bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Encontros dialógicos: uma reinvenção freireana para a atividade de pesquisa colaborativa
Authors: Paz Arruda Teo Carla Rosane , Joana Mattia Bianca
Published: October 2024

O objetivo do estudo é apresentar uma metodologia de produção colaborativa e dialógica de dados de pesquisa fundamentada no referencial teórico de Paulo Freire, a qual denominamos de encontros dialógicos. Consideramos que o essencial não é o número de participantes, mas o diálogo entre sujeitos que emerge em torno do objeto de estudo. Inicialmente, apresentamos os fundamentos da metodologia proposta, sobre as bases da Teoria da Ação Dialógica de Paulo Freire. A seguir, detalhamos o processo de elaboração desta metodologia, exemplificando sua aplicação. Concluímos que os encontros dialógicos propostos se configuram, efetivamente, como metodologia colaborativa e dialógica para a atividade de produção de dados de pesquisa, resultando em uma síntese cultural avançada e repercutindo em transformação dos sujeitos envolvidos (pesquisadores e participantes) e, por meio deles, do mundo.
Pengaruh Interaksi Laut-Atmosfer terhadap Evolusi El Niño pada Musim Kemarau Tahun 2023
Authors: Baharrizky Ahmad Frizar , Kurniawati Netty , Mardiansyah Wijaya , Setiabudidaya Dedi , Sailah Siti , Erni  , Saleh Khairul , Satya Octavianus Cakra , Irfanmakmun Muhammad
Published: October 2024

Fenomena perubahan iklim terus menjadi permasalahan global. Salah satu fenomena yang memiliki kaitan sangat besar terhadap perubahan iklim adalah El-Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Penelitian ini mengkaji kejadian ENSO selama 30 tahun terakhir serta pengaruh interaksi laut-atmosfer terhadap evolusi El-Niño pada musim kemarau tahun 2023. Data yang digunakan adalah Indeks Niño 3.4, curah hujan, suhu permukaan laut, tekanan udara, dan angin yang dianalisis melalui analisis sirkulasi Walker. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa selama 30 tahun terakhir telah terjadi 20 kali kejadian ENSO. Khusus pada tahun 2023 telah terjadi fenomena El-Niño dengan Niño indeks yang terbesar sejak lima tahun terakhir.  Didapatkan juga bahwa interaksi laut-atmosfer sangat berpengaruh terhadap evolusi El-Niño selama musim kemarau 2023. Parameter iklim seperti angin, suhu permukaan laut, dan tekanan udara berperan penting dalam terjadinya evolusi El-Niño. Melalui pengamatan curah hujan, selama terjadinya fenomena El-Niño sepanjang musim kemarau tahun 2023 wilayah Indonesia bagian timur mengalami kekeringan
UPAYA PENINGKATAN KEMAMPUAN BERHITUNG PERMULAAN ANAK MELALUI PERMAINAN CONGKLAK PADA USIA 4-5 TAHUN
Authors: Herlina Tuti , Utami Fitria Budi
Published: October 2024

Aspek perkembangan kognitif adalah salah satu aspek yang harus dikembangkan oleh guru paud, sebagai guru di sekolah untuk anak-anak usia dini adalah bagian dari perkembangan kognitif,Â  kemajuan kognitif adalah sudut pandang kemajuan yang signifikan dalam melatih kemampuan berhitung anak. Tingkat kemajuan kognitif untuk anak-anak usia 4-5 tahun dibagi menjadi tiga, yaitu menyebutkan angka 1-10, menggunakan gambar angka untuk menghitung dan mengkoordinir bilangan dengan gambar nomor.Â  Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian tindakan kelas (PTK) yang bersifat partisipatif dan kolaboratif. Penelitian tindakan kelas memiliki dua kegiatan yang dilakukan secara simultan yaitu aktivitas tindakan (action) dan aktifitas penelitian (research). Berdasarkan hasil penelitian upaya peningkatan kemampuan berhitung permulaan anak usia 4-5 tahun dengan permainan congklak di Paud Raudhatul Jannah Bambu Apus berjalan dengan baik dan berhasil terbukti dengan adanya prsentase peningkatan kemampuan berhitung anak setelah dilakukan tindakan pada siklus 1 dan terus meningkat setelah dilakukan tindakan siklus 2. Dengan adanya permainan congklak mampu meningkatkan kemampuan berhitung anak yang semula sangat rendah setelah dilakukan tindakan meningkat, pada tindakan siklus 1 tercapai prsentase keberhasilan sebanyak 60 % sedangkan pada tindakan siklus 2 mencapai keberhasilan prsentase sebesar 80 %.
POLA ASUH ORANG TUA DALAM MENANAMKAN NILAI-NILAI AGAMA AUD PADA KELUARGA PETANI MELATI DESA DARAMISTA LENTENG SUMENEP
Authors: Arifah Nur Aina , Annufus Nabila , Uyun Nadhiratul
Published: October 2024

Children's first education comes from the family. The family is the smallest social group in society, generally consisting of father, mother and children. Therefore, it is the duty of parents to educate them to obey Allah SWT according to the stages of their development. However, not all parents have the ability to implement effective parenting. This study attempts to describe parenting patterns and obstacles in developing religious values in children in Daramista Lenteng Village, Sumenep. Interviews, observations, and documentation are data collection techniques used to have more in-depth information regarding the types of parenting styles used and the obstacles faced by parents in developing religious values in early childhood. Informants of this study were selected through a purposive sampling technique with the following criteria; parents work as jasmine farmers, have children aged 4-6 years, and apply this type of parenting pattern. The results of this study indicate that the parenting style applied by parents to farming families in Daramista Lenteng Sumenep Village is democratic parenting. Meanwhile, the obstacles faced by parents on average are related to the lack of alternative solutions in dealing with parenting problems so that the approach chosen sometimes tends to be ineffective.
Pelaksanaan Keterampilan Berbicara Di sentra Bermain Peran Di Taman Kanak-Kanak Islam Nibras
Authors: Diah Islamiarty  , Dra. yul syofriend
Published: October 2024

ABSTRAK
Penelitian ini dilatar belakangi perkembangan bahasa anak TK Islam Nibras dalam berbicara berkembang dengan baik, terbukti setelah anak melakukan tes sitidini dan tes taraf untuk masuk SD dari psikolog di nyata bahwa anak mampu berbicara dengan baik dan jelas.  Penelitian ini  bertujuan mendeskripsikan kemampuan berbicara dari anak, mendeskripsikan proses realisasi pengajaran sentra bermain peran pada pengembangan kemampuan berbicara dari anak, mendeskripsikan media pembelajaran dalam pelaksanaan keterampilan berbicara dari anak, mendeskripsikan evaluasi yang digunakan guru pada pelaksanaan keterampilan berbicara anak, dan mendeskripsikan metode yang digunakan pada keterampilan berbicara anak. Metode yang dipakai yakni pendekatan kualitatif. Pada penelitian ini teknik untuk mengumpulkan data yang dipakai mencakup atas: observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Teknik dalam menganalisis data yang dipakai pada penelitian ini mencakup atas reduksi data (data reduction), data display (display data), dan penarikan kesimpulan (verifikasi). Hasil penelitian memperlihatkan perencanaan pelaksanaan keterampilan berbicara anak sudah dirancang didasari terhadap kurikulum merdeka dan indikator dari proses belajar, pelaksanaan keterampilan berbicara anak terstimulasi dengan baik yang didukung dengan metode dan media yang digunakan guru, serta evaluasi pelaksanaan keterampilan berbicara anak ditinjau melalui anak datang kesekolah sampai anak pulang dari sekolah.
Kata Kunci: Keterampilan Berbicara, Sentra, Bermain Peran
 
ABSTRACT
The research background is that the language development of islamic kindergarten children in nibras develops well in speaking, it is proven that after the child it is evident that the child is able to speak well and clearly. The research purpose is to describe skills of speaking by childrens, describe the process of implementing role-playing center learning in developing children's speaking skills, describe the learning media in implementing the skills of speaking by childrens, describe the evaluation used by teachers in implementing the skills of speaking by childrens, and describe the methods used on children's speaking skills. talking child. The method used is a qualitative approach. In this research, the techniques for data collection used were: observation, interviews, and documentation. The techniques for data analysis used in research are reduction of data, display of data, and conclusion drawing (verification). The results shown that the planning for the implementation of children's speaking skills had been prepared referring to the independent curriculum and learning indicators, the implementation of well-stimulated children's speech skills supported by the methods and media teacher used, as well as the evaluation of the implementation skills of speaking by childrens seen from the child coming to school until the child went home school.
Keywords: Speaking Skills, Role, Playing Centers
The performance of ChatGPT-4.0o in medical imaging evaluation: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Arruzza Elio Stefan , Evangelista Carla Marie , Chau Minh
Published: October 2024

This study investigated the performance of ChatGPT-4.0o in evaluating the quality of positioning in radiographic images. Thirty radiographs depicting a variety of knee, elbow, ankle, hand, pelvis, and shoulder projections were produced using anthropomorphic phantoms and uploaded to ChatGPT-4.0o. The model was prompted to provide a solution to identify any positioning errors with justification and offer improvements. A panel of radiographers assessed the solutions for radiographic quality based on established positioning criteria, with a grading scale of 1–5. In only 20% of projections, ChatGPT-4.0o correctly recognized all errors with justifications and offered correct suggestions for improvement. The most commonly occurring score was 3 (9 cases, 30%), wherein the model recognized at least 1 specific error and provided a correct improvement. The mean score was 2.9. Overall, low accuracy was demonstrated, with most projections receiving only partially correct solutions. The findings reinforce the importance of robust radiography education and clinical experience.
Gizemli ve Büyülü Bir Filipin Adasının Turizm Portresi: Siquijor
Authors: Atasoy Emin , Özgürel Gizem , İnan Furkan
Published: October 2024

Bu çalışmada Filipinler Cumhuriyeti’nde ve Merkezi Visayas adalar grubunda yer alan Siquijor adasının başlıca coğrafi özellikleri ve turizm potansiyeli irdelenmiştir. “Ateş Adası” olarak da bilinen Siquijor adası mistik, gizemli ve büyülü bir Filipin adasıdır. Ada, küçük yüzölçümüne sahip olmasına ragmen ilginç doğal güzellikler ve zengin turizm çeşitliliği barındırır. Son çeyrek yüzyılda adayı ziyaret eden yabancı turist sayısı giderek arttığından dolayı Siquijor, Filipinler Cumhuriyeti’nin yükselen turizm yıldızı olarak tanımlanabilir. Bu araştırmada Siquijor adasının coğrafi konumu, doğal ve beşeri coğrafi özellikleri açıklandığı gibi turizm çekicilikleri ve turizm kaynakları da kısaca ele alınmıştır. Adanın başlıca plajları, kentleri, şelaleleri, mağaraları, akarsuları, doğa koruma alanları, inanç merkezleri ve tarihsel-kültürel çekicilikleri irdelenerek adanın turizm potansiyeli resmedilmeye çalışılmıştır. Çalışmanın sonuç kısmında, Filipinlerin diğer adalarıyla karşılaştırıldığında Siquijor adasının en büyük turizm avantajları ve dezantjları nelerdir sorularına yanıt aranmıştır.
Evaluation of the Impact of Body Mass Index on the Outcomes of Supine Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Bulut Ender Cem , Elmas Burak , Küpeli Bora
Published: October 2024

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of obesity on the outcomes of supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in a tertiary care center. Understanding surgical outcomes in obese patients, given their rising prevalence and urolithiasis risk, is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included data from 256 patients aged 18 and older who underwent PCNL in the Galdakao-Valdivia position between July 2021 and July 2024 at a tertiary care hospital. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their body mass index (BMI): normal weight (BMI: 18-24.9 kg/m²), overweight (BMI: 25-29.9 kg/m²), and obese (BMI: 30-34.9 kg/m²). Demographic data, stone characteristics, operative time, fluoroscopy time, hospital stay, nephrostomy duration, stone-free rates (SFR), and complications were analyzed and compared across the three groups. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding age, sex, stone laterality, location, or size (p>0.05). Median BMI values were significantly different between the groups (p<0.001). The stone-free rates were 79.2%, 77%, and 75% for the normal, overweight, and obese groups, respectively (p>0.05). No significant differences were found in operative time, fluoroscopy time, hospital stay, or nephrostomy time among the groups (p>0.05). Minor and major complication rates were similar across all groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Obesity does not appear to significantly impact the outcomes of supine PCNL, including operative time, stone-free rates, or complication rates. These findings suggest that with experienced surgeons, supine PCNL is a safe and effective treatment option for obese patients, though further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.
Effect of Atomoxetine on Mouse Isolated Vas Deferens Contractility
Authors: Engin Seçkin , Altınbaş Mehmet Kağan
Published: October 2024

Objective: Atomoxetine (ATX), a selective noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor, is a preferred drug with sufficient efficacy and favorable safety profile for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Ejaculatory dysfunctions have been reported in the patients receiving ATX as sexual side effect, of which underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of ATX on mouse isolated vas deferens (VD) contractility as a potential mechanism of ATX-induced ejaculatory dysfunction. Material and Methods: Isolated organ bath studies were performed on prostatic parts of VD obtained from adult male Balb/c mice. The effect of ATX (10-6, 10-5, 3x10-5 and 10-4 M) on KCl (80 mM), phenylephrine (PhE, 3x10-4 M), adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP, 10-2 M) and electrical field stimulation (EFS; 100 V, 64 Hz)-induced contractions of VD strips were evaluated in concentration dependent manner. Results: ATX at 10-6 and 10-5 did not alter the contractile responses (p>0.05), however, higher concentrations of ATX (3x10-5 or 10-4 M) significantly inhibited the KCl, PhE, ATP and EFS-induced contractions of VD strips (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study demonstrated for the first time that ATX decreased the contractile responses of mouse isolated VD concentration-dependently. Our results suggest that ejaculatory dysfunction might be related to the inhibitory effect on ATX on VD.
MAPPING THE FEMVERTISING LANDSCAPE: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Aydın Ünal Duygu
Published: October 2024

In this systematic literature review, the aim is to explore the place of the concept of femvertising in academic literature. Accordingly, articles published in journals indexed in the Web of Science database that use the keyword "femvertising" have been analyzed. The results revealed that research on femvertising has been conducted since 2016, with most studies focusing on the business category. More than half of the articles have employed qualitative research methods. The review of contemporary literature reveals a growing body of research centered around the concept of femvertising, with a particular emphasis on the interplay between social media, women empowerment, and consumer attitudes. A notable gap in the existing literature is the paucity of studies investigating the intersection of femvertising and corporate social responsibility.
After the VOSviewer analysis, the most frequently cited sources are revealed as the Journal of Advertising, International Journal of Advertising, Female Media Studies, and Sex Roles. The presence of Female Media Studies and Sex Roles emphasizes the interdisciplinary aspect of femvertising research, thus suggesting that a comprehensive understanding of the topic requires perspectives from both marketing and gender studies. This underscores femvertising's relevance in both fields. Also, the analyzed articles mainly used qualitative methods, with content analysis, interviews, discourse analysis, and textual analysis being the most common. Quantitative methods like experiments and structural equation modeling were also used, though studies combining both approaches were rare. There is a notable deficiency in research employing big data analytics.
External comparator studies and the joint application of the estimand and target trial emulation frameworks
Authors: Rippin Gerd , Sanz Héctor
Published: October 2024

The estimand framework (EF) and the target trial emulation framework (TTEF) are two important frameworks that can inform the design and analysis of external comparator (EC) studies. The EF helps clarifying the quantity to be estimated (the “estimand”), especially regarding the handling of post-baseline intercurrent events which interfere with the existence or interpretation of endpoints. Similarly, the TTEF is instrumental for specifying key design components of a hypothetical randomized trial and identifying which of these an EC study can and cannot emulate. We offer considerations about the joint application of both frameworks by combining the five EF attributes— treatment, population, endpoint, intercurrent events, and population-level summary—with the seven TTEF components— eligibility criteria, treatment strategies, assignment procedures, follow-up period, outcomes, causal contrasts, and data analysis plan. Any overlap is identified, as well as omissions and unique contributions from both frameworks. Furthermore, we highlight specific considerations when applying these joint elements to EC studies.
Threat assessment for Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus) in the Salish Sea
Authors: Huard Jacqueline R. , Hemming Victoria , Baker Matthew R. , Blancard Jennifer , Bruce Ian , Cook Sarah , Davoren Gail K. , Dionne Phillip , East Virginia , Hipfner J. Mark , Houtman Nicola R. , Koval Brian A. , Lowry Dayv , Monks Rowen , Nicholas Graham , Proudfoot Beatrice , Quindazzi Micah , Quinn Timothy , Robinson Clifford L. K. , Rubidge Emily M. , Sanford Dianne , Selleck James R. , Shaffer Anne , Wright Nikki , Yakimishyn Jennifer , Martin Tara G.
Published: October 2024

Like many forage fish species, Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus) play a key role in nearshore marine ecosystems as an important prey source for a diverse array of predators in the northeastern Pacific. However, the primary threats to Pacific sand lance and their habitat are poorly defined due to a lack of systematic data. Crucial information needed to assess their population status is also lacking including basic knowledge of their local and regional abundance and distribution. Sand lance are currently listed as ‘not evaluated’ under the IUCN red list and they have not been assessed by US and Canadian agencies. This hampers management and policy efforts focused on their conservation. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a three-part, structured expert elicitation to assess the vulnerability of Salish Sea sand lance populations. Experts were asked to list and rank key threats to Salish Sea sand lance and/or their habitat, to further quantify the vulnerability of sand lance to identified threats using a vulnerability matrix, and to predict the population trajectory in 25 years from today. Impacts associated with climate change (e.g. sea level rise, sea temperature rise, ocean acidification, and extreme weather) consistently ranked high as threats of concern in the ranking exercise and quantified vulnerability scores. Nearly every expert predicted the population will have declined from current levels in 25 years. These results suggest sand lance face numerous threats and may be in decline under current conditions. This research provides vital information about which threats pose the greatest risk to the long-term health of sand lance populations and their habitat. Managers can use this information to prioritize which threats to address. Future research to reliably quantify population size, better understand the roles of natural and anthropogenic impacts, and to identify the most cost-effective actions to mitigate multiple threats, is recommended.
The international multi-system OSEs/OSSEs by the UN Ocean Decade Project SynObs and its early results
Authors: Fujii Yosuke , Remy Elisabeth , Balmaseda Magdalena Alonso , Kido Shoichiro , Waters Jennifer , Peterson K. Andrew , Smith Gregory C. , Ishikawa Ichiro , Chikhar Kamel
Published: October 2024

“Synergistic Observing Network for Ocean Prediction (SynObs)” was launched in 2022 as a project of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development to evaluate the importance of ocean observation systems and co-design the future evolution of the ocean observing network. SynObs is currently leading the flagship OSEs/OSSEs, an internationally coordinated activity in which observing system experiments (OSEs) and observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) are conducted using a variety of ocean and coupled atmosphere–ocean prediction systems to evaluate ocean observation impacts consistent across most prediction systems. The flagship OSEs/OSSEs comprises the ocean prediction (OP) OSEs for high-resolution ocean predictions, the subseasonal-to-seasonal (S2S) OSEs for long-term lead-time coupled ocean–atmosphere predictions, and the OP OSSEs for evaluating new and future observing systems. SynObs plans to use the results of the flagship OSEs to contribute to the reports on the ocean observing network design made by international organizations and projects. Here, we introduce this initiative, and we report on some initial results. Some observation impacts consistent across four ocean prediction systems are found by a preliminary analysis of the analysis runs for the OP OSEs. For example, impacts of the altimetry data on the assimilated sea surface height (SSH) field are generally large in the westerly boundary current regions and around Antarctic Circumpolar Currents where SSH has large variability but are small in the tropical regions, despite the relatively large SSH variability there. The analysis also indicates the possibility that there are some characteristic differences in the observation impacts between low-resolution and eddy-resolving ocean prediction systems. Although OSE outputs of only four ocean prediction systems are available now, we will make further investigation, adding OSE outputs of other prediction systems that will be submitted in the near future.
Diagnosis and prognosis of soybean roaster failures using particle swarms
Authors: Ngnassi Djami Aslain Brisco , Ngnassi Nguelcheu Ulrich , Nkongho Anyi Joseph
Published: October 2024

In industry, the monitoring and diagnosis of production processes are crucial issues in ensuring plant reliability, performance and quality. In particular, food processing operations, such as coffee roasting, are subject to numerous risks of failure that can impact on productivity and the quality of the final product. In this context, the main objective of this study was to develop an innovative method for the diagnosis and prognosis of failures in a coffee roasting process. The proposed method differs from standard approaches by using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm applied to the analysis of signatures of key process variables. This new approach has improved fault detection, with a recognition rate of over 90% for the main types of fault identified, such as heating problems, air obstructions or leaks. In addition to diagnostics, the method has also demonstrated its effectiveness in prognosticating the state of health of the process, with an average error on the prediction of remaining service life reduced to 15%, compared with 35% for fixed-threshold methods. This work has therefore enabled us to develop an innovative method offering superior performance to standard approaches for the diagnosis and prognosis of failures in the roasting process.
Construction of nomogram for wound recurrence in elderly patients with venous leg ulcers
Authors: Mu Wenfang , Wang Anzi , Xu Zhiwei , Wang Yan , Xu Li , Wang Xian
Published: October 2024

Background

Venous Leg Ulcers (VLUs) are one of the most serious and intractable complications of chronic venous insufficiency. This study aims to develop a nomogram based on a theoretical model to predict the probability of wound recurrence in older patients with VLUs.

Methods

The elderly patients with VLUs attending the five hospitals between September 2021 and October 2022 were enrolled in this research, and randomized to the training and validation cohorts based on the corresponding ratio (7:3). Recurrent events were recorded during a six-month follow-up after the baseline data collection. The univariate analysis, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression method were used to screen variables, and multiple logistic regression was used to establish a risk prediction model, which was presented by nomogram. Receiver operating curves (ROC), Hosmer–Lemeshow test, as well as calibration curves, were adopted to assess the effectiveness of the nomogram. The prognostic value of the nomogram was also examined.

Results

A total of 608 elderly patients with VLUs were included in the study. They were randomly divided into the training cohort (N = 421) and the validation cohort (N = 187). In the training cohort, Lasso regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that previous recurrence number, last ulcer duration, lower extremity DVT history, and frailty were independent risk factors for wound recurrence in elderly patients with VLUs, while daily exercise time and self-efficacy were protective factors. A nomogram was established with a good discrimination capacity and predictive efficiency with and the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.869 (95%CI: 0.831–0.908) in the training set and 0.890 (95%CI: 0.841–0.938) in the validation set. The p values of the Hosmer-Lemeshow test for both sets were 0.887 and 0.772, respectively, both greater than 0.05. The calibration degree charts showed that the data point connection was similar to the diagonal, indicating that the model’s prediction probability of wound recurrence in elderly VLUs patients is close to the actual probability.

Conclusion

This study constructed a new nomogram to predict the risk of wound recurrence in elderly patients with VLUs. The nomogram has excellent accuracy and reliability, which can help healthcare workers and patients actively monitor and follow up with patients to prevent the recurrence of ulcers and make clinical decisions.
Preparation of safflower fermentation solution and study on its biological activity
Authors: Tang Nan , Xu Xiaoqing , Guo Zhenyu , Meng Xiangyu , Qian Guoqiang , Li He
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Safflower, a traditional Chinese medicine, is rich in chemical components including flavonoids, polysaccharides, and alkaloids. It exhibits pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and anti-thrombosis properties, making it a valuable resource in the medical field. Furthermore, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, safflower is increasingly being utilized in the cosmetics industry.

Methods

In this study, yeast was employed to ferment safflower, and the optimal fermentation conditions were established through single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. Subsequently, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacy of the safflower fermentation solution was assessed using both cellular and zebrafish models. Finally, the safety of the safflower fermentation solution was evaluated through a cosmetic eye irritation test.

Results

From a total of 20 yeast strains, YF-5 was identified as the dominant strain for safflower fermentation. By optimizing the fermentation conditions, it was established that the optimal parameters for YF-5 fermentation of safflower are as follows: a fermentation temperature of 36.55°C, a material-to-liquid ratio of 1:20.46, a fructose concentration of 6.20%, a fermentation duration of 72 h, and an inoculum volume of 4%. The biological activities of safflower, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, were enhanced through yeast fermentation. In HaCaT cell and zebrafish oxidative damage assays, safflower fermentation solution inhibits the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increases superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity as well as total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). In the RAW264.7 cell inflammatory damage assays, a 20% safflower fermentation solution was found to inhibit the release of TNF-α and NO in the inflammatory model, with inhibition rates of 30.94 and 28.86%, respectively. In the zebrafish inflammatory damage assays, the quantity of fluorescent neutral proteins in the 5% safflower fermentation solution was 0.7 times that observed in the dexamethasone (0.1 mg/mL) positive control group, indicating that its anti-inflammatory activity is comparable to that of dexamethasone (0.1 mg/mL). In the chicken embryo chorionic membrane experiment, it was observed that the safflower fermentation solution did not cause significant damage to the blood vessels of the chorionic allantoic membrane (CAM). This finding demonstrates that the safflower fermentation solution possesses a certain degree of safety.

Discussion

Safflower fermentation solution has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities, and it has passed cosmetic safety evaluations. It can be used as a new natural cosmetic ingredient added to cosmetic products.
Subtractive genomics and comparative metabolic pathways profiling revealed novel drug targets in Ureaplasma urealyticum
Authors: Chen Liesong , Zhang Zhuojia , Zeng Qilin , Wang Wei , Zhou Hui , Wu Yimou
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Ureaplasma urealyticum is a commensal organism found in the human lower genitourinary tract, which can cause urogenital infections and complications in susceptible individuals. The emergence of antibiotic resistance, coupled with the absence of vaccines, underscores the necessity for new drug targets to effectively treat U. urealyticum infections.

Methods

We employed a subtractive genomics approach combined with comparative metabolic pathway analysis to identify novel drug targets against U. urealyticum infection. The complete proteomes of 13 Ureaplasma strains were analyzed using various subtractive genomics methods to systematically identify unique proteins. Subsequently, the shortlisted proteins were selected for further structure-based studies.

Results

Our subtractive genomics analysis successfully narrowed down the proteomes of the 13 Ureaplasma strains to two target proteins, B5ZC96 and B5ZAH8. After further in-depth analyses, the results suggested that these two proteins may serve as novel therapeutic targets against U. urealyticum infection.

Discussion

The identification of B5ZC96 and B5ZAH8 as novel drug targets marked a significant advancement toward developing new therapeutic strategies against U. urealyticum infections. These proteins could serve as foundational elements for the development of lead drug candidates aimed at inhibiting their function, thereby mitigating the risk of drug-resistant infections. The potential to target these proteins without inducing side effects, owing to their specificity to U. urealyticum, positions them as promising candidates for further research and development. This study establishes a framework for targeted therapy against U. urealyticum, which could be particularly beneficial in the context of escalating antibiotic resistance.
A matrix-centered view of mass spectrometry platform innovation for volatilome research
Authors: Szeitz Andras , Sutton Annika G. , Hallam Steven J.
Published: October 2024

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are carbon-containing molecules with high vapor pressure and low water solubility that are released from biotic and abiotic matrices. Because they are in the gaseous phase, these compounds tend to remain undetected when using conventional metabolomic profiling methods. Despite this omission, efforts to profile VOCs can provide useful information related to metabolic status and identify potential signaling pathways or toxicological impacts in natural or engineered environments. Over the past several decades mass spectrometry (MS) platform innovation has instigated new opportunities for VOC detection from previously intractable matrices. In parallel, volatilome research linking VOC profiles to other forms of multi-omic information (DNA, RNA, protein, and other metabolites) has gained prominence in resolving genotype/phenotype relationships at different levels of biological organization. This review explores both on-line and off-line methods used in VOC profiling with MS from different matrices. On-line methods involve direct sample injection into the MS platform without any prior compound separation, while off-line methods involve chromatographic separation prior to sample injection and analyte detection. Attention is given to the technical evolution of platforms needed for increasingly resolved VOC profiles, tracing technical progress over time with particular emphasis on emerging microbiome and diagnostic applications.
Decrease in walking ability with increased functional connectivity between multiple brain areas in Parkinson’s disease: a functional near-infrared spectroscopy study
Authors: Wang Jin , Lu Jiewei , Wang Yue , Shu Zhilin , Cheng Yuanyuan , Zhang Xinyuan , Yu Yang , Han Jianda , Zhu Zhizhong , Yu Ningbo , Wu Jialing
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Gait disturbances significantly impact the mobility and quality of life of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study aims to delve into the cortical mechanisms underlying gait disorders in PD, specifically focusing on the prefrontal cortex (PFC), premotor cortex (PMC), and primary somatosensory cortex (PSC).

Objective

To compare the functional connectivity of the PFC, PMC, and PSC regions during walking between individuals with PD and healthy controls.

Methods

The study included 30 individuals with PD (mean age 62.40 ± 7.16 years) and 22 healthy older adults (mean age 60.95 ± 6.34 years). All participants were requested to walk back and forth at a comfortable pace for 30 s over a 10-meter course three times. A mobile functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) system was employed to evaluate the oxyhemoglobin concentration change (∆HbO2). To assess the interactions between the PFC, PMC, and PSC, the connectivity strength between different fNIRS channels was computed.

Results

Individuals with PD in the off-state exhibited significantly decreased walking speed and shorter stride length compared to the healthy controls. For six brain regions including the left (L) and right (R) PFC, PMC, and PSC, no significant differences in functional connectivity within each region were found between the PD and control groups. However, when it comes to the functional connectivity between every two regions, the PD group exhibited stronger functional connectivity than the control group in the LPFC-LPMC, LPFC-RPMC, LPFC-LPSC, RPFC-LPMC, RPFC-LPSC, LPMC-LPSC, LPMC-RPSC, and RPMC-RPSC. Positive correlations were found between gait performance (speed and stride length) and functional connectivity within the RPMC as well as between the RPMC and the RPSC.

Conclusion

Individuals with PD exhibit notable gait disturbances and increased functional connectivity in brain regions responsible for sensorimotor integration and motor function in their off-state. Strengthening the functional connectivity within the RPMC and between the RPMC and the RPSC could be a potential target for future treatments of gait impairments in PD.
Deficiency of NLRP3 protects cerebral pericytes and attenuates Alzheimer’s pathology in tau-transgenic mice
Authors: Quan Wenqiang , Decker Yann , Luo Qinghua , Chemla Axel , Chang Hsin-Fang , Li Dong , Fassbender Klaus , Liu Yang
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Activation of NLRP3-containing inflammasome, which is responsible for IL-1β maturation, has been shown to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-associated pathogenesis in both APP- and tau-transgenic mice. However, effects of NLRP3 on pericytes and subsequent cerebrovascular pathology in AD remain unknown.

Methods

NLRP3-deficient and wild-type AD animal models were generated by crossing human P301S tau-transgenic mice and Nlrp3 knockout mice. AD-associated neuroinflammation, tauopathy, vasculature and pericyte coverage in the brain were investigated using immunohistological and molecular biological methods. To investigate how NLRP3 regulates pericyte activation and survival, pericytes from the brains of Nlrp3 knockout and wild-type mice were cultured, treated with IL-1β and H2O2 at different concentrations and analyzed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry after staining with fluorescently labelled phalloidin, annexin-V and PDGFRβ antibody.

Results

Deficiency of NLRP3 (1) reduced Iba-1, GFAP and AT8 antibody-immunoreactive phosphorylated tau-positive cells, without significantly altering transcription of inflammatory genes, (2) preserved cerebral vasculature and pericyte coverage and up-regulated Osteopontin gene transcription, and (3) improved cognitive function in tau-transgenic mice. In cell culture, NLRP3 deficiency prevented pericyte apoptosis. Treatment with IL-1β or H2O2 increased the expression of PDGFRβ in NLRP3-deficient pericytes, but decreased it in NLRP3 wild-type pericytes in a dose-dependent manner.

Discussion

Inhibition of NLRP3 can promote pericyte survival, improve cerebrovascular function, and attenuate AD pathology in the brain of tau-transgenic mice. Our study supports NLRP3 as a novel therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s patients.
Research hotspots and frontiers in non-specific low back pain: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Mao Qiangjian , Wang Yuqing , Xu Shiqi , Wu Desheng , Huang Guomin , Li Ziru , Jiao Lin , Chi Zhenhai
Published: October 2024

Background

Extensive research has been conducted worldwide on non-specific low back pain (NSLBP), some researchers published a bibliometric analysis of NSLBP in 2020, but there have been no supplements or updates since then. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the research hotspots and frontiers in NSLBP over the last decade.

Methods

Primary sources on NSLBP were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database from 2014 to 2023. CiteSpace V6.2. R7 (64-bit) and VOSviewer 1.6.19 software were used to analyze the number and centrality of journals, countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords, and the functions of co-occurrence and clustering were applied to draw a visual knowledge map.

Results

In the past decade, the annual publication volume of studies on NSLBP has shown an overall upward trend year by year, with obvious temporal stages and great development potential. In total, 2,103 articles contained six types of literature, with the highest proportion being original research articles (1,633 articles, 77.65%), published in 200 journals. BMC Musculoskeletal Discourses (90 articles, 4.28%) had the highest number of publications, and the British Medical Journal had the highest impact factor (105.7). Furthermore, the United States of America (329 articles, 15.64%) had the highest publication volume, the University of Sydney (139 articles, 6.61%) was the research institution with the highest production, Maher, Chris G (36 articles, 1.71%) was the author with the most published articles, and Hoy, D (571 articles, 27.15%) was the most frequently cited author. The most cited of articles is “Non-specific low back pain” published in the LANCET, with 1,256 citations.

Conclusion

This article summarizes the current research status of NSLBP and predicts future research hotspots and frontiers. In recent years, adolescents have become a high-risk group for NSLBP. Pain neuroscience education, motor control, spinal manipulative therapy, and acupuncture are effective means to treat NSLBP. Biomechanics and trunk muscles as entry points are effective ideas for the treatment of NSLBP pain. Furthermore, anxiety, neck pain, non-specific musculoskeletal pain, fibromyalgia, and musculoskeletal disorders are diseases that are closely related to NSLBP. In the future, attention should be paid to the design of research plans, increasing the research intensity of randomized controlled trials, strengthening follow-up, and the timely updating of guidelines, which will result in higher quality and high-level scientific evidence for research on NSLBP.
Predictive brain activity related to auditory information is associated with performance in speech comprehension tasks in noisy environments
Authors: Okamoto Kazuhiro , Hoyano Kengo , Saiki Yoshitomo , Nomura Tomomi , Irie Keisuke , Obama Naoya , Kodama Narihiro , Kobayashi Yasutaka
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Understanding speech in noisy environments is challenging even for individuals with normal hearing, and it poses a significant challenge for those with hearing impairments or listening difficulties. There are limitations associated with the current methods of evaluating speech comprehension in such environments, especially in individuals with peripheral hearing impairments. According to the predictive coding model, speech comprehension is an active inference process that integrates sensory information through the interaction of bottom-up and top-down processing. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to examine the role of prediction in speech comprehension using an electrophysiological marker of anticipation: stimulus-preceding negativity (SPN).

Methods

We measured SPN amplitude in young adults with normal hearing during a time-estimation task with auditory feedback under both quiet and noisy conditions.

Results

The results showed that SPN amplitude significantly increased in noisy environments. Moreover, individual differences in SPN amplitude correlated with performance in a speech-in-noise test.

Discussion

The increase in SPN amplitude was interpreted as reflecting the increased requirement for attentional resources for accurate prediction of speech information. These findings suggest that SPN could serve as a noninvasive neural marker for assessing individual differences in top-down processing involved in speech comprehension in noisy environments.
Case report: Double mutations in a patient with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in China, PSEN2 and IDE variants
Authors: Chang Zhongzheng , Wang Zhiyang , Luo Lele , Xie Zhaohong , Yue Caibin , Bian Xianli , Yang Hui , Wang Ping
Published: October 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by gradual cognitive decline. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (EOAD) is defined as AD occurring before age 65. The main pathogenic gene variants associated with EOAD include PSEN1, PSEN2, and APP. IDE gene has been identified as a risk factor in the pathogenesis of AD. In this study, we report a 33-year-old male with mutations in the PSEN2 gene (c.640G > T, p.V214L) and IDE gene (c.782G > A, p.R261Q). PSEN2 V214L has been reported in five previous cases, and no reported cases have carried IDE R261Q. He had progressive memory decline, his sister carried the same gene mutations but had no clinical manifestations. Neuroimaging revealed mild cortical atrophy. The concentration of Aβ42 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was obviously decreased. In silico predictive models suggested that these mutations are damaging. Our findings indicate that mutations in the PSEN2 and IDE genes may disrupt the normal functioning of their respective proteins, contributing to the pathogenesis of AD.
Task-switching mechanisms under methamphetamine cravings: sex differences in cued and voluntary task-switching
Authors: Jiang Huan , Yang BinJie , Huang HanZhi , Zhao Dong , Li HuiLing , Chen ZhiYing , Jin Shengyi , Zhou Qiang
Published: October 2024

Introduction

This study explored the effects of task-switching type and sex on the task-switching ability of methamphetamine abstainers, as well as the differences in brain mechanisms under drug cravings under drug cravings using near-infrared spectroscopy.

Methods

Craving-inducing videos were used to arouse 20 methamphetamine abstainers (including 10 men), whose switching ability was then assessed using voluntary and cued task-switching exercises.

Results

During task-switching under methamphetamine cravings, the activation of the premotor cortex (PMC), supplementary motor area (SMA), frontal eye field (FEF), and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in women was significantly stronger than in men, while the activation of FEF in men was significantly stronger than in women. Voluntary task-switching induced stronger FEF activation than cued task-switching. During the latter, women exhibited stronger activation in the anterior prefrontal cortex (aPFC) than men.

Discussion

Both men and women showed brain lateralization during task-switching under methamphetamine cravings. Men tended to adopt proactive control and use a top-down dominant strategy to start a new task. Women, however, tend to use a bottom-up strategy focusing on inhibiting old tasks and emotional switching. Moreover, in cued task-switching, the result shows women paid more attention to emotional processing than did men, which suggests that different task-switching training programs should be developed according to sex.
Practical supplements for prevention and management of migraine attacks: a narrative review
Authors: Hajhashemy Zahra , Golpour-Hamedani Sahar , Eshaghian Niloofar , Sadeghi Omid , Khorvash Fariborz , Askari Gholamreza
Published: October 2024

Background

Migraine is one of the most debilitating neurological disorders that causes frequent attacks of headaches and affects approximately 11% of the global population. Deficient or even insufficient levels of vital nutrients would increase the severity and frequency of migraine attacks. Therefore, we aimed to examine the practical supplements for the prevention and management of migraine attacks.

Method

This narrative review study was conducted by searching PubMed, ISI web of science, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Scopus using the keywords of “dietary supplement” and “migraine” plus their MeSH terms. Original articles published in English language from their inception to July 27th, 2024, studies that investigated adult population (aged >18 years), and those assessing the impact of intended nutrient supplementation on clinical symptoms of migraine were included in the study.

Result

Oxidative stress and low intake of antioxidants would be risk factors for migraine attacks by inducing inflammation. The secretion of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, would lead to neuroinflammation and migraine episodes by increasing the cellular permeability and interactions. Evidence also indicated a direct association between phases of migraine attacks and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), mitochondrial disorders, monoaminergic pathway, disruption in brain energy metabolism, and higher serum levels of glutamate and homocysteine. Therefore, supplementation with nutrients involved in mitochondrial function, brain energy metabolism, and even methyl donors would relieve migraine attacks.

Conclusion

Evidence indicated that supplementation with riboflavin, omega-3 fatty acids, alpha lipoic acid, magnesium, probiotics, coenzyme Q10, ginger, and caffeine would have favorable effects on migraine patients. However, more prospective studies are required to evaluate the effect of other nutrients on migraine patients.