bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bibliometric Analysis of Oxidative Stress Research in Liver Cirrhosis: Trends, Hotspots, and Future Directions
Authors: Baktikulova Kristina , Kurmangaliyeva Saulesh , Kurmangaliev Kairat , Makashova Mentai , Tissin Konstantin , Madenbayeva Akzhan
Published: December 2024

Oxidative stress is a critical factor in the pathophysiology of liver diseases, including chronic conditions and cirrhosis. However, the scientific landscape in this field remains fragmented. This bibliometric analysis aims to systematize existing research, identify major trends, and outline emerging directions. Data from the Scopus and Web of Science databases were analyzed, with a focus on peer-reviewed publications from 1991 to 2023. The key metrics included publication counts, citation analysis, keyword co-occurrence, and thematic mapping. The results revealed substantial growth in publications on oxidative stress and liver diseases over the past two decades. Key research areas include liver fibrosis, alcohol-induced liver damage, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and the therapeutic potential of antioxidants. The United States leads research output, demonstrating active collaboration with the United Kingdom, Germany, China, and Saudi Arabia. Emerging contributors, such as India, Egypt, and Brazil, are also gaining prominence, albeit on a smaller scale. Keyword analysis identified new areas of focus, such as "mitochondrial dysfunction," "antioxidant therapy," and "redox signaling." Coauthorship networks highlight the global nature of research, with an increasing trend toward international collaboration. These findings emphasize the need to develop targeted antioxidant therapies, integrate oxidative stress biomarkers into clinical practice, and advance precision medicine approaches. This analysis offers valuable insights into the trajectory of oxidative stress research in liver diseases, providing a foundation for future investigations and clinical applications.
Awareness and Perceptions of Pharmacy Students Regarding ChatGPT in a sub-Saharan African Country, Zambia: Findings and Implications on the Education System
Authors: Mudenda Steward , Mufwambi Webrod , Mwale Ridge Samson , Kathewera Bernard , Lubanga Adriano Focus
Published: December 2024

Background
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a powerful tool in many sectors including healthcare education. ChatGPT is a widely used generative AI model among learners and teachers globally. In Zambia, there is no information regarding the use of ChatGPT among healthcare students. Therefore, this study assessed pharmacy students' perceptions of ChatGPT use at the University of Zambia.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2024 to May 2024 among pharmacy students at the University of Zambia using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was based on the validated TAME-ChatGPT survey instrument on the determinants of attitude and usage of ChatGPT among health students. Perception of ChatGPT was assessed using four items grouped into a single variable comprising the primary study measure and dichotomized into “positive” vs. “negative” perceptions.
Results
A total of 385 responses were obtained, with 358 participants (93.0%) who heard of ChatGPT before the study, and 303 used ChatGPT (78.7%). In univariate analyses, the following factors were significantly associated with a positive perception of ChatGPT: low perceived risk (P=.009), low anxiety (P=.010), and a high score on technology/social influence (P<.001), with the latter factor being the only influencing factor in multivariate analysis (aOR: 2.908, 95% CI: 1.752–4.825). Regarding the influencing factors for ChatGPT use, the perceived usefulness was the only significant factor (P=.013).
Conclusions
The study results showed the widespread use of ChatGPT among pharmacy students in Zambia highlighting its increasing role as part of the educational process. To better implement this advanced generative AI tool in healthcare education, academics and universities must take into account the role of social influence and readiness to accept technology as well as emphasizing the role of usefulness to foster the educational process.
«СТАНЕМ ЖЕ ФИННАМИ…»: РЕЦЕПТ СОЗДАНИЯ ФИНСКОЙ НАЦИИ ДЛЯ ЕВРОПЕЙСКОЙ ВЕСНЫ НАРОДОВ
Authors: Лескинен М.В.
Published: December 2024

Статья посвящена истории праздника студентов Александровского университета в Гельсингфорсе в год Весны народов. День Флоры 13 мая 1848 года стал важным событием на пути формирования финской нации, ее символических воплощений (гимн, флаг, имя) и национальной идентичности финнов. Рассмотрены задачи организаторов праздника – университетских преподавателей-фенноманов, шведов по происхождению и языку, провозглашенных позднее отцами-основателями финской нации.

The article is dedicated to the history of the celebration of Flora’s Day (May 13, 1848), which took place at the Alexandrov’s University in Helsingfors in the year of the Spring of the Nations. This Day is an important event on the way to the formation of the Finnish nation, its symbols (hymn, flag, name Finland) and national identity of the Finns. The organizers of this students’ Flora’s Day became the university professors-Fennomans, Swedes by origin and language, and later all of them were proclaimed as the founders and leaders of the Finnish nation. Their ideas, tasks and history of celebration are under consideration.
ВСЕСОЮЗНЫЙ Х, ИЛИ НОЛЬ С ПАЛОЧКОЙ.(Празднование 10-летия Октября в произведениях Андрея Платонова и проектах трудящихся
Authors: Яблоков Е.А.
Published: December 2024

Публиковавшиеся в 1927 г. в советских СМИ предложения о формах празднования 10-летия Октября сопоставлены с соответствующими мотивами произведений Андрея Платонова, прежде всего с его сатирическим рассказом «Надлежащие мероприятия». Представленный в платоновском творчестве пародийный образ советской ритуальной практики позволяет более наглядно представить доминировавшие в 1920-х гг. государственные стратегии и тенденции массового сознания.

The article is devoted to the formation of the “October’s revolution” canon. The proposals concerning the celebration the 10th anniversary of October, published in 1927 in the Soviet press, are compared with the corresponding motifs of the works of one of the greatest Russian writers Andrei Platonov, primarily with his satirical story "Proper Measures". The parodic image of Soviet ritual practice presented in Platonov's works makes possible to clarify not only the historical situation of the 1920s, but the dominating state’s strategies and mass consciousness tendencies of that time.
«ОКНО В КУЛЬТУРУ» И «ЗЕРКАЛО СОЦИУМА»ПОДХОДЫ К ИЗУЧЕНИЮ НЕКРОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ ТЕКСТОВ
Authors: Еремеева С.А.
Published: December 2024

Современные методы гуманитарных исследований часто ориентированы на своего рода «перепрочтение» уже давно известных источников. С этой точки зрения, определенный интерес представляет некролог. Такая форма текстов о смерти (и о жизни) порождена политическими, экономическими, социальными изменениями, а также изменением личности и представления человека о мире в Новое время. В статье рассматривается многообразие подходов к исследованию некрологов и потенциальное богатство материала, заключенного в них.

Modern methods of humanitarian research are often focused on reinterpreting long-known sources. From this point of view, a type of text such as obituary attracts special attention. This form of publications about death (and about life too) is generated by a whole complex of causes in the Modern Era related to political, economic, and social changes as well as a change in the individual and their worldview. This paper explores the diversity of approaches to the study of obituaries and the potential value of included content.
ФОТОГРАФИИ МАН РЭЯВ СЮРРЕАЛИСТИЧЕСКИХ ИЗДАНИЯХ. КОНТЕКСТЫ
Authors: Аверьянова О.Н.
Published: December 2024

В период 1920–1930-х гг. Ман Рэй, художник и фотограф американского происхождения, оказался вовлечённым в многочисленные издательские проекты, в т.ч. сюрреалистические. Уже в начале ХХ в. искусство обнаруживает движение в сторону слияния с рекламой, прессой, массовой культурой, что проявляется не только в темах и формах изобразительности, но и в способах его функционирования в областях, традиционно связанных с такими понятиями как «марка» и «бренд». Творчество Рэя, основанное на успешном продвижении собственного бренда MAN RAY, где автор создает вещи, силлогическая роль которых во многом определяется контекстом репрезентации. Художник модернизма как «субъект творчества», чья деятельность теперь связана с коммерческим искусством, последовательно воплощает культурные стратегии, продиктованные временем, создавая «творческую продукцию», соответствующую как задачам авторской самоидентификации, так и потребительского рынка. Фотография, этот новый экспериментальный медиум, будучи независимой от традиционных артистических практик, наглядно демонстрирует недавно оформившиеся связи между искусством и культурой потребления, особенно в издательской сфере. Статья посвящена анализу функционирования фотографии Ман Рэя в системе французской художественной периодики 1920–1930-х гг.

Between the 1920s and the 1930s, Man Ray, an artist and photographer of American origin, was involved in numerous publishing projects, including surrealistic ones. Since the early twentieth century, art reveals a certain movement towards the integration with advertising, press, mass culture, which is manifested not only in the subjects and forms of imagery, but also in the ways of its functioning in the areas traditionally associated with such concepts as “trademark” and “brand”. Ray's work is largely based on the successful promotion of his own brand MAN PAY, where the author creates things, whose syllogistic role is largely determined by the context of representation. The artist of modernism as a “person of oeuvre”, whose activity nowadays is connected to commercial art too, consistently embodies the cultural strategies dictated by time, creating “art products”, corresponding to both the tasks of the author’s self-identification, and the consumer market. Photography, this new experimental medium, which is essentially completely independent of traditional artistic practices, demonstrates the recently formed links between art and consumer culture, especially in the press. The article is devoted to the analysis of functioning of Man Ray’s photography in the system of the French art periodicals of the 1920s–1930s.
СОВЕТСКИЕ УЧЕНЫЕ О СУДЬБЕ«КОЧЕВОЙ ЦИВИЛИЗАЦИИ» (1920-е гг.)
Authors: Синицын Ф.Л.
Published: December 2024

Статья посвящена подходам советских ученых к судьбе «кочевой цивилизации» в СССР. «Кочевые» регионы занимали в СССР важное стратегическое положение, но при этом не были интегрированы в общегосударственную экономику. Сделан вывод, что советские ученые предлагали осторожный подход к «кочевой цивилизации», основанный на щадящем отношении к природе и отказе от растраты государственных ресурсов на ее «переделку», которая в большинстве «кочевых» регионов не имела перспектив. Дискуссия о судьбе «кочевых» регионов была пресечена властями с началом форсированной модернизации СССР на рубеже 1920-х и 1930-х гг.

The article is devoted to the study of approaches of Soviet scholars to the fate of “nomadic civilization”. This problem was important for the authorities, due to the fact that the “nomadic” regions occupied an important strategic position in the Soviet Union, but they were not Sovietized and integrated into the national economy. It is concluded that the Soviet scientists proposed a cautious approach to “nomadic civilization”, based on a sparing attitude to nature and the refusal to waste public resources on its “alteration”, which in most “nomadic” regions had no prospects. The discussion about the fate of the “nomadic” regions was suppressed by the authorities with the beginning of forced modernization of the USSR at the turn of the 1920s and 1930s.
Круглый стол «ЦИВИЛИЗАЦИЯ И ВАРВАРСТВО:АНТРОПОЛОГИЯ ЛАТЕНТНОГО ВАРВАРСТВА
Authors: Вдовченко Е.В.
Published: December 2024

8 октября 2018 года в Институте всеобщей истории РАН состоялся международный круглый стол Лаборатории по исследованию цивилизации и варварства. Ежегодный круглый стол, ставший уже традиционным, в этот раз был посвящен теме «Цивилизация и варварство: антропология латентного варварства».

On 8 October 2018, an international workshop took place at the Institute of World History, dedicated to the theme “Civilization and barbarism: the anthropology of latent barbarism”.
Modeling the Linguistic Topology of Translation Process: General Principles
Authors: Krivoruchko Anna , Kan Sin'yun'
Published: December 2024

Cognitive research in translation is currently at its peak. The authors studied L. V. Kushnina’s synergetic concept of translation space in an interaction with the topological fields of translation to develop a linguistic topological model of translation as a process. The analysis yielded graphic constructs represented by topologically structured spaces that illustrate the process of interlingual and intercultural interaction. The research relied on P. A. Florensky’s idea of the language of spatial objects and the provisions of philological and translation topology developed by L. V. Polubichenko, who studied the variant vs. invariant patterns of different philological objects, from words to texts. The current Chinese translation studies show similar ideas (see: Wu Dan, Ding Xiuhei, Zhao Genglin, Jiang Shengnan, etc.). The article visualizes the modern translation paradigm from the perspective of linguistic topology. Translation is a multifunctional verbal and mental activity that unites various objects in the spaces between the sender, the translator, and the recipient. The resulting topological translation model represents the linguistic topology of interlingual communication at the intersection of cognitive topology, linguistics, translation theory and practice, and cognitive translation studies.
Forms and Content of Social Advertising: Raising Risk Awareness and Alert Behavior Patterns in Online Communication
Authors: Ovruckiy Aleksandr , Ovruckaya Gul'nora
Published: December 2024

As teenagers and young people grow more and more dependent on online communication, they become more psychologically vulnerable to numerous potential threats that thrive on the Internet. Social advertising may help to develop the necessary risk awareness and alert behavior patterns. The article describes six Safe Internet Advertising Campaigns that popularize risk awareness in online communication. The authors conducted a comparative analysis of the verbal and visual elements to identify the target audiences. The review covered publications connected with online communication risks, safe behavior, and social advertising campaigns. In terms of structure, the advertising messages included verbal and visual components with a dominant visual element. The title set consisted of a slogan and a headline, with no advertising text. Unsafe contact prevention proved to be the main topic while parents were the main target audience. The metaphor appeared to be the most popular visual stylistic device. The ads appealed to the emotions and motivation of the target audience, i.e., fear, anxiety, failure avoidance, etc. The authors also classified the advertisers, advertising statistics, RAM conductors, and strategies, as well as assessed the potential effectiveness of social advertising campaigns. The article is a summary of experience in using social advertising for developing risk awareness and alert behavior in online environment. It proves that social advertising could be an effective tool in preventing negative consequences of online communication.
Thematic Content Analysis of Right-Wing Radical Communities in Social Media
Authors: Schekotin Evgeniy
Published: December 2024

The content analysis covered the most popular posts published by right-wing radical communities in the VKontakte social network. The posts were selected according to the number of likes, reposts, and comments. The analysis revealed the topics that evoked the greatest response from supporters of right-wing radical ideology. The most popular content demonstrated the greatest contribution to cognitive radicalization. These messages featured either external enemy or our own, the latter describing the iconic image and behavior of right-wing supporters or expressing strong approval of certain actions of those outside the community. Other topics included ideology, events, actions, humor, positive assessment of politicians, etc.
Effect of Low-Dose Hormone Therapy on Metabolic Parameters and Bone Mineral Density
Authors: Atlihan Ufuk , Yavuz Onur , Avsar Hüseyin Aytug , Ata Can , Bildaci Tevfik Berk , Erkilinc Selcuk
Published: December 2024

OBJECTIVE: Early menopause causes several health concerns that are related directly to the deficiency of ovarian hormones, especially estrogen insufficiency. The purpose of the research was to investigate the impact of low-dose hormone therapy on metabolic parameters and bone densitometry in patients with early menopause.
STUDY DESIGN: A total of 98 patients aged 38-42 years with an early-menopause and followed up were evaluated retrospectively in this cohort study. After the diagnosis of early menopause, combined oral contraceptive (COC) treatment including 3 mg Drospirenone + 0.02 mg Ethinylestradiol was recommended to the patients. After 1 year of COC treatment, metabolic, ultrasonographic, and bone densitometry measurements of patients who did and did not use COC regularly were compared.
RESULTS: At the 12th-month follow-up, endometrial thickness was significantly higher in the COC group (3.8±0.4 mm) compared with the non-COC group (3.5±0.4 mm) (p<0.01). At the 12th month follow-up, the estradiol value was significantly higher (16.1±1.5 pg/mL) in the COC group compared with the non-COC group (14.8±2.5 pg/mL) (p<0.01). At the 12th month follow-up, the total cholesterol value was found significantly lower in the COC group (197±24.2 mg/dL) compared with the non-COC group (211±28 mg/dL) (p<0.01). At the 12th month follow-up, the Z-score was found significantly higher in the COC group (0.02±0.3) compared with the non-COC group (0.2±0.3) (p<0.01).
CONCLUSION: Hormone replacement therapy is very important for women who enter early menopause, and adequate estrogen therapy must be taken to maintain bone density and reduce menopausal symptoms.
Por qué visibilizar la presencia de mujeres en la práctica arqueológica. Justicia en el pasado y referentes en el futuro: el caso de la Comunidad Autónoma de Euskadi
Authors: Campos-López Teresa
Published: December 2024

Este texto reflexiona sobre el papel de las mujeres en la práctica profesional de la arqueología, en el ámbito de la gestión, y en la visibilización de sus aportes a la disciplina, y cómo esta realidad, a menudo, no se refleja en la práctica laboral. El objetivo es visibilizar y reconocer una contribución femenina históricamente ignorada en el ámbito público y profesional. El análisis se centra en la Comunidad Autónoma de Euskadi (CAE), explorando la participación de las mujeres en la arqueología profesional, la academia y su visibilidad en el discurso histórico. Finalmente, propone líneas de actuación para aumentar la presencia de mujeres en la arqueología, como visibilizar su trabajo, reconocer sus aportes y crear referentes femeninos en la enseñanza de la historia y la ciencia, así como la necesidad de una transformación de la disciplina desde los parámetros del feminismo.
Análise remota das concentrações de clorofila- a e carbono orgânico total e estimativas das emissões naturais e antrópicas de nutrientes em reservatórios e bacias hidrográficas do semiárido brasileiro
Authors:   , Carvalho Herbster Ranielle Lira de
Published: December 2024

Entre as atividades aquícolas, a piscicultura é a de maior ocorrência nos reservatórios do nordeste do Brasil, e também a que mais contribui para a deterioração da qualidade da água desses reservatórios. Sendo assim, é de suma importância o desenvolvimento de técnicas que possam facilitar o monitoramento da conservação da qualidade da água, não só com ênfase nas atividades aquícolas, mas também na manutenção da qualidade da água para o consumo humano e dessedentação animal. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho teve como objetivos: caracterizar as bacias de contribuição dos reservatórios estudados, tanto do ponto de vista morfométrico, quanto ao o uso e ocupação; estimar os aportes de nutrientes oriundos de emissões naturais e antrópicas; e analisar remotamente a distribuição de variáveis limnológicas opticamente ativas voltadas à análise qualidade da água desses reservatórios. Para tanto, foram realizadas bimestralmente, seis coletas de dados limnológicos, entre outubro de 2017 e agosto de 2018, em dois reservatórios do semiárido potiguar, Umari e Mendubim, e caracterizadas suas respectivas bacias de contribuição. Os reservatórios apresentam bacias de contribuição exorreicas, com formato predominantemente alongado, baixa tendência a enchentes, redes de drenagem com baixas densidade, declividade e velocidade de escoamento, formadas por substratos permeáveis; tendo como principais atividades a agricultura e a pecuária. Estima-se que esses reservatórios recebam anualmente cargas de nitrogênio e fósforo em torno, respectivamente, de 579 t.ano-1 e 136 t.ano-1 para Umari, e de 329 t.ano-1 e 106 t.ano-1 para Mendubim, sendo as principais fontes naturais de nitrogênio e fósforo a denudação físicoquímica do solo e a deposição atmosférica, e antrópicas a pecuária e a agricultura. A distribuição da variáveis limnológicas opticamente ativas, Clorofila a (Chl-a) e Carbono orgânico total (COT) foram analisadas utilizando imagens do sensor OLI/ Landsat 8, para tanto foram desenvolvidos modelos de regressão linear entre combinações das bandas B2 a B6 das imagens Landsat e as concentrações de clorofila e carbono estimadas em laboratório oriundas das coleta de campo, afim de recuperar valores de concentração dessa variáveis a partir dos dados espectrais dessas imagens. De acordo com índice de estado trófico os reservatórios foram Umari e Mendubim foram classificados, respectivamente, como mesotrófico (IET= 53,8) e Eutrófico (IET=60,1). Verificou-se uma correlação elevada entre os dados espectrais do sensor LS8/OLI e as concentrações de Chl-a (R²=0,87) e COT (r²=0,80). A recuperação das concentrações de Chl-a e COT estimadas partir de dados espectrais mostrou-se eficiente
Potencial de conservação de queijo coalho com o uso de cobertura a base de soro e conservante natural e sintético
Authors:   , Souza Lara Barboza de
Published: December 2024

O queijo coalho é um derivado lácteo rico em nutrientes, com proteínas de alto valor biológico, caracterizado como de média a alta umidade, textura macia e levemente ácido. Essas condições podem favorecer à multiplicação microbiana. O revestimento de alimentos surge como ferramenta à tecnologia de conservação, na qual filmes e coberturas podem prolongar as características de frescor do alimento. Desta forma, objetivou-se desenvolver uma cobertura comestível à base de soro de queijo e analisar a influência na vida de prateleira do queijo coalho e o impacto do armazenamento refrigerado sobre as características organolépticas do alimento. Para tanto, o estudo foi dividido em duas etapas distintas e complementares, compostas por dois experimentos. No experimento I, foi elaborada a solução filmogênica à base de soro e testadas seis formulações de revestimentos, realizando caracterização microbiológica (aeróbios mesófilos, coliformes a 35° e 45°, fungos filamentosos e leveduras, Staphylococcus sp. e Salmonella sp.) e física (pH, cor e textura) das amostras de queijo coalho. No experimento II, foram avaliadas amostras de queijo coalho durante 20 dias de armazenamento refrigerado à 5ºC, em intervalos de cinco dias (dia de produção=T0, cinco dias=T5, dez dias=T10, 15 dias=T15 e vinte dias=T20), com dois revestimentos ativos elaborados com soro, gelatina (10%) e amido (10%), e adição de nisina no revestimento 1 (QR1) e cepas probióticas no revestimento 2 (QR2). Após revestimento e formação da cobertura, as amostras foram submetidas às análises microbiológicas (contagem total de bactérias aeróbias mesófilas, contagem de Estafilococos coagulase positiva e pesquisa de Salmonella sp.), determinação instrumental do pH, cor e perfil de textura (firmeza, elasticidade, coesividade, gomosidade e mastigabilidade). A contagem microbiana do queijo controle foi mais elevada em todo o período de análise. O revestimento demonstrou potencial para aplicação como barreira à contaminantes em queijos, além de manter as características de frescor. Alterações na consistência da massa foram significantes após 15 dias de armazenamento refrigerado. A cobertura comestível bioativa demonstrou potencial de aplicação à conservação de queijo coalho e possibilitou maior estabilidade do alimento
Introduction, Clinical Classification, and Genetics of Pulmonary Hypertension in the UAE
Authors: Sabbour Hani , Saiari Mohammed B Al , Alzaabi Ashraf , Al-Saleh Jamal , Hannawi Suad , Alnaqbi Khalid , Mahboub Bassam , Shehab Abdulla , Farghaly Mohamed , Elnour Asim
Published: December 2024

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease characterized by elevation of pulmonary arterial pressure over 25mmHg. PH has become a
global issue associated with substantial morbidity and mortality despite the emergence of several treatment options in the last two decades.

The Emirates Thoracic Society, Emirates Rheumatology Society, and Emirates Cardiac Society took up the task of coming up with regional
practical recommendations. The recommendations were formulated based on a careful consideration of scientific and medical knowledge and the
evidence available at the time of publication. All endeavors were directed towards making the updated guideline handy for practicing clinicians in
the region involved in the management of patients with PH.

This article highlights the updated guidelines in a reader-friendly format and highlights the recent updates made by the 6th World Symposium on
Pulmonary Hypertension and the updated ESC ERS 2022 guidelines on PH with regards to classification. Group 1 sub-group has been further
classified into “definitive” and “possible” with the inclusion of sub-group “pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) long-term responders to
calcium channel blockers” and “PAH with overt features of venous/capillaries (pulmonary veno-occlusive disease/ pulmonary capillary
haemangiomatosis) involvement”. Group 2.1 was re-named “PH due to heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction” and Group
2.2 was re-named “PH due to heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction”. Group 5 has two major updates: (i) removing
splenectomy and thyroid disorders, and (ii) the classification of LAM-associated PH together with other parenchymal lung diseases in group 3.

This article highlights the clinical classification updates and the gaps and challenges associated with genetic testing in the region.
Group 5 PH: Diagnosis and Management of Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with a Focus on Chronic Haemolytic Diseases in the UAE
Authors: Sabbour Hani , Al Saiari Mohammed B , Alzaabi Ashraf , Al-Saleh Jamal , Hannawi Saud , Alnaqbi Khalid A. , Saleh Khaled , Ahmed Wisam , Satyanarayanan Yogeeswari Vellore , Marashi Mohamed
Published: December 2024

Group 5 pulmonary hypertension (PH) encompasses PH associated with chronic haemolytic diseases, which is the major cause of morbidity and
mortality in patients. The prevalence of PH is notably high in sickle cell disease (SCD), thalassemia, hereditary spherocytosis, and paroxysmal
nocturnal haemoglobinuria.

Pulmonary symptoms are common with haematological diseases; therefore, systematic evaluation of patients who are at increased risk of
developing PH is vital. Evaluation by NT-pro BNP and echocardiography (ECHO) is essential for early referral to PH centres. Right heart
catheterisation in patients with haemoglobinopathies is recommended in making a diagnosis of precapillary PH. A V/Q scan should be considered
in the evaluation of dyspnoea for detecting thrombotic events in SCD.

Once haemolytic disease is confirmed as the cause of PH, the underlying cause of haemolytic disease is managed with an emphasis on the reversal
of hypoxaemia. Evidence suggests that hydroxyurea can treat patients with haemolytic disease and PH, but exchange blood transfusions are used as
an alternative when patients are unresponsive to hydroxyurea. Riociguat, a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, has been found to be safe and
effective in sickle-cell-related pulmonary arterial hypertension. Novel drugs like voxelotor (FDA approved) and crizanlizumab have shown their
efficacy in patients with SCD and vaso-occlusive crisis.

Hence, this study emphasises the systematic evaluation of patients for early diagnosis and early positioning of novel agents to prevent PH
associated with chronic haemolytic diseases, particularly SCD.
Anticancer and Cyclooxygenase Inhibitory Activity of Benzylidene Derivatives of Fenobam and its Thio Analogues
Authors: Hourani Wafa , Deb Pran Kishore , Alhawamdeh Maysa , Al-Shari Nizar , Borah Pobitra , Dahabiyeh Lina A. , Jaber Abdulmuttaleb Yousef , P Nefisath , S Shashiprabha , Dasappa Jagadeesh Prasad , Venugopala Katharigatta N.
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

A series of benzylidene derivatives of fenobam and its thio analogues
(1-22) have been evaluated for their cytotoxicity against breast cancer (MCF-7,
MDA-MB-231), ovarian cancer (A2780, SKOV-3) and cervical cancer (HELA) cell lines.

Method:

These compounds (1-22) exhibited 72-83% inhibition of Erk activity against the
ovarian cancer cell line (A2780). Compounds 3 and 20 showed the highest DNA damage
effect in Comet Assay against the A2780 cancer cell line as compared to the other tested
analogues (4, 8, 11, 12, and 13) by using % Tail DNA and OTM. Compounds 3, 4, and 11
showed significant activities and selectivity towards COX-2 with 78%, 97%, and 89% inhibition,
as compared to 17%, 57%, and 26% inhibition against COX-1 isoenzyme, respectively.

Results:

Interestingly, molecular docking scores were also in very good agreement with
the experimental results regarding discriminating the selectivity index of the tested compounds
against COX-1 & COX-2 enzymes. Further molecular dynamics (MD) simulation
study revealed that the most selective compound, 13, binds with the COX-2 enzyme in a
similar fashion to that of Rofecoxib, which was further supported by their MD-based free
binding energies (MM-GBSA) of -49.76 ± 4.27 kcal/mol, and -44.84 ±3.78 kcal/mol, respectively.

Conclusion:

Moreover, in silico ADMET predictions showed adequate properties for these
compounds, making them promising leads worthy of further optimization.
Thymol-Loaded Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles: A Novel Carrier for Enhanced Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity against M. smegmatis through ROS-Mediated Mechanism
Authors: Das Bhabani Shankar , Saragi Ashirbad , Panigrahi Lipsa Leena , Nayak Sunita , Arakha Manoranjan , Bhattacharya Debapriya
Published: December 2024

Introduction/Objective:

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a persistent global health challenge,
with an increasing incidence of cases and limitations in current treatment strategies. Traditional
therapy involves long drug treatments that can cause side effects and lead to drug-resistant strains,
making treatment less effective. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of a novel
nanoparticle-based delivery system for Thymol (THY), a natural antibacterial bioactive molecule,
to combat Mycobacterium smegmatis, a model organism for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Methods:

A nanoparticle-based delivery system was developed using biocompatible Thymolconjugated
Chitosan Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles (THY-CH-ZnFe2O4 NPs). The nanoconjugates
were characterized for their morphological and chemical properties.

Results:

The characterization of synthesised nanoparticles showed THY-CH-ZnFe2O4 NPs to
exhibit enhanced biocompatibility and antibacterial activity against M. smegmatis compared to
THY alone. The nanoconjugates induced Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)-mediated damage to the
bacterial cell membrane, effectively inhibiting bacterial replication, dormancy, and biofilm formation.
Additionally, the nanoconjugates demonstrated low cytotoxicity towards the human kidney
cell line.

Conclusion:

The study's findings highlighted a new direction for developing nanoparticle-based
antimycobacterial agents with a wide application in treating TB and other bacterial diseases. The
THY-CH-ZnFe2O4 NPs show promise as a safe and effective therapeutic agent, offering a potential
solution to the limitations of current TB treatment strategies.

conclusion:

The study's findings highlight a new direction for developing nanoparticle-based antimycobacterial agents with wide range applications in treating TB and other bacterial diseases. The THY-CH-ZnFe2O4 NPs show promise as a safe and effective therapeutic agent, offering a potential solution to the limitations of current TB treatment strategies.
Emerging Biomarkers for Assessing Thrombotic Risk in Patients Receiving Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs)
Authors: M. Ashmi Sabana , M. Alwin Simon
Published: December 2024

Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) have transformed the management of thrombotic
disorders, offering a more convenient and effective alternative to traditional vitamin K antagonists
(VKAs). However, assessing thrombotic risk in patients treated with DOACS remains crucial due
to the potential for recurrent events. Current clinical risk scores have limitations in predicting and
monitoring venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in specific DOAC populations. Several emerging
biomarkers show promise in assessing thrombotic risk in patients treated with DOACS. Genetic
factors like VKORC1 and CYP2C9 variants are well-established determinants of warfarin response,
but the genetic landscape for DOAC outcomes appears more complex. Rare variants and
polygenic approaches may play a role in personalizing anticoagulation therapy. Elevated factor
VIII levels are associated with increased VTE recurrence risk after anticoagulation withdrawal in
cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) patients. In contrast, the circulating tissue factor is not useful
for predicting VTE in this setting. Soluble P-selectin has emerged as a good marker of VTE recurrence,
and its inclusion in the Vienna CATS risk model improves VTE prediction in cancer patients.
While these biomarkers hold promise, larger studies are needed to validate their utility and
establish standardized assays. Caution is warranted in patients at high bleeding risk. Integrating
clinical factors, genetics, and circulating biomarkers will likely optimize thrombotic risk assessment
in patients treated with DOACS. Continued research is crucial to develop personalized anticoagulation
strategies to balance thrombosis and bleeding risks.
Flow-cytometric Analysis of Reactive Oxygen Species in Blood Cells: A Potential Tool for Predicting Restenosis - Insights from a Cohort Study
Authors: Patyar Rakesh Raman , Patyar Sazal , Sharma Yash Paul , Khanduja Krishan Lal
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

In-stent restenosis (ISR) is a recurrence of a blockage in a section of the
coronary artery that has previously been treated with a stent. Molecular/biochemical pathways underlying
ISR are not fully understood, but inflammation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced
oxidative stress play a significant role in the pathogenesis of restenosis. As blood cells are
highly sensitive to oxidative stress and blood is readily accessible compared to other tissues, the
current study flow cytometrically investigated intracellular ROS and cytokine profile of blood
cells as possible markers of restenosis. Flow cytometry is commonly used for detecting ROS and
analyzing oxidative stress but so far, it has not been utilized for prediction of ISR. So, the aim of
the study was to explore the potential of flow cytometric assessment of ROS levels in the blood
cells as predictor of ISR.

Methods:

The study was carried out in a total of 60 patients who had previously undergone coronary
artery stent implantation. They were categorized as Group I - Coronary stent implanted patients
without restenosis (n=30) and Group II - Coronary stent implanted patients with restenosis
(n=30). Sociodemographics, biochemical and angiographic characteristics were assessed. Intracellular
ROS and cytokine estimation in blood cells was done by using flow cytometric analysis.

Results:

Flow cytometric measurements demonstrated a 1.3-fold increase in ROS levels in red
blood cells (RBCs) and 2-fold increase in ROS levels in leucocytes in group II as compared to
group I. Mean serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines: tumor necrosis factor-α
(33.54 ± 6.48 vs. 20.10 ± 5.61, p <0.001***), interferon-gamma (21.76 ± 4.46 vs. 20.10 ± 5.61, p
<0.001***), interleukin 6 (152.56 ± 30.67 vs. 113.95 ± 23.38, p <0.001***) were found to be
higher in restenotic patients as compared to the non-restenotic patients. Correlation analysis
showed that intracellular ROS levels of RBCs exhibited a significant positive correlation with late
lumen loss in restenotic (r=0.71, p <0.01) as well as non-restenotic patients (r=0.59, p <0.01). Similarly,
intracellular ROS levels of WBCs exhibited a significant positive correlation with late lumen
loss in restenotic (r=0.72, p <0.01) as well as non-restenotic patients (r=0.61, p <0.01).

Conclusion:

This study highlights the role of increased levels of intracellular ROS in blood cells
in the subsequent development of ISR, which can be detected flow cytometrically. The study
suggests that intracellular ROS estimation in blood cells may serve as a potential marker for
restenosis and their flow cytometric analysis may facilitate the prediction of ISR.
The Impact of Diabetes-related Factors on the Severity and Outcome of COVID-19 Infection in Hospitalized Patients: A Descriptive-analytical Study
Authors: Hosseini-Khah Zahra , Mirzaei Ilali Narges , Khasayesi Mina , Sheibani Shirin , Ramezani Fatemeh , Kashi Zahra
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic is having a devastating impact on public
health, with a higher risk of severe illness and mortality in vulnerable groups. Individuals with a
history of diabetes are more prone to severe COVID-19. A collection of hyperglycemia, inflammation,
and impaired immunity in diabetes, especially in poor glycemic control, notably increases the
risk of COVID-19 severity. Hyperglycemia can trigger the release of inflammatory cytokines,
highlighting the intricate relationship between glucose metabolism and inflammation, and contributing
to cytokine storms that worsen COVID-19 severity. Understanding this relationship enables
healthcare providers to develop personalized care strategies for managing blood glucose in diabetic
patients, thereby reducing the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. This study aims to identify the
factors that contribute to the severe outcomes of COVID-19 in patients with diabetes, to better
understand and manage this critical combination.

Methods:

A total of 411 patients with COVID-19 infection referred to the Teaching Hospital of
Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, were included in this study. The COVID-19
severity was evaluated according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. All information
including demographic, clinical, and laboratory data as well as severity and outcome of the
disease were compared between diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Results:

The diabetic patients had higher blood glucose (210.3 ±114.9 mg/dl) compared to nondiabetics
(118.74 ±3.8 mg/dl) upon admission (p=0.0001). Diabetics also experienced more severe
COVID-19 infection (p=0.048). Patients with severe COVID-19 had significantly higher blood
glucose (168.5 ±12.8 mg/dl) than those with non-severe infection (136.6± 6.3 mg/dl) (p=0.013).
Diabetics had higher erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) compared to non-diabetics (52.25±2.4
vs. 43.81±1.8 mm/h, p=0.006). Diabetic patients taking ACEIs/ARBs had more severe COVID-19
infection (p=0.031).

Conclusion:

The study discovered a positive relationship between hyperglycemia and COVID-19
severity, as well as a higher risk of severe COVID-19 among patients taking ACEIs or ARBs.
Computer-aided Drug Design: Innovation and its Application in Reshaping Modern Medicine
Authors: Gupta Pooja , Chanana Arsh , Kulkarni Yukta R. , Narayan Aditya , Havelikar Ujwal , Shanker Oma , Mahato Bhabesh , Singh Dharmendra , Patel Akhilesh , Singh Ravindra Pal , Chawra Himmat Singh
Published: December 2024

Computer-aided drug design has revolutionized the landscape of drug discovery, accompanied
by a new era of innovation and efficiency of novel therapeutic agents. This article review
explores the diverse innovations and practical applications that have propelled CADD into the forefront
of modern medicine. CADD, a multidisciplinary field at the interaction of biology, chemistry,
and computational science, offers a toolkit for the identification and development of pharmaceutical
compounds. It has the ability to predict molecular interaction between drug and biological targets
with remarkable precision, reducing the dependency on laborious and costly laboratory experiments.
The review deals with two primary domains of CADD: structure-based and ligand-based design.
This three-dimensional protein structure and screening of chemical libraries have led to rational
changes. The analysis of known drug compounds' chemical and biological properties has enabled the
creation of predictive models, opening new routes for drug discovery. The impact of CADD on the
pharmaceutical industry is clear. This review highlights its instrumental role in the development of
antiviral agents, cancer therapeutics, and treatment for various diseases. The transformation potential
of CADD is not without challenges, including the need for substantial computational resources and
the essential requirement of experimental analysis. The synergy between innovation and practical
application is clear, driving unexpected efficiency and precision in the identification of therapeutic
solutions. As pharmaceutical research continues to evolve, the role of CADD remains pivotal, assuring
the rapid translation of scientific innovation into real-world medical advancements.
Evidência Futura Universidade do Minho: projetos e planos em devir no âmbito de um desenvolvimento sustentável
Authors: Rosas João
Published: December 2024

Devemos começar por admitir que o futuro não é evidente e que a vidência desse futuro é, sobretudo, um exercício sobre o presente. A razão principal pela qual o futuro não é antecipável está provavelmente relacionada com a evolução do conhecimento e da tecnologia e com o seu papel na mudança social. Dito isto, não é impossível e é até recomendável pensar esse futuro em função do conhecimento hoje existente e daquele que está agora a ser produzido (do conhecimento de ponta, portanto). Neste sentido, as universidades e os seus centros de investigação são certamente o melhor lugar para tal exercício reflexivo.
É isto que se procura fazer neste livro, interpelando as Unidades Orgânicas da Universidade do Minho para refletirem no modo como, face ao conhecimento que produzem, poderão contribuir para o nosso futuro coletivo, usando como referencial os Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável da Organização das Nações Unidas.
Num ano em que a Universidade do Minho comemora o cinquentenário da sua instalação, este é um esforço que não podia deixar de ser feito. Para além das tendências para o pessimismo e para a redenção, para além das angústias subjetivas e coletivas, para além das ilusões positivas ou negativas, cabe à Universidade do Minho, enquanto lugar de investigação e pensamento, cultivar a (clari)vidência sobre o nosso futuro comum.
Inside the Lives of Comedians — Or Not: Signs of Constructedness and Referentiality in Stand-Up Comedy
Authors: Munck Ida Marie
Published: December 2024

Stand-up comedians, as public figures in a digitalised world, are necessitated to react to an increasing demand for authenticity in their performances. Arguably, this demand is a reaction to an increase in post-truth sentiments in contemporary media culture. Using two performances as case studies, this paper analyses the works to explore how different comedians respond to the imperative of authenticity permeating media culture today. Through the analysis of signs of constructedness and referentiality in the performances, it is shown that both performances occasionally seem so ‘real’ that they become uncomfortable and hyperrealistic. This is vital considering Roland Barthes’ concern that the reality effect, when constructed well, may result in audiences accepting narratives as unproblematically true. Moreover, an increased succumbing to the imperative of authenticity may result in this imperative’s reinforcement. This, in turn, might require performances to appear increasingly ‘real’ and bring with it a variety of consequences. As such, understanding the imperative of authenticity and different cultural figures’ reactions thereto is an important step in understanding how to engage with constructedness and truth in a post-truth era.
Language Politics in Tunisia
Authors: Helal Fethi , Lo Bianco Joseph
Published: December 2024

This book offers both a nuanced picture of language ideologies and language policies in post-Arab Spring Tunisia and a detailed critical and interdisciplinary model of Language Policy and Planning. The authors describe how multiple language ideologies interact and play out as language policy against a background of political turmoil.
Oral Administration as an Alternative Route for Sustained-Release Hydrogel-Encapsulated Anti-Caries Gene Vaccine (Preprint)
Authors: Li Hu , Guan Xiaoyan , li min , dong jingnan , xiao qianwen , bai guohui , wang mingwei , Liu Jianguo
Published: December 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is the primary pathogenic bacterium causing dental caries, and the protein antigen (SpaP) of its P region and the glucan-binding protein (Gbp) with glucan-binding domain (GBD) exhibit promising immunogenicity. They have been separately utilized in the development of anti-caries vaccines, but their effectiveness needs enhancement. To improve the immune response and address challenges in the acidic gastrointestinal environment, such as antigen degradation, mucosal barriers, inefficient cellular absorption by immune cells, and rapid enzymatic degradation of vaccines, this study aims to create an innovative anti-caries vaccine using a temperature-sensitive sustained-release hydrogel as a carrier and evaluate the vaccine's immune response both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we successfully connected the antigens of the P region of the recombinant protein SpaP from S. mutans and the glucan-binding domain (GBD) of GbpA. Using a sustained-release temperature-sensitive hydrogel, PLGA-PEG-PLGA, as a carrier, the anti-caries vaccine pVAX1-SPG was prepared. Initially, the sustained-release effect of the anti-caries vaccine was observed in vitro. Subsequently, rabbits were immunized orally and by injection to evaluate the vaccine's immune response and conduct general safety testing. pVAX1-SPG improved vaccine release in vitro, maintaining efficacy for a longer duration. In rabbits, it induced an elevation of SpaP-specific serum IgG and saliva IgA antibodies. Moreover, orally administered pVAX1-SPG induced stronger SpaP-specific serum IgG and saliva IgA antibodies than the injection route. No abnormalities were detected in various safety indicators. The temperature-sensitive sustained-release hydrogel-encapsulated pVAX1-SPG anti-caries gene vaccine can elicit a significantly effective and long-term immune response. The oral route proves to be a more readily accepted and safer alternative, holding enormous potential in the prevention and treatment of dental caries.