bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESEARCH ON THE DESTRUCTION PROCESSES OF WELDED JOINTS UNDER CONDITIONS OF DETACHMENT OF THE VERTICAL STEEL TANK BODY FROM THE BOTTOM DURING A FIRE
Authors: Nesukh M. , Subota A. , Shvydenko A. , Nekora O.
Published: October 2024

The study presents a comprehensive analysis of welded joints by applying advanced mathematical modelling and experimental research methods. The primary objective was to develop and validate a methodology for mathematical modelling of the behaviour of welded joints under mechanical loading, as well as to assess the effectiveness of the proposed approaches in predicting their strength and durability. Based on the research results, we can draw the following conclusions.
The authors obtained the results of welded joint samples and analysed the corresponding curves of the dependence of force factors on their deformations.
The study showed that the destruction of welded joints occurs mainly along the weld seam, where the strength is lower than in the base material of the rods. It is consistent with the practical data of the experiment, which confirms that the weld is the weakest link in the structure.
The article substantiated a set of provisions and assumptions for implementing mathematical modelling of the behaviour of samples of welded joints imitating welded joints in a reservoir for petroleum products under mechanical tensile tests.
The test results justified the mathematical models of the steel material of welded joints of petroleum product tanks and obtained numerical parameters of the mechanical properties of steel of welded joints. Yield strength is in the range of 240–300 MPa, the modulus of elasticity is 190–240 GPa, the hardening modulus is 18–20 GPa, and the ultimate plastic deformation is 0.00334.
Based on a complex of well-founded mathematical models of welded joints, we carried out calculations regarding the numerical study of the behaviour of welded joints under the conditions of their mechanical tests.
We compared the obtained results with the results of experimental tests and, based on this comparative analysis, established that they were adequate since the Fisher criterion did not exceed the tabular value and the relative error did not surpass 12%.
The findings of this research offer valuable insights and practical recommendations for improving the design and evaluation of welded structures, enhancing their performance and safety in engineering applications.
METHOD OF MONITORING TRAFFIC FLOWS USING THE BRIEFCAM SYSTEM
Authors: Galkin A.
Published: October 2024

Urban logistics forms the backbone of modern cities, ensuring the efficient movement of goods and services. With growing urbanisation and traffic congestion, optimising traffic flows has become crucial.
The study monitors traffic flows using BriefCam software to enhance sustainable urban logistics. Cost-effective surveillance systems like CCTV generate vast data, opening new opportunities for improving traffic flow monitoring. Traditional methods, while reliable, are limited by labour intensity, cost, and accuracy. BriefCam software optimises vehicle monitoring through structured methodologies, including collection of data, filter application, result validation, and data generation. Utilising this data provides insights to improve traffic management, urban transport speed, and sustainable logistics practices.
Modern cities use affordable CCTV systems, operating 24/7 and accumulating vast data suitable for automated traffic monitoring. Traditional methods require significant labour and costs, whereas floating car data (FCD) offers real-time traffic data collection, despite some reliability issues. BriefCam provides an innovative approach with a structured methodology for monitoring vehicles, aiding in sustainable urban logistics by optimising traffic flows and improving urban transport speed.
The article provides a detailed look at the methods used in the study, the process of using BriefCam to monitor vehicles, the filters applied for detailed analysis, techniques for verifying the results, and general conclusions drawn from the study. Efficient traffic management based on this analysis can lead to additional measures during peak hours, optimising traffic lights, and increasing lanes. Knowing the time frames when freight vehicle numbers rise helps businesses plan deliveries to avoid peak congestion, enhancing logistics efficiency.
BriefCam software offers immediate insights for reducing congestion, enhancing safety, and improving urban quality of life. Integrating digital approaches with traditional methods provides a comprehensive view of traffic dynamics, which aids urban planners and policymakers in optimising strategies, reducing emissions, and creating better living conditions in cities.
Keywords: traffic monitoring, urban traffic management, intelligent transport systems, freight traffic flow.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESS OF PERISHABLE GOODS DELIVERY IN THE CITY OF KHARKIV
Authors: Kalinichenko O. , Cherepakha О. , Sevidova V. , Salnikov Ye.
Published: October 2024

The article analyses the existing methods for building perishable goods delivery technologies and identifies strategies to study the prospects for developing perishable goods delivery systems, which allowed the authors to formulate the research objective in this development. The chosen topic is quite relevant since the formation of rational transport and technological schemes for the delivery of perishable goods allows for increasing the efficiency of resource use, decreasing the cost of their delivery, and reducing the delivery time of perishable goods. One of the ways to improve the efficiency of perishable goods delivery and reduce delivery time is to determine rational distribution routes and rational brands of rolling stock. The study established that foreign scientists have proposed solutions related to the construction of transport and technological schemes for the delivery of perishable goods, taking into account the choice of vehicles and routes for the delivery of goods. Most of these solutions focused on determining the appropriate loading capacity of rolling stock and the optimal delivery routes for perishable goods. A result of the conducted research was a proposed methodology for a comprehensive improvement of the perishable goods delivery process, consisting of determining rational distribution routes for a selected set of vehicles with different loadings. The authors implemented the software for the algorithm for choosing routes for vehicles of various capacities with the definition of the core technical and operational and technical and economic indicators of efficiency of the delivery process of perishable goods. The software implementation of the algorithm for selecting routes for vehicles of different capacities with the determination of the core technical and operational and technical and economic indicators of the efficiency of the delivery process of perishable goods allows one to quickly, in real-time, perform calculations and determine the rational parameters of the transport process and choose the appropriate routes and rolling stock.
Keywords: perishable goods, cargo delivery, distribution routes, truck capacity, costs.
Gamification of Al-Khawarizmi Number Basis Module for Gifted and Talented Muslim Students
Authors: Norazlina Subani  , Hadif Syahputra Syahizam  , Akif Zafran Normanhisham  , Farith Akhtar Rahmat  , Akil Naeem Muslim  , Muhammad Adam Irfan Sharizan
Published: October 2024

There are a few bright and intelligent students who have a poor level of achievement in mathematics. They think that mathematics is a boring subject and not important in daily life. A special module named the Al-Khawarizmi Number Basis Module will be used as an intervention step for students who need this guidance and support to achieve excellence in mathematics, increase their level of understanding of professional mathematics, and give encouragement to Muslim students in cultivating a mathematical life. The main objective of this research is to develop a game card for gifted and talented Muslim students at Kolej PERMATA Insan, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia. This module helps students enhance their understanding and achievement in mathematics. This module contains three main topics, namely rational numbers, factors and multiples, and standard form. The effectiveness of this module needs to be evaluated and analyzed carefully. This way, the module can improve the level of achievement and understanding of gifted and talented Muslim students, which can then be shared with students that are in mainstream schools. In completing this module, students are also tested with a game card called Find and Match: Al-Khawarizmi Robot of Number (Riz and Ron). Then, students will undergo a pre-test and post-test to assess their level of achievement. The implementation of this module can increase understanding and strengthen the professional knowledge of mathematics among gifted and talented Muslim students and encourage students to cultivate mathematical knowledge throughout life.
Penyuluhan dan Pelatihan Pembuatan Minuman Jahe Merah untuk Pemanfaatan Tanaman Obat Keluarga di Desa Linggasari
Authors: Royani Sri , Yunarti Kresensia Stasiana , Majid Sinta Fadhilah
Published: October 2024

Red ginger is a type of ginger found in Indonesia. Apart from being widely used as a kitchen spice, red ginger contains essential oils which can be used as medicine. The active substances in essential oils have properties for preventing and treating various diseases, such as coughs, dizziness, aches, angina and nausea. Linggasari Village is one of the villages in Kembaran District, Banyumas Regency which is currently still developing. Through the observation process, it was discovered that the residents of this village had planted a lot of red ginger plants, but they had not yet utilized them optimally for health. Therefore, counseling and training on making red ginger drinks was carried out in this village. This was done as an effort to use red ginger as a family medicinal plant in the village. The residents of Linggasari Village were very enthusiastic about participating in this activity. After providing counseling and training, it is hoped that the villagers will be able to use red ginger as a medicinal drink that they can make themselves and is beneficial for their health.
EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE AND MOISTURE ON THE RESPONSE OF JOINTED CONCRETE PAVEMENTS
Authors: Rao Chetana , Barenberg Ernest , Snyder Mark , Schmidt Sarah
Published: October 2024

This paper includes a study of curling and warping in jointed Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavements based on the temperature and moisture conditions at the time of paving and immediately following construction. Field data collected from fully instrumented sections at two locations, Phoenix, Arizona and Mankato, Minnesota, were used in this study. These sections were paved at nighttime and daytime respectively. Temperature data were collected through the slab thickness at different times of the day and profile measurements were recorded along the longitudinal edge, transverse edge and the diagonal of the slab. As the data at Mankato were collected for three days immediately following construction and later at the end of 15 days, 40 days and two years, this section provided data suitable for the study of early age and longterm behavior of PCC slabs. On the other hand, the test sections at Arizona with data collected at 3 days and 40 days provided a comparison of the effects of slab length and restraint conditions on the curling and warping of PCC slabs. Material properties determined from lab tests were used in modeling using the Finite Element Method (FEM) program, ISLAB2000. Based on theoretical analysis, an “equivalent temperature gradient” was determined at different ages to account for the combined effects of built- in curl, shrinkage and creep. It was observed that paving during daytime induced high negative gradients that further increased as the pavement underwent drying shrinkage and creep. At the end of two years, as a result of creep in concrete, the pavement appeared to relax its upward curling and warping. Furthermore, the equivalent temperature gradient increased with larger slab length and decreased with the presence of load transfer mechanisms. Finally, it was concluded that in addition to actual temperature gradients, the effects of not only built- in curl but also shrinkage and creep have to be considered in pavement analysis and design.
Initiation of Increasing Tuberculosis Medication Supervisors Roles: An Action Research Approach
Authors: Arini Merita , Puspitosari Warih Andan , Ferawati Bangkit Ina
Published: October 2024

Indonesia is ranked second in the number of Tuberculosis (TB) cases worldwide. TB patients and their families experience a complex burden. Hence, support and strengthening TB medication supervisors (Pengawas Minum Obat/ PMO) role is needed.  The aim of this study was to enhance the Community Health Center (CHC)-based PMOs’ role by improving their knowledge and strengthening peer group support. The method used was an action research cycle with four stages. The diagnosis stage was carried out by consensus decision making group with CHC to determine priority problems, namely the need to increase basic knowledge of TB and its treatment. Optimizing peer group was also necessary, as the Self Reporting Questionnaire-20 showed that more PMOs from patient families have psychological problems than cadres.  The planning stage was conducted by preparing educational sessions and creating educational media. The action stage was a quasi-experimental (without control, non-randomization)—an educational talk show provided by the TB program manager, pulmonologist, and psychiatrist. Peer groups are also activated by triggering shared media education and discussion. At the evaluation stage, knowledge was measured by giving pre and post-tests (n= 21, total sampling). The results of the analysis using the Wilcoxon's Signed Ranks Test showed that participants' knowledge had increased significantly (p=0.000; r=0.59). In conclusion, education can increase PMO knowledge as an initial step to strengthen their role in supporting the success of TB treatment. Innovation, cross-sector assistance, and support are needed to enable the PMO to succeed in the TB program.
Predicting vertical ground reaction force characteristics during running with machine learning
Authors: Bogaert Sieglinde , Davis Jesse , Vanwanseele Benedicte
Published: October 2024

Running poses a high risk of developing running-related injuries (RRIs). The majority of RRIs are the result of an imbalance between cumulative musculoskeletal load and load capacity. A general estimate of whole-body biomechanical load can be inferred from ground reaction forces (GRFs). Unfortunately, GRFs typically can only be measured in a controlled environment, which hinders its wider applicability. The advent of portable sensors has enabled training machine-learned models that are able to monitor GRF characteristics associated with RRIs in a broader range of contexts. Our study presents and evaluates a machine-learning method to predict the contact time, active peak, impact peak, and impulse of the vertical GRF during running from three-dimensional sacral acceleration. The developed models for predicting active peak, impact peak, impulse, and contact time demonstrated a root-mean-squared error of 0.080 body weight (BW), 0.198 BW, 0.0073 BW ⋅ seconds, and 0.0101 seconds, respectively. Our proposed method outperformed a mean-prediction baseline and two established methods from the literature. The results indicate the potential utility of this approach as a valuable tool for monitoring selected factors related to running-related injuries.
Toward understanding the brain tissue behavior due to preconditioning: an experimental study and RVE approach
Authors: Mazhari Ava , Shafieian Mehdi
Published: October 2024

Brain tissue under preconditioning, as a complex issue, refers to repeated loading-unloading cycles applied in mechanical testing protocols. In previous studies, only the mechanical behavior of the tissue under preconditioning was investigated; However, the link between macrostructural mechanical behavior and microstructural changes in brain tissue remains underexplored. This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating bovine brain tissue responses both before and after preconditioning. We employed a dual approach: experimental mechanical testing and computational modeling. Experimental tests were conducted to observe microstructural changes in mechanical behavior due to preconditioning, with a focus on axonal damage. Concurrently, we developed multiscale models using statistically representative volume elements (RVE) to simulate the tissue’s microstructural response. These RVEs, featuring randomly distributed axonal fibers within the extracellular matrix, provide a realistic depiction of the white matter microstructure. Our findings show that preconditioning induces significant changes in the mechanical properties of brain tissue and affects axonal integrity. The RVE models successfully captured localized stresses and facilitated the microscopic analysis of axonal injury mechanisms. These results underscore the importance of considering both macro and micro scales in understanding brain tissue behavior under mechanical loading. This comprehensive approach offers valuable insights into mechanotransduction processes and improves the analysis of microstructural phenomena in brain tissue.
Vat photopolymerization of multifunctional fresnel lenses for ocular management
Authors: Ali Murad , Hisham Muhammed , Abu Al-Rub Rashid K. , Butt Haider
Published: October 2024

In this study, multifunctional Fresnel lenses were explored as a potential solution for correcting vision in patients with color vision deficiency (CVD) and high myopia. Current studies have primarily focused on color vision correction through the 3D printing of glasses and contact lenses. However, the potential of 3D-printed multifunctional devices, such as Fresnel lenses, goes beyond addressing a single vision correction issue. For this study, computer-aided design (CAD) model of Fresnel lens with high diopter based on constant height configuration was developed. The CAD model was successfully fabricated using vat photopolymerization 3D printer, employing laboratory-prepared transparent HEMA resin. The resin was modified with two Atto dyes (565 nm and 488 nm), known for their ability to filter out problematic wavelengths (400–500 nm and 540–580 nm) to address color vision deficiency. The printed lenses were characterized by their chemical, physical, and optical properties using various characterization techniques. The focusing performance was evaluated using focal length measurements, and the results obtained were less than 2 mm deviation from the design value, having the potential to assist in higher myopic vision correction. The resulting optical spectra were compared with commercial glasses, revealing close agreement for CVD correction. These results expand the potential applications of multifunctional Fresnel lenses in ophthalmology, demonstrating their effectiveness as vision-correcting lenses and imaging systems.
Intraoperative rapid assessment of the deep muscle surgical margin of tongue squamous cell carcinoma via Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Li Zhongxu , Dai Xiaobo , Li Zhixin , Wu Zhenxin , Xue Lili , Li Yi , Yan Bing
Published: October 2024

Purpose

An accurate assessment of the surgical margins of tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC), especially the deep muscle tissue, can help completely remove the cancer cells and thus minimize the risk of recurrence. This study aimed to develop a classification model that classifies TSCC and normal tissues in order to aid in the rapid and accurate intraoperative assessment of TSCC surgical deep muscle tissue margins.

Materials and methods

The study obtained 240 Raman spectra from 60 sections (30 TSCC and 30 normal) from 15 patients diagnosed with TSCC. The classification model based on the analysis of Raman spectral data was developed, utilizing principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) for the diagnosis and classification of TSCC. The leave-one-out cross-validation was employed to estimate and evaluate the prediction performance model.

Results

This approach effectively classified TSCC tissue and normal muscle tissue, achieving an accuracy of exceeding 90%. The Raman analysis showed that TSCC tissues contained significantly higher levels of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids compared to the adjacent normal tissues. In addition, we have also explored the potential of Raman spectroscopy in classifying different histological grades of TSCC.

Conclusion

The PCA–LDA tissue classification model based on Raman spectroscopy exhibited good accuracy, which could aid in identifying tumor-free margins during surgical interventions and present a promising avenue for the development of rapid and accurate intraoperative techniques.
Stretching the structural envelope of imatinib to reduce β-amyloid production by modulating both β- and γ-secretase cleavages of APP
Authors: Netzer William J. , Sinha Anjana , Ghias Mondana , Chang Emily , Gindinova Katherina , Mui Emily , Seo Ji-Seon , Sinha Subhash C.
Published: October 2024

We previously showed that the anticancer drug imatinib mesylate (IMT, trade name: Gleevec) and a chemically distinct compound, DV2-103 (a kinase-inactive derivative of the potent Abl and Src kinase inhibitor, PD173955) lower Aβ levels at low micromolar concentrations primarily through a lysosome-dependent mechanism that renders APP less susceptible to proteolysis by BACE1 without directly inhibiting BACE1 enzymatic activity, or broadly inhibiting the processing of other BACE1 substrates. Additionally, IMT indirectly inhibits γ-secretase and stimulates autophagy, and thus may decrease Aβ levels through multiple pathways. In two recent studies we demonstrated similar effects on APP metabolism caused by derivatives of IMT and DV2-103. In the present study, we synthesized and tested radically altered IMT isomers (IMTi’s) that possess medium structural similarity to IMT. Independent of structural similarity, these isomers manifest widely differing potencies in altering APP metabolism. These will enable us to choose the most potent isomers for further derivatization.
Evaluation of immune sensor responses to a viral small noncoding RNA
Authors: Kara Mehmet , Tibbetts Scott A.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Gammaherpesviruses are widespread pathogens causing persistent infections linked to the development of numerous types of lymphomas in humans. During latency, most of the viral protein-coding genes are suppressed, facilitating evasion of adaptive immune recognition of protein antigens. In contrast, many noncoding RNA (ncRNA) molecules are expressed in infected cells and can regulate key cellular pathways while simultaneously evading adaptive immune recognition. To counteract this, many cells express internal pattern recognition receptors that can intrinsically sense ongoing infections and initiate cellular defenses. Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68) is a valuable model to study in vivo aspects of gammaherpesvirus pathogenesis. The MHV68 ncRNA TMER4 (tRNA-miRNA-encoding RNA 4) promotes lymph node egress of infected B cells: in the absence of TMER4, MHV68-infected B cells accumulate in the lymph node in a manner similar to B cells activated through specific antigen encounter.

Method

We hypothesized that TMER4 may alter intrinsic immune activation. In research described here, we aimed to explore the immunomodulatory functions of TMER4 by evaluating its impact on signaling through the critical immune sensors Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), TLR3, TLR7, and retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I). To accomplish this, we developed a system to test noncoding RNAs using commercially available reporter cell lines. We optimized the experimental procedure to ensure ncRNA expression and to quantify immune sensory molecule induction or inhibition by the expressed ncRNA.

Results and discussion

Expression of TMER4 RNAs from plasmid constructs did not alter TLR or RIG-I signaling. This study provides a clear experimental framework that can be applied to test other small ncRNAs for their impact on various innate immune sensor proteins.
An investigation of public trust in autonomous humanoid AI robot doctors: a preparation for our future healthcare system
Authors: Kim Do Kyun David
Published: October 2024

As a preparation for our future healthcare system with artificial intelligence (AI)-based autonomous robots, this study investigated the level of public trust in autonomous humanoid robot (AHR) doctors that would be enabled by AI technology and introduced to the public for the sake of better healthcare accessibility and services in the future. Employing the most frequently adopted scales in measuring patients’ trust in their primary care physicians (PCPs), this study analyzed 413 survey responses collected from the general public in the United States and found trust in AHR nearly matched the level of trust in human doctors, although it was slightly lower. Based on the results of data analysis, this study provided explanations about the benefits of using AHR doctors and some proactive recommendations in terms of how to develop AHR doctors, how to implement them in actual medical practices, more frequent exposure of humanoid robots to the public, and the need of interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance public trust in AHR doctors. This line of study is urgently demanded because the placement of such advanced robot technology in the healthcare system is unavoidable as the public has experienced it more these days. The limitations arising from the non-experimental design, a voluntary response sampling through social media, and few theories on communication with humanoid robots remain tasks for future studies.
Invitations to play: designing for family engagement through STEAM exhibits in community settings
Authors: Reimer Paul N. , Moreno Celeste
Published: October 2024

Intergenerational play between children and their family members provides a rich context that can inform family-centered interaction design. Despite research on the roles and perspectives in adult-child interactions, less is known about the design elements and features of voluntary interaction settings that provide opportunities for family members to collaborate and play in joint, balanced ways. To this end, we report the qualitative results of our design and implementation of three interactive STEAM exhibits installed in an early childhood education center over a six-month period. Our findings surface insights and tensions related to the design features’ impact on supporting family engagement in STEAM exhibits, emergent aspects of family-centered play, and supports needed to implement family-centered STEAM exhibits. Other designers, such as those who design with new technologies or explore human–computer interactions, can learn from our process of iteration and adjustment based on family interactions.
Unlocking potential: exploring the interplay between entrepreneurship and research competence across diverse academic disciplines
Authors: Medne Dace , Lastovska Agnese , Lama Gatis , Grava Jana
Published: October 2024

This study aims to identify and analyze the self-assessment of entrepreneurship sub-competences among students at Latvian higher education institutions. The research questions addressed include: What is the self-assessment of students’ entrepreneurship competence at different levels of education? How and to what extent does the self-assessment of students’ entrepreneurship competence vary across different thematic groups? How and to what extent does the self-assessment of students’ entrepreneurship competence differ between academic and professional programs? Do bachelor’s and Master’s students’ entrepreneurship competences improve during the study process? Additionally, the study explores the correlation between students’ self-assessment of their entrepreneurship competence and their research competence. Data were collected using an assessment tool for students’ transversal competences developed in the ESF project “Development and implementation of the education quality monitoring system”, which consists of an online survey data and were analyzed with SPSS Statistics v.21. The results show that students evaluated their entrepreneurship competence just above average. Bachelor-level students improved their entrepreneurship competences during their studies, but there were no statistically significant differences between Master’s students’ evaluations in their first and last study years. Network analysis indicates that the entrepreneurship sub-competence “Identification, mobilization, and efficient use of internal and external resources” is connected with most research competence dimensions, and improving this sub-competence will therefore have the most effect on influencing research competence.
Learner perceptions of a national CLIL innovation in foreign languages in the Republic of Ireland (5474)
Authors: Bower Kim , Rutgers Dieuwerke , Quigley Laura
Published: October 2024

This paper describes a Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) curriculum innovation to improve motivation in language learning undertaken in the Republic of Ireland through a national pilot in transition year (TY) in 2021–2023 for learners aged 15–16. Here we extract data from part of an empirical evaluation study focussing on the research question, what are learner perceptions of learning through CLIL approaches in a national pilot module? A CLIL module on the theme of Fair Trade based on geographical and mathematical skills and content was taught through either French, German, Italian or Spanish. Models varied between schools—most undertook the module by teaching two to three lessons per week within a six-eight week period. A minority taught through this approach throughout the year. Results are presented from learner focus groups in three diverse school contexts and an online learner questionnaire drawn from all participating learners in these schools. Group discussions were recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was undertaken based on the Process Motivation Model for investigating CLIL in the classroom (PMM). Analysis and discussion include the positive impact on a large majority of learners and practical implications around the nature of learning a linear school subject in TY. Lessons learned include the need to extend this innovation to the wider curriculum, and the need for further professional learning for teachers. Constraints due to the nature of TY year and the module are acknowledged.
Gender differences in the relationship between the systemic immune-inflammation index and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among adults with hypertension: evidence from NHANES 1999-2018
Authors: Cheng Ting , Yu Dongdong , Tang Qi , Qiu Xingying , Li Geng , Zhou Li , Yang Yue , Wen Zehuai
Published: October 2024

Background

There are gender differences in hypertension and the effect of gender on the relationship between systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and mortality in hypertensive patients is unclear.

Methods

Hypertensive patients (n=7444) from ten cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 1999 to 2018 were enrolled in this study. The maximally selected rank statistics method was employed to identify the optimal cut-off value for the SII. Survey-weighted Cox regression analysis was utilized to explore the links between SII and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Kaplan-Meier method and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to assess the predictive accuracy of SII for mortality.

Results

Whether SII was considered as a numerical variable or as a binary variable (higher- and lower-SII groups), higher SII levels were associated with a higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in female hypertensive patients (all P < 0.001), but no such association was observed in the males. The area under the curve of the SII was 0.602, 0.595, and 0.569 for 3-, 5-, and 10-year all-cause mortality, respectively, in females, but was 0.572, 0.548, and 0.554 in males. High SII levels interacted with the poverty income ratio and physical activity to affect mortality in the male population (P for interaction < 0.05), and there was an interaction between race and SII in the female cardiovascular mortality rate (P for interaction < 0.05).

Conclusion

Higher levels of SII may be closely related to the high risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in hypertensive patients, and the results showed that this relationship is more significant and stable in the female group. High SII interacts with PIR, physical activity, and race to affect the mortality rate in different gender populations.
Estradiol-mediated enhancement of the human ectocervical epithelial barrier correlates with desmoglein-1 expression in the follicular menstrual phase
Authors: Bradley Frideborg , Stern Alexandra , Franzén Boger Mathias , Mousavian Zaynab , Dethlefsen Olga , Kaldhusdal Vilde , Lajoie Julie , Omollo Kenneth , Bergström Sofia , Månberg Anna , Nilsson Peter , Kimani Joshua , Burgener Adam D. , Tjernlund Annelie , Sundling Christopher , Fowke Keith R. , Broliden Kristina
Published: October 2024

Background

The cervicovaginal epithelial barrier is crucial for defending the female reproductive tract against sexually transmitted infections. Hormones, specifically estradiol and progesterone, along with their respective receptor expressions, play an important role in modulating this barrier. However, the influence of estradiol and progesterone on gene and protein expression in the ectocervical mucosa of naturally cycling women is not well understood.

Methods

Mucosal and blood samples were collected from Kenyan female sex workers at high risk of sexually transmitted infections. All samples were obtained at two time points, separated by two weeks, aiming for the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. Ectocervical tissue biopsies were analyzed by RNA-sequencing and in situ immunofluorescence staining, cervicovaginal lavage samples (CVL) were evaluated using protein profiling, and plasma samples were analyzed for hormone levels.

Results

Unsupervised clustering of RNA-sequencing data was performed using Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). In the follicular phase, estradiol levels positively correlated with a gene module representing epithelial structure and function, and negatively correlated with a gene module representing cell cycle regulation. These correlations were confirmed using regression analysis including adjustment for bacterial vaginosis status. Using WGCNA, no gene module correlated with progesterone levels in the follicular phase. In the luteal phase, no gene module correlated with either estradiol or progesterone levels. Protein profiling on CVL revealed that higher levels of estradiol during the follicular phase correlated with increased expression of epithelial barrier integrity markers, including DSG1. This contrasted to the limited correlations of protein expression with estradiol levels in the luteal phase. In situ imaging analysis confirmed that higher estradiol levels during the follicular phase correlated with increased DSG1 expression.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that estradiol levels positively correlate with specific markers of ectocervical epithelial structure and function, particularly DSG1, during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. Neither progesterone levels during the follicular phase nor estradiol and progesterone levels during the luteal phase correlated with any specific sets of gene markers. These findings align with the expression of estradiol and progesterone receptors in the ectocervical epithelium during these menstrual phases.
The global death and disability burden associated with a high BMI in children and adolescents, 1990–2019
Authors: Song Ying , Zhou Yuan , Feng Xiaojin , Fu Jieting , Liu Yongping
Published: October 2024

Objective

Exploring changing trends in the burden caused by overweight and obesity among children and adolescents from 1990 to 2019 at the global, regional, and national levels, based on data from the Global Burden of Disease study (GBD) 2019.

Methods

The annual number and rate of deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) associated with a high BMI among children and adolescents at global, regional, and national levels by age groups, sexes, and the sociodemographic index from 1990 to 2019 were collected from the GBD study 2019. Change percentage for number, and the estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) for rate were calculated to determine the temporal trends.

Results

From 1990 to 2019, global high BMI-related deaths decreased by 34% but DALYs increased by 48%. Death rates in females were higher than in males, although both showed decreasing trends. For the rate of DALYs, both sexes showed increasing trends, but since 1999, the rate in males has surpassed that in females. A high BMI had the greatest impact on children under 5 years of age, and the burden in other age groups continued to increase. Regionally, High-income Asia Pacific experienced the fastest decrease in death rate (EAPC=−9.57), and East Asia saw the fastest increase in the DALYs rate (EAPC= 3.47). Globally, as age increases, the proportion of disease burden attributed to a high BMI in females generally increases.

Conclusions

Our findings emphasize the urgent need to improve efforts to prevent children and adolescents becoming overweight and obese.
The emerging modulators of non-coding RNAs in diabetic wound healing
Authors: Aghayants Sis , Zhu Jinjin , Yu Jing , Tao Rui , Li Sicheng , Zhou Shengzhi , Zhou Yunhua , Zhu Zhanyong
Published: October 2024

Diabetic wound healing is a complex physiological process often hindered by the underlying metabolic dysfunctions associated with diabetes. Despite existing treatments, there remains a critical need to explore innovative therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes. This article comprehensively examines the roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), specifically microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), in regulating key phases of the wound healing process: inflammation, angiogenesis, re-epithelialization, and tissue remodeling. Through a deep review of current literature, we discuss recent discoveries of ncRNAs that have been shown to either promote or impair the wound healing process in diabetic wound healing, which were not covered in earlier reviews. This review highlights the specific mechanisms by which these ncRNAs impact cellular behaviors and pathways critical to each healing stage. Our findings indicate that understanding these recently identified ncRNAs provides new insights into their potential roles in diabetic wound healing, thereby contributing valuable knowledge for future research directions in this field.
Potential impact of ezetimibe on patients with NAFLD/NASH: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Jiao BoLun , Wang Bing , Liu BoYan , Zhao Jin , Zhang YunHao
Published: October 2024

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the most common cause of chronic liver disease. Studies have found that ezetimibe may be utilized as a supplemental treatment for NAFLD. Additionally, many clinical trials reported the potential impacts of ezetimibe on patients with NAFLD, although some conclusions remain controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of ezetimibe on patients with NAFLD.

Method

Online search was conducted across databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, VIP, and CNKI to retrieve all relevant controlled studies on the treatment of NAFLD with ezetimibe from the inception of the databases until April 2024. This meta-analysis comprised 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Statistical analysis was conducted using the Meta package in R v4.3.2.

Results

A total of ten RCTs were included in this study, encompassing 578 patients (290 in the ezetimibe group and 288 in the control group) diagnosed with NAFLD/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The results indicated that ezetimibe significantly reduced levels of aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.01), glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) (P < 0.01), total cholesterol (P < 0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.01), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P < 0.01), and interleukin-6 (P < 0.01), and markedly increased levels of glycated hemoglobin (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Ezetimibe may partially improve transaminase levels and positively impact liver function in patients with NAFLD/NASH.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42023461467.
Real-time risk assessment of distribution systems based on Unscented Kalman Filter
Authors: Wu Chen , Jiao Hao , Cai Dongyang , Che Wei , Ling Shaowei
Published: October 2024

The continuous growth of renewable energy and the load level has posed increasingly severe operational risks to distribution systems. In view of this, this paper combines state estimation with risk assessment, and uses the results of distribution system state estimation based on Unscented Kalman Filter as the input of risk assessment. With the combination, the sampling based on probability distributions in traditional risk assessment methods is no longer needed, thus avoiding the difficulty of updating probability distributions timely according to the latest information in real-time operation. By applying the proposed risk assessment method, the real-time assessment of operational risks in perspectives of bus voltage, branch power, and renewable energy utilization is achieved. Meanwhile, the weight of each risk index is properly determined according to both subjective and objective knowledge by using Analytic Hierarchy Process method and entropy weight method. Case studies show that the proposed method achieves effective assessment of comprehensive risks in the operation of distribution system.
Forest assisted migration and adaptation plantings in the Northeastern US: perspectives and applications from early adopters
Authors: Clark Peter W. , D’Amato Anthony W. , Fitts Lucia A. , Janowiak Maria K. , Montgomery Rebecca A. , Palik Brian J.
Published: October 2024

Threats to the future function of forested ecosystems and stability of ecosystem service provisioning due to global change have motivated climate-adaptive forest management strategies that include various forms of tree planting termed “adaptation plantings”. Despite the emergence of these strategies, less is known as to how foresters and other natural resource managers perceive or are engaged with adaptation plantings like forest assisted migration (FAM). This knowledge gap is most pronounced in regions like New England and the North Central US (hereafter, the Northeastern US) where tree planting is less common but expected to be an important forest management tool for adaptation. To address this, we surveyed 33 natural resource managers in this region actively engaged in climate change adaptation (i.e., early adopters of the practice) to assess how tree planting for adaptation is currently being pursued against the perceived barriers, opportunities, and potential future engagement with the strategy. Survey respondents overwhelmingly (93.5%) forecast increases in the future use of adaptation plantings in their work in the region, attributed to increased awareness, acceptance, and interest in the practice. Respondents expressed notable interest in strategies related to diversification and most types of FAM (e.g., assisted population expansion and assisted range expansion), but hesitancy to engage with more contentious planting types like afforestation or FAM linked to the long-distance translocation of exotic species (e.g., assisted species migration). Although examples of local enrichment plantings (i.e., non-FAM) proliferate, nineteen of the top twenty most common tree genera planted contain at least one example of FAM in the study region. The most notable barriers reported were themed as 1) biotic and abiotic, 2) information and material, and 3) policy, social, and economic factors. While most respondents report difficulty obtaining adequate planting material from nurseries (i.e., seedlings), over 80% placed orders shortly before planting (< 1 year) which likely generates difficulty in sourcing seedlings suited for a specific site and future range of environmental conditions. Although this study is limited by focusing on subset of natural resource managers who are early adopters of climate change adaptation within the region, valuable inferences into the barriers and trends are possible from this population serving on the front lines of forest adaptation. Together, these results from early adopters suggest a potentially growing need for allocating resources that engage forest stewards in adaptation planning and serve to refine policy, financing, and management practices to support this adaptation strategy in this region and beyond.
Identification of plasma exosomal lncRNA as a biomarker for early diagnosis of gastric cancer
Authors: Wei Ye , Hu Xuming , Yuan Shuai , Zhao Yue , Zhu Chunhui , Guo Mingzhou , Cui Hengmi
Published: October 2024

Background

There were about 1,090,000 gastric cancer (GC) cases in 2020 in China. The incidence and mortality rates ranked the fifth and third among all kinds of cancers in China. Early diagnosis plays an important role in the treatment and prognosis of gastric cancer. In recent years, noninvasive diagnosis, especially plasma exosome lncRNAs, has become a promissing biomarkers with high specificity and sensitivity for early diagnosis of cancers.

Methods

In this study, plasma exosomes of patients with early gastric cancer were extracted efficiently by affinity membrane separation technology, including affinity adsorption, elution, affinity membrane regeneration and other steps. After identified by electron microscopy observation, particle size analysis and Western blot verification, the lncRNAs in the exosomes were extracted and were analysized by high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). The differentially expressed lncRNAs were verified by RT-qPCR in 93 patients with early gastric cancer and 49 normal controls.

Results

Electron microscopy, particle size analysis and Western blot showed that exosomes were successfully isolated from plasma. RNA-Seq results show that 76 lncRNAs were upregulated and 260 lncRNAs were downregulated in plasma exosomes of early gastric cancer patients compared with normal controls. RT-qPCR analysis indicated that a total of 6 lncRNAs were significantly and differentially expressed in gastric cancer patients compared to normal controls, with 2 (lncmstrg. 1319590, Lncmstrg. 2312697) highly expressed and 4 lowly expressed (lncmstr-g.1004024.1, lncmstrg. 2441832.8, lncmstrg. 315376.1, lncmstrg.907985.2,) (p < 0.05). The survival curve analysis indicated that lncmstrg.2441832.8 and lncmstrg.2312697 had higher sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of gastric cancer, respectively and AUC curve areas were 0.6211 and 0.631, p < 0.05, respectively, which were greater than the traditional clinical detection indexes CEA (0.61) and AFP (0.57). When combined lncmstrg.2441832.8 and lncmstrg.2312697 in gastric cancer diagnosis, AUC curve area reached 0.73, which was greater than CA199 (0.71).

Conclusion

Lncmstrg.2441832.8 and lncmstrg.2312697 may be a potential and promissing biomarkers for early diagnosis of gastric cancer.