published: October 2024

Guardianship is a multidimensional concept that influences the risk of victimization. However, the influence of the household—central to people’s routines—has been overlooked. Using data from the NCVS (2017–2022), this study employs a multilevel analysis of household guardianship to investigate residents’ risk of violent victimization and domestic violence, controlling for individual-level factors. Living in single-unit households, marriage, and owning a home reduce the risk of violent victimization. Conversely, owning a business and residing in urban areas increase this risk. For domestic violence, living in single-unit households increases the risk, whereas gated communities lower the risk. Implications for crime prevention and future directions on guardianship are discussed.
A Typology Analysis of US Strategic Intervention to the Taiwan Question in the US–China Competition Era
Authors: Ye Xiaodi
Published: October 2024

How does the US intervene in the Taiwan question? To answer this question, existing studies have formulated three schools of thought—the strategic perspective, the congressional perspective, and the agenda-setting perspective—but these perspectives still suffer from the problem of a single attribution and fail to provide a comprehensive typology of explanations. By applying high/low politics as indicators, this article categorizes the US’s strategic interventions as hybrid interventions, hard interventions, soft interventions, and maintaining the status quo. Additionally, this article argues that the US’s China policy and Taiwan’s mainland China policy are the two independent variables shaping the different types of strategic intervention. Empirical studies have demonstrated that US intervention activities related to the Taiwan question have transitioned from the status quo to hybrid interventions. The new typology breaks the traditional boundaries of tactics and may help deepen the theoretical understanding of the increasingly diversified and complicated the US’s Taiwan policy, particularly as the US–China rivalry intensifies and grows.
Catalysts of connection. The role of digital information and communication technology in fostering neighbourhood social cohesion: A systematic review of empirical findings
Authors: Üblacker Jan , Liebig Simon , Hamad Hawzheen
Published: October 2024

Neighbourhood social cohesion is associated with a range of beneficial outcomes for residents. However, it is commonly hypothesised that neighbourhood relations face potential disruptions from digital information and communication technologies (DICT) as they are assumed to alter traditional community structures previously grounded in physical proximity. We systematically review 52 empirical studies on the relationship between DICT and neighbourhood social cohesion to determine in what ways DICT hinder or promote neighbourhood social cohesion. We found that DICT promote social cohesion by catalysing local social capital, but not for everyone and not in every neighbourhood. We propose the theoretical concept of ‘catalysts of connection’ to explain how technological affordances and online content interact with collective and individual social capital to develop various domains of social cohesion. Based on these results and our theoretical concept, we conclude that DICT exacerbate socio-spatial inequality in cities as neighbourhoods with low social capital are less likely to reap the benefits of the digital age. We provide paths for future investigations on the intersection of urban research and media and communication studies.
The Roles of Identity- and Belief-Driven Motivated Reasoning and Source Credibility in Persuasion on Climate Change Policy
Authors: Cruz Shannon M. , Carpenter Christopher J.
Published: October 2024

Developing effective messages to promote climate action requires an understanding of how these messages are processed by different groups. Though the influence of partisan identity on this processing is well established, much less is known about the role of preexisting climate beliefs. Furthermore, scholars have recently raised the possibility that what appear to be partisan effects on message judgments may simply be byproducts of accuracy-driven differences in perceived source credibility. Three online experiments revealed evidence that speaks to these conversations. The results show that message source, political affiliation, and preexisting climate beliefs combine nonadditively to affect persuasion. Furthermore, their effects are mediated by perceived source credibility. However, the evidence also suggests that this pattern emerged not because accuracy goals drive different perceptions of credibility but because credibility judgments are equally susceptible to directional motivated reasoning.
AI is Changing the World: Achieving the Promise, Minimizing the Peril
Authors: Grewal Dhruv , Guha Abhijit , Becker Marc
Published: October 2024

Grewal, Guha, and Becker (2024; GGB) provided an initial position paper, outlining the promises and perils of AI, as well as three grand societal challenges linked to AI. Seven sets of researchers have provided insightful commentaries in response to GGB (2024), in efforts that introduce new themes or else challenge some of the initial claims. With this response paper, we summarize those commentaries, clarify points of agreement and contrast, and augment the themes in GGB (2024) based on the insights gained from the commentaries. Specifically, we present two additional grand societal challenges linked to AI, reflecting our continued dedication to broadening discussions about both the promises and the perils of AI.
Book review: Karthik Chandra Sutradhar, Imon Ul-Hossain, and Ramendra Nath Bhowmick (Eds.), Caste, Religion and Politics Indian Perspectives
Authors: Bahadur Etee
Published: October 2024

Karthik Chandra Sutradhar, Imon Ul-Hossain, and Ramendra Nath Bhowmick (Eds.), Caste, Religion and Politics Indian Perspectives. New Delhi: Abhijeet Publications, 2022, 400 pp., ₹1,600, ISBN: 9789392816178 (Hardback).
A deep belief network model for predicting the material removal rate in the polishing process
Authors: Wang Guilian , Sun Hao , Wu Ruixi , Liu Qibo , Liu Qingjian
Published: October 2024

The material removal rate (MRR) is an essential indicator for regulating process parameters and evaluating machining effects in the polishing process. However, as is known to all, it is difficult to accurately describe the MRR in theoretical approach due to the fact that it is affected by multi-parameter coupling such as pressure, velocity, abrasives, and the complex machining environment makes it challenging to monitor the MRR. This paper proposed a novel model based on the combination of the genetic algorithm and deep belief network (DBN) in order to predict MRR in the polishing process. First, the random forest algorithm was applied to select the parameter variables having a significant influence on the MRR, and these parameter variables were arranged as the input variables of the DBN model. Second, the hyperparameters of network were optimized by using the genetic algorithm with more powerful global search ability. Finally, the network model was trained and tested with the aid of the dataset provided by the PHM2016 Data Challenge, which resulted in an root mean square error value of 2.5487 and an R2 value of 0.9937 for the complete dataset. Meanwhile, the prediction error was reduced by more than 2.2% compared with predictive models available in the literature. The results show that the model investigated in this study more accurately predicts the MRR in the polishing process.
Building an Air Force: The Management and Mismanagement of the Regia Aeronautica, 1923–1940
Authors: Pieri Jonathan
Published: October 2024

For decades, historians have traced the disappointing performance of the Italian Air Force —the Regia Aeronautica—during the Second World War to technological backwardness, aircraft shortages, poor infrastructure and deficiency in doctrine. In addition to these problems, however, there was also a shortage of personnel. Analysing the development and management of the Italian Air Force during the 1920s and 1930s, this article shows how the lack of personnel was chronic throughout the interwar period and proved to be a key factor in the Regia Aeronautica’s poor preparedness for war with major powers in summer 1940.
Study on the Mechanism of Phellinus linteus Extract Slowing Down Breast Cancer by Regulating Cdc42/N-WASP Signaling Pathway
Authors: Sun Qishan , Zhan Xiaodong , Jiang Feng
Published: October 2024

Background

Cell division control protein 42 homolog (Cdc42)/neuronal Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome Protein (N-WASP) is involved in a variety of tumors; however, its regulatory mechanism in breast cancer is unclear.

Objectives

We aimed to explore the expression and role of Phellinus linteus extract in breast cancer and its possible molecular mechanism.

Materials and Methods

Cdc42/N-WASP level was measured in breast cancer tissues and adjacent tissues to explore the relationship between Cdc42/N-WASP expression and clinical relevance. P. linteus extract’s role in downstream signals in breast cancer was studied through immunofluorescence assays. At the same time, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Transwell assays were used to detect the biological behaviors of cells after transfection.

Results

P. linteus extract can significantly reduce the biological behaviors of breast cancer cells, mainly by inhibiting cell proliferation and migration. P. linteus extract further inhibited breast cancer cell biological behaviors by inhibiting downstream Cdc42/N-WASP signaling. Moreover, Cdc42/N-WASP negatively regulated cell invasion and inhibited the degradation of extracellular matrix in breast cancer cells by regulating cortactin (CTTN).

Conclusion

Our results showed that P. linteus extract targets Cdc42/N-WASP and inhibits invasion and formation in breast cancer by regulating CTTN.
Central Auditory Processing Abilities in Children with Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate: An Electrophysiological Study
Authors: Kujur Deepshikha , Jain Chandni
Published: October 2024

Background

The present study compared the central auditory processing abilities using electrophysiological tests in children with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) and their age-matched control group.

Method

Thirty children aged 7 to 15 years were recruited for the study. Participants were divided into 2 groups. The clinical group (children with NSCLP) comprised 15 children, while the control group (craniofacially typical peers) comprised 15 children with normal hearing sensitivity and auditory processing skills. Electrophysiological tests, including auditory brainstem responses (ABR), binaural interaction component (BIC) of ABR, auditory late latency responses (ALLR), and P300 were assessed.

Results

The results showed deviant responses in ABR, BIC, and ALLR in children with NSCLP compared to craniofacially typical counterparts. However, no significant difference was observed in P300 between the two groups.

Conclusion

Children with NSCLP may be at a higher risk of central auditory processing disorder due to their abnormal neural transmission in the auditory nervous system. Also, assessing auditory processing abilities in children with NSCLP should include electrophysiological tests in the test battery for additional information regarding neural transmission.
Association between controlling nutritional status score and diabetic retinopathy: Data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Ruan Yimeng , Zhang Ping , Jia Xinru , Hua Shanshan , Yao Dongwei
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aimed to examine the association between controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score and diabetic retinopathy (DR) risk, as well as investigate the impact of CONUT score on mortality risk among DR patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 5,256 patients with diabetes from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. These participants were classified into two groups: the DR group ( n = 641) and the non-DR group ( n = 4,615). We used weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to assess the correlation of CONUT score and DR risk. Weighted univariate and multivariate Cox models were adopted to explore the association of CONUT score with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality in patients with DR.

Results

305 patients diagnosed with DR had died by the end of the follow-up period, among whom 111 individuals died due to CVD. After adjusting all potential confounding factors, there was an association between CONUT score and DR development in patients with diabetes [odd ratio (OR) = 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–1.33]. Additionally, CONUT score was found to be associated with all-cause mortality of patients with DR [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.11, 95%CI: 1.01–1.22, P= 0.041]. However, there was no significant difference in the CONUT score and CVD-related mortality of patients with DR.

Conclusions

CONUT score may be a valuable tool for assessing the risk of developing DR, and predicting prognosis in patients with DR. However, as this was a cross-sectional study, we cannot infer the causality of CONUT score and DR risk.
D-dimer as a Predictive Biomarker of Response to Chemotherapy in Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Alkhoder Lubana , Salamoon Maher , Saifo Maher , Alwassouf Sulaf
Published: October 2024

Background:

Tumor-induced coagulation is widely observed in cancer patients. Moreover, it is associated with tumorigenesis, tumor progression and metastasis, by creating a proliferative and proangiogenic microenvironment. Therefore, D-dimer, a fibrin degradation product, correlates with tumor prognosis in several cancer types.

Objectives:

This study aims to investigate whether D-dimer levels can be a predictive and monitoring indicator for chemotherapy response in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients.

Design:

This was a prospective study.

Methods:

This study included two groups, 76 patients diagnosed with metastatic breast carcinoma and 25 patients with primary breast carcinoma. Plasma D-dimer levels were measured prospectively before chemotherapy initiation, and after the fourth treatment cycle in MBC patients. D-dimer levels before chemotherapy (D0) were analyzed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves to determine the optimal cut-off baseline values of D0, and to evaluate their discriminatory abilities in predicting response to chemotherapy.

Results:

In the preliminary response evaluation, the mean level of D-dimer significantly decreased by 0.65 μg/ml in patients with partial response patterns, and by 0.5 μg/ml in patients with stable disease. In the disease progression group, a marked increase was seen in D-dimer levels by 1.2 μg/ml. Analysis of ROC curves showed that D-dimer levels at D0 could discriminate the response to chemotherapy, whereas progressive disease rate correlated with higher levels of D-dimer.

Conclusion:

D-dimer level in plasma is a useful predictive and monitoring marker of response to chemotherapy in metastatic breast cancer.
Effects of High-Carbohydrate and High-Fat Diets on Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Nervous Activities: An Experimental Study Using Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Satoh Toru , Kobayashi Hidetoshi
Published: October 2024

Background:

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is affected by several factors, including major nutrients. However, their effects on the ANS remains unclear. Most studies had several limitations. They focused on humans, therefore they had difficulties excluding factors other than the nutrients. Their observation periods were too short (<4 hours) to align with typical absorption times of carbohydrates versus fats. They assessed the effects compared with the pre-prandial state rather than comparisons between different nutrient types.

Objective:

We aimed to investigate the effects of carbohydrates and fats on the ANS.

Method:

We employed a rat model to exclude the effects of external stimuli, used sufficient observation period, and compared the ANS parameters among animals fed 3 different diets. The rats were divided into carbohydrate-rich-diet (carb group) and fat-rich-diet (fat group) groups. We investigated the effects of carbohydrates and fats on the ANS by measuring heart rate variability parameters in rats. Electrodes and electrocardiography (ECG) transmitters were implanted in 14 Wistar rats maintained on a standard diet for 2 days followed by the experimental diets for 2 days. ECG readings were continuously recorded for 4 days. The R waves, function of the R-R interval, and time were calculated. A fast Fourier transform was used to obtain the power spectrum of the fluctuation (low frequency [LF: 0.2-0.75 Hz]; high frequency [HF: 0.75-3.0 Hz]; LF/HF ratio).

Result:

Compared with the standard-diet group, the carb group showed significantly increased HF activity, while the fat group showed a significantly increased LF/HF ratio.

Conclusion:

The results reveal a link between macronutrients and ANS activity.
News sources and the epistemic authority to represent reality: How journalism constructs an order of authorized knowers in local television news
Authors: Edy Jill A , Anderson Chris , Tapia Margarita H
Published: October 2024

Distinguishing two types of epistemic authority, narrative and eyewitness, illuminates their distinct contributions to journalistic authority and reveals how journalism constructs an order of authorized knowers in local television news. Quantitative content analysis of local television news shows how different sources, such as public officials, civil authorities and citizens, are assigned epistemic authority both in terms of how frequently they appear in news and what journalists empower them to say. The basis of sources’ epistemic authority and the type of story they appear in shapes the knowledge about social reality they are discursively permitted to create. Citizens uniquely contribute to journalistic authority by imparting eyewitness authority to news. They take more speaking turns than other sources, but the epistemic authority their eyewitnessing creates is commonly coopted by elite sources whose status-derived narrative authority lets them characterize social reality without claiming to have witnessed it. Citizens appear in few government stories and take relatively few speaking turns in them, although most of their turns characterize social reality. Citizens take more speaking turns than authorities in crime stories, but their relatively even mix of characterizing and witnessing undermines their narrative authority relative to officials who take few witnessing turns. Demographics matter: White women citizens take more witnessing turns than all other citizen race and gender categories combined. Connecting social status with the authority to characterize social reality maintains structures of inequality, and authorities telling average people how to make sense of their experiences can be seen as dismissive of citizens’ judgment.
Attenuation of Sommerfeld effect in a four DOF vibration system driven by a non-ideal induction motor
Authors: Hu Fengqiang , Peng Ruihao , Fang Pan , Yang Liming , Xie Fang , Ye Dingwu , Xiong Weiling
Published: October 2024

The Sommerfeld effect is a phenomenon in which a non-ideal prime mover fails to provide enough energy around the resonance speed in a vibration system, resulting in resonance capture and a nonlinear jump. This study discusses the successful techniques for attenuating the Sommerfeld effect in a vibration system with four degrees of freedom (DOFs) driven by a non-ideal induction motor. The kinetic equations of the system are derived using the Lagrange function. Additionally, the mean rotational speed and stability of a non-ideal motor are studied by energy balance and perturbation analysis method. Then, the relationship between electromagnetic torque and motor speed in the Sommerfeld effect is analyzed. The Sommerfeld effect exists near the natural frequencies (NFs) with electrical frequency increased or decreased. The main reason is that the gradually increasing mechanical load power of the vibrating system near the NFs contradicts the finite electromagnetic output power of the non-ideal induction motor. Moreover, the validity of the proposed methods is demonstrated through numerical analysis and simulation. The Sommerfeld effect can be effectively mitigated by appropriately increasing the damping coefficient, reducing the installation distance, and minimizing both the eccentric mass and eccentricity radius of the rotor.
Prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among pregnant women in north Shewa, Ethiopia: A multi-center cross-sectional study
Authors: Demisew Meron , Fekadu Gemede Habtamu , Ayele Kassahun
Published: October 2024

Background:

Maternal undernutrition remains a public health issue, particularly in low-income countries such as Ethiopia, which increases the possibility of a cycle of malnutrition in future generations.

Objectives:

This study assessed the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among pregnant women in Minjar Shenkora district north Shewa, Ethiopia.

Design:

The study used a multicenter cross-sectional study design.

Methods:

The study was conducted from June to August 2021 with 334 pregnant women selected using systematic random sampling techniques. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the sociodemographic, obstetric, and dietary data. The nutritional status of the pregnant women was assessed using mid-upper arm circumference measurements. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent variables associated with maternal undernutrition, with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of p < 0.05 indicating statistical significance.

Results:

The prevalence of undernutrition was 22.2%. Low monthly household average income (AOR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.62–8.40), women’s education limitation (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.28–5.46), poor nutritional attitude (AOR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.21–5.32), and inadequate dietary diversity score (AOR = 4.42, 95% CI: 1.53–12.8) were significantly associated with undernutrition.

Conclusion:

Maternal undernutrition prevalence was very high based on the WHO standards, and low monthly household average income, women’s education level, poor nutritional attitude, and inadequate dietary diversity scores were associated with undernutrition. Therefore, policies and programs aimed at reducing maternal undernutrition are needed. Socioeconomic strengthening and nutritional counseling during pregnancy are also recommended for improved nutritional status.
Supercritical carbon dioxide–activated copper/bacterial cellulose aerogels for the capture of hydrophobic organic liquids
Authors: Le Ha V , Tran Khoa D , Nguyen Hanh HM , Nguyen Kiet TA , Bui Ha T , Nguyen Trang TP , Ho Phuoc H , Nguyen Khoa D
Published: October 2024

In this study, bacterial cellulose was derived from coconut water via fermentative production of nata de coco, a common food in Southeast Asia. Bacterial cellulose offers distinct advantages over plant cellulose resources, including three-dimensional structure, high porosity, high cellulose purity, and the absence of required polluting treatments, making it an ideal candidate for the facile preparation of various functional aerogel materials. Surface modification of nata de coco-derived cellulose fibers was obtained by incorporating Cu species (approximately 15 wt%) through an aqueous reaction of Cu(CH3COO)2 with N2H4 at room temperature. The Cu-coated bacterial cellulose aerogels were fabricated via supercritical carbon dioxide drying to maintain the natural three-dimensional matrix and subsequently characterized by various techniques confirming high porosity and crystallinity and successful Cu coating onto the cellulose fiber surface. The Cu-containing aerogel showed a significantly improved adsorption uptake for n-hexane (12.6 g g−1) in comparison with pure bacterial cellulose–based aerogel (3.2 g g−1). Furthermore, notable adsorption performances of 13.6–19.9 g g−1 were found for cyclohexane, ethyl acetate, and soybean oil, indicating the high efficiency of the supercritical carbon dioxide–activated bacterial cellulose aerogel containing Cu species in the adsorption of water-insoluble liquids. Notably, applying supercritical carbon dioxide drying afforded the stable aerogel structure for reusing over several cycles with almost unchanged trapping capacity.
Should viscoelastic testing be a standard point-of-care test on all intensive care units?
Authors: Natasha Passi Neha , Parker Thomas
Published: October 2024

Viscoelastic tests (VETs) have transformed assessment of haemostasis and transfusion practices in trauma, cardiac and liver transplantation centres. Impaired haemostasis is a common problem on the general intensive care unit (ICU), but routine use of VETs is rare. We have accordingly reviewed the evidence to determine whether there is evidence to support the use of VETs as a standard point of care test on all ICUs in assessing and managing patients. The benefits of using VETs in the management of major haemorrhage, namely faster identification of a coagulopathy, in particular early detection of fibrinolysis, and reduced transfusion requirements for blood products have been seen in the general ICU. Validation of treatments algorithms is now required to standardise practice. There is also emerging evidence to support the use of VETs to guide urgent treatment decisions in patients with a coagulopathy or in patients taking anti-coagulants or anti-platelet therapies. We recommend that departments independently review the feasibility of setting up a viscoelastic point of care service which considers the applicability to their patient cohort, the financial cost and the personnel required.
Role of multilayer flow modulator stents in the treatment of arterial aneurysms
Authors: Dinc Rasit , Ekingen Evren
Published: October 2024

Arterial aneurysms remain a significant public health problem because they often result in death when ruptured; therefore, they require immediate medical treatment. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has recently become the primary treatment option, owing to the fewer side effects compared to those with open surgery. However, stents used for conventional EVAR often cause side-branch occlusion, which alters the perfusion of vital organs. Recently, multilayer flow modulator (MFM) stents have been used as a new treatment for arterial aneurysms. These stents appear to be feasible owing to their unique design consisting of an uncoated three-dimensionally braided multilayered structure. MFM stents generally remodulate laminar flow and reduce the flow velocity in the aneurysmal sac, leading to thrombosis, which causes the aneurysm to shrink over time. Thus, they reduce the risk of mortality. Moreover, they reduce morbidity by preserving the side-branch blood flow. They can be easily applied to complex aneurysms and are ready to use without customization, which shortens the waiting time for interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the role of MFM stents in the treatment of arterial aneurysms based on available data.