bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of 100% Chamomile Extract on The Number of Staphylococcus Aureus Bacterial Colonies in Orthodontic Bracket (In Vitro Study)
Authors: Prasetyadi Tjokro , Deviyanti Sinta , Maharani Karlina Rahma
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances in malocclusion treatment consist of several components. Bracket components in fixed orthodontic appliances cause side effects such as gingivitis due to retention of Staphylococcus aureus bacterial plaque. Chamomile flower extract contains antibacterial compounds, α-bisabolol. Objective: To analyze 100% chamomile extract effectiveness of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria colonies in orthodontic bracket. Methods: This study using post test only control group design. Chamomile extract procure from percolation methods. Eighteen orthodontic brackets were divided into three groups, soaked in artificial saliva for 1 hour, contaminated with Staphylococcus aereus, then immersed in 100% chamomile flower extract solution, 0,2% chlorhexidine (positive control), and aquadest (negative control) for 30 minutes. Total of 0,1 ml of multilevel serial dilution from three different groups was dripped and streaked onto Brain heart infusion agar, incubated for 24 hours at 37oC for further colony counting tests. Results: S. aureus bacteria colonies in orthodontic bracket group with 100% chamomile flower extract solution was not significantly different from 0,2% chlorhexidine group (p>0,05), but significantly lower than aquadest group (p<0,05). Conclusion: The 100% chamomile extract solution as effective as Chlorhexidine 0,2% in reducing number of Staphylococcus aureus colonies in orthodontic braket.

Keywords: Staphylococcus aureus, the 100% chamomile extract, Chlorhexidine 0,2%, orthodontic brackets.
Evaluation of Cephalometric Downs Analysis on Cephalograms at RSGM YARSI, Jakarta
Authors: Puspitasari Ayu Laksmi , Siregar Fazwishni
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Cephalometric analysis is used to help establish diagnosis and treatment plan in orthodontics. One of the cephalometric analysis is the Downs analysis which its standard values were measured in Caucasians. However, these values cannot be applied to other races and ethnicities because there are racial and ethnic variations. Hence, it is necessary to know the average value for Indonesians. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate Downs analysis on cephalograms at RSGM YARSI Jakarta, compare it with Downs’ norms and other ethnicities, and determine differences between gender. Materials and Methods: Measurements of 10 parameters of Downs analysis were carried out on 29 cephalograms. Data were tested statistically. Results: The mean of the facial angle are 85.17°±3.07; angle of convexity 3.62°±2.79; AB plane angle AB -2.65°±2.55; mandibular plane angle 29.82°±3,37; Y-axis 64.15°±3.34, occlusal plane angle 11°±2.86; interincisal angle 113.06°±7.64; LI-occlusal angle 28.41°±5.24; IMPA angle 10.24°±5.76; distance of UI-APog 8.05 mm±1.85. Discussion: The RSGM YARSI cephalometric value compared to the Downs’ norms shows that the chin towards the FHP is more retroposition, the face is more convex, the relationship of the lower and upper jaw to the NPog is more protrusive, the direction mandibular growth towards the FHP is more vertical, the direction of facial growth is more downward, occlusal growth towards the FHP is steeper, and the incisors are more protruded. The direction of growth in male is more vertical than in female, and there are differences in cephalometric values with other races. Conclusion: There is a significant difference between the Downs cephalometric values of RSGM YARSI and the Downs’ norms in all measurements. Between men and women at RSGM YARSI there are gender differences in the direction of growth. There are differences in measurement values with other races.
Mengasah Keterampilan Berbicara Bahasa Inggris Menggunakan Small Group Discussions Pada Siswa Smp Negeri 16 Kabupaten Sorong
Authors: Hartanti Rezkiah , Wael Ahmad , Hasanudin Hasanudin , Uluelang Kris , Hasyim Ruslan
Published: March 2024

Berbicara merupakan keterampilan yang sangat dibutuhkan dalam mempelajari bahasa. Maka, setiap pembelajar bahasa harus bisa berbicara dengan baik dan benar sesuai dengan struktur tata bahasa yang dipelajari. Pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk mengasah keterampilan berbicara siswa  menggunakan small group discussions (SGD). Pengabdian ini dilakukan di SMP Negeri 16 Kabupaten Sorong  dengan menggunakan metode pendampingan. Peserta yang terlibat dalam pengabdian ini adalah siswa-siswi kelas XI yang berjumlah 25 siswa-siswi dengan 5 instruktur. Dalam pelaksanaan pendampingan, peserta dibagi menjadi 5 kelompok dan setiap kelompok terdiri dari 5 siswa.  Hasil pencapaian peserta adalah 79,5%, dapat dikategorikan biak kemampuan peserta dalam menjawab pertanyaan. Disamping itu, guru yang mengampuh mata pelajaran bahasa Inggris juga turut serta dalam proses pendampingan yang dilakukan kepada siswa-siswi.
Atitudes acerca da Matemática: percepções de estudantes de Pedagogia sobre escolha profissional e ensino e aprendizagem
Authors: Silva Flaviane Carla da , Sander Giovana Pereira , Pirola Nelson Antonio
Published: March 2024

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar a percepção de estudantes de Pedagogia de uma universidade pública sobre as influências das atitudes sobre a escolha profissional, o ensino e a aprendizagem da Matemática. A abordagem teórica foi ancorada nos estudos da Psicologia da Educação Matemática e a metodológica teve um delineamento misto. O estudo constou de duas etapas: na primeira etapa foi aplicada uma escala de atitudes e um questionário a 45 estudantes de Pedagogia e, na segunda, dois questionários foram selecionados para análise mais detalhada. A análise dos dados mostrou que os scores da escala de atitudes tiveram relação somente com a categoria de escolha profissional. O estudo sugere que os cursos de Pedagogia valorizem as influências dos aspectos afetivos sobre o ensino e a aprendizagem de Matemática.
CODE OF ETHICS FOR TEACHERS IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Authors: HROBKOVÁ MÁRIA , POŠTEKOVÁ BEÁTA
Published: March 2024

Currently, there are many problems of an ethical nature, so it is necessary to look for possible solutions. One of them is the code of ethics, which forces people to reflect on their mission and the duties they have towards the environment that surrounds them. The code of ethics of a Catholic school teacher is specific in comparison with other professional codes, because in the behavior and actions of a Christian teacher, everyone should see an evangelical person.
Caso Orna x Abusos S.A: Um estudo de caso sobre o assédio sexual e a atuação das organizações frente as denúncias
Authors: Pedatella Marcelle
Published: March 2024

Apesar dos avanços legais e sociais com o crescente número de mulheres no mercado de trabalho, ainda é possível observar a discriminação e a violência contra elas nas relações profissionais. O assédio sexual é uma delas e será o tema aqui abordado. Sabemos que este tipo de violência não é praticado apenas em desfavor destas, mas levando em consideração as raízes patriarcais estruturadas na sociedade, abordaremos com maior ênfase o assédio sexual que vitima mulheres. A violência e o assédio no ambiente do trabalho decorrem de relações desiguais, assimétricas e estas desigualdades geram a maior dificuldade de as pessoas reagirem a esta conduta abusiva. Na esfera laboral, o assédio sexual é apenas uma das tantas formas de violentá-la, fazendo parte das expressões do domínio masculino entranhado na sociedade. Este domínio se materializa devido à presença das relações desiguais de gênero. O estudo do caso em questão se faz relevante devido a exposição e violência corriqueira, nas quais a mulher é submetida todos os dias. Na seara trabalhista podemos observar que esta exposição e violência, caracterizadas pelo assédio, toma uma proporção extramuros, uma vez que traz consequência negativas para a vítima. Assim, é muito comum que mulheres que sofrem assédio sexual nem percebam que estão sendo assediadas, e nos casos perceptíveis, muitas vezes silenciam por necessidade de manter o emprego e o sustento da família. Por fim, tentaremos demonstrar como as empresas têm se colocado frente a estes casos e quais as práticas de prevenção e combatem têm sido adotadas.
A eficácia ou ineficácia do compliance trabalhista como instrumento de prevenção e combate ao assédio à luz do Caso Marcius Melhem
Authors: Silva Walneide da , Sacramento Nazaré
Published: March 2024

O presente trabalho resulta de estudo de caso que teve como objeto fato amplamente noticiado no Brasil, envolvendo denúncias da prática de assédio – moral e sexual – no âmbito da Rede Globo de Televisão, o mais importante complexo de comunicação do país. Situações como as denunciadas produzem efeitos nefastos sobre a ambiência laboral, com repercussão específica e contundente sobre as mulheres presentes no mercado de trabalho. O artigo apresenta o fato social e seus efeitos sobre a vida de trabalhadores, a grande maioria mulheres, promovendo o cotejo com a legislação e doutrina existentes sobre a matéria, com o objetivo de averiguar a pertinência da utilização do compliance como medida de prevenção e controle do assédio.
A proteção das mães de crianças com deficiência no mercado de trabalho e a aplicação do Protocolo para Julgamento com Perspectiva de Gênero do Conselho Nacional de Justiça
Authors: Melo Thays do Socorro Meirelles de Ataide de
Published: March 2024

A maternidade ainda é uma das principais causas de desigualdade, discriminação e assimetria para mulheres no mercado de trabalho e, para as mães de crianças com deficiência, o acesso e permanência ao trabalho remunerado pode ser ainda mais difícil, considerando a grande demanda de cuidado que essas crianças precisam. Nesse contexto, o artigo em comento tem por objetivo realizar, por meio de revisão bibliográfica atinente a temática do trabalho do cuidado materno não remunerado, bem como de consulta a fontes legislativas, documentos internacionais e dados quantitativos, uma análise da aplicação do Protocolo para Julgamento com Perspectiva de Gênero do Conselho Nacional de Justiça, como um importante mecanismo para assegurar a proteção das mães de criança com deficiência no mercado de trabalho. A partir das informações levantadas, foi possível observar como a justiça, por meio da perspectiva de gênero, pode observar à realidade da trabalhadora responsável pela criança com deficiência, a fim de não invisibilizar e ignorar as opressões estruturais e relações desiguais marcadas pela divisão sexual do trabalho existente em nossa sociedade e, com isso, possibilitar a efetividade dos direitos dessas trabalhadoras.
O viado e a Justiça do Trabalho: Um estudo de caso sobre a homofobia e o preconceito em sentença
Authors: Carvalho Leandro , Smith Andreza Pantoja
Published: March 2024

A busca por igualdade e garantia de direitos para pessoas com orientações sexuais não conformes com a heteronormatividade continua a enfrentar desafios significativos. Além das frequentes violências sociais, psicológicas e físicas que acometem esse grupo, é particularmente preocupante quando tais arbítrios são cometidos por membros das instituições encarregadas de combater essas práticas. O presente estudo de caso examina um incidente de violência ocorrido no ambiente laboral que, ao ser apresentado perante o tribunal, foi tratado com indiferença porque nas palavras do magistrado “para quem acredita ser a homossexualidade uma inclinação legítima, ser chamado de homossexual ou de viado deve ser tão ofensivo quanto ser chamado de heterossexual, ou de macho o é para aqueles que definem a própria sexualidade em consonância com a própria formação corpórea”.
Una mirada mediático-antropológica a los medios audiovisuales en la actual era digital
Authors: Frezza Gino
Published: March 2024

Una mirada mediático-antropológica debe tener capacidad de establecer un análisis social y cultural de las interacciones entre medios de comunicación y audiencias, pero, al mismo tiempo, debe enmarcar la cualidad social de los medios (en particular, la de los medios audiovisuales) de manera convincente (desde el punto de vista teórico) y precisa (desde el punto de vista empírico). Dicha cualidad debe ser captada y situada en el largo lapso temporal que va de finales del siglo XIX a las dos primeras décadas del siglo XXI, durante el cual los medios de comunicación han cambiado significativamente las formas de la vida social, marcando diversos rasgos característicos de la era moderna, la posmoderna y, también, la actual era digital.
Este texto, elaborado a modo de legado para la comunidad científica por el internacionalmente reconocido profesor napolitano Gino Frezza, proporciona los contornos de una perspectiva teórica destinada a comprender la socialidad cultural de los medios de comunicación y, al mismo tiempo, a proporcionar una explicación coherente de cómo ésta, a lo largo del tiempo, ha alcanzado su estadio actual. En consecuencia, suministra asimismo un análisis del nuevo estatus de los medios digitales (de manera sincrónica a como se están produciendo), y lo hace subrayando que semejante análisis no puede desligarse de los procesos y las direcciones que han preparado y predispuesto dicho estatus. Este texto también propugna la necesidad de esclarecer el papel que los medios han desempeñado en la conformación del imaginario compartido en las distintas épocas durante las que tales medios, junto con el consumo y las prefiguraciones del tiempo vivido, dan cuenta de las identidades sociales y de la demanda de futuro.
La pasión numismática del mercado del arte: entrevista a Jesús Vico Monteoliva, numismático
Authors: Martínez Peláez Agustín , Núñez de Prado y Clavell Sara
Published: March 2024

Traemos a nuestras páginas a una de las grandes figuras del mundo numismático, tanto español como europeo o mundial: don Jesús Vico Monteoliva. Como él mismo nos cuenta, sintió amor a primera vista por las monedas con 9 años, cuando tuvo en sus manos un sestercio de Adriano. Este hombre, que lleva en el mundo de la numismática más de 50 años, es difícilmente definible, pues es un numismático atípico; además de comprar y vender monedas, su casa de subastas es una de las más importantes a nivel mundial, con más de 150 subastas realizadas, y ha sido capaz de tender puentes y entablar diálogos fructíferos entre el mundo comercial, el académico y las administraciones públicas. Autor de diversos libros y artículos y miembro correspondiente de la Real Academia de la Historia, es también una mente privilegiada que nos presenta el mundo del mercado del arte en toda su crudeza, pero, a la vez, con infinito amor.
Implementasi Metode Otsu dan Momen Hu pada Citra Keris
Authors: Sebatubun Maria , Haryawan Cosmas
Published: March 2024

UNESCO telah menetapkan keris Indonesia sebagai Masterpiece of The Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Keris memiliki bilah yang terdiri dari pamor, dhapur, dan Tangguh yang merupakan istilah yang digunakan untuk menyebut nama bentuk dari bilah keris. Dhapur keris ada yang berbentuk lurus dan lengkok (Luk dalam bahasa jawa). Yang berbentuk luk, jumlahnya bermacam-macam, mulai dari luk 3 (tiga) sampai luk 29 (dua puluh Sembilan). Jenis keris berdasarkan dapur yang diakui secara baku sekitar 150 jenis. Namun, bentuk dhapur keris tidak mudah dikenali secara langsung. Selain karena jenisnya yang banyak, bentuk dhapur ini terkadang memiliki karakteristik yang mirip meskipun jenisnya berbeda. Hal ini menyebabkan keris sulit untuk dikenali. Penelitian ini akan melakukan klasifikasi jenis keris berdasarkan dhapur yaitu Parung Sari dan Tilam Sari menggunakan teknik pengolahan citra. Tahap awal yaitu proses cropping citra, kemudian segmentasi menggunakan metode Otsu dan proses morfologi. Setelah itu, proses ekstraksi fitur dilakukan dengan tujuh momen Hu. Hasil ekstraksi fitur ini menjadi masukkan pada algoritma klasifikasi MultiLayer Perceptron (MLP) dengan k-fold cross-validation. Akurasi yang diperoleh yaitu 95% dengan nilai precision 100% dan recall 90%. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa metode yang digunakan mampu membedakan kedua jenis keris dengan baik.
The effect of task-irrelevant objects in spatial contextual cueing
Authors: von Mühlenen Adrian , Conci Markus
Published: March 2024

During visual search, the spatial configuration of the stimuli can be learned when the same displays are presented repeatedly, thereby guiding attention more efficiently to the target location (contextual cueing effect). This study investigated how the presence of a task-irrelevant object influences the contextual cueing effect. Experiment 1 used a standard T/L search task with “old” display configurations presented repeatedly among “new” displays. A green-filled square appeared at unoccupied locations within the search display. The results showed that the typical contextual cueing effect was strongly reduced when a square was added to the display. In Experiment 2, the contextual cueing effect was reinstated by simply including trials where the square could appear at an occupied location (i.e., underneath the search stimuli). Experiment 3 replicated the previous experiment, showing that the restored contextual cueing effect did not depend on whether the square was actually overlapping with a stimulus or not. The final two experiments introduced a display change in the last epoch. The results showed that the square does not only hinder the acquisition of contextual information but also its manifestation. These findings are discussed in terms of an account where effective contextual learning depends on whether the square is perceived as part of the search display or as part of the display background.
Characteristics of pulmonary artery strain assessed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging and associations with metabolomic pathways in human ageing
Authors: Zhang Hongzhou , Leng Shuang , Gao Fei , Kovalik Jean-Paul , Wee Hai Ning , Chua Kee Voon , Ching Jianhong , Allen John C. , Zhao Xiaodan , Tan Ru-San , Wu Qinghua , Leiner Tim , Koh Angela S. , Zhong Liang
Published: March 2024

Background

Pulmonary artery (PA) strain is associated with structural and functional alterations of the vessel and is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. The relationship of PA strain to metabolomics in participants without cardiovascular disease is unknown.

Methods

In the current study, community-based older adults, without known cardiovascular disease, underwent simultaneous cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, clinical examination, and serum sampling. PA global longitudinal strain (GLS) analysis was performed by tracking the change in distance from the PA bifurcation to the pulmonary annular centroid, using standard cine CMR images. Circulating metabolites were measured by cross-sectional targeted metabolomics analysis.

Results

Among n = 170 adults (mean age 71 ± 6.3 years old; 79 women), mean values of PA GLS were 16.2 ± 4.4%. PA GLS was significantly associated with age (β = −0.13, P = 0.017), heart rate (β = −0.08, P = 0.001), dyslipidemia (β = −2.37, P = 0.005), and cardiovascular risk factors (β = −2.49, P = 0.001). Alanine (β = −0.007, P = 0.01) and proline (β = −0.0009, P = 0.042) were significantly associated with PA GLS after adjustment for clinical risk factors. Medium and long-chain acylcarnitines were significantly associated with PA GLS (C12, P = 0.027; C12-OH/C10-DC, P = 0.018; C14:2, P = 0.036; C14:1, P = 0.006; C14, P = 0.006; C14-OH/C12-DC, P = 0.027; C16:3, P = 0.019; C16:2, P = 0.006; C16:1, P = 0.001; C16:2-OH, P = 0.016; C16:1-OH/C14:1-DC, P = 0.028; C18:1-OH/C16:1-DC, P = 0.032).

Conclusion

By conventional CMR, PA GLS was associated with aging and vascular risk factors among a contemporary cohort of older adults. Metabolic pathways involved in PA stiffness may include gluconeogenesis, collagen synthesis, and fatty acid oxidation.
Effect of maternal serum albumin level on birthweight and gestational age: an analysis of 39200 singleton newborns
Authors: Wu Jiayi , Liu Xiaorui , Qin Chuanmei , Zhang Jinwen , Liu Xueqing , Hu Jianing , Wu Fan , Chen Cailian , Lin Yi
Published: March 2024

Background

Serum albumin plays a pivotal role in regulating plasma oncotic pressure and modulating fluid distribution among various body compartments. Previous research examining the association between maternal serum albumin levels and fetal growth yielded limited and inconclusive findings. Therefore, the specific influence of serum albumin on fetal growth remains poorly understood and warrants further investigation.

Methods

A retrospective study involved 39200 women who had a singleton live birth at a tertiary-care academic medical center during the period from January 2017 to December 2020. Women were categorized into four groups according to the quartile of albumin concentration during early pregnancy: Q1 group, ≤41.0 g/L; Q2 group, 41.1-42.6 g/L; Q3 group, 42.7-44.3 g/L and Q4 group, >44.3 g/L. The main outcome measures were mid-term estimated fetal weight, birthweight and gestational age. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analysis were performed to detect the independent effect of maternal serum albumin level on fetal growth after adjusting for important confounding variables.

Results

In the crude analysis, a significant inverse correlation was found between early pregnancy maternal serum albumin levels and fetal growth status, including mid-term ultrasound measurements, mid-term estimated fetal weight, birthweight, and gestational age. After adjustment for a number of confounding factors, mid-term estimated fetal weight, birthweight, and birth height decreased significantly with increasing albumin levels. Compared to the Q2 group, the Q4 group had higher rates of preterm birth (aOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01–1.34), small-for-gestational-age (aOR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.11–1.45) and low birthweight (aOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.18–1.69), and lower rate of large-for-gestational-age (aOR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.78–0.94). Moreover, to achieve the optimal neonatal outcome, women with higher early pregnancy albumin levels required a greater reduction in albumin levels in later pregnancy stages.

Conclusions

A higher maternal serum albumin level during early pregnancy was associated with poor fetal growth, with the detrimental effects becoming apparent as early as the mid-gestation period. These findings provided vital information for clinicians to predict fetal growth status and identify cases with a high risk of adverse neonatal outcomes early on.
Reprogramming of the developing heart by Hif1a-deficient sympathetic system and maternal diabetes exposure
Authors: Kolesova Hana , Hrabalova Petra , Bohuslavova Romana , Abaffy Pavel , Fabriciova Valeria , Sedmera David , Pavlinkova Gabriela
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Maternal diabetes is a recognized risk factor for both short-term and long-term complications in offspring. Beyond the direct teratogenicity of maternal diabetes, the intrauterine environment can influence the offspring’s cardiovascular health. Abnormalities in the cardiac sympathetic system are implicated in conditions such as sudden infant death syndrome, cardiac arrhythmic death, heart failure, and certain congenital heart defects in children from diabetic pregnancies. However, the mechanisms by which maternal diabetes affects the development of the cardiac sympathetic system and, consequently, heightens health risks and predisposes to cardiovascular disease remain poorly understood.

Methods and results

In the mouse model, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the combined impact of a Hif1a-deficient sympathetic system and the maternal diabetes environment on both heart development and the formation of the cardiac sympathetic system. The synergic negative effect of exposure to maternal diabetes and Hif1a deficiency resulted in the most pronounced deficit in cardiac sympathetic innervation and the development of the adrenal medulla. Abnormalities in the cardiac sympathetic system were accompanied by a smaller heart, reduced ventricular wall thickness, and dilated subepicardial veins and coronary arteries in the myocardium, along with anomalies in the branching and connections of the main coronary arteries. Transcriptional profiling by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed significant transcriptome changes in Hif1a-deficient sympathetic neurons, primarily associated with cell cycle regulation, proliferation, and mitosis, explaining the shrinkage of the sympathetic neuron population.

Discussion

Our data demonstrate that a failure to adequately activate the HIF-1α regulatory pathway, particularly in the context of maternal diabetes, may contribute to abnormalities in the cardiac sympathetic system. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the interplay between deficiencies in the cardiac sympathetic system and subtle structural alternations in the vasculature, microvasculature, and myocardium during heart development not only increases the risk of cardiovascular disease but also diminishes the adaptability to the stress associated with the transition to extrauterine life, thus increasing the risk of neonatal death.
The association between interdigital pilonidal sinus and animal groomers is a historical narrative correlation and not a true occupational hazard
Authors: Al Shenawi Hamdi , Yaghan Rami , Al Saad Suhair , Binayfan Ziyad M. , Mohamed Yaqoob Y. , Alnasser Mansour M. , Al Shenawi Fatima , Yaghan Lamees , Almarabheh Amer , Alshammari Abdulrahman , Al Shenawi Noor , Naguib Yahya M.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Pilonidal sinus (PNS) is a small hole or “tunnel” in the skin that frequently occurs in the sacrococcygeal region. Nevertheless, PNS has been reported to occur between the fingers (interdigital) in barbers, hairdressers, and animal groomers. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of interdigital PNS among animal handlers in Bahrain and to treat any patients encountered.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study with convenience sampling from November 2020 to October 2021. The study participants were animal handlers from stables, veterinary, and pet shops in Bahrain. There were 43 males and 7 females with direct animal contact. 86% of the study population were handling horses, and 15% were handling different types of animals.

Results

No positive cases of interdigital PNS among participants were found, this might reflect the positive impact of good personal hygiene among our study population. Our study shows that groomers in Bahrain frequently wash their hands after handling animals, and 98% have a daily habit of bathing after work. It was also estimated that 60% of the participants use gloves to handle animals themselves or their waste.

Discussion

This could be the first study looking at the prevalence of interdigital PNS in animal groomers worldwide. The absence of any case report of interdigital PNS among animal groomers in the recent literature strengthens our assumption that the association between interdigital PNS and hair grooming could be a narrative coincidence rather than a true occupational hazard. The present work may help in better understanding of occupation-disease association, and highlights the importance of mass screening of animal handlers for occupation-dependent health problems.
Establishment and analysis of artificial neural network diagnosis model for coagulation-related molecular subgroups in coronary artery disease
Authors: Zheng Biwei , Li Yujing , Xiong Guoliang
Published: March 2024

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of cardiovascular disease and cause significant morbidity and mortality. Abnormal coagulation cascade is one of the high-risk factors in CAD patients, but the molecular mechanism of coagulation in CAD is still limited.

Methods: We clustered and categorized 352 CAD paitents based on the expression patterns of coagulation-related genes (CRGs), and then we explored the molecular and immunological variations across the subgroups to reveal the underlying biological characteristics of CAD patients. The feature genes between CRG-subgroups were further identified using a random forest model (RF) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and an artificial neural network prediction model was constructed.

Results: CAD patients could be divided into the C1 and C2 CRG-subgroups, with the C1 subgroup highly enriched in immune-related signaling pathways. The differential expressed genes between the two CRG-subgroups (DE-CRGs) were primarily enriched in signaling pathways connected to signal transduction and energy metabolism. Subsequently, 10 feature DE-CRGs were identified by RF and LASSO. We constructed a novel artificial neural network model using these 10 genes and evaluated and validated its diagnostic performance on a public dataset.

Conclusion: Diverse molecular subgroups of CAD patients may each have a unique gene expression pattern. We may identify subgroups using a few feature genes, providing a theoretical basis for the precise treatment of CAD patients with different molecular subgroups.
Immune-mediated diseases are associated with a higher risk of ALS incidence: a prospective cohort study from the UK Biobank
Authors: Cao Wen , Cao Zhi , Tang Lu , Xu Chenjie , Fan Dongsheng
Published: March 2024

Objective

The occurrence of immune-mediated diseases (IMDs) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients is widely reported. However, whether IMDs and ALS is a simple coexistence or if there exists causal relationships between the two has been a subject of great interest to researchers.

Methods

A total of 454,444 participants from the prospective cohort of UK Biobank were recruited to investigate the longitudinal association between IMDs and ALS. Previously any IMDs and organ specific IMDs were analyzed in relation to the following incident ALS by Cox-proportional hazard models. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the covariates of these relationships.

Results

After adjusting for potential covariates, the multivariate analysis showed that any IMDs were associated with an increased risk of ALS incidence (HR:1.42, 95%CI:1.03-1.94). IMDs of the endocrine-system and the intestinal-system were associated with increased risk of ALS incidence (endocrine-system IMDs: HR:3.01, 95%CI:1.49-6.06; intestinal system IMDs: HR:2.07, 95%CI: 1.14-3.77). Subgroup analyses revealed that immune burden, including IMD duration and the severity of inflammation had specific effects on the IMD-ALS association. In participants with IMD duration≥10 years or CRP≥1.3mg/L or females, previous IMDs increased the risk of incident ALS; however, in participants with IMD duration <10 years or CRP<1.3mg/L or males, IMDs had no effect on incident ALS.

Interpretation

Our study provides evidence that previous any IMDs and endocrine-system and the intestinal-system specific IMDs are associated with an increased risk of developing ALS in females, but not in males.
Electrophysiological correlates of temporal numerosity adaptation
Authors: Grasso Paolo A. , Petrizzo Irene , Coniglio Francesca , Arrighi Roberto
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Much research has revealed the human visual system is capable to estimate numerical quantities, rapidly and reliably, in both the spatial and the temporal domain. This ability is highly susceptible to short-term plastic phenomena related to previous exposure to visual numerical information (i.e., adaptation). However, while determinants of spatial numerosity adaptation have been widely investigated, little is known about the neural underpinnings of short-term plastic phenomena related to the encoding of temporal numerical information. In the present study we investigated the electrophysiological correlates of temporal numerosity adaptation.

Methods

Participants were asked to estimate the numerosity of a test sequence of flashes after being exposed to either a high or low numerous adapting sequence. Behavioral results confirmed the expected underestimation of test stimulus when this was preceded by a high numerous sequence as compared to when preceded by a low numerous sequence.

Results

Electrophysiological data revealed that this behavior was tightly linked to the amplitude of the steady-state visual evoked (ssVEP) response elicited by the test stimulus. When preceded by a high numerous sequence, the test stimulus elicited larger ssVEP responses as compared to when preceded by a low numerous sequence with this pattern being robustly correlated with behavior. Finally, topographical maps showed that this difference was mostly evident across two antero-posterior distributed clusters of electrodes and correlated with changes in functional connectivity.

Discussion

Taken together, our results suggest that visual plastic phenomena related to the encoding of temporal numerosity information reflect changes in rhythmic evoked activity that are likely related to long range communications between distinct brain regions.
The contribution of Sensory Processing Sensitivity and internalized attachment representations on emotion regulation competencies in school-age children
Authors: Sperati Alessandra , Acevedo Bianca P. , Dellagiulia Antonio , Fasolo Mirco , Spinelli Maria , D’Urso Giulio , Lionetti Francesca
Published: March 2024

Introduction

As captured by the individual trait of Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS), highly sensitive children perceive, process, and responds more strongly to stimuli. This increased sensitivity may make more demanding the process of regulating and managing emotions. Yet, developmental psychology literature also showed that other variables, as those related to the rearing environment, are likely to contribute to the process of regulating emotions. With the current contribution, we aim to bridge two lines of research, that of attachment studies and that of SPS, by investigating the additive and interactive contribution of SPS and internal working models of attachment representations on emotion regulation competencies in school-aged children.

Method

Participants were N = 118 Italian children (mean age: 6.5, SD = 0.58 years, and 51.8% female) with their mothers. Children’s positive attachment representations were rated observationally through the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task procedure during an individual session at school. Mothers reported on children SPS trait and emotion regulation competencies completing the Highly Sensitive Child Scale-parent report and the Emotion Regulation Checklist. We performed and compared a series of main and interaction effect models.

Results

SPS was not directly associated with emotion regulation but it was significantly associated with positive attachment representations in predicting emotion regulation. Highly sensitive children showed poorer emotion regulation when the internalized representations were low in maternal warmth and responsiveness. When driven by sensitive and empathic attachment representation, highly sensitive children showed better emotion regulation than less-sensitive peers, suggesting a for better and for worse effect.

Discussion

Highly sensitive children are not only more vulnerable to adversities but also show better emotion regulation competencies when supported by positive internal working models of attachment relationships. Overall, findings shed light on the link between SPS and attachment and suggest that working for promoting secure attachment relationships in parent–child dyads may promote better emotion regulation competences, particularly in highly sensitive children.
Validating the efficacy and value proposition of mental fitness vocal biomarkers in a psychiatric population: prospective cohort study
Authors: Larsen Erik , Murton Olivia , Song Xinyu , Joachim Dale , Watts Devon , Kapczinski Flavio , Venesky Lindsey , Hurowitz Gerald
Published: March 2024

Background

The utility of vocal biomarkers for mental health assessment has gained increasing attention. This study aims to further this line of research by introducing a novel vocal scoring system designed to provide mental fitness tracking insights to users in real-world settings.

Methods

A prospective cohort study with 104 outpatient psychiatric participants was conducted to validate the “Mental Fitness Vocal Biomarker” (MFVB) score. The MFVB score was derived from eight vocal features, selected based on literature review. Participants’ mental health symptom severity was assessed using the M3 Checklist, which serves as a transdiagnostic tool for measuring depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and bipolar symptoms.

Results

The MFVB demonstrated an ability to stratify individuals by their risk of elevated mental health symptom severity. Continuous observation enhanced the MFVB’s efficacy, with risk ratios improving from 1.53 (1.09-2.14, p=0.0138) for single 30-second voice samples to 2.00 (1.21-3.30, p=0.0068) for data aggregated over two weeks. A higher risk ratio of 8.50 (2.31-31.25, p=0.0013) was observed in participants who used the MFVB 5-6 times per week, underscoring the utility of frequent and continuous observation. Participant feedback confirmed the user-friendliness of the application and its perceived benefits.

Conclusions

The MFVB is a promising tool for objective mental health tracking in real-world conditions, with potential to be a cost-effective, scalable, and privacy-preserving adjunct to traditional psychiatric assessments. User feedback suggests that vocal biomarkers can offer personalized insights and support clinical therapy and other beneficial activities that are associated with improved mental health risks and outcomes.
Purpose in life as a resilience factor for brain health: diffusion MRI findings from the Midlife in the U.S. study
Authors: Nair Ajay Kumar , Adluru Nagesh , Finley Anna J. , Gresham Lauren K. , Skinner Sarah E. , Alexander Andrew L. , Davidson Richard J. , Ryff Carol D. , Schaefer Stacey M.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

A greater sense of purpose in life is associated with several health benefits relevant for active aging, but the mechanisms remain unclear. We evaluated if purpose in life was associated with indices of brain health.

Methods

We examined data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Neuroscience Project. Diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging data (n=138; mean age 65.2 years, age range 48-95; 80 females; 37 black, indigenous, and people of color) were used to estimate microstructural indices of brain health such as axonal density, and axonal orientation. The seven-item purpose in life scale was used. Permutation analysis of linear models was used to examine associations between purpose in life scores and the diffusion metrics in white matter and in the bilateral hippocampus, adjusting for age, sex, education, and race.

Results and discussion

Greater sense of purpose in life was associated with brain microstructural features consistent with better brain health. Positive associations were found in both white matter and the right hippocampus, where multiple convergent associations were detected. The hippocampus is a brain structure involved in learning and memory that is vulnerable to stress but retains the capacity to grow and adapt through old age. Our findings suggest pathways through which an enhanced sense of purpose in life may contribute to better brain health and promote healthy aging. Since purpose in life is known to decline with age, interventions and policy changes that facilitate a greater sense of purpose may extend and improve the brain health of individuals and thus improve public health.
Alterations in metabolic pathways: a bridge between aging and weaker innate immune response
Authors: Saleh Zahra , Mirzazadeh Sara , Mirzaei Fatemeh , Heidarnejad Kamran , Meri Seppo , Kalantar Kurosh
Published: March 2024

Aging is a time-dependent progressive physiological process, which results in impaired immune system function. Age-related changes in immune function increase the susceptibility to many diseases such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Different metabolic pathways including glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, amino acid metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, fatty acid oxidation and fatty acid synthesis regulate the development, differentiation, and response of adaptive and innate immune cells. During aging all these pathways change in the immune cells. In addition to the changes in metabolic pathways, the function and structure of mitochondria also have changed in the immune cells. Thereby, we will review changes in the metabolism of different innate immune cells during the aging process.
Pathological Characterization and Risk Factors of Splenic Nodular Lesions in Dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)
Authors: Corvera Gloria , Alegría-Morán Raúl , Cifuentes Federico Francisco , Torres Cristian Gabriel
Published: March 2024

In dogs, the spleen is a secondary lymphoid organ that can be affected by both neoplastic and non-neoplastic nodules. In general, few studies relate histopathological diagnosis to tumor size and the number of nodules in spleen biopsies. Some of these studies are inconclusive regarding the difference between neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions and have small sample sizes or do not consider all splenic lesions. This study aimed to characterize splenic masses and determine risk factors for spleen tumors in dogs. A total of 507 histological reports corresponding to the diagnosis of splenic lesions in dogs from a private laboratory of animal pathology in the Metropolitan Region, Chile, were used. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. The most frequent neoplastic and non-neoplastic diagnoses were hemangiosarcoma and hyperplasia, respectively. Most of the cases occurred in male (265 cases, 52.3%), senior (421 cases, 83%), and purebred individuals (342 cases, 67.5%). The most affected breeds were the Cocker Spaniel, German Shepherd, and Labrador Retriever. The most frequent lesion was a single nodule. The variables that exhibited a greater risk for the presentation of splenic neoplasia were male sex (odds ratio (OR) = 16.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.741–150.879; p = 0.014), the presence of two or more splenic nodules (OR = 3.94; 95% CI 2.168–7.177; p < 0.001), an increase in nodule size greater than 2 cm (OR for quartiles 2, 3 and 4 of 2.2; 95% CI 1.036–4.941; p = 0.041, 2.9; 95% CI 1.331–6.576; p = 0.008, and 3.6; 95% CI 1.562–8.499; p = 0.003, respectively), and increasing age (OR = 1.23; 95% CI 1.048–1.436; p = 0.011). On the other hand, males exhibited a lower risk as age increases (OR = 0.76; 95% CI 0.615–0.928; p = 0.008). In conclusion, this study identified that males, multinodular presentation, nodule size, and age are risk factors for the occurrence of splenic neoplasia in dogs, knowledge that will contribute to the diagnostic management of dogs with spleen lesions.
Comparison of Reported Fatalities, Falls and Injuries in Thoroughbred Horse Jumps and Flat Races in the 2022 and 2023 Jumps Race Seasons in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Jeppesen Angela , Eyers Rebekah , Evans Di , Ward Michael P. , Quain Anne
Published: March 2024

Jumps racing is a form of Thoroughbred horse racing that involves hurdles and steeples and typically longer distances, and heavier weights compared with flat racing, which does not incorporate obstacles. In Australia, jumps racing is carried out only in Victoria, one of eight states and territories. The continuation of jumps racing is contentious due to the higher risk of fatalities, falls and injuries for horses, compared with flat racing. While measures have been introduced by the industry to improve the safety of riders and horses, the rates of fatalities, falls and injuries in horses participating in jumps races have not been collectively reported in Australia since the 2012 to 2014 race seasons. Although information on individual horse fatalities, falls and injuries is published by Racing Victoria in Stewards’ Reports, the data are not aggregated, and so cannot readily be used to assess trends or evaluate the efficacy of safety measures introduced by the industry. The aim of this study was to determine the fatality, fall and injury rates for horses participating in hurdle and steeplechase races in Victoria in the 2022 and 2023 Thoroughbred horse jumps racing seasons compared with horses participating in flat races at the same race meets. Data on horse fatalities, falls and injuries were extracted from the published Racing Victoria race results and Stewards’ Reports for the jumps races (n = 150) and corresponding flat races (n = 157) held at the 38 jumps race meets in Victoria in 2022 and 2023. Overall, horse fatalities, falls and injuries occurred at higher rates in jumps races compared with flat races during the study period. The rate of horse fatalities in jumps races was 3.3 per 1000 starts, with no fatalities in flat races. The rate of horse falls in hurdle races was 24 per 1000 starts and 41.6 per 1000 starts in steeplechase races, comparable with rates previously reported in the 2012 to 2014 seasons. There were no falls in flat races. Horse injuries occurred at a rate of 68.9 per 1000 starts in jumps races compared with 18.8 per 1000 starts in flat races. In hurdle and steeplechase races, veterinary clearance being required following horse injury was 5.4 times (OR 5.4, 95% CI 2.8–10.2) and 7.2 times (OR 7.2, 95% CI 3.3–15.6) more likely, respectively, compared with flat races. The risk of trauma was 4 times more likely in hurdle and steeplechase races (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.7–13.3 and OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.2–13.4, respectively) and the risk of lameness was increased by 2.5 times in hurdles (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.2–5.2) and 5.1 times in steeplechase races (OR 5.1, 95% CI 2.3–11.5), compared with flat races. These findings support concerns about the welfare of horses involved in jumps racing and of the need for further safety measures to reduce these risks.
Haploinsufficiency of Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Coupled with Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homologue Activation and P53 Loss Provokes High-Grade Glioblastoma Formation in Mice
Authors: Fang Kuan-Te , Su Chuan-Shiang , Layos Jhoanna Jane , Lau Nga Yin Sadonna , Cheng Kuang-Hung
Published: March 2024

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and deadly type of brain tumor originating from glial cells. Despite decades of clinical trials and research, there has been limited success in improving survival rates. However, molecular pathology studies have provided a detailed understanding of the genetic alterations associated with the formation and progression of glioblastoma—such as Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) signaling activation (5%), P53 mutations (25%), and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) alterations (2%)—laying the groundwork for further investigation into the biological and biochemical basis of this malignancy. These analyses have been crucial in revealing the sequential appearance of specific genetic lesions at distinct histopathological stages during the development of GBM. To further explore the pathogenesis and progression of glioblastoma, here, we developed the glial-fibrillary-acidic-protein (GFAP)-Cre-driven mouse model and demonstrated that activated KRAS and p53 deficiencies play distinct and cooperative roles in initiating glioma tumorigenesis. Additionally, the combination of APC haploinsufficiency with mutant Kras activation and p53 deletion resulted in the rapid progression of GBM, characterized by perivascular inflammation, large necrotic areas, and multinucleated giant cells. Consequently, our GBM models have proven to be invaluable resources for identifying early disease biomarkers in glioblastoma, as they closely mimic the human disease. The insights gained from these models may pave the way for potential advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of this challenging brain tumor.