bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epithelial differentiation of gingival mesenchymal stem cells enhances re-epithelialization for full-thickness cutaneous wound healing
Authors: Li Yongzheng , Dong Lingling , Chen Yani , Cai Wenjin , Yang Guoli , Wang Ying
Published: September 2024

Background
A growing body of evidence supports the notion that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are responsible for repairing traumatized tissues primarily through paracrine secretion and differentiation into specific cell types. However, the role of epithelial differentiation of MSCs in cutaneous wound healing is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the epithelial differentiation potential of gingival tissue-derived MSCs (GMSCs) in epithelial cell growth medium and probed the mechanisms underlying their differentiation into an epithelial-like cell phenotype.
Methods
GMSCs were examined by scanning electron microscopy for epithelial differentiation. Genes and proteins related to epithelial differentiation were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot, respectively. Subcellular localization of the KLF4, KRT19, and β-catenin proteins was analyzed by immunofluorescence. The mechanisms underlying epithelial differentiation in GMSCs were enriched by transcriptome sequencing. The wound healing rate and re-epithelialization were evaluated by a macroscopical view and hematoxylin eosin staining.
Results
GMSCs cultured in epithelial cell growth medium from day 3 to day 15 showed decreased expression of mesenchymal-epithelial transition and stemness-related proteins (N-cadherin, Vimentin, KLF4, and SOX2) and increased expression of epithelial-related proteins (KRT12, KRT15, KRT19, and E-cadherin), in addition to exhibiting epithelial-like morphology. Mechanistically, high-throughput sequencing results showed that the Wnt signaling pathway and TGF-beta signaling pathway were inhibited in epithelial differentiation of GMSCs (Epi-GMSCs). Furthermore, we demonstrated the ability of Epi-GMSCs to facilitate wound healing by enhancing re-epithelialization in a full-thickness skin defect model.
Conclusions
Collectively, this study uncovers that GMSCs have the ability to differentiate into epithelia and highlights a promising strategy for using Epi-GMSCs to improve cutaneous wound healing.
Optimizing Radiation Monitoring Networks to Improve Emergency Response Strategies during Nuclear Power Plant Accidents
Authors: Gellenoncourt Allan , Ayoub Ali , Wainwright Haruko M.
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a new strategy to optimize radiation monitoring networks for effectively predicting contaminated areas and radiation levels during nuclear power plant accidents in order to improve emergency response efforts. Our strategy addresses variable metrological fields by generating ensemble simulations of wind fields and radionuclide migration in the atmosphere using the WSPEEDI (Worldwide version of System for Prediction of Environmental Emergency Dose Information) simulator. GPCAM (Gaussian Process for Continuous-time Acquisition of Measurements) is then used to capture the heterogeneity of radiation levels by sparse monitoring points, and to optimize their locations. We consider three different scenarios: (a) a single static spatial distribution of the radiation levels, (b) the temporal evolution of the distribution within a single release scenario for mobile sensor deployment, and (c) ensemble optimization with variable metrological conditions for assessing risks and emergency responses at a particular site a priori. The results are compared with the homogeneously-distributed network. Our results show that GPCAM is able to identify effective monitoring locations for each of these scenarios, except that a prevailing wind direction is required for the ensemble case. In addition, we compare the effect of different acquisition functions, kernel functions, and hyperparameters in GPCAM on the sensor locations.
Identifying Plasmodium P36 and P52 antigens for co-administration with circumsporozoite protein to enhance vaccine efficacy
Authors: Murphy Sean , Yadav Naveen , Kalata Anya , Reynolds Rebekah , Raappana Andrew , Sather Noah
Published: September 2024

Vaccines targeting the complex pre-erythrocytic stage of Plasmodium parasites may benefit from inclusion of multiple antigens. However, discerning protective effects can be difficult because newer candidates may not be as protective as leading antigens like the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) in the conventional pre-clinical mouse model. We developed a modified mouse model challenge strategy that maximizes the contribution of T cells induced by novel candidate antigens at the sporozoite challenge time point and used this approach to test Plasmodium P36 and P52 vaccine candidates alone and in concert with non-protective doses of CSP. Co-administration of P36 and/or P52 with CSP achieved 80-100% sterile protection in mice, compared to only 7-30% protection for each individual antigen. P36 and P52 vaccination induced murine CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, but not antibody responses. This study adds P36 and P52 as promising vaccine antigens that may enhance protection achieved by CSP vaccination.
Analysis of Magnetic Field Effects on Snubber Resistance of Induction Melting Furnaces
Authors: Azizi Yousef
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the effects of magnetic fields on the snubber resistance in induction melting furnaces. Through a combination of laboratory experiments and numerical simulations using ANSYS Fluent, the study analyzes the impact of varying magnetic field intensities and Reynolds numbers on heat transfer. The experiments and simulations utilize different cross-sectional geometries for heat exchangers and incorporate nanofluids to enhance thermal performance. The findings reveal significant improvements in heat transfer efficiency due to the application of magnetic fields and the use of nanofluids.
Subcutaneous delivery of mesenchymal stromal cells induces immunoregulatory effects in the lymph node independent of their apoptosis
Authors: Zheng Di , Bhuvan Tejasvini , Payne Natalie L. , Pang Swee H.M. , Mendonca Senora , Hutchinson Mark R. , McKinnirey Flyn , Morgan Charlotte , Vesey Graham , Meagher Laurence , Heng Tracy
Published: September 2024

Background
Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy commonly involves systemic infusion of MSCs, which undergo apoptosis in the lung and induce immunoregulatory macrophages that reduce disease. The relevance of this mode of action, however, is yet to be determined for MSCs administered via other routes. Here, we administered MSCs via subcutaneous (SC) injection into inflamed tissue and investigated the immunomodulatory effects on the local lymph node (LN), which is a major site for the initiation and regulation of immune responses.
Methods
A mouse model of localised skin inflammation was established with low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to in vivo prime adipose-derived MSCs delivered via SC injection. We then analysed the immunomodulatory changes in the LN draining the inflamed tissue, as well as the neutrophil TNF response to LPS re-exposure.
Results
When administered directly into the inflamed skin tissue, SC MSC injection induced an expansion of IL-10-producing MerTK+ subcapsular sinus macrophages and T cell zone macrophages, as well as activated CD44+ regulatory T cells (Tregs), in the draining LN, which was not observed in the non-draining LN. SC injection of viable, but not apoptotic, MSCs dampened TNF production by inflammatory cells in the draining LN when re-exposed to the inflammatory stimulus. SC injection of MSCs remote to the site of inflammation also did not attenuate the LN response to subsequent inflammatory challenge.
Conclusions
MSCs delivered directly into inflamed skin activated immunoregulatory cells in the local LN and inhibited LN responsiveness to subsequent inflammatory challenge. The immunoregulatory effects of SC-injected MSCs in the LN require priming by inflammatory cytokines in the local milieu. Furthermore, SC-injected MSCs exert anti-inflammatory effects in the draining LN independent of their apoptosis, in contrast to intravenously delivered MSCs, where anti-inflammatory effects are linked to their apoptosis.
Prevalence of AI-generated language in introductory physics lab reports, before and after ChatGPT
Authors: Arvidsson Kim
Published: September 2024

This article investigates 797 introductory college and university physics lab reports to find the prevalence and character of AI-generated language in them since the release of ChatGPT. The lab reports were inspected manually and using two AI detection services, GPTZero and Turnitin. In the year since the release of ChatGPT, both AI detection services detect a statistically significant increase in generative AI language, which was found in 7.7% of lab reports. Students who used generative AI tended to use it multiple times. Six qualitative features of generative AI language were identified and given labels; verbose generality, fake concern, absence of numbers, suspicious formatting, significant 'waffling', and unrelated example. The AI detection services were found to be useful in detecting AI-generated language as they can highlight suspected sentences. Their AI detection scores generally correlated with the presence of manually found generative AI language. Care must be taken to identify false positives, primarily due to the technical writing nature of physics lab reports and AI-based spelling and grammar tools.
Distribution and Diversity of Nonwood Forest Product (NWFP) Species in Sal and Teak Landscapes: A Central Indian Perspective
Authors: Biswas Priyanka , Upadhyay Anup Prakash
Published: September 2024

The Mandla district of Madhya Pradesh is a transitional zone between tropical dry deciduous forest and tropical moist deciduous forest. For the quadrats, systematic random sampling and square quadrats 10 m*10 m in size were used in two territorial forest divisions and one wildlife-protected area. Software such as QGIS, MS Excel, and PAST was used for the study. Tectona grandis (Teak) and Shorea robusta (Sal) are the major tree species in the area of study and are associated with different species depending on climatic and edaphic factors. These forest types support many nonwood forest produce (NWFP) species, which support the livelihood of local communities. Species such as Madhuca sp., Diospyros melanoxylon, Buchanania lanzan, Boswellia serrata, and Embelia basal are the major NWFP species found here. The Shannon-Weinner diversity (H’) index and Simpson (1-D) diversity index for Teak and Sal forests were highly diverse in both types of forests. In this study, we found that Shorea sp., one of the major NWFPs, presented the highest density. Madhuca sp. is one of the key NWFPs in both types of forests but is present primarily near the agricultural lands surrounding the villages. Diospyros melanoxylon was present at a very high frequency in Teak forest rather than in Sal forest. The IVI for both Maduca sp. and Diospyros melanoxylon was greater in the Teak forest than in the Sal forest, indicating a major socioecological role in both forest types.
Deep Learning-Based Dose Prediction for Low-Energy Electron Superficial Radiotherapy
Authors: Huang Jialin , Dai Zhitao , Hu Shuai , Ye Yuanchun , Chen Yuling , Li Ming , Niu Tianye , Zheng Jinfen , Huang Yongsheng , Bi Yuanjie
Published: September 2024

Background: Accurate and rapid surface dose calculation is critical in superficiallow-energy electron radiotherapy due to the shallow treatment depth and the riskof radiation-induced skin toxicity. Traditional Monte Carlo (MC) simulations,while precise, can be computationally expensive and time-consuming.
Methods: To improve both the accuracy and speed of dose calculations, thisstudy combined MC simulations with deep learning techniques. Low-energy electron beams were simulated for six body sites using DOSXYZnrc, producing CTphantoms and corresponding dose distributions. A cascaded 3D-UNet (C3D) model was trained on these MC simulation datasets to predict dose distributionsrapidly.
Results: The C3D model demonstrated a mean absolute percentage error(MAPE) of less than 8% for one-dimensional dose curves, with no significantdifferences found in t-tests. The maximum dose difference observed across different body sites in 2D slices was 0.0421 ± 0.0340. The model achieved an overallGamma pass rate of over 92.09 ± 0.51% within 1%/1mm tolerance, and fordose distribution (DD) analysis under the 1% tolerance, the pass rate was 93.58± 0.21%. Additionally, the C3D model completed dose predictions in just 0.42seconds, making it approximately 140,000 times faster than MC simulations.
Conclusion: The integration of deep learning with MC simulations significantlyenhances the efficiency of surface dose calculations in superficial electron radiotherapy. The C3D model provides rapid and accurate dose predictions, facilitatingmore efficient treatment planning while maintaining high accuracy compared totraditional MC methods.
Few-Shot Meta-Learning for Efficient Intrusion Detection in Contiki OS-based Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Prasad Mahendra , Mohapatra Pragyanshree , Tripathi Sachin
Published: September 2024

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is a more promising communication technique, but it is highly susceptible to attacks due to the lack of physical monitoring. This work focuses on enhancing Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) using Contiki OS to simulate Denial-of-Service, Blackhole, and Selective Forwarding attacks. CC2538DK sensor nodes are programmed to inject these attacks and generate data for IDS training. To evaluate performance, the proposed work is executed on the generated and the WSN-DS publicly available IDS datasets. A key challenge in IDS development is the scarcity of labeled data for detecting new attacks. To address this problem, the method proposed a few-shot learning based IDS and applied a prototype-based neural network with a meta-learning strategy. Experimental results show that with a sample size of 25 or more per class, the model achieves an accuracy of approximately 96% while maintaining an accuracy of 93.2% with fewer than ten samples per class. This approach effectively detects new or previously unseen attacks.
Perception of Members toward Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI Program, in Ethiopia: Insight from customer satisfaction national survey
Authors: Wondimtekahu Adamu , Bedassa Alemayehu , Mengistu Dereje , Faye Hilina , Meselu Wudalew , Debebe Teklu , Andualem Yamerot , Habte Bereket , Tesgera Geremew , Gietaneh Wodaje , Yoseph Tigist , Dereje Kidist , Abebe Frehiwot , Aragaw Muluken , Beyene Adamtachew , Ararso Mekonen , Teshome Fikru
Published: September 2024

Background
This study investigates the perceptions of Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) holders across various regions and demographic factors in Ethiopia, focusing on their views regarding key aspects of the CBHI program. CBHI initiatives are crucial for enhancing healthcare access and providing financial protection, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In Ethiopia (since 2011), the CBHI program has been part of broader health sector reforms aimed at reducing out-of-pocket (OOP) healthcare expenses and improving service delivery [1].
Method
This study employs data from a national customer survey and analyzes responses from CBHI members, who rated aspects such as registration, contribution rates, service efficiency, and travel costs on a five-point Likert scale. This national survey employed a correctional study design and a questionnaire as a data collection tool. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and composite variable scoring were used to interpret the data.
Result
the Key findings reveal a strong positive perception of the registration process, with 91% of respondents viewing it favorably and 88% finding the contribution rates fair. These elements are crucial for member retention and the sustainability of the CBHI scheme. However, only 75% of the respondents were satisfied with the convenience of services provided under the CBHI, indicating significant areas for improvement, particularly in terms of the efficiency and quality of healthcare services. The study also highlights substantial regional differences, with Dire Dawa showing the highest positive perceptions and Benishangul Gumuz the lowest. Additionally, factors such as age, employment status, duration of CBHI membership, healthcare usage, residence, and awareness level significantly influenced members' perceptions.
Conclusion and Recommendation:
The findings underscore the need to address region-specific challenges and demographic disparities within the CBHI program. While highly positive perceptions of registration and contribution fairness are encouraging, less favorable views of service convenience and regional disparities suggest uneven program implementation. To improve CBHI effectiveness, policymakers should focus on enhancing service convenience, particularly in regions with higher negative perceptions, through better resource allocation, staff training, and infrastructure improvements. Addressing demographic disparities, particularly among rural populations, younger age groups, and lower-income households, is also essential. Future research should explore these disparities further and evaluate the long-term impact of the CBHI on healthcare access and financial protection.
Flatness-based disturbance observer and control for a robotic mining excavator
Authors: Rigatos Gerasimos , Abbaszadeh Masoud , Zouari Farouk , Siano Pierlugi , Al-Numay Mohammed , Cuccurullo Gennaro
Published: September 2024

A main issue in the design of a stabilizing feedback controller for robotic mining excavators is the compensation of unknown forces which are exerted on the excavator's dipper when removing the soil. These forces may vary according to the condition of the soil while harsh operating conditions make difficult their direct measuring with the use of dedicated force sensors. To address this problem the article proposes a flatness-based disturbance observer and control method for the dynamic model of thee 2-DOF robotic mining excavator. It is proven that the dynamic model of the robotic excavator is differentially flat and thus it can be transformed into the input-output linearized form and into the canonical Brunovsky form. The forces which are generated due to the contact of the robot's dipper with the soil take the form of additive disturbance inputs. Next, the state-vector of the robot is extended by considering as additional state variables the cumulative disturbance terms and their time-derivatives. The new model is observable, thus a Kalman Filter-based disturbance observer is finally designed which allows for estimating simultaneously the state variables of the robot and the additive perturbation inputs. By identifying precisely the forces which are due to the contact with the ground one can also update the system's flatness-based controller so as to ensure global stability and fast convergence of the state variables of the robotic excavator to the associated setpoints.
First demonstration of Super-X divertor exhaust control for transient heat load management in compact fusion reactors
Authors: Kool Bob , Verhaegh Kevin , Derks Gijs , Wijkamp Tijs , Koenders Jesse , Lonigro Nicola , McArdle Graham , Vincent Charles , Lovell Jack , Henderson Stuart , Federici Fabio , Osawa Ryoko , Brida Domnik , Reimerdes Holger , Osborne Nicholas , Doyle Rhys , Berkel Matthijs
Published: September 2024

Nuclear fusion could offer clean, abundant energy. However, managing the power exhausted from the core fusion plasma towards the reactor wall remains a major challenge, compounded in emerging compact reactor designs promising more cost-effective pathways towards commercial fusion energy. Alternative Divertor Configurations (ADCs) are a potential solution. In this work, ADC exhaust control is demonstrated for the first time, employing a novel method to diagnose the neutral gas buffer which shields the target. Our work on MAST-U shows that ADCs tackle key risks and uncertainties for fusion energy: 1) their highly reduced sensitivity to perturbations enables active exhaust control in otherwise unfeasible situations and facilitates 2) passive absorption of transients which would otherwise damage the divertor; furthermore, 3) isolating each divertor from other reactor regions enables near-independent control of the divertors and core plasma. Our work showcases the real-world benefits of ADCs for effective heat load management in reactors.
Synthesis of Pt and Pd Supported Nanocatalysts. Study of Kaolinite Layered Structure Effect on Their Catalytic Activity
Authors: Gabrielyan Artur , Grigoryan Karine
Published: September 2024

In recent years kaolinite-supported nanoscale catalytic systems have been widely used in the mining industry owing to their high efficiency and selectivity. In this article, we present a synthesis and catalytic activity study (on n-heptane hydrocracking and hydroreforming processes) of kaolinite-, Al2O3- and silica gel- supported Pt/Pd catalysts. The structural peculiarities of these nanocatalysts were characterized using FTIR, SEM, X-ray powder diffraction and BET techniques. The obtained results show that the catalytic activity of Pt catalysts is higher compared to corresponding Pd catalysts, and the n-heptane conversion on Pt/SiO2 and Pd/SiO2 catalysts are weaker than corresponding catalysts deposited on Al2O3. Moreover, it has been discovered that swelling kaolinite with polar aprotic solvents, such as DMSO, and impregnating with Pt/Pd salts, results in formation of nanosized metal particles with high catalytic activity. The presented results also show that Pt/kaolinite catalysts were weaker in their activity to Pt/kaolinite/DMSO catalyst.
Research on Enhancing C-V2X Communication via Danger-Aware Vehicular Networking
Authors: Sadeeq Lanre Gbenga , Ajao Qasim
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a protocol that optimizes message dissemination in C-V2X technology, which is crucial for advancing intelligent transportation systems (ITS) to enhance road safety. As vehicle density and velocity rise, the volume of data requiring communication significantly increases. By considering the danger and risk levels that vehicles encounter and using inter-vehicle proximity as a key indicator of potential hazards, the proposed protocol prioritizes communication, allowing vehicles facing higher risks to transmit their messages first. Our results show that this prioritization effectively reduces the number of concurrent transmissions, leading to improved performance metrics such as packet delivery ratio, throughput, latency, and lower probabilities of channel congestion and collision.
Una revisión sistemática de la agresión y la empatía
Authors: Carmona Cardona C´ésar Andrés , Arango Tobón Olber Eduardo , Pico Quintero Nindre , Puerta Lopera Isabel Cristina
Published: September 2024

La evidencia sobre las relaciones entre la agresión y la empatía no están claras en la literatura. Un metaanálisis reciente indicó que las asociaciones son limitadas, mientras que reiteradas investigaciones de los últimos años han reportado correlaciones positivas y negativas. Esta revisión sistemática busca establecer la evidencia actual sobre diferentes estudios que se han llevado a cabo sobre las relaciones entre la conducta agresiva de tipo proactivo y reactivo y la empatía, desde los subdominios cognitivo y afectivo, en adolescentes, jóvenes y adultos jóvenes. Método: Revisión sistemática de acuerdo con las directrices PRISMA. Resultados: se encontraron 8 artículos que cumplían los criterios de inclusión y exclusión descritos y se reportan las discrepancias entre las asociaciones de las dos variables abordadas. Conclusión: parece haber cierto grado aceptación en el papel inhibidor de la empatía frente a la agresión, de manera relevante el de la empatía afectiva. No se encontraron resultados concluyentes de la empatía cognitiva con los diferentes tipos de agresión.
Integration Agenda in Government Work of the Union State of Belarus and Russia
Authors: Vagapov Danat
Published: September 2024

The internal contradictions in the development of the Union State of Belarus and Russia that had accumulated by the end of 2010s called into question the possibility of realizing the Treaty on the Creation of the Union State. In 2020s, however, external threats to the sovereignty and safety of both countries aggravated to a degree when the integration agenda gained newfound relevance in such areas of interaction as economy, defense, society, etc. The article describes the problems and prospects of the integration of Russia and Belarus from September 2021 to May 2024. The author used discursive, systemic, qualitative, and formalized analyses to study the integration agenda of both governments and the integration measures they implemented. The concept of the Union State presupposes a shared economic, defense, information, and migration environment that will eventually result in a socio-political integration of citizens, thus erasing the borders between the concepts of a citizen of the Russian Federation and a citizen of the Republic of Belarus. The article concentrates on industrial programs adopted in November 2021, as well as on conceptual and strategic documents developed and approved in 2021–2024.
Delinquent Youth Subcultures in Russia: Theoretical Research Experience
Authors: Molchanov Artem , Nyatina Natal'ya
Published: September 2024

Social disorganization triggers the development of subcultures, both positive and negative. As part of innovative adaptation, a person or a group may update certain sets of values, thus offering an alternative solution to some existing contradictions. Destructive socio-cultural associations, on the contrary, revise and oppose the generally recognized and accepted values, which leads to protest activity and what Peter Berger defined as anti-societies. The article describes the current diversity of delinquent youth subcultures in Russia and their development. The author designed a typology based on sociological interpretation, affiliations, and risks: 1) subcultures with career prospects; 2) subcultures of antisocial leisure activities; 3) subcultures that imitate certain totalitarian organizations; 4) subcultures of escapism; 5) subcultures of gender orientation; 6) street subcultures; 7) school-shooting subcultures. This classification takes into account those aspects of social life that deserve special scientific attention. Each subcultural community requires a special interdisciplinary approach that would consider its socio-cultural and legal adaptation mechanisms, causes, and online and offline functioning.
Self-Esteem in University Educator and Contemporary Media
Authors: Proskurina Aleksandra
Published: September 2024

Self-esteem and personal development depend on the social context. This article describes this correlation, within which personality affects the professional success. Such an impact is manifested in the work of a modern university educator, both in the media space and beyond. The social role of the teacher changes together with public relations: today, it is part of cultural capital and information economy. The professional self-esteem of a university educator, expressed in managerial metrics, determines their performance. The metrics can reveal a social interaction between the specialist and the society, where the specialist exchanges skills for reward, which affects the self-esteem and further interaction. The work of a university educator depends on the presence of the student as an actor, formal requirements of the university administration, and the ability to meet the students’ need for personal contact under standardization and mass production of information. The article gives university teaching personnel some recommendations on maintaining self-esteem connected with the development of emotional intelligence, impression management, and identification. The recommendations are supported by media presence cases.
Attractiveness of Restaurant Markets in Siberian Federal District
Authors: Maksimenko Irina , Vashko Tatyana , Zdrestova-Zakharenkova Svetlana
Published: September 2024

Many restaurant companies turn to territorial expansion to restore and develop the restaurant market after COVID-19 restrictions and disruptions in logistics. As a result, they need to select territories with the greatest business development prospects. As a rule, they choose geographical markets for expansion based on attractiveness assessments and market ratings provided by various research companies and institutes. However, these reports often lack rating attractiveness assessments for separate regions and the domestic restaurant market as a whole. Moreover, a review of scientific publications revealed no standard approach to market parameters in this sphere. The authors employed three different methods to assess the attractiveness of restaurant markets in the regions of the Siberian Federal District. Each method included single-factor or multi-factor parameters that determined the state of the restaurant market at a static moment in time. The methods were based on objective statistical data, which provided a fairly high degree of reliability. The comprehensive diagnosis yielded an attractiveness rating for various regions of the Siberian Federal District and their territorial expansion prospects for restaurant companies. The Krasnoyarsk Region demonstrated the best results byall methods. The republics of Khakassia, Tyva, and Altai appeared to be the least attractive areas for restaurant business expansion. The remaining six regions of Novosibirsk, Altai, Kemerovo, Irkutsk, Omsk, and Tomsk occupied the middle ranking.
Study on Dipping Pattern of Blood Pressure in Patients with Type 2 DM and its Correlation with the Duration of Diabetes, Glycaemic Control, and Renal Status
Authors: Nandini Hamsa , Ravikumar YS , Mahadevappa Manjappa
Published: September 2024

Background:

Normal circadian blood pressure response includes a nocturnal fall in BP by 10 to 20% of the average daytime BP. Many diseases, including
diabetes mellitus, alter these normal circadian BP changes. DM, through its long-term microvascular and macrovascular complications, such as
autonomic neuropathy, affects BP dipping patterns by decreasing dipping (non-dipper), exaggerating dipping (nocturnal hypotension), or causing
an actual increase in BP (reverse dipping). These altered dipping patterns are likely to be more common in those with long-standing
hyperglycemia, poor glycemic control, and concurrent renal dysfunction. Abnormal dipping patterns (non-dipping and reverse dipping) are
associated with increased target organ damage and cardiovascular risk among diabetic patients. The BP variation and dipping patterns are best
studied using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. This study has compared BP dipping patterns in patients with T2DM and healthy controls and
evaluated their correlation with the duration of diabetes, glycemic status, and renal status by employing Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
(ABPM).

Materials and Methods:

50 patients with T2DM for more than 5 years have been compared with 50 normal subjects (controls) for alteration in the circadian BP pattern and
its relationship with the patients’ duration of diabetes, glycemic status, and renal status.

Results:

This study has revealed statistically significant findings concerning abnormal dipping patterns (non-dipping and reverse dipping) between diabetic
and non-diabetic patients (56% vs. 24%, p-value=0.001), between the duration of diabetes for more than 10 years and 5-10 years (77.8% vs. 43.8%,
P=0.02), between higher HbA1c of more than 9% and 7-9% (34.5% vs. 4.8%, P=0.0001), between patients with proteinuria and those without
proteinuria (p=0.045), and between patients with microalbuminuria and those with no microalbuminuria (87.5% vs. 41.2%, p=0.002).

Conclusion:

Compared to normal subjects, most patients with T2DM had an abnormal BP dipping pattern. The duration of DM, poor glycemic control, and
renal dysfunction (proteinuria and microalbuminuria) were positively correlated with nocturnal BP dipping pattern abnormalities.
Improving Vaccine Response through Probiotics and Micronutrient Supplementation: Evaluating the Role of TLR5 in Adult Female BALB/c Mice
Authors: Eftekhari Zohre , Doroud Delaram , Tajabadi-Ebrahimi Maryam , Kazemi-Lomedasht Fatemeh
Published: September 2024

Background:

The role of probiotics and micronutrients in improving immune system function and
response to vaccination has been proven. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of probiotics enriched
with micronutrients on the immunogenicity of PastoCovac® vaccine.

Methods:

The probiotic supplement BioBoost® and PastoCovac® vaccine, which contain six expressed Receptor-
binding Domains (RBD) and conjugated with tetanus toxin, were administered concurrently. The safety
and efficacy were assessed by determining Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titers to RBD and cytokines,
mRNA expression of Toll-like Receptors (TLRs) 5, and clinical symptoms.

Results:

Results revealed that the administration of the probiotics enriched with micronutrients and vitamins
for 14 days before the first vaccine dose, followed by continued supplementation for 14 days after the first
dose, and in conjunction with the second vaccine dose, yielded the most significant elevation in Interleukin 4
(IL-4), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF alpha), Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and anti-SARS-CoV-2
RBD IgG levels within the supernatant samples collected from spleen cultures with the highest expression of
TLR5 genes in intestinal samples, compared to the control group.

Conclusion:

Our results indicated that the inclusion of probiotics enriched with micronutrients and vitamins
significantly enhanced the immunogenicity of the PastoCovac® vaccine. Based on the recommendation to administer
third and fourth vaccine doses, particularly for vulnerable and elderly individuals, the utilization of
supplements containing probiotics is expected to favorably influence immune responses.
Co(II) and Cu(II) Porphyrins Catalysed the Synthesis of Quinoline and Naphthoxazine via Dehydrogenative Reactions
Authors: Khan Danish , Kushwaha Pragati , Parveen Iram , Maurya Nirma , Shaily
Published: September 2024

:

In this study, we developed a facile Co (II) and Cu (II)-porphyrin catalytic system
for dehydrogenative coupling reaction of benzyl alcohol with acetophenone derivatives
for quinoline synthesis and intramolecular cyclisation of Betti base for naphthoxazine synthesis.
Functionalized porphyrins containing ester and quinoline ring (CoTPPBenzo(NPh))
and (CuTPPBenzo(NPh)) were synthesized and confirmed via various analytical techniques.
These cobalt (II) and copper (II) porphyrins were tested for the synthesis of quinolines
and naphthoxazines via a dehydrogenative coupling reaction. These cobalt and copper
porphyrins showed excellent catalytic activity with broad substrate scope. Additionally, a
series of controlled experiments were performed to support this work.
Multicentric Post-marketing Surveillance (PMS) Observational Study of Ascorbic Acid and Zinc Effervescent Tablets in Indian Patients with Vitamin C and Zinc Deficiency
Authors: Swami Ruchika , Sunena
Published: September 2024

Aim:

The objective of this Multicentric Post-Marketing Surveillance (PMS) study was
to evaluate the safety and tolerance of vitamin C and zinc tablets in the Indian population experiencing
deficiencies of these nutrients. Furthermore, the study aimed to provide insights into physicians'
prescription practices and characterise the patient population receiving the study medication.

Methods:

This prospective observational study involved 358 participants from 8 study sites across
India (including 2 government hospital sites), spanning a duration of approximately 12 weeks (3
months). The primary aim was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of zinc and ascorbic acid effervescent
tablets for those who were deficient in zinc and vitamin C. Throughout the study period,
adverse events were monitored and categorised by MedDRA Primary System Organ Class and
Preferred Term. The analysis included evaluating the incidence, percentage, and correlation of adverse
events with the treatment (safety population). Additionally, the frequencies of adverse drug
reactions were examined across all enrolled patients. Vital signs and symptom-focused physical
examinations were conducted during each visit in the safety population.

Results:

Out of 358 (100%) patients, only 12 (3.35%) experienced minor symptoms in the study
period. The majority of patients reported gastrointestinal disorders, i.e., two (0.6%) patients reported
constipation and gastritis, respectively. Diarrhoea was reported by four (1.1%) patients. One
(0.3%) patient reported gastrointestinal pain. Three (0.8%) patients reported vomiting. Diarrhoea
was the most common symptom reported. All patients possess a mild intensity of adverse drug reactions
in safety populations. The p-value is less than 0.05 (p-value < 0.05), and therefore there is
a statistically significant relationship between the predictor variables and the response variable
(i.e., the expected count of adverse drug reactions).

Conclusion:

The fixed-dose combination of vitamin C and zinc effervescent tablets appears to be
safe and tolerable for the treatment of vitamin C and zinc deficiencies in Indian patients. The favorable
outcome underscores the mild nature of the adverse reactions and the right medical interventions
and support.
Role of Posaconazole Drug in the Treatment of Invasive Fungal Disease: A Review
Authors: Singh Sushil kumar , Pancholi Shyam Sundar
Published: September 2024

Posaconazole is an antifungal medication used primarily to treat invasive fungal infections
caused by various organisms, such as Aspergillus, Candida, and certain molds. It belongs
to the class of drugs known as triazole antifungals. Clinical studies have reported
posaconazole to be effective in treating various invasive fungal infections, especially in patients
who are immunocompromised, such as those with weakened immune systems due to conditions
like HIV/AIDS, undergoing chemotherapy, or having received an organ transplant. It has effectively
treated invasive candidiasis, aspergillosis, zygomycosis, and other serious fungal infections.
The effectiveness of the drug varies based on factors, such as the type of infection, the
patient's immune status, and the site of infection. This review describes the types of infection,
the drug's safety profile, the development of resistance to posaconazole, and strategies to manage
or prevent resistance.
The Opioid Crisis, Impact on Children, and Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Onigu-Otite Edore , Shenoi Nancy , Moukaddam Nidal , Shah Asim
Published: September 2024

The opioid epidemic continues to make a significant impact on public
health across multiple domains. While patients with opioid use disorders (OUD)
remain in the face of this epidemic, the effect of the opioid epidemic, including on
children and families, remains unheard. The impact of the opioid crisis is felt the
most by individuals who do not use opioids themselves, with children being the
most vulnerable victims of the opioid epidemic, an aspect of this epidemic that
receives far less attention. The socio-ecological model approach is used to increase
awareness of the lived experiences of children growing up in households with OUD
and to promote the incorporation of treatment considerations based on available
research. A literature review was conducted using computer-based searches using
PubMed, PsycINFO, Medline, and Google Scholar databases. This entailed
searching according to the following keywords (or stems when possible): opioids,
opioid overdose, parental opioid use, child maltreatment, resilience, and adverse
childhood experiences. Keywords were combined by using the Boolean operators
"AND" and "OR". Additionally, the ancestry approach, where potential studies
were identified from the reference sections of existing reviews on the association
between opioids and children, was used. Given that prenatal opioid use is
extensively studied, and our focus was on lived experiences, studies focused solely
on the effects of prenatal opioid use were excluded. Selected studies were varied in
scope and methodologies. We reviewed the bibliographies of identified studies for
additional studies and used both forward and backward searching. The economic
cost of OUD and fatal opioid overdose is staggering and estimated to be about
$1.02 trillion. Exposure to parental opioid use in childhood can have a significant
impact on children's current and future lives. Conversely, for parents with OUD,
children often provide a strong motivation for treatment. Children of adults with
OUD are at higher risk of early exposure and initiation of opioid misuse. Opioid
exposure in childhood, in turn, is associated with adult opioid misuse and OUD.
Screening at healthcare visits is advocated to detect and mitigate the impact of
OUD on children. The odds of using school-based mental health services are
greater in boys compared to girls. Emerging evidence suggests that boys manifest
less resiliency in the face of parental opioid exposure. This indicates a more
nuanced understanding of the developmental outcomes of parental opioid exposure.
Patrones diurnos del intercambio neto del ecosistema en dos manglares mexicanos de regiones bioclimáticas contrastantes
Authors: Uuh-Sonda Jorge M. , Sánchez-Mejía Zulia M. , Méndez-Barroso Luis A. , Figueroa-Espinoza Bernardo
Published: September 2024

Los manglares destacan en los sistemas de carbono azul por su papel en el almacén y captura de carbono atmosférico. Sin embargo, los estudios del intercambio vertical de CO2 son escasos, dejando un vacío en el conocimiento de la dinámica, la variabilidad y los controles ambientales de este flujo. En México, actualmente existen dos sitios monitoreando manglares con la técnica de covarianza de vórtices (eddy covariance), uno en Navopatia (Sonora) y otro en Sisal (Yucatán). En este estudio se utilizaron datos de aproximadamente dos años del intercambio neto de CO2 del ecosistema (del inglés net ecosystem exchange, NEE) y micrometeorología para analizar el com-portamiento diurno del NEE durante la época húmeda y la seca. Se empleó un análisis de correlación de Pearson entre el NEE y diversas variables ambientales, así como un Ancova para determinar la significancia de las diferencias observadas. Los resultados mostraron que el NEE en ambos sitios es controlado de diferente manera. En Sonora (clima árido), el ecosistema se comporta principalmente como un sumidero de carbono y sus principales controles son la temperatura, la radiación y el nivel de inundación. Para el manglar de cuenca de Yucatán, los principales controles son el nivel de inundación y el déficit de presión de vapor, comportándose como un neutral sumi-dero de carbono, en la época húmeda, cambiando hacia una fuente de carbono en la estación seca. Los resultados de este trabajo son importantes para comprender la dinámica de estos ecosistemas costeros de México, así como su respuesta a perturbaciones naturales y antropogénicas.
The role of repeated PET/CT scans and additional risk factors in predicting cancer mortality among Ozyorsk residents
Authors:   Southern Urals Biophysics Institute of FMBA of Russia, Osipov M.V. , Sokolnikov M.E. ,   Southern Urals Biophysics Institute of FMBA of Russia, Novikova T.S. ,   Chelyabinsk Regional Clinical Center of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine
Published: September 2024

The article aims at assessing the impact of diagnostic radiation exposure from positron-emission computed tomography (PET/CT) examinations and other risk factors on cancer mortality among residents of the nuclear city of Ozyorsk, examined at the Chelyabinsk Regional Clinical Center of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine. Data on gender and age at exposure, the number of PET/CT examinations, total activity of the administered radiopharmaceuticals and radiation doses delivered to patients during PET/CT examinations, were retrospectively collected. Information on potential contact with occupational radiation exposure for Mayak PA workers was included in the study. The number of additional routine computed tomography examinations, performed outside the Center of Nuclear Medicine, and the related effective dose of diagnostic radiation were calculated. For cancer patients, information on the stage of malignancy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy administered were collected. Information on vital status and cause of death was updated as of December 31, 2022. The impact of repeated PET/CT, taking into account other radiation and non-radiation risk factors, was assessed using multivariate regression analysis. It was found that repeated PET/CT examinations of cancer patients, resulting in a total cumulative radiation dose up to 400 mSv, were not associated with a negative survival prognosis over an average follow-up period of 3.5 years. The main non-radiation risk factors contributing to cancer mortality among the study cohort were age at exposure and the stage of malignancy.
Molecular and cellular mechanisms of human papillomavirus influence on cancer sensitivity to radiation therapy. Review
Authors:   A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre – branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (A. Tsyb MRRC), Zamulaeva I.A. , Gusarova V.R. ,   A. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre – branch of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (A. Tsyb MRRC), Kaprin A.D. ,   National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (NMRRC)
Published: September 2024

The article presents review of literature data and results of our own studies devoted to elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of influence of human papillomaviruses (HPV) on the effectiveness of radiation therapy (RT) of HPV-associated malignant neoplasms, including, first of all, cervical and oropharyngeal cancer. The data are systematized from the point of view of HPV influence on 6 main factors (so-called 6Rs), determining the response of cells/tissues to fractionated irradiation and, ultimately, affecting the effectiveness of RT (reparation, reoxygenation, redistribution across cell cycle phases, repopulation, radiosensitivity, reactivation of the immune response). Compared with HPV-negative tumors, HPV-positive tumors demonstrate higher sensitivity to sparsely ionizing radiation due to decreased efficiency of homologous DNA damage repair (R1), higher oxygenation and suppression of antioxidant defense (R2), impaired cell cycle control (R3), features of cancer stem cell regulation that ensure post-radiation repopulation (R4), and higher intrinsic radiosensitivity (R5). Viral proteins E6 and E7 have a broad spectrum of action on the state of innate and adaptive antitumor immunity, therefore significant differences were demonstrated in immunological profile of HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors, as well as in efficiency of combined radioimmunotherapy of cancer patients with different HPV status. However, the effects of HPV on reactivation of antitumor immune response (R6) during fractionated irradiation has not been sufficiently studied. Thus, HPV have a significant impact on almost all known factors (at least 5 out of 6 Rs) determining the effectiveness of RT using sparsely ionizing radiation. Analysis of the mechanisms of such impact suggests that differences in effectiveness of RT of HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors can, at least partially e leveled out when using densely ionizing radiation.