bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Immunogenicity and Properties of a Whole-Cell ETEC Vaccine Inactivated with Psoralen and UVA Light in Comparison to Formalin
Authors: Westcott Marlena M. , Blevins Maria , Wierzba Thomas F. , Morse Alexis E. , White Kinnede R. , Sanders Leigh Ann , Sanders John W.
Published: August 2023

Inactivated whole-cell vaccines present a full repertoire of antigens to the immune system. Formalin treatment, a standard method for microbial inactivation, can modify or destroy protein antigenic epitopes. We tested the hypothesis that photochemical inactivation with psoralen and UVA light (PUVA), which targets nucleic acid, would improve the immunogenicity of an Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) vaccine relative to a formalin-inactivated counterpart. Exposure of ETEC H10407 to PUVA using the psoralen drug 4′-Aminomethyltrioxsalen hydrochloride (AMT) yielded replication-incompetent bacteria that retained their metabolic activity. CFA/I-mediated mannose-resistant hemagglutination (MRHA) was equivalent for PUVA-inactivated and live ETEC, but was severely reduced for formalin–ETEC, indicating that PUVA preserved fimbrial protein functional integrity. The immunogenicity of PUVA–ETEC and formalin–ETEC was compared in mice ± double mutant heat-labile enterotoxin (dmLT) adjuvant. Two weeks after an intramuscular prime/boost, serum anti-ETEC IgG titers were similar for the two vaccines and were increased by dmLT. However, the IgG responses raised against several conserved ETEC proteins were greater after vaccination with PUVA–ETEC. In addition, PUVA–ETEC generated IgG specific for heat-labile toxin (LT) in the absence of dmLT, which was not a property of formalin–ETEC. These data are consistent with PUVA preserving ETEC protein antigens in their native-like form and justify the further testing of PUVA as a vaccine platform for ETEC using murine challenge models.
Synthetic Biology Toolkit for a New Species of Pseudomonas Promissory for Electricity Generation in Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Rabiço Franciene , Pedrino Matheus , Narcizo Julia Pereira , de Andrade Adalgisa Rodrigues , Reginatto Valeria , Guazzaroni María-Eugenia
Published: August 2023

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer sustainable solutions for various biotechnological applications and are a crucial area of research in biotechnology. MFCs can effectively treat various refuse, such as wastewater and biodiesel waste by decomposing organic matter and generating electricity. Certain Pseudomonas species possess extracellular electron transfer (EET) pathways, enabling them to transfer electrons from organic compounds to the MFC’s anode. Moreover, Pseudomonas species can grow under low-oxygen conditions, which is advantageous considering that the electron transfer process in an MFC typically leads to reduced oxygen levels at the anode. This study focuses on evaluating MFCs inoculated with a new Pseudomonas species grown with 1 g.L−1 glycerol, a common byproduct of biodiesel production. Pseudomonas sp. BJa5 exhibited a maximum power density of 39 mW.m−2. Also, the observed voltammograms and genome analysis indicate the potential production of novel redox mediators by BJa5. Additionally, we investigated the bacterium’s potential as a synthetic biology non-model chassis. Through testing various genetic parts, including constitutive promoters, replication origins and cargos using pSEVA vectors as a scaffold, we assessed the bacterium’s suitability. Overall, our findings offer valuable insights into utilizing Pseudomonas spp. BJa5 as a novel chassis for MFCs. Synthetic biology approaches can further enhance the performance of this bacterium in MFCs, providing avenues for improvement.
Bioorganic Chemistry: Current and Future Perspectives
Authors: Marć Małgorzata Anna , Domínguez-Álvarez Enrique , Jacob Claus
Published: August 2023

Bioorganic Chemistry is an emerging field developing at the interface between the traditional fields of Chemistry and Biochemistry [...]
A New Diterpenoid of Indonesian Scoparia dulcis Linn: Isolation and Cytotoxic Activity against MCF-7 and T47D Cell Lines
Authors: Hasnawati Hasnawati , Wahyuono Subagus , Susidarti Ratna Asmah , Santosa Djoko , Arfan Arfan
Published: August 2023

Scoparia dulcis Linn plays an important role in treatment because it contains active compounds that are proven to have a variety of activities, including cytotoxicity on various cancer cells. The objective of this study is to isolate and identify the cytotoxic compounds in the ethyl acetate fraction of Scoparia dulcis, observe cell cycle inhibition and induction of apoptosis in vitro, and carry out molecular studies using in silico studies. A new diterpene compound was isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of Scoparia dulcis L. of Indonesian origin. Chromatographic methods were used to isolate the compound, spectroscopic methods were used to elucidate its structure, and these data were compared with those reported in the literature. The compound was tested for its cytotoxic activity against two breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and T47D). The results of the isolated compound showed a cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cells at IC50 70.56 ± 1.54 and <3.125 ± 0.43 µg/mL, respectively. The compound inhibited the growth of MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cells and the accumulation of cells in the G1 phases, and it induced apoptosis. Based on a spectroscopic analysis, the isolated compound was identified as 2α-hydroxyscopadiol, which is a new diterpenoid. A docking study revealed that the isolate’s hydroxyl groups are essential for interacting with crucial residues on the active sites of the ER and PR and caspase-9. The isolate inhibits ER and PR activity with binding energies of −8.2 kcal/mol and −7.3 kcal/mol, respectively. In addition, the isolate was also able to induce apoptosis through the activation of the caspase-9 pathway with an affinity of −9.0 kcal/mol. In conclusion, the isolated compound from S. dulcis demonstrated anticancer activity based on in vitro and in silico studies.
Selenium Protects ARPE-19 and ACBRI 181 Cells against High Glucose-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Bardak Handan , Uğuz Abdülhadi Cihangir , Bardak Yavuz , Rocha-Pimienta Javier , Delgado-Adámez Jonathan , Espino Javier
Published: August 2023

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), can cause severe visual loss. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) plays a crucial role in retinal physiology but is vulnerable to oxidative damage. We investigated the protective effects of selenium (Se) on retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE-19) and primary human retinal microvascular endothelial (ACBRI 181) cells against high glucose (HG)-induced oxidative stress and apoptotic cascade. To achieve this objective, we utilized varying concentrations of D-glucose (ranging from 5 to 80 mM) to induce the HG model. HG-induced oxidative stress in ARPE-19 and ACBRI 181 cells and the apoptotic cascade were evaluated by determining Ca2+ overload, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, caspase-3/-9 activation, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LP), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and apoptosis levels. A cell viability assay utilizing MTT was conducted to ascertain the optimal concentration of Se to be employed. The quantification of MTT, ROS, VEGF levels, and caspase-3 and -9 activation was accomplished using a plate reader. To quantitatively assess LP and GSH levels, GSH-Px activities were utilized by spectrophotometer and apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, and the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores were evaluated by spectrofluorometer. Our investigation revealed a significant augmentation in oxidative stress induced by HG, leading to cellular damage through modulation of mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS levels, and intracellular Ca2+ release. Incubation with Se resulted in a notable reduction in ROS production induced by HG, as well as a reduction in apoptosis and the activation of caspase-3 and -9. Additionally, Se incubation led to decreased levels of VEGF and LP while concurrently increasing levels of GSH and GSH-Px. The findings from this study strongly suggest that Se exerts a protective effect on ARPE-19 and ACBRI 181 cells against HG-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis. This protective mechanism is partially mediated through the intracellular Ca2+ signaling pathway.
Investigating Perampanel Antiepileptic Drug by DFT Calculations and SERS with Custom Spinning Cell
Authors: Villa Nicolò Simone , Picarelli Chiara , Iacoe Federica , Zanchi Chiara Giuseppina , Ossi Paolo M. , Lucotti Andrea , Tommasini Matteo
Published: August 2023

SERS, a clinical practice where medical doctors can monitor the drug concentration in biological fluids, has been proposed as a viable approach to therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of the antiepileptic drug Perampanel. The adoption of an acidic environment during the SERS experiments was found to be effective in enhancing the spectroscopic signal. In this work, we combine SERS experiments, conducted with a custom spinning cell in controlled acidic conditions, with DFT calculations aimed at investigating the possible protonated forms of Perampanel. The DFT-simulated Raman spectra of protonated Perampanel accounts for most of the observed SERS signals, thus explaining the effective role of protonation of the analyte. Our results suggest protonation as a viable approach to fostering SERS of alkaline drugs.
Geoherbalism Metabolomic Analysis of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. by LC-Triple TOF-MS/MS and GC-MS
Authors: Qiu Hailong , Shan Chenxiao , Fei Chenghao , Xue Ping , Zhou Yongyi , Yuan Jiahuan , Liu Xin
Published: August 2023

The rhizome of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. (AL), called Maocangzhu in Chinese, is a geoherbalism medical herb in Jiangsu Province that is often used in the prescription of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), such as for the treatment of COVID-19. The landform and climatic environment of each province varies greatly from south to north, which has an important influence on the chemical constituents in AL. However, there is a lack of research on the significance of its geoherbalism, especially in water-soluble parts other than volatile oil. In this study, eight known compounds were isolated and obtained as reference substances from AL. In addition, liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-triple TOF-MS/MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to analyze and characterize chemical constituents from different habitats. Moreover, orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was applied to reveal the differential metabolomics in AL from different habitats based on the qualitative information of the chemical constituents. Results showed that a total of 33 constituents from GC-MS and 106 constituents from LC-triple TOF-MS/MS were identified or inferred, including terpenoids, polyacetylenes, and others; meanwhile, the fragmentation pathways of different types of compounds were preliminarily deduced from the fragmentation behavior of the major constituents. According to the variable importance in projection (VIP) and p-values, only one volatile differential metabolite was identified by GC-MS screening: β-eudesmol. Overall, five differential metabolites were identified by LC-triple TOF-MS/MS screening: sucrose, 4(15),11-eudesmadiene; atractylenolide I, 3,5,11-tridecatriene-7,9-diyne-1,2-diacetate, and (3Z,5E,11E)-tridecatriene-7,9-diynyl-1-O-(E)-ferulate. This study provides metabolomic information for the establishment of a comprehensive quality evaluation system for AL.
Real-Time Monitoring of Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization Using Acridine Orange
Authors: Eriksson Ida , Vainikka Linda , Persson Hans Lennart , Öllinger Karin
Published: August 2023

Loss of lysosomal membrane integrity results in leakage of lysosomal hydrolases to the cytosol which might harm cell function and induce cell death. Destabilization of lysosomes often precede apoptotic or necrotic cell death and occur during both physiological and pathological conditions. The weak base acridine orange readily enters cells and accumulates in the acidic environment of lysosomes. Vital staining with acridine orange is a well-proven technique to observe lysosomal destabilization using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. These analyses are, however, time consuming and only adapted for discrete time points, which make them unsuitable for large-scale approaches. Therefore, we have developed a time-saving, high-throughput microplate reader-based method to follow destabilization of the lysosomal membrane in real-time using acridine orange. This protocol can easily be adopted for patient samples since the number of cells per sample is low and the time for analysis is short.
Multi-Response Optimization Analysis of the Milling Process of Asphalt Layer Based on the Numerical Evaluation of Cutting Regime Parameters
Authors: Dumitru Teodor , Petrescu Marius Gabriel , Tănase Maria , Ilincă Costin Nicolae
Published: August 2023

The present study aimed to optimize the process parameters (milling depth and advanced speed) for an asphalt milling operation using a multi-response approach based on Taguchi design of experiments (DOE) and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA). Nine simulations tests were conducted using Discrete Element Method (DEM) in order to determine the forces acting on the cutting tooth support and tip. The considered performance characteristics were cutting forces (smaller is better category) and chip section area (larger is better category). A Grey Relational Grade (GRG) was determined from GRA, allowing to identify the optimal parameter levels for the asphalt milling process with multiple performance characteristics. It was found that that the optimal milling parameters for multi-response analysis are a milling depth of 200 mm and an advanced speed of 30 mm/min. Furthermore, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the most significant factor influencing the performance characteristics. The analysis results revealed that the dominant factor affecting the resultant cutting force was milling depth, while the main factor affecting chip section area was the advanced speed. Optimizing milling efficiency is essential in machining operations. A key factor in this direction is comprehending the interplay between chip removal and cutting forces. This understanding is fundamental for achieving increased productivity, cost-effectiveness, and extended tool lifespan during the milling process.
Downscaled Satellite Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence Detects the Early Response of Sugarcane to Drought Stress in a Major Sugarcane-Planting Region of China
Authors: Yang Ni , Zhou Shunping , Wang Yu , Qian Haoyue , Deng Shulin
Published: August 2023

Under the background of global warming, seasonal drought has become frequent and intensified in many parts of the world in recent years. Drought is one of the most widespread and severe natural disasters, and poses a serious threat to normal sugarcane growth and yield. However, a deep understanding of sugarcane responses to drought stress remains limited, especially at a large spatial scale. In this work, we used the traditional vegetation index (enhanced vegetation index, EVI) and newly downscaled satellite solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) to investigate the impacts of drought on sugarcane in a major sugarcane-planting region of China (Chongzuo City, Southwest China). The results showed that Chongzuo City experienced an extremely severe drought event during the critical growth periods of sugarcane from August to November 2009. During the early stage of the 2009 drought, sugarcane SIF exhibited a quick negative response with a reduction of approximately 2.5% from the multiyear mean in late August 2009, while EVI was not able to capture the drought stress until late September 2009. Compared with EVI, sugarcane SIF shows more pronounced responses to drought stress during the later stage of drought, especially after late September 2009. SIF anomalies can closely capture the spatial and temporal dynamics of drought stress on sugarcane during this drought event. We also found that sugarcane SIF can provide earlier and much more pronounced physiological responses (as indicated by fluorescence yield) than structural responses (as indicated by the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation) to drought stress. Our results suggest that the satellite SIF has a great potential for sugarcane drought monitoring in a timely manner at a large spatial scale. These results are important for developing early warning models for sugarcane drought monitoring, and provide reliable information for developing measures to relieve the negative impacts of drought on sugarcane yield and regional economics.
Improving the Characteristics of Less Active Geopolymer Binders Utilizing Ground Granulated Blast-Furnace Slag under Different Curing Conditions
Authors: Hosseinbor Javid , Madani Hesam , Norouzifar Mohammad Naser
Published: August 2023

In the current study, the influence of substitution of ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) on the characteristics of less active geopolymer binders, including pumice and the waste material produced during the washing process of sand in aggregate industries (waste soil), is investigated. The aforementioned materials were examined individually and in hybrid form. In the hybrid mixes, less-active materials (pumice and the waste soil) were replaced with GGBFS at levels of 25%, 50%, and 75%. The evaluated properties consisted of compressive strength, modulus of rupture, sorptivity, rapid chloride ion migration coefficient, and the content of water absorption. Moreover, the effects of different curing conditions on the properties were investigated. The results indicate that partial replacement of the waste soil and pumice with GGBFS leads to enhanced durability and mechanical characteristics owing to the higher reactivity of GGBFS. The mixture denoted as P25S75 (with 75% GGBFS and 25% pumice) exhibited the best durability properties, surpassing even the S100 mixture (with 100% GGBFS). Substituting the waste soil with GGBFS had a greater enhancing effect compared to the mixtures containing the pumice mixes.
Modeling Impacts of Urbanization on Winter Boundary Layer Meteorology and Aerosol Pollution in the Central Liaoning City Cluster, China
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Wang Yangfeng , Li Xiaolan , Shen Lidu , Zhang Chenhe , Ma Yanjun , Zhao Ziqi
Published: August 2023

The influence of urbanization on the frequent winter aerosol pollution events in Northeast China is not fully understood. The Weather Research and Forecasting Model with Chemistry (WRF–Chem) coupled with urban canopy (UC) models was used to simulate the impact of urbanization on an aerosol pollution process in the Central Liaoning city cluster (CLCC), China. To investigate the main mechanisms of urban expansion and UC on the winter atmospheric environment and the atmospheric diffusion capacity (ADC) in the CLCC, three simulation cases were designed using land-use datasets from different periods and different UC schemes. A comparative analysis of the simulation results showed that the land-use change (LU) and both LU and UC (LUUC) effects lead to higher surface temperature and lower relative humidity and wind speed in the CLCC by decreasing surface albedo, increasing sensible heat flux, and increasing surface roughness, with a spatial distribution similar to the distribution of LU. The thermal effect leads to an increase in atmospheric instability, an increase in boundary layer height and diffusion coefficient, and an increase in the ADC. The LU and LUUC effects lead to a significant decrease in near-surface PM2.5 concentrations in the CLCC due to changes in meteorological conditions and ADC within the boundary layer. The reduction in surface PM2.5 concentrations due to the LU effect is stronger at night than during daytime, while the LUUC effect leads to a greater reduction in surface PM2.5 concentrations during the day, mainly due to stronger diffusion and dilution caused by the effect of urban turbulence within different levels caused by the more complex UC scheme. In this study, the LU and LUUC effects result in greater thermal than dynamic effects, and both have a negative impact on surface PM2.5 concentrations, but redistribute pollutants from the lower urban troposphere to higher altitudes.
Morphometric Measurements and Muscle Atrophy Scoring as a Tool to Predict Body Weight and Condition of Horses
Authors: Urbanek Nadine , Zebeli Qendrim
Published: August 2023

Accurate estimation of body weight (BW) and condition (BCS) is important in the equine practice. The main goal of this research was to develop models for the prediction of BW and BCS of horses in the practice using both common morphometric measurements and measurements of Cresty Neck Score (CNS) and Muscle Atrophy Scoring System (MASS) as a measure of muscularity. Our model showed that the BW of horses could be predicted with high reproducibility (concordance correlation coefficient = 0.97), accuracy (0.99), and precision (0.97) using the morphometric measurements of the height at withers, circumference of the chest, cane circumference, body length, and body circumference as well as the BCS, CNS, and muscle atrophy score of the hindlimbs. The stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the BCS of horses can be predicted with the data of parameters such as age, body length and an index consisting of measurements of the body circumference to height of withers, and the atrophy of the neck. Future research should use larger cohorts of animals to validate the findings of this study.
How Does Epidemic Prevention Training for Pig Breeding Affect Cleaning and Disinfection Procedures Adoption? Evidence from Chinese Pig Farms
Authors: Chen Yufan , Xia Rui , Ding Jinghan , Meng Ze , Liu Yuying , Wang Huan
Published: August 2023

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly infectious disease, severely affecting domestic pigs and wild boar. It has significantly contributed to economic losses within the pig farming industry. As a critical component of biosecurity measures, the selection of cleaning and disinfection (C&D) procedures is a dynamic and long-term decision that demands a deeper knowledge base among pig farmers. This study uses a binary logit model to explore the effect of epidemic prevention training on the adoption of C&D procedures among pig farmers with irregular and regular C&D procedures based on micro-survey data obtained from 333 pig farmers from Sichuan. The endogeneity issue was handled using propensity score matching, resulting in solid conclusions. In addition, the critical mediating impact of biosecurity cognition was investigated using a bootstrap analysis. The empirical study demonstrated that epidemic prevention training encourages pig farmers to adopt C&D procedures, with biosecurity cognition significantly mediating. Furthermore, epidemic prevention training was more likely to promote the adoption of C&D procedures among pig farmers with shorter breeding experiences and those having breeding insurance. Our study emphasized the importance of implementing epidemic prevention training to improving pig farmers’ biosecurity cognition and promoting the adoption of C&D procedures. The results included suggested references for preventing ASF and the next epidemic of animal diseases.
DESCENTRAMENTOS BARROCOS
Authors: Pereira de Freitas Rosana
Published: August 2023

Este artigo aborda, a partir das noções de barroco, retomadas na segunda metade do século XX por diferentes au- tores, o processo discursivo e o uso e seus instrumentos analíti- cos, para chegar às abordagens e estratégias de aproximação da produção artística dos anos oitenta.
Waste treatment and Sustainable Bioelectricity Generation using Microbial fuel cell
Authors: Rebequi Tomas , Pio Yasmim , Ferreira Andrade Penteado Carolina , Da Silva Martins Luiza Helena , Andrey Ramalho Diniz Anthony , Komesu Andrea , Dellosso Penteado Eduardo
Published: August 2023

In the last decade, great attentions have been paid to microbial fuel cells (MFC) due to the possibility to be the solution for the three bigger world project – energy security, climate changes and waste management. Different from all the conventional wastewater treatment which are energy intensive, MFC can use waste as substrate/fuel to directly generate electricity through microbial reactions in anode and microbial/enzymatic/abiotic electrochemical reactions in cathode. In this sense, the MFC is an emerging technology for treat waste and produce wealth products (energy and some added value substance – organic acids, nutrients). Although, there are a large number of research in new materials and operational conditional to improve the MFC performance, as yet there are practical barriers, such as low power generation, expensive electrode materials and the inability to scale up MFC. Therefore, this work summarizes information about the recent advances in MFC research, focused on MFC configurations, material electrodes, and performances. Limitations and challenges in applying MFC to treat waste are also discussed, moreover future perspective pointed the new hot topics to solve these problems.
Innovations for the Treatment of Effluents in the Food Industry
Authors: Da Silva Martins Luiza Helena , Komesu Andrea , Baleixo da Silva Sabrina , Khalid Ali Hassan , Dellosso Penteado Eduardo , Rocha de Oliveira Johnatt Allan , Barroso Teixeira Camilo
Published: August 2023

During the processing phases of the food business, a large amount of water is used, resulting in a large volume of effluents. Raw materials, sanitary water for food processing, transportation, cooking, dissolving, auxiliary water, cooling, cleaning, and so on are all utilized extensively in the business. Traditional anaerobic or aerobic biological wastewater treatment processes can be employed to handle organic compounds found in food sector effluent. However, some hazardous chemicals to a microbial population may be present in the effluent due to varied consumption. The effluent may contain significant levels of suspended particles, nitrogen in various chemical forms, lipids, oils, phosphorus, chlorides, and high organic content. There are traditional and well-established methods for treating effluents in the food industry, such as the coagulation-flocculation process, electrochemical processes, and biological processes, which have proven to be quite effective when used as treatment methods in a variety of industries; however, such methods have limitations. Innovative techniques, such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs), microalgae, water ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and membrane technologies, can replace or complement traditional methods in the future. The treatment method chosen will be determined by the industry's and its wastewater's characteristics.
Effects of Hypertension Alone and in Comorbidity with Diabetes on Death within 30 Days among Inpatients with COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Ayubi Erfan , Torkaman Asadi Fatemeh , Borzouei Shiva , Alafchi Behnaz , Faghih Soleimani Mobin , Khosronejad Saman , Khazaei Salman , Talebi Seyed Saman
Published: August 2023

Background: Hypertension and diabetes are common comorbidities in patients with COVID-19 and could be influencing the mortality of such patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of hypertension alone and in comorbidity with diabetes on the death within 30 days among inpatients with COVID-19 in presence of well-known determinates of COVID-19 death. Study Design: A case-control study. Methods: Four groups of COVID-19 inpatients including controls, diabetes alone, hypertension alone, and hypertension and diabetes comorbidities were defined. Each study groups did not have underlying diseases other than hypertension and diabetes. Demographic and general characteristics, underlying diseases, and hospital course events were extracted from medical records. The outcome of interest was alive at discharge/ death within 30 days after admission. Multivariable binary logistic analysis was employed to estimate the effect measures. Results: The number of death within 30 days among controls (n=1359), diabetes alone (159), hypertension alone (406) and hypertension and diabetes comorbidities (188) were 12.68%, 15.72%, 20.74% and 26.74%, respectively. According to three multivariable analyses after adjusting older age, hospital length of stay, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission separately, the odds of death within 30 days in COVID-19 patients with having hypertension and diabetes comorbidities was 1.58, 2.13 and 1.91 times of patients without such comorbidities, respectively (P<0.015). The effect of hypertension alone was also significant after adjusting hospital length of stay and ICU admission but not for older age. Conclusion: Our results suggest that comorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes may be associated with COVID-19-related deaths independent of other underlying diseases, older age, and adverse hospital course events.
Development of a Machine Learning-Based Screening Method for Thyroid Nodules Classification by Solving the Imbalance Challenge in Thyroid Nodules Data
Authors: Khodabandelu Sajad , Ghaemian Naser , Khafri Soraya , Ezoji Mehdi , Khaleghi Sara
Published: August 2023

Background: This study aims to show the impact of imbalanced data and the typical evaluation methods in developing and misleading assessments of machine learning-based models for preoperative thyroid nodules screening. Study design: A retrospective study. Methods: The ultrasonography features for 431 thyroid nodules cases were extracted from medical records of 313 patients in Babol, Iran. Since thyroid nodules are commonly benign, the relevant data are usually unbalanced in classes. It can lead to the bias of learning models toward the majority class. To solve it, a hybrid resampling method called the Smote-was used to creating balance data. Following that, the support vector classification (SVC) algorithm was trained by balance and unbalanced datasets as Models 2 and 3, respectively, in Python language programming. Their performance was then compared with the logistic regression model as Model 1 that fitted traditionally. Results: The prevalence of malignant nodules was obtained at 14% (n = 61). In addition, 87% of the patients in this study were women. However, there was no difference in the prevalence of malignancy for gender. Furthermore, the accuracy, area under the curve, and geometric mean values were estimated at 92.1%, 93.2%, and 76.8% for Model 1, 91.3%, 93%, and 77.6% for Model 2, and finally, 91%, 92.6% and 84.2% for Model 3, respectively. Similarly, the results identified Micro calcification, Taller than wide shape, as well as lack of ISO and hyperechogenicity features as the most effective malignant variables. Conclusion: Paying attention to data challenges, such as data imbalances, and using proper criteria measures can improve the performance of machine learning models for preoperative thyroid nodules screening.
Investigation of the Factors Related to Mortality and Length of Hospitalization among COVID-19 Patients in East Azerbaijan Hospitals, Iran
Authors: Abdi Tazeh Ali , Mohammadpoorasl Asghar , Sarbakhsh Parvin , Abbasi Madineh , Dorosti Abbasali , Khayatzadeh Simin , Akbari Hossein
Published: August 2023

Background: It is of utmost importance to identify populations with an elevated risk for COVID-19 and the factors influencing its outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate factors affecting mortality and length of stay (LOS) among COVID-19 patients in the hospitals of East Azerbaijan province, Iran, during 15 months of this pandemic. Study Design: The present study followed a retrospective cohort design. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted using data in the integrated syndromic surveillance system (ISSS) on patients admitted to the hospitals from February 21, 2020, to April 11, 2021. The association between variables of interest and death, as well as LOS, was investigated via multiple logistic regression and multiple linear regression analyses. Results: In total, 24 293 inpatients with a mean age of 54.0 ± 19.4 years were included in this study. About 15% of them lost their lives, whose mean age was 69.0 ± 14.6 years, significantly higher than the recovered ones (P < 0.001). Factors, such as above 49 years of age (P < 0.001), male gender (OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.08-1.26), and having chronic diseases (OR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.22-1.42), were correlated with patient mortality. In addition, having chronic diseases (Beta = 0.06; 95% CI: 0.03-0.08) was associated with higher LOS in hospitals. Conclusion: In conclusion, older patients were at a higher risk of mortality and prolonged hospitalization. Furthermore, patients’ underlying diseases could cause a severe form of COVID-19, which can lead to death and increase patients’ LOS.
Epidemiological Analysis of HIV/AIDS in Kazakhstan During 2018-2020
Authors: Bilibayeva Galiya , Ospanova Dinara , Nurkerimova Anarkhan , Kussainova Farida , Tukeev Marat , Shokybaeva Moldir , Tanabayeva Shynar , Fakhradiyev Ildar , Saliev Timur
Published: August 2023

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a severe threat to public health everywhere, including the Central Asian region and Kazakhstan. The aim of the study was to conduct an epidemiological analysis of newly diagnosed cases of HIV infection during 2018-2020. Study Design: A case series study. Methods: A descriptive analysis of national data on registered cases of HIV in Kazakhstan was conducted, and demographic information was collected and studied accordingly. The analysis of the influence of age, period, and cohort was performed using the age-period-cohort method. Results: Based on the results, men prevailed (68.5%) among all cases of HIV infection (n=1235). Sexual transmission during heterosexual contact was higher in females (88.9%, P=0.005), and the number of new cases as a result of homosexual contact was higher in men (23.0%, P=0.087). In addition, the parenteral route of HIV transmission cases prevailed among men (27.5%, P=0.001), and intravenous drug administration was more common among males (27.4%, P=0.01). Moreover, 68.5% of men and 33.2% of women had a low therapy adherence. In men, the risk of HIV prevalence increased after 32.5 years (deviation [Dv]: 0.134, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.096 to 0.364). At the age of 37.5 years, there was an increase (Dv: 0.852, 95% CI=0.626 to 1.079) in HIV prevalence. However, no peaks were observed in women. Conclusion: Our findings indicated a rise in the prevalence of HIV infection in Kazakhstan. Men aged 37 and older were identified as the risk category. Eventually, inadequate adherence to treatment was observed in HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients.
Epidemiologic Aspects of Animal Bite, Rabies, and Predictors of Delay in Post-exposure Prophylaxis: A National Registry-based Study in Iran
Authors: Khazaei Salman , Shirzadi Mohammad Reza , Amiri Behzad , Pourmozafari Jamshid , Ayubi Erfan
Published: August 2023

Background: The increasing trend in animal bites and rabies in recent years makes the disease a public health concern in Iran. The objectives of the current study were to investigate the epidemiologic aspects of the animal bite and determine the associated risk factors of the delay in initiation of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) against rabies in Iran. Study Design: National registry-based cross-sectional study. Methods: This study included all registered cases of animal bites between March 2021 and March 2022 at the Ministry of Health and Medical Education in Iran. We retrieved epidemiologic data on person, time, place, and PEP outcome. Results: A total of 260470 animal bite cases (approximately 334 per 100000 populations, and 11 deaths) were registered during the study period. About 77.2% of them were reported in males, 4.3% in children aged less than 5 years, 56.4% occurred in urban areas, 98% in domestic animals, and mostly in north and northeast areas of Iran. Additionally, 2.8% of cases had a delay of more than 48 hours in the initiation of PEP. Significant determinants of the increase in delay were female gender (OR=1.43, 95% CI: 1.36, 1.51, P<0.001), foreign nationality (OR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.12, P=0.001), rural residence (OR=1.07, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.12, P=0.010), and the wild animals (OR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.34, P<0.001). Conclusion: The observed frequency of animal bites in a year indicates a serious public health concern and the need for targeted interventions, especially in at-risk areas and vulnerable populations.
Examining the Corrosion Behavior of 6061-T6 Al Alloy Inside Seawater with Decorative Gold- and Silver-Color Coating
Authors: Erkmen Jülide , Hamamcı Benek , Aydın Ali
Published: August 2023

This study examined the corrosion resistance of the metallic paint coated, uncoated and damaged paint coated form of the high-strength 6061-T6 Al alloy inside seawater. Solvent-based paint containing two different metallic pigments produced with an alkyd binder was produced and the coating of Al 6061-T6 alloy was made with this paint. To determine the course of corrosion electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method was used. Ecor and Rp values were calculated from potential and current change values. As a result, it was determined from the Ecor, Rp, SEM -EDX images, and Nyquist curves that the corrosion resistance of impact coatings was lower. The corrosion resistance of gold color (Ecor -0.66320 V, Rp 60030.22 ohm)paint substantially containing copper pigment was lower than the corrosion resistance of silver color paint substantially containing Al pigment (Ecor -0.72912 V, Rp 22264.05 ohm) was observed.
A propósito del aoristo vasco
Authors: Aldai Gontzal
Published: August 2023

En este artículo se defiende y se muestra evidencia de diverso tipo en favor de la hipótesis de que las formas verbales conocidas como Aoristo, es decir, de Pasado Sintético (nentorren, nekarren) y de Pasado con auxiliares *edin / *ezan-egin (zahar nendin, lor nezan, jan negien), serían en un estadio de lengua algo anterior a los primeros textos conocidos (un estadio hipótetico que podríamos llamar Euskera Medieval) las formas más comunes, (si no las únicas), para expresar pasado perfectivo, es decir el equivalente a Castellano hice. Por su parte el actual pasado perfectivo del euskera (etorri nintzen, ekarri nuen, zahartu nintzen, lortu nuen, jan nuen) tendría en Euskera Medieval valor de pluscuamperfecto (Castellano había hecho) y en su evolución posterior desplazó gradualmente al perfectivo arcaico o Aoristo, hasta suplantarlo completamente.
Un nuevo rasgo de la lengua de los Refranes y Sentencias de 1596
Authors: Aldai Gontzal
Published: August 2023

En este artículo se muestra un importante rasgo morfosintáctico arcaizante de la lengua de los Refranes y Sentencias de 1596 que no ha sido tenido debidamente en cuenta hasta la fecha por la lingüística vasca en general. Se trata del "valor impersonal" (equivalente a Castellano se dice) de las formas verbales sintéticas con prefijo l-. Se intenta igualmente en este trabajo buscar paralelos a este uso impersonal de las formas con prefijo 1- fuera del texto de los Refranes y Sentencias, y asimismo se apunta la importancia de dicho rasgo de cara a la reconstrucción del sistema verbal sintético del pre-vasco. Finalmente se presenta la probable evolución posterior de este fenómeno hacia su desaparición de la lengua, pero dejando en ella reflejos que aún se mantienen incluso en vizcaíno actual.
O reconhecimento dos trabalhos realizados pelas mulheres nos quintais produtivos da comunidade de Giral, no município de Caém - BA
Authors: Santos Marcelo das Mercês
Published: August 2023

Esse trabalho buscou conhecer os sentidos produzidos pelas mulheres da Comunidade de Giral, no Município de Caém – Bahia, sobre os quintais produtivos, e os efeitos do trabalho dessas mulheres nesses espaços de produção, a partir de cinco vozes da comunidade. Para alcançar esse objetivo central foi utilizada a pesquisa de campo qualitativa, com a aplicação de entrevistas semiestruturadas com essas mulheres. A jornada feminina em cuidar da casa e do quintal se tornou tão habitual que uma parcela das mulheres rurais acredita que a função exercida seja apenas uma ajuda, e não se reconhecem como agricultoras e trabalhadoras rurais, protagonistas de sua história. Os quintais produtivos, em sua maioria, são de responsabilidade exclusiva das mulheres que contribuem de forma significativa para a qualidade de vida das famílias. Com essa pesquisa, percebeu-se que a valorização da força de trabalho proporciona a visibilidade e reconhecimento merecido, para tanto, faz-se necessário destacar a importância e buscar o reconhecimento do labor exercido pelas mulheres na prática do quintal produtivo.
ABSTRACT
This work sought to know the meanings produced by the women of the Giral Community, in the Municipality of Caém - Bahia, on the productive backyards, and the effects of the work of these women in these production spaces, from five voices of the community. To achieve this central objective, qualitative field research was used, with the application of semi-structured interviews with these women. The female journey of taking care of the house and the yard has become so common that a portion of rural women believe that the role performed is just a help, and do not recognize themselves as farmers and rural workers, protagonists of their history. The productive backyards, for the most part, are the exclusive responsibility of women, who contribute significantly to the quality of life of families. With this research, it was noticed that the appreciation of the workforce provides the visibility and deserved recognition, therefore, it is necessary to highlight the importance and seek recognition of the work performed by women in the practice of the productive backyard.
Keywords: Women, Worker, Rural, Yard, Protagonism.
Teorias do Lazer e Modernidade
Authors: Dias Cleber Augusto Gonçalves
Published: August 2023

Este trabalho quer discutir os limites e as possibilidades das proposições teóricas que apresentam o lazer enquanto um fenômeno moderno. Mais particularmente, o objetivo aqui é identificar as fontes intelectuais de tais teorias, as concepções majoritárias em que se registra o emprego dos conceitos de modernidade ou de sociedade moderna, bem como as suas respectivas implicações para os estudos do lazer, especialmente no âmbito de pesquisas históricas, mais especificamente.
Lazer e Marketing
Authors: Lacerda Leonardo Lincoln Leite de , Isayama Helder Ferreira
Published: August 2023

Na atualidade, destaca-se a escassez de referencial teórico quanto às discussões entre lazer e marketing, principalmente no que se refere a publicações disponíveis em língua portuguesa. O marketing, quando relacionado às discussões do lazer, tem sido atrelado, principalmente, a atividades mercantis. Nesse sentido, o presente texto tem como objetivo discutir as imbricações entre lazer e marketing e apresentar desafios para profissionais e pesquisadores do campo do lazer que pretendem um aprofundamento sobre a temática. Como considerações finais, os princípios do marketing podem auxiliar na elaboração de estratégias para lidar com serviços públicos e privados de lazer, bem como contribuir para o desenvolvimento de propostas que utilizem meios de comunicação eficientes para agregar valor a tais vivências.
Escola como Ferramenta à Educação para o Lazer
Authors: Piccolo Gustavo Martins
Published: August 2023

Historicamente o lazer tem sido concebido como uma manifestação social de constituição oposta ao trabalho humano propriamente dito, elemento este que dificulta sua promoção e desenvolvimento em ambientes demarcados por tarefas sistemáticas e obrigatórias, tais quais as escolares. Esse impedimento tem gerado, a nosso ver, uma confusão epistemológica sobre o significado do trabalho como atividade transformadora, além de estreitar as possibilidades gnosiológicas vivenciadas pela prática de um lazer crítico e criativo. Sendo assim, a Educação Física, cujo objeto de estudo se manifesta na movimentação corpóreo-cultural, se apresenta como palco privilegiado para a arquitetura de um entendimento crítico da prática cultural denominada lazer, fato demonstrado no transcorrer do texto, o qual destaca o lazer como um componente essencial da Educação Física.
Do Lazer à Festa
Authors: Perez Léa Freitas
Published: August 2023

O texto trata do solo epistêmico ocidental em sua modalidade moderna e o privilégio que ele concede ao trabalho e por implicação a subordinação hierárquica em que reduz o lazer e a festa.
Perspectivas para o Lazer com o Impasse da Luta pela Redução da Jornada de Trabalho
Authors: Camargo Luiz Octávio de Lima
Published: August 2023

A luta dos trabalhadores pela redução da jornada de trabalho se enfraquece, internacionalmente, com a progressiva tendência de flexibilização, que ameaça um dos fundamentos teóricos do lazer que é o de ser pago pelo trabalho. Ainda existirá o lazer se desaparecerem os tempos pagos de lazer (repouso semanal remunerado, férias remuneradas, aposentadoria remunerada)? O objetivo desta comunicação é mostrar, ao lado de um retrospecto histórico das etapas da redução da jornada de trabalho no Brasil, que a compreensão do fenômeno do lazer nas sociedades modernas exige mais do que nunca um distanciamento da sociologia do trabalho e uma aproximação maior com a história e a sociologia da cultura.
Contribuições do núcleo interno de regulação para a segurança do paciente
Authors: Nenevê Juliane Zanon , Borges Fabieli , Tonini Nelsi Salete , Maraschin Maristela Salete , Antunes Mirelle Cunha , Bernardino Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

Objetivo: identificar as contribuições do Núcleo Interno de Regulação para a segurança do paciente. Método: pesquisa qualitativa desenvolvida entre agosto a outubro de 2020. Foram realizadas entrevistas audiogravadas junto a 13 profissionais que atuavam nas enfermarias, no pronto-socorro, na gestão da qualidade e no Núcleo Interno de Regulação. Os dados foram analisados com o auxílio do software IraMuteq® e as etapas propostas por Creswell. Resultados: os achados revelaram que o Núcleo Interno de Regulação contribui para a segurança do paciente, entornando as metas instituídas: comunicação efetiva; identificação do paciente; redução do risco de infecções associadas aos cuidados em saúde - a pandemia de COVID-19 foi apresentada como um importante dado; segurança para cirurgia, uma vez que agiliza o acesso ao hospital para procedimento cirúrgico; e diminuição de filas de espera. Ainda, contribui para prevenir complicações decorrentes de quedas, pois o paciente pode ser alocado com agilidade num leito seguro. Por fim, o enfermeiro, no seu papel de liderança do serviço e como elo para a gerência do cuidado seguro, também se mostrou importante. Conclusão: embora algumas fragilidades tenham sido detectadas, a contribuição do Núcleo Interno de Regulação se sobressai por fortalecer as metas da segurança do paciente. Em razão disso, reafirma-se a importância de fluxos regulatórios na perspectiva de gestão de leitos hospitalares, assim como os preceitos da segurança do paciente almejada pelos gestores. Não obstante, o enfermeiro atua como elo entre esses dois cenários.
Lazer para que te Quero Ver
Authors: Souza George Antonio do Nascimento , Araújo Patrícia
Published: August 2023

Este estudo consiste em verificar a contribuição social do lazer para adolescentes envolvidos em casos de violência, no bairro do Curuçambá, município de Ananideua, estado do Pará. Partiu-se da implementação de um programa de lazer, no período de três meses, envolvendo-os em diferentes atividades. O lazer surge neste estudo como um meio para o acesso à socialização do indivíduo; um direito que independe de classes sociais, aspectos e condições físicas, mentais e sensoriais apropriadas. Houve resultados positivos com significativa mudança na relação que os adolescentes estabeleciam com a violência, possibilitando, assim, uma nova perspectiva de vida e desenvolvendo uma visão mais cooperativa e solidária de mundo. O trabalho é resultado de um estudo de caso (GIL, 2002), com a utilização da metodologia da pesquisa-ação (THIOLLENT, 1985), que abrangeu as seguintes dimensões: planejamento, ação, observação e reflexão, com a utilização de entrevistas semi- estruturadas (LAKATOS, 1999).