bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning-based radiomics prognostic model for patients with proximal esophageal cancer after definitive chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Li Linrui , Qin Zhihui , Bo Juan , Hu Jiaru , Zhang Yu , Qian Liting , Dong Jiangning
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To explore the role of radiomics in predicting the prognosis of proximal esophageal cancer and to investigate the biological underpinning of radiomics in identifying different prognoses.

Methods

A total of 170 patients with pathologically and endoscopically confirmed proximal esophageal cancer from two centers were enrolled. Radiomics models were established by five machine learning approaches. The optimal radiomics model was selected using receiver operating curve analysis. Bioinformatics methods were applied to explore the potential biological mechanisms. Nomograms based on radiomics and clinical–radiomics features were constructed and assessed by receiver operating characteristics, calibration, and decision curve analyses net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination improvement evaluations.

Results

The peritumoral models performed well with the majority of classifiers in the training and validation sets, with the dual-region radiomics model showing the highest integrated area under the curve values of 0.9763 and 0.9471, respectively, and outperforming the single-region models. The clinical–radiomics nomogram showed better predictive performance than the clinical nomogram, with a net reclassification improvement of 34.4% (p = 0.02) and integrated discrimination improvement of 10% (p = 0.007). Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that lipid metabolism-related functions are potentially crucial in the process by which the radiomics score could stratify patients.

Conclusions

A combination of peritumoral radiomics features could improve the predictive performance of intratumoral radiomics to estimate overall survival after definitive chemoradiotherapy in patients with proximal esophageal cancer. Radiomics features could provide insights into the lipid metabolism associated with radioresistance and hold great potential to guide personalized care.

Critical relevance statement

This study demonstrates that incorporating peritumoral radiomics features enhances the predictive accuracy of overall survival in proximal esophageal cancer patients after chemoradiotherapy, and suggests a link between radiomics and lipid metabolism in radioresistance, highlighting its potential for personalized treatment strategies.

Key Points

Peritumoral region radiomics features could predict the prognosis of proximal esophageal cancer.

Dual-region radiomics features showed significantly better predictive performance.

Radiomics features can provide insights into the lipid metabolism associated with radioresistance.

Graphical Abstract
Imaging tumor and ascites-associated macrophages in a mouse model of metastatic ovarian cancer
Authors: Foss Catherine A. , Wildes Flonné , Mezzanzanica Delia , Podo Franca , Hung Chien-Fu , Yadav Santosh , Vidaver Marie-France Penet
Published: November 2024

Background

Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAMs) play a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of ovarian cancer, a lethal gynecologic malignancy. [124I]iodo-DPA-713 is a PET radiotracer that is selectively trapped within reactive macrophages. We have employed this radioligand here as well as a fluorescent analog to image TAMs associated with primary tumors, secondary pulmonary metastases and gastrointestinal tract-associated macrophages, associated with ascites accumulation in a syngeneic mouse model of metastatic ovarian cancer. Intact female C57BL/6 mice were engrafted with ID8-Defb29-VEGF tumor pieces. One month after engraftment, the mice were selected for positive bioluminescence to show primary and secondary tumor burden and were then scanned by PET/MRI with [124I]iodo-DPA-713, observing a 24 h uptake time. PET data were overlayed with T2-weighted MRI data to facilitate PET uptake tissue identity. Additionally, mice were imaged ex vivo using Near IR Fluorescence (NIRF), capturing the uptake and sequestration of DPA-713-IRDye800CW, a fluorescent analog of the radioligand used here. Additionally, cell culture uptake of DPA-713-IRDye680LT in ID8-DEFb29-VEGF, IOSE hTERT and RAW264.7 cells was conducted to measure tracer uptake in ovarian cancer cells, ovarian epithelial cells and macrophage.

Results

PET/MRI data show an intense ring of radiotracer uptake surrounding primary tumors. PET uptake is also associated with lung metastases, but not healthy lung. Mice displaying ascites also display PET uptake along the gastrointestinal tract while sham-operated mice show minimal gastrointestinal uptake. All mice show specific kidney uptake. Mice imaged by NIRF confirmed TAMs uptake mostly at the rim of primary tumors while 1 mm secondary tumors in the lungs displayed robust, homogeneous uptake of the radio- and fluorescent analog. Ex vivo biodistribution of [124I]iodo-DPA-713 showed that contralateral ovaries in middle-stage disease had the highest probe uptake with tissues sampled in mid- and late-stage disease showing increasing uptake.

Conclusion

[124I]iodo-DPA-713 and DPA-713-IRDye800CW sensitively identify and locate TAMs in a syngeneic mouse model of metastatic ovarian cancer.
A systematic review of economic evaluation of healthcare associated infection prevention and control interventions in long term care facilities
Authors: Tchouaket Eric Nguemeleu , El-Mousawi Fatima , Robins Stephanie , Kruglova Katya , Séguin Catherine , Kilpatrick Kelley , Jubinville Maripier , Leroux Suzanne , Beogo Idrissa , Sia Drissa
Published: November 2024

Background

Healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) are common in long-term care facilities (LTCF) and cause significant burden. Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures include the clinical best practices (CBP) of hand hygiene, hygiene and sanitation, screening, and basic and additional precautions. Few studies demonstrate their cost-effectiveness in LTCF, and those that do, largely focus on one CBP. An overarching synthesis of IPC economic analyses in this context is warranted. The aim of this paper is to conduct a systematic review of economic evaluations of CBP applied in LTCF.

Methods

We twice queried CINAHL, Cochrane, EconLit, Embase, Medline, Web of Science and Scopus for studies published in the last three decades of economic evaluations of CBP in LTCF. We included controlled and randomized clinical trials, cohort, longitudinal, follow-up, prospective, retrospective, cross-sectional, and simulations studies, as well as those based on mathematical or statistical modelling. Two reviewers conducted study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment of studies. We applied discounting rates of 3%, 5% and 8%, and presented all costs in 2022 Canadian dollars. The protocol of this review was registered with Research Registry (reviewregistry1210) and published in BMC Systematic Reviews.

Findings

We found 3,331 records and then 822 records; ten studies were retained. The economic analyses described were cost-minimization (n = 1), cost-benefit (n = 1), cost-savings (n = 2), cost-utility (n = 2) and cost-effectiveness which included cost-utility and cost-benefit analyses (n = 4). Four studies were high quality, three were moderate, and three were low quality. Inter-rater agreement for quality assessment was 91⋅7%. All studies (n = 10) demonstrated that CBP associated with IPC are clinically effective in LTCF and many (n = 6) demonstrated their cost effectiveness.

Interpretation

Ongoing economic evaluation research of IPC remains essential to underpin healthcare policy choices guided by empirical evidence for LTCF residents and staff.
Perceptions of home hospitalization among the public and physicians in Israel: findings from surveys conducted for the Dead Sea Health Policy Conference of 2022
Authors: Laron Michal , Nissanholtz-Gannot Rachel , Fialco Sharvit , Halevi Hochwald Inbal , Green Gizell , Offer Itamar , Lavie Gil
Published: November 2024

Background

Hospital at Home (HaH) is an alternative care model that provides acute hospital-level services to patients at their homes. Despite its proven advantages and global experience, HaH did not gain significant traction in Israel until the COVID-19 pandemic. The issue was highlighted at the 2022 Dead Sea Conference on Health Policy. This study compares perceptions of HaH among the Israeli public and physicians, Jewish and Arab, identifying facilitators and barriers to its expansion in Israel.

Methods

Two online surveys were conducted, one with 342 physicians and another with 424 members of the public aged 35+. Respondents were sampled based on age, gender, district of residence, and population group. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests explored perceptions, and logistic regression analyzed multivariate relationships.

Results

Results showed 39% of the public believed HaH care quality is as good as or better than hospitals, compared to 65% of physicians. 44% of the public felt HaH safety is as good or better, while 75% of physicians agreed. 58% of the public saw communication between patients/families and the healthcare professionals in HaH as good or better, contrasted with 91% of physicians. 78% of the public and 97% of physicians viewed HaH as a good alternative to hospitalization and would consider using it personally. Arab and lower-income respondents were less positive about HaH than Jewish and higher-income respondents. Community-based physicians preferred HaH more than hospital-based ones. Barriers to HaH expansion included lack of specialized manpower, resources, and awareness.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that both the public and physicians show confidence in HaH, and it is gaining popularity among both. Policymakers could use these insights to expand HaH, focusing on increasing awareness, reducing family burden, tailoring services for diverse populations, involving hospital staff, and investing in resources and training.
Value creation of straw-based biogas in China
Authors: Chang Yingmu , Stinner Walter , Thraen Daniela
Published: November 2024

Background

Value creation is a common concept in business, and the core purpose of economic activity. “Value creation” of biogas refers to how much biogas value can be created when it is used for different purposes. The fact that 1 m3 of biogas contains enough value as an energy carrier to replace coal, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and natural gas in the power and heat sector, as well as gasoline and diesel as a vehicle fuel, receives too little attention in China. The use of agricultural residues and waste is not only a key element for the reduction of resource demand and climate gas emissions, but also offers the potential for value creation. Biogas provision, which is being promoted more and more in China, could be the key to unlocking this potential.

Results

To assess the potential of value creation for straw-based biogas in China, we calculated the value created by substituting fossil fuels by biogas in different provinces. Likewise, we calculated the collectable straw potential between 2011 and 2020 by using data regarding methane yield, the official biogas electricity price and rate of subsidy by province, as well as market prices of fossil fuels issued by the National Bureau of Statistics as unit price. Furthermore, the amount of value that 1 m3 methane creates in different applications is compared in Chinese yuan, euro and dollar.

Conclusions

The results showed that value creation for vehicle use is the highest, which reached 5.52/6.57/8.16 yuan/m3 methane (0.789/0.939/1.166 USD/m3) as a gasoline replacement, and 5.17/5.81/7.07 yuan/m3 methane (0.699/0.785/0.955 USD/m3) as a diesel replacement; followed by substitution of natural gas, and LPG; the current most common use, electricity generated by the CHP plant showed a relatively low value, which reached 1.08/1.90 yuan/m3 methane (0.154/0.271 USD/m3); and the heat supply showed the lowest with only 0.56 yuan/m3 methane (0.08 USD/m3). This scientific calculation method of the value of biogas as an energy carrier provides a basis for further development of the biogas industry. This paper initially raises this research question in China.
A systematic review protocol for quantifying bycatch of critically endangered leatherback sea turtles within the Pacific Ocean basin
Authors: Ortega Anna A. , Mitchell Nicola J. , Marn Nina , Shillinger George L.
Published: November 2024

Background

The Pacific Ocean supports two leatherback sea turtle populations, each of which is Critically Endangered primarily as a result of ongoing incidental bycatch within small-scale and industrial fisheries. Conservation planning has included population viability analysis (PVA), which depends on accurate data on mortality and morbidity (sublethal effects) rates to yield realistic results that can inform management decision-making. Existing leatherback PVAs are based on best available data, however, estimates of mortality and morbidity rates are heavily influenced by estimates of bycatch. These, in turn, are based on unknown levels of observer coverage in many fisheries, estimated to be less than 1% coverage in some artisanal and industrial fleets. Leatherback population recovery depends on bycatch reduction. It is vital to understand the source, scope, and scale of leatherback bycatch wherever and whenever leatherbacks occur. Here, we outline a protocol for a systematic review to aggregate existing estimates of leatherback bycatch within the Pacific Ocean, on a population- and basin-level. These results will generate the first comprehensive estimate of leatherback turtle bycatch for any ocean basin and will be incorporated into future conservation planning for Pacific Ocean populations.

Methods

A Boolean search string will be input into several bibliographic databases to yield articles and grey literature (governmental, business, and industry information not controlled by commercial publishing) related to the research question. Additional grey literature searches, snowball sampling and expert elicitation will be used to create as robust and comprehensive a pool of literature and/or databases as possible. Retrieved articles will be reviewed for eligibility using the SPIDER search strategy tool (Sample— Phenomenon of Interest—Design—Evaluation —Research type; 7). Articles which meet the criteria will be included in the systematic review, and their data will be collated into comprehensive estimates of leatherback sea turtle bycatch within the Pacific Ocean, one for each population. These data will be further teased apart by fishery size, fishing gear type, fishing nation, fishery region, and fishery target species, to target management more directly. This information will be published and provided directly to stakeholders for use in conservation management.
Clinical trial to verify the safety of an automatic electric airway suction system: a multicenter prospective randomized study
Authors: Lee Han Young , Park Hoonsung , Baik Seungmin , Lee Jae-myeong
Published: November 2024

Background

Acute lung injury and respiratory failure in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) present challenges owing to varied factors. Manual suctioning, which is the current standard, burdens healthcare professionals and poses risks. The Lmeca.A1000 automatic suction device offers an innovative solution to this problem. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of this device.

Methods

This prospective, multicenter, randomized trial compared automatic and manual suction in ICU patients. Mucosal injury and pneumonia were assessed using bronchoscopy and monitoring. Mechanical stability and adverse events were also evaluated.

Results

In total, 117 critically ill adults were screened: 56 in the experimental group and 53 in the control group completing the study. No significant difference in mucosal injury was found at 3 or 7 days after treatment (p = 0.871, and 0.750). The incidence of VAP over 2 weeks was 5.36% in the experimental group and 1.89% in the control group, not significantly different (p = 0.582). Adverse events occurred in 14.3 and 13.2%, respectively, with no significant difference (p = 0.870). The incidence of clinical trial device malfunction within 3 days of application was 0.03% and within 2 weeks of follow-up was 0.02%.

Conclusions

This study evidenced the non-inferiority of the automatic suction device to the manual method in terms of safety. The adoption of an automated system could alleviate the workload of healthcare professionals while maintaining effective airway management.
Stable spatial patterns of concentrations of antibiotic resistant bacteria in irrigation water
Authors: Stocker Matthew Daniel , Smith Jaclyn Elizabeth , Morgan Billie Jean , Prinn Matthew Joseph , Pachepsky Yakov
Published: November 2024

Irrigation waters serve as vectors for the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria which presents a worldwide health concern. Determining the concentrations of those bacteria in waters used for irrigation is therefore an important monitoring target. The objective of this work was to determine the existence of persistent spatial patterns in antibiotic-resistant bacteria in an irrigation waterbody and compare the patterns with patterns of water quality parameters. Escherichia coli, total coliforms, and total heterotrophic bacteria concentrations were measured in water samples collected from 20 sites across an irrigation waterbody on nine sampling dates. The Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis was used to detect persistent spatial patterns of tetracycline- and cefotaxime-resistant bacteria as well as water quality parameters. The average concentrations of both generic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria were an order of magnitude higher in bank sampling sites than interior sites. From the EOF analysis results, sampling locations were identified which could provide the best estimates of the average concentrations for each bacterial group. Patterns in temperature (rs = -0.638 to -0.749), dissolved oxygen (rs = -0.173 to -0.675), and pH (rs = -0.483 to -0.770) showed the strongest negative correlations with patterns in bacteria concentrations while all other water quality patterns tended to be positively correlated. Results of this work show that the EOF analysis can be a powerful tool in the design of effective monitoring programs which assess antibiotic resistance in irrigation waters by identifying locations which are closest to the spatiotemporal average.
Microstructure homogenization: human vs machine
Authors: Julian Lißner , Felix Fritzen
Published: November 2024

Two approaches are presented to improve the capabilities of machine learning models in multiscale modeling for microstructure homogenization (graphical abstract in Fig. 1). The first approach features a Bayesian data mining scheme with a human in the loop, halving the prediction error compared to [1] using four novel and efficient to evaluate feature descriptors. The second purely machine learning-driven approach utilizes convolutional neural networks, where we introduce a novel module (the deep inception module) designed to capture characteristics of different length scales within the image. The new module features a new normalization block, which aids in calibrating the differently obtained feature characteristics. Further improvements, universally applicable to artificial neural networks, are found with a novel hyperparameter insensitive learning rate schedule, which adapts to the training progress of the model. A further improvement is given by a pre-trained feature bypass which utilizes global low-level features to serve as baseline prediction such that the model is able to dedicate its attention to high-level features. The proposed schemes have been applied to different literature models, yielding significant improvements in any of the investigated convolutional neural networks. The improvements found by the two overarching contributions, i.e., derived through feature development with a human in the loop, and via convolutional neural networks, are critically assessed in a thermal and mechanical setting. It is further expanded to variable material parameters while allowing for variable microstructural elements, yielding drastically reduced prediction errors across the board.
Determination of effective half-life of 131I in thyroid cancer patients using remote dose-rate meter
Authors: Kääriä Laura , Lapela Maria , Seppänen Marko , Högerman Mikael , Ruohola Johanna , Ålgars Annika , Noponen Tommi
Published: November 2024

Background

Continuously monitored external dose-rate signals from remote dose-rate meters (DRMs) were analyzed to determine the effective half-life (Teff) of 131I in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients. The aim is to gain novel understanding of the excretion of radioactive iodine (RAI) in DTC patients and to demonstrate that a remote DRM system can be reliably used for real-time monitoring of external dose-rates of DTC patients.

Methods

110 DTC patients who received postoperative RAI therapy between September 2018 and February 2023 in Turku University Hospital were studied retrospectively. The external dose-rates of the patients were continuously monitored during their hospitalization with a remote DRM fixed in the ceiling of the isolation room. Generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was used to analyse the association between logarithmical Teff and patient characteristics.

Results

The median Teff for all patients was 12.60 h (Q1: 10.35; Q3: 14.75 h). Longer Teffs were associated with higher BMI (p = 0.004), lower GFR (p < 0.001), and diabetes (p = 0.007). Our study also revealed that neither age nor subsequent RAI therapies have a significant impact on the whole body Teff (p = 0.522 and p = 0.414, respectively).

Conclusion

Patients with higher BMI, decreased GFR, or diabetes have a longer whole-body Teff of 131I. Ceiling-mounted remote DMRs can reliably be used to determine patient’s Teff. Since Teff values vary among patients, ceiling-mounted meters can be used to optimize the length of radiation isolation period at the hospital while improving patient comfort and staff efficiency.
Evaluation of a deep learning software for automated measurements on full-leg standing radiographs
Authors: Lassalle Louis , Regnard Nor-Eddine , Durteste Marion , Ventre Jeanne , Marty Vincent , Clovis Lauryane , Zhang Zekun , Nitche Nicolas , Ducarouge Alexis , Laredo Jean-Denis , Guermazi Ali
Published: November 2024

Background

Precise lower limb measurements are crucial for assessing musculoskeletal health; fully automated solutions have the potential to enhance standardization and reproducibility of these measurements. This study compared the measurements performed by BoneMetrics (Gleamer, Paris, France), a commercial artificial intelligence (AI)-based software, to expert manual measurements on anteroposterior full-leg standing radiographs.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on a dataset comprising consecutive anteroposterior full-leg standing radiographs obtained from four imaging institutions. Key anatomical landmarks to define the hip–knee–ankle angle, pelvic obliquity, leg length, femoral length, and tibial length were annotated independently by two expert musculoskeletal radiologists and served as the ground truth. The performance of the AI was compared against these reference measurements using the mean absolute error, Bland–Altman analyses, and intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results

A total of 175 anteroposterior full–leg standing radiographs from 167 patients were included in the final dataset (mean age = 49.9 ± 23.6 years old; 103 women and 64 men). Mean absolute error values were 0.30° (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.28, 0.32]) for the hip–knee–ankle angle, 0.75 mm (95% CI [0.60, 0.88]) for pelvic obliquity, 1.03 mm (95% CI [0.91,1.14]) for leg length from the top of the femoral head, 1.45 mm (95% CI [1.33, 1.60]) for leg length from the center of the femoral head, 0.95 mm (95% CI [0.85, 1.04]) for femoral length from the top of the femoral head, 1.23 mm (95% CI [1.12, 1.32]) for femoral length from the center of the femoral head, and 1.38 mm (95% CI [1.21, 1.52]) for tibial length. The Bland–Altman analyses revealed no systematic bias across all measurements. Additionally, the software exhibited excellent agreement with the gold-standard measurements with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values above 0.97 for all parameters.

Conclusions

Automated measurements on anteroposterior full-leg standing radiographs offer a reliable alternative to manual assessments. The use of AI in musculoskeletal radiology has the potential to support physicians in their daily practice without compromising patient care standards.
Anterior mediastinal mass in a breast cancer patient mimicking lymphadenopathy: a case report
Authors: El Graini Soumya , Habib Chorfa Sara , Retal Hamza , El Alaoui Driss , Mahdi Youssef , El Khannoussi Basma , Omor Youssef , Latib Rachida , Amalik Sanae
Published: November 2024

Background

The mediastinum is an anatomical region containing vascular, visceral, and osseous structures. In case of mediastinal masses in the prevascular space, the mnemonic word "4T" helps to group the most common etiologies, namely thyroid pathology, thymoma and its variants, the "terrible" lymphoma, and teratoma. In oncologic patients, the main differential diagnosis is metastatic lymphadenopathy and one should be careful when analyzing this condition.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 54-year-old woman with a history of thyroidectomy who was found to have multiple anterior mediastinal masses during a breast cancer evaluation. Initial concerns about metastatic lymphadenopathy were ruled out after imaging showed no connection to the cervical thyroid gland, and a biopsy confirmed the masses as benign ectopic thyroid tissue. Given the patient’s stable condition and preference, conservative management with close monitoring was chosen instead of surgery.

Conclusions

The case underscores the rarity and diagnostic challenges of anterior mediastinal mass, especially in oncology, highlighting the crucial role of CT imaging in identifying and characterizing those masses, aiding in differential diagnosis and guiding appropriate management strategies.
Gas-bearing prediction of tight clastic rock reservoirs based on random forest-modern temporal convolutional network
Authors: Dang Tengyun , Xu Tianji , Liu Sheng , Yan Shumei , Wang Jianwei , Wang Rui
Published: November 2024

Reservoir gas-bearing identification is a crucial link in natural gas exploration and development. However, under the conditions of sparse well distribution, challenges such as insufficient prior information and low identification accuracy often arise. In response, we have developed a method for identifying the gas-bearing of tight clastic reservoirs based on the fusion of well logging and seismic data. Initially, feature engineering processing is applied to P-wave slowness, S-wave slowness, and density to calculate petrophysical parameters and fluid indicators, using the random forest algorithm to refine reservoir-sensitive parameters. Subsequently, a deep-learning network named modern temporal convolutional network (ModernTCN) is constructed, which uses reservoir-sensitive parameters as inputs for model training and testing. This network features a decoupled design to segregate temporal and feature information, effectively capturing the longitudinal gas-bearing characteristics of the reservoir. Next, we compare the ModernTCN with a fully convolutional network, a multiscale fully convolutional network, a self-attention bidirectional long short-term memory network, a self-attention bidirectional gated recurrent unit, and a 1D deep residual network to determine the reliability of this method. Furthermore, a probabilistic weighted voting algorithm based on the multi to single strategy captures the spatial correlation among adjacent seismic traces to predict lateral distribution characteristics of the reservoir. Ultimately, the methodology is applied using seismic and well data from the Huangyan structural belt of Xihu Sag, China, to identify gas-bearing zones in tight clastic rock reservoirs. The results are validated through the reflection characteristics of the test well logs and along-horizon slicing. This approach determines substantial well-seismic concordance, confirming its potential to support the exploration and development of tight clastic gas reservoirs.
Development and acceptability of a cereal bar with Atta sexdens ant flour
Authors: Lozada-Urbano Michelle , Bendezú Ccanto Jessica , Condori Chura Julissa , Rivera-Lozada Oriana , Yañez Jaime A.
Published: November 2024

In Peru, insect consumption, as a nutritional complement or as the main source in the diet, is limited to the regions of our the central jungle where Atta sexdens ants are consumed. An energy bar based on Andean grains with Atta sexdens ant flour was formulated. The ants were obtained from the department of San Martin, district of Rioja, province of Rioja. Four different formulations were prepared with different Atta sexdens ant flour concentrations: 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%. Moisture, total fat, ash, proteins, fiber, carbohydrates, instrumental texture, and organoleptic analysis (taste, texture, and color) were performed. The developed cereal energy bar presented a 10 g protein content in 100 g of the final product. Acceptability was evaluated in adolescents and young adult populations. The developed cereal bars presented a high protein content, adequate organoleptic properties and high acceptability. However, this must be considered in the context of the rising cost of protein-rich foods.
Lifestyle and Occupational Factors Associated with Recurrent Stroke among Working-Age Adults in Urban Areas of Thailand
Authors: Wongrostrai Yupha , chiangkhong araya , Suwanwong Charin , Khunakorncharatphong Anon
Published: November 2024

Background Stroke survivors, especially working-age adults, face an increased risk of recurrent stroke within one to five years after the initial occurrence, primarily due to suboptimal risk factor management. This study aims to investigate the contributing factors associated with the risk of recurrent stroke in this demographic. Methods This case-control study matched participants with recurrent stroke to those without recurrent stroke by age and gender. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to identify significant factors associated with recurrent stroke. The study included 100 patients with recurrent stroke and 200 control participants recruited from the hospital database. Results Significant factors associated with recurrent stroke were gender (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.10 to 3.29), high fasting blood sugar (OR, 3.70; 95% CI, 1.10 to 3.29), drinking status (OR, 3.63; 95% CI, 3.01 to 6.54), sedentary lifestyle (OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.50 to 5.13), and lack of workplace support for health (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.13 to 3.63). The association of female gender, marital status, smoking status, sedentary lifestyle, interpersonal relationships at the workplace, and workplace support for health with recurrent stroke differed by age group. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of addressing lifestyle-related and occupational factors to reduce recurrent stroke risk among working-age adults. Tailoring age-specific stroke prevention strategies, promoting healthier lifestyles, and implementing evidence-based interventions can lead to improved stroke outcomes and enhance the quality of life for this vulnerable population.
Strategic priorities and challenges in research software funding: Results from an international survey
Authors: Jensen Eric A. , Katz Daniel S.
Published: November 2024

Background Research software is increasingly recognized as critical infrastructure in contemporary science. It spans a broad spectrum, including source code files, algorithms, scripts, computational workflows, and executables, all created for or during research. While research funders have developed programs, initiatives, and policies to bolster research software’s role, there has been no empirical study of how these funders prioritize support for research software. Understanding their priorities is essential to clarify where current support is concentrated and to identify strategic gaps. Methods We conducted an online mixed methods survey of international research funders (n=36) to explore their priorities in supporting research software. The survey gathered data on the specific outcomes funders emphasize in their programs and initiatives for research software. Results The survey revealed that funders place strong emphasis on developing skills, promoting software sustainability, embedding open science practices, building community and collaboration, advancing research software funding mechanisms, increasing software visibility and use, fostering innovation, and ensuring security. Conclusions The findings highlight opportunities to enhance research software’s role through increased funder attention on professional recognition for software contributions and the non-technical, social aspects of research software sustainability. Addressing these areas could lead to more effective support and development of research software, ultimately benefitting the entire research ecosystem.
Technology and organization of construction production. Course and diploma design
Authors: Lebedev Vladimir
Published: November 2024

The textbook examines the design of technology and organization of construction production of basic general construction and installation works to meet the requirements of labor protection and the environment, highlights the composition and content of projects for the production of works and projects for the organization of construction. The methodology of designing technological maps, calendar schedules, construction master plans is described, examples are given.
Meets the requirements of the latest generation of federal state standards of higher education.
It is intended for students of construction specialties 270100 "Construction".
Theoretical foundations of rocket and space technology production
Authors: Galtinovskiy Andrey , Bochkarev Sergey , Abashin Mihail
Published: November 2024

The textbook contains material for studying the theoretical foundations of the technology of production of rocket and space technology, including the features of its manufacture and the organization of technical training. Methods for determining errors and their calculations in the processing of parts, achieving processing accuracy, calculating allowances are considered. The theoretical principles of designing technological processes and registration of technological documentation are given. The technological foundations of increasing labor productivity and the degree of perfection and progressiveness of the technological process are analyzed.
The textbook is based on the material of lectures given by the authors to students of Bauman Moscow State Technical University (National Research University) and Perm National Research Polytechnic University.
Meets the requirements of the latest generation of federal state standards of higher education.
It is intended for teachers, students and postgraduates of rocket engineering specialties of technical and military higher educational institutions.
Prosta spółka akcyjna
Authors: Kłoda Mariusz T , Sikorska-Lewandowska Aleksandra
Published: November 2024

The monograph titled Prosta Spółka Akcyjna was established as a result of the National Student-Doctoral Conference called "Prosta Spółka Akcyjna", which took place on April 22, 2022, at the Faculty of Law and Administration of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. It consists of nine chapters, the authors of which are the speakers at this conference (doctoral students and students of various universities). Each chapter includes a detailed discussion of legal issues related to the creation or functioning of a new type of capital company – a simple joint-stock company.

The monograph discusses original issues that are important from theoretical and practical points of view. Many of them have not previously been the subject of considerations in the doctrine, which is the value of this study. They provide knowledge about numerous aspects of the creation or functioning of a simple joint-stock company, the popularity of which is gradually growing.

The editors of the monograph are employees of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń.
Głos, ciało, scena. Afektywność teatru operowego we francusko-włoskim dyskursie słownikowym 1768–1826
Authors: Lisecka Małgorzata
Published: November 2024

The cultural history of opera can be told in many ways. The discourse that was taken into account in the presented book in order to present opera at the threshold of modernity is musical encyclopedias and dictionaries. They constitute a specific type of literature, addressed to a dilettante recipient, a self-taught person, and an enthusiast who seeks musical knowledge on his own. This recipient usually comes from the dynamically developing middle class – the bourgeoisie. From the reconstruction of the above-mentioned discourse emerges a vision of opera theatre as a tool for managing affectivity at the individual and collective level, and, at the same time, a sensitive measure of the changes in this affectivity. The author outlines all these changes, taking into account Italian and French opera, traditionally opposed to each other, and Italian and French encyclopedic discourse in the period before and shortly after the Great French Revolution. Opera is understood here in its various dimensions as an institution, a social space, a community experience, but also as a specific type of theater, and, finally, a work of words and music. All these dimensions create an image of a fascinating and seductive multimedia phenomenon that has been capturing our imagination for over four centuries.
Od prezentowania dzieł do tworzenia krytycznej wiedzy. Eksperymenty kuratorskie w publicznym koncercie pierwszych dekad XXI wieku
Authors: Pasiecznik Monika
Published: November 2024

Koncert jako przestrzeń prezentacji dzieł muzycznych i sztuki wykonawczej na wzór wystaw muzealnych pozostaje jednym z najważniejszych kanałów rozpowszechniania, odbioru i kanonizacji nowej muzyki. Liczne w ostatnich latach eksperymenty z formą koncertu pokazują jednak, że ten wywodzący się z XIX wieku model muzycznej kreacji i recepcji nie satysfakcjonuje wielu artystów i odbiorców. Analizując wybrane projekty kuratorskie, autorka pracy bada, jak współcześni twórcy – muzycy, kompozytorzy, kuratorzy – zmieniają nie tylko formę koncertu, ale przede wszystkim jego funkcję: z miejsca prezentacji (arcy)dzieł i (re)produkcji kanonu w miejsce tworzenia krytycznej wiedzy i nowego doświadczenia.
Konstanty Majeranowski (1787–1851) jako wydawca i literat
Authors: Danowska Ewa
Published: November 2024

Konstanty Majeranowski (1787–1851), who came from the Grójec area, was a well-known figure in the times of the Free City of Krakow (1815–1846). He worked in administration, and served as secretary in the Managing Committee for the Construction of the Tadeusz Kościuszko Monument. He is the author of a dozen or so original theatre plays based on historical motifs, using Krakow folklore, as well as many adaptations and translations of plays from French and German. He became famous as the publisher of Pszczółka Krakowska (The Krakow Little Bee), published between 1819 and 1821, as well as a dozen or so other periodicals, mainly of a literary and historical nature, which did not survive on the publishing market for too long. He filled the pages of these periodicals primarily with historical publications of his own authorship, but also published literary polemics and columns. Fascinated with the history and customs of Krakow, he created historical fictions related to this subject, aiming to emphasise the splendour of the former Krakow bourgeoisie. He was recognised as a skilled journalist who contributed to the revival of the periodical publishing market in Krakow, and an active publisher who also appreciated the need for political information. Between 1836 and 1848 he worked as a censor, a very strict one, and was suspected of spying for Russia.
Prace konserwatorskie w Krakowie w roku 2023 finansowane ze środków Narodowego Funduszu Rewaloryzacji Zabytków Krakowa
Authors: Krasnowolski Bogusław
Published: November 2024

Zadania dobierane były zgodnie z założeniami programowymi Komitetu precyzowanymi od 1990 roku. Dysponowano kwotą ponad 37 mln zł, z czego 37 mln pochodziło z dotacji Kancelarii Prezydenta RP. Wkład własny beneficjentów wyniósł ponad 41 mln zł. Realizowano 142 zadania w 102 obiektach. Na Wawelu najistotniejsze zadania to konserwacja hełmu wieży Zegarowej katedry oraz piwnic Zamku Królewskiego. W historycznym centrum miasta prowadzono prace we wszystkich kościołach i licznych zabytkach świeckich. Prace na Kazimierzu akcentowały charakter tego krakowskiego satelity, wiążącego tradycje chrześcijańskie i żydowskie. Istotne znaczenie miały prace na obrzeżach miasta, w zespołach sakralnych Tyńca, Mogiły i Bielan oraz w fortach austriackiej Twierdzy Krakowskiej.
Organisation of the Turkish healthcare system
Authors: Furtak-Niczyporuk Marzena
Published: November 2024

It is widely believed that the Turkish healthcare system is robust, from an organisational perspective. Therefore, it proves capable of providing a wide range of services as it focuses on protecting patients’ health and on improving their quality of life. Indeed, today’s Turkey is a country that has made evident progress in improving healthcare infrastructure, increasing access to medical care, as well as developing medical education and research, accreditation and certification. In view of this, Turkey has improved the delivery of most healthcare services as a consequence of the Health Transformation Programme between 2003 and 2013. Accordingly, the following advantages of the Turkish healthcare system are most often cited: an extensive public healthcare sector; a well-integrated private healthcare sector; a wide range of healthcare services that are relatively cheap; universal health insurance for all; and the provision of healthcare for immigrants. Meanwhile, the shortcomings of the Turkish healthcare system are usually considered to be the shortage of medical staff, which mainly concerns doctors; long waiting times for service in public healthcare facilities, including in primary care; often limited healthcare services in rural areas; and limitations in the treatment of certain diseases, above all mental illness.
Beyond boundaries: exploring the latest guidelines for diabetes and cardiovascular health
Authors: Ruszala Victora , Williams Rhys
Published: November 2024

This article provides an overview of the link between cardiovascular disease and diabetes and its impact on practice. The recent European Society of Cardiology guidelines provides an overview of up-to-date recommendations, based on meta-analyses and recently published clinical trials, over the cardio-renal-metabolic spectrum. This guideline explores the management of diabetes with a focus on cardiovascular risk stratification, lifestyle and pharmacological management of cardiovascular risk factors and how to reduce the risk of heart failure and chronic kidney disease in those with diabetes.
Genetic Diversity of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Cultivars Using DNA markers and Morphological traits
Authors:   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand, Nakkuntod Maliwan , Luanglue Sunisa ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
Published: November 2024

Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is a species of aquatic plants in the Nelumbonaceae family. Currently, cultivation of ornamental flowers and breeding is widespread resulting in numerous hybrids and significant genetic diversity. Consequently, classification based on morphology becomes challenging and confusing. This research purposed to evaluate genetic diversity among nine samples in Phitsanulok province using sixteen qualitative and nine quantitative characters, along with three molecular markers: sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP), random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and high annealing temperature random amplified polymorphic DNA (HAT-RAPD). The similarity index for the combined molecular markers ranged 0.736 to 0.990, while for morphological characteristics, it ranged from 0.440 to 0.920. Results from the molecular markers indicated that 5 SRAP, 7 RAPD and 8 HAT-RAPD primers produced an average of 38.2%, 40.2% and 28.8% polymorphic fragments per primer, respectively. The UPGMA cluster analysis based on molecular data and morphological traits grouped the Indochina Garden cultivars with those from Phitsanulok cultivars. Using the three molecular marker, seven cultivars in Phitsanulok province clustered together. In contrast, morphological characteristics separated into three groups. This suggested that two cultivars from the plant market were distinctly different from lotus cultivars in Phitsanulok province.
Nitrogen Starvation for Increasing Lipid and Fatty Acid Methyl Ester on Euglena sp. Potential as Biojet Fuel
Authors:   Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada , 55281, Indonesia, Suyono Eko Agus
Published: November 2024

Microalg
ae is one of the promising renewable fuel sources as it can optimize its biomass and lipid content. Lipid content is commonly associated with its potential as a biofuel. Nitrogen stress is an attempt to increase the metabolite content in microalgae. In this study the microalgae Euglena sp. was grown in a medium with different nitrogen concentrations to determine the number of cells, biomass, lipids, and FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters) content cultivation of Euglena sp. had been carried out for 14 days with the gradually decreased concentration of nitrogen (1000 mg/L, 750 mg/L, 500 mg/L, 250 mg/L, and 0 mg/L) (NH4)2SO4. The density of cells of Euglena sp. was counted under a light microscope and identification of lipids was done by measuring the lipid total using Bligh and Dryer and Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) was measured by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS) method. The results show that deficiency of nitrogen gave the lowest impact on cell growth, biomass, pigments, and carbohydrate of Euglena sp. While the lipid content increased with the highest yield obtained at the nitrogen concentration of 0% mg/L. The composition of FAME of Euglena sp. was dominated by Saturated Fatty Acid (SFA) methyl ester by 54.72%. The highest carbon chains are C16:0 and C18:0 at a concentration of nitrogen 0 mg/L. It is concluded that nitrogen starvation could increase the lipid content and FAME as biodiesel which had the potential to be converted into biojet fuel.