bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CHL1 depletion affects dopamine receptor D2-dependent modulation of mouse behavior
Authors: Fernandes Luciana , Kleene Ralf , Congiu Ludovica , Freitag Sandra , Kneussel Matthias , Loers Gabriele , Schachner Melitta
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The dopaminergic system plays a key role in the appropriate functioning of the central nervous system, where it is essential for emotional balance, arousal, reward, and motor control. The cell adhesion molecule close homolog of L1 (CHL1) contributes to dopaminergic system development, and CHL1 and the dopamine receptor D2 (D2R) are associated with mental disorders like schizophrenia, addiction, autism spectrum disorder and depression.

Methods

Here, we investigated how the interplay between CHL1 and D2R affects the behavior of young adult male and female wild-type (CHL+/+) and CHL1-deficient (CHL1−/−) mice, when D2R agonist quinpirole and antagonist sulpiride are applied.

Results

Low doses of quinpirole (0.02 mg/kg body weight) induced hypolocomotion of CHL1+/+ and CHL1−/− males and females, but led to a delayed response in CHL1−/− mice. Sulpiride (1 mg/kg body weight) affected locomotion of CHL1−/− females and social interaction of CHL1+/+ females as well as social interactions of CHL1−/− and CHL1+/+ males. Quinpirole increased novelty-seeking behavior of CHL1−/− males compared to CHL1+/+ males. Vehicle-treated CHL1−/− males and females showed enhanced working memory and reduced stress-related behavior.

Discussion

We propose that CHL1 regulates D2R-dependent functionsin vivo. Deficiency of CHL1 leads to abnormal locomotor activity and emotionality, and to sex-dependent behavioral differences.
Activity-dependent ectopic action potentials in regular-spiking neurons of the neocortex
Authors: Zhang Yizhen Z. , Sapantzi Stella , Lin Alice , Doelfel Savannah R. , Connors Barry W. , Theyel Brian B.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Action potentials usually travel orthodromically along a neuron’s axon, from the axon initial segment (AIS) toward the presynaptic terminals. Under some circumstances action potentials also travel in the opposite direction, antidromically, after being initiated at a distal location. Given their initiation at an atypical site, we refer to these events as “ectopic action potentials.” Ectopic action potentials (EAPs) were initially observed in pathological conditions including seizures and nerve injury. Several studies have described regular-spiking (RS) pyramidal neurons firing EAPs in seizure models. Under nonpathological conditions, EAPs were reported in a few populations of neurons, and our group has found that EAPs can be induced in a large proportion of parvalbumin-expressing interneurons in the neocortex. Nevertheless, to our knowledge there have been no prior reports of ectopic firing in the largest population of neurons in the neocortex, pyramidal neurons, under nonpathological conditions.

Methods

We performed in vitro recordings utilizing the whole-cell patch clamp technique. To elicit EAPs, we triggered orthodromic action potentialswith either long, progressively increasing current steps, or with trains of brief pulses at 30, 60, or 100 Hz delivered in 3 different ways, varying in stimulus and resting period duration.

Results

We found that a large proportion (72.7%) of neocortical RS cells from mice can fire EAPs after a specific stimulus in vitro, and that most RS cells (56.1%) are capable of firing EAPs across a broad range of stimulus conditions. Of the 37 RS neurons in which we were able to elicit EAPs, it took an average of 863.8 orthodromic action potentials delivered over the course of an average of ~81.4 s before the first EAP was seen. We observed that some cells responded to specific stimulus frequencies while less selective, suggesting frequency tuning in a subset of the cells.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that pyramidal cells can integrate information over long time-scales before briefly entering a mode of self-generated firing that originates in distal axons. The surprising ubiquity of EAP generation in RS cells raises interesting questions about the potential roles of ectopic spiking in information processing, cortical oscillations, and seizure susceptibility.
Visual motion detection thresholds can be reliably measured during walking and standing
Authors: DiBianca Stephen , Jeka John , Reimann Hendrik
Published: November 2023

Introduction

In upright standing and walking, the motion of the body relative to the environment is estimated from a combination of visual, vestibular, and somatosensory cues. Associations between vestibular or somatosensory impairments and balance problems are well established, but less is known whether visual motion detection thresholds affect upright balance control. Typically, visual motion threshold values are measured while sitting, with the head fixated to eliminate self-motion. In this study we investigated whether visual motion detection thresholds: (1) can be reliably measured during standing and walking in the presence of natural self-motion; and (2) differ during standing and walking.

Methods

Twenty-nine subjects stood on and walked on a self-paced, instrumented treadmill inside a virtual visual environment projected on a large dome. Participants performed a two-alternative forced choice experiment in which they discriminated between a counterclockwise (“left”) and clockwise (“right”) rotation of a visual scene. A 6-down 1-up adaptive staircase algorithm was implemented to change the amplitude of the rotation. A psychometric fit to the participants’ binary responses provided an estimate for the detection threshold.

Results

We found strong correlations between the repeated measurements in both the walking (R = 0.84, p < 0.001) and the standing condition (R = 0.73, p < 0.001) as well as good agreement between the repeated measures with Bland–Altman plots. Average thresholds during walking (mean = 1.04°, SD = 0.43°) were significantly higher than during standing (mean = 0.73°, SD = 0.47°).

Conclusion

Visual motion detection thresholds can be reliably measured during both walking and standing, and thresholds are higher during walking.
Economic effects of dietary salt reduction policies for cardiovascular disease prevention in Japan: a simulation study of hypothetical scenarios
Authors: Ikeda Nayu , Yamashita Hitomi , Hattori Jun , Kato Hiroki , Nishi Nobuo
Published: November 2023

Objective

Reducing dietary salt intake is an essential population strategy for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, but evidence on healthcare costs and outcomes is limited in Japan. We aimed to conduct a pilot economic evaluation under hypothetical scenarios of applying the salt reduction policies of England to Japan.

Methods

We examined salt reduction policies in England: media health promotion campaigns, front-of-pack labeling, and voluntary and mandatory reformulation with best-case and worst-case policy cost scenarios. We assumed that these policies were conducted in Japan for 10 years from 2019. We used published data on epidemiology and healthcare expenditures in Japan and the costs and effects of salt reduction policies in England, and defined the benefits as a decrease in national medical expenditures on CVD. We developed a Markov cohort simulation model of the Japanese population. To estimate the annual net benefits of each policy over 10 years, we subtracted monitoring and policy costs from the benefits. We adopted a health sector perspective and a 2% discount rate.

Results

The cumulative net benefit over 10 years was largest for mandatory reformulation (best case) at 2,015.1 million USD (with costs of USD 48.3 million and benefits of USD 2063.5 million), followed by voluntary reformulation (net benefit: USD 1,895.1 million, cost: USD 48.1 million, benefit: USD 1,943.2 million), mandatory reformulation (worst case, net benefit: USD 1,447.9 million, cost: USD 1,174.5 million, benefit: USD 2,622.3 million), labeling (net benefit: USD 159.5 million, cost: USD 91.6 million, benefit: USD 251.0 million), and a media campaign (net benefit: USD 140.5 million, cost: USD 110.5 million, benefit: USD 251.0 million). There was no change in the superiority or inferiority of policies when the uncertainty of model parameters was considered.

Conclusion

Mandatory reformulation with the best-case cost scenario might be economically preferable to the other alternatives in Japan. In future research, domestic data on costs and effects of salt reduction policies should be incorporated for model refinement.
Bibliometric and visual analysis of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Lin Xiaoxiao , Wu Guomin , Wang Shuai , Huang Jinyu
Published: November 2023

Background: Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity represents a prevalent adverse effect encountered in patients undergoing treatment with doxorubicin. To date, there has been no bibliometric study to summarize the field of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. In our study, we aim to determine the current status and frontiers of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by bibliometric analysis.

Methods: The documents concerning doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity are obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database (WOSCC), and VOSviewer 1.6.16, CiteSpace 5.1.3 and the WOSCC’s literature analysis wire were used to conduct the bibliometric analysis.

Results: In total, 7,021 publications were encompassed, which are produced by 37,152 authors and 6,659 organizations, 1,323 journals, and 101 countries/regions. The most productive author, institution, country and journal were Bonnie Ky with 35 publications, University of Texas with 190 documents, the United States with 1,912 publications, and PLOS ONE with 120 documents. The first high-cited article was published in the NEJM with 8,134 citations authored by DJ Slamon et al., in 2001. For keyword analysis, there are four clusters depicted in distinct directions. The keywords in the red cluster are oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cardiomyopathy. The keywords in the green cluster are cardiotoxicity, heart failure, and anthracycline. The keywords in the blue cluster are chemotherapy, trastuzumab, and paclitaxel. The keywords in the purple cluster are doxorubicin, adriamycin, and cancer. Most of the documents were derived from the United States, China and Italy (4,080/7,021, 58.1%). The number of studies from other countries should be increased.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the main research hotspots and frontiers in the field of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity include the role of doxorubicin in cardiotoxicity, the mechanisms underlying doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, and the development of treatment strategies for doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. More studies are needed to explore the mechanisms and treatment of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.
Gender differences in spontaneous adverse event reports associated with zolpidem in South Korea, 2015–2019
Authors: Joung Kyung-In
Published: November 2023

Study objectives: While zolpidem is considered as an example of a gender effect on drug response, there is insufficient evidence to reach a consensus. This study aimed to investigate gender differences in adverse events (AEs) of zolpidem.

Methods: We estimated the difference between the reporting odds ratios (RORs) calculated in gender subgroups for the AEs signals detected in data mining using 2015–2019 Korea voluntary adverse drug events reporting system (KAERS) data. Different reporting risk by gender was evaluated by using the log RORs being significantly different by gender at the 5% significance level and the 95% confidence intervals of the gender ROR.

Results: A total of 94 AE signals were detected. Among these, 35 signals showed significant disparities by gender at the 5% level or were detected only in one gender. When categorized by similarity of AEs, parasomnia including somnambulism and paroniria, and cardiovascular disorders including coronary thrombosis had higher reporting risks in women. Men were more likely to report cognitive disorders such as delirium, insomnia related disorders, and movement disorders. Among all AEs with gender differences in reporting risk, the difference in somnambulism was the most consistent and substantial.

Conclusion: For several AEs associated with zolpidem, gender-based reporting disparities were evident. Notably, women exhibited a higher susbeptibility to somnambulism, potentially serious adverse effects of zolpidem. This underscores the need for further investigation into the underlying factors influencing these gender-specific reporting patterns.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: ferroptosis related mechanisms and potential drugs
Authors: Zhu Baoqiang , Wei Yuankui , Zhang Mingming , Yang Shiyu , Tong Rongsheng , Li Wenyuan , Long Enwu
Published: November 2023

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is considered a “multisystem” disease that simultaneously suffers from metabolic diseases and hepatic steatosis. Some may develop into liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Given the close connection between metabolic diseases and fatty liver, it is urgent to identify drugs that can control metabolic diseases and fatty liver as a whole and delay disease progression. Ferroptosis, characterized by iron overload and lipid peroxidation resulting from abnormal iron metabolism, is a programmed cell death mechanism. It is an important pathogenic mechanism in metabolic diseases or fatty liver, and may become a key direction for improving MASLD. In this article, we have summarized the physiological and pathological mechanisms of iron metabolism and ferroptosis, as well as the connections established between metabolic diseases and fatty liver through ferroptosis. We have also summarized MASLD therapeutic drugs and potential active substances targeting ferroptosis, in order to provide readers with new insights. At the same time, in future clinical trials involving subjects with MASLD (especially with the intervention of the therapeutic drugs), the detection of serum iron metabolism levels and ferroptosis markers in patients should be increased to further explore the efficacy of potential drugs on ferroptosis.
The deep underground Bellotti Ion Beam Facility—status and perspectives
Authors: Junker Matthias , Imbriani Gianluca , Best Andreas , Boeltzig Axel , Compagnucci Alessandro , Di Leva Antonino , Ferraro Federico , Rapagnani David , Rigato Valentino
Published: November 2023

For more than three decades, accelerators are in use in the underground laboratories of the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso (LNGS), located in central Italy. The LUNA Collaboration has exploited the potential of the site’s low cosmic ray background to achieve important and often groundbreaking results in the field of nuclear astrophysics. This long success story stimulated the installation of accelerators in deep underground laboratories also in other countries, including the USA and China. Recently, LNGS took a major step forward with the activation of the Bellotti Ion Beam Facility, which will provide ion beams to the scientific community for research not only in nuclear astrophysics, but in all fields that can benefit from the low cosmic ray background conditions of the underground site.
Wood density is related to aboveground biomass and productivity along a successional gradient in upper Andean tropical forests
Authors: Castillo-Figueroa Dennis , González-Melo Andrés , Posada Juan M.
Published: November 2023

Wood density (WD) is a key functional trait related to ecological strategies and ecosystem carbon dynamics. Despite its importance, there is a considerable lack of information on WD in tropical Andean forests, particularly regarding its relationship with forest succession and ecosystem carbon cycling. Here, we quantified WD in 86 upper Andean tree and shrub species in central Colombia, with the aim of determining how WD changes with forest succession and how it is related to productivity. We hypothesized that WD will increase with succession because early successional forests will be colonized by acquisitive species, which typically have low WD, while the shaded understory of older forests should favor higher WD. We measured WD in 481 individuals from 27 shrub and 59 tree species, and quantified aboveground biomass (AGB), canopy height, net primary production (NPP) and species composition and abundance in 14, 400-m2, permanent plots. Mean WD was 0.513 ± 0.114 (g/cm3), with a range between 0.068 and 0.718 (g/cm3). Shrubs had, on average, higher WD (0.552 ± 0.095 g/cm3) than trees (0.488 ± 0.104 g/cm3). Community weighted mean WD (CWMwd) decreased with succession (measured as mean canopy height, AGB, and basal area); CWMwd also decreased with aboveground NPP and stem growth. In contrast, the percentage of NPP attributed to litter and the percent of shrubs in plots increased with CWMwd. Thus, our hypothesis was not supported because early successional forests had higher CWMwd than late successional forests. This was related to a high proportion of shrubs (with high WD) early in succession, which could be a consequence of: 1) a low seed availability of trees due to intense land use in the landscape and/or 2) harsh abiotic conditions early in succession that filter out trees. Forest with high CWMwd had a high %NPP attributed to litter because they were dominated by shrubs, which gain little biomass in their trunks. Our findings highlight the links between WD, succession and carbon cycling (biomass and productivity) in this biodiversity hotspot. Thus, WD is an important trait that can be used to understand upper Andean forest recovery and improve forest restoration and management practices.
A conceptual analysis of system responses to the issue of problematic sexual behaviors in children and recommendations for future work in Children’s Advocacy Center multidisciplinary teams
Authors: Harris Mary , Lanni Diane , Svendsen Sasha
Published: November 2023

Problematic sexual behavior (PSB) in children is a common, yet frequently misunderstood and mishandled issue facing communities. Because of the intersection of children both causing harm and being harmed, societies across the globe struggle with whether to punish or support during these times. For Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs), whose mandate it is to support victimized children, this tension is exacerbated. CACs have historically relied on identifying a “perpetrator” and “victim” when providing their services, however PSB displaying youth do not fit this classic dichotomy. Compared with other children, PSB displaying youth are more likely to experience greater incidents and types of violent childhood trauma, have increased parent instability, decreased familial support, and struggle with co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Due to the stigma and fear surrounding sexual behaviors in children and systemic barriers including varied definitions of PSB, uncertainty regarding how to respond within the context of child-serving roles, and the criminalization of children’s behaviors, access to supportive services is complicated and challenging. Treatment completion rates for this population are as low as 13%, despite most methods being short-term, non-invasive, and community based. This conceptual analysis paper identifies five key themes in the literature that influence these barriers and proposes an interdisciplinary approach for CAC multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) to better support this vulnerable population.
Non-invasive wearable devices for urinary incontinence detection—a mini review
Authors: Ben Arous Myriam , Haddar Ines , Truong Alex , Ayena Johannes C. , Ouakrim Youssef , El Kamel Leila , Chikhaoui Belkacem , Mezghani Neila
Published: November 2023

People with urinary incontinence (UI) often face a significant social stigma feeling ashamed of their condition and worrying about others discovering it. In order to improve the quality of life of those with incontinence, recent technological advancements enabled the development of non-invasive devices for detecting urinary leakage (UL). However, no comprehensive study has been conducted to state the most suitable types of sensors and the fundamental features necessary to design such devices, while also pointing gaps for future research. To address this, we conducted a mini review using four electronic databases limiting our search to English-written papers published in peer-reviewed journals. We retrieved articles that met the chosen inclusion criteria and classified them based on sensor type used, its location, the detection technique employed, and whether it was an e-Textile design and a reusable product or not. Across the studies, UL was detected using different approaches leading to heterogeneous results. Electrodes commonly used as sensing elements, along with textile as substrate material, and an indicator of UL based on resistance value, appeared to be widely exploited. However, the outcomes were not correlated with any specific type of UI. Consequently, we hypothesize that any non-invasive device could potentially be used for different types of UI. Nevertheless, further studies need to be conducted to confirm this statement. The designed literature mapping provides readers with an overview of the recent non-invasive wearable technologies in UL detection and offers a roadmap for future innovations.
Podocyte Senescence and Aging
Authors: Shankland Stuart J. , Rule Andrew D. , Kutz J. Nathan , Pippin Jeffrey W. , Wessely Oliver
Published: November 2023

As the population in many industrial countries is aging, the risk, incidence, and prevalence of CKD increases. In the kidney, advancing age results in a progressive decrease in nephron number and an increase in glomerulosclerosis. In this review, we focus on the effect of aging on glomerular podocytes, the post-mitotic epithelial cells critical for the normal integrity and function of the glomerular filtration barrier. The podocytes undergo senescence and transition to a senescence-associated secretory phenotype typified by the production and secretion of inflammatory cytokines that can influence neighboring glomerular cells by paracrine signaling. In addition to senescence, the aging podocyte phenotype is characterized by ultrastructural and functional changes; hypertrophy; cellular, oxidative, and endoplasmic reticulum stress; reduced autophagy; and increased expression of aging genes. This results in a reduced podocyte health span and a shortened life span. Importantly, these changes in the pathways/processes characteristic of healthy podocyte aging are also often similar to pathways in the disease-induced injured podocyte. Finally, the better understanding of podocyte aging and senescence opens therapeutic options to slow the rate of podocyte aging and promote kidney health.
COMPARISON BETWEEN OFFLINE AND ONLINE TEACHING IN A TURKISH LANGUAGE
Authors: Kaymak Burcu , kaymak serkan , Yücel Doğan
Published: November 2023

In the wake of the global pandemic, the need for having an alternative method for education grew considerably. Globally, institutions had to embrace distance learning and begin online classes to ensure their students’ education was not interrupted by the pandemic. This study was done to observe the differences in students’ achievement in online and offline groups to help Turkish language educators determine which method brings more positive results to students. The study was done in Nurorda school in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan with 60 participants from the 7th-grade class in a Turkish Language class. The students were in two groups, 50 students in the offline format while 10 students were in the online format. The students were taught for 5 weeks and in the 6th week, a final exam was conducted to test students' understanding. The scores of the students were obtained and an Independent Sample t-test was conducted to determine if there is any statistically significant difference between the two methods. The study found that there is no statistically significant difference between online and offline modes of instruction because our t-test was 0.083>0.05 after the analysis was done. Both methods were found to express the same results when it comes to students’ achievement and were both equally effective in enhancing understanding and comprehension of the topic in Turkish language education.
Engenharia em unidades hospitalares – estudo de caso da adequação e ampliação da UTI do Hospital e Pronto Socorro da Criança Zona Leste, em Manaus/AM
Authors: Dos Santos Francirlan Souza , Leocádio Alexandre da Silva , Pinheiro Érika Cristina Nogueira Marques , Santos Karoline Socorro da Fonseca
Published: November 2023

A engenharia hospitalar é um ramo da construção civil que evoluiu de maneira significativa nas últimas décadas. Isso ocorre devido aos diversos sistemas que compõem o funcionamento de um estabelecimento assistencial de saúde (EAS). Em hospitais e prontos socorros, a complexidade dos serviços é constante a toda hora do dia, e, portanto, a execução de uma obra requer conhecimento técnico e específico, de modo a minimizar o comprometimento do atendimento da unidade. Nesse sentido, esse artigo visa descrever as etapas de planejamento e execução da adequação para ampliação de leitos de UTI das enfermarias do Hospital e Pronto Socorro da Criança Zona Leste, em Manaus/Am. Foi verificado que a etapa de cada serviço foi previamente analisada mediante o fluxo interno da unidade, e obra obteve eficácia quanto aos critérios normativos da estrutura física de ambientes hospitalares.
A hermenêutica jurídica como instrumento balizador às metodologias ativas
Authors: De Souza Nórton Zimmernann , De Souza Vilton Zimmermann , Manfro Rafael
Published: November 2023

O mundo contemporâneo exige uma nova forma de pensar e agir na Educação. O Ensino Tradicional tem se demonstrado ineficaz diante de um público cada vez mais exigente. Esse novo perfil de alunos ativos, críticos e participativos, requer uma aprendizagem mais dinâmica através de metodologias ativas. Contudo, não são raras as vezes que educadores acabam perdendo o rumo durante a aplicação de atividades baseadas nas metodologias ativas existentes. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a relevância pedagógica de se estabelecer um diálogo permanente entre a hermenêutica jurídica e as metodologias ativas como estratégia de aprendizagem no ensino fundamental. Para isso, optou-se pela pesquisa bibliográfica, neste artigo científico, a fim de verificar a importância da hermenêutica jurídica como papel balizador no trabalho do docente durante a utilização de metodologias ativas, como instrumento pedagógico a serviço do desenvolvimento de um aluno protagonista e autônomo. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que a eficácia de uma metodologia ativa bem sucedida está atrelada ao diálogo que essa abordagem realizou com a hermenêutica jurídica, seja de forma consciente ou não. Pode-se concluir que a Hermenêutica Jurídica não somente dialoga com a prática educacional realizada com metodologias ativas, como está atrelada ao sucesso de sua aplicação.
Jurisprudencialismo de Castanheira Neves: um diálogo com as decisões de dano extrapatrimonial na esfera trabalhista
Authors: Bandeira Dennys Alberto Gonzalez , De Oliveira Paulo Eduardo Vieira
Published: November 2023

Neste estudo, pretende-se analisar, por meio do método dialético, a inovação da reforma trabalhista na tarifação do dano moral, abordando a discricionariedade do juiz diante desse novo cenário e levando em conta a peculiar característica do Jurisprudencialismo de Castanheira Neves, a importância dessa teoria está na possibilidade de imprimir uma maior racionalidade prática ao ato decisório. Deste modo, sendo um tribunal capaz de atingir certo nível de padronização, o não tabelamento tem a vantagem de conciliar segurança jurídica com manutenção da possibilidade de levar em conta circunstâncias novas, não previsíveis. Ademais, a possibilidade de revisão decorrente do duplo grau de jurisdição e diante do vasto acervo jurisprudencial em relação a fixação de indenizações por danos à direitos da personalidade, atribui maior segurança na fixação dos valores indenizatórios.
Processo executivo de uma obra multifamiliar com o uso do sistema PAVPLUS: estudo de caso na laje de concreto protendido
Authors: Barbosa Neemias Oliveira , Pinheiro Érika Cristina Nogueira Marques , Miranda Walzenira Parente , Melo Abimael Andrade
Published: November 2023

Com o passar dos anos, o mundo tem se transformado e avançando em tecnologias, com o intuito de minimizar e maximizar o processo de produção, lucros, custos e tempo. A construção civil também vem acompanhando e se adaptando a essas mudanças. Devido as variações dos insumos que ocorreram durante e após a pandemia, uma empresa desenvolveu um novo sistema de laje chamado PAVPLUS, onde alia economia em material, gerada pela laje nervurada com agilidade da laje maciça, visando obter o máximo de produtividade em todos elementos estruturais. Este trabalho, apresenta o processo de execução de uma laje de concreto protendido utilizando o sistema PAVPLUS, executado em uma obra multifamiliar na cidade de Manaus, desde a etapa de montagem do cimbramento modularizado até a concretagem e desforma, para por fim apontar vantagens e desvantagens no seu uso, apresentando a eficiência da protensão, no concreto e na produtividade do novo sistema, em relação a outro processo construtivo.
In Vitro Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy, Chlorhexidine, Sodium Fluoride, and Hydrogen Peroxide for Acrylic Resin Disinfection
Authors: Sobouti Farhad , Dadgar Sepideh , Salehi Aysan , Rezaei Kalantari Nika , Aryana Mehdi , Goli Hamid Reza , Heidari Mohadeseh
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Plaque accumulation on the surface of removable orthodontic appliances could lead to dental caries, periodontitis, and fungal infections. This study evaluated the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), chlorhexidine (CHX), sodium fluoride (NaF), and hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) for the disinfection of acrylic resin. Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, 100 acrylic resin specimens were randomly divided into five groups (n=20 each): Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Each group was immersed separately in 5 mL of microbial suspension. They were then incubated until biofilm formation on their surface. Of each microorganism, one biofilm sample in phosphate-buffered saline was considered as negative control, and other biofilm samples (n=80) were subjected to aPDT with curcumin, 0.12% CHX (positive control), 1% H2 O2 , and 0.2% NaF. Finally, the number of colonies was counted. Data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, two-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni adjustment at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The interaction effect of the treatment modality and type of microorganism was significant on the microbial count (effect size: 0.91, P<0.05). Maximum bacterial proliferation was noted in the following combinations: NaF/E. faecalis, H2 O2 /E. faecalis, and H2 O2 /S. salivarius. Microorganisms had no or insignificant growth and proliferation in the aPDT and CHX groups. Conclusion: The results supported the optimal antimicrobial efficacy of PDT which was comparable to that of CHX. aPDT showed superior antimicrobial efficacy to NaF and H2 O2 for the disinfection of acrylic resin.
Assessment of Photosensitizer Concentration Effects on the Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Vafaee Reza , Arjmand Babak , Hamzeloo-Moghadam Maryam , Rezaei Tavirani Mostafa , Razzaghi Zahra , Robati Reza M , Rezaei Mitra , Montazer Fatemeh
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an attractive approach in medicine. Due to its noninvasive nature and low side effects, PDT has been developed quickly. In the present study, the gene expression profiles of the human cell line that was treated via PDT in the sub-lethal concentration (LC50) and super-lethal concentration (LC90) of a photosensitizer (PS) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were extracted and the common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were investigated. Methods: The gene expression profiles of the treated cells were compared with a control, and the common DEGs were determined. The common DEGs were assessed via protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, and gene ontology enrichment was evaluated. The related biological terms for the common genes were identified. Results: Ninety-four common DEGs were selected to be analyzed. It appeared that the activation and increment of gene expression were prominent processes. Jun, Dusp1, Atf4, and Atf3 as four critical genes were highlighted. "Chromosomal and microsatellite instability in colorectal cancer" was identified as the main class of biological terms related to the assessed DEGs. Conclusion: The major molecular events which happened in both analyses indicated that PDT, independent from the concentration of PS, induced gross molecular changes such as the upregulation of Jun and Dusp1.
Non-thermal CO2 Laser Therapy (NTCLT): A Novel Photobiomodulative Approach for Immediate Pain Relief of Patchy Oral Mucositis Due to Chemotherapy of Solid Tumors
Authors: Zand Nasrin , Najafi Safa , Fateh Mohsen , Sadighi Jila , Mansouri Parvin , Farhadi Mohammad , Ataie-Fashtami Leila , Nikoofar Alireza , Mahdavi Hoda , Shirkavand Afshan
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (COM) is a prominent complication of chemotherapy (CT). Non-thermal CO2 laser therapy (NTCLT) has been demonstrated as an innovative and safe photobiomodulative approach in some kinds of painful oral lesions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the palliative effects of one session of NTCLT on COM lesions. Methods: Patients with painful COM (WHO grade:≥2) were included in this before-after clinical trial based on the eligibility criteria. The oral lesions were irradiated with a CO2 laser (power: 1 W, scanning the lesions with the rapid circular motion of the defocused handpiece) through a thick layer (3-4 mm) of a transparent gel containing a high-water content. The severity of pain in the lesions was self-assessed using a 0-to-10 visual analogue scale (VAS) for 7 consecutive days. The evaluating physician visited the patients on the 3rd and 7th days in search of any kind of complications. Results: Seventeen adult patients with 35 patches of OM due to chemotherapy of solid tumors completed the trial. Immediately after NTCLT, the mean for non-contact VAS pain scores of the lesions significantly declined from 4.91±2.356 to 0.29±0.622 (P<0.001) and the mean for contact VAS pain scores from 7.77±1.57 to 1.31±1.18 (P<0.001). The mean VAS pain scores of the lesions showed statistically significant differences between the follow-up periods compared to the baseline (P<0.001). The process was completely pain-free and required no anesthesia. After NTCLT, no kind of thermal adverse effects such as irritation, destruction, aggravation and even erythema were observed. Conclusion: Based on the results of this before-after clinical trial, NTCLT has the potential to be considered as a non-invasive and safe palliative option for the pain management of patchy OM due to chemotherapy of solid tumors.
Serum Alkaline Phosphate Level Associates with Metabolic Syndrome Components Regardless of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver; A Population-Based Study in Northern Iran
Authors: Sohrabi Masoudreza , Aghapour Sevil , Khoonsari Mahmoodreza , Ajdarkosh Hossein , Nobakht Hossein , Zamani Farhad , Nikkhah Mehdi
Published: November 2023

Background: Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an indicator of hepatobiliary disorders, such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). To assess the association between serum ALP levels and MetS, with or without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), in a cohort study in northern Iran. Methods: Data from approximately 5257 subjects aged more than 18 years participating in the Amol cohort were used. We extracted the required data and investigated the correlation between liver enzyme levels and MetS. Multiple logistic regression analyses based on the serum ALP quartiles were performed. Results: Of them, 2860 were male with a mean age of 42.11±16.1 years. A positive linear trend was observed between serum ALP levels and the number of MetS components in both sexes. In both sexes, systolic blood pressure, waist circumferences, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) had a significant association with ALP. After adjusting for age, both sexes with NAFLD showed an increased risk of developing MetS. The risk of NAFLD increased in individuals with>2nd quartile of ALP. Furthermore, higher ALP levels were associated with an increased risk of MetS in males (1.1014 [0.782–1.315]) and females (1.441 [1.085–1.913]). Conclusion: There is a significant association between serum ALP levels and MetS, independent of fatty liver changes, suggesting that this marker can be considered as a feasible predictor of MetS.
Serum Albumin Levels Relation to Tumor Aggressiveness in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Ali Mahrukh , Parkash Om
Published: November 2023

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs). Studies have shown a correlation between low serum albumin levels and the aggressiveness of liver cancer. We aimed to determine the prevalence of hypoalbuminemia and its relationship with HCC aggressiveness in our patients. Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively, and data were gathered from the gastroenterology unit of the Department of Medicine at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. The study included all patients who had been diagnosed with HCC between February 2015 and February 2019. Results: In total, 380 patients with HCC were included in this study. The mean serum albumin level was 2.79 g/dL (SD±0.655) and 318 (83.7%) had serum albumin levels of≤3.5 g/dL. No statistically significant association was identified between albumin levels and parameters of tumor aggressiveness (tumor size, number of tumor nodules, portal vein thrombosis [PVT], and alpha-fetoprotein [AFP] levels) in our patients. Conclusion: We found no association between low albumin levels and parameters of HCC progression in our patients. This highlights the need for additional markers to determine the severity of HCC in underdeveloped populations.
A Case of Massive Gastrointestinal Bleeding Due to Abdominal Tuberculosis
Authors: Bana Sai Krishna Reddy , Lakshmanan Suja , Rajendran Vaasanthi , N Senthil , Anil Archa Anna , L Nanthakumar
Published: November 2023

This case is about a complication of abdominal tuberculosis in the form of a massive lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleed, which was timely intervened by angioembolization. A young man in his mid-20s on empirical anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) for abdominal tuberculosis, presented with severe abdominal pain. The patient then developed frank per rectal bleeding, leading to a significant drop in hemoglobin level, requiring multiple blood transfusions. Upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy findings were inconclusive. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of the abdomen was performed, which revealed a contrast extravasation into the jejunum due to a leak in the jejunal branch of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), followed by selective SMA angiography (digital subtraction angiography), which was arrested by angioembolization. The patient had multiple abdominal lymphadenopathies with omental nodules. Histopathological examination of the omental nodules revealed epithelioid granuloma with Langerhans-type cells. The patient is currently receiving ATT and is doing well.
Relationship Between Musharakah, Credit Risk, and Profitability in Pakistan's Islamic Banks
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Saeed , Fikri Sofi Mohd , Ahmi Aidi
Published: November 2023

The most significant and theoretical link between credit risk and Islamic banks' profitability ratio (ROE) has been determined due to the special nature of Musharakah (cost-in-low) financing. This study aims to determine how credit risk affects Islamic banks' profitability ratio (ROE). Data was obtained from (2018-2022), from the yearly reports of selected Islamic banks in Pakistan. The data analysis found that measures for the end of Musharakah size financing (MSF) (0.0220) and Musharakah Non-Performing ratio (MNPR) (0.03706) significantly impact return on equity. Study results show a strong and positive correlation between ROE and the Musharakah Non-Performing Ratio (MNPR). Based on the findings, it was concluded that the economic support of Musharakah (diminishing) generally increases the return on equity (ROE) of Islamic banks. Therefore, this research suggests Islamic banks need to increase their support for Musharakah (diminishing) to overcome the high credit risk exposure. Based on the findings of this study, Islamic banks can design and implement policies to reduce credit risks while improving their financial performance. Furthermore, this research can help Islamic banks improve their profitability ratio by reducing credit risk.
Análisis del consumo de bebidas alcohólicas en estudiantes universitarios de las carreras de educación básica y educación inicial
Authors: Rosero Narváez Kevin , Galárraga-Andrade Anabela
Published: November 2023

A lo largo de la historia, el consumo de alcohol ha sido socialmente aceptado, en tiempos recientes ha generado problemas más graves debido a su uso excesivo y a edades cada vez más tempranas. Estos problemas incluyen daños físicos, psicológicos y sociales, como enfermedades cancerígenas, trastornos cardiovasculares y daños hepáticos. Con el objetivo de investigar esta problemática, se realizó un estudio para describir las diversas dimensiones relacionadas con el consumo de alcohol, para determinar si existían relaciones significativas entre el género y el consumo, así como entre el nivel educativo. Se utilizó una metodología cuantitativa de corte transversal, con un enfoque correlacional y una muestra probabilística. Se encuestó a una muestra representativa de 207 personas, seleccionadas de un grupo de 517 estudiantes de Educación Inicial y Educación Básica. Los datos recopilados se analizaron utilizando la prueba de hipótesis Chi Cuadrado. Los resultados obtenidos revelaron una relación estadísticamente significativa, aunque débil, entre el género y el consumo de alcohol. Sin embargo, no se encontró una relación significativa entre el nivel educativo y el consumo de alcohol. En resumen, se concluyó que el consumo frecuente de alcohol entre la comunidad universitaria conlleva un riesgo moderado a alto de consumir de manera perjudicial.
BIOGEOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SMALL MAMMALS OF THE HERB-BUNCHGRASS STEPPE AND ADJACENT TERRITORIES IN THE SOUTH TRANS-URAL REGION (KURGAN OBLAST)
Authors: Starikov V.P. , Kravchenko V.N. , Volodina O.Yu. , Yalymova D.M. , Urvantsev A.A.
Published: November 2023

A brief history of the study of small mammals of the South Trans-Ural region is discussed. On the basis of data obtained using two generally accepted zoological methods (ditch with pitfalls and trap-lines), materials on the small mammal communities are summarized. The species composition, groups of background and dominant species, total abundance of insectivores and rodents were shown to be largely determined by the specific method of animal surveys. In the herb-bunchgrass steppe 18 species of animals were found in the ditch with pitfalls and 11 species in the snap traps surveys. The core of small mammals in this subzone was the common vole, herb wood mouse, tundra and common shrews. In the herb-bunchgrass steppe, as well as in the forest-steppe subzone and subtaiga in spring-summer period, insectivorous and mouse-like rodents were most densely concentrated in near-water biotopes, where there is their high overlap and intra- and interspecific contact, which is especially important for the spread and persistence of various infections. In the subtaiga of the South Trans-Ural region, the optimum complex of conditions is formed for forest-meadow forms, i.e. the Laxmann's and taiga shrews, Siberian chipmunk and bank vole. At the same time, open-space species such as the tundra shrew, southern birch mouse and steppe lemming inhabit the herb-bunchgrass steppe most densely. Of the 22 small mammal species recorded in the South Trans-Ural region in 2020-2022, only one of them, the common shrew, was among the dominant species in all subzones. The taiga shrew and the Siberian chipmunk, which are peculiar only to the subtaiga and do not penetrate into the more southern subzones of the studied territory, made up a special originality among the recorded species of insectivores and rodents of the Southern Trans-Urals.
SIGNS OF VITAL ACTIVITY OF BROWN BEAR IN THE SUBALPINE BELT OF THE WESTERN SAYAN MOUNTAINS
Authors: Puchkovskiy S.V. , Buinovskaya M.S. , Zagumenov M.N. , Rubleva E.A.
Published: November 2023

Brown bear ( Ursus arctos L.) populations in the forest zone form communicative systems of marks left primarily on trees. This species also inhabits areas with low forest cover, including the subalpine belt. We studied the communication systems of brown bear populations in 2007-2009 in the Western Sayan, in the Ergaki natural park. The purpose of the study was to identify signs of the life activity of the brown bear in the subalpine belt, which could be used by these animals for indirect communication. We registered a total of 120 bear trees (BT) among which Siberian pine ( Pinus sibirica ) prevailed (83.3%). The linear frequency of marking was registered low: 2.66 BT per 10 km of the route. We found increased incidence of damaging marks and footprint marks left by adult males. Cluster analysis of data by 15 types of bear marks revealed two major groups: marks left by adult males and “marks” that bears of all age and sex groups are capable to leaving on BT.