bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONHECIMENTO DOS PROFESSORES NO USO DE TECNOLOGIAS NA EDUCAÇÃO INCLUSIVA
Authors: Barbosa de Oliveira. Janine , Jose Alves Tiago , Paganini da Silva Eliane , Izabel Hummel Eromi
Published: February 2025

Resumo: A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo refletir sobre os conhecimentos dos professores na utilização de tecnologias na educação inclusiva, reflexão necessária para compreender a atual sociedade. Por meio de revisão bibliográfica, apresenta-se conceitos e definições da cibercultura e da inclusão pela cultura digital. Neste contexto, a acessibilidade torna-se imprescindível, valorizando a equidade de interação entre as pessoas com deficiência e o conhecimento. A justificativa para essa abordagem reside na importância de compreender o impacto da cibercultura na educação, assegurando a acessibilidade e inclusão de acordo com as normas legais, com o propósito de fomentar um ambiente educacional igualitário e enriquecedor para todos os envolvidos. A pesquisa adotou uma abordagem exploratória, utilizando um questionário com questões abertas e fechadas, e envolveu estudantes do Mestrado Profissional em Educação Inclusiva. O objetivo é compreender os saberes dos professores no uso de tecnologias na educação inclusiva. Os resultados revelam que a maioria dos participantes possui conhecimentos digitais sólidos, incluindo seleção crítica de informações online e ética digital. A valorização da formação continuada foi evidente, com professores engajados em programas de capacitação. Laboratórios de informática e ambientes virtuais de aprendizagem são identificados como recursos de apoio. A pesquisa destaca a importância do desenvolvimento dos conhecimentos   digitais para uma inclusão eficaz e colaborativa, crucial para educadores e a educação inclusiva.
UMA BREVE REFLEXÃO SOBRE A APLICABILIDADE DA COMUNICAÇÃO NÃO VIOLENTA EM SALA DE AULA
Authors: Lopes de Almeida Eduarda , Dirley Aparecida Zolletti Zanerato  , Fábio Miller de Oliveira  , Heloisa Carla Hortela  , Vitória Cristina Peixoto da Silva  , Isabelle Alitzah Accadrolli de Lima
Published: February 2025

A Comunicação Não Violenta (CNV) é uma abordagem que visa promover relacionamentos empáticos e colaborativos, tanto pessoais quanto profissionais. Baseada na obra de Marshall Rosenberg, a CNV é uma prática consciente que incentiva a reflexão sobre as necessidades humanas e a empatia com o outro. Segundo Rosenberg, a CNV envolve quatro passos, sendo eles a observação, identificação de sentimentos, identificação de necessidades e fazer pedidos claros e empáticos. Esses passos visam promover uma comunicação mais autêntica e consciente, permitindo a compreensão mútua e a resolução de conflitos, procurando eliminar a comunicação alienante, onde não há conexão genuína e significativa entre os indivíduos. No contexto escolar, a CNV pode ser uma ferramenta valiosa para os professores, auxiliando-os de forma eficaz na comunicação com os alunos e na resolução de conflitos no exercício da profissão e na vida pessoal. É importante que os educadores estejam capacitados, por isso busquem constantemente aprimorar suas habilidades de comunicação para promover um ambiente escolar mais saudável e produtivo. Logo, propõe-se que, a formação dos professores deve ir além do ensino tradicional, incluindo também didáticas e práticas educativas que incorporem os princípios da CNV a fim de que o relacionamento seja harmonioso e contribua para uma educação mais eficaz, onde o bem-estar emocional dos alunos, dos professores e de quem esteja inserido no ambiente escolar seja levado em consideração, seja priorizado, resultando em um ambiente agradável e propício para o processo de ensino e aprendizagem e bom desenvolvimento das relações humanas.
MICROBIOMA FÚNGICO RESISTENTE AO GLIFOSATO EM SOLOS NA CIDADE DE UMUARAMA, PARANÁ, BRASIL
Authors: Simplício dos Santos Sousa Ângela , Zamarchi Kassiely , Pires Fazion Fernanda Aparecida
Published: February 2025

O microbioma do solo é composto principalmente por espécies de bactérias e fungos. Esses microrganismos desempenham funções essenciais para a manutenção e equilíbrio desse ambiente, como a ciclagem de nutrientes, auxílio na sua absorção e estocagem de carbono pelas plantas, biorremediação, biocontrole, entre outras. Atualmente, o Brasil destaca-se no cenário mundial em produção agrícola. Isso acarreta a utilização de agrotóxicos no solo, principalmente o glifosato, um pesticida de largo espectro. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho é verificar a influência do glifosato na diversidade e abundância dos fungos presentes no microbioma de solos na região de Umuarama, Brasil. Para tanto, foram coletados solos de dois locais: uma horta orgânica, sem a aplicação de glifosato, e outra com aplicação regular do pesticida. No laboratório de Biologia do Instituto Federal do Paraná - Campus Umuarama, as amostras de solo foram pesadas, homogeneizadas em solução salina e as diluições seriadas (até 10-3) foram plaqueadas em meio ágar Sabouraud contendo 300 ppm de glifosato e antibióticos. Após o crescimento, as colônias foram contadas e repicadas. Depois, foi realizada cultura monospórica e microcultivo para identificação dos gêneros de fungos por meio de microscopia óptica. Os resultados mostraram maior frequência de colônias leveduriformes em solos com aplicação de glifosato e maior frequência de colônias do gênero Penicillium em solos sem a aplicação do herbicida. Observando os resultados, percebe-se que a aplicação regular de glifosato altera a constituição do microbioma fúngico do solo. É importante que outros estudos sejam realizados para uma melhor compreensão dessas alterações, que poderiam ser um alerta para a alta utilização de pesticidas que ocorre no Brasil.
CRIAÇÃO DE FONTE TIPOGRÁFICA PARA LITERATURA INFANTOJUVENIL
Authors: Mangini Claudio Luiz , Trierveiler Pereira Mariam , Sales Silva Kauane , Marques de Souza Isabela
Published: February 2025

Este artigo teve como objetivo relatar a experiência exitosa de criação de uma fonte tipográfica para literatura infantojuvenil, provisoriamente nomeada de “Mãe como faz”, em alusão a uma coleção infantil onde foi usada. Para tanto, como as referências mais atuais tratam de fontes digitais, que ainda seguem o conhecimento historicamente construído de fontes para impressão, em primeiro lugar, objetivou-se realizar uma revisão narrativa, que, por um lado, pôde atualizar o assunto e, por outro, serviu de base para o processo criativo da fonte em questão. Este trabalho se justificou pela intenção de desenvolver uma família tipográfica de fácil leitura, tanto para os jovens como para as crianças em fase de alfabetização, como uma ação do projeto de pesquisa e extensão “Literando”, do Instituto Federal do Paraná, Campus Umuarama, em execução desde 2014. Alguns desenhos foram rascunhados à mão e depois finalizados em computação gráfica, enquanto outros foram criados diretamente em computação gráfica. Os caracteres tipográficos foram modelados em desenhos computacionais vetoriais e, então, transformados em fonte tipográfica digital, com o auxílio do aplicativo CorelDraw!ⓒ. A criação dos tipos foi iniciada em 2015 e finalizada em 2017, enquanto eram testados nas obras ainda em desenvolvimento. O trabalho resultou em um arquivo do tipo true type font funcional e passível de utilização nos principais sistemas operacionais e também pela indústria gráfica. A fonte vem sendo avaliada informalmente por professores e estudantes, bem como pelos jovens leitores, nos nove volumes da coleção “Mãe, como faz?” e na obra “As aventuras de Téo e Sofia”, que foram distribuídos para escolas e bibliotecas do Estado do Paraná e podem ser acessados gratuitamente como e-books para download.
PROPRIEDADES MECÂNICAS DO GRAFENO DOPADO COM NITROGÊNIO
Authors: Vieira Schueler Eudes , Melhorance Barboza Alexandre , Napoleão Bastos Ivan , Aliaga Luis César Rodríguez
Published: February 2025

O presente trabalho investiga as propriedades mecânicas e características estruturais do grafeno monocristalino dopado com nitrogênio por meio de simulações atomísticas de dinâmica molecular. O foco principal é a investigação das propriedades mecânicas do grafeno dopado sob diferentes temperaturas e densidade de defeitos. Todas as simulações foram realizadas no software livre LAMMPS. Amostras de grafeno puro e dopada com 1, 2, 3 e 4 % de nitrogênio foram criadas em um sistema com dimensões de 174 Å X 172 Å X 30 Å. As amostras foram submetidas a etapas de minimização de energia, termalizadas e estabilizadas a 300 K por 10 ps. Ensaios de tração à taxa de deformação de 109s−1 foram realizados para determinar as propriedades mecânicas. Os resultados mostram que há uma considerável alteração nas propriedades mecânicas do grafeno dopado em comparação com o material puro. No entanto, o módulo elástico em ambos os casos permanece inalterado. Análises da evolução da estrutura atômica durante a deformação revelaram que locais com maior concentração de elemento dopante atuam como sítios de nucleação de trincas. Essas trincas se propagam de forma perpendicular à direção da carga aplicada, culminando na fratura frágil do material. O aumento da temperatura ou de defeitos também reduze consideravelmente a resistência do grafeno.
Elementos broncíneos de ornamento personal en el nordeste de la Península Ibérica (siglos VII-VI ane): una visión arqueométrica
Authors: Montero-Ruiz Ignacio , Rafel Fontanals Núria
Published: February 2025

El estudio arqueométrico, junto con los datos arqueológicos conocidos hasta la fecha, indican que a finales del siglo VII y el siglo VI se producen en el nordeste de la península ibérica una serie de manufacturas ornamentales en bronce elaboradas con metal procedente de diversas fuentes (Linares, Molar-Bellmunt-Falset, el Macizo Central francés y el Pirineo central franco-español) y a menudo reciclado. La presencia de metal pirenaico y francés es minoritaria, pero suficiente para señalar la existencia de relaciones norte-sur y transpirenaicas La consideración conjunta de los datos contrasta la hipótesis de una manufactura local, probablemente centrada en las bocas del Ebro.
Quando a gente consegue aquilo que colocamos como objetivo, acabamos revolucionando”: trajetórias de êxito escolar de professoras trans e travestis em Fortaleza-CE
Authors:   , Souza Erikah Pinto
Published: February 2025

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo principal investigar como três docentes trans e travestis de diferentes áreas de ensino, da cidade de Fortaleza/CE, narram os seus percursos de êxito escolar e como essas trajetórias estão relacionadas com as práticas pedagógicas dessas profissionais da educação e as mudanças sociais no âmbito escolar. Para cumprir com esse objetivo geral, elaboramos os seguintes objetivos específicos: a) descrever como se construiu o percurso formativo de três professoras trans e travestis da cidade de Fortaleza/CE descrevendo os fatores que levam a exclusão/evasão de mulheres trans e travestis; b) identificar os desafios e estímulos que permeiam a trajetória escolar dessas docentes diante de um ciclo de práticas discriminatórias; c) relacionar as narrativas das trajetórias de êxito escolar das docentes com as práticas pedagógicas empreendidas por essas profissionais e as mudanças que elas causaram nas instituições que passaram. Por meio do embasamento teórico apresentado neste trabalho, é possível refletir sobre a vida escolar de trans e travestis seus fracassos e êxitos, suas estratégias e desenvolvimento para o sucesso escolar, que analisados, oferecem contribuições alusivas às experiências, visando intensificar o desenvolvimento de ações-reflexões-ações, como referências destacam-se: Louro (2001), Foucault (2010), Bento (2011), Butler (2003), dentre outros, com isso compõe-se a pesquisa bibliográfica, com uma abordagem qualitativa feita neste trabalho, outro momento da pesquisa foi a busca em campo utilizando-se de entrevistas com as professoras trans e travestis escolhidas. O texto procurou criar como base de análise todos os relatos que aqui foram apresentados, os quais nos deram uma possibilidade de entendimento de situações que potencializam o fracasso escolar e superação com o êxito dos/as sujeitos/as da pesquisa, bem como as possíveis formas de resistência e superação, trazendo para estudo a história de três mulheres trans e travestis professoras escolhidas pela diversidade nas áreas do conhecimento em que atuam (Matemática, Linguagens e Ciências Sociais e Humanas). A pesquisa alcançou seu objetivo ao permitir evidenciar as trajetórias reais de mulheres que viveram na pele toda a dificuldade com que os livros demonstram a vida de trans e travestis. O presente estudo enriquece a luta contra o preconceito e a exclusão, expondo com fatos reais o êxito por parte dessas mulheres por meio da docência, da educação.
Capacitação para docência nas pós-graduações:
Authors: Campos de Medeiros Larissa , Leta Jacqueline , Costa Regina Izabela Mendes da
Published: February 2025

Este trabalho investiga a capacitação para docência no âmbito das pós-graduações stricto sensu em Ciências Biológicas. Apresenta informações sobre as disciplinas relacionadas à docência ofertadas nesses programas e a percepção de egressos mestres e doutores sobre o preparo recebido no decurso de suas pós-graduações. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e exploratório com abordagem metodológica quali-quantitativa. Os resultados indicam que os programas de pós-graduação analisados oferecem, principalmente, disciplinas do tipo prática, nas quais o aluno depende da orientação do docente responsável para obter conhecimentos relacionados aos aspectos didático-pedagógicos da docência. A análise das respostas e os relatos espontâneos dos questionários submetidos aos pós-graduandos indicam que os egressos consideram a capacitação para a docência relevante para sua formação profissional e que a maioria dos programas oferece pelo menos uma atividade relacionada a essa temática, no entanto, menos da metade concorda totalmente que a pós-graduação os preparou para atuar como docentes.
Production, Characterization, and Molecular Dynamic Study of Antidiabetic
and Antioxidative Peptides of Fermented Cheese Whey with Anti-inflammatory
Properties using Limosilactobacillus fermentum
Authors: Das Bhagyashree , Basaiawmoit Bethsheba , Sakure Amar A. , Maurya Ruchika , Bishnoi Mahendra , Kondepudi Kanthi Kiran , Tiwary Bipransh Kumar , Mankad Pooja M. , Patel Ashish , Hati Subrota
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

This study aims to valorise cheese whey waste by converting it into bioactive peptides
that have several health benefits, potentially leading to the development of nutraceuticals and functional
foods and also used in pharmaceutical industry.

Methods:

The study evaluates the antidiabetic, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties of fermented
cheese whey with Limosilactobacillus fermentum (M4), along with the production of antioxidative and antidiabetic
peptides. SDS PAGE and 2D PAGE were also performed to identify proteins by molecular weight and
isoelectric point, while RP-HPLC distinguished peptide fractions. Peptide sequences from 2D gel spots were
identified using RPLC/MS, and RP-HPLC analyzed 3 kDa and 10 kDa permeates. Peakview software characterized
the LC/MS results, and FTIR analysis measured structural changes in bioactive peptides.

Results:

The antioxidative and antidiabetic properties in cheese whey fermented with M4 showed a progressive
growth over extended incubation periods, higher effects were observed after fermentation for 48 hours.
Inhibitory activities in α-glucosidase, α-amylase & lipase were found to be 65.39%, 66.09%, and 56.74% respectively.
ABTS assay was performed to measure antioxidant activity (63.39%) and the highest proteolytic
activity (7.62 mg/ml) was measured at 2.5% inoculation rate for 48 hours. In SDS-PAGE, protein bands between
10 & 30 kDa were observed, whereas peptide spots within the range of 10 to 70 kDa were also visualized
on the 2D PAGE. RP-HPLC was used to distinguish different fractions of a peptide. Peptide sequences
from 2D gel spots were identified using RP-HPLC & RPLC/MS. Peakview software was utilized to characterize
the LC/MS results. Sequences of peptides generated from α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin were
searched in the BIOPEP database to validate the antidiabetic and antioxidative activities of fermented cheese
whey peptides. 0.50 mg/mL of fermented cheese whey significantly LPS suppressed the production of proinflammatory
cytokines as well as the mediators that govern them including IL-6, IL-1β, NO, and TNF-α in
RAW 264.7 cells. FTIR was used to analysis of protein secondary structure and conformational changes.

Conclusion:

This study aims to the production of antidiabetic and antioxidative peptides from dairy waste,
and cheese whey.
Coptis chinensis Franch Relies on Berberine to Alleviate Stomach Heat Syndrome
through the JAK2-STAT3-NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Amino Acid Metabolism Regulation
Authors: Wang Benye , Shu Yuhang , Wang JingJing , Nisar Muhammad Farrukh , Wang Chunli , Wang Guangzhong , Xu Kang
Published: February 2025

Background:

Stomach Heat Syndrome (SHS) arises from the excessive consumption of spicy and
greasy foods, resulting in the infiltration of pathogens and increased gastric activity, ultimately culminating in
gastric injury. Coptis chinensis Franch (CC), a frequently employed remedy in Traditional Chinese Medicine
(TCM) for dampness elimination, fire purging, and detoxification, has been extensively utilized.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the functional role and in-depth molecular mechanism of CC in treating
SHS.

Methods:

The CC Alcohol Extract (CCAE) was obtained and analyzed using HPLC. A rat model of SHS
hemorrhagic lesions was established using a combination of 8% chili powder and 60% ethanol. After oral administration
of CCAE, gastric histology, Myeloperoxidase (MPO), Malondialdehyde (MDA), and Superoxide
Dismutase (SOD) levels were evaluated. Further, the gene expressions of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-1β
(IL-1β), and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) were assessed, respectively, using H&E staining, colorimetry,
qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry analyses. The network pharmacology in multiple databases, transcriptome
sequencing, and non-targeted metabolomic analyses were used to identify signal pathways and molecular
targets. Subsequent cellular and molecular experiments were also conducted to validate the mechanisms.

Results:

The findings demonstrated that the CCAE administration effectively mitigated SHS symptoms in rats
and reduced inflammatory cytokines levels and oxidative stress. Berberine (Bbr) was identified as the primary
active component responsible for the anti-SHS effects of CC. Additionally, the multi-omics analysis revealed
that Bbr primarily regulates amino acid metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid metabolism, the TNF signaling
pathway, and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Furthermore, Bbr was found to inhibit the phosphorylation
of JAK2, STAT3, and p65.

Conclusion:

CC alleviated SHS-related gastric disease by suppressing inflammatory responses and enhancing
gastric mucosal function through the JAK2-STAT3-NF-κB signaling pathway and amino acid metabolism,
with Bbr serving as the key component.
The Antimicrobial Peptide Pipeline: A Bacteria-Centric AMP Predictor
Authors: Veldsman Werner Pieter , Zhang Qi , Zhao Qian , Zhang Lu , Yuanjie Zou
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), unlike antibiotics, are encoded in genomes.
AMPs are exported from the cell after expression and translation. In the case of bacteria, the
exported peptides target other microbes to give the producing bacterium a competitive edge. While
AMPs are sought after for their similar antimicrobial activity to traditional antibiotics, it is difficult
to predict which combinations of amino acids will confer antimicrobial activity. Many computer algorithms
have been designed to predict whether a sequence of amino acids will exhibit antimicrobial
activity, but the vast majority of validated AMPs in databases are still of eukaryotic origin. This
defies common sense since the vast majority of life on Earth is prokaryotic.

Methods:

The antimicrobial peptide pipeline, presented here, is a bacteria-centric AMP predictor
that predicts AMPs by taking design inspiration from the sequence properties of bacterial genomes
with the intention to improve the detection of naturally occurring bacterial AMPs. The pipeline integrates
multiple concepts of comparative biology to search for candidate AMPs at the primary,
secondary, and tertiary peptide structure levels.

Results:

Results showed that the antimicrobial peptide pipeline identifies known AMPs that are
missed by state-of-the-art AMP predictors and that the pipeline yields more AMP candidates from
real bacterial genomes than from fake genomes, with the rate of AMP detection being significantly
higher in the genomes of six nosocomial pathogens than in the fake genomes.

Conclusion:

This bacteria-centric AMP pipeline enhances the detection of bacterial AMPs by incorporating
sequence properties unique to bacterial genomes. It complements existing tools, addressing
gaps in AMP detection and providing a promising avenue for discovering novel antimicrobial
peptides.
Nanophase: An Effective Dispersion System for the Decoction of Kushen Huaihua for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Liu Jingrui , Tang Haixia , Yang Liansheng , Wang Haibo , Li Xiuyan , Yang Zhixin
Published: February 2025

Objective:

In traditional Chinese medicine, the decoction turns into a complex multiphase
system following exposure to high temperatures and a complex chemical environment. However, the
effective dispersion system of the decoction of Kushen Huaihua (DKH) for the treatment of ulcerative
colitis (UC) has yet to be elucidated.

Methods:

DKH was separated into precipitated phase (DKH-P), nanophase (DKH-N), and solution
phase (DKH-S) according to the particle size by ultracentrifugation dialysis, and the physicochemical
properties of each phase group, such as particle size, morphology, chemical composition, and content,
were analysed by TEM and HPLC. The anti-UC effects of the different phases were evaluated
by ELISA and HE staining. Furthermore, the composition of the effective dispersion system and
release characteristics were investigated by UV and HPLC.

Results:

The fingerprint analysis of DKH recognized 11 key components, namely Ru, Qu, Ka, Fo,
Iso, Kur, SFG, OMT, OSC, MT, and SC. The content of these components in DKH-N was found to
be 69.51%, 88.30%, 84.60%, 82.92%, 73.35%, 77.03%, 74.02%, 89.95%, 85.99%, 79.53%, and
85.24% of the corresponding levels in DKH, respectively. Pharmacodynamic results demonstrated
that DKH-N exerted the same anti-UC effect as DKH, decreased DAI and CMDI scores, increased
IL-4 and IL-10 activities, and reduced expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and MPO, which were significantly
different from those of the model group (**P<0.01). Additionally, DKH-N was found to comprise
30.30% polysaccharides and 24.93% protein components. Furthermore, 11 components in DKH-N
demonstrated more than 80% release in enzyme-containing simulated colonic fluid in 24 h.

Conclusion:

DKH-N may be an effective dispersion system for DKH treatment of UC.
Use of Virtual Reality to Improve Spatial Orientation in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gulin Wojciech , Oziemblewska Monika , Zając-Lamparska Ludmiła
Published: February 2025

Background:

Alzheimer's disease is a chronic, neurodegenerative condition that leads
to a significant cognitive decline. One of the symptoms that greatly reduces the quality of daily
functioning is the deterioration of spatial orientation abilities. A non-pharmacological treatment
option for Alzheimer's disease, which is also employed to improve the cognitive functioning of individuals
with mild cognitive impairment, is virtual reality training.

Objective:

To the best of the authors' knowledge, there is no existing systematic review on the use
of virtual reality training to enhance spatial orientation in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or
mild cognitive impairment. The review was therefore conducted to fill this gap. The findings of
this review may support the efficacy of virtual reality in enhancing spatial orientation.

Methods:

Five databases were searched. The primary inclusion criteria were study participants
aged over 60 years with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment and the
use of virtual reality for improving spatial orientation. Six studies meeting these criteria were ultimately
included in the review.

Results:

All included studies demonstrated an improvement in the spatial orientation of individuals
with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment following virtual reality training. This
indicates the effectiveness of virtual reality technology in cognitive rehabilitation.

Conclusion:

As virtual reality cognitive training has proven effective, its use should be more widely
adopted. Further research on the application of virtual reality for enhancing spatial orientation
in individuals with dementia is recommended.
Umbilical Cord Matrix (Wharton Jelly) Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Next-Generation Myocardial Repair and Regeneration: Mechanisms and Pre-Clinical Evidence
Authors: Kwiecień Ewa , Kot Marta , Czyż Łukasz , Drabik Leszek , Mazurek Adam , Sikorska Martyna , Skubera Maciej , Tekieli Łukasz , Majka Marcin , Musiałek Piotr
Published: February 2025

Chronic ischemic heart failure (CIHF), caused by myocardial injury and cell loss, is a
growing public health concern. Despite substantial investments in pharmaco- and device therapies
for acute myocardial infarction and CIHF over the past decades, long-term prognosis has
shown little improvement. There is a clear need to develop novel therapeutic strategies capable
of attenuating progression from acute to chronic myocardial damage, reducing adverse myocardial
remodeling, and enhancing myocardial contractility. Cell-based approaches are an important
direction in basic and clinical research. Nevertheless, candidate cell types tested to-date in experimental
and human studies show several fundamental limitations, including insufficient quantities
and potency, poor myocardial uptake, immunogenicity and/or risk of tumorigenicity.

Human umbilical cord matrix is a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal
stem cells, WJMSCs). WJMSCs are naturally low-immunogenic, demonstrate high
plasticity and proliferation capacity, and exhibit an absence of tumorigenic potential. Moreover,
by producing specific anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, they reduce the inflammatory
response (hence their use in graft-versus-host disease) and have pro-angiogenic, antiapoptotic,
and anti-fibrotic properties, making them a natural player in myocardial repair and regeneration.
Furthermore, WJMSCs can be expanded ex vivo with high genomic stability and full
clonogenic potential and can be standardized as an “off-the-shelf” next-generation advanced
therapy medicinal product (ATMP).

This review aggregates essential, contemporary information on the properties and fundamental
mechanisms of WJMSCs, addressing the process of infarct healing and chronic myocardial injury.
It discusses outcomes from pre-clinical studies, such as improvements in myocardial function
and reductions in fibrosis in animal models, paving the way for human ATMP trials.
A Non-invasive Cell-free DNA Diagnosis Method for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Li Xue-Yi , Zhang Wei , Liu Zhi-Ping
Published: February 2025

Background:

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a major disease that seriously threatens
human health. Early screening can significantly improve the five-year survival rate of HCC patients.
Cell-free DNA (cfDNA), as a potential carrier of cancer signals in body fluids, can be used
for early cancer detection. However, current early HCC detection methods based on cfDNA sequencing
require deep sequencing data, limiting their application and usage in routine disease
screening.

Objective:

We proposed a foundational DNA language model, called CLHCC, for analyzing DNA
sequences and methylation patterns to detect HCC at low sequencing depths.

Methods:

CLHCC randomly selected 1500 DNA fragments from HCC-specific differentially methylated
regions identified by cd-score. The model then performed a one-hot encoding strategy on
these DNA fragments and input the data into a CNN combined with an LSTM neural network for
classification.

Results:

We tested CLHCC on 2139 target-BS data samples, achieving an accuracy of 84.59% (precision:
83.44%, recall: 81%) under 10-fold cross-validations. This performance is better than DNA
language models built using CNN or LSTM alone.

Conclusion:

Our study applies deep learning to analyze DNA sequences in specific methylation regions
without the need for complex alignment processes. This provides new theoretical and practical
guidance for clinical applications and holds promise for non-invasive early HCC screening via
cfDNA.

other:

We proposed a non-invasive method for early screening for HCC and achieved a precise diagnosis of HCC at ultra-low DNA sequencing depths. In the meantime, we innovatively apply DNA sequences from specific methylation regions for analysis, saving alignment time. Expanding datasets, improving model refinement, and broadening model applications are essential for future development.
The Role of Serotonin Modulators in Nicotine Reward and Reinforcement: A Conditioned Place Preference Investigation
Authors: Tiwari Rajkumar , Sharma Bhawna , Pandey Rohit , Kumar Gaurav , Bhardwaj Khushboo
Published: February 2025

Background:

Nicotine addiction remains a significant public health challenge, driving the need for effective treatment strategies. While various pharmacological ap-proaches have been explored, targeting neurotransmitter and neuromodulator systems of-fers a promising avenue. These systems, particularly those involving dopamine, play a pivotal part in interceding the rewarding effects of nicotine and the development of de-pendence. Serotonin, a pivotal neuromodulator, exerts a profound influence on dopamine pathways. By interacting with these pathways, serotonin can significantly impact the sub-stantiating effects of nicotine. Understanding the intricate interplay between serotonin and dopamine systems is pivotal for developing new remedial interventions that effectively address the intricacies of nicotine dependence.

Objective:

The purpose of this research study was to examine the potential roles played by serotonin and its receptors in nicotine addiction by examining the involvement of seroto-nin modulators in the development of conditioned location preference in mice after expo-sure to nicotine.

Methods:

Mice were subjected to conditioned place preference (CPP) training with nico-tine. After induction of CPP, the extinction session was given for the disappearance of CPP. There were a total of five groups, each having six animals that participated in the ex-periments, including group 1 (controls; normal saline), group 2 (nicotine A; 0.25 mg/kg), group 3 (nicotine B; 0.5 mg/kg), group 4 (nicotine C; 0.75 mg/kg), and group 5 (standard drug; fluoxetine). All drugs were given through the subcutaneous route. The treatment of serotonin modulators, i.e., fluoxetine (100mg/kg), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), was given before the priming dose of nicotine, and the effect of the serotonin modulator was observed.

Results:

On day 17th, the CPP values were 390.16s, 235.66s, and 219.16s, respectively, for nicotine A, nicotine B, and nicotine C in the black compartment groups; however, in the white compartment groups, the CPP values were 347.16s, 588s, and 549.66s, respectively, for nicotine A, nicotine B, and nicotine C.

Conclusion:

Using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, we administered both drugs in a context in which their rewarding properties could be measured. Fluoxetine produced a significant but less robust CPP than nicotine. A single injection of fluoxetine was found to reduce nicotine-induced CPP. Moreover, the rewarding properties of nicotine were completely abolished in response to repeated fluoxetine injections. Long-term fluox-etine users may benefit more from the drug than those who have only used it occasionally or in small doses, according to the study.
Tumor Suppressor and Oncogenic miRNA Expressions in Patients with Type I Gaucher Disease and Carriers
Authors: Üzen Ramazan , Bayram Fahri , Dursun Huseyin , Kardas Fatih , Cakir Mustafa , Hasan Sohel Md Mahmodul , Cucer Nurhan , Eken Ahmet , Donmez-Altuntas Hamiyet
Published: February 2025

Background:

Gaucher disease (GD) occurs due to a mutation in the glucosylcerami-dase (GBA) gene and is a common lysosomal storage disease. It is well known that there is a strong association between the abnormal expression of miRNAs and various diseases including cancer. These abnormally expressed miRNAs can be used as biomarkers. Interestingly, several studies have reported a linkage between GD with an increased risk of cancer. Therefore, in the current study, we investigated the expression levels of selected miRNAs that are associated with cancers that might have potential use as biomarkers in GD.

Methods:

Blood samples were collected from 24 healthy volunteers, 6 carriers, and 20 treated patients with type 1 GD. A reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) platform was used to analyze the miRNA expression levels.

Results:

While carriers had lower relative expressions of miRNA-15a with tumor suppressor ef-fect, and miRNA-150 and miRNA-181b with oncogene effect, treated patients with type 1 GD had lower relative expressions of miRNA-15a and miRNA-125b with tumor suppressor effect and higher relative expression miRNA-21 with oncogene effect (p<0.001, p<0.05, p<0.01, p<0.05, p<0.001, and p<0.05, respectively).

Conclusion:

The results suggested that the downregulation of miRNA-15a and miRNA-125b expressions with tumor suppressor effect and the upregulation of miRNA-21 expression with on-cogene effect can be indicated to an increased risk for cancers such as multiple myeloma (MM), B-cell lymphoma, leukemia, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in GD.
Demystifying the Risk of Long COVID-19: Clinical, Psychological, and Lung Imaging Abnormalities
Authors: Rosyid Alfian Nur , Puspitasari Arina Dery , Fithriyah Izzatul , Sensusiati Anggraini Dwi , Nugraha Jusak , Amin Muhammad
Published: February 2025

Objective:

The objective of this study was to analyse clinical symptoms, quality of life,
chest X-rays, and factors associated with post-COVID-19 symptoms.

Methods:

This prospective cohort study involved hospitalised COVID-19 patients who were followed
up until 3 months after discharge. Clinical symptoms, examinations, imaging, etc., were evaluated
during admission and 3 months after. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the SF-36
questionnaire.

Results:

About 76 adult COVID-19 hospitalised patients were followed up during treatment for up to
3 months. Mortality rate was 30.26%. About 69.81% of patients experienced residual symptoms
consisting of 54.71% acute-post-COVID-19, 9.4% ongoing-post-COVID-19, and 5.6% long-
COVID-19. The most common residual symptoms were fatigue, dyspnea, myalgia, cough, weakness,
anxiety, and headache. Brixia score was higher in deceased and residual symptom groups compared
to the no residual symptom group. QOL of post-COVID-19 patients decreased in all domains and
was lower in long-COVID-19. Social functioning and pain were domains that differed significantly
in all residual symptom groups. Bivariate analysis found that age >50 years (OR=3.472), history of
mechanical ventilator use (OR=0.644), and RR ≥ 28 times/minute (OR=3.529) were factors associated
with the occurrence of post-COVID-19 syndrome. All degrees of severity during COVID-19 contributed
to the occurrence of post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Conclusion:

Almost 70% of hospitalised post-COVID-19 patients with various severities will experience
residual symptoms with decreased quality of life. Several influencing factors are age >50,
history of ventilator use, RR ≥28x/minute, and extent of lung abnormalities.
Local Mean Gradient Pattern (LMGP): A Novel Approach for the
Classification of Brain CT Scan Images
Authors: Singh Kavya , Koundal Anil Kumar , Kaur Navjeet
Published: February 2025

Objective:

Visual descriptor methods like Local Binary Pattern (LBP) capture anatomical
structures in captured images along with their disparities, which can be exploited by suitable methods
for the diagnosis of medical anomalies. In our study, we have proposed a Local Mean Gradient
Pattern (LMGP), based partly on LBP, a feature extraction algorithm for the classification of Computed
Tomography (CT) images of the brain into normal, ischemic, or hemorrhage categories.

Methods:

The AISD and Kaggle datasets containing patients’ brain CT scan images (acute ischemic
stroke, hemorrhage, and normal cases) were taken. Initially, adaptive histogram equalization (AHE)
techniques were applied as preprocessing operations to enhance the quality of the CT
images. Furthermore, features were extracted from the preprocessed data using several feature
extraction techniques, including our proposed LMGP feature descriptor. The features were then
scaled using the standard scaling technique. Subsequently, preprocessed images were fed into
different classifiers to build models for classifying brain CT scan images.

Results:

The effectiveness of our methodology LMGP was determined using different metrics, such
as recall, precision, F1 score, logarithmic loss, accuracy (ACC), and area under the curve (ROC).
Conclusively, LMGP performed best when the RBF-SVM classifier was used for the classification
and gave an accuracy of 94% and 96% in the case of five-fold and ten-fold cross-validation, respectively.

Conclusion:

LMGP offers a distinctive and robust method of feature extraction from CT scan
images by combining local information along with gradient change in pixels of the image. The efficacy
of our proposed methodology (LMGP) was evaluated by using distinct classifiers, and the results
were compared with eight different feature extraction methods. Overall, LMGP effectively
outperformed all other feature descriptor methods in this study.
Smart Cities with 5G and Edge Computing in 2030
Authors: Singh Pushpendra Pal , Dixit Rakesh Kumar
Published: February 2025

The emergence of smart cities represents a paradigm shift in urban
development, harnessing technological advancements to address pressing challenges
and improve quality of life for citizens. As we look towards the year 2030, the
convergence of 5G and edge computing technologies promises to revolutionize the
landscape of urban environments, unlocking unprecedented levels of connectivity,
efficiency, and sustainability. This paper explores the transformative potential of
integrating 5G and edge computing in shaping the smart cities of the future. Firstly, it
delves into the foundational principles of smart cities, emphasizing the need for
interconnectedness, data-driven decision-making, and citizen-centric design. Building
upon this framework, it examines the distinct capabilities offered by 5G networks, such
as ultra-low latency, high bandwidth, and massive device connectivity, and elucidates
how these attributes facilitate the proliferation of IoT devices, autonomous systems,
and immersive experiences within urban contexts. Moreover, the paper discusses key
challenges and considerations associated with the deployment of 5G and edge
computing infrastructures in urban environments, such as cybersecurity risks,
regulatory frameworks, and equitable access. It advocates for collaborative efforts
among stakeholders, including governments, industries, and communities, to address
these challenges and ensure the responsible and equitable implementation of smart city
technologies.
5G-Enabled Smart Healthcare System with the Integration of Blockchain Technology
Authors: Rajendran Sindhu , Ram P. Kalyan , Kotagi Akash
Published: February 2025

Among the most crucial jobs in the digitization era is to track the data in
real-time for a wide network of healthcare systems. Blockchain technology introduces
us to the new age of sharing information in an authorized way using different
consensus algorithms to connect the data blocks in chains, along with the help of Hashkeys making it safer. In blockchain technology, any entrance of malicious data
replacing the original data cannot be encouraged because the distributed ledgers have
the same data in an encrypted manner, and changing the same data in such a huge
network is merely impossible, this enhances the security of the user’s information.
Smart healthcare systems on a higher basis use Health Information Exchange(HIE), to
decentralize the previous health records of the patient between organizations and
frequently update them. Smart healthcare systems make it viable for decentralization of
patient data, the number of drugs consumed, and statistics of different diseases as 5G
plays a major role here because of its distributed implementation, its connectivity with
IoTs and IIoTs that help in the easy update of information with the patient's access
given. With the advent of 5G-NR, using the modulation techniques of QAM, variable
Bandwidth, and the NOMA, it has enhanced higher data rates and high networking
capacities. Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) of 5G technology helps in storing and
computing data in a decentralized manner with the help of distributed Mobile Cloud
Centres(MCC). Over time, many private blockchain technologies have been suggested,
which involve only a few organizations and transact data only between them unlike the
public blockchain technology thereby increasing the reliability and security. In this
chapter, we emphasize smart health sectors, the necessity of blockchain, the different
blockchain designs for healthcare applications, and the different proposed algorithms
based on 5G, and the chapter concludes with recent advances in 5G networks, the
challenges, and potential solutions.
Application of nudges to clinical decision support tools: A systematic approach guided by implementation science (Preprint)
Authors: Trinkley Katy , Maestas Duran Danielle , Zhang Shelley , Bean Meagan , Allen Larry , Glasgow Russell , Huebschman Amy , Lin Chen-Tan , Mansoori Jason , Maw Anna , Mitchell James , Scherer Laura , Matlock Daniel
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Clinical decision support (CDS) is one strategy to increase evidence-based practices by clinicians. Despite its potential, CDS tools have had mixed results and are often disliked by clinicians. Principles from behavioral economics, including “nudges,” may improve the effectiveness and clinician satisfaction of CDS tools.

OBJECTIVE

This paper outlines a pragmatic approach grounded in implementation science to identify and prioritize how to incorporate different types of nudges into CDS tools.

METHODS

We applied the Messenger, Incentives, Norms, Defaults, Salience, Priming, Affect, Commitments and Ego (MINDSPACE) nudge framework and the Practical, Robust Implementation and Sustainability Model (PRISM) implementation science framework to systematically and pragmatically identify and prioritize different types of nudges for CDS tools. A case example of a CDS tool to improve guideline-concordant prescribing for patients with heart failure was used to illustrate how these frameworks can be applied in real-life scenarios. We describe a process of how these frameworks can be used pragmatically by clinicians and informaticists or more technical CDS builders to apply nudge theory to CDS tools.

RESULTS

Four iterative steps guided by PRISM were defined: 1) engage partners for user-centered design, 2) develop a shared understanding of the nudge types, 3) determine the nudge type for the overarching CDS format, and 4) brainstorm and prioritize nudge types and forms to address each modifiable contextual issue. These steps are iterative and intended to be adapted to align with the local resources and needs of various clinical scenarios and settings. We provide illustrative examples of how this approach was applied to the case example, including who we engaged, details of nudge design decisions, and lessons learned.

CONCLUSIONS

We present a pragmatic approach to guide the selection and prioritization of nudges, informed by implementation science. This approach can be used to comprehensively and systematically consider key issues in designing CDS to optimize clinician satisfaction, effectiveness, equity, and sustainability while minimizing the potential for unintended consequences. The findings can be adapted and generalized to other health settings and clinical situations, advancing the goals of learning health systems to expedite the translation of evidence into practice.
Molecular Fingerprinting of Heavy Metal-resistant Bacteria through FTIR Analysis Under Heavy Metal Stress
Authors: Garg Ritika , Dang Shweta , Gauba Pammi
Published: February 2025

Heavy metal contamination of soil and water poses serious risks to human health and ecosystems. This study focuses on two bacterial strains, Achromobacter insolitus PGRG5 and Enterobacter sp. PGRG2, known for their tolerance and bioaccumulation of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni). Their potential for bioremediation was examined using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The bacteria were cultured in nutrient broth containing heavy metals (1000 ppm Pb(NO3)2, 750 ppm CdCl2‚ ·H2O, 200 ppm Ni (NO3 )2 ) to assess changes in biomolecular structures due to metal exposure. FTIR analysis revealed distinct and specific binding interactions between heavy metal ions and bacterial functional groups. These interactions include hydrogen bonding with hydroxyl (O-H) and amine (N-H) groups, ionic interactions with negatively charged phosphate and carboxyl groups, and coordination bonds with carbonyl (C=O) and amino groups in proteins. The evidence for these mechanisms was observed through shifts in key FTIR peaks, such as the O-H and N-H stretching regions (e.g., 3280.1 cm-1), phosphate stretching vibrations (e.g., 1233.7 cm-1), and amide I and II peaks (e.g., 1636.3 cm-1 and 1528.2 cm-1). These interactions provide insights into the mechanisms of metal bioaccumulation and stress adaptation. The findings highlight Enterobacter sp. PGRG2 and Achromobacter insolitus PGRG5 as promising candidates for bioremediation, offering potential solutions for mitigating heavy metal pollution in contaminated environments.
Microbial Quality and Prevalence of Water Adulteration of Pasteurized Milk Marketed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Hiwot , Tamene Aynadis , Dessie Gulelat
Published: February 2025

Milk is an important part of human nutrition, especially for children, and is rich in proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and biofunctional elements. Despite its benefits, milk is prone to microbial contamination due to its composition and handling. Therefore, this study focused on assessing the microbial levels and the frequency of water adulteration in pasteurized milk samples from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which represents a critical market for dairy products. A total of 66 pasteurized milk samples from various brands across all sub-cities of Addis Ababa were analyzed. Microbial quality was evaluated using Total Bacterial Count (TBC), Total Coliform Count (TCC), Escherichia coli, and Salmonella detection. Density analysis was conducted to detect water adulteration. Additionally, handling practices at retail were assessed through a questionnaire survey. A considerable portion of pasteurized milk samples exhibited deviations in density from Ethiopian (31.6%) and East African standards (18.3%), suggesting potential water adulteration. Microbial analysis revealed that while all samples met TBC (100%) and E. coli (100%) standards, a notable proportion exceeded the TCC (88%) limit, thereby indicating inadequate processing or post-pasteurization contamination. Salmonella (98%) was absent in most samples tested. Overall, this study underscores critical issues with pasteurized milk quality in Addis Ababa, including frequent water adulteration and elevated microbial contamination, which pose risks to both nutritional value and consumer health. Therefore, strengthening quality control measures and enhancing hygiene practices throughout the dairy distribution chain are imperative to guarantee milk safety and compliance with international standards.