bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Animation and its psychological implications for children
Authors: Shaker Ziyad Tarek
Published: November 2024

The aim of the current research is to reveal the psychological repercussions of animation and its impact on children, by introducing the childhood stage and its importance and defining the rights and duties of the child, then moving on to revealing the nature of animation, its objectives, benefits, features and criteria for presentation, in addition to the psychological pros and cons of animation programs on the child's personality. The importance of the research stems from the importance of animation as a social and cultural product that leaves its positive and negative effects on the development of the child and the formation of his personality. Society as a whole, when realizing the psychological effects of animation programs, parents will become more aware and selective about programs that are appropriate for their children and that help them in their healthy development. The research followed the descriptive analytical approach, and concluded that animation programs contribute greatly to building the child’s psychological personality, raising him and changing his behavior, and that interest in raising and educating the child necessarily leads to interest in his programs shown on television, so it was necessary to observe the criteria for displaying animation programs and be careful To apply it to all content and topics directed to children on the screen.
Effect of Antioxidants on Fissures and pain scores of futsal players
Authors: Hussein Hanan Nasser , Hadi Ammar Hamza , Abdel Razzaq Asaad Hussein , Hussein Aref Abdel Jabbar
Published: November 2024

The investigated problem in this study is that most of the coaches give training programs with high intensity; the impact of this reflects on the functional tissues and organs of the body, which causes the feeling of fatigue and acute pain in the muscles of the body after the end of the training unit as well as identifying the physiological causes that lead to pain and fatigue, as well as ways to remove or reduce these pains, by giving antioxidants before intense training units. Ten players were selected from the players of the futsal team\ college of physical education & sports sciences as a study subject, after that the subject was distributed randomly into two groups, experimental and control (5) players of them. All SGOT, SGPT, lactic acid and pain scores were tested and measured to determine the effect of the nutritional program in these tests and, thus, to know their relationship to free radicals. The study concluded that there is an effect of antioxidants (vitamins) on increasing the activity of the SGOT enzyme involved in the rebuilding of ATB. However, there is no effect of antioxidants on the activity of the SGPT enzyme, which indicates that it does not reduce the free radicals, muscle fatigue and the degree of pain. It also showed the effect of antioxidants in reducing lactic acid and reducing the degree of pain.
Common Misperceptions in physical education and sports sciences among Al-Qasim Green University Students
Authors: Yehia Taher , Moaz Mohamed , Abdoun Ayed Karim , Kadhum Abbas Mashi
Published: November 2024

This research aims to identify the common misperceptions in physical education and sports sciences for students of Al-Qasim Green University, as well as to identify the differences in these perceptions according to gender, sports practice, type of students, and scientific specialization. The descriptive approach was used.  The research sample was the students of Al-Qasim Green University, whose number is (2562), including (25) male and female students, an exploratory sample representing (0.97%), (180) male and female students representing a legalization sample, and their percentage (7.02%), and (100) male and female students as a sample for applying the scale. Percentage (3.77%). The results indicated a significant percentage of common misconceptions among students of Al-Qasim Green University in its various disciplines.
The impact of flexible blended learning on the development of scientific thinking among students of the Department of Educational and Psychological Sciences
Authors: Habib Ghadban Saad
Published: November 2024

The research aims to identify the impact of flexible blended learning in developing scientific thinking among students of educational and psychological sciences. And the arbitrators, the researcher prepared a test of scientific thinking, after they confirmed its validity and reliability, the researcher used the following statistical methods: (T-test for two independent samples, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Cronbach’s alpha lab equation). Scientific thinking, and through the results reached by the researcher, a number of recommendations and suggestions were presented.
The method of applying financing in the form of Murabaha in Islamic banks
Authors: Elsellabi Abdelsalam Bashir , AL-AZAKI Zaid Ahmed Mohammed
Published: November 2024

This article aims to identify the linguistic, jurisprudential and economic concept of the Murabaha financing formula, as well as to identify a comprehensive definition of the Murabaha financing formula, which is that it is a process in which a commodity is purchased at a certain price, then it is sold to the buyer after he is informed of the purchase price in addition to the amount of profit It is one of the sales of the trust, and this article also aims to find out the evidence of the permissibility of dealing in the form of Murabaha in Islamic banks from writing, Sunnah, consensus, and the decisions of the Fiqh Councils. Dealing with the Murabaha formula, and also aims to identify the method applied by Islamic banks in financing by the Murabaha formula.
The effect of Core Muscles exercises on the momentary strength of the central part of the body and the accuracy of the serving and volleyball spiking skills for advanced
Authors: Jabri Ali Naji , Majli Mohammed Abd Ul Hussein , Jalal Hasanain Amer
Published: November 2024

The importance of research is evident in the use of Core Muscles using some training tools to try to upgrade the momentary strength of the central part of the body and the a The study sought to determine the effect of Core Muscle training on instantaneous strength in the center region of the body. Higher volleyball hitting and serving abilities. Researchers applied the experimental curriculum and adhered to the design of a single experimental group. Curacy of the serving and spiking skills Because of their essential role in deciding matches. Represents the search community with players from Wasit governorate clubs for the (48) players grouped into four clubs. Researchers chose Al Hay Sports Club at random, and the sample size was 12 players, accounting for 25% of the overall research community. Core Muscle exercises designed by the researchers were administered to the experimental group for 8 weeks, with three training units per week. The tests were carried out following the experiment, and the statistical data was analyzed using the spss system. Researchers have concluded that Core muscle exercises have a positive impact on the development of the momentary strength of the central part of the body and the accuracy of the serving and crushing hitting skills of advanced volleyball players.
Using Drug-coated Balloons in Treating Coronary Bifurcation Lesions; Immediate and Short-term Outcomes
Authors: Kamel Ahmed Mohamed Hassan , Fakhry Emad Effat , Tamara Ahmed Mohamed Fathy , Amin Yousef Mohamed Fahmy , Nassar Ahmed Ibrahim
Published: November 2024

Background: Coronary bifurcation lesions present a technical challenge during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), accounting for 15-20% of all cases. Drug-coated balloons (DCBs) have emerged as an alternative to drug-eluting stents (DES), offering the potential to reduce the risk of neointimal hyperplasia and the need for long-term dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).

Methods: This prospective, interventional two-arm trial involved 66 patients undergoing PCI for coronary bifurcation lesions at seven centers in Cairo, Egypt, from December 2021 to October 2023. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (n=40), treated with ordinary balloons, and Group B (n=26), treated with DCBs. The primary outcomes assessed were procedural success, occurrence of Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) over a six-month period, and changes in coronary dimensions as measured by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA).

Results: Group B demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of MACE at 6 months (3.8%) compared to Group A (23.7%) (p=0.032). Fluoroscopy time was reduced in the DCB group (51.31 ± 28.12 minutes) compared to the control (69.33 ± 29.10 minutes, p=0.015). Acute lumen gain in the side branch was greater in the DCB group (2.15 ± 0.74 mm) compared to the control group (1.22 ± 0.94 mm, p=0.000). Late lumen gain after 6 months was also significantly higher in Group B (0.88 ± 0.15 mm) compared to Group A (-0.13 ± 0.28 mm, p=0.001).

Conclusion: The use of drug-coated balloons (DCBs) for coronary bifurcation lesions reduces major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and improves procedural success rates.
Enhancing Maternal Health: Cost-effective Alternatives in High Pressure Processing of Fruit Products
Authors: Akwu Anita Scales , Allison Abimbola , Adhikari Jayashan , Henry Monica , Inman Wendelyn
Published: November 2024

The search for efficacious Alternatives to the Current Standard Procedure in the Food Manufacturing Industry is a public health imperative. Recent advances and rapid adoption of high-pressure processing units in food manufacturing is gaining momentum across various industry sectors. The momentum of industrial importance across various sectors of food manufacturing, has led to requiring extensive microbiological hurdle validation studies for efficacious and feasible utilization of the technology. Fruit juices such as apple juice are an important component of maternal and child health diets. In regards to, microorganisms moving through vertical and horizontal gene transfer mechanisms, these systems work in the prevention of natural and anthropogenic pathogens of public health concern. As a result, adapting High Pressure Processing (HPP) in the inactivation of the pathogens is important. In this study, the protocol involves exposure to various times and intensity levels of elevated hydrostatic pressure. HPP is being used to identify the most effective conditions for vector (microorganism) inactivation. There was a large area of effectiveness of the HPP technology eradicating microorganisms in toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC), Non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (nSTEC), Salmonella serovars, and Listeria monocytogenes. Each were effectively eradicated utilizing this HPP technology. These specific microorganisms were selected as they are some of the most common ones that are involved in foodborne illness. Elevated hydrostatic pressure is a non-thermal procedure that exposes pathogens to pressures of up to 80,000 PSI (>550 MPa). Various times (3, 4, and 5 minutes) at pressure intensity levels of 600 MPa, (87K PSI), 550 MPa (79K PSI), 480 MPa (70K PSI), 415 MPa (60K PSI), and 345 MPa (50K PSI) of elevated hydrostatic pressure were investigated at 4°C and for 45°C. This research measured the effect of HPP treatment in eradicating the microbial load with nominal effects on organoleptic and nutritional quality of fruit juices. The results of this study provide support of cost effective and healthy fruit juice options to mothers and their children.
Helping vs. Preventing Harm: Reversing Mission Creep in Psychiatry
Authors: Appel Jacob M
Published: November 2024

This essay discusses a shift in the priorities in the psychiatric community over the past several decades from one that focuses upon the relief of suffering toward one that emphasizes harm reduction and danger prevention. The essay reviews the various forces that have driven this evolution including legal decisions that have limited grounds for admission to dangerousness, models of care that emphasize “zero suicide,” a rise in liability for outpatient suicide and the resulting practice of defensive medicine. The essay also notes the role that the overselling of psychiatry’s ability to prevent negative outcomes has played in shaping these developments. The essay then argues that while preventing self-harm and violence are certainly important goals, the overall refocuses of psychiatric practice to prioritize these aims has had a deleterious effect upon patient care and should be reversed. The essay advocates for a different approach to mental health care and will enable to psychiatric profession to return to its helping origins.
El dengue: Son necesarios estudios multicéntricos aleatorizados, con las medicinas que en segunda indicación podrían ser efectivas
Authors: Accinelli Roberto Alfonso
Published: November 2024

El dengue es la enfermedad viral transmitida por vectores más frecuente, de baja letalidad, un fallecido por cada 1000 enfermos. Su tratamiento es con hidratación, reposo y sintomáticos. La doxiciclina, que interfiere con el ingreso a la célula humana, al impedir cambie la configuración de la proteína E, y detiene su replicación, al actuar en la proteasa NS2BNS3pro del virus, podría ser una alternativa, y cuando la enfermedad ha llegado hasta la tormenta de citoquinas, manifestada por plaquetopenia severa, hemoconcentración y compromiso sistémico, el empleo de pulsos de esteroides o de inmunoglobulinas podría estar indicado. Son necesarios estudios multicéntricos controlados contra placebo que demuestren el efecto de estas medicinas en segunda indicación para que la OMS y el CDC puedan recomendar o no su uso, por lo que por ahora no podemos emplearlos.
The Corellation of Hypnoanasthesia with Pain Degree on Installation of Intra Uterine Device (IUD)
Authors: Rahayu Indah
Published: November 2024

Aims : this study was to analyze the difference of median pain of IUD insertion in hypnoanasthesia group and IUD mounting standard group, to analyze the difference of pain reduction scores of IUD insinuation on hypnoanasthesia group and IUD mounting standard group and to analyze hypnoanasthesia relationship with degree of pain in the installation of Intrauterine Device (IUD).
Research : research design used quasi experimental approach with two group post test only with control group design. Analysis of results using Mann-Whitney and Chi-Square test.
Results : result of the research shows that there is difference of pain score of hypnoanasthesia group that is median value 4 and standard group of IUD insertion with median value 5 and obtained p value <0.001. There was a difference of pain reduction score in the hypnoanasthesia group of 60% and in the standard group of 33.3% with p = 0.002. There is a correlation of hypnoanasthesia with degree of pain in IUD insertion with p value = 0.005.
Conclusions : the hypnosis method emphasizes the emergence of positive suggestion, calm feeling, and relaxation that make it comfortable. When the condition is calm and relaxed, the brain will automatically release the hormone endorphins that reduce pain and give a sense of comfort and relaxation.
The Effectiveness of SCIDOTS to Reduce Smoking Behavior Among Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis : Systematic Review
Authors: Supriatin Eva , Nurhayati Nunung , Lindayani Linlin
Published: November 2024

Aims : The aim of this study is to identify and summarize the results of previous studies on the use of SCIDOTS to reduce smoking cessation in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.
Methods : The research used was a literature review of three articles. The assessment of the articles shall be measured using the CASP (Critical Appraisal Skills Program) format.
Results : The result of this study incorporating smoking cessation programs into pulmonary TB control programs, as new diagnoses can increase cessation rates by 71.7%. Various interventions, including counseling sessions, behavioral therapy, and health promotion programs, have proven successful.
Conclusions : The study found that the intervention SCIDOTS, or quitting smoking, is highly effective in treating tuberculosis patients, accelerating their active treatment.
Effectiveness of Health Education Toward Personal Hygiene During Menstruation Among Adolescent Girls
Authors: Aminah Aan , Mayunita Abela
Published: November 2024

Aims: knowing the effectiveness of providing health education about personal hygiene to adolescent girls who are menstruating.
Method: quasi-experimental with one group pretest-posttest design. The sample in this study were some 10th grade students of SMAN I Jatisari in July 2023 as many as 75 people. The sampling technique was random sampling.
Results: The knowledge of adolescent girls about personal hygiene before being given health is mostly poor knowledge (78.7%) and after being given health education is mostly good knowledge (56%). Health education can effectively improve the knowledge of adolescent girls about personal hygiene (p value 0.000).
Conclusions: Health education can effectively improve the knowledge of adolescent girls about personal hygiene. It is hoped that health workers will be more active in conducting counseling on personal hygiene during menstruation so that young women get knowledge related to this and apply good and correct personal hygiene behaviour.
Effectiveness of High Dosage of Calcium, Folic Acid and Vitamin D on Reducing the Risk of Preeclamsion Among Pregnant Women
Authors: Rizki Arkanthi Chandra , Mochartini Tri
Published: November 2024

Aims: to determine the effectiveness of giving high doses of calcium, folic acid and vitamin D to reducing the risk of preeclampsia in the Karawang Health Center in 2023.
Methods: the type of research used in this research is quantitative with a cross sectional research design. The population in this study were 68 pregnant women who were at the Karawang Health Center, Karawang Regency. a sample of 45 pregnant women who were at the Karawang Community Health Center in Karawang Regency and bivariate analysis using the chi-square test.
Results: Most of the use of high-dose calcium were adherent by 26 people (67.8%), most of the use of folic acid were adherent by as many as 30 people (66.7%), most of the use of vitamin D were not adherent by 27 people (60.0%). Most of the risk of preeclampsia blood pressure in normal pregnant women as many as 25 people (55.6%). Giving high doses of calcium, folic acid and vitamin D is effective in reducing the risk of preeclampsia in the Karawang Health Center in 2023 with (P-Value ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion: It can be concluded that giving high doses of calcium, folic acid and vitamin D is effective in reducing the risk of preeclampsia in the Karawang Health Center in 2023.
The Effect of Health Promotion Using E-Health Versus Lecture Toward Knowledge of Personal Hygiene Among Junior High School Students in Banten
Authors: Patonah Ipat , Masluroh Masluroh
Published: November 2024

Aims: Knowing the effectiveness of health promotion between the e-health method and the lecture method on knowledge of personal hygiene external genitalia in junior high school students at Pondok Pesantren Latansa Lebak Banten.
Method: The study involved 84 female students at SMP Pondok Pesantren Latansa Lebak Banten, using a quasi-experimental design, pretest-posttest, and control group design.
Result: The results of univariate research on personal hygiene knowledge of external genitalia with health promotion e-health method obtained before that most were sufficient 47.6% and after most were good 71.4%. Knowledge of external genitalia personal hygiene with the lecture method health promotion was obtained before most of it was 50.0% and after most it was enough 52.4%. The bivariate results of the paired simple t test were 0.000 and the independent t test obtained a p value = 0.003.
Conclusion: The e-health method is more effective in promoting knowledge of external genitalia personal hygiene among junior high school students than lecture methods, and cooperation with health workers is hoped to improve female students' hygiene practices
Effectiveness of Giving Red Guava Juice and Mung Bean on Hemoglobin Levels Among Post-Partum Mothers with Anemia
Authors: Angguniawati Reni , Khairiah Rahayu
Published: November 2024

Aims: to determine the effectiveness of giving red guava juice and mung bean porridge to increase HB levels in postpartum women with anemia.
Methods : The study was quasi-experimental, with a pretest-posttest design for two groups. The sample for this study consisted of all postpartum women who developed anemia between June and July 2023 at the Cikampek Health Center, which may be up to 40 participants. The sampling approach is complete sampling.
Results : The red guava juice intervention group had an average HB level of 10.220 gr/dl pre-test and 12.460 gr/dl post-test. The green bean porridge intervention group had an average HB level of 10.230 gr/dl before testing and 12.440 gr/dl after testing. Giving red guava juice and mung bean porridge can successfully improve Hb levels in anemic postpartum women (p-value = 0.000).
Conclusions : Red guava juice and mung bean porridge can significantly boost Hb levels in anemic postpartum women. It is believed that postpartum women who have anemia will take red guava juice and mung bean porridge as an alternative to prevent anemia.
Empowering Post-Stroke Patients to Improve Self-Care and Prevent Recurrent Stroke Using Stroke Empowerment Education
Authors: Prasetyowati Christina Dewi , Firmanda Giovanni Iga
Published: November 2024

Aims: Stroke can lead to varying outcomes, ranging from recovery with disability, death, to surviving with recurrent strokes. Post-stroke patients require special attention to improve self-care behaviors. Stroke empowerment education is an educational approach given to stroke patients with an empowerment-focused approach centered on the patient. This study aimed to determine the effect of stroke empowerment education on the self-care of post-stroke patients as an effort to prevent recurrent strokes at RSUD Gambiran Kota Kediri.
Methods: The research design used was a Quasi-Experiment with a pre-post test design with a control group. Sampling was done using accidental sampling technique, resulting in 98 respondents. Data collection on self-care was conducted using the modified version of The Subjective Self-Care Performance Scale questionnaire.
Results: The results of the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test showed significant improvement (p = 0.000) in self-care among post-stroke patients after Stroke Empowerment Education.
Conclusion: This study concluded that there was an effect of stroke empowerment education on improving self-care among post-stroke patients as an effort to prevent recurrent strokes at RSUD Gambiran Kota Kediri. As a recommendation, the results of this study can be continued as an intervention in hospitals to enhance services for post-stroke patients to improve self-care as an effort to prevent recurrent strokes.
An alternative way to break the matrix barrier: an experimental study of a LIFU-mediated, visualizable targeted nanoparticle synergistic amplification for the treatment of malignant fibroblasts
Authors: Zhao Xiangzhi , Fan Zhengchao , Zhou Junan , Li Ying , Zhu Weiwei , Su Song , Xia Jizhu
Published: November 2024

Malignant fibroblasts (MFs) are widely present in various diseases and are characterized by connective tissue proliferation; these cells act as a physical barrier that severely limits drug delivery and affects disease outcomes. Based on this, we constructed the smart, integrated, theranostic, targeted lipid nanoprobe HMME-RG3@PFH to overcome the bottleneck in the early diagnosis and treatment of MF-related diseases. The protein glucose transporter protein 1 (GLUT-1) is overexpressed on MFs, and its ideal substrate, ginsenoside RG3 (RG3), significantly enhances the targeted uptake of HMME-RG3@PFH by MFs in a hypoxic environment and endows the nanomaterial with stealthiness to prolong its circulation. Perfluorohexane (PFH), a substance that can undergo phase change, was encapsulated in the lipid core and vaporized for ultrasound-enhanced imaging under low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) irradiation. Moreover, hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) was loaded into the lipid bilayer for photoacoustic molecular imaging and sonodynamic therapy (SDT) of MFs under the combined effects of LIFU. Additionally, HMME-RG3@PFH instantaneously burst during visualization to promote targeted drug delivery. In addition, the increased number of exposed RG3 fragments can regulate the MFs to enter a quiescent state. Overall, this nanoplatform ultimately achieves dual-modal imaging with targeted and precise drug release for visualization and synergistic amplification therapy, providing a new possibility for the early diagnosis and precise treatment of MF-related diseases.
Detection and identification of a cryptic red crossbill call type in northeastern North America
Authors: Young Matthew A. , Spahr Timothy B. , McEnaney Kenneth , Rhinehart Tessa , Kahl Stefan , Anich Nicholas M. , Brady Ryan , Yeany David , Mandelbaum Ryan
Published: November 2024

Red crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) are the archetypal example of a taxon with high infraspecific diversity in traits including bill size and especially vocal characteristics. Currently, at least 11 different call types in North America have been recognized. We hypothesize that a variant call within type 10 has been overlooked and is a distinct type. Principal component analysis showed that the inverted “V” of these calls is consistently and demonstrably different from similar calls of birds previously categorized as Type 10 variants. We argue these calls should be treated separately as a distinct type, Type 12. Due to increasingly available recordings of crossbills gathered and archived into public databases by birders, our analyses reveal that this call type is predominantly distributed across northeastern North America. Although crossbill types do not always map to formerly described subspecies, we also argue that Type 12 likely matches the historically described L. c. neogaea, the “old Northeastern subspecies”.
Mapping design stages and methodologies for developing STEM concept inventories: a scoping review
Authors: Netere Adeladlew Kassie , Babey Anna-Marie , Kelly-Laubscher Roisin , Angelo Thomas A. , White Paul J.
Published: November 2024

Background

Concept inventories (CIs) have become widely used tools for assessing students’ learning and assisting with educational decisions. Over the past three decades, CI developers have utilized various design approaches and methodologies. As a result, it can be challenging for those developing new CIs to identify the most effective and appropriate methods and approaches. This scoping review aimed to identify and map key design stages, summarize methodologies, identify design gaps and provide guidance for future efforts in the development and validation of CI tools.

Methods

A preliminary literature review combined theoretical thematic analysis (deductive, researcher-driven) focusing on specific data aspects, and inductive thematic analysis (data-driven), using emerging themes independent of specific research questions or theoretical interests. Expert discussions complemented the analysis process.

Results

The scoping review analyzed 106 CI articles and identified five key development stages: define the construct, determine and validate content domain; identify misconceptions; item formation and response processes design; test item selection and validation; and test application and refinement. A descriptive design model was developed using a mixed-method approach, incorporating expert input, literature review, student-oriented analysis, and statistical tests. Various psychometric assessments were employed to validate the test and its items. Substantial gaps were noted in defining and determining the validity and reliability of CI tools, and in the evidence required to establish these attributes.

Conclusion

The growing interest in utilizing CIs for educational purposes has highlighted the importance of identifying and refining the most effective design stages and methodologies. CI developers need comprehensive guidance to establish and evaluate the validity and reliability of their instruments. Future research should focus on establishing a unified typology of CI instrument validity and reliability requirements, as well as the types of evidence needed to meet these standards. This effort could optimize the effectiveness of CI tools, foster a cohesive evaluation approach, and bridge existing gaps.
Critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) - an overview of pathogenesis, clinical presentation and management
Authors: Sobolewska Joanna , Dzialach Lukasz , Kuca Pawel , Witek Przemyslaw
Published: November 2024

According to the Society of Critical Care Medicine, critical illness-related corticosteroid insufficiency (CIRCI) characterizes hypothalamic-adrenal axis insufficiency following acute medical conditions of various causes, i.e., sepsis, septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, community-acquired pneumonia, and status after major surgical procedures. Due to highly variable etiology, understanding the pathomechanism and management of CIRCI assumes relevance for all centers providing intensive care. During CIRCI, multiple peripheral adaptations develop, and cortisol distribution volume increases due to hypothalamic-adrenal axis dysregulation, alterations in cortisol metabolism, and tissue resistance to corticosteroids. The proper diagnosis and treatment of CIRCI may be challenging in many cases. Although we have been acquainted with CIRCI since 2008, it remains a difficult condition with widely variable approaches among clinicians due to inconsistent high-quality study results determining the effect of corticosteroids on mortality. Corticosteroids are widely used in acutely ill patients, highlighting the necessity for reliable knowledge to support crucial clinicians’ decisions in daily medical practice. In this review, we provide an overview of the clinical management of patients with CIRCI based on current recommendations and selected studies.
Augmented pre-training-based carbon emission accounting method using electricity data under small-sample condition
Authors: Peng Bo , Li Yaodong , Yang Chen , Feng Haoran , Gong Xianfu
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Accurate and rapid carbon accounting method for the power industry is crucial to support China’s low-carbon transformation. Currently, carbon emission accounting methods are based on slowly updated fuel statistics or expensive monitoring equipment, resulting in high costs and delays in carbon emission estimation. Power data offers high real-time availability, accuracy, and resolution, and exhibits a strong correlation with carbon emissions. These characteristics provide a pathway for achieving rapid and precise annual carbon emission accountings. However, carbon emission data inherently exhibits small sample characteristics, making these methods less effective in small sample conditions and leading to lower accounting accuracy.

Methods

Therefore, this paper proposes an augmented pre-training-based “electricity-to-carbon” method under small sample conditions.

Results

This approach utilizes the correlation between electricity and carbon data as well as the autocorrelation characteristics of carbon emission data to construct a machine learning-based electricity-carbon fitting model for rapid and accurate carbon emission estimation. To address the challenges of small sample learning, this paper introduces an interpolation pre-training method to optimize the model’s hyperparameters and conserve samples for model training, thereby improving the model’s generalization and robustness.

Discussion

Case studies on a real dataset verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method. The findings of this study can promote the development of carbon measurement technology and facilitate the low-carbon transition of developing countries.
Experimental and theoretical studies of sea ice effects on internal solitary waves
Authors: Tan Jin
Published: November 2024

Internal solitary waves in polar regions have attracted much interest recently. It is important to understand how sea ice affects them as this may have a profound influence on human activities and the environment. In this study, experiments on internal solitary waves with and without two types of sea ice (ice sheet and ice keel) are presented, as well as corresponding simulations using the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation, the Benjamin-Ono (BO) equation, and the variable-coefficient Korteweg-de Vries (vKdV) equation, which is a derivation of the KdV equation. Comparison between experiments without sea ice and simulations using the KdV and BO equations proves the suitability of the former over the latter for this study. The experiments with sea ice and theoretical simulations using the vKdV equation provide evidence for wave deformation, oscillation occurring in the rear of the wave, and a decrease in amplitude. The latter suggests possibilities of energy dissipation or the emission of small amplitude linear waves. The sharp vertices of the ice result in occasional inconsistency with the vKdV predictions. Nonetheless, the vKdV equation is still suitable for modeling internal solitary waves under sea ice, giving generally accurate results that can assist further studies. This is the first time the vKdV equation has been applied to investigate the impacts of sea ice on internal solitary waves.
The diagnostic performance of dual-energy CT imaging in cervical lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Han Aiping , Liu Yanqiu , Cai Lingxian , Xie Jing , Hu Shouzhang
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in detecting cervical lymph node metastasis among papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients.

Methods

A comprehensive search across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify pertinent publications up to May 2024. This search focused on studies examining the diagnostic accuracy of DECT in detecting cervical lymph node metastases in PTC patients. We employed a bivariate random-effects model to calculate pooled sensitivity and specificity of DECT. The degree of heterogeneity in the studies was quantified using the I2 statistic. Furthermore, the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool was utilized to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies.

Results

This meta-analysis encompassed 14 articles, collectively involving 1,615 patients. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC for DECT in detecting cervical lymph node metastases in PTC patients were 0.81 (95% CI: 0.76–0.85), 0.86 (95% CI: 0.80–0.91), and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.86–0.92), respectively. According to Fagan’s nomogram, for DECT, with a pre-test probability of 50%, the post-test probability was calculated as 85% for a positive result and 18% for a negative result. Deeks’ funnel plot asymmetry test showed no significant publication bias was observed for DECT (p = 0.28).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis indicates that DECT demonstrates superior sensitivity and specificity in cervical lymph node metastasis among PTC patients. To corroborate these findings and evaluate their clinical applicability, further prospective studies are necessary.
Exploring phyllosphere fungal communities of 29 alpine meadow plant species: composition, structure, function, and implications for plant fungal diseases
Authors: Yang Fengzhen , Pu Xiaojian , Matthew Cory , Nan Zhibiao , Li Xinrong
Published: November 2024

The phyllosphere of plants hosts diverse fungal microbial communities. Despite the significant impact of plant fungal diseases on productivity and community ecology, the relationship between phyllosphere fungal communities and plant health in natural environments remains poorly understood. This study utilized high-throughput sequencing and field investigations to explore the composition, dynamics, and incidence of fungal diseases across 29 plant species from four functional groups (forbs, grasses, legumes, and sedges) in alpine meadow plant communities of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. We identified Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes as the predominant phyllosphere fungi. Significant differences were observed in the Shannon diversity index, β-diversity, indicator fungi, and hub fungi among the functional groups. With the exception of the sedge group, the incidence of fungal diseases in other groups was positively correlated with the proportion of pathogens in the phyllosphere fungal community. Predictive analyses revealed that Ascochyta was strongly associated with high disease incidence in grasses, Cercospora in forbs, and Podosphaera in legumes, while Calophoma was associated with low disease incidence in sedges. These findings enhance our understanding of how plant phyllosphere fungal communities assemble in natural environments and improve our ability to predict and manage foliar fungal diseases in alpine meadows.
The respiratory chain of Klebsiella aerogenes in urine-like conditions: critical roles of NDH-2 and bd-terminal oxidases
Authors: González-Montalvo Martín A. , Sorescu Jennifer M. , Baltes Gabriella , Juárez Oscar , Tuz Karina
Published: November 2024

Klebsiella aerogenes is an opportunistic nosocomial bacterial pathogen that commonly causes urinary tract infections. Over the past decades, K. aerogenes strains have acquired resistance to common antibiotics that has led to the rise of multidrug-resistant and even pandrug-resistant strains. Infections produced by these strains are nearly impossible to treat, which makes K. aerogenes a global priority to develop new antibiotics and there is an urgent need to identify targets to treat infections against this pathogen. However, very little is known about the metabolism and metabolic adaptations of this bacterium in infection sites. In this work, we investigated the respiratory metabolism of K. aerogenes in conditions that resemble human urine, allowing us to identify novel targets for antibiotic development. Here we describe that, unlike other gram-negative pathogens, K. aerogenes utilizes the type-2 NADH dehydrogenase (NDH-2) as the main entry point for electrons in the respiratory chain in all growth conditions evaluated. Additionally, in urine-like media, the aerobic metabolism as a whole is upregulated, with significant increases in succinate and lactate dehydrogenase activity. Moreover, our data show that the bd-I type oxidoreductases are the main terminal oxidases of this microorganism. Our findings support an initial identification of NDH-2 and bd-I oxidase as attractive targets for the development of new drugs against K. aerogenes as they are not found in human hosts.
Exposure to the antiretroviral drug dolutegravir impairs structure and neurogenesis in a forebrain organoid model of human embryonic cortical development
Authors: LaNoce Emma , Zhang Daniel Y. , Garcia-Epelboim Alan , Su Yijing , Sun Yusha , Alepa Giana , Angelucci Angelina R. , Akay-Espinoza Cagla , Jordan-Sciutto Kelly L. , Song Hongjun , Ming Guo-li , Christian Kimberly M.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

For many therapeutic drugs, including antiretroviral drugs used to treat people living with HIV-1 (PLWH), we have little data on the potential effects on the developing human brain due to limited access to tissue and historical constraints on the inclusion of pregnant populations in clinical trials. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a new avenue to gain insight on how drugs may impact human cell types representative of the developing central nervous system. To prevent vertical transmission of HIV and promote the health of pregnant PLWH, antiretroviral therapy must be initiated and/or maintained throughout pregnancy. However, many antiretroviral drugs are approved for widespread use following clinical testing only in non-pregnant populations and there may be limited information on potential teratogenicity until pregnancy outcomes are evaluated. The integrase strand transfer inhibitor dolutegravir (DTG) is a frontline antiretroviral drug that is effective in viral suppression of HIV but was previously reported to be associated with a slight increase in the risk for neural tube defects in one study, although this has not been replicated in other cohorts.

Methods

To directly investigate the potential impact of DTG on human cortical neurogenesis, we measured the effects of daily drug exposure on the early stages of corticogenesis in a human iPSC-based forebrain organoid model. We quantified organoid size and structure and analyzed gene and protein expression to evaluate the impact of several doses of DTG on organoid development.

Results

We observed deficits in organoid structure and impaired neurogenesis in DTG-treated organoids compared to vehicle-treated control organoids after 20 or 40 days in culture. Our highest dose of DTG (10 μM) resulted in significantly smaller organoids with a reduced density of neural rosette structures compared to vehicle-treated controls. Mechanistically, RNA-sequencing and immunohistological analysis suggests dysregulated amino acid transport and activation of the integrated stress response in the DTG-treated organoids, and functionally, a small molecule integrated stress response inhibitor (ISRIB) could partially rescue increased expression of proteins related to cell cycle regulation.

Discussion

Together, these results illustrate the potential for human iPSC-based strategies to reveal biological processes during neurogenesis that may be affected by therapeutic drugs and provide complementary data in relevant human cell types to augment preclinical investigations of drug safety during pregnancy.
Body composition differences in patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Authors: Bernal-Contreras Karen D. , Berrospe-Alfaro Montserrat , de Cárdenas-Rojo Regina López , Ramos-Ostos Martha H. , Uribe Misael , López-Méndez Iván , Juárez-Hernández Eva
Published: November 2024

Background

Although body composition (BC) has been associated with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), there is little evidence of differences in BC in patients with MASLD regarding body mass index (BMI). The aim of this study was to determine differences in BC in terms of BMI and metabolic comorbidities in patients with MASLD.

Materials and methods

It is a cross-sectional study with patients who attended the check-up unit. Liver steatosis was evaluated by controlled attenuation parameter, and patients were classified into five groups according to BMI, presence of MASLD, and metabolic characteristics: <25 kg/m2 non-MASLD; <25 kg/m2-MASLD; Overweight-MASLD; Metabolically Healthy Obese (MHO)-MASLD; and Metabolically Unhealthy Obese (MUO)-MASLD. BC was assessed by bioelectrical impedance and a Bioimpedance Vectorial Analysis (BIVA) was carried out. Differences in BC were analyzed by a One-Way ANOVA test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for factors associated with abnormal BC.

Results

A total of 316 patients were included. 59% (n = 189) were male, with a mean age of 49 ± 10 years. Fat% significantly higher according to BMI was not different between BMI <25 kg/m2-MASLD and Overweight-MASLD groups. Skeletal muscle mass (SMM) was significantly lower in obesity groups with respect to overweight and normal weight groups (p < 0.05); however, no differences were observed in the post-hoc analysis. Extracellular Water/Intracellular Water ratio was significantly higher in the MHO-MASLD group and MUO-MASLD group compared with the BMI <25 kg/m2 non-MASLD group and with the BMI <25 kg/m2-MASLD group. Abnormal Waist Circumference (WC) and liver steatosis were independent factors associated with abnormal BC.

Conclusion

BC in MASLD patients varies according to BMI increase; changes could be explained by loss of SMM and not necessarily by the presence of metabolic abnormalities. High WC and the presence of steatosis are independent factors associated with altered BC.
Effect of fermentation temperature on the non-volatile components and in vitro hypoglycemic activity of Jinxuan black tea
Authors: Li Guangneng , Zhang Jianyong , Cui Hongchun , Gao Ying , Niu Debao , Yin Junfeng
Published: November 2024

Fermentation significantly influences the chemical composition of black tea, yet the effects of different fermentation temperatures on non-volatile components and their in vitro hypoglycemic activity are insufficiently studied. This research investigates how varying temperatures (20, 25, and 30°C) affect the bioactive profile and the inhibitory activity of Jinxuan black tea against α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Our results show that lower fermentation temperatures (20°C) lead to elevated levels of key bioactive compounds, including tea polyphenols (9.24%), soluble sugars (8.24%), thearubigins (7.17%), and theasinesin A (0.15%). These compounds correlate strongly with enhanced α-glucosidase inhibition (R = 0.76–0.97). Non-targeted metabolomic analysis revealed that 36 differential metabolites, including catechins, exhibited altered levels with increasing fermentation temperature. Notably, tea fermented at 20°C exhibited superior hypoglycemic activity, with α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 = 14.00 ± 1.00 μg/ml) significantly outperforming α-amylase inhibition (IC50 = 2.48 ± 0.28 mg/ml). The findings of this research underscore the importance of fermentation temperature in optimizing the bioactive profile of black tea. It is proposed that recommendations for future processing or formulation should emphasize the use of lower fermentation temperatures, aimed at augmenting the health benefits linked to higher polyphenol content and stronger hypoglycemic activity.