bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Dynamics of Landscape Patterns in the Yellow River Delta Region
Authors: Li Luofan , Li Xinju , Niu Beibei , Zhang Zixuan
Published: February 2023

The Yellow River Delta region is one of the estuarine deltas with the fastest land building speed, and it is an important region for the study of landscape pattern change due to its diverse variety of landscape types. By analyzing the dynamic degree, landscape type transfer matrix, and landscape indices of landscape types in the Yellow River Delta region in 2005, 2012, and 2018, this paper found that the area of construction land, salt fields, and breeding ponds in the Yellow River Delta region has increased to a large extent, with an increase in the aggregation degree and the utilization rate of this landscape type, and the landscape has developed toward the direction of aggregation and unification. The increase in construction land area mainly comes from the transfer of cropland area, part of which is occupied in order to adapt to urban expansion, and the salt fields and breeding ponds mainly come from the transfer of waters and mudflats, which can be seen as the main utilization direction of the water landscape. Moreover, unused land has increased with the degree of dispersion and fragmentation of development and utilization, so the exploitation and utilization of unused land still needs to be optimized. Through the analysis of the dynamic change in landscape pattern, we can explore the direction and extent of the evolution of landscape types, which has certain guiding significance for the sustainable use of land resources and the sustainable development of economy in the Yellow River Delta region.
Troubles Never Come Alone: Outcome of Multiple Pressures on a Temperate Rocky Reef
Authors: Azzola Annalisa , Picchio Virginia , Asnaghi Valentina , Bianchi Carlo Nike , Morri Carla , Oprandi Alice , Montefalcone Monica
Published: February 2023

Climate change is affecting rocky reef ecosystems in a multitude of ways at global scale. During summer 2018, the rocky reef communities of Portofino Marine Protected Area (MPA) (NW Mediterranean) were affected by thermal anomalies, a mucilaginous event, and the seasonal expansion of Caulerpa cylindracea. Moreover, a severe storm occurred on 29 October. The effects of these pressures on the rocky reef communities were analysed at different depths (10 m, 20 m, 30 m, and 40 m) and at three times (June, October, December) to evaluate change at short temporal scale. Portofino MPA’s communities have significantly changed: thermal anomalies mostly affected the biota living above the summer thermocline (ca 20 m depth); mucilaginoius aggregates first impacted the communities in shallow waters and only later those in deep waters, where they typically fall in late summer; the greatest impact by Caulerpa cylindracea was detected at 20 m depth; the storm directly impacted communities in shallow and intermediate waters by uprooting algal species, while it had indirect effects at greater depths through sediment redistribution. Disentangling the effects of multiple pressures on coastal ecosystems is one of the most pressing goals in marine ecology and biodiversity conservation. This study represents an attempt in this direction as applied to the short-term dynamics of rocky reef communities under a climate change scenario.
Young Masculinities and Right-Wing Populism in Australia
Authors: Nilan Pam , Roose Josh , Peucker Mario , Turner Bryan S.
Published: February 2023

This paper offers insights into the nexus of youth, masculinity, and right-wing populism in Australia. Here, we make reference to a wide body of international literature that suggests some affinity between disenfranchised (white) working-class young men and radical right ideas. Survey data were collected for a project on masculinity and the far right in Australia. A total of 203 young male informants worked primarily in ‘blue collar’ sectors of the Australian labour force. Some survey responses located them partly or potentially within the field of the populist right-wing, with many expressing anti-government sentiments and the discourse of white male victimhood. The majority were nostalgic for stereotypical masculinity. While right-wing populist movements across the world certainly differ, they often share a discourse promoting traditional gender roles.
Improved YOLOv3-tiny for Silhouette Detection Using Regularisation Techniques
Authors: Ammous Donia , Chabbouh Achraf , Edhib Awatef , Chaari Ahmed , Kammoun Fahmi , Masmoudi Nouri
Published: February 2023

Although recent advances in Deep Learning (DL) algorithms have been developed in many Computer Vision (CV) tasks with a high accuracy level, detecting humans in video streams is still a challenging problem. Several studies have, therefore, focused on the regularisation techniques to prevent the overfitting problem which is one of the most fundamental issues in the Machine Learning (ML) area. Likewise, this paper thoroughly examines these techniques, suggesting an improved You Only Look Once (YOLO)v3-tiny based on a modified neural network and an adjusted hyperparameters file configuration. The obtained experimental results, which are validated on two experimental tests, show that the proposed method is more effective than the YOLOv3-tiny predecessor model . The first test which includes only the data augmentation techniques indicates that the proposed approach reaches higher accuracy rates than the original YOLOv3-tiny model. Indeed, Visual Object Classes (VOC) test dataset accuracy rate increases by 32.54 % compared to the initial model. The second test which combines the three tasks reveals that the adopted combined method wins a gain over the existing model. For instance, the labelled crowd_human test dataset accuracy percentage rises by 22.7 % compared to the data augmentation model.
Mining Android Bytecodes through the Eyes of Gabor Filters for Detecting Malware
Authors: Alam Shahid , Demir Alper Kamil
Published: February 2023

One of the basic characteristics of a Gabor filter is that it provides useful information about specific frequencies in a localized region. Such information can be used in locating snippets of code, i.e., localized code, in a program when transformed into an image for finding embedded malicious patterns. Keeping this phenomenon, we propose a novel technique using a sliding Window over Gabor filters for mining the Dalvik Executable (DEX) bytecodes of an Android application (APK) to find malicious patterns. We extract the structural and behavioral functionality and localized information of an APK through Gabor filtered images of the 2D grayscale image of the DEX bytecodes. A Window is slid over these features and a weight is assigned based on its frequency of use. The selected Windows whose weights are greater than a given threshold, are used for training a classifier to detect malware APKs. Our technique does not require any disassembly or execution of the malware program and hence is much safer and more accurate. To further improve feature selection, we apply a greedy optimization algorithm to find the best performing feature subset. The proposed technique, when tested using real malware and benign APKs, obtained a detection rate of 98.9% with 10-fold cross-validation.
The proposition of an inexpensive chemically defined culture medium (MycoDef) for yeast studies
Authors: De Aguiar Antoniella , de Oliveira Nicoly Subtil , Rosa Rosimeire Takaki , Arantes Angela Bonjiorno , Ramos Romeu Cassiano Pucci da Silva , Bianchini Luiz Fernando , Stuelp-Campelo Patrícia Maria , Rosa Edvaldo Antonio Ribeiro
Published: February 2023

Chemically defined culture media (CDCMs) have their compositions qualitatively and quantitatively known. They are constituted of components able to meet the nutritional requirements of microorganisms. This study evaluated the employability of a multivitamin as the basis for the elaboration of a CDCM for experiments with yeasts. Candida albicans reference strains ATCC®90028™ and SC5314 were used. YNB® without amino acid (Difco Co.) was used as the standard in evaluations. For the preparation of the experimental culture medium (MycoDef), commercial multivitamin tablets had their coatings removed and were crushed until obtaining a fine powder; missing constituents were added. Comparisons were carried out evaluating aerobic and anaerobic planktonic growth rate, biofilm formation rate, whole-cell protein patterns by SDS-PAGE, minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimal fungicidal concentrations for clotrimazole, fluconazole, nystatin, and griseofulvin. Growth in MycoDef and YNB® did not differ between them (p>0.05) in both normoxic and anoxic conditions. Regarding employability for sensitivity testing, MycoDef showed performance like YNB®. The protein profiles of cells grown on both media did not differ in the number and positioning of bands. The results obtained allowed us to infer that MycoDef is a reliable low-cost culture medium useful for trials involving C. albicans.
17β-Estradiol-Loaded Exosomes for Targeted Drug Delivery in Osteoporosis: A Comparative Study of Two Loading Methods
Authors: Gholami Farashah Mohammad Sadegh , Javadi Maryam , Soleimani Rad Jafar , Shakouri Seyed Kazem , Asnaashari Solmaz , Dastmalchi Siavoush , Nikzad Sadeneh , Roshangar Leila
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Exosomes are natural nanoparticles that participate in intercellular communication through molecular transport. Recently, due to their membrane vesicular structure and surface proteins, exosomes have been used extensively in the research field of drug delivery. Osteoporosis is an inflammation in which the cellular balance of bone tissue is disturbed that reduces bone density and making bone prone to abnormal fractures with small amount of force. Utilizing estrogen is one of the main therapeutic strategies for osteoporosis. Despite the positive effects of estrogen on bone tissue, changes in the natural estrogen levels of the body can cause a number of diseases such as different types of cancer. Therefore, designing a therapeutic system which controls more accurate tissue targeting of estrogen seems to be a rational and promising practical approach. Methods: In this study, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs)-derived exosomes were loaded by estradiol using two different methods of drug loading, namely incubation and sonication methods and then the survival effects of the drug loaded exosomes on BMMSCs was investigated. Results: Examination of size, shape, and surface factors of exosomes in different states (pure exosomes and drug-loaded exosomes) showed that the round morphology of exosomes was preserved in all conditions. However, the particles size increased significantly when loaded by sonication method. The increased survival of BMMSCs was noted with estradiol-loaded exosomes when compared to the control group. Conclusion: The results suggest that estradiol-loaded exosomes have potential to be used as nano-drug carriers in the treatment of osteoporosis.
Comparative modeling of the mitral valve in normal and prolapse conditions
Authors: Razavi Seyed Esmail , Talebi Amin
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Computational modeling is one of the best non-invasive approaches to predicting the functional behavior of the mitral valve (MV) in health and disease. Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) due to partial or complete chordae tendineae rapture is the most common valvular disease and results in mitral regurgitation (MR). Methods: In this study, Image-based fluid-structure interaction (FSI) models of the human MV are developed in the normal physiological and posterior leaflet prolapse conditions. Detailed geometry of the healthy human MV is derived from Computed Tomography imaging data. To provide prolapse condition, some chords attached to the posterior leaflet are removed from the healthy valve. Both normal and prolapsed valves are embedded separately in a straight tubular blood volume and simulated under physiological systolic pressure loads. The Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian finite element method is used to accommodate the deforming intersection boundaries of the blood and MV. Results: The stress values in the mitral components, and also flow patterns including the regurgitant flow rates are obtained and compared in both conditions through the simulation. These simulations have the potential to improve the treatment of patients with MVP, and also help surgeons to have more realistic insight into the dynamics of the MV in health and prolapse. Conclusion: In the prolapse model, computational results show incomplete leaflet coaptation, higher MR severity, and also a significant increment of posterior leaflet stress compared to the normal valve. Moreover, it is found more deviation of the regurgitant jet towards the left atrium wall due to the posterior leaflet prolapse.
Autophagy induced macrophages by α-alumina(α-AL2O3) conjugated cysteine peptidase, enhances the cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T lymphocytes against Leishmania major
Authors: Beyzay Fatemeh , Zavaran Hosseini Ahamad , Hazrati Ali , Karimi Mozhdeh , Soudi Sara
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Induction of a protective immune response against Leishmania major requires the activation of both TH1 and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Because L. major is an intra-phagosomal parasite, its antigens do not have access to MHC-I. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of cysteine peptidase A (CPA)/cysteine peptidase B (CPB) conjugated to α-AL2O3 on autophagy induction in L. major infected macrophages and subsequent activation of cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes. Methods: Recombinant CPA and CPB of L. major were produced in expression vectors and purified. Aldehyde functionalized α-AL2O3 were conjugated to hydrazine-modified CPA/CPB by a chemical bond was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The High efficient internalization of α-AL2O3 conjugated CPA/CPB to macrophages was confirmed using a fluorescence microscope and flowcytometry. Induction of the acidic autophagosome and LC3 conversion in macrophages was determined by acridine orange (AO) staining and western blot. Autophagy-activated macrophages were used for CD8+ T cell priming. Cytotoxic activity of the primed CD8+ T cell against L. major infected macrophages was measured using apoptosis assay. Results: α-AL2O3 conjugated CPA/CPB enhances macrophages antigen uptake and increases acidic vacuole formation and LC-3I to LC-3II conversion. Co-culture of autophagy-activated macrophages with CD8+ T cells augmented CD8+ T cells priming and proliferation more than in other study groups. These primed CD8+ T cells induce significant apoptotic death of L. major infected macrophages compared with non-primed CD8+ T cells. Conclusion: α-AL2O3 nanoparticles enhance the cross-presentation of L. major antigens to CD8+ T cells by inducing autophagy. This finding supports the positive role of autophagy and encourages the use of α-AL2O3 in vaccine design.
Unravelling the truth: Examining the evidence for health-related claims made by naturopathic influencers on social media – a retrospective analysis
Authors: Nguyen Van , Testa Luke , Smith Andrea L , Ellis Louise A. , Dunn Adam G. , Braithwaite Jeffrey , Sarkies Mitchell
Published: February 2023

Background: Social media platforms are frequently used by the general public to access health information, including information relating to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The aim of this study was to measure how often naturopathic influencers make evidence-informed recommendations on Instagram, and to examine associations between the level of evidence available or presented, and user engagement. Methods: A retrospective observational study using quantitative content analysis on health-related claims made by naturopathic influencers with 30000 or more followers on Instagram was conducted. Linear regression was used to measure the association between health-related posts and the number of Likes, and Comments. Results: A total of 494 health claims were extracted from eight Instagram accounts, of which 242 (49.0%) were supported by evidence and 34 (6.9%) included a link to evidence supporting the claim. Three naturopathic influencers did not provide any evidence to support the health claims they made on Instagram. Posts with links to evidence had fewer Likes (B=-1343.9, 95% CI=-2424.4 to -263.4, X=-0.1, P=0.02) and fewer Comments (B=-82.0, 95% CI=-145.9 to -18.2, X=-0.2, P=0.01), compared to posts without links to evidence. The most common areas of health were claims relating to ‘women’s health’ (n=94; 19.0%), and ‘hair, nail and skin’ (n=74; 15.0%). Conclusion: This study is one of the first to look at the evidence available to support health-related claims by naturopathic influencers on Instagram. Our findings indicate that around half of Instagram posts from popular naturopathic influencers with health claims are supported by high-quality evidence.
Exploring the health of child protection workers: A call to action
Authors: Boyas Javier F. , Moore Debra , Duran Maritza Y. , Fuentes Jacqueline , Woodiwiss Jana , McCoy Leah , Cirino Antonella
Published: February 2023

Background: This exploratory study determined if a relationship exists between secondary traumatic stress (STS) related to health status, health outcomes, and health practices among child protection workers in a Southern state. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional survey research design that included a non-probability sample of child protection workers (N=196). Data were collected face-to-face and online between April 2018 and November 2019 from multiple county agencies. A self-administered questionnaire was completed focused on various health behaviors, outcomes, and workplace perceptions. Results: Results of the zero-order correlations suggest that higher levels of STS were significantly associated with not having visited a doctor for a routine checkup (r=-0.17, P=0.04), more trips to see a doctor (r=0.16, P=0.01), and increased number of visits to emergency room (ER) (r=0.20, P=0.01). Lower levels of STS were associated with better self-rated health (SRH) (r=-0.32, P≤0.001), higher perceptions of health promotion at work (r=-0.29, P≤0.001), frequent exercise (r=-0.21, P=0.01), and by avoiding salt (r=-0.20, P≤0.031). T-test results suggest that workers who did not have children (µ=45.85, SD=14.02, P=0.01) and non-Hispanic white workers (µ=51.79, SD=11.62, P≤0.001) reported significantly higher STS levels than workers who had children (µ=39.73, SD=14.58) and self-identified as Black (µ=39.01, SD=14.38). Conclusion: Findings show that increased interpersonal trauma was linked to unhealthy eating, general physical health problems, and health care utilization. If not addressed, both STS and poor health and health outcomes can have unfavorable employee outcomes, such as poor service delivery.
Phylogenetic and Immune Epitope Analysis of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in Chronic Carriers from Tabriz, Northwest of Iran
Authors: Ebrahimi Fatemeh , Ahangar Oskoee Mahin , Bannazadeh Baghi Hossein , Sadeghi Javid , Ahangarzadeh Rezaei Mohammad , Gholizadeh Omid , Mohammadzadeh Nader , Dashti Ahmad , Poortahmasebi Vahdat
Published: February 2023

Background: The purpose of this investigation was to specify the genotypes and subtypes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) by phylogenetic analysis and to investigate the mutations in the S gene region in chronic patients with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive. Methods: In the present study, Serum sample of 95 patients with chronic HBV infection were subjected. Nested polymerase chain reaction was used for detection of HBV DNA. The S gene region of the DNA isolates was subjected to direct sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Genotype D was present in all isolates, and the predominant subtype was ayw2 (94.7%), followed by three isolates, ayw3 (3.1%), and two isolates, ayw4 (2.1%). There were totally 169 nucleotide changes. Eighty-one (47.92%) were missense, while 88 (52.07%) were silent. None of the nucleotide or amino acid changes were seen in 31 (32.6%) patients. Eight (8.4%) of the 95 samples had at least one mutation in the HBsAg "a" determinant region. Fifty-eight (71.6%) of the 81 amino acid changes in the surface protein occurred in immunological epitopes, with 16 (27.5%) occurring in B cell epitopes, 17 (29.3%) in T helper epitopes, and 25 (43.1%) in internal cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes. Conclusion: This investigation demonstrated that the genotype D is the prevalent genotype in Eastern Azerbaijan province, similar to other Iranian areas and Mediterranean nations. Furthermore, the highest rate of mutation of antigenic epitopes occurred in the T lymphocyte epitopes of our patients.
The Association of Elevated Levels of LDH and CK-MB with Cardiac Injury and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Ghorbaninezhad Farid , Bakhshivand Mohammad , Saeedi Hossein , Alizadeh Nazila
Published: February 2023

Background: A new type of beta-coronavirus, named acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although COVID-19 is primarily associated with respiratory symptoms, cardiovascular complications can also occur. Herein, we aimed to evaluate whether the serum levels of enzymes related to cardiac injury, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), may associate with the mortality of COVID-19 patients to provide new insights to enhance clinical care. Methods: Based on hospital information systems (HIS) and patient records, we have retrospectively extracted laboratory findings of 159 patients with confirmed COVID-19 disease. The data of LDH and CK-MB of patients were defined as the day onset when the patients were admitted to the hospital. Results: The average age of all patients was almost 62 years old; the mean age in dead patients and recovered patients were 70 and 55 years old, respectively. The average aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) values were 91.74, 66.20 U/L, and 268.24 U/L, respectively in all patients. The average LDH was 758.69 U/L, and CK-MB was 39.87 U/L in all of the COVID-19 patients. Among all 140 patients, laboratory results revealed that 121 (86.4%) patients had an elevated LDH level. In total, for 159 patients, the results indicated that 114 (71.69%) patients had an elevated CK-MB value. The average LDH value in dead patients was 1012.22 U/L, while in recovered patients was 545.20 U/L (P<0.0001). Also, the average CK-MB level in dead patients was 60.84 U/L, while in recovered patients was 35.17 U/L (P=00.0026). Conclusion: Elevated levels of LDH and CK-MB following COVID-19 disease increase the risk of death in these patients.
Hemoperfusion Therapy’s Efficiency in Reducing Serum IL-6 Levels and Disease Severity in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Bakhshivand Mohammad , Ghorbaninezhad Farid , Mirzayi Somaye , Hemmat Nima , Ansarin Khalil , Ardalan Mohammad Reza , Taghizadieh Ali , Nazemiyeh Maseoud , Jafarlou Mahdi , Rashidi Farid , Sadeghi Armin , Yazdchi Arsalan , Safiri Saeid , Mikaeili Haleh
Published: February 2023

Background: Interleukin (IL)-6, one of the inflammatory mediators involved in severe cases of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), has been implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease. Extracorporeal blood purification has been suggested as one of the therapeutic strategies for COVID-19 patients, due to its favorable effect on the removal of inflammatory cytokines. Here, we investigated the impact of hemoperfusion (HP), a type of extracorporeal blood purification, in serum IL-6 levels and disease severity in COVID-19 patients. Methods: 35 patients with severe COVID-19 were enrolled in this study at the Imam-Reza Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, between April 2020 and June 2020. The HA330 disposable HP cartridge was utilized (Jafron Biomedical Company, China). After a hemodialysis catheter was placed, patients underwent HP for at least three days in a row. Results: Our results indicated that COVID-19 patients’ serum levels of IL-6 significantly diminished following HP (P value≤0.001). Furthermore, a decrease in IL-6 levels following HP demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach (area under the curve [AUC]=0.7102 and P=0.0025). Conclusion: Taken together, our findings suggest HP as a promising therapeutic option in COVID-19. However, a detailed evaluation of HP’s efficacy is required in large prospective multicenter trials.
Assessment of marginal gaps and image quality of crowns made of two different restorative materials: An in vitro study using CBCT images
Authors: Doriguêtto Paulo Victor Teixeira , Almeida Daniela de , Lima Carolina Oliveira de , Lopes Ricardo Tadeu , Devito Karina Lopes
Published: February 2023

Background. The present study assessed the quality of images and the presence of marginal gaps on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of teeth restored with all-ceramic and metal-ceramic crowns and compared the gap sizes observed on CBCT images with those obtained on micro-CT images. Methods. Thirty teeth restored with metal-ceramic and all-ceramic crowns, properly adapted and with gaps of 0.30 and 0.50 mm, were submitted to micro-CT and CBCT scans. Linear measurements corresponding to the marginal gap (MG) and the absolute marginal discrepancy (AMD) were obtained. The objective assessment of the quality of CBCT images was performed using the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and the subjective assessment was defined by the diagnoses made by five examiners regarding the presence or absence of gaps. Results. The measurements were always higher for CBCT, with a significant difference regarding AMD. No significant difference in image quality was observed using CNR between the crowns tested. Low accuracy and sensitivity values could be observed for both crowns. Conclusion. Marginal mismatch measures were overestimated in CBCT images. No difference in image quality was observed between the crowns. The correct diagnosis of gaps was considered low, irrespective of crown type and gap size.
Effectiveness and safety of bleaching agents on lithium disilicate glass ceramics
Authors: Ozdogan Alper , Kaya Nihan
Published: February 2023

Background. Aesthetic expectations have increased the use of aesthetic materials in dentistry. Lithium disilicates are frequently used materials for these expectations. Bleaching is another method used to provide aesthetics. Bleaching processes on restorative materials are not fully known. This study investigated the effect of at-home and in-office bleaching methods on the color change, surface roughness, and topography of lithium disilicate glass-ceramic materials produced with two different techniques and subjected to different polishing procedures. Methods. A total of 144 disc-shaped pressed and computer-aided design (CAD) lithium disilicate glass-ceramic specimens were randomly divided into four groups. Glazing and three different chair-side polishing procedures were performed. The specimens in each group were randomly divided into two groups and subjected to at-home and in-office bleaching processes (n=9). The home bleaching process was repeated with 16% carbamide peroxide agent for six hours for seven days, while the in-office bleaching process was applied with 40% hydrogen peroxide agent for two sessions of 20 minutes. After the bleaching processes, the final color and surface roughness experiments of the specimens were carried out, and the results were recorded. ANOVA and Tukey multiple comparison tests were used FOR the statistical analysis of the data (α=0.05). Results. The material*polish*bleaching, polish*bleaching, material*bleaching, and material*polishing interactions were not statistically significant regarding color and roughness changes of both specimens (P>0.05). Conclusion. Both bleaching processes can be safely applied to lithium disilicate glass-ceramic materials.
Effect of erythropoietin on inflammatory response and ischemic brain damage after carotid artery clamp in rat
Authors: Abolghassemi-Fakhree Mohammad-Bassir , Hashemzadeh Shahryar , Farhoudi Mehdi , Mahmoudi Javad , Halimi Monireh , Hosseini Mohammad-Salar , Omrani-Hashemi Maryam
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Erythropoietin (EPO) is reported to have a minimizing effect on the ischemic condition, but the detailed association between EPO and the ischemic upshot is still not clearly understood. We aimed to evaluate the effect of EPO on inflammatory response and ischemic brain damage after carotid artery clamp in rats. Methods: In this experimental, animal trial study, which was conducted at the Animal Facility and laboratory at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, 50 adult male Wistar rats with (250 to 300 g) were randomly allocated to intervention and control groups. The intervention and control groups were administered intraperitoneally with equal volumes of EPO (5000 U/kg) and normal saline, respectively. Both groups had common carotid arteries clamped for 20 minutes. Using the Nissl staining technique, the slides of brain ischemic areas were observed and the rate of ischemic injury in both groups was determined. The blood level of inflammatory cytokines was also measured. Results: The levels of inflammatory markers including creatine phosphokinase (CPK), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1B and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-α in the intervention group were significantly lower than that of control group. Mean percentage of the ischemic area in the intervention group with an amount of 4.30±2.15%, was significantly lower than that of control group (11.20±2.35%, P=0.023). Conclusion: Findings of this study showed that the injection of EPO before carotid clamping is effective in preventing cerebral ischemic injury in rats.
Fucoxanthin Inhibits the Proliferation of ABCC2-Over Expressing Cisplatin-Resistance Ovarian Cancer Cells via Inducing Apoptosis
Authors: Valinezhad Sani Fatemeh , Kamalian Safa , Abdi Hakimeh , Ghofrani Shiva , Boustan Arad , Mosaffa Fatemeh
Published: February 2023

Background: The development of multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major barrier to achieving effective chemotherapy in cancer. Studies have shown that epithelial ovarian cancer initially responds to platinum-based therapy, however, the recurrent type is often resistant to treatment and is associated with high mortality. Fucoxanthin, a natural component found in marine algae, possesses various pharmacologic properties. This study evaluated the cytotoxicity and resistance reversal activity of fucoxanthin on multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2)- overexpressing, cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells (A2780RCIS) and their parental cells (A2780). Methods: Cell viability was evaluated in the presence of different concentrations of fucoxanthin or cisplatin or fucoxanthin/cisplatin combination using the MTT assay. Propidium iodide staining and subG1 analysis were used to evaluate fucoxanthin potential for cell cycle modification and apoptosis induction in cancer cell lines. Results: The results showed that fucoxanthin was able to cause similar toxicity in both cell lines via apoptosis induction. Co-treatment of cells with cisplatin (3.125 to 100 µM) and nontoxic concentrations of fucoxanthin (1 and 2.5 µM) did not reverse resistance to cisplatin in A2780RCIS cells. Conclusion: Although fucoxanthin was not able to modify cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cells, it was equally effective in inducing apoptosis and death in both A2780 and A2780RCIS cells, indicating it is not an MRP2 substrate.
The Promotion of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity by Nrf2 Amplifier is A Potential Technique in Diabetic Wound Healing — A Review
Authors: Mohanasundaram Tharani , Ramachandran Vadivelan , Bhongiri Bhargav , Rymbai Emdormi , Xavier Rinu Mary , Rao Gaddam Narasimha , Narendar Chintha
Published: February 2023

Wound healing is a complicated, organised process that includes numerous phases that connect diverse cellular events and activate several intracellular molecular pathways in injured cells and tissues. Delay in wound healing owing to high levels of oxidative stress is a major difficulty in various metabolic illnesses, including diabetes mellitus. Several therapeutic wound dressing materials and methods, such as hyperbaric oxygen treatment and negative pressure wound therapy, have been developed to speed up wound healing and restore cellular homeostasis. A significant advance has been made in locating transcriptional regulators involved in wound healing. The redox-sensitive transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is the major regulator of antioxidant defence regulation, inducing the expression of cytoprotective genes and increasing the generation of antioxidants that scavenge free radicals. Activators of Nrf2 have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and improve wound healing in a variety of pathophysiological situations, including diabetes and its consequences such as diabetic foot ulcers, chronic kidney disease, and diabetic nephropathy. Several therapeutic chemicals have been discovered to alleviate oxidative stress and consequently increase cell proliferation. Angiogenesis results in tissue healing through activating the transcription factor Nrf2. This review focuses on the role of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant gene expression in diabetic wound healing.
Minoxidil and Dexamethasone Eluting Nanofiber Dressing for Cutaneous Wound Healing in Rat
Authors: khozan Saber , Salehian Behsa , Montaghimi Fatemeh , Sharifi Yaeghob , Fathi-Azarbayjani Anahita
Published: February 2023

Background: Minoxidil is an antihypertensive agent and vasodilator which may help to promote local blood flow thus hastening the closure of excisional skin wounds. Corticosteroids may down-regulate wound healing. This work aims to develop and characterize nanofiber-eluting dexamethasone and minoxidil and investigate their effect on wound healing in a rat model. Methods: Minoxidil and dexamethasone-loaded wound dressings were developed and characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). In vitro, drug release studies were performed for 12 days. To model the wound-healing activity of the developed formulations, excisional wounds were created on the dorsal section of male rats. Results: All the electrospun wound dressing nanofibers displayed smooth structures and surfaces without drug crystals. Histological results of Hematoxylin & Eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining indicate wound healing suppression in the dexamethasone-treated group and good healing activity in the minoxidil-treated group. Here we identified that the application of topical minoxidil can be effective for wound healing probably driven by the anagen hair growth while dexamethasone suppresses collagen production and prevents scar formation. Conclusion: The findings suggest that this minoxidil and dexamethasone wound dressing can potentially be developed as a new treatment modality in the clinic to accelerate wound healing while preventing scar formation.
Taxonomic Revision and Clinical Importance of Phlomoides Genus: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Mohammadi Samin , Jafari Behzad , Pourtaghi Anvarian Samira , Nazemiyeh Hossein , Asnaashari Solmaz , Delazar Abbas , Asgharian Parina
Published: February 2023

Phlomoides (L.) Moench belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It has recently undergone significant changes in taxonomy, with many species from Eremostachys and Phlomis added to the genus. The aforementioned species were studied in terms of morphological and phytochemical systematics. Species of Phlomoides are distinguished from Phlomis by their densely bearded upper corolla lip and nutlet. However, Eremostachys and Phlomoides have a lot in common morphologically. Plant chemosystematics present iridoids, phenylethanoids, and furanolabdanes as dominant constituents of Phlomoides species. Long-term traditional uses, such as bone fracture therapy, local analgesic, and wound healing actions, pique researchers' interest in these plants. The species and their secondary metabolites have been implicated in drug discovery by their anti-inflammatory and bone-development properties in vitro, in vivo, and clinically. A review of the taxonomic status based on phytochemical and morphological characteristics, as well as the clinical importance of the Phlomoides genus, is presented in the current study to provide a basis for further investigations.
Effects of Allopurinol in the Prevention of Periprocedural Myocardial Injury Following Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Aslanabadi Naser , Khani Elnaz , Khiali Sajad , Rezaee Haleh , Pishdad Saba , Entezari-Maleki Taher
Published: February 2023

Background: Periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a substantial health issue with a high mortality rate. Inflammation and oxidative stress are major contributing factors to PMI. Allopurinol inhibits xanthine oxidase (XO)-induced oxidative stress and has potential cardiovascular benefits. Methods: This randomized clinical trial evaluated 110 patients admitted to elective PCI. Patients were assigned to receive either a 1200 mg loading dose of allopurinol 2 hours before the procedure (n = 55) or the standard pretreatment (n = 55). The creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels were measured in both groups at the baseline, 8, and 24 hours after PCI. Results: There were no significant differences in the CK-MB levels at baseline (P = 0.71), 8 (P = 0.26), and 24 hours (P = 0.88) after PCI between the two groups. No significant changes in the cTnI levels at baseline (P = 0.26), 8 (P = 0.80), and 24 hours (P = 0.89) after the PCI were also noted. The mean difference for CK-MB and cTnI changes was not different between the two groups. Conclusion: Our study revealed that allopurinol did not reduce cardiac-specific enzymes. Further studies are required to evaluate the impact of allopurinol on preventing PCI-related myocardial injury.
Evaluation of the Anticancer, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Properties of Various Extracts of Annona Squamosa L.
Authors: Awada Nour , Ayoub Abeer , Jaber Ali , Ibrahim Farah , El Ghotmi Nadine , Cheble Edmond
Published: February 2023

Background: Screening medicinal plants for their biological activities and phytochemicals is important for finding safe and potent new compounds for therapeutic use. The current investigation was conducted in extracts of Lebanese A. squamosa (leaves and bark) to evaluate the antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. Methods: Seven extracts were prepared by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) or microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and using various solvents. The evaluation of antioxidant activity was done using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, the anticancer activity assessed on the colon cancer HCT116 cell line was determined by water-soluble tetrazolium-1 (WST-1) viability assay. Finally, the anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by measuring the secreted amounts of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) using. Results: The total phenolic contents were in the range between 27.3 to 179.5 mg GAE/g of plant extract, while total flavonoid contents were between 8.3 to 150.8 mg RE/g of plant extract. DPPH assay showed high antioxidant activity for the methanolic extracts obtained by UAE in both natural dried leaves and bark with IC50 values of 9.3 and 12.6 μg.mL-1, respectively. For WST-1 assay, methanolic extracts obtained by UAE showed a potent anti-proliferative effect against the HCT116 cell line with IC50 values ranged from 0.18 to 0.88 μg.mL-1. Also, the western blot assay suggested that these extracts may inhibit the proliferation of the HCT 116 cell line by causing cell cycle arrest through activation of the p21 pathway. Significant anti-inflammatory activity was observed due to the decrease in the secretion of IL-6 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated THP-1 cells. Conclusion: Therefore, the present study revealed that the dried leaves and bark of Lebanese A. squamosa methanolic extracts obtained by UAE possess effective bioactivities, and thus hold the potential application in the pharmacological field.
Comparative analysis of the resources of adolescents with typical and impaired development
Authors: Sevastyanova Ulyana Yu. , Shipova Natalya S.
Published: February 2023

The article presents an analysis of the phenomenon of psychological resource from the theoretical and empirical points of view in adolescents with typical and impaired development. The resource is analysed from the point of view of its relevance in various difficult life situations, its meaningful description and available characteristics. The specificity of the use of resources depending on the presence of a defect in development is singled out: in the group of persons with disabilities, the dominant resource is trusting relationships with family and relatives, as well as sincerity, openness and cheerfulness, while respondents with typical development more often use independence, intelligence and self-respect. The relationship of resources with self-efficacy and reflexivity in a group of adolescents with developmental disorders is reflected.
The potential of professional thinking among the students of socionomic group of profession
Authors: Serafimovich Irina V.
Published: February 2023

The issues of development of professional thinking as a cognitive resource in the learning process in the institutes of higher education have been discussed in the article. Gnostic and transformative types of professions have been taken as an example. The study engaged one hundred and two respondents of various targeted directions of socionomic group of professions – the students of psychology and management, being either at initial or final stages of study in the institutes of higher education. It has been defined that the gnostic type does not possess any changes at the componential-elemental level, while the transformative type (the students of management) has some partial readjustments emerged in the psycho-linguistic characteristics, and presents the reflection of important aspects of development of potential of professional thinking of a manager, related to efficiency in decision-making and the role of meta-emotions. The partial interconnection of component-subsystems of professional thinking in the process of studying at higher education establishments has been identified – progressive integration of cognitive and metacognitive subsystems and transformation of correlation between personal and cognitive and metacognitive subsystems, which obtains reverse character. It has been demonstrated that actualisation of the potential of thinking as the system within the socionomic group of professions depends on the stages of education and the goal of training and professional activity.
About the experience of using gamification in higher education on the example of teaching mathematical disciplines
Authors: Katerzhina Svetlana F. , Sobashko Yuliya A. , Zbanov Egor A.
Published: February 2023

The article deals with the issue of improving the quality of education at the university through the use of gamification methods in the process of teaching mathematical disciplines. The principles of gaming activity, its structural components, cases of gamification application are highlighted, the classification of games is given, pedagogic conditions are formulated, as well as a number of requirements for conducting a didactic game. The article presents the authors’ educational and methodological kit of the game, tested on students of the training direction of Tourism at Kostroma State University.
Regional history one socio-pedagogic innovation (school participatory budgeting in Khanty-Mansi autonomy in Russia)
Authors: Kupriyanov Boris Lv. , Karpova Yelena M. , Shevelev Mikhail A. , Snezhana A. Wozniak
Published: February 2023

The intensity of the development of Russian education puts innovation management on the agenda in the conditions of the subject of the Russian Federation. The article presents the experience of implementing school participatory budgeting as a socio-pedagogic innovation at schools of Khanty-Mansi autonomy AKA Yugra. The innovative project was implemented by the Regional Department of Education and employees of the Centre for Initiative Budgeting of the Research Financial Institute of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation in 2021-2022. The presented materials will be useful to specialists of educational authorities, heads of educational organisations, researchers of socio-pedagogic innovations.
Ethnic identity and tolerance of foreign students in the multicultural environment of a military higher education institution
Authors: Smirnova Evgeniya S.
Published: February 2023

The article is devoted to determining the level of ethnic identity and the manifestation of tolerance among foreign military students of a Russian military higher education institution in the context of intercultural interaction; it is noted that the environment of a military educational institution is characterised by deprivation. The article presents the results of the study. The sample consisted of 38 students from the countries far enough from Russia, studying on the preparatory, first and second years, at the Military Academy of Radiation, Chemical & Biological Protection named after Marshal of the Soviet Union S.K. Timoshenko, in the City of Kostroma. Dynamics was revealed in the studied indicators among students of different courses. Positive dynamics was revealed in terms of ethnic indifference, positive ethnic identity, ethno-egoism, ethno-fanaticism, with negative dynamics noted in terms of ethnic and social tolerance, ethno-nihilism, ethno-isolationism. On the one hand, the level of tolerance, respect for other nations, readiness for cooperation enhances; on the other hand, there is a risk of conflicts, autonomisation. It is thus necessary to create special pedagogic conditions for the development of intercultural tolerance and ethnic identity to the educational multicultural environment, based on taking into account national, socio-psychological, military service factors, as well as using the possibilities of the discipline ‟The Russian language”.
PTERIDOPHYTA DI DAERAH ALIRAN SUNGAI KELINGI KECAMATAN LUBUKLINGGAU UTARA II SUMATERA SELATAN
Authors: Krisnawati Yuni , Wardiyanti Yunita
Published: February 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui jenis-jenis tumbuhan paku yang ada di daerah aliran Sungai Kelingi Kecamatan Lubuklinggau Utara II Sumatera Selatan. Metode yang digunakan adalah survei deskriptif. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan teknik jelajah bertujuan (purposive sampling) dan dokumentasi. Penelitian ini dilakukan pada Agustus sampai Oktober 2020. Parameter yang diamati yaitu ciri-ciri morfologi (akar, batang, daun dan sorus), serta habitat. Identifikasi merujuk kepada buku A. G. Piggott. 1988. Ferns Of Malaysia in Colour. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ada 19 jenis dari 11 family tumbuhan paku (Pteridophyta).Â Â Kata Kunci:Pteridophyta, Sungai Kelingi, Lubuklinggau
DOSEN TIDAK SIAP MENGHADAPI PANDEMI: KAJIAN PERMASALAHAN ISOLASI DIGITAL PADA PEMBELAJARAN DARING
Authors: Abrori Fadhlan Muchlas
Published: February 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi permasalahan yang dialami dosen selama pembelajaran daring. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian studi kasus. Subjek penelitian merupakan dosen Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan, Universitas Borneo Tarakan. Dari data yang dikumpulkan terdapat tiga permasalahan yang dialami dosen selama pandemi. Permasalahan tersebut diantaranya manajemen waktu dalam mempersiapkan media, permasalahan teknik (koneksi, gawai, dan lainnya), dan kurangnya keterampilan dalam penggunaan platform digital.Â Kata kunci: permasalahan, dosen, pembelajaran daring