bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Application of Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Based on Self-efficacy Theory in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Intervention
Authors: Yu Zhongqin , Zhao Qinghua
Published: February 2024

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a cardiac rehabilitation program based on self-efficacy theory in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 417 patients with AMI who underwent PCI at our hospital from May 2020 to May 2022. Patients were categorized into a control group (210 patients following a cardiac rehabilitation program) and an observation group (207 patients following a cardiac rehabilitation scheme based on self-efficacy theory). Data on demographics, diseases, and 1-year follow-up information were collected from the participants. Comparisons between the groups were made in terms of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), six-minute walk distance test (6MWD), hospitalization duration, the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) score, and the incidence of angina pectoris and AMI recurrence within one-year post-management. Results: Initially, the groups had no significant difference in LVEF and 6MWD (p > 0.05). However, after 1 and 3 months of management, the observation group exhibited higher LVEF and 6MWD than the control group (p < 0.001). The observation group had a significantly shorter hospitalization duration (p < 0.001) and higher SF-36 scores post-management (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the incidence of angina pectoris and AMI recurrence within a year post-management was lower in the observation group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The cardiac rehabilitation program grounded in self-efficacy theory significantly improves cardiac function in patients with AMI, accelerates their post-PCI rehabilitation, improves quality of life, and reduces the recurrence of angina pectoris and AMI. This approach offers new directions for cardiac rehabilitation management of AMI.
Artificial Intelligence – Friend or Foe
Authors: Nicolau Mark
Published: February 2024

This article intends to unveil the myth of the dangers of A.I. to human society and reiterates the fundamental advantages of human intelligence over existing and future intelligent machines by mitigating potentially existential conflicts between humans and intelligent computers.
An Infant-Type Hemispheric Glioma With SOX5::ALK: A Novel Fusion
Authors: Tsai Chia Chin , Huang Man-Hsu , Fang Chia-Lang , Hsieh Kevin Li-Chun , Hsieh Tsung-Han , Ho Wan-Ling , Chang Hsi , Tsai Min-Lan , Kao Yu-Chien , Miser James S. , Wong Tai-Tong , Su Min-Yu , Liu Yen-Lin
Published: February 2024

Infant-type hemispheric glioma (IHG) is a rare pediatric brain tumor with variable response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Molecular insights into IHG can be useful in identifying potentially active targeted therapy. A male fetus was found to have congenital hydrocephalus at the gestational age of 37 weeks. Fetal MRI showed a 2.6 × 2.0-cm tumor located at the frontal horn of the left lateral ventricle, involving the left basal nuclei and thalamus. Tumor biopsy at the age of 2 days revealed an IHG consisting of spindle tumor cells with strong expression of GFAP and ALK. Targeted RNA sequencing detected a novel fusion gene of SOX5::ALK. After initial chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, carboplatin, and etoposide for 2 cycles, the tumor size progressed markedly and the patient underwent a subtotal resection of brain tumor followed by treatment with lorlatinib, an ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor with central nervous system (CNS) activity. After 3 months of treatment, reduction of tumor size was observed. After 14 months of treatment, partial response was achieved, and the infant had normal growth and development. In conclusion, we identified a case of congenital IHG with a novel SOX5::ALK fusion that had progressed after chemotherapy and showed partial response and clinical benefit after treatment with the CNS-active ALK inhibitor lorlatinib.
Practical Research on Mixed Teaching Reform of Linux Operating System Course
Authors:   Guangdong Baiyun University, China, Chen Xiaowen
Published: February 2024

With the rapid development of technology and the diversification of educational needs, the traditional teaching mode can no longer fully meet the requirements of modern education. Linux is widely used in servers, cloud computing, network infrastructure, embedded systems high-performance computing, etc. As an important part of the field of computer science and information technology, the teaching method of the Linux operating system needs to be constantly innovated and improved to adapt to this change. to adapt to this change. The hybrid teaching mode is a teaching method that combines online and offline teaching resources, which provides new possibilities to improve the teaching quality of Linux courses and the learning effect of students. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the reform practice of Linux operating system courses under the hybrid teaching mode, including the teaching method, course content, evaluation mechanism, and the cultivation of practical application ability.
An Exploration of University English Writing Teaching Model Based on Constructive
Authors:   Guangzhou Institute of Science and Technology，China, Yang Lanhua
Published: February 2024

Thetheoryofconstructiveadvocatesthatknowledgeisactivelyconstructedbylearnersthroughtheirownexperiencesandsocialinteractions,aconceptthatcontrastssharplywiththetraditionalteacher-orientedteachingmodel.InEnglishwritingteaching,thistheorypromptsteacherstochangefromthetraditionalroleofinformationtransmitterstofacilitatorsandinstructorsoflearning,whileencouragingstudentstoplayamoreactiveroleinthelearningprocess.Thestudyfoundthataconstruction-basedapproachsignificantlyimprovedstudents'writingskills,especiallyintheareasofconceptualization,organization,andargumentation.Studentsnotonlyimprovetheirlanguageskillsbutalsodevelopindependentthinkingandproblem-solvingskillsthroughthisinteractiveandparticipatorylearningapproach.However,thisinstructionalmodelalsofacesproblemssuchasstudents'andteachers'adaptationtonewroles,resourceallocation,andassessmentchallenges.Basedonthis,thispaperproposesspecificsolutionstoprovidedirectionsforfurtherresearchandreferencesforapplicationinpractice.
Exploration and Reflection on the Construction of Intelligent Manufacturing Professional Clusters for Industrial Internet
Authors:   Nanjing University of Science and Technology ZiJin College , China, Yang Min , Cai Longyu ,   Nanjing University of Science and Technology ZiJin College , China, Zhang Cuiping ,   Nanjing University of Science and Technology ZiJin College , China, Wang Li ,   Nanjing University of Science and Technology ZiJin College , China, Chen Youchao ,   Nanjing University of Science and Technology ZiJin College , China
Published: February 2024

In the trend of the transformation of the manufacturing industry towards intelligence promoted by industrial internet technology, the traditional curriculum system related to the manufacturing industry cannot meet the requirements of society and industry for talent knowledge structure and skill training, which puts forward new requirements for undergraduate major construction and development. This article relies on the advantages of the industrial internet location in the Yangtze River Delta region, combined with the needs of regional industrial development, and the problems in the current process of intelligent manufacturing professional construction. Taking the construction of the intelligent manufacturing major cluster at the Nanjing University of Science and Technology ZiJin College as an example, in response to the needs of the development of the intelligent manufacturing industry and the problems in the current process of cultivating intelligent manufacturing talents, this article focuses on the construction of the teaching staff, revision of the curriculum system, construction of scientific research and virtual simulation teaching platforms, multi-disciplinary and multi-angle collaborative education models, providing reference for the reform of applied engineering and technology talent cultivation models in the manufacturing industry in the era of industrial internet.
An Empirical Nexus Between Institutions Quality and Economic Performance: A Case Study of Developing Asia
Authors: Ahmad Nisar , Kamran Hasan , Mumtaz Faisal
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the relationship between the quality of institutions and the economic performance of developing Asian countries that have a lower middle-income status. The study encompasses Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, Philippines, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The selected panel data covers the period from 1996 to 2018. The panel regression was computed utilizing a Random Effect Model, as evidenced by the outcomes of the Hausman specification test. The findings revealed a significant positive impact of inflation, overall trade, and the quality of institutions on the economic performance of developing countries. Evidence suggests that it is imperative to establish Anti-corruption bodies in the designated countries to foster maximum economic performance. The findings of this study indicate that it is crucial to implement anti-corruption measures by their respective legal frameworks of the countries while ensuring that such measures do not hinder economic progress. The legislative bodies should assume the obligation of establishing the necessary regulations. Efforts should be made to ensure the proper functioning of institutional entities, as well as their corresponding economic and administrative units. It is advisable to promote greater autonomy among the institutes to enhance transparency, expansion, and effectiveness.
A Nerve Block Team in the Emergency Department
Authors: Perice Leland , Hoffman Taryn , Hsu Joann , Stoll Christopher , Lin Judy , Motov Sergey , Likourezos Antonios , Haines Lawrence , Dickman Eitan , Naraghi Leily
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To improve pain management in the emergency department (ED), emergency physicians are performing an increasing number of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia procedures (nerve blocks). We aimed to examine the effect of a dedicated emergency department (ED) nerve block team (NBT) on the number and types of ultrasound-guided nerve blocks administered in the ED.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review comparing the nine-month period before and after the creation of a dedicated NBT. This was performed at a tertiary care urban hospital that is a level 1 trauma center. We assessed and compared the number and types of nerve blocks performed, level of learners who performed nerve blocks, and time of ED arrival to disposition, before and after implementation of the NBT.

Results

The utilization of nerve blocks rose from 79 prior to the establishment of the NBT to 108 following its creation, representing a 36.7% increase. The average duration of stay in the emergency department decreased by 51 minutes, though this change did not demonstrate statistical significance (P=0.1237). There was an increased variety in the types of nerve blocks performed.

Conclusion

The introduction of a NBT led to a rise in both the quantity and diversity of nerve blocks conducted in the ED.
A Rare Case of Intussusception in an Elderly Adult Diagnosed by Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Authors: Winter Luke , Huang Derrick , Fraunfelter Frank
Published: February 2024

This clinical image article depicts bowel intussusception secodary to colorectal adenocarcinoma.
PSYCHOLOGICAL DYNAMICS IN ONLINE GAME ADDICTS
Authors: Aufizzahra As Syafiyah Aufizzahra , Puspasari Ayu Masita , Yulianti Fitri , Tulaila Fittra , Nadhifa Irsawinda
Published: February 2024

Online game addiction is a phenomenon that currently occurs among adolescents and adults. This research aims to find out how the description of addiction and psychological dynamics in online game addicts is contained in the sub-chapters of the respondent's background, description of addiction, description of psychological dynamics consisting of: parenting assumptions, attachment style assumptions, and supporting addiction theories. This study uses a qualitative research design with research participants including online game addicts who live in Bukittinggi City, West Sumatra, totaling 2 respondents. Data were obtained from semi-structured interviews and showed the results that Subjects 1 and 2 could be classified into the category of online game addiction. Based on the results of the discussion, Subjects 1 and 2 can be classified into the category of online game addiction. The parenting pattern given by Subject 1's parents to him is a type of permissive parenting with a preoccupied attachment model. While the parenting pattern given by subject 2's parents to him is a type of neglectful parenting with a dismissing attachment model (detached attachment)
HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN, SIKAP DAN PERILAKU CALON PENGANTIN TERHADAP KEJADIAN ANEMIA PADA CALON PENGANTIN DI WILAYAH KERJA UPTD PUSKESMAS CIPAYUNG TAHUN 2023
Authors: Candrawati Elly , Hidayani Hidayani , Sari Agustina
Published: February 2024

Pendahuluan :  Wanita mempunyai risiko terkena anemia paling tinggi terutama pada remaja putri. Pengetahuan merupakan salah satu komponen faktor predisposisi yang penting untuk perilaku kesehatan. Apabila seorang calon ibu memiliki pengetahuan yang lebih tentang risiko tinggi kehamilan yang akan datang maka kemungkinan besar calon ibu akan berpikir untuk mencegah, menghindari atau mengatasi masalah risiko kehamilan tersebut, dan calon ibu memiliki kesadaran untuk memeriksakan kesehatannya. Angka kejadian anemia pada calon pengantin di wilayah kerja UPTD Puskesmas Cipayung cukup tinggi.  Tujuan : Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan pengetahuan, sikap dan perilaku calon pengantin terhadap kejadian anemia di wilayah kerja UPTD Puskesmas Cipayung Tahun 2023.  Metode  : Menggunakan desain cross sectional dan bersifat analitik kuantitatif Hasil      : Dari 35 responden, terdapat 34,3% calon pengantin wanita mengalami anemia. Responden dengan pengetahuan baik sebanyak 60 %, sikap yang baik 57,1 %, dan 62,9 % memiliki perilaku yang positif. Hasil uji statistic menggunakan chi square antara lain terdapat hubungan antara pengetahuan (p=0,02), sikap (p=0,04) terhadap kejadian anemia calon pengantin sedangkan untuk perilaku calon pengantin tidak ada hubungan yang signifikan dengan kejadian anemia calon pengantin (p=0,256). Penelitian ini mampu menjadi dasar untuk melaksanakan program edukasi terhadap rematri dan calon pengantin tentang pencegahan anemia untuk calon pengantin.
Is CSX Index a Random Walk?
Authors: Lim Siphat , Barnett Casey
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT The growth or decline in stock value depends on information. The Efficiency Market Hypothesis (EMH) consists of three different forms: strong-form, semi-strong-form, and weak-form states that stock price reflects its true value properly, and thus includes all information, public and private. If market inefficiency is discovered, an abnormal return may be created via risk-adjusted technical analysis. The Random Walk Hypothesis (RWH) argued that the price of stock tomorrow is computed based on the price of stock today, and the price of stock cannot be anticipated when a random number is consistent with weak-form efficiency. The empirical findings from this research have shown that the CSX index is not a random walk or weak-form inefficient, as indicated by the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Phillips-Perron (PP) unit root tests, and the Variance Ratio (VR) test. Keywords: CSX, EMH, RWH, Unit Root test, VR test
plata hispanoamericana y el rol del nuevo mundo en la economía global premoderna 1500-1800
Authors: Irigoin Alejandra
Published: February 2024

La plata era una necesidad pública en Asia e indispensable para el comercio Europeo con ella. Mientras en Asia la plata no tenía sustitutos, en Hispanoamérica estaba disponible en una abundancia extraordinaria. Los historiadores han estudiado aspectos de la producción y de su comercio, generalmente en una escala regional o local. Así, la minería es analizada separadamente del comercio, y el comercio separado del desarrollo de la economía; más aun, la plata es raramente diferenciada de la moneda de plata. Para la economía internacional, la cantidad de plata americana fue mucho menos importante que su calidad. Ello hizo de esas monedas el medio de pago preeminente en la economía internacional, y el estándar para un sistema de pago internacionales que compensaba los desequilibrios en el comercio marítimo de larga distancia.
Este ensayo revisa el rol de Hispanoamérica colonial en la economía internacional a través del comercio con la moneda de plata y desarrolla algunas implicaciones de la expansión económica y la integración de mercados –un crecimiento Smithiano- que propicio. Con la exploración de los aspectos monetarios del comercio internacional, la discusión también revisita algunas cuestiones clásicas de la historiografía; y subraya algunos efectos macroeconómicos para la economía colonial que califican recientes interpreta- ciones sobre niveles de vida y legados coloniales, y aspiran a abrir nuevas preguntas de investigación.
Kinerja Guru Dalam Mengembangkan Kecerdasan Logika Matematik Anak Usia Dini Melalui Permainan Edukatif Potensi Lingkungan
Authors: Wika Karina Damayanti
Published: February 2024

Penelitian ini mendeskripsikan tentang bagaimana kinerja guru dalam mengembangkan kecerdasan logika matematik anak usia dini melalui permainan edukatif potensi lingkungan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui mengenai : kinerja guru, pemanfaatan potensi lingkungan sebagai media pembelajaran, dan dampak dari penggunaan permainan edukatif potensi lingkungan bagi kecerdasan logika matematik anak.
Tinjauan pustaka dalam penelitian ini adalah paparan tentang konsep PAUD, aliran pendidikan, teori pembelajaran dan belajar, konsep kinerja guru, teori bermain, dan permainan edukatif. Teori yang digunakan dalam tesis ini diantarannya teori Multiple Intelligent atau kecerdasan ganda yang dikemukakan oleh Howard Gardner dan konsep tentang kinerja guru.
Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah deskriptif dengan menjabarkan hasil dari wawancara, observasi, dan studi dokumentasi di lapangan. Subjek dalam penelitian ini adalah guru dan anak didik di PAUD SPS Melati 01 Desa Tanjungwangi Kecamatan Cihampelas Kabupaten Bandung Barat.
Hasil analisis data menunjukkan bahwa kinerja guru yang baik dapat mencapai tujuan dari setiap pembelajaran, khususnya bagi peningkatan kecerdasan anak. Melalui kinerja yang baik guru mampu melaksanakan kegiatan pembelajaran dengan menggunakan permainan edukatif potensi lingkungan yang dapat membantu meningkatkan kecerdasan logika matematik anak. Hal tersebut dapat diamati melalui: Kinerja guru melalui kegiatan perencanaan, pelaksanaaan, dan evaluasi pembelajaran, Pemanfaatan potensi lingkungan sebagai media pembelajaran melalui berbagai jenis permainan edukatif yang dibuat dari bahan baku potensi lingkungan, Dampak penggunaan permainan edukatif potensi lingkungan terhadap kecerdasan logika matematik anak dapat terlihat dari kemampuan mengenal warna lebih banyak, memiliki rasa ingin tahu yang baik, mampu mengurutkan sesuatu, mampu mengenal ukuran, menyukai permainan otak atik bilangan, mampu mengurutkan bilangan, dan mampu meletakkkan sesuatu sesuai dengan kelompoknya.
Pengaruh Kompetensi dan Disiplin Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Guru SMPN 1 Padalarang Kabupaten Bandung Barat
Authors: Rustiyana Rustiyana
Published: February 2024

Permasalahan dalam penelitian ini adalah rendahnya kinerja guru SMPN Negeri 1 Padalarang di Kabupaten Bandung Barat akibat kurangnya kompetensi dan disiplin guru. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh variabel kompetensi dan disiplin terhadap kinerja guru di SMPN Padalarang 1 Kabupaten Bandung Barat. Diharapkan dari informasi yang diperoleh hal ini dapat lebih meningkatkan kinerja guru, melalui peningkatan kompetensi dan disiplin guru.
Metode penelitian dengan pendekatan kuantitatif menggunakan metode survey explanator, yaitu metode yang bertujuan untuk menguji hipotesis penelitian yang telah dirumuskan sebelumnya. Teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah teknik statistik deskriptif yang berfungsi untuk mengelompokkan data, mengerjakan, menyimpulkan, menjelaskan dan menyajikan hasil olahan. Hal ini bertujuan untuk membuat pola hubungan sebab akibat antara nilai suatu variabel dengan variabel lainnya. Populasi serta sampel dalam penelitian ini berjumlah 47 orang. Data dikumpulkan menggunakan kuesioner, skala pengukuran menggunakan skala Likert.
Analisis dalam pengolahan data menggunakan analisis regresi linier berganda, menggunakan bantuan aplikasi SPSS 26. Kesimpulan dari penelitian ini adalah Kompetensi dan Disiplin pegawai secara empiris telah mempengaruhi Kinerja Guru di SMPN 1 Kabupaten Padalarang Kabupaten Bandung Barat, baik secara parsial maupun bersamaan. Hasilnya juga menemukan bahwa kinerja dipengaruhi oleh faktor-faktor lain yang diakui secara akademis.
Discrete Extremes
Authors: Hitz Adrien S. , Davis Richard A. , Samorodnitsky Gennady
Published: February 2024

Our contribution is to widen the scope of extreme value analysis applied to discrete-valued data. Extreme values of a random variable are commonly modeled using the generalized Pareto distribution, a peak-over-threshold method that often gives good results in practice. When data is discrete, we propose two other methods using a discrete generalized Pareto and a generalized Zipf distribution respectively. Both are theoretically motivated and we show that they perform well in estimating rare events in several simulated and real data cases such as word frequency, tornado outbreaks and multiple births.
Percutaneous Biliary Interventions for Malignant Biliary Obstruction in Low and Middle-Income Countries: Experiences of Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Ismail Anas , Umar Ahmad Bashir , Lawal Yusuf , Bello Usman M. , Inuwa Yusuf , Ahmad Nafiu , Tabari Abdulkadir Musa , Swanson Allen
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Malignant causes of biliary obstruction are common in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) and patients usually present late with unresectable masses. The options for endoscopic and surgical management are scarce in many LMICs. In settings with access to ultrasound and fluoroscopy, percutaneous biliary drainage (PBD) is a promising and minimally invasive option for relieving obstruction and improving the quality of life of these patients.
Method: We present a case series of six patients in northwestern Nigeria with cholestatic jaundice caused by malignant biliary obstruction successfully treated by PBD. 
Results: In five cases, imaging revealed a locally invasive pancreatic head mass causing obstruction. One of the patients had obstruction from biopsy-proven cholangiocarcinoma. Three patients had internal biliary drainage past the obstruction and three patients had only external biliary drainage due to the severity of the obstructions. One patient with internal drainage went on to cholangioplasty and deployment of the balloon-expandable stent over the stenotic segment. All procedures were uncomplicated and patients had a gradual clearance of jaundice and resolution of pruritus. Two of the elderly patients died within six months of the procedure (one from hepatic encephalopathy and the other from stroke). The remaining four survived but were lost to follow-up by 10 months.
Conclusions: PBD is a feasible and beneficial option for decompressing malignant biliary obstruction in LMICs.
The efficacy of surgical site suction drain insertion in pterional craniotomy for intracranial cerebral aneurysm
Authors: Kim Hong Bum , Park Jung Cheol , Ahn Jae Sung , Lee Seungjoo , Yang Kuhyun , Park Wonhyoung
Published: February 2024

Objective: We evaluated the role of subgaleal closed suction drains in postoperative epidural hematoma (EDH) and wound complications following pterional craniotomy for cerebral aneurysm.Methods: We reviewed 5,280 pterional craniotomies performed on 5,139 patients between January 2006 and December 2020. A drain was placed subgalealy and tip of drain was positioned between the bone flap and the deep temporalis. 1,637 cases (31%) had a subgaleal suction drain. We analyzed demographic and clinical variables related to EDH requiring evacuation and wound complications in patients with and without drains. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the associated risk factors.Results: Fourteen cases (0.27%) of EDH requiring evacuation and 30 cases (0.57%) of wound complications were identified. Univariate analysis found that drain insertion, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and operation time were associated with EDH, while drain insertion, SAH, male gender, older age, and longer operation time were associated with wound complications. Multivariate analysis found no significant association between drain use and EDH (OR=1.62, p=0.402) or wound complications (OR=1.45, p=0.342).Conclusions: Routine use of subgaleal closed suction drains may not be necessary after pterional craniotomy, as drain insertion was not associated with a reduced risk of EDH requiring evacuation or wound complications.
Discatenated and lacunary recurrences
Authors:   Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Akkuş Hakan , Deveci Ömür ,   Kafkas University, Özkan Engin ,   Erzincan Binali Yıldırım University, Shannon Anthony G. ,   Warrane College, The University of New South Wales
Published: February 2024

Recursive sequences with gaps have been studied previously. This paper considers some elementary properties of such sequences where the gaps have been created on a regular basis from sequence to sequence – ‘discatenated’ (systematic gaps) and ‘lacunary’ (general gaps). In particular, their generating functions are developed in order to open up their general terms and relations with other properties.
A TOPBP1 allele causing male infertility uncouples XY silencing dynamics from sex body formation
Authors: Ascenção Carolline , Sims Jennie R , Dziubek Alexis , Comstock William , Fogarty Elizabeth A , Badar Jumana , Freire Raimundo , Grimson Andrew , Weiss Robert S , Cohen Paula E , Smolka Marcus B
Published: February 2024

Meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) is a critical feature of meiotic prophase I progression in males. While the ATR kinase and its activator TOPBP1 are key drivers of MSCI within the specialized sex body (SB) domain of the nucleus, how they promote silencing remains unclear given their multifaceted meiotic functions that also include DNA repair, chromosome synapsis, and SB formation. Here we report a novel mutant mouse harboring mutations in the TOPBP1-BRCT5 domain. Topbp1B5/B5 males are infertile, with impaired MSCI despite displaying grossly normal events of early prophase I, including synapsis and SB formation. Specific ATR-dependent events are disrupted, including phosphorylation and localization of the RNA:DNA helicase Senataxin. Topbp1B5/B5 spermatocytes initiate, but cannot maintain ongoing, MSCI. These findings reveal a non-canonical role for the ATR-TOPBP1 signaling axis in MSCI dynamics at advanced stages in pachynema and establish the first mouse mutant that separates ATR signaling and MSCI from SB formation.
Proteomic and functional comparison between human induced and embryonic stem cells
Authors: Brenes Alejandro J , Griesser Eva , Sinclair Linda V , Davidson Lindsay , Prescott Alan R , Singh Francois , Hogg Elizabeth KJ , Espejo-Serrano Carmen , Jiang Hao , Yoshikawa Harunori , Platani Melpomeni , Swedlow Jason R , Findlay Greg M , Cantrell Doreen A , Lamond Angus I
Published: February 2024

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have great potential to be used as alternatives to embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in regenerative medicine and disease modelling. In this study, we characterise the proteomes of multiple hiPSC and hESC lines derived from independent donors and find that while they express a near-identical set of proteins, they show consistent quantitative differences in the abundance of a subset of proteins. hiPSCs have increased total protein content, while maintaining a comparable cell cycle profile to hESCs, with increased abundance of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial proteins required to sustain high growth rates, including nutrient transporters and metabolic proteins. Prominent changes detected in proteins involved in mitochondrial metabolism correlated with enhanced mitochondrial potential, shown using high-resolution respirometry. hiPSCs also produced higher levels of secreted proteins, including growth factors and proteins involved in the inhibition of the immune system. The data indicate that reprogramming of fibroblasts to hiPSCs produces important differences in cytoplasmic and mitochondrial proteins compared to hESCs, with consequences affecting growth and metabolism. This study improves our understanding of the molecular differences between hiPSCs and hESCs, with implications for potential risks and benefits for their use in future disease modelling and therapeutic applications.
Clinical phenotypes in acute and chronic infarction explained through human ventricular electromechanical modelling and simulations
Authors: Zhou Xin , Wang Zhinuo Jenny , Camps Julia , Tomek Jakub , Santiago Alfonso , Quintanas Adria , Vazquez Mariano , Vaseghi Marmar , Rodriguez Blanca
Published: February 2024

Sudden death after myocardial infarction (MI) is associated with electrophysiological heterogeneities and ionic current remodelling. Low ejection fraction (EF) is used in risk stratification, but its mechanistic links with pro-arrhythmic heterogeneities are unknown. We aim to provide mechanistic explanations of clinical phenotypes in acute and chronic MI, from ionic current remodelling to ECG and EF, using human electromechanical modelling and simulation to augment experimental and clinical investigations. A human ventricular electromechanical modelling and simulation framework is constructed and validated with rich experimental and clinical datasets, incorporating varying degrees of ionic current remodelling as reported in literature. In acute MI, T-wave inversion and Brugada phenocopy were explained by conduction abnormality and local action potential prolongation in the border zone. In chronic MI, upright tall T-waves highlight large repolarisation dispersion between the border and remote zones, which promoted ectopic propagation at fast pacing. Post-MI EF at resting heart rate was not sensitive to the extent of repolarisation heterogeneity and the risk of repolarisation abnormalities at fast pacing. T-wave and QT abnormalities are better indicators of repolarisation heterogeneities than EF in post-MI.
Random genetic drift sets an upper limit on mRNA splicing accuracy in metazoans
Authors: Bénitière Florian , Necsulea Anamaria , Duret Laurent
Published: February 2024

Most eukaryotic genes undergo alternative splicing (AS), but the overall functional significance of this process remains a controversial issue. It has been noticed that the complexity of organisms (assayed by the number of distinct cell types) correlates positively with their genome-wide AS rate. This has been interpreted as evidence that AS plays an important role in adaptive evolution by increasing the functional repertoires of genomes. However, this observation also fits with a totally opposite interpretation: given that ‘complex’ organisms tend to have small effective population sizes (
N
e
), they are expected to be more affected by genetic drift, and hence more prone to accumulate deleterious mutations that decrease splicing accuracy. Thus, according to this “drift barrier” theory, the elevated AS rate in complex organisms might simply result from a higher splicing error rate. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed 3,496 transcriptome sequencing samples to quantify AS in 53 metazoan species spanning a wide range of
N
e
values. Our results show a negative correlation between
N
e
proxies and the genome-wide AS rates among species, consistent with the drift barrier hypothesis. This pattern is dominated by low abundance isoforms, which represent the vast majority of the splice variant repertoire. We show that these low abundance isoforms are depleted in functional AS events, and most likely correspond to errors. Conversely, the AS rate of abundant isoforms, which are relatively enriched in functional AS events, tends to be lower in more complex species. All these observations are consistent with the hypothesis that variation in AS rates across metazoans reflects the limits set by drift on the capacity of selection to prevent gene expression errors.
Effects of a video-based enteral nutrition education program using QR codes for intensive care unit nurses: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Seo Won Kee , Kim Hyunjung
Published: February 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a video-based enteral nutrition education program using QR codes on the perception, knowledge, and performance of enteral nutrition for intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a nonequivalent control group pre- and post-test design. The participants were nurses working at six ICUs within a single university hospital, with 55 nurses in the experimental group and 55 nurses in the control group. The video-based enteral nutrition education program using QR codes was repeated three times to the experimental group. Results: There was a statistically significant pre-post difference in perceptions between the two groups (Z = -4.04, p < .001) with 2.00 points (± 5.57) for the control group and 7.89 points (± 7.95) for the experimental group, in knowledge (Z = -7.48, p < .001) with 0.02 points (± 1.91) for the control and 4.18 points (± 2.33) for the experimental, and in performance (Z = -2.20, p = .028) with 0.06 points (± 3.96) for the control and 2.00 points (± 5.14) for the experimental. Conclusion: The video-based enteral nutrition education program using QR codes was effective in improving the perceptions, knowledge, and performance of enteral nutrition among ICU nurses. This enteral nutrition education program using QR codes in clinical education can contribute to evidence-based nursing practice by improving perceptions and knowledge of enteral nutrition.
The relationship between cancer associated fibroblasts biomarkers and prognosis of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cui Meimei , Dong Hao , Duan Wanli , Wang Xuejie , Liu Yongping , Shi Lihong , Zhang Baogang
Published: February 2024

Background

To elucidate the relationship between cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs) biomarkers and the prognosis of breast cancer patients for individualized CAFs-targeting treatment.

Methodology

PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched for CAFs-related studies of breast cancer patients from their inception to September, 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using R 4.2.2 software. Sensitivity analyses were performed to explore the sources of heterogeneity. Funnel plot and Egger’s test were used to assess the publication bias.

Results

Twenty-seven studies including 6,830 patients were selected. Univariate analysis showed that high expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β) (P = 0.0055), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) (P < 0.0001), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 (P < 0.0001), MMP 11 (P < 0.0001) and MMP 13 (P = 0.0009) in CAFs were correlated with reduced recurrence-free survival (RFS)/disease-free survival (DFS)/metastasis-free survival (MFS)/event-free survival (EFS) respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that high expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) (P = 0.0002), podoplanin (PDPN) (P = 0.0008), and PDGFR-β (P = 0.0470) in CAFs was associated with reduced RFS/DFS/MFS/EFS respectively. Furthermore, PDPN and PDGFR-β expression in CAFs of poorly differentiated breast cancer patients were higher than that of patients with relatively better differentiated breast cancer. In addition, there is a positive correlation between the expression of PDPN and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2).

Conclusions

The high expression of α-SMA, PDPN, PDGFR-β in CAFs leads to worse clinical outcomes in breast cancer, indicating their roles as prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets.
Vanilla: A Review of Powerful Herb with Ayurvedic Medicinal Properties
Authors: Sikarwar Purnima Singh , Vikram Balaji , Sengupta Jaipinaky Dilip , Singh Amrita , Kumar Narendra , Mishra Akash , Gautam Dharmendra Kumar , Kumar Vikas
Published: February 2024

Vanilla, derived from the beans of the Vanilla planifolia orchid, is a globally cherished spice known for its sweet aroma and flavor. Beyond its culinary applications, this review delves into the Ayurvedic medicinal properties of vanilla, unraveling its potential as a powerful herb in traditional medicine. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, recognizes vanilla for its diverse therapeutic attributes. The active compounds in vanilla, such as vanillin, contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These qualities align with Ayurvedic principles, emphasizing the balance of bodily functions and prevention of diseases. Vanilla has been historically employed to alleviate digestive disorders, respiratory ailments and stress-related conditions. Ayurvedic practitioners harness its calming effects on the nervous system, promoting mental well-being. Moreover, vanilla is explored for its potential antimicrobial properties, adding a layer of significance in the context of Ayurveda where natural remedies play a pivotal role. The herb's use in Ayurvedic formulations underscores its adaptability across diverse health concerns. This review consolidates current scientific research alongside traditional Ayurvedic wisdom to provide a comprehensive understanding of vanilla's medicinal potential. As consumer interest in holistic well-being grows, the integration of vanilla into Ayurvedic practices not only expands its applications but also exemplifies the synergy between traditional and contemporary approaches to health. Unveiling the multifaceted nature of vanilla as a potent herb, this exploration encourages further investigations and applications of its Ayurvedic medicinal properties in modern healthcare.
O velho é o novo novo: fashwave e o fascismo
Authors: Morais Maria Perla Araújo , Lopes Frederico José Andries
Published: February 2024

Neste artigo, procuramos discutir um tipo de estética que dá suporte às mensagens da extrema direita: o fashwave. Estudamos as características desse movimento, sobretudo a sua retomada de elementos Antiguidade Clássica para reforçar ideias de extermínio, discriminação e controle. A partir de RANCIÉRE (1996); ECO (2019), BENJAMIN (1987), PAXTON (2007), ARENDT (2013) e KONDER (2009), fomos capazes de entender o contexto dos totalitarismos e associá-los aos fashwaves.
Wolbachia and reproductive conflict in Exorista sorbillans
Authors: Puttaraju H.P. , Prakash B.M.
Published: November 2005

Many arthropods harbour endosymbiotic bacteria of the genus Wolbachia. These endosymbionts are transmitted vertically from one generation to the next and are obligatory in several Dipterans that have been studied to date. These bacteria induce an array of reproductive isolation mechanisms that are implicated in pest management to evolutionary biology of respective hosts. The uzifly, Exorista sorbillans, a tachinid endoparasitoid of the silkworm, Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae), causes enormous losses to the silk industry; now it is known that it harbours Wolbachia endobacteria. The elimination of Wolbachia by antibiotics interrupts embryogenesis and causes various reproductive conflicts such as (1) a reduction of fecundity of uninfected female, (2) cytoplasmic incompatibility in the uninfected females crossed with infected males, (3) genomic incompatibility in crosses between males and females from uninfected population, and (4) sex‐ratio distortion in uninfected females irrespective of the presence of Wolbachia in males. These results suggest that the relationship of Wolbachia with its uzifly host is one of mutual symbiosis as it controls the reproductive physiology of its host. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 60:230–235, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Developmental interaction between suboptimal instars of Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) and its parasitoid Microplitis rufiventris (Hymenoptera:Braconidae)
Authors: Hegazi Esmat , Khafagi Wedad
Published: November 2005

Relative effects of parasitism by Microplitis rufiventris on the development of the third instar Spodoptera littoralis (preferable, optimal host) with the development of penultimate (5th) and last (6th) instars (suboptimal hosts) were investigated. Newly molted 6th instar hosts were more acceptable for parasitization by the wasp female than older hosts. In singly parasitized 3rd instar hosts, 82.0 ± 3.9% of the parasitoid eggs developed to full‐grown instar wasp larvae. However, parasitoid eggs deposited singly in 73.9 ± 3.3% of 5th and 100% of 6th instar hosts failed to develop. Superparasitization in the 3rd instar hosts reduced the production of pseudoparasitized larvae and, conversely, all parasitized hosts yielded viable parasitoid offspring. In suboptimal hosts, the development interaction between the parasitoid and its host larvae was highly influenced by the age of hosts at parasitism, load of deposited eggs, and other parasitoid factors. The latter factors, e.g., mainly calyx fluid particles, might be involved in establishing parasitoid eggs in the suboptimal hosts. In the last two host instars, superparasitization significantly increased the number of parasitoid larvae successfully reaching their final instar. Variation in host quality, e.g., physiological status, might be attributed, in part, to the partial breakdown of the solitary habit observed in the earlier instars. More parasitoid eggs developed to mature parasitoid larvae in hosts superparasitized as 6th instar than parasitoid eggs laid in 5th instar hosts. Superparasitization significantly lengthened the developmental period of 5th and 6th host instars and inhibited their development to the pupal stage. Studying parasitoid development in suboptimal instars of its habitual host provided physiological insight, as shown here. The results may have implication for biological control and in vitro mass rearing programs with solitary parasitoids. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 60:172–184, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Are insect immune suppressors driving cellular uptake reactions?
Authors: Schmidt Otto , Glatz Richard V. , Asgari Sassan , Roberts Harry L.S.
Published: November 2005

Many insect parasitoids that deposit their eggs inside immature stages of other insect species inactivate the cellular host defence to protect the growing embryo from encapsulation. Suppression of encapsulation by polydnavirus‐encoded immune‐suppressors correlates with specific alterations in hemocytes, mainly cytoskeletal rearrangements and actin‐cytoskeleton breakdown. We have previously shown that the Cotesia rubecula polydnavirus gene product CrV1 causes immune suppression when injected into the host hemocoel. CrV1 is taken up by hemocytes although no receptors have been found to bind the protein. Instead CrV1 uptake depends on dimer formation, which is required for interacting with lipophorin, suggesting a CrV1‐lipophorin complex internalisation by hemocytes. Since treatment of hemocytes with oligomeric lectins and cytochalasin D can mimic the effects of CrV1, we propose that some dimeric and oligomeric adhesion molecules are able to cross‐link receptors on the cell surface and depolymerise actin by leverage‐mediated clearance reactions in the hemolymph. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 60:153–158, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of acute renal failure on the pharmacokinetics of DA‐7867, a new oxazolidinone, in rats
Authors: Bae Soo K. , Kwon Jong W. , Kim Won B. , Lee Inchul , Lee Myung G.
Published: November 2005

The pharmacokinetic parameters of DA‐7867 were compared after intravenous and oral administration at a dose of 10 mg/kg to control rats and rats with acute renal failure induced by uranyl nitrate (rats with U‐ARF). After intravenous administration in rats with U‐ARF, the time‐averaged total body clearance (Cl) was significantly faster (2.45 versus 0.932 ml/min/kg) than controls due to significantly faster nonrenal clearance (2.25 versus 0.855 ml/min/kg) in rats with U‐ARF. The faster nonrenal clearance could be due to significantly greater gastrointestinal (including biliary) excretion; the amount of unchanged DA‐7867 recovered from the entire gastrointestinal tract at 24 h was significantly greater (30.3% versus 9.38% of intravenous dose) in rats with U‐ARF. In rats with U‐ARF, the Vss was significantly larger (1420 ml/kg compared with 580 ml/kg), but this was not due to a difference in plasma protein binding; the values were comparable between the two groups of rats. After oral administration to rats with U‐ARF, the total area under the plasma concentration‐time from time zero to time infinity (AUC) of DA‐7867 was significantly smaller than the controls (2560 µg min/ml versus 7440 µg min/ml), and this was not due mainly to a decrease in absorption from the gastrointestinal tract in rats with U‐ARF. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacokinetics of a ginseng saponin metabolite compound K in rats
Authors: Paek In Bok , Moon Ya , Kim John , Ji Hye Young , Kim Soon Ai , Sohn Dong Hwan , Kim Jae Baek , Lee Hye Suk
Published: November 2005

The absorption, dose‐linearity and pharmacokinetics of compound K, a major intestinal bacterial metabolite of ginsenosides, were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Using the Caco‐2 cell monolayers, compound K showed moderate permeability with no directional effects, thus suggesting passive diffusion. After intravenous dose (i.v.; 1, 2, and 10 mg/kg), no significant dose‐dependency was found in Cl (17.3–31.3 ml/min/kg), Vss (1677–2744 ml/kg), dose‐normalized AUC (41.8–57.8 µg·min/ml based on 1 mg/kg) and t1/2. The extent of urinary excretion was minimal for both i.v. and oral doses. The extent of compound K recovered from the entire gastrointestinal tract at 24h were 24.4%–26.2% for i.v. doses and 54.3%–81.7% for oral doses. Following oral administration (doses 5–20 mg/kg), dose‐normalized AUC (based on 5 mg/kg) was increased at the 20 mg/kg dose (85.3 µg·min/ml) compared with those at lower doses (4.50–10.5 µg·min/ml). Subsequently, the absolute oral bioavailability (F) was increased from 1.8%–4.3% at the lower doses to 35.0% at the 20 mg/kg dose. The increased F could be related to the saturation of carrier‐mediated hepatic uptake and esterification of compound K with fatty acids in the liver. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.