bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between Triglyceride - High Density Lipoprotein Ratio with Angiographic Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Non-ST Segment Elevated Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Firoze Mohammad Ullah , Chowdhury Abdullah Al  Mahdi , Saha Suman Kumar
Published: August 2024

Background: Non-ST Segment Elevated Myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is a potentially life-threatening condition. Dyslipidaemia is a major contributor of coronary artery disease (CAD) and TG/HDL-C ratio can be an important marker for the prediction of the extent of CAD. This study was aimed to find out the relation between TG/HDL-C ratio with severity of coronary artery lesion in NSTEMI patients.
Methods: A total of 200 NSTEMI patients were included and classified into two groups on the basis of TG/HDL-C ratio: Group-A (TG/HDL-C ratio ≤4, n=100) and Group-B (TG/HDL-C ratio >4, n=100). Angiographic severity was measured by Gensini score in all the patients during the same hospital stay period. Relation between TG/HDL-C ratio and angiographic severity was evaluated.
Results: Mean age of the study populations was 55.13±8.49 (years) with male predominance (75%). Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia and obesity were significantly higher in Group-B (p<0.05). Gensini score in Group-B were significantly higher than Group-A (71±23 vs 30±12, p<0.001). A strong positive linear relationship was found between TG/HDL-C ratio and Gensini score (r=+0.803). Multivariate logistic regression found TG/HDL-C ratio >4 as the powerful independent predictor of Gensini score >36 (AOR=7.98, 95% CI=4.0-15.91, p<0.001).
Conclusion: There is a significant positive correlation between TG/HDL-C ratio with Gensini score indicating increased severity of coronary disease in patients with NSTEMI. So early risk stratification and intensive management of NSTEMI can be done by using this cheap and easily available marker on admission.
Cardiovasc j 2024; 16(2): 63-69
Case report: Nursing care plan of Alzheimer's disease patient with COVID-19
Authors: Tosun Ayşe , Tosun Hale
Published: August 2024

Objective: Elderly people with comorbidities are defined in the high-risk group for COVID-19 by the World Health Organization. Experiencing COVID-19 infection in elderly people with cognitive decline is a burden for both healthcare professionals and healthcare institutions. The use of the nursing process is extremely necessary and important in order to reduce this burden, provide the desired quality of care, treat the individual with a holistic approach and use time effectively. The aim of the study is to determine the basic nursing diagnoses, interventions and outcomes for the Alzheimer's disease patient with COVID-19 by using standard nursing terminology. Methods: This study is a case report of Alzheimer’s disease patient with COVID-19. The data were evaluated in accordance with the Life Activities Model of Roper, Logan, and Tierney. The care plan is presented in accordance with the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association-International (NANDA-I) Taxonomy II Nursing Diagnosis and Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC). Results: Improvement was observed in the problems identified in the case as a result of the care plan created objectively in line with NANDA-I and NIC and appropriate nursing diagnoses and interventions. Conclusion: Patient follow-up and providing qualified nursing care are of great importance during the COVID-19 pandemic. NANDA-I and NIC are important guides in determining the comprehensive and objective care needs of patients with COVID-19, clinical decision making and practices.
Upaya Meminimalisir Konflik Perekrutan Badan Adhoc Pemilu 2024 : Studi Kasus Komisi Pemilihan Umum (KPU) Kabupaten Jombang
Authors: Amalia Firda , Winanda Nieke Rudyanty
Published: August 2024

General elections are a democratic process to directly elect representatives of the people. The process of organizing simultaneous elections will be held again in 2024. The potential for conflict will always accompany every stage of the election implementation. Both internal conflicts and external conflicts. For example, in the General Election Commission (KPU) of Jombang Regency, the conflict that arose was related to the problem of the recruitment system for the 2024 election adhoc body claimed to lack integrity. The purpose of this study is to describe the conflict in the recruitment of adhoc bodies as well as the efforts of the General Election Commission (KPU) of Jombang Regency in minimizing it. The research method uses descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques through document studies and in-depth interviews. The results of the research show that the potential for conflict in the recruitment of adhoc bodies is triggered by public disappointment so that they consider this institution to lack integrity, while efforts to minimize it include providing concrete data transparency.Pemilihan umum merupakan proses demokratis untuk memilih wakil rakyat secara langsung. Penyelenggaraan pemilu serentak kembali dilaksanakan pada tahun 2024. Proses penyelenggaraan pemilu akan selalu beriringan dengan potensi konflik. Baik konflik secara internal maupun konflik secara eksternal. Sebagai contoh di Komisi Pemilihan Umum (KPU) Kabupaten Jombang, konflik yang muncul terkait permasalahan sistem perekrutan badan adhoc pemilu 2024 diklaim tidak berintegritas. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menggambarkan konflik dalam perekrutan badan adhoc sekaligus upaya Komisi Pemilihan Umum (KPU) Kabupaten Jombang dalam meminimalisirnya. Metode penelitian menggunakan deskriptif kualitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui studi dokumen dan wawancara yang mendalam. Adapun hasil dari penelitian menunjukkan potensi konflik perekrutan badan adhoc dipicu oleh kekecewaan masyarakat sehingga menganggap lembaga ini tidak berintegritas, sedangkan upaya untuk meminimalisir antara lain dengan memberikan transparansi data yang konkret.
Students
Authors: Hidayat Muhammad Yusuf , Mulyati Sri
Published: August 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengatasi tantangan administratif dan meningkatkan pelayanan publik di Desa Ringgit dan Desa Tunjungan, Purworejo, Jawa Tengah, dengan mengembangkan sebuah sistem informasi terintegrasi untuk manajemen surat pemerintah desa. Masalah-masalah yang dihadapi, seperti birokrasi rumit, kurangnya transparansi, dan efisiensi rendah dalam administrasi, memerlukan pendekatan yang inovatif. Dengan menerapkan metode ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) dan integrasi Application Programming Interface (API), penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan efisiensi pengelolaan surat pemerintah dan kualitas pelayanan publik secara keseluruhan. Batasan penelitian mencakup fokus pada administrasi dan pelayanan publik, tanpa melibatkan bidang lain yang tidak langsung terkait. Manfaatnya termasuk peningkatan kualitas layanan publik, peningkatan partisipasi masyarakat, dan pengurangan kesenjangan digital. Diharapkan penelitian ini akan memberikan kontribusi positif dalam upaya pembangunan dan pemberdayaan masyarakat di tingkat lokal.
Neurosurgical Importance on Temporal Branch of the Facial Nerve
Authors: Aksu Funda , Karabekir Selim , Karabekir Nuket Gocmen
Published: August 2024

Objective : We aimed to determine anatomic features of the temporal branch (TB) of the facial nerve and its relation to various anatomic landmarks on the face in order to prevent damage in the surgical approach after head trauma or in planned neurosurgical interventions.Methods : Nine male cadavers preserved with formalin, were bilaterally dissected under a microscope at the laboratory of anatomy department of the university. The anatomical features of the branch and branching pattern of facial nerve and its relationships with adjacent neurovascular structures were evaluated using descriptive statistical data.Results : The mean distance at the lateral canthus level between the far most anterior branch and far most posterior branch of the TB (APD) was 14.93 mm. The mean distance to the tragus of the entrance point of the TB to the orbicularis oculi muscle (ETT) was 74.72 mm. The mean distance between the origin point of the TB to the tragus (TT) was 24.50 mm. The angle between the far most anterior branch and far most posterior branch at the level of the lateral canthus (APA) was minimum 15°, maximum 40° and the mean value of APA was 24.61°. The number of branches originating from the TB (NB) were one to three branches which lay under the zygomatic arch and two to five branches upper the zygomatic arch, respectively. The number of anastomosis between the TB and zygomatic branch (AN) varies between 1 and 4; AN was found to be less intense in 10 sides and very intense in eight sides.Conclusion : The APA and APD value is mentioned for the first time in this study and nerve angle is considered to be as important as temporal branching in directing facial neurosurgical operations. We found that the unsafety zone may be exist for a 40 degree and 1.5 cm long area at the lateral canthus level, especially on the zygomatic arc where branching pattern is greater and 2.5 cm in front of the tragus. The data is significant for neurosurgeons to reach exactly this area without causing postoperative complications such as facial paralysis.
Digital Economy, Institutional Quality and Economic Growth in Selected Countries
Authors: Olofin Olabode
Published: August 2024

This study examines the role of digital economy and institutional quality on economic
growth of Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria. The study adopts the feasible
generalized least square method with annual panel data from 1985 to 2017. Results
show that digital economy, human capital and knowledge worker, and democratic
accountability promote economic growth, while corruption, socioeconomic conditions, and bureaucratic quality retard economic growth. Furthermore, interaction
of digital economy with corruption promotes growth. However, the interaction of
digital economy with institutional quality retards economic growth, which could be
due to the deteriorating institutional quality and low level of economic digitalization in these countries. The study concludes that digital economy and institutional
quality could play positive roles in the quest to becoming emerging markets. The
study suggests more involvement of the countries in digital economy and improved
institutional quality.
Modelling the Impact of Government Expenditure on Economic Growth in Nigeria: The Moderating Effects of Oil and Non-oil Revenue
Authors: Ijirshar Victor , Asombo Gaius , Bundepuun Florence , Tersugh Ashifa , Ngutsav Ayila
Published: August 2024

This study examines the relationship between government expenditure and economic
growth and assesses the moderating effects of oil revenue and non-oil revenue in
Nigeria from 1981 to 2021. The study uncovered short-term asymmetry in the government expenditure-economic growth nexus while the long-term relationship was
symmetric. The study found that government expenditure is a significant determinant
of economic growth in Nigeria and that oil and non-oil revenue influences the nexus
between government expenditure and economic growth in Nigeria positively. The
study recommends efficient management of oil revenue, directing investments during high revenue periods and ensuring fiscal sustainability. Government should also
establish transparency, long-term fiscal planning, ensuring budget compliance measures, and an independent fiscal oversight body for consistency in fiscal expansion
strategies, strengthening revenue collection, capacity building, and political commitment, restructuring budget allocation to prioritize capital expenditure over recurrent expenditure while ensuring accountability and transparency in project implementation, channelling resources into viable ventures, and improving fiscal management to reduce corruption and ensure efficient capital project execution.
Dynamic Effect of Exchange Rate Gap Shocks on Stock Market Deepening: Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Arikewuyo Kareem
Published: August 2024

The study examines the exchange rate gap shock–stock market deepening nexus in
Nigeria using the structural VAR-X (SVAR-X) technique for the period 1986Q1 to
2018Q4. Findings reveal that exchange rate gap shock has a negative but statistically not significant effect on stock market deepening in Nigeria. It was also found
that exchange rate passed–through interest rate from second to thirteen quarter, and
further through financial openness whose effect, like exchange rate gap, was negative. This implies that exchange rate gap is significantly and negatively related to
interest rate and financial openness in Nigeria. It is therefore recommended that the
monetary authority should keep constant tab on the gap between official and parallel
market exchange rates as its widening can have a damaging effect on stock market
deepening. In addition, there is need to establish hedging instrument market to increase resilience of the stock market and improve stock market deepening in Nigeria.
İŞ SAĞLIĞINDA ERGONOMİ: SAĞLIK ÇALIŞANLARININ KAS İSKELET SİSTEMİ RAHATSIZLIKLARI ÜZERİNDEKİ ETKİLERİ VE YAŞAM KALİTESİ İLİŞKİSİ
Authors: Çevik Taşdemir Derya , Koçak Hatice Serap , Caner Akın Güfte
Published: August 2024

Bu çalışmada ergonomik düzenlemeler, kas iskelet sistemi rahatsızlıkları ve yaşam kalitesi arasındaki potansiyel ilişkileri tespit edilmektedir. Nicel olarak tasarlanan araştırmada, katılımcılar tarafından doldurulan çevrimiçi Gaziantep’te görev yapan 406 sağlık çalışanından elde edilen veriler ile; ergonomi, yaşam kalitesi ve vücut bölgelerinde sancı, ağrı veya rahatsızlık yaşama durumu arasındaki ilişkileri incelemek için Pearson korelasyon katsayıları hesaplanmış, vücut bölgelerinde sancı, ağrı veya rahatsızlık yaşama durumlarının yaşam kalitesi üzerindeki yordayıcı etkisini belirlemek için çoklu doğrusal regresyon analizi uygulanmıştır. Katılımcıların ergonomi puanları arttıkça yaşam kalitesinin arttığı ve boyun, omuzlar, el bilekleri, eller, kalçalar, uyluklar ile ilgili sancı, ağrı veya rahatsızlık yaşama durumunun azaldığı belirlenmiştir. Ağrı durumları ile yaşam kalitesi arasında anlamlı bir ilişkinin olduğu; sancı, ağrı veya rahatsızlık yaşama durumu arttıkça yaşam kalitesinin azaldığı; ağrı durumlarının ise yaşam kalitesini etkilediği ortaya konmuştur. Bu çalışmadaki bulgular, işyerindeki ergonomik düzenlemelerin kas iskelet sistemi rahatsızlıkları ve yaşam kalitesi üzerindeki önemine işaret etmektedir.
Introduction: Biodiversity, ecosystems and coastal zone management: linking science and policy
Authors: Paterson D. M. , Hanley N. D. , Black K. , Defew E. C. , Solan M.
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT: Coastal zone ecosystems and the goods and services they provide are under increasing pressure from anthropogenic impacts. Climate change and demographic effects are particularly relevant, and it is critical to establish proper control systems (policies) to protect and conserve the wideranging benefits that these systems provide. The concept of 'holistic assessment', the Ecosystem Approach, is now being widely promoted, but the relationship between the science supporting this policy and the development of the policy itself is not always well-coordinated. This Theme Section discusses applications of science to coastal zone management and provides a critique of some approaches.
AN ANALYSIS OF METAPHOR TRANSLATION IN A NOVEL ENTITLED SITI NURBAYA BY MARAH RUSLI
Authors: Rahayu Sarah Siti , Pardede Jannes Freddy
Published: August 2024

Siti Nurbaya is one of the well-known works of Indonesian literature. This novel was written by Marah Rusli in 1922 and has been translated into various languages, one of which is translated into English. In literary works, especially old literary works, the use of figurative language is often found, one of which is metaphor. This research will discuss the translation of live and dead metaphors from the source language to the target language. Translating metaphor is one of the subs of literary translation. This research using qualitative method to analyze the novel and find  the results of live and dead metaphor translation. The research of this live and dead metaphor using theory from Na’imah (2017). The results of this research is there are live and dead metaphors found in this novel. Even some of the translation is equivalent in meaning with  the source language, but some are not equivalent.  After analyzing the live and dead metaphors, researcher also analyze the metaphor translation strategies that used by translator to translate the metaphors from SL (Source Language) to TL (Target Language). The results of the translation strategies used by translator are based on Newmark's theory. This translator uses 4 of the 7 strategies proposed by Newmark. In this study the researcher also found metaphor translation strategies used by translator to translate metaphors from the source language to the target language. Based on the analysis using Newmark's theory, this translator uses 4 of the 7 strategies proposed by Newmark. They are  reproducing, replacing the image, translating metaphors by simile, and translating metaphors by simile and senses.
Evolução da internação por infarto agudo do miocárdio no Brasil entre 2008 e 2023
Authors: Rangel Tura Bernardo , dos Reis von Doellinger Vanessa
Published: August 2024

A presente nota técnica analisa as tendências das internações hospitalares por infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM) no Brasil, utilizando dados do Sistema de Internação Hospitalar. O estudo observacional abrange 1.729.543 internações, destacando variações demográficas, incluindo idade e sexo dos pacientes.
A idade média dos internados por IAM aumentou 1,8 anos no período estudado. Internações de pacientes jovens (até 40 anos) também foram analisadas, mostrando um aumento numérico, mas sem mudanças significativas na proporção.
A análise da série temporal, utilizando modelos ARIMA, revelou tendências sazonais e o impacto significativo da pandemia de COVID-19, resultando em uma redução estimada de 22.646 internações por IAM durante a pandemia. Além disso, foi observada uma relação entre as estações do ano e as internações por IAM, com picos no inverno.
Os resultados sublinham a importância de políticas de saúde pública direcionadas, prevenção e otimização do atendimento aos pacientes com IAM. A análise fornece uma base sólida para futuras estratégias de saúde para reduzir a morbimortalidade associada ao IAM no Brasil.
A Bibliometric Look at Eye Tracking Research in Video-Based Learning
Authors: Ulukök Yıldırım Şeyma , Sönmez Duygu
Published: August 2024

Eye tracking technology has become more popular recently for understanding video-based learning processes.The main purpose of this research is to provide an overview of eye tracking research in video-based learning. For this purpose, 172 eye-tracking articles related to video-based learning indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection were analyzed. A bibliometric approach was applied to reveal the intellectual nature of the research. VOSviewer software was used for bibliometric analysis. The results showed that "eye tracking" was the keyword with the highest frequency of occurrence. The most influential authors are Jarodzka, H., and Van Gog, T. Most of the studies reviewed were conducted in the USA, Germany, and China. It has been determined that the "Research in Developmental Disabilities" journal stands out regarding the number of documents in the journals, and the "Computers & Education" journal ranks first in the number of citations. The results provide insights into a recent research on eye tracking in video-based learning processes. It is thought that this study will help researchers see trends in the field and guide future studies and applications.
Revealing Primary School Pre-service Teachers’ Orientation towards Science Teaching
Authors: Şen Mehmet
Published: August 2024

One of the challenges that primary school teachers have is teaching science lessons and their beliefs have an essential role in teaching science. Therefore, this study focuses on primary school pre-service teachers’ orientation toward science teaching including beliefs about the purposes of science teaching, beliefs about science teaching and learning, and beliefs about the nature of science (NOS). Data were collected from seven pre-service primary teachers (PST) through semi-structured interviews to reveal their beliefs and analyzed by using deductive and inductive coding. The primary analysis showed PSTs focused on everyday coping, affective domain, and improving skills like social skills as beliefs about the purpose of science teaching. Teachers mainly had teacher-centered beliefs (e.g. traditional) and transitional beliefs. Also, they mainly held naïve NOS beliefs. Further analysis showed that the teachers having teacher-centered beliefs had teaching purposes like the correct explanation, solid foundation, and science process skills. These teachers also had naïve NOS understandings. The teacher having informed beliefs in the nature of science held student-centered beliefs and also focused on the structure of science as a teaching purpose, unlike other teachers. Discussions and implications are presented considering the beliefs forming teachers’ orientation toward science teaching in primary schools.
Sugarcane sustainability in a changing climate: a systematic review on pests, diseases, and adaptive strategies
Authors: Msomba Bahati Hakimu , Ndaki Patrick Madulu , Joseph Charles O.
Published: August 2024

The cultivation of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) in the face of climate change requires robust strategies for managing pests, diseases, and weeds. This systematic review exposes critical deficiencies in current practices and underscores the need for climate-adaptive strategies. Climate change differentially influences pest behaviour, disease progression, and weed growth across various regions, yet the lack of region-specific responses impairs effective management. The review emphasizes the necessity for localized approaches that consider specific climatic conditions and the development of predictive models to anticipate pest and disease outbreaks. These models include Decision Support Systems (DSS), Support Vector Machines (SVM), Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) models, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Species Distribution Models (SDMs), Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM), and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Crucial strategies encompass integrated pest and disease management, adaptive breeding, precision agriculture, and ongoing innovation. Precision agriculture technologies, such as remote sensing and drones, enable early detection and prompt interventions. By adopting these adaptive measures and addressing existing research gaps, the sugarcane industry can bolster its resilience and maintain productivity amidst evolving climatic conditions.

Systematic review registration

https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n71.
Evaluating plantar biomechanics while descending a single step with different heights
Authors: Guo Panjing , Zhang Xiajing , Xu Haoran , Wang Ruiqin , Li Yumin , Xu Chengshuo , Yang Yu , Zhang Linlin , Adams Roger , Han Jia , Lyu Jie
Published: August 2024

Objective

This study aims to investigate the plantar biomechanics of healthy young males as they descend a single transition step from varying heights.

Methods

Thirty healthy young males participated the experiment using the F-scan insole plantar pressure system in which participants made single transition steps descent from four step heights (5, 15, 25, and 35 cm), leading with their dominant or non-dominant foot. Plantar pressure data were collected for 5 s during the period between landing touchdown and standing on the ground. Landing at each step height was repeated three times, with a five-minute rest between different height trials.

Results

At 5 cm and 15 cm steps, participants demonstrated a rearfoot landing strategy on both sides. However, forefoot contact was observed at heights of 25 cm and 35 cm. Parameters related to center of plantar pressure (COP) of the leading foot were significantly larger compared to the trailing foot (P < 0.001), increased with higher step heights. Vertical ground reaction forces for the biped, leading and trailing feet decreased with increasing step height (all P < 0.05). The leading foot had a higher proportion of overall and forefoot loads, and a lower proportion of rearfoot load compared to the trailing foot (P < 0.001). The overall load on the dominant side was lower than that on the non-dominant side for both the leading and trailing feet (P < 0.001). For the trailing foot, forefoot load on the dominant side was lower than that on the non-dominant side, however, the opposite result appeared in rearfoot load (P < 0.001). Upon the leading foot landing, forefoot load exceeded the rearfoot load for the dominant (P < 0.001) and non-dominant sides (P < 0.001). Upon the trailing foot landing, forefoot load was lower than the rearfoot load for the dominant (P < 0.001) and non-dominant sides (P = 0.019).

Conclusion

When the characteristics of biomechanical stability are compromised by step height, landing foot, and footedness factors — due to altered foot landing strategies, changing COP, or uneven force distribution — ability to control motion efficiently and respond adaptively to the forces experienced during movement is challenged, increasing the likelihood of loss of dynamic balance, with a consequent increased risk of ankle sprains and falls.
Exosome-drug conjugates delivery: a promising strategy for ameliorating the pharmacokinetic profile of artesunate
Authors: Wang Da , Bai Yunfei , Cheng Guogang , Shen Shengqiang , Xiao Gengwu , Ma Demei , Zhao Ganggang , Chen Wei , Li Tianshi , Zhang Litao , Ge Xiaohu
Published: August 2024

Artesunate (ATS) is considered the most widely employed artemisnin derivative in the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. However, poor solubility and low bioavailability of ATS limit its further clinical application. Herein, we developed a new strategy based on the exosome (exo) - drug conjugation (EDC) using the milk-derived exosomes for ATS delivery. The Exo-ATS conjugates (EACs) which formed via a facile bio-conjugation of ATS to the exosomal surface, have been demonstrated to be able to not only boost the solubility and bioavailability of ATS but also enable a sustained-release of ATS from exosomes. Maximal improvement of 71.4-fold in the solubility of ATS was attained by EACs. The corresponding entrapment efficiency and drug loading capacities were found to be 90.3% and 73.9% for EACs, respectively. Further, in vivo pharmacokinetics study manifested that maximum 2.6-fold improved bioavailability of ATS was achieved by oral delivery of EACs. Moreover, EACs displayed a distinct sustained-release profile of maximum 36.2-fold prolonged half-life of ATS via intravenous delivery. We reported that for the first time the administration of EACs could be a potential drug delivery strategy aimed at ameliorating the pharmacokinetic profile of ATS based on our encouraging results and hoped that our work opened up a new avenue for the development of EDC delivery system.
Synthesis of cobalt- ferrite and zinc oxide metal nanoparticles based-bentonite using SDS and their investigation as catalysts in synthesis of benzylbarbiturocoumarins
Authors: Baminejhad Pegah , Sheikhhosseini Enayatollah , Yahyazadehfar Mahdieh
Published: August 2024

In this research, a suitable and efficient CoFe2O4@ZnO@Bentonite nano-catalyst was designed and synthesized by using zinc oxide (ZnO) and cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles and bentonite by microwave irradiation. Characteristics of the synthesized nanocomposite were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Bruner- Emmett-Teller (BET) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques. The produced catalyst was effectively employed as a supported solid acid catalyst in mildly agitated three-component reactions involving aromatic aldehydes, 4-hydroxycoumarin, and 1,3-dimethyl-barbituric acid in a single pot to produce benzylbarbiturocoumarins. Starting materials were condensed via three C–C bond formation by CoFe2O4@ZnO@Bentonite as an efficient, recyclable, and environmentally safe nanocatalyst to obtain target products. The advantages of this method include using a natural substrate, small amounts of catalyst, aqueous media, performing reactions at ambient temperature, simple separation and purification of products, and good yields with short reaction times.
Prolonged sitting reduces cerebral oxygenation in physically active young adults
Authors: Baker Brett D. , Castelli Darla M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Physical activity is known to enhance cognitive functioning across the lifespan, yet the effects of sedentary behaviors on cognitive functioning remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine how an acute daily bout of prolonged sitting influenced working memory, inhibitory control, and cerebral oxygenation (HbO2) in a sample of healthy young adults.

Methods

Forty-one young adults (aged between 18–30 years of age) participated in an exploratory design intended to establish a control standard for determining how an acute 2-h bout of prolonged sitting influenced working memory, inhibitory control, and HbO2. The Flanker task, Simon task, and Delayed Match to Sample were utilized to assess inhibitory control and working memory, respectively, while functional near-infrared spectroscopy assessed HbO2. Participants were further subdivided into a physically active (Active) group and a physically inactive group (Inactive) based on self-reported physical activity participation. Paired sample t-tests were used to determine any changes in working memory, inhibitory control, and HbO2 from pre-to-post and between groups.

Results

There were no differences in working memory or inhibitory control reaction time following prolonged sitting for the entire sample (p > 0.05) or between activity groups (p > 0.05). There was a significant reduction in Flanker accuracy post-prolonged sitting for both the congruent (p < 0.05) and incongruent (p < 0.05) conditions. For those in the Inactive group, there was no difference in HbO2 concentrations post-prolonged sitting. Those in the Active group exhibited a significant reduction in HbO2 during the Flanker Task following prolonged sitting (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

An acute bout of daily prolonged sitting significantly reduced HbO2 in physically active young adults but not in inactive young adults. We recommend that future studies examining the effects of sedentary behaviors on microvasculature include an objective assessment of physical fitness and a direct measure of physical activity patterns and consider these values when assigning participants to the intervention condition.
A bibliometric insight into nanomaterials in vaccine: trends, collaborations, and future avenues
Authors: Wu Beibei , Liu Ye , Zhang Xuexue , Luo Ding , Wang Xuejie , Qiao Chen , Liu Jian
Published: August 2024

Background

The emergence of nanotechnology has injected new vigor into vaccine research. Nanovaccine research has witnessed exponential growth in recent years; yet, a comprehensive analysis of related publications has been notably absent.

Objective

This study utilizes bibliometric methodologies to reveal the evolution of themes and the distribution of nanovaccine research.

Methods

Using tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, Scimago Graphica, Pajek, R-bibliometrix, and R packages for the bibliometric analysis and visualization of literature retrieved from the Web of Science database.

Results

Nanovaccine research commenced in 1981. The publication volume exponentially increased, notably in 2021. Leading contributors include the United States, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the “Vaccine”, and researcher Zhao Kai. Other significant contributors comprise China, the University of California, San Diego, Veronique Preat, the Journal of Controlled Release, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. The USA functions as a central hub for international cooperation. Financial support plays a pivotal role in driving research advancements. Key themes in highly cited articles include vaccine carrier design, cancer vaccines, nanomaterial properties, and COVID-19 vaccines. Among 7402 keywords, the principal nanocarriers include Chitosan, virus-like particles, gold nanoparticles, PLGA, and lipid nanoparticles. Nanovaccine is primarily intended to address diseases including SARS-CoV-2, cancer, influenza, and HIV. Clustering analysis of co-citation networks identifies 9 primary clusters, vividly illustrating the evolution of research themes over different periods. Co-citation bursts indicate that cancer vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines, and mRNA vaccines are pivotal areas of focus for current and future research in nanovaccines. “candidate vaccines,” “protein nanoparticle,” “cationic lipids,” “ionizable lipids,” “machine learning,” “long-term storage,” “personalized cancer vaccines,” “neoantigens,” “outer membrane vesicles,” “in situ nanovaccine,” and “biomimetic nanotechnologies” stand out as research interest.

Conclusions

This analysis emphasizes the increasing scholarly interest in nanovaccine research and highlights pivotal recent research themes such as cancer and COVID-19 vaccines, with lipid nanoparticle-mRNA vaccines leading novel research directions.
Molecular screening of transitional B cells as a prognostic marker of improved graft outcome and reduced rejection risk in kidney transplant
Authors: Perezpayá Inés , Garcia Sergio G. , Clos-Sansalvador Marta , Sanroque-Muñoz Marta , Font-Morón Miriam , Rodríguez-Martínez Paula , Vila-Santandreu Anna , Bover Jordi , Borràs Francesc E. , Cañas Laura , Franquesa Marcella
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Understanding immune cell dynamics in kidney transplantation may provide insight into the mechanisms of rejection and improve patient management. B cells have gained interest with a special relevance of the “regulatory” subsets and their graft outcome prognostic value. In this study, we aimed to prove that the direct immunophenotyping and target gene expression analysis of kidney transplant patients' fresh whole blood will help to identify graft rejection risk and assist in the monitoring of kidney transplanted patients.

Methods

We employed flow cytometry and qPCR techniques to characterize B and T cell subsets within fresh whole blood samples, with particular emphasis on transitional B cells (TrB) identified as CD19+CD24hiCD38hi. TrB are a relevant population in the context of kidney transplantation and are closely associated with regulatory B cells (Bregs) in humans. Patients were monitored, tracking pertinent clinical parameters and kidney-related events, including alterations in graft function and episodes of biopsy proven rejection.

Results

Higher percentages of TrB cells at 3 months after transplantation were positively associated with better graft outcomes and lower biopsy-proven acute rejection risk. Furthermore, a novel panel of B cell regulatory associated genes was validated at 3 months post-transplantation by qPCR analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) mRNA, showing high predictive power of graft events and prognostic value.

Discussion

These findings suggest that monitoring TrB may provide interesting patient management information, improve transplant outcomes, and allow for personalized drug regimens to minimize clinical complications.
Response of suspended sediment dynamics to human activities in the transitional zone between Changjiang Estuary and Hangzhou Bay
Authors: Xie Dongfeng , Chen Yuwen , Pan Cunhong , Zhang Shenyang , Wei Wen , Wang Zheng Bing , Gu Jiali , Duan Wenyi
Published: August 2024

The Changjiang Estuary and Hangzhou Bay system has experienced river damming and estuarine engineering in the last decades. However, few studies focused on the shifts in its sediment dynamics due to such human activities. In this study multi-decadal development of sediment dynamics in the transitional zone of the two large estuaries was analyzed, based on the synchronous hydrographic data in the winter of 2023, 2014 and 1983. The results revealed significant changes in regional hydrodynamics and suspended sediment transport, despite the continuous good correlations between the current velocity, suspended sediment concentration (SSC), water/sediment fluxes and tidal range. Specifically, the current velocity has been decreased by 8 - 21% after 2014, mainly due to the land reclamation (implemented around 2016) with several groins stretching into deep water and altering alongshore hydrodynamics. The SSC has decreased further by 29 - 38% in addition to the significant decrease during 1983 - 2014. The SSC changes are related to the combination of river damming which induced sediment load reduction and land reclamation which enclosed a large amount of sediment. Furthermore, the sediment transport from Changjiang Estuary to Hangzhou Bay decreased by 36% - 53%, explaining the observed bed erosion in the northern bay mouth in recent years. The findings are also relevant for studies on sediment dynamics in other large estuaries worldwide.
Propagation of elastic waves in adhesive contacts: experiment and numerical model
Authors: Lyashenko Iakov A. , Filippov Aleksander E. , Popov Valentin L.
Published: August 2024

The entry and propagation of pores inside an adhesive interface between an elastomer and a rigid sphere were studied experimentally and simulated numerically. It was shown that mutually interacting events involving attachment–detachment of different segments of the elastomer to the indenter resulted in non-trivial patterns of spatially distributed contacts between them, which were additionally influenced by air penetration of the pores.
Influence of the dimple cross-sectional profile on the behavior of gas parallel slider bearings
Authors: Liu Xiang , Li Xuanqi , Yang Chunjie , Kang Hongbo , Zhai Zhibo , Cui Yuhao , Qi Wenjie , Han Binhui , Liu Fuxi
Published: August 2024

This paper studies the effect of the dimple cross-sectional profile on the behavior of gas parallel slider bearings using the numerical method. The numerical method is performed in MATLAB software. The influence of geometrical parameters of dimples on the dimensionless average pressure is studied for different dimple cross-sectional profiles. The geometrical parameters of dimples include dimple depth, dimple area density, transversal textured ratio, and longitudinal textured ratio. It is found that the hydrodynamic lubrication of dimple-textured gas parallel slider bearings is controlled by the dimple depth, dimple area density, transversal textured ratio, longitudinal textured ratio, and dimple cross-sectional profile. Furthermore, the impact of sliding speed on the hydrodynamic lubrication is studied for different dimple cross-sectional profiles. The results indicate that the optimum sliding speed for maximizing the hydrodynamic pressure is controlled by the dimple cross-sectional profile.
Safety of intraoperative autologous plasma incubation of corneal grafts for reducing endothelial cell loss: a pilot study
Authors: Mercado Carolina , Hernández Cesar , Lopez-Rojas Carolina , De La Sen-Corcuera Borja , Anitua Eduardo , Barraquer José Ignacio , Gutiérrez Angela , Otero Ernesto , Sabater Alfonso L.
Published: August 2024

Background/aims

Corneal endothelial cell loss contributes to transplant failure. Autologous plasma products (APP) activate salvaging pathways that can prevent oxidative stress perioperatively. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of intraoperative incubation of full-thickness corneal grafts in platelet-rich plasma (aPRP) and plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF-Endoret) in mitigating postoperative corneal endothelial cell loss (ECL).

Methods

Pilot study including patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for various indications between June 2021 and December 2022. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either aPRP or PRGF-Endoret incubation, while those who declined intervention served as the control group. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including preoperative and postoperative endothelial cell count, intraocular pressure, pachymetry, and adverse reactions.

Results

Thirty individuals who underwent PK completed follow-up: eight from the aPRP group, 10 from the PRGF-Endoret group, and 12 from the control group. No adverse events related to APP treatment were recorded. In the first and third postoperative months, the APP group had significantly lower ECL percentages (37% vs. 25%, p = 0.02, and 44% vs. 33%, p = 0.02, respectively); this trend was maintained in the sixth month. When stratified, the PRGF-Endoret group showed significant differences in ECL reduction compared to controls at both time points (p = 0.03 and p = 0.05, respectively). The aPRP group showed a similar statistically significant outcome exclusively on the third postoperative month (p = 0.04). APP tended to reduce corneal edema faster than controls. Hexagonality was significantly better in the APP groups in the first and third months, particularly in the PRGF-Endoret group (p < 0.005).

Conclusion

Preoperative incubation with APP is safe and promotes better endothelial cell quality and quantity in the early postoperative period following PK. These findings suggest a potential clinical benefit in enhancing graft outcomes and warrant further investigation.
Association between TMPRSS2 rs2070788 polymorphism and COVID-19 severity: a case-control study in multiple cities of Iran
Authors: Faridzadeh Arezoo , Mahmoudi Mahmoud , Rahimlou Bahman , Naghizadeh Mohammad Mehdi , Ghazanfari Tooba
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Host genetic variations have been identified as potential influencers of COVID-19 infection. This study aimed to examine the association between transmembrane serine protease type 2 (TMPRSS2) rs2070788 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and the prognosis of COVID-19 in Iranian populations.

Method

This case-control study was performed on 756 COVID-19 patients and 59 healthy individuals across Iran. Clinical data, blood samples, and the presence of the TMPRSS2 rs2070788: G>A SNP were determined using T-ARMS-PCR. Additionally, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β were evaluated in the collected blood samples.

Results

No significant association was found between the genotypes and allele frequencies of TMPRSS2 rs2070788 SNP and susceptibility to or mortality from COVID-19 infection. However, we observed a substantial increase in IL-6 and CRP levels associated with the severity of COVID-19, while no such trend was observed for IL-1β and TNF-α. This study showed a considerable rise in TNF-α and IL-1β serum levels exclusively in COVID-19 patients with TT rs2070788 TMPRSS2 SNP genotype compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion

In this study conducted across multiple cities in Iran, no significant association was found between the TMPRSS2 rs2070788 SNP genotypes and COVID-19 severity or mortality.
Genes for laminarin degradation are dispersed in the genomes of particle-associated Maribacter species
Authors: Kalenborn Saskia , Zühlke Daniela , Reintjes Greta , Riedel Katharina , Amann Rudolf I. , Harder Jens
Published: August 2024

Laminarin is a cytosolic storage polysaccharide of phytoplankton and macroalgae and accounts for over 10% of the world’s annually fixed carbon dioxide. Algal disruption, for example, by viral lysis releases laminarin. The soluble sugar is rapidly utilized by free-living planktonic bacteria, in which sugar transporters and the degrading enzymes are frequently encoded in polysaccharide utilization loci. The annotation of flavobacterial genomes failed to identify canonical laminarin utilization loci in several particle-associated bacteria, in particular in strains of Maribacter. In this study, we report in vivo utilization of laminarin by Maribacter forsetii accompanied by additional cell growth and proliferation. Laminarin utilization coincided with the induction of an extracellular endo-laminarinase, SusC/D outer membrane oligosaccharide transporters, and a periplasmic glycosyl hydrolase family 3 protein. An ABC transport system and sugar kinases were expressed. Endo-laminarinase activity was also observed in Maribacter sp. MAR_2009_72, Maribacter sp. Hel_I_7, and Maribacter dokdonensis MAR_2009_60. Maribacter dokdonensis MAR_2009_71 lacked the large endo-laminarinase gene in the genome and had no endo-laminarinase activity. In all genomes, genes of induced proteins were scattered across the genome rather than clustered in a laminarin utilization locus. These observations revealed that the Maribacter strains investigated in this study participate in laminarin utilization, but in contrast to many free-living bacteria, there is no co-localization of genes encoding the enzymatic machinery for laminarin utilization.
Exposure to household pesticides and Parkinson's disease in the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative cohort
Authors: Santos-Lobato Bruno Lopes , Schuh Artur Francisco S.
Published: August 2024

Background

In the last decades, the association of household pesticide usage with Parkinson's disease (PD) has been poorly explored, with discordant results. Based on the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort study, we analyzed (1) the association of household pesticide exposure with the development of PD and (2) the effect of household pesticides on progression of PD.

Methods

Data from participants of the “FOllow Up persons with Neurologic Disease” (FOUND study) included in the PPMI cohort database were analyzed. The PPMI FOUND study applied the Parkinson's Disease Risk Factor Questionnaire to collect information regarding the use of pesticides in non-work settings during periods of life, and the lifetime pesticide exposure for each participant was estimated. We defined a high use of pesticides if the exposure estimate had a z-score higher than one standard deviation from the mean. Also, we evaluated longitudinal data of people with PD to analyze the effect of high use of household pesticides on disease progression according to motor impairment, cognitive dysfunction, depressive symptoms, and modification of motor clinical phenotype.

Results

We analyzed data from 206 people with PD and 64 healthy controls, almost all from the USA. High use of household pesticides was not associated with the odds of developing PD. Regarding PD progression, only cognitive dysfunction was associated with the high use of household fungicides (HR 5.64 per standard deviation increase in exposure estimate, 95% CI 1.41–22.6).

Conclusions

Chronic exposure to household pesticides may impact the clinical progression of PD, especially cognitive symptoms.