bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ONLINE FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT TO FOSTER INTERACTIVE ENGLISH LEARNING AMONG SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN INDONESIA
Authors: Sriyeni Yeni , Sudimantara Lala Bumela , Arrasyid Farouk Imam
Published: October 2024

In response to pandemic-related learning loss, the Indonesian government has implemented a new English language curriculum with a focus on holistic assessment. However, the effectiveness of this curriculum relies on innovative teaching practices. This study positions the author as a curriculum engineer who has developed an online formative assessment concept. The aim of this research is to create a formative assessment tool that records student learning processes, promotes interactive English learning, and overcomes traditional pedagogical practices. By recording student learning processes and integrating technology, such as mind mapping and word clouds, students are able to explore, investigate, and generate new knowledge. The study follows a Research and Development (RD) approach and the developed website highlights the two online formative assessment methods. The findings demonstrate that using the online formative assessment tool can enhance students' critical thinking and communication skills while improving their English proficiency. Based on these results, this study recommends that schools integrate formative assessment tools into their English language curriculum to promote interactive learning and overcome traditional teaching practices. The findings of this study are relevant to educators, policymakers, and curriculum developers interested in promoting interactive English learning in a technology-enhanced learning environment. This study expected to be an assessment innovation in the interactive English.
Female Subjectivity in Flightplan by Robert Schwentke
Authors: Nurwahida Anisa , Prabasmoro Tisna , Budhyono Rasus
Published: October 2024

The historical underrepresentation and misrepresentation of women in the media have the potential to perpetuate gender inequalities and prejudices. This study aims to demonstrate how the film Flightplan by Robert Schwentke depicts female subjectivity and how masculine dominance is shown to affect the female main character's subjectivity, named Kyle Pratt. The researchers use the five C's of cinematographic theory to explore the portrayal of female subjectivity and feminism theory to analyze how the masculine manipulates the main character until her subjectivity arises. The study's findings indicate that although the movie places the female character in a field and situation traditionally dominated by men, it empowers her by portraying her as a character who, with her layered identity as a newly widowed woman, a single mother with one daughter, and a woman herself, who shows her capacity as an independent subject capable of performing qualities and traits normatively constructed as male.
Code-Mixing and Its Impact on Followers’ Purchase Intention in Somethinc’s Instagram Captions
Authors: Wahyuningsih Agung Tri
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the practical use of English interpolated into Somethinc’s Instagram captions through code-mixing analysis. To do so, this research employs Muysken’s proposition to identify the English codes and their types. Further, this research also addresses followers to reveal their intention on the decision to buy or reject the products. Documenting the captions is purposefully done for collecting the data to present the English codes, and distributing questionnaire is intentionally conducted to seek the followers’ purchase intention. The result shows that among 20 captions taken from February 14th until April 26th 2024, there are 57 English codes found in three types of code-mixing comprising insertion with 35 data, alternation with 20 data, and congruent lexicalization with 2 data. Further, the fact shows that English use in Somethinc’s captions is very influential because 56,9% of the respondents decide to buy the products. This finding gives a new insight that the use of English words in promoting products will attract followers’ attention and intention to buy the products.
Illocutionary Speech Acts on Stickers as Promotional Media of Mangroves Ecotourism in Bangkalan, Madura
Authors: Zulkhaeriyah Zulkhaeriyah Zulkhaeriyah , Romadlani M. Masqotul Imam , Rahayu Lustya Suci , Zuhra Siti Fatimatuz
Published: October 2024

The primary goal of this research is to find the lingual forms and meanings of the language in vehicle stickers used as promotional media to increase ecotourism possibilities throughout the Mangroves Ecotourism area of Bangkalan by means of illocutionary speech acts. In this research, the descriptive and qualitative research methods were used. The data for this research came from a form of vehicle sticker that was first investigated to promote Mangrove Ecotourism in Bangkalan, Madura. The following Mangrove Ecotourism sites were included in this research: Labuhan Mangrove Education Park Bangkalan, Mangrove Martajasah, and Mangrove Tajungan, Kamal. The research carried out adopted George Yule's pragmatic theory and J.R Searle's illocutionary speech act as the theoretical framework, which provides a good explanation of the representative speech act, directive speech act, expressive speech act, commissive speech act, and declarative speech act. Then, concluded that directive speech act plays a major form of this research’s finding and discussion and representative speech act as the second form whose type is commonly used in the sticker as promotional media.
Investigation of Dynamic Characteristics of Holonomic Robot with Mecanum wheels Based on 3D Parametric Simulation Model
Authors: Radkevich A. A. , Pauliukavets S. A.
Published: October 2024

The paper analyzes dynamic characteristics of a four-wheeled mobile robot driven by omnidirectional mecanum wheels. To obtain information about dynamic characteristics of the robot, a computer model was developed in the MATLAB Simulink block modeling software environment. The constructed simulation model allowed to research the behavior of a holonomic mobile object with mecanum wheels in start-braking modes, based not only on its mathematical model, but also ta-king into account the weight and size parameters of the robot, introduced into the model through the integration of a three-dimensional digital prototype of the object. The investigation of the omnidirectional robot dynamics was considered within modeling the acceleration, uniform movement and deceleration of an object on a plane along a rectilinear trajectory. As a result, the dependences of kinematic, dynamic and mechanical characteristics were obtained, such as the dependence of angular velocity and torque of each wheel on time; the dependence of linear velocity of the robot's center of mass on time; the dependence of distance traveled by the robot on time; positioning errors while processing a given movement; spatial visualization of speed fluctuations. With the help of Mechanical Explorer tool, using a digital clone of the robot integrated into the model, an animation of the object’s movement along the trajectory was obtained. This approach, based on the integration of mathematical block and three-dimensional parametric models of the object with the possibility of visualization and animation of the results, allows to most fully investigate the dynamics and kinematics of nonlinear mechatronic systems. The obtained information of positioning errors and speed fluctuations in three coordinates allowed to conclude that there were random fluctuations during the robot’s movement, but their presence did not have a noticeable effect on the accuracy of the specified trajectory.
Study of Deformations in Statically Indeterminate Beam in Industrial and Shipbuilding Structures
Authors: Goncharova S. V. , Khvasko V. M. , Goncharova E. A. , Makhnach N. A.
Published: October 2024

The paper considers the analysis of deformations in a statically indeterminate beam using the example of a ship's keel – an I-beam that plays an important role in ensuring the stability and structure of the vessel. The research is carried out through a combination of theoretical and experimental approaches. The force method was chosen for theoretical analysis as a universal tool for statically indeterminate beams, allowing to estimate deformations and stresses at various points of the beam. It includes the selection of the optimal cross section, which is an advantage of this approach. The finite element method (FEM), implemented using Ansys 2021 R2 PC, is used for experimental analysis and visualization of bending deformation. This method provides a more flexible and powerful tool for analyzing complex structures, taking into account a variety of boundary conditions. The results of the study were compared, and the calculation errors turned out to be minimal and acceptable. The paper emphasizes the importance of conducting such analyses to understand the behavior of structures under loads and ensure their reliability not only in transport, but also in industrial and civil construction.
Basic Principles for Designing Backup Spillway with Eroded Insert
Authors: Bohaslauchyk P. M. , Evdokimov V. A.
Published: October 2024

Based on the experience accumulated to date in the use of backup spillways with eroded soil inserts and previously conducted studies, recommendations for the design and calculations of such structures are given. Four options for design and layout solutions are presented. The first option is that the eroded insert is located in the body of the earth dam. The erosion-limiting clothing is concrete. The second option is the same, but the erosion-limiting clothing is made of soft polymer material, for example, from geotextile or polymer film. According to the third option, the eroded insert is located in one or several spans of the surface spillway and operates like a “Hydroplus” gate. The fourth option is applicable under appropriate topographic conditions. Here, the eroded insert is located outside the pressure front, bypassing the dam and is a small eroded dam. A procedure for hydraulic calculations is proposed, which are performed in two stages. At the first stage, the dimensions of the spillway opening of the reserve spillway are determined to allow the design flow to pass through. Then, a calculation is made of the erosion of the soil insert located in this hole, which occurs when water overflows over its crest in an emergency. This calculation makes it possible to determine the time of erosion, as well as to construct a hydrograph of water flow through the eroded spillway, graphs of changes in the level of the headwaters and the marks of the crest of the insert during the erosion process. It is convenient to solve differential equations that describe the erosion process using a numerical method. A calculation algorithm is proposed.
Apply Block Ciphers Using Tiny Encryption Algorithm (TEA)
Authors: Ismaeel Hana Rashied
Published: October 2024

ان طرق التجفير (Ciphers) تكون على نوعين اما متناظرة المفتاح (symmetric-key) او عامة المفتاح(public-key).وتعتبر الطريقة المتناظرة المفتاح هي الطريقة الاكثر اهمية وشيوعا في عدد كبير من انظمة  التجفير ( (cryptographic .ان الهدف من هذا البحث هو تنفيذ الخوارزميةالمتناظرة المفتاح والتي تدعى  Tiny  Encryption Algorithm(TEA)هذه الطريقة في التجقير تستخدم العمليات الرياضية مثل (addition ,bitwise shift and XOR).تم اضافة دوال الى الخوارزمية. بحيث تمكن المستفيد من ادخال النص و المفتاح بشكل حروف لانه بالخوارزمية الاصلية يتم ادخال النص بال( ( hexa-decimalكما سمح للمستخدم باستخدام الملفا ت لخزن النص المراد تجفيره استخدمت لغتي (C and C+ +version 4.5) لتنفيذ البرامج وتم حساب الوقت المستخدم للتجفير لقياس كفاءة الاداء.
Kant 300: Reflections on the International Kant Congress in Kaliningrad
Authors:   Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Zagirnyak Mikhail
Published: October 2024

From April 22 to April 25, 2024, the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University (Kaliningrad) hosted the International Kant Congress (hereafter referred to as the Congress), attended by over five hundred philosophers and scholars (art critics, educators, cultural experts, and others) from twenty-three countries. The theme of the congress was encapsulated by Kant’s well-known expression: “The World Concept of Philosophy”, encompassing diverse orientations that formed the basis for the main discussions. This quote primarily urges us to revisit Kant’s inter­pretation of philosophy as a rational means of harmonizing all spheres of human activity, while also highlighting its interdisciplinary, synthesizing nature. Parti­cipants of the congress were united by a characteristic feature aligning with the theme and spirit of the conference: an ideological focus on cooperation, a drive for compromise, and the search for formulas of equal free interaction among modern people. The congress showcased the complex, branched system of contemporary Kant studies and identified the most significant trends in the ac­tualization of Kant’s philosophy. A central theme in the fundamental works was the effort to identify a crucial aspect of Kant’s critical philosophy and substanti­ate it as a systematizing principle, forming the answer to the question “What is man?” The leitmotif of all applied reports was the application of Kant’s philo­sophy as a tool to determine the prospects of humans and humanity in today’s multi-religious, polyethnic, multicultural world. Together, fundamental and ap­plied research not only create an overall picture of contemporary Kant studies but also indicate the directions of development in modern world philosophy
Philosophical Ideas of N.N. Strakhov in the Context of Contemporary Problems of Historical Memory
Authors:   HSE University, School of Philosophy and Cultural Studies, Olkhov Pavel , Shchedrina Irina ,   HSE University, School of Philosophy and Cultural Studies, Sabancheev Rustam ,   Institute for Logic, Cognitive Science and Development of Personality
Published: October 2024

Historical memory is one of the key problems in contemporary philosophy of his­tory, political philosophy, and social philosophy. Philosophers and humanities scholars discuss its possible specific characteristics based on the contexts of their fields of knowledge, but the contentiousness of this phenomenon persists despite their intellectual efforts. To identify new contexts for interpreting historical me­mory and to reveal new perspectives for understanding its modes of existence in culture and society, the authors turn to the history of Russian philosophy, within which a unique attitude towards history as a fundamental basis of humani­tarian knowledge was formulated (unlike the Western tradition of the philosophy of science, where history is generally treated as a relativizing factor). The focus of the authors is on the intellectual legacy of the Russian philosopher Nikolai Nikolaevich Strakhov, whose concept of the philosophy of science and under­standing opens up new opportunities for interpreting “historical memory”. The authors immerse the problem of historical memory in the following contexts of Strakhov’s philosophy: 1) science as a cultural phenomenon, 2) ethnic psycho­logy, and 3) existential themes that reveal the specificity of communication among 19th-century Russian philosophers, their methods of preserving histo­rical memory, and transmitting its meanings to future generations. Special at­tention is given to two different interpretations of the concept of “experience” in N.N. Strakhov’s philosophy (as the empirical basis of scientific research and as “life experience” aimed at expanding the horizon of understanding reality)
A.L. Chizhevsky’s Holistic Anthropology in the Context of Scientific and Religious Worldview
Authors:   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenovskiy University), Zvonova Ekaterina ,   Moscow School of Social and Economic Sciences (MSSES)
Published: October 2024

The article is devoted to the holistic views of A.L. Chizhevsky on human; fea­tures of their reflection in the philosophical and scientific works of the thinker, as well as in his poetry, are revealed; scientific and religious aspects of the scien­tist’s holistic anthropology are investigated. Analysis of the holistic world­view presented in the metaphysical work “The main beginning of the universe. Cosmic system. Problems”, allows us to state that the holistic approach to the human by Chizhevsky the philosopher is based on his conviction in the impact of the uni­versal principle of circulation on a single electric substrate. A study of the scien­tific works of one of the founders of space natural science suggests that the holistic anthropology reflected in them is based on specific laws that demonstrate human dependence on the environment (solar activity and ionized air). The Chizhevsky-poet forms the reader’s idea of the closest connection between micro- and macrocosm, about the cosmicity of a human being by using vivid images, with­out references to determinism; nevertheless, the anthropocosmic poems of “Leo­nardo da Vinci of the 20th century” are thematically related to his scientific re­search. The relevance of A.L. Chizhevsky’s holistic anthropology to the concept of global evolutionism and the post-classical type of scientific rationality is shown
Peripheral administration of sepiapterin replenishes brain tetrahydrobiopterin
Authors: Ohashi Akiko , Nakamaru-Ogiso Eiko , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Aizawa Shin , Hasegawa Hiroyuki
Published: October 2024

Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential coenzyme for tryptophan and tyrosine hydroxylases, making brain monoamine biosynthesis BH4-dependent. Peripheral administration of BH4 successfully replenishes hepatic BH4 in hereditary BH4 deficiency and enables the function of another BH4-dependent enzyme, phenylalanine hydroxylase. However, brain BH4 replenishment has been unsuccessful for decades because BH4 cannot effectively cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Sepiapterin, a highly membrane-permeable precursor of BH4, has been tested but abandoned due to extensive conversion to BH4 before reaching the brain. This study re-examines whether peripherally administered sepiapterin can (i) reach the brain, (ii) cross the BBB, (iii) be taken up by brain cells, and (iv) increase brain BH4 levels. As a result, peripherally administered sepiapterin reached the brain when the dose was above a threshold. All subsequent steps were positive. Sepiapterin administration dose-dependently increased brain BH4 levels, reaching 3–4 times baseline levels for over 6 hours at practical doses. In addition, we quantified and analyzed sepiapterin permeability across potential barriers using knowledge of the transporters responsible for sepiapterin and BH4 permeation across cell membranes and confirmed that these results were theoretically consistent. This suggests that sepiapterin administration may be a promising treatment to increase monoamine synthesis in various neurotransmitter deficiencies.
WITHDRAWN: Combination of ultrasound-guided pectoral nerve block I (PECS I) and serratus anterior plane block (SAP) for attenuation of surgical stress response during modified radical mastectomy: a prospective interventional randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pramanik Monotosh , Chaudhuri Shalini , Banerjee Sandipan , Chattopadhyay Uddalak , Hussain Syed Sadaqat , Singh Nikhil Kumar , Kirtania Jyotirmay
Published: October 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn, as it was submitted in error. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Foraging strategies of two dominant native ant species associated with Toxoptera aurantii (Hemiptera, Aphididae) on cocoa trees in Centre Region of Cameroon
Authors: Ndzie Paul Arnaud Mballa
Published: October 2024

Mutualism between ants and Hemiptera is well known on specific plant species. Cocoa is a tree-crop with a high economic value and harbour many ant-tending hemipteran species causing damage on shade trees. Herein, we examined the foraging strategies including frequency of ant activity, palpation and honeydew collection patterns used by local ants Myrmicaria opaciventris and Pheidole megacephala associated with Toxoptera aurantii. Field investigations were conducted from january to december 2022 in five locations in Centre Cameroon. At each location, one plot (0.25 ha) containing cocoa trees were monthly selected. Within each plot, only plants showing association between the target local ants and T. aurantii were investigated for our experiment. The overall number of local ants attending hempiterans was counted, and the palpation and honeydew collection duration were determinate following three time bands (8 a.m to 10 a.m; 12 a.m to 2 p.m; 4 p.m to 6 p.m). A total of 20,189 workers (13,015 individuals of M. opaciventris and 7,174 individuals of P. megacephala) was recorded associated with T. aurantii. Myrmicaria opaciventris foraged twice than P. megacephala at different time bands. In both ants, the highest number of workers was recorded between 8 a.m to 10 a.m and the lowest between 12 a.m to 2 p.m. All ants foraging on cocoa trees did not participate in palpation and honeydew collection activities. foraging strategies used by M. opaciventris appear more efficient and detrimental to cocoa growing. There is an urgent need to develop control strategies to reduce their populations and preserve cocoa-agrosystems.
Prediction of the risk of adverse clinical outcomes with machine learning techniques in patients with chronic no communicable diseases
Authors: Hernández-Arango Alejandro , Arias María Isabel , Pérez Viviana , Chavarría Luis Daniel , Jaimes Fabian
Published: October 2024

Background
Decision-making in chronic diseases guided by clinical decision support systems that use models including multiple variables based on artificial intelligence requires scientific validation in different populations to optimize the use of limited human, financial, and clinical resources in healthcare systems worldwide.
Methods
In this cohort study, a prediction model was derived by evaluating two algorithms, XGBoost and Elastic Net logistic regression, for three outcomes - mortality, hospitalization, and emergency department visits - to build a clinical decision support system for patients with non-communicable chronic diseases at the Alma Mater Hospital complex in Medellin, Colombia.
Results
We collected 4845 electronic medical record entries from 5000 patients included in the study. The median age was 71.83 years, with 63.8% women and 29.7% receiving home care. The most prevalent medical conditions were diabetes (52.9%), hypertension (67.2%), dyslipidemia (57.3%), and COPD (19.4%). For the mortality outcome, the Elastic Net logistic regression model had an AUCROC of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.8032 to 0.9032), and the XGBoost model had an AUCROC of 0.912 (95% CI, 0.8802 to 0.9437). For the hospitalization outcome, the Elastic Net logistic regression model had an AUCROC of 0.967 (95% CI, 0.957 to 0.9763), while the XGBoost model had an AUCROC of 0.976 (95% CI, 0.9661 to 0.985). For the emergency department visit outcome, the Elastic Net logistic regression model had an AUCROC of 0.930 (95% CI, 0.9158 to 0.945), while the XGBoost model had an AUCROC of 0.982 (95% CI, 0.9755 to 0.9891). We created a dashboard as to interact with the model, segmenting risk in the cohort.
Conclusions
A clinical decision support system based on artificial intelligence using electronic medical records possibly can help segmenting the risk in populations with chronic diseases for effective decision-making.
Glucocorticoid Receptor Expression in Torus Tubarius Hypertrophy Tissue Causing Secretory Otitis Media in Children
Authors: Teng Zhi-pan , Li Qi , Shen Xiao-fei
Published: October 2024

Backgrounds: Torus tubarius hypertrophy (TTH) after adenoidectomy causing nasal obstruction, recurred snoring, sleep apnea, or mouth breathing has been reported more and more recently, partial resection of TTH conducted by a low-temperature plasma technique is a safe and effective therapy, and some benefit from intranasal steroid therapy. However, the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) in TTH tissue is currently unknown and no paper reported secretory otitis media caused by TTH.
Objectives: To assess the expression patterns of the human GCR in TTH tissue in children with adenoidectomy.
Methods: 5 children from Jan to Jun 2024 were included in this study. All children underwent partial resection of TTH, and TTH tissues were collected for immunofluorescence.
Results: GCR-α and GCR-β were both expressed in TTH tissues in 5 children, the expression of GCR-α was significantly higher than GCR-β. Since it has been reported that the high expression of GCR-α is correlated to glucocorticoid therapy sensitivity, the glucocorticoid therapy may be curative to TTH in children.
Conclusions: TTH after adenoidectomy were reported more often in recently, partial resection of TTH operation conducted by a low-temperature plasma technique under general anesthesia is a safe and effective therapy, intranasal corticosteroids could be a alternative solution of TTH. However the function of GCR in children with TTH still requires further investigation.
Bioinformatics approach to explore the common pathogenic genes between lumbar disc degeneration and osteoarthritis
Authors: Lu Huigen , Zhu Weiguo , Shen Yingying , Ye Zhaoming , Chen Weishan
Published: October 2024

Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) and lumbar disc degeneration disease (IDD) are both degenerative and chronic inflammatory diseases that directly and profoundly impact human quality of life and medical services.
Methods
To better understand how IDD is related to OA, we used transcriptomic and single-cell analysis to look for molecular and cellular overlaps between the two diseases in this work. Two gene expression profiles (GSE124272 and GSE55235) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database are downloaded to detect common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) for OA and IDD diseases to find similar pathways, possible medicines, and regulatory networks. The single-cell transcriptome of synovial tissues sequenced from OA patients was analyzed for the immune characteristics of the shared DEGs.
Results
Based on RNA-seq datasets, 184 DEGs shared by these two diseases were found. 114 hub genes were then identified using degree and Matthew's correlation coefficient algorithms based on creating the Protein-protein interactions network. Interactions between transcription factors and shared hub genes, coregulatory networks between miRNAs and these hub genes, and protein-drug interactions were found. Moreover, scRNA-seq of cells of synovial tissues from OA patients revealed that 30 of these hub genes were highly enriched in the inflammatory macrophages (IL1B+Mac). Finally, CSF1 and S100A12 were identified as potential biomarkers by machine learning, and their area under the curve in IDD and OA is greater than 0.7 by the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
Conclusions
IDD might contribute to the advancement of OA by inciting cytokine storms, thereby enhancing comprehension and treatment strategies for OA patients accompanied by IDD. Moreover, the identified candidate drugs, DEG-regulated networks, and potential diagnostic genes (CSF1 and S100A12) offer promising therapeutic avenues for addressing both conditions.
Mutation of a gene with PWWP domain confers salt tolerance in rice
Authors: Seo Hyeon Ung , Jang Cheol Seong
Published: October 2024

Salinity is a major problem due to the continuous increase in the salinization of agricultural lands, particularly, paddy fields. Using a forward genetics approach, salt-insensitive TILLING (targeting-induced local lesions in genomes) line 3, sitl3, was selected from a core population induced by gamma-ray irradiation. Under salt stress, sitl3 had greater fresh weight and chlorophyll content, and lower H2O2 and Na+ contents than the wild-type. In the gene (LOC_Os07g46180) with two PWWP domains (OsPWWP4) of sitl3, a premature stop was caused by an SNP, and was named OsPWWP4p.Gly462* (a stop gain occurred from the 462th amino acid residue). The OsPWWP4 and substrate proteins (OsEULS2, OsEULS3, and OsEULD2) were identified using yeast two-hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, in vitro pull-down, and in vitro methyltransferase assays. Subcellular localization of OsPWWP4 and OsPWWP4p.Gly462*GFP-tagged proteins revealed they were both localized in the nucleus, while OsEULS2, OsEULS3, and OsEULD2 GFP-tagged proteins were found in the nucleus and cytosol of rice protoplasts. The expression levels of OsEULS2, OsEULS3, OsEULD2 under salt stress were higher in sitl3 than in wild-type plants. In contrast, OsPWWP4 expression was higher in the latter. Genes involved in the salt overly sensitive (SOS) pathway showed higher expression in the aerial tissues of silt3 than in the wild-type. Our data suggest that TILLING line sitl3 is a valuable genetic resource for understanding protein post-translational regulation-related salinity tolerance mechanisms such as methyltransferase activities, and for improving salt tolerance in rice through breeding.
Development of prediction models and predictors analysis for axial neck pain in patients undergoing cervical laminoplasty based on machine learning
Authors: Fan Xiao , Zhou Shuai , Li Lvxue , Zhou Feifei
Published: October 2024

Background
Axial neck pain (ANP) is one of the most common complications after cervical laminoplasty, leading to severe pain, disability and economic loss. By predicting patient outcomes pre-operatively, patients undergoing cervical laminoplasty can benefit from more accurate patient care strategies. However, predicting postoperative ANP is challenging. The aim of this study was to develop a machine learning model to predict at the individual level whether a patient experiences postoperative ANP and to reveal baseline predictors of persistent neck pain after laminoplasty.
Methods
This retrospective study includes 1982 patients. The population characteristics, clinical symptoms and signs, imaging features and preoperative scale of patients were retrospectively collected as input variables. The outcome measure was whether the patient achieved minimal clinically significant difference (MCID) in the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for postoperative ANP. Models were trained and optimized by process of machine learning (ML), including feature engineering, data pre-processing, and 8:2 training/validation-testing split of datasets. The feature-reduced model was established afterwards, and its performance and feature importance were evaluated through internal and external testing.
Results
Among the models generated by 45 features, XGBoost model yielded the highest AUROC of 0.7631 (95% CI, 0.7221–0.8051). Age, preoperative mJOA score, VAS score, SF36-body pain, SF36-mental health, SF36-role emotional, SF36-physiological function, lower limb weakness, and positive Hoffmann’ sign were selected as input features to build the feature-reduced model. In both internal and external testing of the feature-reduced models, model of Logistic_Regression algorithms reached the best performance, with AUROC of 0.9047 (95% CI, 0.8633–0.9406) for internal testing and 0.9200 (95% CI, 0.8678–0.9676) for external testing.
Conclusion
In this study, models for predicting the progress of postoperative ANP based on machine learning were established. The Logistic Regression model had a good ability to predict ANP progression of CSM patients and achieved best performance in a multicenter independent testing cohort. Feature importance analysis revealed key baseline predictors of postoperative ANP. This study proved that the potential of ML to predict the progress of ANP after cervical laminoplasty was significant, providing research basis for the training of machine learning models with larger samples and more features in the future.
Integrative Metabolomic-Proteomic Analysis Uncovers a New Therapeutic Approach in Targeting Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Agnihotri Prachi , Saquib Mohd , Joshi Lovely , Malik Swati , Chakraborty Debolina , Sarkar Ashish , Kumar Uma , Biswas Sagarika
Published: October 2024

Objective: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that, despite available approaches to manage the disease, lacks an efficient treatment and timely diagnosis. Using the most advanced omics technique, metabolomics and proteomics approach, we explored varied metabolites and proteins to identify unique metabolite-protein signatures involved in the disease pathogenesis of RA.
Methods: Untargeted metabolomics (n=20) and proteomics (n=60) of RA patients’ plasma were carried out by HPLC/LC-MS/MS and SWATH, respectively and analyzed by Metaboanalyst. The targets of metabolite retrieved by PharmMapper were matched with SWATH data, and joint pathway analysis was carried out. An in-vitro study of metabolites in TNF-α induced SW982 cells was conducted by Western, RT-PCR, scratch, and ROS scavenging assay. The effect of GUDCA was also evaluated in the CIA rat model.
Results: A Total of 82 metabolites and 231 differential proteins were revealed. Porphyrin and chlorophyll pathway and its metabolite Glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA) was significantly altered. In vitro analysis has shown that GUDCA reduces inflammation thus offering protection against ROS production and cell proliferation. PharmMapper analysis revealed that GUDCA was significantly linked with identified SWATH proteins insulin like growth factor-1(IGF1), and Transthyretin (TTR) and it upregulates the expression of IGF1 and downregulates the expression of TTR in both in vitro and in vivo models.
Conclusion: GUDCA was found to possess antioxidative, antiproliferative properties and an effective anti-inflammatory property at a low dosage. It may be considered as a potential therapeutic option for reducing the inflammatory parameters associated with RA.
Application Trends and Research Hotspots of Endoscopic Enucleation of the Prostate: A Bibliometric and Visualization Analysis
Authors: Lan Xiao-Da , Yu Zhuo-Yang , Jiang Rui , Li Zhi-Cun , Yang Lei , Zhang Kai , Meng Yi-Sen , Zhang Qian
Published: October 2024

Purpose: Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) is a preferred treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Our bibliometric analysis aims to analyze the application trends and research hotspots of EEP.
Methods: We conducted a bibliometric analysis of publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection published from 1989 to 2023. The following techniques were examined in the included articles: holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP), bipolar/monopolartransurethral enucleation of the prostate (b-TUEP/m-TUEP), GreenLight laser enucleation (GreenLEP), and diode laser enucleation (DiLEP). VOSviewer, CiteSpace, the R package ‘bibliometrix’ were used to conduct bibliometric analysis.
Results: This analysis of 739 English-language studies showed that there has been a steady increase in EEP-related publications over time. HoLEP was the most commonly studied technique, followed by ThuLEP and b-TUEP. There has been a notable lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining GreenLEP, DiLEP and m-TUEP. China, the United States, and Germany were the countries with the highest numbers of relevant publications. We identified several authors who have made significant contributions to the field. Recent research hotspots include postoperative transient urinary incontinence (TUI) and robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP).
Conclusions: EEP is gaining widespread clinical acceptance as a method to treat BPH. Future research should address the lack of high-quality RCTs and focus on reducing the incidence of postoperative TUI. Prospective comparisons between RASP and EEP are essential to optimize surgical approaches for treating BPH.
Evaluating the Mental Health Impacts of parents during the Adjustment of China’s Pandemic Policy: Roles of Socioeconomic Factors, Existing COVID-19 Experiences, and Lifestyles
Authors: Deng Xinmei , Liu Xuan
Published: October 2024

In December 2022, China announced easing measures for COVID-19 as part of a pandemic policy adjustment. Uncertainty following adjustment and widespread infection had negative impacts on parents' mental health. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of policy change on mental health and identify risk and protective factors linked to parental mental health outcomes in the context of pandemic policy change and widespread public infection. During the first three weeks following the policy adjustment, a sample of 2385 Chinese parents' demographic data, infection conditions, preexisting COVID-19 experiences, perceived impacts, lifestyles, and mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, and parenting stress) were examined. The results revealed that 92.8% of the parents experienced infection after the policy adjustment. After the policy adjustment, parents with worse mental health conditions were linked to younger parents, lower social status scores, lower household income, and more children, and mothers. Parents who were classified as medium to high risk for COVID-19 reported higher levels of depression and felt that policy adjustment had more negative impacts. Quarantined parents experienced less depression, anxiety, and parenting stress. As a protective factor, greater sleep duration was associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and parenting stress, as well as more positive perceived impacts of policy adjustment among Chinese parents. Our findings support policy efforts that aid families with socioeconomic disadvantages and unfavorable prior COVID-19 experiences, and that have wide-ranging impacts on Chinese parents related to the adjustment of the COVID-19 pandemic policy. Our findings also imply that parents can support their own physical and mental health during a public mental health crisis by providing enough sleep, which is a straightforward yet effective strategy.
Influence of Fat on Hepatic T2 Relaxation Time Estimation: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Kemp Justine , Manhard Mary Kate , Tkach Jean A. , Prasanphanich Adam , Trout Andrew , Dillman Johnathan , Pednekar Amol
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE:
To examine the influence of fat content on hepatic T2 estimation through T2 mapping without and with fat suppression.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This prospective IRB-approved study included participants without known liver disease (controls), with hepatic steatosis (proton density fat fraction [PDFF] >6%), or with fibrotic (> 3kPa) liver from other chronic liver diseases. Imaging at 1.5T included a quantitative 3D chemical shift encoded six-echo radiofrequency spoiled gradient echo MRI sequence (mDIXON Quant) for PDFF estimation, nine-echo 2D gradient and spin echo (GRASE) for T2 estimation, and nine-echo 2D GRASE with fat suppression for water-specific T2 (wT2) estimation.
A single blinded observer traced a large freehand region-of-interest (ROI) in the right hepatic lobe on the T2 and wT2 maps, and a circular ROI on the PDFF map. Consistency and agreement of T2 and wT2 estimates were assessed using linear regression, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), and Bland-Altman analysis. Pearson’s correlation evaluated the relationship between differences in hepatic T2 and wT2 estimates and PDFF.
RESULTS:
A total of 21 participants (7 controls, 9 with hepatic steatosis, 5 with other liver diseases) with a mean age of 18.4±4.7 years (range: 9-27 years; 9 males) were included. Estimated liver PDFF ranged from 2% to 34% (median 4%, IQR 7.5%). T2 estimates (57±7.3 ms [range: 44.5-70.5 ms]) were significantly longer (p=0.0085) compared to wT2 estimates (52.5±8 ms [range: 43-69.7 ms]) with moderate agreement (ICC = 0.57 [95% CI: 0.19 - 0.80]).
For participants with hepatic steatosis, T2 estimates were significantly longer than wT2 estimates (p=0.0063) with poor agreement (ICC=0.06 [95% CI: -0.59 – 0.67]). Participants without hepatic steatosis showed comparable T2 and wT2 estimates (p=0.3577, p=0.3954) with excellent agreement (ICC = 0.99 [95% CI: 0.96 - 0.99]). The relative bias of T2 to wT2 was very strongly correlated with PDFF (r2 = 0.95), increasing by 0.8 ms (1.22%) for every 1% rise in PDFF.
CONCLUSION:
Liver fat content proportionally increases estimated T2, potentially confounding the quantification of changes in T2 that can be attributed to alteration in tissue water content.
Determination of atmospherically deposited microplastics in moss samples
Authors: Wenzel Mike , Fischer Björn , Wolf Carmen , Kube Christine , Nickel Stefan , Dreyer Annekatrin , Völksen Barbara , Schröder Winfried , Renner Gerrit , Schram Jürgen , Schmidt Torsten C. , Tuerk Jochen
Published: October 2024

Background
Standardized methods for sampling and detection of atmospherically deposited microplastics are lacking. Contrary to that, the use of moss as a biomonitoring system was established concerning other atmospheric pollutants, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. Only a few research groups actually focus on detecting atmospherically deposited microplastics in moss. In general, the determination of microplastics in environmental samples is commonly performed using a particle-based or mass-based analytical approach. However, a dearth of mass-based investigations is noticeable, especially for atmospherically deposited microplastics. Given this background, this study shows the determination of atmospherically deposited microplastics in moss utilizing thermal extraction desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TED-GC-MS) and Raman microspectroscopy (µRaman) to acquire both information. The moss samples analyzed were collected as part of the German moss survey 2020/2021, supported by the German Environment Agency. Three distinct sampling sites were investigated, which could be categorized based on their distances from potential emission sources.
Results
Concerning µRaman analysis, most microplastic particles could be determined within a 10 to 100 µm size range. Further, most microplastic aspect ratios were determined in a range of 0.25 to 1.00, indicating a fragmental shape. Additionally, a correlation between the number of microplastic particles determined and the distance of the potential emission source was observable. It was determined to be 688, 474, and 248 particles per sampling site with a distance of 150 m, 225 m, and 360 m. Both analytical approaches (TED-GC-MS & µRaman) concurred in identifying the polymer types (polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) in the moss samples. Concerning TED-GC-MS, 7 to 111 µg/g could be determined, depending on the polymer types and distance to the potential emission source.
Conclusion
µRaman and TED-GC-MS investigations demonstrated correlations between microplastic particle numbers, size, types, and mass concentrations with the distance of the potential emission source. The investigation corroborates the mutual complementarity of both analytical approaches, enabling more comprehensive information on samples.
Women-specific reference ranges for serum TSH in Liguria: the impact of age and year of collection in a single-center cross-sectional study (*)
Authors: Giusti Massimo , Sidoti Marilena
Published: October 2024

Background. TSH is the first-line test of thyroid function, and the normal ranges provided by manufacturers are generally used in diagnoses. In the age of gender medicine, however, there is a need to refine normal TSH ranges.Aim. The aim of this study was to construct a normal TSH range in women living in our district. The data were collected in a secondary-level center located in Savona (Liguria, Italy).Methods. From 2003 to 2022, 6227 medical records from women undergoing their first endocrinological examination were anonymously evaluated. After the application of exclusion criteria, statistical analysis was anonymously performed on a sample of 2597 medical records.Results. The median 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles of TSH provided by manufacturers were 0.20 mIU/l and 5.92 mIU/l, respectively. In the study population, median (2.5th − 97.5th percentiles) TSH was 1.70 mIU/l (0.37–6.95 mIU/l). TSH and patient age did not vary significantly over the years (2003–2022). A slight negative correlation was found between TSH and age (P = 0.05). On stratifying the sample into three age-groups (18–44 years, N = 1200; 45–64 years N = 934; ≥65 years, N = 463), TSH was 1.75 mIU/l (0.49–5.94 mIU/l), 1.70 mIU/l (0.30–6.89 mIU/l) and 1.64 mIU/l (0.30–7.69 mIU/l), respectively. When TSH was evaluated according to the age-related range instead of the range reported by manufacturers, the number of women aged 18–44 years considered to have sub-clinical hyperthyroidism increased slightly (P = 0.02). In the ≥ 65-year age-group, the percentage of women considered to have sub-clinical hypothyroidism decreased significantly (P < 0.001) when the upper limit of normal TSH was set at the age-related value of the 97.5th percentile instead of the manufacturers' value.Conclusions. This is the first study in Liguria aimed at establishing new age-specific reference values for TSH in women. Based on a large number of data, this new age-related range could be more extensively employed in order to improve diagnoses and therapies. The main result of implementing age-related normal TSH levels between the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles seems to be a slight increase in 18-44-year-old women with sub-clinical hyperthyroidism and a very significant reduction in the hasty diagnosis of sub-clinical hypothyroidism in ≥ 65-year-old women.
Exploring Serum Bile Acids as Potential Noninvasive Biomarkers for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: basuni Ashraf Abbass , Khalil Ashraf , Sweed Dina , Elgazzar Mohamed Fathey
Published: October 2024

Background: Bile acids are vital regulators of liver metabolism, and their dysregulation is closely linked with the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Profiling these bile acids may provide valuable diagnostic and prognostic markers for these conditions. This study aimed to evaluate bile acid profiles in NAFLD patients and assess their potential as biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting disease progression. Serum levels of 14 bile acids were measured in 25 normal healthy controls (NHC), 35patients with nonalcoholic steatosis (NAST), and 40 patients with NASH, categorized by the NAFLD Activity Score (NAS). Quantification was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS).
Results: Primary unconjugated bile acids, CA and CDCA, along with conjugated acids GCA, GCDCA, TCA, and TCDCA, were significantly elevated in both NAST and NASH compared to NHC (all p < 0.05). While levels increased progressively from NHC to NAST to NASH, no significant differences were observed between NAST and NASH except for GCA and TCA (P< 0.05). Similarly, secondary bile acids LCA, TLCA, GUDCA, and TUDCA were higher in NAST and NASH compared to NHC (all p < 0.05).
Logistic regression identified CA (odds ratio = 2.05, p = 0.02), CDCA (odds ratio = 1.58, p = 0.04), GCA (odds ratio = 1.92, p = 0.03) and DCA (odds ratio = 2.06, p = 0.04) as significant predictors of fibrosis. For active inflammation, GCA (odds ratio = 2.04, p = 0.04), and TCA (odds ratio = 1.94, p = 0.04) were significant predictors. In steatosis, CA, CDCA, GCA, DCA, TDCA, TLCA, and UDCA were notable predictors, with high odds ratios.
Conclusion: The study highlights significant alterations in bile acid profiles associated with NAFLD progression. Specific bile acids, such as CA, GCA, TCA, and TCDCA are strong predictors of disease severity, indicating their potential as biomarkers for NAFLD treatment and prognosis.