bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells cultured in serum-free medium attenuate acute contrast-induced nephropathy by exerting anti-apoptotic effects
Authors: Kadono Mitsuki , Nakashima Ayumu , Ishiuchi Naoki , Sasaki Kensuke , Miura Yoshie , Maeda Satoshi , Fujita Asuka , Sasaki Ayano , Nagamatsu Shogo , Masaki Takao
Published: November 2023

Background

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a major clinical problem associated with acute kidney injury during hospitalization. However, effective treatments for CIN are currently lacking. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have protective effects against kidney injury by suppressing inflammation and fibrosis. We previously showed that MSCs cultured in serum-free medium (SF-MSCs) enhance their anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. However, whether SF-MSCs potentiate their anti-apoptotic effects is unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of SF-MSCs on a CIN mouse model.

Methods

To create CIN model mice, we removed right kidney at first. One week later, the left renal artery was clamped for 30 min to cause ischemia–reperfusion injury, and mice were injected with iohexol. Then the kidney received 10 Gy of irradiation, and MSCs or SF-MSCs were injected immediately. At 24 h post-injection, mice were sacrificed, and their blood and kidneys were collected to evaluate renal function, DNA damage, and apoptosis. In addition, apoptosis was induced in HEK-293 cells by irradiation and cells were treated with conditioned medium from MSCs or SF-MSCs.

Results

Treatment of CIN model mice with SF-MSCs markedly improved renal function compared with MSCs treatment. Cleaved caspase-3 levels and TUNEL-positive cell numbers were strongly suppressed in CIN model mice treated with SF-MSCs compared with the findings in those treated with MSCs. γH2AX levels, a chromosome damage marker, were reduced by MSCs and further reduced by SF-MSCs. In addition, cleaved caspase-3 in irradiated HEK-293 cells was more strongly suppressed by conditioned medium from SF-MSCs than by that from MSCs. Secretion of epidermal growth factor (EGF) was enhanced by culturing MSCs in serum-free medium. Knockdown of EGF by siRNA attenuated the inhibitory effects of SF-MSCs on CIN-induced renal dysfunction and tubular apoptosis.

Conclusions

These findings strongly suggest that SF-MSCs improve CIN in model mice by exerting anti-apoptotic effects in a paracrine manner. Thus, SF-MSCs represent a potential novel therapy for CIN.

Graphical Abstract
Changes in physicochemical properties and microbial community succession during leaf stacking fermentation
Authors: Zhang Guanghai , Zhao Lu , Li Wei , Yao Heng , Lu Canhua , Zhao Gaokun , Wu Yuping , Li Yongping , Kong Guanghui
Published: November 2023

Leaf stacking fermentation involves enzymatic actions of many microorganisms and is an efficient and environmentally benign process for degrading macromolecular organic compounds. We investigated the dynamics of metabolite profiles, bacterial and fungal communities and their interactions during fermentation using cigar leaves from three geographic regions. The results showed that the contents of total sugar, reducing sugar, starch, cellulose, lignin, pectin, polyphenol and protein in cigar tobacco leaves was significantly decreased during fermentation. Notably, the furfural, neophytadiene, pyridine, benzyl alcohol, geranylacetone, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, N-hexanal, 3-Methyl-1-butanol and 2,3-pentanedione were important features volatile aroma compounds during fermentation. The α-diversity of fungi and bacteria initially increased and then decreased during fermentation. An analysis of variance showed that microbial diversity was influenced by fermentation stages and growing locations, in which the all stages had greater impacts on α- and β-diversity than all regions. Microbiome profiling had identified several core bacteria including Sphingomonas, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, Massilia and Fibrobacter. Fungal biomarkers included Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Cladosporium and Trichomonascus. Interestingly, the molecular ecological networks showed that the core taxa had significant correlations with metabolic enzymes and physicochemical properties; bacteria and fungi jointly participated in the carbohydrate and nitrogen compound degrading and volatile aroma compound chemosynthesis processes during fermentation. These studies provide insights into the coupling of material conversion and microbial community succession during leaf fermentation.

Graphical abstract
Active eavesdropping detection: a novel physical layer security in wireless IoT
Authors: Li Mingfang , Dou Zheng
Published: November 2023

Considering the variety of Internet of Things (IoT) device types and access methods, it remains necessary to address the security challenges we currently encounter. Physical layer security (PLS) can offer streamlined security solutions for the next generation of IoT networks. Presently, we are witnessing the application of intelligent technologies including machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) for precise prevention or detection of security breaches. Active eavesdropping detection is a physical layer security-based method that can differentiate wireless signals between wireless devices through feature classification. However, the operation of numerous IoT devices operate in environments characterized by low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), and active eavesdropping attack detection during communication is rarely studied. We assume that the wireless system comprising an access point (AP), K authorized users and a proactive eavesdropper (E), following the framework of transforming wireless signals at AP into organized datasets that this article proposes a BP neural network model based on deep learning as a classifier to distinguish eavesdropping and non-eavesdropping attack signals. By conducting experiments under SNRs, the numerical results show that the proposed model has stronger robustness and detection accuracy can significantly improve the up to 19.58% compared with the reference approach, which show the superiority of our proposed method.
Maternal, newborn, and children under-five health surveillance system: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Adisasmita Asri C. , Anggondowati Trisari , Choirunisa Septyana , Prasetyo Sabarinah , Nadjib Mardiati , Sudaryo Mondastri Korib
Published: November 2023

Background

Public health surveillance is crucial in monitoring the progress of maternal, newborn, and children under-five health outcomes (MNCH). Consequently, mapping the existing surveillance system from countries with different income and development levels is needed to learn and compare the effectiveness of surveillance. However, the current COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the health system, including the healthcare services for pregnant women, neonates, infants, and children under five, as well as the recording, reporting, and surveillance system. The need to adapt to the new normal during the pandemic has stimulated innovation while incorporating new COVID-19-related indicators into the existing public health system. Therefore, this review aims to describe the existing implementation and the COVID-19 pandemic’s influence on the MNCH surveillance system.

Methods

We will search published literature (from MEDLINE, Embase, and Portal Garuda), manually search from all reference lists of included studies, and conduct a targeted search of relevant gray literature. This review will include studies of surveillance systems or describe COVID-19 surveillance or routine reports involving MNCH (morbidity and mortality). The studies included will be in English or Indonesian language, observational study designs, and published or documented from 2010 to 2023. Two investigators will independently screen the title and abstract, including each full article to determine the eligibility of studies. The data will be assessed using a narrative approach. Data will be reported in simple descriptive tables.

Discussion

Our findings are expected to map the existing implementation of MNCH surveillance systems before and during the pandemic, including the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on MNCH surveillance across countries with different income levels. This may contribute to existing knowledge on the MNCH health surveillance system that could be integrated into the surveillance of emerging diseases, such as COVID-19.

Systematic review registration

The protocol has been registered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/bc6t4).
Green ultrasound-assisted extraction of fish oil from rainbow trout intestines and purification with adsorbents
Authors: Mai Thu Thi Hoai , Choi Youngjoo , Park Hanbyul , Cheon Jae Lyoung , Choi Jae-Seok , Park Donghwan , Kim Hekap
Published: November 2023

This study explored the application of green ultrasound-assisted technology for the extraction of oil from the intestines of rainbow trout. Purification methodologies were incorporated using adsorbents in order to enhance the quality of the extracted oil, which was evaluated based on its color, peroxide value (POV), free fatty acids, organic pollutants, and fatty acid composition. The extraction condition for maximum oil recovery was 60 °C for 30 min, with the addition of 1 g of sodium chloride and a water-to-sample ratio of 0:2. The analysis indicated that silica gel exhibited the highest efficiency as an adsorbent for the elimination of peroxides from extracted oil, with optimal results achieved after adsorption for 60 min. Despite undergoing purification, the POV of fish oil still exceeded the quality standard established by the CODEX Alimentarius Commission. In order to optimize the extraction process, the incorporation of antioxidants, including gallic acid, tannic acid, and Aronia (black chokeberry) powder, was implemented before the oil refining process. The integration of antioxidants and purification further lowered the POV and mitigated the production of organic pollutants, concurrently enhancing oil quality compared to without antioxidants. Notably, the incorporation of antioxidants during the initial stages of the extraction process resulted in a significant increase in the average concentrations of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the final products. Overall, this study revealed that Aronia has the potential to serve as a natural, less-costly antioxidant alternative to pure antioxidants, such as tannic acid and gallic acid. Furthermore, the potential nutritional value of the final refined oil sample derived from rainbow trout intestines can be improved in terms of ω-3 fatty acid content by the developed method.
A biological cleaning agent for removing mold stains from paper artifacts
Authors: Meng Qingxia , Li Xianchao , Geng Junqiang , Liu Chenshu , Ben Songbin
Published: November 2023

Efficient removal of mold stains becomes an important research topic for paper conservation. In this study, a cleaning scheme based on the combination of bioenzymes and biosurfactants was explored. Morphological and molecular biology identifications were first jointly applied to identify the dominant strains sampled from five ancient books that are stored in the same environment. Cellulolytic experiments were then conducted to evaluate the cellulose degradation ability of the strains according to the cellulolytic digestive index. Finally, paper Mockups for the ancient books were constructed to investigate the most effective combination of bioenzymes and biosurfactants in removing mold stains as well as its effect on the paper’s physical properties. The result concluded that the combination of 3% papain, 7% of sophorolipid or 7% of betaine, and distilled water, achieved optimal stain removal effect with over 50% cleaning rate at 35 °C, after 30 min of infiltration. The maximum color difference of the paper material after cleaning was around 0.60, pH was between 7.45 and 7.79, and no significant changes in tensile strength were observed. At the same time, Sophorolipid and Betaine both have superior deacidification, anti-acidification, anti-aging, and reinforcement capabilities, which can provide extra support to the fibrous structure in addition to cleaning the paper materials. The microbial contamination cleaning agent proposed in this study shows promising application prospects in conserving mold-contaminated paper artifacts.
A 5‐year follow‐up of Achilles tendon reconstruction using a full‐thickness graft processed with the clearant method and retrograde fixation in the calcaneus: a case study of an amateur soccer player
Authors: Saavedra Luis Alberto Buendia
Published: November 2023

We present a case of a 41‐year‐old male amateur soccer player with no comorbidities, who experienced a rerupture of the Achilles tendon 5 years after his initial end‐to‐end plasty. To address this, we opted for a full‐thickness reconstruction using a graft under the Clearant Process of the Achilles tendon. As an innovative approach, we proposed an alternative fixation technique, employing a Bio Composite Arthrex 9 mm x 35 mm interference screw, placed at the apex of the calcaneus body. For a period of 5 years, the patient underwent regular imaging follow‐ups with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and clinical assessments using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Activity Subscale Score and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure Sports Subscale Score. This case highlights the importance of exploring novel fixation methods for Achilles tendon reconstruction, particularly in cases of rerupture. The use of the Bio Composite Arthrex screw, in conjunction with the Clearant Process graft, demonstrated promising results both in imaging and functional outcomes, but more case studies with positive results are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this reconstruction.
Levetiracetam for the treatment of mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease: a double-blind controlled proof-of-concept trial protocol
Authors: Dissanayaka Nadeeka , Pourzinal Dana , Byrne Gerard J. , Yang Jihyun , McMahon Katie L. , Pontone Gregory M. , O’Sullivan John D. , Adam Robert , Littleford Roberta , Chatfield Mark , Lehn Alexander , Mari Zoltan , Bakker Arnold
Published: November 2023

Background

Mild memory impairment, termed amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), is associated with rapid progression towards dementia in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Studies have shown hyperactivation of hippocampal DG/CA3 subfields during an episodic memory task as a biomarker of aMCI related to Alzheimer’s disease. This project investigates the feasibility of a trial to establish the efficacy of a repurposed antiepileptic drug, levetiracetam, in low doses as a putative treatment to target DG/CA3 hyperactivation and improve episodic memory deficits in aMCI in PD. Based on previous work, it is hypothesized that levetiracetam will normalize DG/CA3 overactivation in PD-aMCI participants and improve memory performance.

Methods

Twenty-eight PD-aMCI participants, 28 PD participants without memory impairment (PD-nMI), and 28 healthy controls will be recruited. PD-aMCI participants will undertake a 12-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind cross-over trial with a 14-day treatment of 125 mg levetiracetam or placebo twice daily, separated by a 4-week washout period. After each treatment period, participants will complete an episodic memory task designed to tax hippocampal subregion-specific function during high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). PD-nMI and healthy controls will undergo the fMRI protocol only, to compare baseline DG/CA3 subfield activity.

Results

Episodic memory task performance and functional activation in the DG/CA3 subfield during the fMRI task will be primary outcome measures. Global cognition, PD severity, and adverse events will be measured as secondary outcomes. Recruitment, eligibility, and study completion rates will be explored as feasibility outcomes.

Conclusions

This study, the first of its kind, will establish hippocampal subregion functional impairment and proof of concept of levetiracetam as an early therapeutic option to reduce dementia risk in PD.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04643327. Registered on 25 November 2020.
Enhancing L2 speaking proficiency through collaborative tasks in RILCA world: the case of East Asian learners
Authors: Wiboolyasarin Watcharapol , Jinowat Nattawut , Wiboolyasarin Kanokpan , Kamonsawad Ruedee , Tiranant Phornrat , Boonyakitanont Poomipat
Published: November 2023

The use of three-dimensional virtual worlds (3DVWs) in language education has been widely acknowledged in the field, and researchers have expressed a growing interest in their proliferation in second language (L2) learning and instruction. In order to improve the Thai-speaking abilities of learners of Thai as a foreign language (TFL) in three Asian nations, this study implemented collaborative tasks in the Redesign of Instruction for foreign Language and Communication Achievement (RILCA) World hosted by Second Life over a 10-weeks period. The participants were forty second-year undergraduate students enrolled in Thai courses in China, Japan, and Hong Kong. A pre-experimental design was employed, which involved administering a pretest measure, followed by ten identical collaborative tasks, and a posttest to each of the three classes in RILCA World. The results of the investigation demonstrate that the use of collaborative tasks in RILCA World can provide L2 learners with educational opportunities that are unrestricted by time and geography and enhance TFL speaking results. The implications of these findings for the applicability of 3DVWs and collaborative tasks in boosting foreign language speaking skills are highlighted. The collaborative tasks and insights presented in this study not only serve as a practical resource for TFL educational scenarios, but also contribute to the body of knowledge regarding a range of L2 learning and teaching in 3DVWs.
TNF-α and IFN-γ prestimulation enhances the therapeutic efficacy of human amniotic epithelial stem cells in chemotherapy-induced ovarian dysfunction
Authors: Huang Yating , Zhang Qiuwan , Cao Wenjiao , Zhang Qinyu , Wang Lulu , Lai Dongmei
Published: November 2023

Background

Exposure to a harsh ovarian microenvironment induced by chemotherapeutic agents seriously affects the remodeling of ovarian function and follicular development, leading to premature ovarian failure or insufficiency (POF/POI). For decades, the effectiveness of stem cell therapies in POI animal models has been intensively studied; however, strategies to enhance the therapeutic effect of stem cells remain challenging.

Methods

In this study, we first observed the pathological changes of the ovaries at different time points during chemotherapy, including the number of follicles, granulosa cell proliferation, oxidative stress damage, ovarian fibrosis, and inflammatory reaction. Moreover, we investigated whether activated hAECs stimulated by the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) were more effective than native hAECs in repairing ovarian injury induced by chemotherapy.

Results

The inhibitory effect of chemotherapy drugs on ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) in growing follicles mainly occurred on day 3 after chemotherapy in a mouse model. Then, continued ovarian injury, including oxidative damage and cell death cascades, resulted in the depletion of follicular reserves and inflammation-related ovarian fibrosis. Cytokine array demonstrated that activated hAECs secreted high levels of paracrine cytokines related to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, angiogenesis, and immunomodulation. An in vivo study showed that the engraftment rate of activated hAECs in damaged ovaries was higher than that of native hAECs. Furthermore, activated hAECs in damaged ovaries had significantly upregulated expression of the antioxidant proteins thioredoxin1/2. In addition, activated hAECs had increased numbers of mature follicles and ameliorated the ovarian microenvironment by promoting angiogenesis and reducing ovarian fibrosis.

Conclusions

These results indicated that secondary ovarian damage induced by chemotherapy, including oxidative stress damage, chronic inflammatory response, and ovarian tissue fibrosis should be attended. Prestimulation with the proinflammatory factors TNF-α and IFN-γ could enhance the therapeutic efficacy of hAECs against chemotherapy-induced ovarian dysfunction, which may become a new feasible strategy to improve the therapeutic potential of hAECs in regenerative medicine.

Graphical Abstract
Non-invasive neuromodulation: an emerging intervention for visceral pain in gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Alam Md Jahangir , Chen Jiande D. Z.
Published: November 2023

Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, which extend from the esophagus to the anus, are the most common diseases of the GI tract. Among these disorders, pain, encompassing both abdominal and visceral pain, is a predominant feature, affecting the patients’ quality of life and imposing a substantial financial burden on society. Pain signals originating from the gut intricately shape brain dynamics. In response, the brain sends appropriate descending signals to respond to pain through neuronal inhibition. However, due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease and its limited pathophysiological understanding, treatment options are minimal and often controversial. Consequently, many patients with GI disorders use complementary and alternative therapies such as neuromodulation to treat visceral pain. Neuromodulation intervenes in the central, peripheral, or autonomic nervous system by alternating or modulating nerve activity using electrical, electromagnetic, chemical, or optogenetic methodologies. Here, we review a few emerging noninvasive neuromodulation approaches with promising potential for alleviating pain associated with functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and non-cardiac chest pain. Moreover, we address critical aspects, including the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of these noninvasive neuromodulation methods, elucidate their mechanisms of action, and outline future research directions. In conclusion, the emerging field of noninvasive neuromodulation appears as a viable alternative therapeutic avenue for effectively managing visceral pain in GI disorders.
A critical review of energy consumption and optimization strategies in the Nigerian aviation sector: challenges and prospects
Authors: Orikpete Ochuko Felix , Gungura Nasiru Muhammad , Ehimare Ehinomen , Ewim Daniel Raphael Ejike
Published: November 2023

Background

The global aviation industry plays a crucial role in socioeconomic advancement. However, its notable energy consumption has garnered attention due to the subsequent environmental consequences. Nigeria, holding a dominant position in Africa's economic landscape, is undergoing rapid growth in its aviation sector. This progress brings to light several energy consumption challenges emblematic of the broader industry.

Main body of the abstract

For this review, we conducted a comprehensive assessment of energy consumption patterns within the Nigerian aviation sector. Drawing from a diverse range of contemporary literature and global best practices, we centered our exploration on energy consumption patterns within the Nigerian aviation sector, environmental stewardship, global best practices, regulatory frameworks, and flight operations, ground support functions, and maintenance activities. This approach enabled us to pinpoint prevalent inefficiencies and to highlight opportunities for improved energy utilization.

Short conclusion

Our findings emphasize the pressing necessity for Nigeria to instate rigorous energy efficiency policies, further supported by enhanced regulatory structures. Given Nigeria's specific energy-related challenges, such as an inconsistent power supply and a significant reliance on non-renewable energy sources, the aviation sector confronts amplified environmental and economic threats. Addressing these issues is imperative not just for the sector's longevity but also in alignment with Nigeria's expansive fiscal aspirations. The insights garnered from this review can guide stakeholders in maneuvering the intricacies of energy management in aviation, thus paving the way for ecologically responsible expansion in burgeoning economies.
Reconstruction of skin friction topology in complex separated flows
Authors: Liu Tianshu
Published: November 2023

This paper describes a theoretical method for reconstruction of the skin friction topology in complex separated flows, which is developed based on the exact relation between skin friction and surface pressure through the boundary enstrophy flux (BEF). The key of this method is that a skin friction field is reconstructed from a surface pressure field as an inverse problem by applying a variational method. For applications, the approximate method is proposed, where the composite surface pressure field is given by a linear superposition of the base-flow surface pressure field and the surface pressure variation field and the base-flow BEF field is used as the first-order approximation. This approximate method is constructive in a mathematical sense since a complex skin friction field in separated flows can be reconstructed from some elemental skin friction structures (skin friction source/sink, vortex and their combinations) by a linear superposition of some simple surface pressure structures. The distinct topological features, such as critical points, separation lines and attachment lines, naturally occur as a result of such reconstruction. As examples, some elemental skin friction structures in separated flows are reconstructed in simulations, and the skin friction fields in shock-wave/boundary-layer interactions (SWBLIs) are reconstructed from pressure sensitive paint (PSP) images obtained in wind tunnel experiments.
Liver injury in malaria infected patients in Douala-Cameroon and its association with poor medical practice
Authors: Kouam Arnaud Fondjo , Ngoumé Noé Auguste Nseké , Fepa Armelle Gaelle Kwesseu , Wainfen Zerubabel , Ngounou Eléonore , Galani Borris Rosnay Tietcheu , Nembo Nembu Erastus , Chuisseu Pascal Dieudonné Djamen , Njayou Fréderic Nico , Moundipa Paul Fewou
Published: November 2023

Background

Malaria is an endemic mosquito-borne disease in sub-Saharan regions, including Cameroon. Due to the obligatory hepatic stage of its pathogenic agents, malaria can induce liver damage if not properly treated. Hence, we assessed the impact of malaria infection on liver transaminases among febrile patients consulting at the Deido District Hospital, Douala-Cameroon, in regard to their attitude towards the practice of preventive measures, treatment, and management of malaria.

Methods

Over 10 weeks, 150 febrile patients and 28 healthy individuals serving as the control group were enrolled and their blood samples screened for Plasmodium species by Giemsa Staining and liver injury evaluated by measuring the serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities. The socio-demographic characteristics of participants and their attitude towards the practice of preventive measures, treatment, and management of malaria were collected using a structured- questionnaire.

Results

Among tested febrile patients, 113 (75%) were malaria-positive. Females were more affected (65.5%) than males; the most affected age group were adults between 30-60 years (55.8%). A significant association (p˂0.05; relative risk [RR] = 1.424 or p˂0.05; RR = 1.947) was found between malaria infection and non-use of mosquito nets or insecticides, respectively. The serum level of ALT and AST activities in malaria-positive were significantly (p<0.05) increased, compared to healthy or malaria-negative individuals. Furthermore, transaminase activity was significantly (p<0.05) elevated in non-practitioners of preventive measures; and in patients who engaged in auto-medication or traditional medication, compared to those who sought treatment from health centers.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that non-practice of preventive measures, improper treatment and management of malaria infection can lead to an abnormal increase in serum level of transaminases which may reflect liver injury.
Quercetin for inhibition of inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in lung injury model: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ismaeel Ghufran Lutfi , Abdulhadi Mohanad Ali , Al-Ameer Lubna R. , Jumaa Sally Salih , Essa Israa M. , Jalil Abduladheem Turki , Almulla Abbas F. , Ali Ronak Taher
Published: November 2023

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality. The main pathological features of ALI are increased alveolar-capillary membrane permeability, edema, uncontrolled migration of neutrophils to the lungs, and diffuse alveolar damage, resulting in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to elucidate the antioxidant activities of flavanols in a rat model of acute lung injury (ALI). PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched to obtain the relevant papers. Nine studies with 343 rat models of ALI were included in this study. We investigated oxidative stress with the corresponding 95% CI. Estimating the correlation and 95% CIs for the inflammatory agents and oxidative stress in the intervention group, compared with that in the control group (ALI), respectively (correlation: 0.635; 95% CI, 0.560–0.699, P value = 0.000, Z value= 12.648) and (correlation: 0.317; 95% CI, 0.189–0.434, P value = 0.00, Z value= 4.7). In conclusion, investigating the effects of different flavanols on oxidative stress in lung injury may provide a useful therapeutic strategy in ALI mouse models. However, the final conclusion on treatment efficacy should be sufficient for prospective controlled randomized trials.
Successful pericardial repair and coverage for late pacemaker lead-related atrial perforation and pneumothorax: a case report
Authors: Maruya Yoshiyuki , Yamaura Takumi , Mine Hayato , Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: November 2023

Background

Various complications of permanent pacemaker implantation have been reported. However, late pacemaker lead-related myocardial perforation rarely occurs. Conservative treatment is generally selected, if possible, but open heart surgery or catheter lead removal should be considered in symptomatic patients. We herein describe a patient who was successfully treated by pericardial repair and coverage for late pacemaker lead-related atrial perforation and pneumothorax.

Case presentation

A woman in her 80s who had undergone permanent pacemaker implantation 2 years previously visited our hospital because of dyspnea. She had also been treated for right pneumothorax 1 year previously. A chest radiograph and computed tomography scan showed right pneumothorax and pericardial emphysema with no effusion. Because similar findings had been obtained at the previous onset of pneumothorax, we suspected delayed myocardial perforation and lung injury due to the screw-in lead in the right atrium. No myocardial bleeding, cardiac tamponade, or pacing failure was present. The cardiovascular surgeon judged that open-heart lead extraction would be difficult because of the patient’s poor performance status; therefore, thoracoscopic pericardial repair with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene sheet and coverage with anterior mediastinal adipose tissue was attempted to prevent recurrent pneumothorax. The patient was successfully treated without lead extraction or open heart surgery. At 1.5 years postoperatively, she had developed no recurrence of pneumothorax or pacing failure.

Conclusions

Pericardial repair and coverage can be an effective strategy for pacemaker lead-related pneumothorax without pacing failure or bleeding.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Post-Radiofrequency Synovial Knee Fistula: Case Report
Authors: Rocha-Romero Andrés
Published: November 2023

Recently, denervation therapies have drawn attention as a promising treatment, and cooled radiofrequency has been proposed as the best option to capture most of the genicular nerves. We present a rare case of synovial knee fistula after radiofrequency and its management. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the literature. The treatment included immobilization and chemoprophylaxis. One week later, the fistula was closed, and 14 months later, the procedure was repeated without complications. Genicular radiofrequency ablation is an emerging technique, and providers should be aware of the reported complications to counsel patients and manage potential risks appropriately.
Neurofibromin 1 mutations impair the function of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived microglia
Authors: Kuhrt Leonard D. , Motta Edyta , Elmadany Nirmeen , Weidling Hannah , Fritsche-Guenther Raphaela , Efe Ibrahim E. , Cobb Olivia , Chatterjee Jit , Boggs Lucy G. , Schnauß Marina , Diecke Sebastian , Semtner Marcus , Anastasaki Corina , Gutmann David H. , Kettenmann Helmut
Published: November 2023

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant condition caused by germline mutations in the neurofibromin 1 (NF1) gene. Children with NF1 are prone to the development of multiple nervous system abnormalities, including autism and brain tumors, which could reflect the effect of NF1 mutation on microglia function. Using heterozygous Nf1-mutant mice, we previously demonstrated that impaired purinergic signaling underlies deficits in microglia process extension and phagocytosis in situ. To determine whether these abnormalities are also observed in human microglia in the setting of NF1, we leveraged an engineered isogenic series of human induced pluripotent stem cells to generate human microglia-like (hiMGL) cells heterozygous for three different NF1 gene mutations found in patients with NF1. Whereas all NF1-mutant and isogenic control hiMGL cells expressed classical microglia markers and exhibited similar transcriptomes and cytokine/chemokine release profiles, only NF1-mutant hiMGL cells had defects in P2X receptor activation, phagocytosis and motility. Taken together, these findings indicate that heterozygous NF1 mutations impair a subset of the functional properties of human microglia, which could contribute to the neurological abnormalities seen in children with NF1.
Αξιολόγηση μεθόδων αστικού σχεδιασμού με στόχο την ανθεκτικότητα στην κλιματική αλλαγή και τη διαχείριση κινδύνων στο πλαίσιο των αναδυόμενων εξυπνων πόλεων
Authors: Χονδρογιάννη Δήμητρα
Published: November 2023

Με το μεγαλύτερο μέρος του ανθρώπινου πληθυσμού (54%) παγκοσμίως να ζει σε αστικές περιοχές και με την τάση για αστικοποίηση να είναι αυξητική στο εγγύς μέλλον (WHO, 2014), το μέλλον των πόλεων και οι προκλήσεις, που οι αστικές περιοχές καλούνται να διαχειριστούν για να επιβιώσουν, αποτελούν αντικείμενο έρευνας πρωτεύουσας σημασίας. Ο βαθμός ανταπόκρισης των πόλεων στις σύγχρονες προκλήσεις είναι ένα απαιτητικό, σύνθετο και πολυδιάστατο ζήτημα καθώς το μέλλον των πόλεων δεν βασίζεται πλέον στις ιεραρχίες, τους φορμαλισμούς ή τις μαθηματικές εξισώσεις, αλλά προέρχεται από ένα δυναμικό σύστημα, συμπεριλαμβανομένων των παγκόσμιων σχέσεων, των τοπικών δυνάμεων και των αναδυόμενων τάσεων λειτουργίας των πόλεων (πχ. έξυπνες πόλεις) (Schmitt, 2015). Παράλληλα, στις Ευρωπαϊκές πόλεις, η διαχείριση κινδύνων (risk management) σχετίζεται άμεσα με το φαινόμενο της κλιματικής αλλαγής (climate change phenomenon), ενώ η ανάγκη για ανθεκτικότητα και ανάπτυξη αντικατοπτρίζεται στην ανάπτυξη στρατηγικών Έξυπνων πόλεων (Smart Cities) και σε δράσεις ψηφιακού μετασχηματισμού τους (digital transformation) (Digital Europe programme 2021-2027, Green Deal 2019). Η διδακτορική διατριβή, ακολουθώντας τις αρχές της ανάλυσης δυναμικών συστημάτων, προτείνει τη προσέγγιση του δημόσιου αστικού χώρου ως ένα δυναμικό σύστημα που υπόκειται στους όρους της προσφοράς και της ζήτησης, αρχές τις οποίες οι αρμόδιοι λήψης αποφάσεων για τους αστικούς χώρους προτείνεται να παρακολουθούν, να αναλύουν και να μελετούν για να επιτύχουν την αστική ανθεκτικότητα και ανάπτυξη. Οι δημόσιοι/υπαίθριοι αστικοί χώροι αποτελούν ζωτικής σημασίας τμήματα των πόλεων, τα οποία καθορίζουν την ποιότητα ζωής των πολιτών αλλά και τη δυνατότητα των πόλεων να ανταποκριθούν στις αστικές προκλήσεις. Στο πλαίσιο αυτό, βασική επιδίωξη της διδακτορικής διατριβής αποτελεί η υποστήριξη της διαδικασίας λήψης αποφάσεων για τη διαμόρφωση, τον σχεδιασμό και τη διαχείριση των δημόσιων/υπαίθριων αστικών χώρων, με μετρήσιμους και πολυτομεακούς δείκτες και μοντέλα για την αξιολόγηση των προτεινόμενων σχεδίων/προτάσεων διαμόρφωσης και ανάπλασης των αστικών χώρων. Η διδακτορική διατριβή ακολουθεί μια καινοτόμο και διεπιστημονική μεθοδολογική προσέγγιση του σύνθετου επιστημονικού ζητήματος του αστικού σχεδιασμού συνδυάζοντας διαφορετικούς ερευνητικούς τομείς, όπως η περιβαλλοντική επιστήμη, η δυναμική των συστήματων, ο σχεδιασμός των μεταφορών, ο πολεοδομικός/αστικός σχεδιασμός, η διαχείριση κινδύνων, η διαδικασία λήψης αποφάσεων.
Preliminary evidence of a potential reproductive aggregation area of the common stingray Dasyatis pastinaca (Linnaeus, 1758) (Chondrichthyes – Dasyatidae) in the Central Mediterranean Sea
Authors: GRANCAGNOLO DESIRÉE , CATTANO CARLO , QUATTROCCHI FEDERICO , MILAZZO MARCO
Published: November 2023

Shallow and coastal aggregations of batoids are poorly documented in the Mediterranean Sea, despite being likely threatened by multiple anthropogenic pressures. We report the first observations of a potential summer reproductive aggregation of the common stingray (Dasyatis pastinaca). The recurrent presence in previous years of several pregnant females, a mature male and a female with fresh bite wounds was recorded in shallow waters by recreational scuba divers and scientists in Scilla Bay (Strait of Messina, Italy), a location with unique oceanographic features in the Central Mediterranean Sea. These observations suggest that the area could be used as a parturition and mating site in early summer, and this is significant for the conservation of this Vulnerable species.
Sentiment analysis of Indonesian tweets on COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccinations
Authors: Kalanjati Viskasari Pintoko , Hasanatuludhhiyah Nurina , d'Arqom Annette , Arsyi Danial H. , Marchianti Ancah Caesarina Novi , Muhammad Azlin , Purwitasari Diana
Published: November 2023

Background Sentiments and opinions regarding COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccination on Indonesian-language Twitter are scarcely reported in one comprehensive study, and thus were aimed at our study. We also analyzed fake news and facts, and Twitter engagement to understand people’s perceptions and beliefs that determine public health literacy. Methods We collected 3,489,367 tweets data from January 2020 to August 2021. We analyzed factual and fake news using the string comparison method. The difflib library was used to measure similarity. The user’s engagement was analyzed by averaging the engagement metrics of tweets, retweets, favorites, replies, and posts shared with sentiments and opinions regarding COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination. Result Positive sentiments on COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination dominated, however, the negative sentiments increased during the beginning of the implementation of restrictions on community activities (PPKM).  The tweets were dominated by the importance of health protocols (washing hands, keeping distance, and wearing masks). Several types of vaccines were on top of the word count in the vaccine subtopic. Acceptance of the vaccination increased during the studied period, and the fake news was overweighed by the facts. The tweets were dynamic and showed that the engaged topics were changed from the nature of COVID-19 to the vaccination and virus mutation which peaked in the early and middle terms of 2021. The public sentiment and engagement were shifted from hesitancy to anxiety towards the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines, whilst changed again into wariness on an uprising of the delta variant. Conclusion Understanding public sentiment and opinion can help policymakers to plan the best strategy to cope with the pandemic. Positive sentiments and fact-based opinions on COVID-19, and COVID-19 vaccination had been shown predominantly. However, sufficient health literacy levels could yet be predicted and sought for further study.
Filtered OFDM System Improvement Using Hamming Code
Authors: Hussain Ghasan Ali , Wahhab Husam A. , Harbi Yahya Jasim
Published: November 2023

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technique is widely adopted for broadband Forth Generation (4G) wireless communication systems at present, owing to its ability to combat multi-path interference. Nevertheless, it suffers from a large Peak to Average Power Ratio (PAPR) and Out Of Band Emission (OOBE), making it unsuitable for a high-speed transmission system. On the other hand, the Filtered-OFDM (f-OFDM) system is suggested to overcome the traditional OFDM system's disadvantages and maintain its advantages. Nowadays, the developments and growing communications systems are rapid, especially on their applications such as wireless networks, internet, satellite communications, mobile telephony, etc. This increases the demand for raising the bit rates with decreasing power consumption and the bit error rates (BER). In this paper, Hamming codes are proposed to improve the f-OFDM system performance, while the presence of the subband filter in system architecture could decrease the values of OOBE than the familiar OFDM system. The outcomes showed that utilizing interleaver with Hamming code considerably improves the proposed system performance, while the OOBE values were lower than the conventional OFDM system.
RALPH ERSKINE, ARQUITECTURA PEDAGÓGICA. TRES CONJUNCIONES EN LA OBRA DEL ARQUITECTO ANGLO-SUECO QUE INVOLUCRAN A LA INFANCIA EN EL PROCESO DE PROYECTO
Authors: Pozo Bernal Melina , Miró Miró Cristóbal , Mayoral Campa Esther
Published: November 2023

Ralph Erskine pertenece a ese grupo de arquitectos que entiende la generación del proyecto arquitectónico como un proceso pedagógico y político que ayuda a modelar la sociedad al mismo tiempo que configura un espacio. Por ello, sus propuestas, además de poner cuidado en la función y en la planificación, presentan una gran disponibilidad a atender nuevas ideas, y a incorporar el contexto incluyendo la participación del usuario desde diferentes perspectivas como proceso necesario para alcanzar una arquitectura válida y consensuada. Entre sus obras se seleccionan tres que ofrecen un papel protagonista a la infancia en tres escalas de actuación diversas: espacio público, espacio específico y espacio colectivo y, a su vez, mediante tres modos de participación o roles diferentes: a través, para y con la infancia. Esta metodología cruzada nos ayuda a analizar la aportación que la mirada o la acción infantil ha ofrecido tanto a la planificación, como a las estrategias de proyecto o al modo de hacer arquitectura desarrolladas por el equipo de trabajo del arquitecto anglo sueco: el monumento memorial “El prisionero político desconocido” de 1953, proyectado junto a E.M. Nielsen como un espacio público que revierte el concepto de monumento a través de la acción infantil; la Escuela Gyttorp de 1961, donde profundiza sobre lo que un espacio de aprendizaje para la infancia deber ser y puede aportar a una comunidad, y el proceso participativo llevado a cabo en la remodelación del Barrio de Byker, donde contar con la aportación infantil matizó algunas decisiones, principalmente en lo relativo al espacio colectivo.
Hybrid Scheduling with Mixed-Integer Programming at Columbia Business School
Authors: Moallemi Ciamac C. , Patange Utkarsh
Published: November 2023

For classroom scheduling during the COVID-19 pandemic, we develop several variations of mixed integer programs where we seek to balance multiple objectives and constraints, including maximizing in-person attendance while maintaining social distancing constraints and balancing in-person attendance across students and over time.
DOSSIÊ FILOSOFIAS AFRICANAS E AFRODIASPÓRICAS
Authors: Freire Machado Adilbênia , Freire Dantas Luís Thiago
Published: November 2023

Apresentação do Dossiê "Filosofias africanas e afrodiaspóricas".
Comentário sobre a imagem de abertura da revista:
A fotografia é um grande alimento para meu espírito e quando estou no meu sertão, lugar onde nasci, a câmera é uma grande companheira. Em uma das minhas viagens para o sertão do meu ser-tão, meu sobrinho Daniel, com seus cinco, seis anos, disse que tinha uma surpresa e levou-me a um lugar, bem próximo de casa, onde tinha uma família com cerca de cinco corujinhas buraqueiras. Fiquei fascinada, nunca vi corujas por lá. Passei dias as admirando, e fotografando, claro!
Elas são fascinantes, a sensação é que seus olhares atravessavam minha alma e eu perguntava o que queriam me dizer... Por sinal, hoje, 27 de outubro, meu querido amigo wanderson flor do nascimento escreveu um texto, no Facebook, sobre as Mães Ancestrais, as Ìyàmi que são conhecidas como “As Senhoras dos Pássaros da Noite” expressando que uma das representações dessas Senhoras é justamente a Coruja, que além de pássaros da noite, representam pássaros guerreiros. Wanderson segue afirmando que “Oxum é o orixá do candomblé mais vinculado com as Mães Ancestrais. Aliás, Oyěwùmí nos lembra que, para os iorubás, Oxum é A Ìyàmi primordial, que é descrita nas narrativas de Oxeturá, como o décimo sétimo Odu. E é aí que a questão do conhecimento está colocada. Oxum, a líder das Ìyàmi, é, Ela mesma, o conhecimento.”
Ao ler esse texto voltei imediatamente às muitas sensações a cada vez que parava as olhando, ou sendo olhada, por vezes me sentei em um toco de madeira e as observei, tantas vezes perguntei o que eu tinha que aprender com aquele presente que era a presença dessas Senhoras...
Vou seguir perguntando, compreendendo esse voo bonito que é o conhecimento, esse voo bonito que é a abertura para conhecer. Abertura que parte da nossa intimidade, portanto, da escuta sensível da ancestralidade que nos habita... Sigamos nas trilhas desses pássaros da noite que atravessam nossa existência, dando sentindo a ela, nos encantando. Sigamos nos voos rasantes dessas Senhoras dos Pássaros da Noite que co-criam a nossa existência.
Adilbênia Freire Machado
VOZES AFRICANAS FEMININAS NA FILOSOFIA
Authors: Do Nascimento Wanderson Flor
Published: November 2023

RESUMO: Partindo da leitura crítica de obras de histórias da filosofia africana, de introdução às filosofias africanas e antologias especializadas nessa área, este artigo objetiva problematizar a posição paradoxal de denúncia da exclusão intelectual do pensamento africano, ao mesmo tempo em que finda por promover uma marginalização epistêmica das filósofas africanas. Ao mostrar que o núcleo fundamental das obras de introdução e divulgação do pensamento filosófico africano está estruturado em torno de um androcentrismo da produção desses materiais, o artigo soma-se aos esforços de radicalizar a perspectiva anti-excludente da prática das filosofias africanas, apontando para a necessidade de revisão crítica desses trabalhos de divulgação e do fazer formativo em filosofia.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Filosofia Africana; Marginalização epistêmica de mulheres; Filósofas africanas; Androcentrismo.

 

ABSTRACT: Starting from a critical reading of works on the history of African philosophy, introduction to African philosophies and anthologies specialized in this area, this paper aims to problematize the paradoxical position of denouncing the intellectual exclusion of African philosophical thought, while ending up promoting an epistemic marginalization of female philosophers African. By signaling that androcentrism structures the fundamental core of works that introduce and disseminate African philosophical thought, the paper adds to the efforts to radicalize the anti-exclusionary perspective of the practice of African philosophies, pointing to the need for a critical review of these diffusion works and training in philosophy.

KEYWORDS: African Philosophy; Epistemic marginalization of women; African philosophers; androcentrism.