bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Quandary of Cellular Fractionation — Optimizing Ambion™ Paris System to Advance HPV16 Cancer Research
Authors: Bisch Emma , Billingsley Caylin , Katzenellenbogen Rachel A.
Published: January 2024

Background and Hypothesis: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the causative agent in nearly all cervical cancer cases. It has been shown that the HPV type 16 E6 protein interacts directly with the host protein NFX1-123. Short-term studies have shown that NFX1-123 remains in the cytoplasm; however, it has not been investigated whether NFX1-123 actually translocates to the nucleus in the long term. We hypothesize that over time, NFX1-123 translocates to the nucleus of the cell in long term cultures with 16E6. This present study seeks to optimize the AmbionTM Paris system to allow for pure, proper separation of the cytoplasmic and nuclear cellular compartments.
Project Methods: Three biologically unique backgrounds of human foreskin keratinocytes (HFKs) were cultured in a monolayer tissue culture dish. Using the AmbionTM Paris system, proteins were isolated as whole cell extracts, or nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions. For one lysis method, only protease inhibitors were added to the lysis buffers of the AmbionTM Paris system. For another lysis method, 1% NP-40 and protease inhibitors were added to the lysis buffers of the Paris system. Protein lysate concentrations were quantified, then purity of subcellular lysates was determined by western blotting. Histone H3 and GAPDH were used to identify nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments, respectfully.
Results: Western blotting confirmed that adding 1% NP-40 to the lysis reagents of the AmbionTM Paris kit optimized subcellular fractionization.
Potential Impact: Being able to efficiently separate the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments will allow for accurate identification of NFX1-123 localization during long-term HPV16 infection. If NFX1-123 is found to move into the nucleus under the influence of HPV 16E6, then this could indicate potential transcriptional regulatory functions of the NFX1-123 protein during HPV infection, which is unique from its function in non-infected cells.
Precision analysis of protein sequence and post-translational modification heterogeneity in pancreatic cancer induced cachexia
Authors: Emmel Allyse M. , Umberger Tara S. , Doud Emma H. , Zimmers Teresa A. , Mosley Amber L.
Published: January 2024

Background and Hypothesis:Cachexia is a wasting syndrome commonly occurring in cancer patients that cannot be explained by decreased calorie intake alone. It results in decreased quality of life and increased mortality, and there are currently no effective treatments. To better understand cachexia, we aimed to profile protein heterogeneity seen in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) mouse models with cachexia. Since muscle is a readily available protein resource during catabolism, we hypothesize there are significant changes in protein sequence and post-translational modifications (PTMs) of muscle proteins during cachexia progression. As these proteins are scavenged, precise analysis of sequence variation can identify the exact mechanism of protein/muscle breakdown and better elucidate the molecular processes of PDAC-induced cachexia.
Experimental Design:We performed bioinformatic analysis of two proteomics datasets of cardiac and skeletal muscle samples from PDAC-induced cachexia mouse models. Two proteomics software algorithms, SEQUEST (within Proteome Discoverer (PD)) and PEAKS (a machine-learning algorithm), were used to identify all sample proteins and their PTMs. Because PEAKS can identify more PTMs than PD, we compared the most abundant proteins identified in PD and PEAKS, hypothesizing PEAKS would yield greater protein sequence coverage. Finally, we compiled unpublished PTMs and protein processing events for 25 of the most abundant proteins in both datasets.
Results:Notably, PEAKS reported greater sequence coverage for cardiac muscle than PD, while the skeletal muscle sample had similar coverage in both algorithms. This discrepancy may suggest cachectic processes degrade skeletal muscle at a greater rate than cardiac muscle, preventing PEAKS from increasing skeletal muscle sequence coverage relative to PD. In addition, several unpublished modifications, including those of actin and acetyl-CoA acetyltransferase, were recorded.
Potential Impact:These newly discovered protein modifications may indicate previously unknown molecular processes in the course of PDAC-induced cachexia. These modifications may serve as cornerstones of future research to identify novel therapeutic targets in cachexia treatment.
Utility of Cardiac POCUS in the Evaluation of Pediatric Chest Pain in the Emergency Department
Authors: Emsley Connor , Nti Benjamin , Soriano Pamela C.
Published: January 2024

Background/Objective:Chest pain in children is rarely caused by a life-threatening pathology. Despite the rarity of potentially life-threatening disease, most children presenting to EDs are evaluated with chest radiographs and laboratory tests without yielding helpful information that significantly changes immediate management. While the utilization of cardiac Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) by adult emergency physicians has become standard of practice, the data in pediatric emergency departments (PED) is not as robust. This study aims to describe practice patterns in the evaluation of pediatric chest pain presenting in a PED and determine clinical outcomes.
Methods:We reviewed charts of previously healthy children aged <18 years old who presented to Riley Children’s Hospital from January 2019 to July 2020 with a chief complaint of chest pain. Patients with known medical history, prior evaluations by a pediatric cardiologist, transfers from other hospital with existing workup were excluded. Patient demographics, laboratory tests and imaging ordered while in the ED, electrocardiography (EKG), consults with subspecialties, disposition and follow up plans were analyzed. We categorized clinical significance of PED interventions as minor, moderate, or major.
Results:Out of three hundred and nineteen patients included in the study, 79.6% (254) received chest radiographs, 93.4% (298) underwent EKG, and 4.1% (13) received cardiac POCUS. The findings of these orders prompted minor interventions in 92.8% (296) of patients, moderateintervention in 4.7% (15) of patients, and major intervention in 2.5% (8) of patients.
Conclusion and Implications:These results show a lack of use for POCUS in pediatric patients presenting with chest pain while chest radiography is preferred in the ED. Additionally, POCUS did not result in any moderate or major significant clinical outcomes.
Using Botulinum Toxin for the Treatment of Gastroparesis (GP) for the selection of Patients with Higher Clinical Success, Improved Quality of Life (QOL), and Improved Social Functioning Post Gastric Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (GPOEM)
Authors: Kais Amr , Al-Haddad Mohammad A.
Published: January 2024

Background/Objective:While G-POEM remains an effective and exciting treatment for GP patients, predictors of clinical success remain poorly characterized. Botox injection of the pylorus prior to committing to GPOEM can help differentiate those who might have a favorable clinical response to this procedure in patients with GP.
Methods:To evaluate the utility of Botox injection prior to G-POEM, 124 patients with clinically diagnosed GP who underwent a GPOEM were assessed in this retrospective cohort study. All G-POEM procedures were conducted at a single center and were completed between February 2018 and May 2023. Patients who had received intrapyloric Botox injection (n=79) had QoL and clinical success rates compared to patients who received other treatment options (n=45). Results were assessed at 1-, 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-, 36-, 48-months post G-POEM.
Results:When assessing symptom severity, the difference between the change in GCSI values for Botox patients and patients receiving other prior therapy was statistically significant at 6 months post-GPOEM; +1.27 for Botox patients vs +0.55 for other treatments (p-value of 0.03). At this 6-month checkpoint, 64% of the Botox group achieved clinical success compared to 37.5% for the other treatment group. When comparing QoL, intrapyloric Botox injection has statistically significant improvements in SF-36 total score at 1, 3-, 6-, 12-, and 36-months post G-POEM, while patients receiving other treatments had no statistically significant improvements in their SF-36 total scores.
Conclusion:We hypothesize that clinical improvement on pre GPOEM Botox selects patients with a higher component of pyloric spasm who end up responding more favorably to G-POEM.
Scientific/Clinical/Policy Impact and Implications:Intrapyloric Botox injection is technically feasible in almost all patients with GP and does not require special expertise, training, or equipment; therefore, this should be strongly considered prior to referring a patient for G-POEM.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) to Monitor Neuroinflammation Status During Long COVID
Authors: Fisher Luke , Goka Benecia , Pater Jessica , Chang Fen-Lei
Published: January 2024

Background/Objective: 480 million people have been infected with COVID-19 worldwide. Roughly 10-15% of these patients will develop Long COVID which causes an array of symptoms including fatigue and “brain fog”. Currently, a reliable marker to monitor Long-COVID has not been established. NLR (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio) has been shown to be an economical, reliable, and easily obtainable blood biomarker to monitor systemic inflammation. Our study aimed to use NLR to monitor Long COVID patients across pre-COVID to 24 months after acute COVID.
Methods: A retrospective patient chart review of 831 patients from a tertiary community hospital Post-COVID Clinic was completed to assess the changes in NLR. Symptoms and demographic information were collected.
Results: Our studies showed that at the time of acute COVID, NLR was elevated to 5.22+/-0.50 from the baseline pre-COVID NLR of 2.67+/-0.14. 4 to 6 months after the acute phase of COVID, the NLR was normalized to 2.61+/-0.20 which gradually re-elevated to 3.58+/-0.39 from 16-24 months after the acute COVID (p < .01) indicating a re-activation of systemic inflammation. At 16-24 months after the acute COVID, 66% of patients with elevated NLR were hospitalized during acute COVID, while 33% of patient with normal NLR were hospitalized (Chi Square=3.90; p<0.05).
Conclusion: Our findings support the potential connection between the sustained Long COVID symptoms with sustained elevation of NLR, a marker of systemic inflammation reactivation. Currently we are building a non-COVID control group with the expansion into a prospective study phase. If our findings can be validated with further studies, NLR may be a useful biomarker for future monitoring of disease progression and marker for treatment development.
Association of Socio-Demographic Factors, Social Determinants of Health, and Weekly Physical Activity in an Urban Hospital in Northwest Indiana
Authors: Gad Wael , Chandler Brianna , Jones Brendan , Muvuka Baraka , Guerrero Jonathan , Mangum Joshua
Published: January 2024

Background: Engaging in regular physical activity has been proven to have beneficial health effects such as preventing chronic diseases and improving mental health. Recent studies have demonstrated correlations between socio-demographic factors and physical activity levels. This study determined the associations between socio-demographic factors, social determinants of health and the amount of weekly physical activity in patients occupying an urban underserved area.
Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed a dataset generated by St. Mary Medical Center from EPIC™ with demographic characteristics and physical activity levels partitioned by time per week for adult inpatient visits from January 2021 to March 2023. Patients were stratified into physical activity levels based upon published guidelines: inactive (no physical activity), insufficiently active (<150 minutes per week) or sufficiently active (≥150 minutes per week). Data analysis was conducted in SPSS 28.0 using tests of association including Kruskal Wallis H and multivariate ordinal regression model. This study was exempted by Indiana University Human Research Protection Program (IRB # 14040).
Results: The sample of individuals from the dataset who answered physical activity questions was comprised of 1498 patients. There was a statistically significant difference in physical activity level by age group (p<0.001), sex (p<0.05), insurance category (p<0.001), and social connections risk score (p<0.001); with race (p=0.057) and language (p=0.054) approaching significance. Multivariate analysis showed that age was the only significant factor when accounting for all variables, with higher age groups reporting lower proportions of physically active individuals.
Conclusion: Determining how socio-demographic factors influence physical activity levels will direct efforts to form and implement new interventions in the Northwest Indiana urban area and support community health initiatives. This data makes it possible to inform practitioners of the demographics that are at risk of being insufficiently active and having them direct those patients to programs in place to help bridge the lapse.
Assessing Prevalence of TBI in a Community Setting
Authors: Haran Pranav , Thomas-Fannin Allie
Published: January 2024

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is often under-reported and thus under-recognized by clinicians. Reports of TBI prevalence have been widely variable based on the methods of data collection and definition of TBI. This study investigates the prevalence of TBI using the Ohio State University TBI Identification Method (OSU TBI-ID), a reliable and valid structured interview designed to elicit lifetime history of TBI. We also assessed relationships between TBI and psychiatric illnesses. Identifying prevalence and effects of TBI on mental health is critical to providing personalized, higher-quality care for psychiatric patients in community settings. 
 
Methods: Patients receiving mental health care at the IUSM Psychiatry Residency Clinic in Vincennes, Indiana were asked to participate in a research study assessing history of head or neck injuries. Patients attended their regularly scheduled appointments with resident physicians, and 2–5-minute TBI screenings were conducted during or immediately after their appointment. Following the interview, patient charts were reviewed for documentation of prior TBI and all current psychiatric diagnoses.  
 
Results: Prevalence of TBI was reported at 62.3% among patients receiving psychiatric care. 87 total TBI events were recorded, including repetitive TBI events, after 77 patient interviews. The most common cause of acute TBI was vehicular accident. The most common cause of repetitive TBI was sports injury. Of the 87 TBIs, only 5 TBI events were recorded in patient charts. History of TBI was more likely in patients with PTSD as well as substance use disorders, and this was especially evident in patients with repetitive TBI.  
 
Conclusion and Potential Impact: This study shows that TBI is quite common among psychiatric patients and is vastly under-reported in patient charts. Increasing clinician awareness of TBI history in their patients is critical to providing high-quality care, and the OSU TBI-ID provides an efficient way to screen patients for TBI.
Impact Of Connective Tissue Matrix Products and Critical Size Defects on Gut Microbiota and Fracture Healing in Mice
Authors: Harris Alexander , Morris Ashlyn , Varner Will , Parker Reggie , Nazzal Murad , Creecy Amy , Karnik Sonali J. , Blosser Rachel J. , Scott Elizabeth , Wang Hannah , Margetts Tyler , Dragisic Marko , Ganguly Upasana , Fehrenbacher Jill C. , White Fletcher A. , Hathaway-Schrader Jessica , Kacena Melissa A.
Published: January 2024

Abstract:
Approximately 6.2 million people in the USA alone suffer from some form of fracture annually. Depending on the intensity of trauma and complexity of the fractures, some fractures will not heal without medical intervention. It is imperative to develop novel therapies that target fracture healing. Connective Tissue Matrix (CTM) Biomedical is a company that develops human placenta, amnion, chorion, and other umbilical derived allograft products which may provide a solution to the problem of impaired fracture healing. CTM products contain structural proteins, cytokines, and growth factors that may have regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties. Although these products are already used clinically for fracture and wound healing in humans, no pre-clinical studies exist verifying their efficacy or mechanism of action.
Commensal microbiota is a collection of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses.  Disruption of the gut microbiota, known as gut dysbiosis, can lead to a variety of disorders in other tissues. In fact, new studies indicate that alterations in the gut microbiota can affect bone health. This is likely due to impaired nutrient uptake and an increase in inflammation from bacterial byproducts that are not favorable to a healthy gut ecosystem. More recent studies indicate that the microbiota is also implicated in fracture healing.
Our study aims to investigate if CTM products have a positive effect on fracture healing by affecting the gut microbiota composition and bacteriome. To test this, critical sized defects (CSD) were induced in mice and treated with various CTM implants or saline control. Fecal samples were taken on the day of surgery and weekly thereafter. Bacterial DNA was subsequently extracted from these samples and analyzed using PCR. We anticipate seeing changes in load and composition of gut bacteria following CSD surgery.
Coil-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (CARTO) for the Treatment of Gastric Variceal Bleeding in a Patient with a Gastrorenal Shunt: A Case Report
Authors: Bolda Ryan , Yedavalli Ramana , Han Amy
Published: January 2024

Background 
Portal hypertension (pHTN) is primarily caused by liver cirrhosis, which can lead to varices at portosystemic anastomoses.1,2 Gastric variceal bleeding (GVB) is rare but can be life-threatening with a mortality up to 50% for each bleeding episode. When endoscopic banding is ineffective and TIPS placement is contra-indicated due to risk of post-TIPS encephalopathy, coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (CARTO), which has shown great success in some studies, can be an effective treatment.5,8,9,10 This case demonstrates successful use of CARTO to treat GVB in a patient with a gastrorenal shunt (GRS) who presented with pHTN. 
 
Case Overview 
A 62-year-old female with cirrhosis due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) presented with pHTN and GVB. The patient had a massive GRS, which permitted access through the systemic venous circulation to treat the bleeding varices. Furthermore, the patient had hepatic encephalopathy (HE), making TIPS placement a poor choice due to risk of HE exacerbation. CARTO was performed to treat the bleeding varices and had the added benefit of decreasing risk of HE. 
 
Discussion/Results 
This case highlights CARTO in a patient with a 22mm GRS using a dual catheter system. Eighteen detachable 035 coils were first deployed in the GRS, followed by complete occlusion with a Gelfoam slurry to obliterate the gastric varices. Studies have described CARTO, all of which have shown incredibly high technical (complete embolization by angiography and/or CT) and clinical (no variceal rebleeding) success rates. This patient returned for follow-up CT and endoscopic imaging, which confirmed technically and clinically successful CARTO. 
 
Conclusion and Potential Impact 
CARTO appears to be a safe alternative to TIPS when treating GVB caused by pHTN, especially in patients who have HE and a GRS. Thus, CARTO should be discussed as a treatment option for these patients. Although portal pressure increases post-CARTO, the improvement of HE can lead to an improved safety profile with future TIPS.
Implantation of Flexible Electrodes for Simultaneous in-vivo Extracellular Recording and Two-Photon Imaging
Authors: Booth Alec , Khan Hammad , Kolhe Om , Jayant Krishna
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Rigid silicon electrodes like Utah array grids and Neuropixel probes have been used in human and animal brain models to understand the dynamics of neural computation, treat neurodegenerative disorders, and act as brain-machine-interfaces. However, when implanted chronically, glial proliferation can rapidly disrupt the interaction between neurons and electrodes, drastically reducing recording fidelity. The development of flexible electrodes has the potential to minimize tissue damage and inflammation, which allows for long-term recordings over several months. In line with this objective, the Nano-neurotechnology Lab at Purdue University has developed a 6-µm thick, flexible, and biocompatible Parylene probe to facilitate chronic recordings in awake mice. However, flexible electrodes present a unique engineering challenge as the force required to insert into the brain causes the probe to buckle and fail during insertion. 
Methods and Results: Here, I designed a micropipette shuttle using a glass micropipette and custom insertion system which provided reproducible probe implantation into the cortex. The implantation device was designed in CAD software and 3D-printed for rapid prototyping. The procedure was developed on brain phantoms made of 0.6% agarose with a comparable Young’s modulus to mouse brain tissue. Utilizing 3D-printed pieces and the surface tension of diluted poly-vinyl-acrylate adhesive to align the probe to a micropipette, insertion of the electrode and retraction of the shuttle was accomplished in awake mice.  
Conclusion: The implications of flexible recording electrodes are extensive. Long-term implantation opens the door for understanding behavioral and learning dynamics over time. Moreover, the flexibility of these probes allows for the combination of 2-photon optical microscopy, thus enabling multi-modal investigation of neuronal physiology. A low-cost, consistent procedure is the first step in the implementation of these flexible probes for further advancements in fundamental neuroscience research and its potential applications in human and animal studies.
The Effects of Integrative Palliative Oncology on Health System Burden
Authors: Brandon Jackson , McCollom Joseph
Published: January 2024

Background: Early integration of palliative care in oncology has been shown to benefit patients on an individual level, especially regarding mood and quality of life. These patients both have a difficult disease course – where palliative care can help with interpersonal, spiritual, physical, and care planning concerns – and represent a substantial burden on inpatient facilities like intensive care units and emergency departments. This study explores relationships between early palliative oncology, patient healthcare experience, and broader burden on the health system. 
Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed comparing oncology patients at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, IN. Cohort A (200 patients) received palliative care along with standard oncology care while cohort B (200 patients) received standard oncology care alone. Post-diagnosis emergency department visits, inpatient stays, and intensive care unit stays were compared. So were in-hospital deaths, referrals to hospice, and record of advance care planning documents. 
Results: Two endpoints evaluated by Chi2 analysis were statistically significant (p values <0.01): Cohort A was more likely than cohort B to be referred to hospice (79.5% vs 31.5%) and more likely to have advance care planning documents on file (38.5% vs 21%). Additionally, a T-test showed statistically significant difference (p=.001) for inpatient stays post-palliative care encounter versus patients who had no palliative care (1.75 vs 2.41). 
 Conclusion: This study shows correlation between integrated oncology care with patients filing ACP documents and being referred to hospice. Additionally, it finds that cancer patients who visit the palliative care office have fewer inpatient stays after their visit than those who don’t visit at all.  
 Future Implications: Future studies in this area should explore the latter finding from new perspectives, perhaps focusing on the differences between palliative care visit promptly after diagnosis/staging and palliative care implemented long after diagnosis/staging or not administered at all.
Length of Stay Index – A Retrospective Chart Review on In-patient Dermatology Consults
Authors: Cahya Cynthia , Newton Edita
Published: January 2024

Background and Objective: In monitoring inpatient care quality and efficiency, one metric of interest is Length of Stay (LOS) by diagnosis-related group (DRG) system and how this compares to peer institutions. Vizient Inc. provides a source of such benchmarking - collecting and analyzing individual case-level data from community and academic medical center hospitals nationwide. Using this data, Vizient calculates an expected LOS by DRGs and adjusts for severity of illness and other factors for inter-hospital comparison. Because LOS reduction is an important mechanism for improving outcomes and efficiency of care, The Department of Dermatology would like to understand which dermatologic consults are exceeding the Vizient expected LOS (LOS index > 1).  
Project Methods: Consecutive charts of 663 patients with dermatology-related diagnoses in the inpatient setting at IU University and Methodist Hospitals between January 2021 and January 2023 were reviewed. Parameters identified included: category of dermatologic disorder, LOS index, time to consult, and quarter of encounter. Data was organized and analyzed using paired t-tests, linear regression, and descriptive statistics in JMP software. 
Results: The mean LOS index for Dermatology inpatient consults was 1.89 (n=469). Patients whose dermatologic diagnosis fell under chronic wound, mechanical, infectious, drug adverse event, autoimmune, neoplasm, inflammatory, vascular, and blistering had a significant increase in observed length of stay compared to expected length of stay (p < 0.05). Time to dermatology consult was not found to correlate to shortening or prolonging LOS index.  
Potential Impact: The data from this review will help direct the Department of Dermatology to the dermatologic consults with the highest need for potential interventions.
Changes in Transport Mode for Pediatric Trauma Patients Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: An Byoungchan , Raymond Jodi L. , Landman Matthew Paul
Published: January 2024

Background: The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system has faced significant stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic and now workforce issues. This study was performed to evaluate potential changes in pediatric trauma patient transport over that time period. We hypothesized that more trauma patients would use private transportation/personal vehicles to arrive at the ED in the post-pandemic time frame when compared pre-pandemic. 
Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients that were admitted to the Emergency Department of Riley Hospital for Children between 01/01/2017 to 12/31/2022.  Patients were excluded if they were transferred from another hospital or had mechanisms of injury including burns, suffocations, drownings, hangings, medical, and ingestions.  Pre- and post-COVID patients were defined as admission to the ED before or after March 25, 2020, the day after a stay at home orders were implemented in Indiana.  Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. 
Results: A total of 4,116 patients matching the criteria were identified with 52% arriving after the start of the COVID-19 shut down orders.  30.6% of patients arrived by private operated vehicles (POV) during pre-covid times and 30.3% in the post-covid years (p=0;39). A logistic regression analysis was performed for mortality which demonstrated that transport mode (ground ambulance vs helicopter vs POV) was not statistically associated with mortality rate (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.12 – 1.10, p=0.07), when controlling for important clinical variables associated with injury severity. 
Conclusion: There was no statistical difference in arrival by POV before and after the COVID-19 pandemic in our cohort.  Additionally, there was no significant data to suggest that transport mode was associated with mortality. Further research should be done to assess potential barriers to transport to pediatric trauma centers, particularly considering ongoing EMS workforce strains.
Decoding the Link Between XPC and Lung Cancer Susceptibility: A Study of Cigarette Smoke-Induced DNA Damage in the Setting of XPC Deficiency
Authors: Karam Marie Nour , Zhou Huaxin , Al Nasrallah Nawar , Sears, MD Catherine
Published: January 2024

Background/Objective:
Despite the known mutagenicity of cigarette smoke, only 10-15% of smokers will develop lung cancer in their lifetimes. What determines a smoker’s susceptibility to lung cancer is poorly understood. We identify the nucleotide excision repair (NER) protein Xeroderma pigmentosum Complementation Group C (XPC) as a tumor suppressor that may contribute to lungtumorigenesis when mutated and combined with cigarette smoke. Micronuclei, which are chromosome fragments and/or lagging chromosomes separated from the main nucleus, occur in many cancers, and indicate genomic instability. We hypothesize that cigarette smoke and XPC knockdown will cause genomic instability that will activate the DNA Damage Response (DDR) and increase the frequency of micronuclei and nuclear aberrancies.
Methods:
A human bronchial epithelial cell line (Beas-2B), and two lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (H1299 and A549) with stable XPC lentiviral knock-down (shXPC) or control shRNA (shCtrl) were treated with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) or air control (AC). DNA Damage Response (DDR) proteins were analyzed via immunoblot (Western). Micronuclei and nuclear aberrancies were quantified through cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMT) using immunofluorescence microscopy (DAPI).
Results:
Both CSE and XPC knockdown independently amplify expression of phospho-ATM (pATM), a DDR protein, in H1299 cells. Nuclear aberrancies increased significantly (p<0.05) with CSE in all three cell lines. Micronucleus frequency increased significantly with CSE in H1299 and Beas-2B cells (p<0.05) and with XPC knockdown in Beas-2B cells compared to shCtrl (p<0.001).
Scientific Impact and Implications:
We identified a previously uncharacterized role of XPC deficiency in augmenting cigarette smoke induced chromosomal breaks manifesting as micronuclei, particularly in non-cancerous Beas-2B cells. These findings offer insight into tumorigenesis in cigarette smoking and shed light on mechanisms of continued DNA damage in cancer cells. Future research should clarify the mechanisms of micronucleus formation in human translational specimens and pinpoint additional functions of XPC beyond NER, including in replication repair.
Importance of Per2 in Cardiac Mitochondrial Function during Stress
Authors: Bhaskara Meghana , Anjorin Olufisayo , Yoniles Arris , Liu Jean , Wang Meijing
Published: January 2024

Background and Hypothesis: Ischemic heart disease is the worldwide leading cause of death. Cardiac cellular damage from ischemia is mainly inflicted in the form of mitochondrial dysfunction by inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxidative species (ROS). Mitochondria are critical for metabolic function to maintain cardiac activity. Interventions against inflammatory cytokines and ROS are therefore cardioprotective during ischemic damage. Period Circadian Regulator 2 (Per2) is a circadian rhythm protein involved in metabolic regulation as a time-responsive gene in cardiomyocytes during ischemic damage. Overexpression of Per2 has been shown to decrease infarct size following myocardial infarction. In this study, we hypothesize that Per2 protein plays a regulatory role in the mitochondrial response to inflammatory cytokine TNFα and oxidative stressor H2O2 in human cardiomyocytes. 
Project Methods: AC16 Human Cardiomyocytes (HCM) transfected with Per2 or control siRNA were subjected to stress treatment of 100ng/mL TNFa or 100μM H2O2. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect Per2 expression. After two hours of treatment, mitochondrial membrane potential ([Equation]M) was detected using JC1 fluorescence probe and mitochondrial respiration capacity was evaluated via Seahorse Mito Stress Test. After four hours of treatment, cell death was measured using Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) apoptosis kit via flow cytometry.  
Results: Per2 siRNA significantly reduced Per2 mRNA and protein levels in HCM. Increased cell death and decreased [Equation]M were observed in HCM treated with TNFa or H2O2. Knockdown of Per2 potentiated TNFa-induced cell death, TNFa- or H2O2 -disrupted [Equation]M, and TNFa- or H2O2- impaired mitochondrial maximal respiration.  
Conclusion and Potential Impact: Per2 knockdown increases apoptotic susceptibility and mitochondrial dysfunction in human cardiomyocytes exposed to TNFa or H2O2. Delivery of Per2 may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy to protect cardiomyocyte mitochondrial function during periods of stress, such as myocardial infarction, organ transplantation, and cardiac surgery.
The Legal Issues Concerning the Operation of Fin-Tech in Nigeria
Authors: Aidonojie Paul Atagamen , Majekodunmi Toyin Afolabi , Adeyemi-Balogun Omolola Janet
Published: January 2024

Technology has greatly enhanced the developmental process of the global environment. It suffices to state that, Nigeria being a developing country is also having its fair share in the use of technology within the financial sector. This is concerning the fact that the traditional method of financial activities is gradually overtaken by financial technology. However, despite the prospect of finance and technology (Fin-Tech), there are several legal issues and challenges affecting its operation in Nigeria. In this regard, this study tends to embark on a hybrid method of study on the prospect and legal issues concerning Fin-Tech in Nigeria. The questionnaire was distributed to 301 respondents residing within Nigeria. The data obtained was analysed through descriptive and analytical statistical methods. The study, therefore, found that the introduction of Fin-Tech has greatly enhanced the commercial sector in Nigeria. Although, several challenges include the legality of its operations, other social and economic challenges could affect its smooth operation. The study concluded and recommended the necessity for legal regulations, internet security, educating the general public on the Fin-Tech system, and alignment of Fin-Tech operations with Nigerian laws for a smoother adoption of Fin-Tech in Nigeria.
Principia e Isaac Newton
Authors: Silva José Flavio Da
Published: January 2024

Em primeiro lugar, preocupações filosóficas quanto ao significado dado à palavra “Principia” utilizada por René Descartes e Isaac Newton [...].
Fragmentação em Onze, de Bernardo Carvalho
Authors: Azevedo Filho Carlos Alberto Farias de
Published: January 2024

A partir de uma leitura histórica e estética do mundo contemporâneo, discutimos o processo de fragmentação utilizado pelo escritor brasileiro Bernardo Carvalho, no seu primeiro romance, Onze: uma história.
Informação e trabalho: as perspectivas de qualificação na sociedade contemporânea
Authors: Fernandes Marileuza
Published: January 2024

Este trabalho discute a ideia de informação e a importância da informação científica e tecnológica no mundo do trabalho e as necessidades de qualificação de mão-de-obra para o setor produtivo, a partir da perspectiva da qualificação enquanto espaço informacional.
Resíduos sólidos dos serviços de saúde: uma contribuição para o gerenciamento no Estado da Paraíba
Authors: Vasconcelos Maria Edelcides Gondim de , Reis Roberto Nelson Nunes
Published: January 2024

A partir da capacitação de recursos humanos, este trabalho propõe uma contribuição ao gerenciamento de resíduos, apresentando, de maneira informativa e educativa, condições para que estabelecimentos de saúde do Estado da Paraíba, em diferentes níveis de complexidade e esfera de atuação, possam implantar ou otimizar o seu gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos.
Criminal liability for crimes committed with extreme brutality and through abusive treatment: classification issues
Authors:   Togliatti State University, Savelyeva O. Yu.
Published: January 2024

Addressing the issues of classification of crimes committed with extreme brutality and through abusive treatment is caused, firstly, by the amendments to the criminal law provision on torture in 2022 – the introduction of the “extreme brutality” qualifying factor and the removal of the note with the concept of torture. The second cause is the trend in criminal policy observed in 2022–2023 – strengthening and extension of responsibility for crimes related to the special military operation. The paper deals with the analysis of signs of extreme brutality and abusive treatment contained in some articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (the RF Criminal Code). The author lays main emphasis on determining the essence of extreme brutality as a novelty of Art. 117 of the RF Criminal Code and abusive treatment in the construction of part 1 of Art. 356 of the RF Criminal Code. As a result of studying scientific publications, guiding explanations of the resolution of the Plenum of the RF Armed Forces and judicial practice materials, it is concluded that “extreme brutality” and “torture” are unequal concepts; they are correlated as a whole and a part. In turn, the terms “abusive treatment” and “extreme brutality” are not identical. In some crimes (part 1 of Art. 356 of the RF Criminal Code), the first term covers the second one, and in others (Art. 245 of the RF Criminal Code), extreme brutality is differentiated from the abusive treatment content. To clarify the concept of extreme brutality, the author proposes to amend the existing resolution of the Plenum of the RF Armed Forces dated December 4, 2014 No. 16 and adopt a new resolution. The paper justifies the need to tighten responsibility for committing a crime under part 1 of Art. 356 of the RF Criminal Code.
Modern aspects of managing sustainable development of companies based on ESG tools
Authors:   Samara University of Public Administration “International Market Institute”, Ramzaev V. M. , Zhurova L. I. ,   Samara University of Public Administration “International Market Institute”
Published: January 2024

The concept of sustainable development and ESG principles of business are of key importance in the context of worsening climate and environmental problems, as well as the necessity to ensure energy security. Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national SDGs draws increasing attention to the issue of studying corporate practices for managing sustainable development and promoting ESG in business models. The paper examines modern aspects of managing the sustainable development of Russian companies in new economic conditions and analyzes the factors limiting the use of ESG tools in corporate strategies. The study revealed the achievements of Russian companies in the field of promoting ESG principles by the beginning of 2022. They are the formation of a corporate legal framework governing ESG aspects; integration of ESG principles into business models; development of strategies in the field of sustainable development or certain ESG aspects; alignment of corporate development goals with the UN SDGs; preparation of non-financial reporting; implementation of projects in the sphere of increasing energy efficiency, environmental protection, and social responsibility. The authors identified the main trends and problems of ESG transformation of companies caused by changes in the geopolitical and geo-economic situation in 2022. Among them are increasing the importance of the ESG social component related to the development of human resources and labor protection; reducing the level of information transparency in the field of sustainable development; contraction of volumes of the ESG bond issue; closing down the implementation of a number of environmental projects. The drivers of ESG development of companies have been identified, including climate, social and environmental risks; tightening climate and environmental regulation; reorientation of Russian business towards cooperation with partners in the Asia-Pacific region with high ESG requirements; implementation of measures of state financial support for the implementation of ESG projects.
Sorption properties of layered double hydroxides produced by ultrasonic exposure
Authors:   Institute of Technical Acoustics of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Golubev R. A. ,   RUDN University (Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia), Rubanik V. V. ,   Institute of Technical Acoustics of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Rubanik V. V. Jr. ,   Institute of Technical Acoustics of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Kritchenkov I. S. ,   Institute of Technical Acoustics of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus,   St. Petersburg State University, Kritchenkov A. S. ,   Institute of Technical Acoustics of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus,   RUDN University (Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia)
Published: January 2024

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) can be classified as promising materials due to the ease of synthesis, as well as their wide scope of application. However, the process of LDH synthesis, depending on the LDH chemical composition, can take from tens of hours to several days. It was previously identified that ultrasound exposure during the LDH production significantly reduces the synthesis time, and LDHs produced in this way are interesting in relation to the study of their physicochemical properties and sorption capacity. In this work, the authors produced Mg/Fe LDHs in nitrate form by the traditional method and by the combined action of ultrasound and increased hydrostatic pressure. The resulting samples are characterized by a complex of physicochemical methods of analysis, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (IR), X-ray phase analysis (XRD), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Experiments were carried out to study the sorption capacity of the obtained Fe/Mg LDH samples in relation to chromate ions under normal conditions and under the influence of ultrasound, including in combination with increased hydrostatic pressure. A photoelectric photometer was used to obtain and analyze data with quantitative values of the sorption process. Data of comprehensive analysis of the finished product indicate that the synthesized material is a Mg/Fe layered double hydroxide. X-ray phase analysis identified that the LDH synthesis using ultrasound and pressure increases the crystallinity degree of the finished product. It has been found that the sorption properties of LDHs produced by the conventional method and LDHs produced under the influence of ultrasound and pressure are different. In Mg/Fe LDHs synthesized by the conventional method, chromate sorption proceeds better than in samples synthesized using ultrasonic treatment in combination with increased hydrostatic pressure. The study shows that the sorption process of the examined LDH samples is described by different mathematical models.
Simulation of electrical parameters of a galvanic cell in the process of microarc oxidation
Authors:   Penza State University, Pecherskaya E. A. , Semenov A. D. ,   Penza State University, Golubkov P. E. ,   Penza State University
Published: January 2024

Microarc oxidation is a promising technology for producing wear-resistant anticorrosive coatings for goods made of valve metals and alloys and is used in many industries. One of the main problems of this technology is low controllability caused by the complexity and interconnectedness of physical and chemical phenomena occurring during the coating process. To solve such problems, digital twins are currently actively used. The paper covers the development of mathematical models that are advisable to use as structural elements of the digital twin of the microarc oxidation process. An equivalent electrical circuit of a galvanic cell of microarc oxidation is given, which takes into account the electrolyte resistance, the part coating resistance in the form of a parallel connection of nonlinear active resistance and capacitive reactance. The authors propose a mathematical model describing the behavior of the equivalent electrical circuit of a galvanic cell of microarc oxidation. A technique for determining the parameters of this model was developed, including the construction of a waveform of changes in the resistance of the cell and its approximation, estimation of the values of resistances and capacitance of the galvanic cell equivalent circuit. The authors proposed a calculation method and developed a Simulink model of the microarc oxidation process, which allows simulating the current and voltage waveforms of a galvanic cell. The analysis of the model showed that the model is stable, controllable and observable, but poorly conditioned, which leads to modelling errors, the maximum value of which is 7 % for voltage and 10 % for current. By the parametric identification method using experimental current and voltage waveforms, the dependences of the parameters of the galvanic cell equivalent circuit on the oxidation time are obtained. It is found that the change in the period average of the galvanic cell active resistance correlates with the coating thickness.
Mukti Ali's scientific-cum-doctrinaire approach and Ibn Arabi's wahdat al-adyan in strengthening religious moderation
Authors: Syarifuddin  , Muzammil Shofiyullah , Wasil
Published: January 2024

A conservative adherence to religious beliefs and fanaticism has the potential to result in a unilateral judgment toward other faiths. At the exoteric level, religions represent different ways of approaching the divine. However, when one sees this from an esoteric point of view, all these religions aim for one divinity. This esoteric perspective is in line with the idea of religious pluralism in the modern world. However, long before that, Ibn Arabi had already discussed this idea. Firstly, Ibn Arabi talked about his philosophy of divinity. God, on one hand, is One, unreachable, transcendent, but also as the resembling, close, immanent. From the immanent aspect, God then manifests and reveals Himself continuously, resulting in diverse beings, including religion. However, in this research, Ibn Arabi's ideas were found to be only ideological-apologetic. Therefore, the author collaborates them with Mukti Ali's ideas, which are modern and methodological, combining various approaches, both normative and scientific, in the study of religious moderation called scientific-cum-doctrinaire. The method used in this research is descriptive-collaborative. The scientific-cum-doctrinaire is used to investigate Islam and other religions, with the expectation that it will foster interfaith literacy, encourage inter-religious cooperation, and contribute to the promotion of religious moderation. In this light, the parallel between Mukti Ali and Ibn Arabi becomes apparent.