bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Analysis of MDR1 Variants Predicts Effect on Cancer Cells via their Effect on mRNA Folding
Authors: Gutman Tal , Tuller Tamir
Published: December 2024

The P-glycoprotein efflux pump, encoded by the MDR1 gene, is an ATP-driven transporter capable of expelling a diverse array of compounds from cells. Overexpression of this protein is implicated in the multi-drug resistant phenotype observed in various cancers. Numerous studies have attempted to decipher the impact of genetic variants within MDR1 on P-glycoprotein expression, functional activity, and clinical outcomes in cancer patients. Among these, three specific single nucleotide polymorphisms—T1236C, T2677G, and T3435C - have been the focus of extensive research efforts, primarily through in vitro cell line models and clinical cohort analyses. However, the findings from these studies have been remarkably contradictory. In this study, we employ a computational, data-driven approach to systematically evaluate the effects of these three variants on principal stages of the gene expression process. Leveraging current knowledge of gene regulatory mechanisms, we elucidate potential mechanisms by which these variants could modulate P-glycoprotein levels and function. Our findings suggest that all three variants significantly change the mRNA folding in their vicinity. This change in mRNA structure is predicted to increase local translation elongation rates, but not to change the protein expression. Nonetheless, the increased translation rate near T3435C is predicted to affect the protein’s co-translational folding trajectory in the region of the second ATP binding domain. This potentially impacts P-glycoprotein conformation and function. Our study demonstrates the value of computational approaches in elucidating the functional consequences of genetic variants. This framework provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of MDR1 variants and their potential impact on cancer prognosis and treatment resistance. Furthermore, we introduce an approach which can be systematically applied to identify mutations potentially affecting mRNA folding in pathology. We demonstrate the utility of this approach on both ClinVar and TCGA and identify hundreds of disease related variants that modify mRNA folding at essential positions.
Grenadian cats as potential reservoir for Leptospira
Authors: Kalasi Keith K. , Fitzpatrick Daniel , Stone Diana , Guttin Talia , Alhassan Andy
Published: December 2024

Leptospirosis is a spirochetal disease caused by Leptospira spp. bacteria with global distribution affecting multiple mammalian species, including humans. The disease is endemic in many geographic areas and is of particular concern in tropical regions with abundant rainfall, such as the Caribbean. Currently, there are no published reports on Leptospira exposure or infection in Grenadian cat populations, and the role of cats in the epidemiology of the disease is unknown. Our hypothesis is that Grenadian cat population may be a reservoir host for zoonotic Leptospira on the island. During 2019–2021, 160 feral cats were captured from three parishes in Grenada, and their urine and blood were tested for Leptospira. Urine from 4 of 148 (2.7%) cat samples tested PCR-positive for Leptospira. Serum from 6 of 136 (4.4%) cat samples tested PCR-positive for Leptospira. Sequence analysis of the Leptospira rpoB gene showed 86–100% similarity to known or presumed pathogenic Leptospira species. The findings of this study suggest that Grenadian cat populations are infected with and are shedding Leptospira genotypes that are phylogenetically related to known pathogenic Leptospira, including known zoonotic strains. These observations support the hypothesis that Grenadian cat populations may be a reservoir host for zoonotic Leptospira on the Island.
Effect of Covid-19 on maternal and child health services utilization in Ghana. Evidence from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)
Authors: Opoku-Boateng Yaw Nyarko , Opoku-Asante Emmanuel , Lagarde Mylene , Nketiah-Amponsah Edward
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Covid-19 has had devastating effect on health systems and health utilization globally. Maternal and newborn care were adversely affected but little or nothing is known about the impact it has caused to it. This study seeks to determine the effect of Covid-19 on healthcare utilization with specifics on Antenatal, Postnatal, Deliveries and Out-patient attendance.

Methods

The study uses secondary data obtained from the four (4) Claims Processing Centres of the National Health Insurance Authority. Through the use of convenient sampling, a total of 502 facilities were selected for inclusion in the research. The study used a longitudinal claims submitted from a cross-section of health facilities namely Community-Based Health Planning and Services, Maternity Homes, Health Centers, Clinics, Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Hospitals for Antenatal, Postnatal, Out-patient consultations and Delivery attendances from January 2018 to December 2021. Data before and during the Covid-19 pandemic were compared. Segmented regression analysis as an interrupted time series analysis was employed to assess the effect of the pandemic on utilization of services.

Results

The results indicate that Covid-19 had a significant impact on healthcare utilization in Ghana. Month-on-month, antenatal and out-patient utilization decreased by 21,948.21 and 151,342.40, respectively. Postnatal and delivery services saw an insignificant monthly increase of 37.76 and 1,795.83 from the onset of the covid-19 pandemic and the introduction of movement restrictions. This decline was observed across all care levels, except for Community-Based Health Planning and Services, which showed a slight increase. Also, the results indicate projected average misses of scheduled antenatal, postnatal, out-patient reviews, and deliveries at 21,037.75, 6,428.23, 141,395.30 and 4,745.63 patients respectively.

Conclusion

The study reveals that Covid-19 led to a decrease in utilization of healthcare which affected pregnant women and newborn care as well. It was evident from the results that community-based healthcare is more resilient and efficient in delivering healthcare amidst the pandemic. In our quest to achieve Universal Health Coverage by 2030, Ghana’s health system should improve on the community-based healthcare system and include technology in its healthcare delivery for the people.
Prevalence of depression among medical students in Africa: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mekonnen Chilot Kassa , Abate Hailemichael Kindie , Beko Zerko Wako , Zegeye Alebachew Ferede , Azagew Abere Woretaw
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Depression has become a major health problem that students in a University encounter during their study life. At least one-third and possibly up to one-half of medical students show some form of psychological distress during their medical school. Aggregated evidence is scarce in Africa though there are published articles with various outputs. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to pool those outputs to draw concert information crucial for devising strategies to tackle depression among students at the University.

Objective

To determine the pooled prevalence of depression among African medical students.

Method

Original articles about the prevalence of depression among African medical students were searched through known and international databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochran Library) and search engines (Google and Google Scholar). Data were extracted using a standard data extraction checklist that was developed according to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The I2 statistics were used to identify heterogeneity across studies. Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger’s tests were used to check for publication bias. A Random effect model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of depression among medical students in Africa. Statistical analysis was conducted using STATA version 11 software.

Result

A total of 31 cross-sectional observational studies which provided information about the prevalence of depression among medical students were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of depression among medical students in Africa was 38.80% [95%CI (29.55, 48.05). Being a female medical student was [AOR = 0.25, 95%CI (0.15, 0.42)] and being a second-year medical student was [AOR = 0.26, 95%CI (0.10, 0.68)] times less likely to have depression.

Conclusion

Depression affects well over one-third of medical students in Africa. Moreover, this systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that female medical students were less likely to develop depression. Therefore, this result suggested that medical schools or Universities and concerned authorities better offer possible early detection and prevention programs as per the magnitude. Furthermore, there has to be further research to figure out the potential factors perhaps using both qualitative and quantitative research approaches.
Depression in the COVID-19 endemic era: Analysis of online self-disclosures by young South Koreans
Authors: Kim Seoyoung , Aum TaeYoon , Lee Dong-gwi
Published: December 2024

Although COVID-19 has been declared endemic in South Korea, there are economic and psychosocial after-effects. One of these is the prevalence of depression. Depressed adolescents and young adults struggle with insecurity, loneliness, and lack of confidence due to the life limitations imposed during the pandemic. Young South Koreans experienced deterioration in mental health because of the recurrence of mass infections. To address professionals’ concerns about the lingering effects of COVID-19 on youth mental health, we text-mined young South Koreans’ online posts about depression during the pandemic and the endemic phases—from February 2020 to May 2023. We used a total of 1,740 selected posts (raw data publicly available on https://github.com/kimalexis1129/PLOS_endemic_depression.git) to explore the situational triggers, additional factors, and by-products of depression that have persisted during the endemic era. We used Latent Dirichlet allocation and Dirichlet-multinomial regression topic modeling methods in conjunction with sentiment analysis and mean comparison. The results showed that the pandemic and endemic topic models shared similarities, but emerging topics showed extended adversities such as adolescents’ vulnerability to eating disorders and young adults’ tendency to self-isolate. Comparisons between the levels of positive and negative affect during the pandemic and endemic eras revealed no significant changes in mood. We discussed the results in comparison with SARS and MERS precedents and from general and cultural perspectives.
Soil acidity and fertility status of surface soils under different land uses in Sayo district of Oromia, western Ethiopia
Authors: Regasa Abu , Haile Wassie , Abera Girma
Published: December 2024

Land use conversion from natural forests to grassland, plantation forests, mono-cropping coffee and croplands is a significant causes of soil degradation, leading to aggravate soil acidity and nutrient depletion. However, there is limited information regarding comprehensive effect of land use conversion on soil fertility and acidity in western Oromia Region of Ethiopia. Hence, this study aims to assess the surface soil fertility and acidity across different land use types (forest, crop, eucalyptus land, grazing land, and coffee farmland) to provide management options. A total of 60 composite soil sample were collected from four villages representing these land uses and analyzed for selected soil fertility and acidity indicators. Accordingly, sand content was highest in eucalyptus lands, whereas clay content high in forestlands. The highest soil bulk density and exchangeable acidity were observed in eucalyptus lands. The lowest pH was observed in cropland soils and the highest in forestland soils. Organic matter, total nitrogen, and available phosphorus were low in eucalyptus lands and high in forestland soils. Forest and coffee farm lands showed higher exchangeable cations, cation exchange capacity, and percentage base saturation, whereas cultivated, grazing, and eucalyptus lands obtained high level of micronutrients and exchangeable acidity. Generally, the findings indicate that land conversion has caused for lower soil pH and diminished essential macronutrients. These negative impacts on soil quality emphasize the need for sustainable soil management practices to mitigate soil degradation includes soil acidity and fertility, which significantly improve agricultural production and environmental health.
Research on using Aquilaria sinensis callus to evaluate the agarwood-inducing potential of fungi
Authors: Wang Zhikai , Zhou Guoying , Chen Jungang , Miao Xinyu , Xia Yandong , Du Zhuang , Liu Junang
Published: December 2024

Agarwood is a precious resinous heartwood highly valued for its cultural, religious, and medicinal significance. With the increasing market demand, natural agarwood resources are rapidly depleting, making the development of effective artificial induction methods for agarwood highly significant. This study aims to explore the feasibility of using callus tissue to assess the ability of fungi to induce agarwood formation. We selected two fungi isolated from Aquilaria sinensis, W-1 (Podospora setosa) and W-15 (Alternaria alstroemeriae), and used the known agarwood-inducing fungi YMY (Pestalotiopsis sp.) as a positive control, by treating A. sinensis callus with their fermented filtrates. The experimental results showed that W-1 and W-15 treatments significantly enhanced the activity of Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Peroxidase (POD) in the callus tissue and upregulated the expression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase (HMGS), 1-deoxy-D-xylulose-5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR), and sesquiterpene synthase (ASS-1). GC-MS analysis further confirmed that the contents of sesquiterpenes and aromatic compounds in A. sinensis treated with W-1 and W-15 were significantly elevated, suggesting that these fungi possess the capacity to induce the formation of agarwood. This study demonstrates that using callus tissue to screen fungi capable of inducing agarwood is feasible and effective, providing new insights for screening fungi resources that efficiently induce agarwood formation in the future.
Almost-kisses, grabbing crotches: OnlyOneOf, queerbaiting and the politics of dislike
Authors: Rasheed Asna Kadambot Mohamed , Sarin Devanshi
Published: December 2024

This article calls attention to the uncritical use of queerbaiting in anglophone K-pop fan spaces and examines the term as an ‘empty signifier’. It focuses on the media reception of OnlyOneOf, a K-pop idol group that debuted in 2019, whose music video titled ‘libidO’ (2021) had gained traction for its queer themes in addition to the distinctly sensual choreography that revolves around the performance of ‘skinship’. We look at the reception of their discography, including their solo projects in which they highlight overt queer storylines, through the lens of the politics of dislike. Dislike is used not only for the performance of superiority over the disliked object (in this case, OnlyOneOf) and its audience but also to ‘perform identity, self, and community’. This dislike towards OnlyOneOf is observed to have arisen from two sources – homophobia in online fan spaces and allegations of queerbaiting in anglophone K-pop fandoms, with fans borrowing the term from online fan spaces of English-language media.
Televising Chineseness: Gender, Nation, and Subjectivity, Geng Song (2022)
Authors: Gong Qian
Published: December 2024

Review of: Televising Chineseness: Gender, Nation, and Subjectivity, Geng Song (2022)

Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, 252 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-47207-529-4, h/bk, $75.00

ISBN 978-0-47205-529-6, p/bk, $29.95

ISBN 978-0-47222-004-5, e-book, $29.95
Greek modernisms in the air: Media technologies, literary broadcasts at the Hellenic National Radio Foundation (EIR) and the emergence of new sonic regimes
Authors: Sichani Anna-Maria
Published: December 2024

This article explores the presence of Greek modernism and the emergence of mediated innovations towards the communication and reception of literature in the literary broadcasts of Ethnikon Idryma Radiofonias (EIR) (the ‘Hellenic National Radio Foundation’) during the golden age of Greek broadcasting (1945–65). The article attempts a cross-disciplinary study of ‘radio’ and ‘modernism’ by exploring how consumerism, technological progress, mass culture and media radically transformed the production and communication of literature and culture, and by highlighting the importance of materiality and medium-specificity in cultural and historical approaches. Through the emergence of new radiogenic programmes, media experimentations and technical innovations, new cultures of listening, as well as the updating of the criteria pertaining to poetry’s canonization, the article argues for an expansive conception of Greek modernism in the post-war Greek cultural sphere, which includes also cultural, social and technological markers of innovative experimentation in the production, transmission and reception of literature, culture and lived experiences.
The end of timelessness? Islomania, radio and the awakening of Lawrence Durrell
Authors: Allen Edward
Published: December 2024

This article returns to the life and work of a writer who was once much-lauded in the Anglo-Greek tradition: Lawrence Durrell. It does so with a view to reassessing the repeated expression in Durrell’s writing of a particular fantasy – the philosophy of ‘islomania’, a madness for island life – and to gauging the impact on this fantasy of radio culture. The article deals in depth with Durrell’s official island books – Prospero’s Cell (1945), Reflections on a Marine Venus (1953) and Bitter Lemons of Cyprus (1957) – and interpolates discussion of these with re-readings of his early novels: namely, Panic Spring (1937), The Black Book (1938) and The Dark Labyrinth (1947). As well as seeking to evaluate Durrell’s fascination with insular Greece, both as tourist, settler and government employee, the article makes a new case for contextualizing his composition of Bitter Lemons in relation to his work at the BBC, upon his return to Britain in 1956.
Violencias y 'crímenes de guerra' durante la Cruzada Albigense
Authors: Alvira Cabrer Martín
Published: December 2024

La Cruzada Albigense (1208-1229) es una guerra antiherética medieval tradicionalmente asociada a la brutalidad y a unas violencias desmedidas que hoy serían consideradas como crímenes de guerra. En esta contribución se analizan las causas que hicieron de esta cruzada una guerra especialmente brutal y los tipos de violencia descritos por los autores de las fuentes narrativas de este conflicto.
El éxito del sistema represivo inquisitorial: la autodelación. El caso de Pedro Antonio Santandreu
Authors: López Vidal Alejandra
Published: December 2024

El mayor éxito de cualquier sistema represivo es el momento en que el sujeto ha interiorizado de tal forma los valores impuestos por él, lo que supone un delito o pecado, que se denuncia a sí mismo, presa de su propia conciencia. En el caso de la Inquisición, encontramos las autodelaciones, denuncias voluntarias de pecadores que dan inicio al proceso de fe. Para profundizar y desarrollar esta idea, tomaremos el proceso de Pedro Antonio Santandreu, un marinero mallorquín procesado por el tribunal de Valencia en 1761.
Entre la necesidad bélica y el crimen de guerra. Saqueos durante la Guerra de la Convención en el País Vasco (1793-1795)
Authors: Nejjar Bollain Tarek
Published: December 2024

La Guerra de la Convención se prolongó durante dos años en los que las tropas francesas ocuparon la totalidad de las provincias vascas, conquistando Guipúzcoa en agosto de 1794 y Vizcaya y Álava en julio de 1795, pocos días antes de la firma de la Paz de Basilea. Durante la guerra, los saqueos y destrucción de villas y pueblos sirvieron para avituallar a las tropas con alimentos, así como para negar recursos a las fuerzas enemigas, por lo que este tipo de actividades fueron llevadas a cabo tanto por las tropas francesas como españolas.
Estratégias económicas das famílias rurais haitianas: uma análise das fontes de renda em Saint-Raphael
Authors: Osthe John , Nestor Frazier Meliano , Wesz Junior Valdemar João
Published: December 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é identificar as fontes de renda e as estratégias econômicas de famílias rurais no município de Saint-Raphael, departamento Norte do Haiti. Para tanto, além da utilização de referências bibliográficas e dados secundários, foi aplicado um questionário a 25 famílias rurais. Os resultados deste estudo apontam para uma diversificação das fontes de renda, com uma média de 14,3 fontes por família, que provem tanto de uma variada produção agropecuária (para venda e autoconsumo) como de atividades não-agrícolas e do recebimento de remessas de familiares que vivem no exterior. No entanto, em termos de valor, predomina o ingresso obtido via produção agropecuária (87,1% do valor total). Além disso, há uma forte desigualdade econômica entre as famílias, além de uma elevada insatisfação acerca da sua condição financeira e uma baixa perspectiva de futuro, indicando a necessidade e o desafio de pensar processos de desenvolvimento rural em Saint-Raphael.
Explorando redes de simbiosis industrial: sinergias impulsadas por el bioetanol
Authors: González Sofía
Published: December 2024

Este trabajo se enfoca en explorar las redes de Simbiosis Industrial originadas por el bioetanol de maíz en la provincia de Córdoba, Argentina, con el fin último de contribuir al conocimiento de este fenómeno y a los factores que lo impulsan, para el aprovechamiento de los residuos y subproductos de la agroindustria. Se realizaron 16 entrevistas a propietarios o gerentes de plantas de bioetanol, de biogás, de feedlots, productores de alimentos y productores de gas carbónico. Se encontraron dos grandes redes de simbiosis industrial, con 28 intercambios de residuos y subproductos a los que se les agrega valor y son materias primas de otras organizaciones. Este trabajo amplía el conocimiento sobre la implementación y los efectos positivos de la simbiosis industrial, particularmente los beneficios en términos de triple impacto (económico-social-ambiental) y las ventajas competitivas asociadas para el sector industrial. Se encontró que es clave para el desarrollo de una red de simbiosis la apertura a la colaboración de las organizaciones que son parte.
Evaluación de la sustentabilidad agroecológica de base comunitaria en huertas urbanas del partido de General Pueyrredon, Buenos Aires
Authors: Del Río Jaime , Cabral Victoria Noelia
Published: December 2024

Analizar los sistemas productivos urbanos resulta fundamental para desarrollar estrategias que fortalezcan sus actividades. En este trabajo se desarrolla una propuesta metodológica para evaluar la sustentabilidad agroecológica de base comunitaria en huertas urbanas del partido de General Pueyrredon (Buenos Aires) a partir de indicadores. Dicha evaluación consta, en primera instancia, de una discusión teórica de los 10 elementos de la agroecología (propuestos por FAO), identificados en 21 huertas urbanas y comunitarias. Desde allí, se define una tipología capaz de condensar a estas experiencias en 3 grupos y se identifican un conjunto de indicadores para evaluar cuali-cuantitativamente la sustentabilidad en estos espacios. La sumatoria de los puntajes obtenidos por los indicadores permitió definir un Índice de Sustentabilidad Agroecológica de base Comunitaria. Los resultados obtenidos favorecieron la detección de los aspectos más débiles de cada una de las tipologías, a fin de redireccionar acciones y estrategias para alcanzar objetivos de sustentabilidad.
Reflexiones en torno a mi labor como docente e investigador en el Instituto Superior de Música de la Universidad Nacional del Litoral
Authors: Grela Dante
Published: December 2024

El artículo tiene características de reflexión autobiográfica, relacionada con el paso del autor por el Instituto Superior de Música (ISM) de la (UNL), durante más de 30 años, como docente e investigador. A lo largo de su extensa relación con la institución, fueron surgiendo diversos temas e interrogantes en torno al hecho creativo, a la enseñanza y a la investigación, que dieron lugar a una serie de planteos y de búsquedas que fueron enriqueciendo la labor llevada a cabo durante todo ese tiempo. Se dio también una estrecha relación con la Revista del ISM, a través de la publicación de artículos de su autoría, como también ejerciendo la función directiva de dicha publicación en uno de sus números. Todos estos puntos son tocados a lo largo del artículo; algunos de ellos bajo la forma de una mención general, y, otros, con detenimiento y como puntos de referencia para generar reflexiones acerca de los mismos.
¿Qué tiene de santafesina la cumbia santafesina?
Authors: Díaz Geromet Lautaro
Published: December 2024

La cumbia, como género musical, tiene más de cuarenta años de tradición en la ciudad de Santa Fe. Se infiltró desde los márgenes hasta ganar la centralidad de la escena musical y se ha convertido en un elemento clave de la identidad cultural de sus habitantes (Garcilazo, 2020).
Dada esta profunda integración cultural surge la pregunta: ¿cuáles son los rasgos estilísticos específicos y distintivos de la cumbia de Santa Fe, más allá de su origen geográfico? Suponiendo que estos rasgos existen y pueden ser identificados, este estudio se embarca en una exploración etnográfica combinada con un análisis musical estructural y comparativo. Examina la cumbia santafesina a través de los prismas de campo, estilo y género, escudriñando y contrastando numerosas producciones musicales que son reconocidas por oyentes, bailarines y ciudadanos como «cumbia» y «cumbia santafesina». Este análisis se vale del binomio danza–música para desafiar dicotomías e identificar los rasgos específicos que pueden haberse desarrollado en la cumbia santafesina.
Música popular y medios masivos de comunicación: un análisis acerca de la irrupción de Charly García en la televisión argentina
Authors: Gastaldi Francisco
Published: December 2024

En 1976, Charly García debutó en la televisión argentina a través de un reportaje en Canal 9. Esto sucedió tras los exitosos conciertos de despedida de Sui Generis en el estadio Luna Park el año anterior, que marcaron un hito en el rock argentino debido a su asistencia masiva. En el reportaje, Charly García, entonces con 24 años, se presentó ante el entrevistador y la audiencia como el creador de Sui Generis y aprovechó la ocasión para introducir su nuevo proyecto musical, La Máquina de Hacer Pájaros, compartiendo sus ideas y aspiraciones artísticas con el público televisivo, al tiempo que en la entrevista se anunciaban una serie de recitales que serían protagonizados por el nuevo grupo.
Este artículo estudia la forma en que Charly García se presentó en televisión y explora su propósito comunicativo. Se sugiere que, desde el inicio de su carrera, García buscó establecer una conexión con el público masivo a través de los medios de comunicación, reconociendo a la televisión como un dispositivo clave.
En el reportaje, García subrayó la naturaleza comunicativa de sus intenciones artísticas, describiendo a sus canciones como música popular y expresando el deseo de comunicarse con el público. En este artículo se demuestra que la irrupción de esta estrategia comunicativa a través de la televisión fue clave en la carrera de García y contribuyó a su reconocimiento masivo como uno de los músicos más influyentes de Argentina.
GENE MARKERS IDENTIFICATION OF ACUTE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION DISEASE BASED ON GENOMIC PROFILING THROUGH EXTREME GRADIENT BOOSTING (XGBoost)
Authors: Fajriyah Rohmatul , Isnandar Havidzah Asri , Arifuddin Adhar
Published: December 2024

One disease that can cause death is Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). AMI, also known as a heart attack, is a condition that causes permanent damage to heart muscle tissue due to prolonged ischemia or lack of blood flow that occurs due to blockage of the epicardial coronary arteries and results in blood clots and limiting blood supply to the myocardium. During the years the young AMI patients are increasing. One of the ways to diagnose early is providing information of biomarkers related to this disease by implementing the bioinformatics data analysis. The research was conducted to look at the genomic profile of patients suffering from AMI based on without recurrent events and normal control, using the XGBoost method, due to its scalability and efficiency.  Based on the grid search of tuning hyperparameters, the XGBoost method gives a classification accuracy of 88.89%, AUC 90 and kappa 0.7805. These results indicate that the XGBoost method can classify patients suffering from AMI well. This research has identified three genes that contribute the most to classifying AMI patients, namely calponin 2, ribosomal protein S11 and myotropin. Based on the heatmap visualization, information was obtained that the three genes are class markers without recurrent events.
Effect of various novel pre-treatments on drying and rehydration behaviour of ginger and quality attributes of dried ginger
Authors: Desai Shivani , Upadhyay Srishti , Chakraborty Gourav , Banoth Jeevakiran , Sharanagat Vijay Singh , Mani Saravanan
Published: December 2024

The present study focused on the influence of different solution-based osmo-sonic pre-treatments on the drying, rehydration, and quality attributes of ginger cubes. Osmo-sonic pre-treated drying followed the empirical page model, and rehydration was better explained by the exponential model. All the pre-treatments increased the effective moisture diffusivity and mass transfer coefficient, which increased the drying rate from 22.34 to 79.78 %. Pre-treatment led to an increase in appearance by an increase in L* and a* and a decrease in b*. The FTIR spectra showed the absence of a new functional group, but a change was observed in the characteristics band upon pre-treatment. The comparison of different pre-treatment showed that the CA + US pre-treatment had a better drying profile, whereas DW + US had a better antioxidant profile with the highest TPC (22.31 mg GAE/g), TFC (58.37 mg QE/g), DPPH inhibition (89.01 %), and ABTS assay (13.27 mg TE/g).
Deciphering salt-responsive NB-ARC genes in rice transcriptomic data: A bioinformatics approach with gene expression validation
Authors: Saputro Triono Bagus , Wardhani Fila Oxi , Sholihah Nur Fadlilatus , Ermavitalini Dini , Purnama Putut Rakhmad , Nurhidayati Tutik
Published: December 2024

The salt-tolerant rice can be developed by finding exotic germplasm that possesses tolerant traits through a series of selections. Determination of functional marker genes is essential to perform a concise and fast method for selection. This research focuses on pinpointing candidate genes suitable for functional markers. We conducted an in silico analysis of the NB-ARC gene family across three transcriptomic datasets of rice under salt stress. This included examining cis-regulatory elements in the promoter regions, protein domains/motifs, and predicting subcellular localizations to narrow down our gene selection. From 19 different rice varieties evaluated under salt stress, we identified the most tolerant and susceptible ones for further investigation. Two varieties with contrasting tolerance levels were selected for validation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine the gene expression for validation. Among the 139 NB-ARC genes studied, 28 exhibited differential expression in all 3 transcriptome datasets. The candidate genes LOC_Os04g43440, LOC_Os11g15700, and LOC_Os11g39310 were selected, primarily based on their predicted subcellular localization within the nucleus. Out of 19 varieties, Inpari 35, FL478, and Siak Raya are considered salt-tolerant varieties. Notably, among the three salt-tolerant varieties – Inpari 35, FL478, and Siak Raya – Inpari 35 emerged as the most resilient, displaying robust growth parameters during the seedling stage. Conversely, IR29 was found to be the most susceptible. Expression analysis revealed that LOC_Os04g43440 in Inpari 35 showed increased expression at 24 h of salt stress exposure, while LOC_Os11g15700 exhibited upregulation after 48 h. Remarkably, LOC_Os11g39310 displayed a remarkable 21.78-fold increase at 24 h, followed by a decline at 48 h. LOC_Os11g39310 stands out as a promising marker essential for guiding selection in breeding programs aimed at cultivating salt-tolerant rice varieties.
The latest research status of porous sound-absorbing materials
Authors: Feng Zhiting , Liu Yuanjun
Published: December 2024

With the rapid development of urbanization and transportation, noise pollution has become one of the most severe environmental problems for people. It usually causes various disorders and significantly affects human work efficiency and living standards. In the noise control field, using sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise is a critical way to reduce the harm of noise pollution. As the most widely used sound absorption material, porous materials are lightweight, have a wide absorption frequency range, and have strong sound absorption ability. They have great potential in the field of sound absorption. This paper first summarizes the sound absorption mechanism of porous sound absorption materials and the critical factors affecting the sound absorption of porous materials. Secondly, the latest research status of fiber, foam, and new porous sound absorption materials in recent years is reviewed, and the advantages and disadvantages of different porous sound absorption materials are expounded. Finally, the future development trend of porous sound-absorbing materials is prospected. With the continuous expansion of knowledge in this field, it is expected that porous sound-absorbing materials will continue to improve and find more practical applications in emerging fields in the future.
Development of the Revised Entry-Level Essential Competencies in the Care of Older Adults: Linking Domains of Competence, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education Standards, and the Geriatric 5Ms
Authors: Blood Karen M. , Mierzwicki Justin T. , Billek-Sawhney Barbara , Heitzman Jill , Dehner Lisa R. , Dawson Nicole , Hartley Gregory W.
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

Geriatric physical therapy (PT) has evolved since 2011, when the Essential Competencies (ECs) in the Care of Older Adults at the Completion of the Entry-level Physical Therapy Professional Program of Study were published. The purpose of the ECs was to ensure that all entry-level physical therapists were prepared to meet the unique needs of the growing older adult population. Changes in population demographics, medical and research advances, coupled with advancements in the profession of PT, necessitate a revision of the ECs.

Process:

The Academic Education Committee of APTA Geriatrics was convened to revise the original ECs. Participation was solicited and obtained from experts in clinical and academic geriatric PT; committee work lasted from 2021 to 2024. The committee recognized the intersection of the Domains of Competence Framework developed by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, and the Academy of Education partnership, the geriatric medicine 5Ms model, and the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) standards in guiding entry-level PT education. The committee determined that the Domains of Competence, Geriatric 5Ms, and CAPTE standards could synergistically enhance the establishment of contemporary ECs. Input from a nonresearch-based informational survey of APTA Geriatrics members, supported by feedback from discussion at a platform presentation at the APTA’s Combined Section Meeting San Diego 2023, informed the revised ECs presented in the current manuscript.

Outcome:

This manuscript presents the revised ECs and describes how each EC links to the Domains of Competence, the Geriatric 5Ms, and CAPTE standards. The updated ECs aim to promote best practices in entry-level PT education by providing all stakeholders clear and concise competency statements for the physical therapy examination and treatment of older adults.
Research Among People Living With Dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment in Physiotherapy Journals: A Scoping Review
Authors: Omaña Humberto , Twum-Ampofo Winifred , Hunter Susan W.
Published: December 2024

Background and Purpose:

Global estimates forecast an increase in the number of people living with dementia (PLWD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Physiotherapists play an important role in the delivery of care to PLWD or MCI; however, physiotherapists report less confidence when working with PLWD or MCI, citing limited educational opportunities. Our scoping review sought to quantify and assess the type of research published in physiotherapy journals related to these groups of people.

Methods:

Fifteen journals were selected based on global physiotherapy representation, indexing, and online accessibility of archives. Extraction of all articles published within a decade (2011-2021) for the selected journals was completed. Inclusion criteria: (1) research reports, reviews, case studies, or expert opinion pieces related to PLWD or MCI and (2) published in English. Each article was categorized by type of article, clinical setting, type of dementia, physiotherapy focus, and Sackett’s system of hierarchy of evidence. An analysis of trends over time and a bibliometric assessment of research impact were performed.

Results and Discussion:

Of 11 091 articles identified, 67 were included. The most common country of origin was the United States (38.8%). Articles were mainly research reports (70.1%), from a community-dwelling setting (50.8%), with a combined physiotherapy focus (28.4%), and a level IV (37.3%) of hierarchy of evidence. Close to half of studies did not identify the underlying dementia type (43.3%, n = 29), followed by people living with Alzheimer’s dementia (28.4%, n = 19), combined groups of PLWD or MCI (20.9%, n = 14), and individuals with only MCI (7.5%, n = 5). Six articles on average related to PLWD or MCI were published annually (32.7 citation per article), and no growing trend was observed.

Conclusions:

Few articles published in prominent physiotherapy journals over the last decade were related to PLWD or MCI. Publication trends remained unchanged, and publication origins were from the Americas which impacts generalizability. Physiotherapists should attain complementary information on care for PLWD or MCI through more general rehabilitation journals. Physiotherapy journals should seek to promote research related to PLWD or MCI through different avenues (eg, special issues) as increased information is needed for clinicians to feel confident in providing informed care.
DE TUDO UM POUCO: O MATERIAL CERÂMICO ENCONTRADO EM DOIS SÍTIOS MULTICOMPONENCIAIS DO BAIXO RIO MADEIRA
Authors: Belletti Jaqueline da Silva
Published: December 2024

RESUMO: Este artigo objetiva apresentar os resultados das análises cerâmicas realizadas com o material oriundo dos sítios Terra Preta (UTM central 21M 280715E / 9614954N) e Urucurituba Velho (UTM central 21M 286124E / 9608012N), localizados em áreas do atual município de Autazes (AM). Os resultados dos trabalhos de campo e de laboratório apontaram para a presença de uma relevante quantidade de materiais associados a diferentes tradições encontradas no Baixo Madeira, bem como levaram a indagações sobre possíveis relações entre os conjuntos cerâmicos dessa região com outras áreas da Bacia Amazônica.ABSTRACT: This article presents the results of the analyses of the ceramic material collected in the archaeological sites Terra Preta and Urucurituba Velho, located in the region of Autazes (AM). Such results attested the presence of a relevant quantity of material remains, associated to many different ceramic traditions, in the Lower Madeira River region. These findings lead to new discussions about the possible relations of the ceramic remains from the Lower Madeira area, and other regions in the Amazon Basin.
ECONOMIA DE COMBUSTÍVEIS E TECNOLOGIA DE FOGUEIRAS EM SÍTIOS PROTO-JÊ DO SUL
Authors: De Azevedo Leonardo Waisman , Scheel-Ybert Rita
Published: December 2024

Resumo: O estudo de fogueiras de quatro sítios Proto-Jê do Sul da região de Pinhal da Serra (RS) permitiu compreender questões relacionadas à economia de combustíveis e à tecnologia de fogueiras dessa sociedade. As fogueiras foram analisadas a partir de uma perspectiva qualitativa, considerando suas características estruturais e contextuais; os combustíveis foram analisados a partir de uma metodologia antracológica. Foi possível reconhecer aspectos recorrentes relativos às práticas de aquisição e uso do fogo, uso e seleção de combustíveis, captação de recursos, vegetação e paisagem. Os resultados da pesquisa levam a crer que as fogueiras constituíam um polo de atividades central em espaços domésticos e cerimoniais. Suas características estruturais representam escolhas tecnológicas e um conhecimento amplo do processo de combustão. Apresentam-se evidências do uso específico de palmeira, bambu e Inga sp. que sugerem alguma forma de seleção de combustíveis. A coleta de lenha provavelmente era realizada através do recolhimento de madeira morta caída na mata e da derrubada de árvores, em uma região de Mata de Araucárias com vegetação alterada. Estes resultados trazem uma contribuição significativa para a compreensão da ocupação Proto-Jê do Sul da região e para o entendimento das relações desses grupos com seu meio vegetal no Planalto das Araucárias. Abstract: Analysis of hearths at four Southern Proto-Je settlements in Pinhal da Serra (RS) region has allowed understanding issues related to fire technology and fuel economy in this society. The hearths were examined from a qualitative perspective, considering its structural and contextual characteristics; fuels were examined within an anthracological approach. The methodology allowed figuring out some traditional practices related to the acquisition and use of fire, use and selection of fuels, resources gathering, vegetation, and landscape. The results suggest that fire assumed a central role in domestic and ceremonial spaces. The structural characteristics of each hearth represent technological choices and a large knowledge of burning process. Possible evidence of specific uses of palm, bamboo, and Inga sp. might suggest some kind of fuel selection. Firewood was probably acquired through the gathering of fallen dead wood in the forest and logging, in an Araucaria forest with secondary vegetation. These results are an important contribution to a better understanding of the Southern Proto-Je occupation and to the comprehension of the relationships of these groups with their plant environment in the Araucaria Plateau.
APPORT DE L’EXPÉRIMENTATION À LA COMPRÉHENSION DES PRATIQUES EN ANTHRACOLOGIE : GESTION ET UTILISATION DU BOIS DE FEU DANS LES SOCIÉTÉS PRÉHISTORIQUES
Authors: Théry-Parisot Isabelle , Henry Auréade , Chrzazvez Julia
Published: December 2024

Résumé: Le développement des approches socio-économiques appliquées à l’anthracologie permet de répondre aux questions relatives à l’acquisition et à l’utilisation du combustible ligneux qui intéressent particulièrement les archéologues. D’après l’ethnologie, les critères de choix qui président à la collecte du bois par les sociétés, ne peuvent être réduits à la seule sélection de l’essence. D’autres paramètres de forme et d’états (calibre, états phénologiques et physiologiques), dont le rôle est déterminant en termes de propriétés combustibles, peuvent faire l’objet de la sélection. C’est pourquoi il est important de pouvoir les mesurer. L’objectif de cet article est de faire un état des lieux des nouvelles méthodes dédiées à la caractérisation, à l’échelle anatomique, de la forme et des états du bois utilisé comme combustible par les sociétés de la Préhistoire. Ces méthodes sont adossées à la création de référentiels expérimentaux réalisés, en laboratoire, dans des conditions contrôlées et d’observations qualitatives et quantitatives de signatures anatomiques.Abstract: The development of socioeconomic approaches applied to charcoal analysis has made it possible to focus on topics related to firewood use and management. For instance, ethnographic works remind us that the criteria according to which a society chooses its firewood cannot be reduced to a “simple” taxonomic selection: other characteristics, such as the calibre or the state of the wood (i.e. green, seasoned, rotten) are at least as important as the species. The framework of this paper is supervised anatomical signatures learning issued from experimental referential. Standardized laboratory experiments on Scot Pine (Pinus sylvestris) combining both muffle furnace and open fireplace combustions allowed proposing new methods of identifying the calibre and the state of the wood. Thanks to these methods, it becomes possible to contribute to a better knowledge of the technical traditions linked to the use of fire, from wood gathering to specialized hearths on archaeological charcoal samples.
CAXIMBOS NO SUL DO BRASIL
Authors: Kunert August
Published: December 2024

Título original: Caximbos in Süd-Brasilien. Publicado na Zeitschrift für Ethnologie. Organ der Berliner Gesellschaft für Anthropologie, Ethnologie und Urgeschichte. Vol. 23, 1891, p. 695-698. A tradução procurou manter a pontuação, as maiúsculas e minúsculas fora de lugar e os maneirismos da redação de August Kunert. A toponímia foi mantida sem correções. Tradutor: Martin Norberto Dreher; revisão: Francisco Silva Noelli.
Entre a fábrica e a rua: A Companhia Fiação e Tecidos Pelotense e a criação de um espaço operário. Bairro da Várzea, Pelotas, RS (1953-1974)
Authors: Essinger Cíntia Vieira
Published: December 2024

Entre a fábrica e a rua: A Companhia Fiação e Tecidos Pelotense e a criação de um espaço operário. Bairro da Várzea, Pelotas, RS (1953-1974)
Functional Regrowth of Norepinephrine Axons in the Adult Mouse Brain Following Injury
Authors: Cooke Patrick , Linden David J.
Published: December 2024

It is widely believed that axons in the central nervous system of adult mammals do not regrow following injury. This failure is thought, at least in part, to underlie the limited recovery of function following injury to the brain or spinal cord. Some studies of fixed tissue have suggested that, counter to dogma, norepinephrine (NE) axons regrow following brain injury. Here, we have used in vivo two-photon microscopy in layer 1 of the primary somatosensory cortex in transgenic mice harboring a fluorophore selectively expressed in NE neurons. This protocol allowed us to explore the dynamic nature of NE axons following injury with the selective NE axon toxinN-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine (DSP4). Following DSP4, NE axons were massively depleted and then slowly and partially recovered their density over a period of weeks. This regrowth was dominated by new axons entering the imaged volume. There was almost no contribution from local sprouting from spared NE axons. Regrown axons did not appear to use either the paths of previously lesioned NE axons or NE axons that were spared and survived DSP4 as a guide. To measure NE release, GCaMP8s was selectively expressed in neocortical astrocytes and startle-evoked, NE receptor-mediated Ca2+transients were measured. These Ca2+transients were abolished soon after DSP4 lesion but returned to pre-lesion values after 3–5 weeks, roughly coincident with NE axon regrowth, suggesting that the regrown NE axons are competent to release NE in response to a physiological stimulus in the awake mouse.