bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Η διασύνδεση και συνεργασία των φορέων που ασχολούνται με τους θεσμούς της αναδοχής και της τεκνοθεσίας στην Περιφέρεια Κρήτης
Authors: Κούτρα Κλειώ , Πουπάκη Αικατερίνη , Σαμάρα Ραφαέλα , Κυπραίου Διονυσία
Published: December 2023

Η οικονομική κρίση αλλά και η πανδημία του COVID-19 έφεραν στην επιφάνεια ένα διαχρονικό ζήτημα, αυτό της παιδικής παραμέλησης και κακοποίησης. Τα τελευταία χρόνια αν και γίνεται προσπάθεια εκσυγχρονισμού της παιδικής προστασίας σε πολλές χώρες του δυτικού κόσμου με σημαντικές νομικές βελτιώσεις για την αποδοτικότερη προστασία των παιδιών, η Ελλάδα έχει ακόμη πολλά βήματα για να επιτύχει ένα ικανοποιητικό επίπεδο προστασίας (European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights-FRA, 2015). Η παρούσα μελέτη έγινε με αφορμή την αλλαγή του νομοθετικού πλαισίου στην Ελλάδα στον τομέα της παιδικής προστασίας και ο σκοπός της είναι η διερεύνηση της διασύνδεσης των φορέων που ασχολούνται με ζητήματα αναδοχής - τεκνοθεσίας  στην Περιφέρεια της Κρήτης. Τα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης αναδεικνύουν τις εκσυγχρονιστικές αλλαγές, που έφερε ο νόμος στον τομέα της παιδικής προστασίας πάνω στα θέματα εκπαίδευσης υποψηφίων, τη δημιουργία ηλεκτρονικής πλατφόρμας και κατά συνέπεια τη μείωση του χρόνου διαδικασίας, την καθιέρωση για πρώτη φορά της επαγγελματικής αναδοχής καθώς και την υποχρεωτική χαρτογράφηση των παιδιών στις δομές φιλοξενίας. Στον αντίποδα υπήρχαν κι αρκετές αδυναμίες, που σχετίζονται με ελλείψεις καίριων ειδικοτήτων και προσωπικού στις δομές, υπό-χρηματοδότηση, έλλειψη ενός ενιαίου πλαισίου λειτουργίας καθώς και έλλειψη εκτενούς επιμόρφωσης πάνω σε θέματα διαδικασίας των επαγγελματιών που εργάζονται στο πεδίο. Συμπερασματικά κρίνεται παραπάνω από επιτακτική η ανάγκη παρέμβασης των κοινωνικών υπηρεσιών, με σκοπό τον περιορισμό των επιπτώσεων των καταστάσεων κρίσης και την επιδίωξη διασφάλισης της προστασίας των παιδιών που βρίσκονται σε κίνδυνο.
A Country that Seeks its Future in the Past: the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Face of the Protest Movements
Authors: Naef Shirin
Published: December 2023

Iran’s protest movement “Woman – Life – Liberty” has turned into calls to end the Islamic Republic itself. In seeking new ways forward, some of Iranian civil society are considering returning to monarchy and the constitutional movement of 1906.
Les réfugiés afghans face aux «visas imaginaires» suisses
Authors: Khamsy Nina
Published: December 2023

A l’instar d’autres pays d’Europe, la Suisse a exprimé son effroi quand les Talibans ont repris le pouvoir en Afghanistan. Mais les civils afghans fuyant les violences n’ont été accueillis que par une porte entrouverte.
Als die Taliban in Afghanistan wieder die Macht übernahmen, brachte die Schweiz wie andere europäische Länder ihr Entsetzen zum Ausdruck. Doch wurden die Menschen, die vor der Gewalt aus Afghanistan in die Schweiz flohen, nur halbherzig empfangen.
Women’s Rights in Northeast Syria: Enforcing Gender Equality
Authors: Wartmann Julia
Published: December 2023

The Kurdish-led Autonomous Administration in Northeast Syria has been lauded for advancing women’s rights and fighting off the Islamic State – also with all-female military units. However, the way the Administration enforces gender equality and how its reforms affect people’s daily lives need further investigation.
Koloniale Wissensproduktion und postkoloniale Neubestimmung: Die Dekolonisierung der Soziologie in Marokko
Authors: Wenger Noureddine
Published: December 2023

In Marokko gab es keine radikale Abkehr vom intellektuellen Erbe der Kolonialzeit. Stattdessen prägte ein kritischer und ambivalenter Annäherungsprozess die postkolonialen Debatten über die «Dekolonisierung» der Soziologie. Das hat auch viel mit dem Selbstbild Marokkos als Land am Knotenpunkt zwischen Afrika und Europa, zwischen Orient und Okzident, zu tun.
Au Maroc, il n’y a pas eu d’abandon radical del’héritage intellectuel de la période coloniale. Au lieu de cela, les débats postcoloniaux sur la«décolonisation» de la sociologie ont été marqués par une critique complexe et parfois ambivalente. Cela a aussi beaucoup à voir avec l'image que le Maroc se fait de lui-même en tant que carrefour entre Afrique et Europe, Orient et Occident.
SGMOIK-Publikationen
Authors: Biçer-Deveci Elife
Published: December 2023

SGMOIK-Publikationen
CLASSIFICATION OF UNIVERSITY PROPERTY
Authors: Igitkhanyan Sergey S.
Published: December 2023

The property of the educational organizations is a material basis of their accomplishment of significant public functions of education and upbringing. The increase in effective management of property of the educational organizations is important as it provides the improvement of education quality as well as the increase in the potential for science development/ It also promotes the increase in the efficiency of the use of the state-owned property as the state-owned property is transferred to the most educational organizations (namely – state and municipal ones) on the right of operational management. At the same time, the structure of the property of the organizations of higher education (OHE) is the most difficult. Some options of classification of the property of educational organizations are widely provided in literature. At the same time, the property is classified according to various bases. However, there is no system approach to the classification of property.

Purpose. The purpose of the research is to form the systematized classification of OHE property considering the main factors, which are significant for the determination of features and borders of managerial influences.

Method or methodology: the study was conducted based on the method of analyzing documents and synthesizing the information presented in them.

Результаты. The formed classification takes into account the organizational and legal forms of OHE, economic, as well as functional aspects.

Practical implications. The use of a systematized classification helps to take into account the specifics of the activities of OHE, allows you to optimize the “cost of ownership” of property, increase the efficiency of its use, and involve it in the educational and scientific process.
LEGAL STABILITY OF THE STATE STATUS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE GLOBALIZATION CRISIS: REVIEW OF THE BOOK «CRIMINAL LEGAL GUARANTEES OF SOVEREIGNTY STATES (COMPARATIVE LEGAL STUDY)»
Authors: Gavrilov Stanislav O. , Naumov Petr Y.
Published: December 2023

Law, as a civilized form of regulation of social and international relations, among other things, must provide stable guarantees to subjects of legal relations to protect their status and that in the event of an illegal invasion of these rights, laws and international treaties will provide victims with an appropriate mechanism of legal protection, and vi- the new ones will be guaranteed fair and inevitable punishment. The objectives of scientific developments in the field of legal guarantees to states, as subjects of legal relations, are to summarize existing knowledge in this area and develop reasonable proposals for improving international legal mechanisms for the protection of rights. In 2023, at the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Law under the Government of the Russian Federation, an experienced scientific team, based on the application of the method of systemic and comparative legal research, generalized knowledge in the field of criminal legal guarantees of state sovereignty. Based on the research carried out, «the Prospekt» publishing house published a scientific and practical manual «Criminal legal guarantees of state sovereignty (comparative legal research)» under the responsible editorship of experienced legal scholars I.I. Kucherova, S.L. Nudel and O.I. Semykina. The team of authors united both experienced scientists recognized by the scientific community and representatives of the new generation of researchers of state legal and international legal sciences. This article reviews the named scientific and practical manual, highlights the starting points of the generalizations made, notes the positive aspects of the publication and issues that remained debatable after reading it. It is noted that the published scientific and practical manual is a convenient and useful tool for carrying out research, educational and educational activities.
ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CLUSTERS OF THE METABOLIC SYNDROME ON THE EXPRESSION OF DEPRESSIVE DISORDERS
Authors: Moskalenko Olga L. , Kasparova Irina E. , Yaskevich Roman A.
Published: December 2023

The purpose of the study. To study the influence of various metabolic syndrome clusters on the severity of depressive disorders according to the CES-D scale.

Materials and methods. 136 male patients were examined, including 60 with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed based on the criteria of clinical recommendations of the All-Russian Scientific Society of Cardiology in 2009. The severity of depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale - CES-D.

Results. It was found that among the surveyed men with metabolic syndrome, depressive disorders of varying severity on the CES-D scale were found in 40% of the surveyed, while among men with MS, the number of people with severe depression on the CES-D scale was higher. Among persons with a four-component metabolic syndrome cluster, patients with severe depression were more common (57,1%). In men with depression on the CES-D scale of varying severity, a three-component cluster of metabolic syndromes was more common, consisting of abdominal obesity, arterial hypertension, and an elevated level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Conclusion. The combination of abdominal obesity, arterial hypertension, and lipid disorders characterized by high levels of low-density lipoprotein was the most common metabolic syndrome cluster among men with depressive disorders of varying severity on the CES-D scale.
Educational motivation: development of methodological tools
Authors: Apasova Ekaterina , Kochetkov Nikita , Kulagina Irina , Nikitskaya Mariya , Pogodina Alla , Rashodchikova Marina , Tolstyh Nataliya , Uglanova Irina , Fedorov Valeriy
Published: December 2023

The monograph analyzes the history and current state of domestic and foreign psychological research in the field of educational motivation. The process of creating new methods for diagnosing the educational motivation of schoolchildren of different ages, as well as the procedures and results of psychometric verification and validation of these methods, is described. The application includes four new methods of studying educational motivation, which were developed by the authors.
It is addressed to students studying at psychological faculties, research psychologists, as well as teachers, school psychologists and other practitioners dealing with the education and upbringing of the younger generation.
The system of taxation of individuals in the Russian Federation
Authors: Boboshko Diana
Published: December 2023

The monograph examines in detail the current provisions of taxation of individuals in the Russian Federation, their transformation in retrospect, current changes due to the digitalization of the economy and sanctions pressure. Special attention is paid to individuals engaged in entrepreneurial activities. Simple examples of tax calculation, which accompany the theoretical aspects of taxation, will help to develop skills in analyzing one's own tax burden when making certain decisions on the acquisition of property and business activities.
It is intended for a wide range of readers who are faced with the payment of taxes in the course of life. It can be useful for students, postgraduates and teachers of economic universities and faculties.
Realization and protection of citizens' rights in the field of defense and security of the Russian Federation
Authors: Fedotova Yuliya
Published: December 2023

The monograph is devoted to the public legal foundations of the implementation and protection of the legal status of citizens in the field of defense and security of the Russian Federation. The author's concept consists in revealing the constitutional and administrative legal foundations of citizens' participation in ensuring the country's defense and state security, revealing the mechanism of legal support for the national security of the Russian Federation, including its subjects, the legal status of citizens, legal forms of participation both within and outside the military organization of the state, as well as the mechanism of protection the rights and legitimate interests of participating citizens in judicial and non-judicial forms. Proposals are presented to improve the legal relations under consideration, legislation, law enforcement and training.
It is intended for specialists in the field of constitutional, administrative, military law, as well as for scientists and practitioners in the field of national security issues.
Minimizing the Weighted Number of Tardy Jobs via (max,+)-Convolutions
Authors: Hermelin Danny , Molter Hendrik , Shabtay Dvir
Published: December 2023

In this paper we consider the fundamental scheduling problem of minimizing the weighted number of tardy jobs on a single machine. We present a simple pseudo polynomial-time algorithm for this problem that improves upon the classical Lawler and Moore algorithm from the late 60’s under certain scenarios and parameter settings. Our algorithm uses (max,+)-convolutions as its main tool, exploiting recent improved algorithms for computing such convolutions, and obtains several different running times depending on the specific improvement used. We also provide a related lower bound for the problem under a variant of the well-known Strong Exponential Time Hypothesis (SETH).

History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms – Discrete.

Funding: This work was supported by the Israel Science Foundation [Grant 1070/20].
Professional training of a specialist in the socionomic profile: a foreign language for psychologists
Authors:   Interregional Academy of Personnel Management, Trebyk Olha
Published: December 2023

The article analyzes the content of educational programs in English for psychologists for compliance with the modern realities of the educational process and the demands of postmodern society. The purpose of this study is to analyze the known forms and organizational and methodological conditions of training psychologists in the professional literature, in particular, regarding the training of future psychologists to solve consulting activities. For this, the method of system-structural analysis, descriptive-analytical and typological methods are applied. It is claimed that modern educational programs are more than ever a field of combination, cooperation and contradictions between traditional and modern principles, forms, methods, means of education. Given the processes of European integration in Ukraine, the need for a radical update of educational programs, approaches and methods in the sense of connection with practical activities and everyday life, in accordance with the principles of interactivity, digitalization, continuous learning and self-education, etc. is recognized. In order to form the key competencies of the modern age, traditional forms, means, and methods of training specialists in the socio-economic profile need to be changed. It is about increasing the number of practical classes, strengthening international ties, further active use of multimedia educational materials, case method and means of socio-psychological interactive theater, introduction of new topics on intercultural communication and cognitive biases. Emphasis is placed on the expression of forms of independent work of students and strengthening of international ties. However, the question of finding the optimal balance between traditional (classical) and new approaches in the educational process, in particular in curricula, remains open.
Domain phishing: staying a step ahead of the threats
Authors: Lonergan Brian
Published: December 2023

Domain hijacking and cybersquatting have become popular techniques among threat actors, especially those engaged in phishing. Organisations need to pay attention to domain security – to protect themselves and their partners and customers. Fortunately, there are tools organisations can use to keep their domains, and their brands, safe.
Safeguarding legacy equipment
Authors: Whittingham Jeremy
Published: December 2023

Manufacturers are frequently saddled with outdated technology and ageing equipment, making them uniquely vulnerable in the digital age. By understanding the implications and proactive steps that can be taken, manufacturers can protect their critical assets and ensure the integrity of their production processes.
Alfred Adler and the War: A Psychobiographical Essay
Authors: Kapusta Nestor D.
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT: The current war against Ukraine awakened the wish to look over Adler’s shoulder during World War I, when he served as a military neurologist. The literature review revealed an obituary on Adler written by Dr. Maksymilian Blassberg that provides some interesting details about Adler’s service at Kraków’s military hospital, which, in the context of existing field letters written by Adler, allows one to fill in some missing links and to draw a psycho biography of Adler during this difficult time. The parallels of his life stimulate us to think about the dangers and conditions of today’s wars.
High on-chip gain spiral Al2O3:Er3+ waveguide amplifiers
Authors: Garcia-Blanco Sonia , Bonneville Dawson , Martinez Carlos Osornio , Dijkstra Meindert
Published: December 2023

We demonstrate reactively sputtered Al2O3:Er3+ waveguide amplifiers with an erbium concentration of 3.9 × 1020 ions/cm3, capable of achieving over 30 dB small signal net gain at 1532 nm using bidirectional pumping at 1480 nm. We observe on chip output powers of 10.2 13.6 dBm of amplified signal power at 1532 nm for a 12.9 cm waveguide amplifier considering -25.4 dB of lumped coupling losses per facet. Annealing and waveguide facet polishing were carried out to improve the performance of the devices, which were patterned using electron beam lithography and reactive ion etching. This result, to our knowledge, represents record breaking on-chip internal net gain for Al2O3:Er3+ waveguide amplifiers, which show promise over other technologies due to wafer scalability and promise of easy monolithic integration with other material platforms to support a wide variety of applications.
Digitale Kompetenzen im Wandel: Eine Neubewertung digitaler Kompetenzen in der IT-Funktion eines Automobilunternehmens
Authors: Pieczurczyk Svenja , Drews Paul
Published: December 2023

Die digitale Transformation verändert nicht nur die Geschäftsmodelle und Unternehmensstrategien von Automobilunternehmen, sondern impliziert ebenfalls einen Wandel der Anforderungen an die digitalen Kompetenzen in deren IT-Funktion. Obwohl die Unternehmen sich mit dem Wissen und den Fähigkeiten ihrer Mitarbeitenden auseinandersetzen, besteht ein Defizit hinsichtlich der Aktualität und Präzision der Kompetenzen, welche zu einer Anpassungsfähigkeit und Wertschöpfung beitragen können. Daher sind eine fortlaufende Identifizierung von Veränderungen digitaler Kompetenzen sowie eine kontinuierliche Weiterentwicklung von Kompetenzmodellen erforderlich. In diesem Beitrag wird die Aktualisierung des Kompetenzmodells der IT der Volkswagen AG beschrieben. Mittels einer Fokusgruppenstudie und unter Verwendung eines Kompetenzkataloges wurde der Weiterentwicklungsbedarf an Wissen und Fähigkeiten in der IT-Funktion ermittelt und in einem Kompetenzmodell konsolidiert. In einem Zeitraum von drei Jahren haben sich insgesamt 25 Änderungen in 9 Kompetenzfeldern ergeben. Die Ergebnisse unterstreichen den schnellen Wandel von digitalen Kompetenzen in der IT, insbesondere in den Bereichen persönliche und soziale Kompetenzen. Das entwickelte Kompetenzmodell sowie das Vorgehen zur Aktualisierung des Modells können anderen Unternehmen helfen, eigene Kompetenzmodelle zu entwickeln bzw. weiterzuentwickeln.
Clinical aspects of umbilical cord cannulation during transfer from the uterus to a liquid-based perinatal life support system for extremely premature infants a qualitative generic study
Authors: Verrips M. , van Haren J. S , Oei S. G , Moser A , der Hout-van der Jagt M. B. Van
Published: December 2023

A liquid-based perinatal life support system (PLS) for extremely premature infants (born before 28 week of gestational age) envisions a connection between the infant’s native umbilical cord and an artificial placenta system through cannulation. This system mimics a natural mothers’ womb to achieve better organ maturations. The objective of this study is to gain insight into the clinical focus points of umbilical cord cannulation and how cannulation should be addressed in extremely premature infants during the transfer from the uterus to an in-utero simulating liquid-based PLS system. We performed an explorative qualitative study. Twelve medical specialists with knowledge of vessel cannulation participated. We collected data through twelve interviews and two focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using inductive content and constant comparison analysis via open and axial coding. Results were derived on the following topics: (1) cannulation technique, (2) cannula fixation, (3) local and systemic anticoagulation, and (4) vasospasm. A side-entry technique is preferred as this may decrease wall damage, stabilizes the vessel better and ensures continuous blood flow. Sutures, especially via an automatic microsurgery instrument, are favored above glue, stents, or balloons as these may be firmer and faster. Medication possibilities for both vasospasm and anticoagulation should function locally since there were uncertainties regarding the systemic effects. According to the findings of this research, the needed umbilical cord cannulation method should include minimal wall damage, improved vascular stability, blood flow maintenance, a strong fixation connection, and local anticoagulation effect.
Investigation of the neural correlation with task performance and its effect on cognitive load level classification
Authors: Khanam Farzana , Ahmad Mohiuddin , Hossain A. B. M. Aowlad
Published: December 2023

Electroencephalogram (EEG)-based cognitive load assessment is now an important assignment in psychological research. This type of research work is conducted by providing some mental task to the participants and their responses are counted through their EEG signal. In general assumption, it is considered that during different tasks, the cognitive workload is increased. This paper has investigated this specific idea and showed that the conventional hypothesis is not correct always. This paper showed that cognitive load can be varied according to the performance of the participants. In this paper, EEG data of 36 participants are taken against their resting and task (mental arithmetic) conditions. The features of the signal were extracted using the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) method and classified using the support vector machine (SVM) model. Based on the classification accuracy, some hypotheses are built upon the impact of subjects’ performance on cognitive load. Based on some statistical consideration and graphical justification, it has been shown how the hypotheses are valid. This result will help to construct the machine learning-based model in predicting the cognitive load assessment more appropriately in a subject-independent approach.
Evaluation of anticancer potential of tetracene-5,12-dione (A01) and pyrimidine-2,4-dione (A02) via caspase 3 and lactate dehydrogenase cytotoxicity investigations
Authors: Aziz Mubashir , Sarfraz Muhammad , Khurrum Ibrahim Muhammad , Ejaz Syeda Abida , Zehra Tasneem , Ogaly Hanan A. , Arafat Mosab , Al-Zahrani Fatimah A. M. , Li Chen
Published: December 2023

Cancer stands as a significant global cause of mortality, predominantly arising from the dysregulation of key enzymes and DNA. One strategic avenue in developing new anticancer agents involves targeting specific proteins within the cancer pathway. Amidst ongoing efforts to enhance the efficacy of anticancer drugs, a range of crucial medications currently interact with DNA at the molecular level, exerting profound biological effects. Our study is driven by the objective to comprehensively explore the potential of two compounds: (7S,9S)-7-[(2R,4S,5S,6S)-4-amino-5-hydroxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-6,9,11-trihydroxy-9-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-4-methoxy-8,10-dihydro-7H-tetracene-5,12-dione (A01) and 5-fluoro-1H-pyrimidine-2,4-dione (A02). These compounds have demonstrated marked efficacy against breast and cervical cancer cell lines, positioning them as promising anticancer candidates. In our investigation, A01 has emerged as a particularly potent candidate, with its potential bolstered by corroborative evidence from lactate dehydrogenase release and caspase-3 activity assays. On the other hand, A02 has exhibited remarkable anticancer potential. To further elucidate their molecular mechanisms and interactions, we employed computational techniques, including molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Notably, our computational analyses suggest that the A01-DNA complex predominantly interacts via the minor groove, imparting significant insights into its mechanism of action. While earlier studies have also highlighted the anticancer activity of A01, our research contributes by providing a deeper understanding of its binding mechanisms through computational investigations. This knowledge holds potential for designing more effective drugs that target cancer-associated proteins. These findings lay a robust groundwork for future inquiries and propose that derivatives of A01 could be synthesized as potent bioactive agents for cancer treatment. By elucidating the distinctive aspects of our study’s outcomes, we address the concern of distinguishing our findings from those of prior research.
Early observations of Tier-3 drug shortages on purchasing trends across Canada: A cross-sectional analysis of 3 case-example drugs
Authors: Santhireswaran Araniy , Chu Cherry , Kim Katherine Callaway , Gaudette Étienne , Burry Lisa , Clement Fiona , Suda Katie , Tadrous Mina
Published: December 2023

Background

To curb the growing impact of drug shortages, Health Canada developed the Tiered Notification and Communication Framework which assigns potential shortages a corresponding tiered status. Tier-3 is assigned to shortages with the greatest potential impact on the healthcare system. This study aims to describe drug purchasing trends in response to Tier-3 shortages using three case-examples.

Methods

We conducted a time-series analysis of monthly purchasing data for three out of 17 Tier-3 drug shortages (hydralazine, sarilumab, and medroxyprogesterone acetate) with publicly available reports in July 2021 and available IQVIA MIDAS data from January 2016 to December 2021. We assessed percent changes in purchasing at 1-, 3-, and 6-months after the onset of each Tier-3 drug shortage and interventional ARIMA modelling was used to assess the statistical significance.

Results

Medroxyprogesterone acetate experienced a significant shift (p = 0.0370) in purchasing following its shortage, and the 1-, 3-, and 6-month percent changes were +14.9%, +6.8% and -3.1%, respectively. Hydralazine and sarilumab did not show a significant shift. The 1-, 3-, and 6-month percent changes for hydralazine were +15.5%, +10.2%, and +9.6% respectively and +25.2%, +45.1% and +39.2 for sarilumab.

Conclusions

These results indicate that drugs assigned a Tier-3 status may not show declines in purchasing in the months following status assignment, which may be due to policy responses following the assignment. However, more insight is needed into the mechanisms through which these policy measures impact shortages and whether they are functioning as intended.
Mitigating the attachment of Salmonella Infantis on isolated poultry skin with cetylpyridinium chloride
Authors: Dittoe Dana K. , Olson Elena G. , Wythe Lindsey A. , Lawless Zachary G. , Thompson Dale R. , Perry Lindsey M. , Ricke Steven C.
Published: December 2023

To provide the poultry industry with effective mitigation strategies, the effects of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) on the reduction of Salmonella Infantis, hilA expression, and chicken skin microbiota were evaluated. Chicken breast skins (4×4 cm; N = 100, n = 10, k = 5) were inoculated with Salmonella (Typhimurium or Infantis) at 4°C (30min) to obtain 108 CFU/g attachment. Skins were shaken (30s), with remaining bacteria being considered firmly attached. Treatments were applied as 30s dips in 50 mL: no inocula-no-treatment control (NINTC), no treatment control (NTC), tap water (TW), TW+600 ppm PAA (PAA), or TW+0.5% CPC (CPC). Excess fluid was shaken off (30s). Samples were homogenized in nBPW (1 min). Samples were discarded. Salmonella was enumerated and Log10 transformed. Reverse transcriptase-qPCR (rt-qPCR) was performed targeting hilA gene and normalized using the 2-ΔΔCt method. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA in RStudio with means separated by Tukey’s HSD (P≤0.05). Genomic DNA of rinsates was extracted, 16S rRNA gene (V4) was sequenced (MiSeq), and data analyzed in QIIME2 (P≤0.05 and Q≤0.05). CPC and PAA affected Salmonella levels differently with CPC being effective against S. Infantis compared to TW (P<0.05). Treatment with CPC on S. Infantis-infected skin altered the hilA expression compared to TW (P<0.05). When inoculated with S. Typhimurium, there was no difference between the microbiota diversity of skins treated with PAA and CPC; however, when inoculated with S. Infantis, there was a difference in the Shannon’s Entropy and Jaccard Dissimilarity between the two treatments (P<0.05). Using ANCOM at the genus level, Brochothrix was significant (W = 118) among skin inoculated with S. Typhimurium. Among S. Infantis inoculated, Yersiniaceae, Enterobacterales, Lachnospiraceae CHKCI001, Clostridia vadinBB60 group, Leuconostoc, Campylobacter, and bacteria were significant (408). CPC and PAA-treated skins had lowest relative abundance of the genera. In conclusion, CPC mitigated Salmonella Infantis, altered hilA expression, and influenced the chicken skin microbiota.
Protective potential of frankincense essential oil and its loaded solid lipid nanoparticles against UVB-induced photodamage in rats via MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways; A promising anti-aging therapy
Authors: Kotb Eman A. , El-Shiekh Riham A. , Abd-Elsalam Wessam H. , El Sayed Nesrine Salah El Dine , El Tanbouly Nebal , El Senousy Amira Safwat
Published: December 2023

Frankincense oil has gained increased popularity in skin care, yet its anti-aging effect remains unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the anti-photoaging effect of frankincense (Boswellia papyrifera (Del.) Hochst., Family Burseraceae) essential oil in an in vivo model. The oil was initially extracted by two methods: hydro-distillation (HD) and microwave-assisted hydro-distillation (MAHD). GC/MS analysis revealed the dominance of n-octyl acetate, along with other marker compounds of B. papyrifera including octanol and diterpene components (verticilla 4(20) 7, 11-triene and incensole acetate). Thereafter, preliminary investigation of the anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activities of the extracted oils revealed the superior anti-aging effect of HD-extracted oil (FO), comparable to epigallocatechin gallate. FO was subsequently formulated into solid lipid nanoparticles (FO-SLNs) via high shear homogenization to improve its solubility and skin penetration characteristics prior to in vivo testing. The optimimal formulation prepared with 0.5% FO, and 4% Tween® 80, demonstrated nanosized spherical particles with high entrapment efficiency percentage and sustained release for 8 hours. The anti-photoaging effect of FO and FO-SLNs was then evaluated in UVB-irradiated hairless rats, compared to Vitamin A palmitate as a positive standard. FO and FO-SLNs restored the antioxidant capacity (SOD and CAT) and prohibited inflammatory markers (IL6, NFκB p65) in UVB-irradiated rats via downregulation of MAPK (pERK, pJNK, and pp38) and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, alongside upregulating TGF-β expression. Subsequently, our treatments induced Procollagen I synthesis and downregulation of MMPs (MMP1, MMP9), where FO-SLNs exhibited superior anti-photoaging effect, compared to FO and Vitamin A, highlighting the use of SLNs as a promising nanocarrier for FO. In particular, FO-SLNs revealed normal epidermal and dermal histological structures, protected against UVβ-induced epidermal thickness and dermal collagen degradation. Our results indicated the potential use of FO-SLNs as a promising topical anti-aging therapy.
The correlation between pregnancy-related low back pain and physical fitness evaluated by an index system of maternal physical fitness test
Authors: Zhou Longfeng , Feng Xiaoyi , Zheng Ruimin , Wang Yuhan , Sun Mengyun , Liu Yan
Published: December 2023

To investigate incidence of pregnancy-related low back pain (LBP), evaluate physical fitness objectively during pregnancy and analyze the correlation between LBP and physical fitness of pregnant women, 180 pregnant women including 101 in mid-gestation (14–28 gestational weeks) and 79 in late-gestation (28–37 gestational weeks) were recruited and self-reported their LBP. The aerobic ability such as cardiorespiratory fitness and anaerobic ability including strength, endurance, speed, flexibility, and balance were evaluated by a novel materal physical fitness test system. The correlation between LBP and each component in physical fitness test system was analyzed in SPSS. As the results, 135 out of 180 participants (75% of total) had pregnancy-related LBP. Physical fitness of participants in late-gestation was significantly weaker including weaker back strength (p<0.05), less resistance band pullbacks in 30s (p<0.01), less stretching in sit-and-reach test (p<0.001), shorter duration in left legged blind balance test (p<0.05) and weaker bird dog balance(p<0.05) than those in mid-gestation. Correlation analysis indicated that LBP was negatively associated with standing heel raises in 20s (p<0.01) and standing glute kickbacks in 30s (left p<0.01, right p<0.05). Thus, it is concluded that LBP is in high prevalence throughout the entire pregnant course. The pregnant women are prone to have weakened strength of core muscle groups and poorer flexibility and balance along the pregnancy. In addition, their LBP was negatively correlated to strength of back muscle groups of lower limbs.
Amylase production from marine sponge Hymeniacidon perlevis; potentials sustainability benefits
Authors: Nnaji Praise Tochukwu , Adukwu Emmanuel , Morse H. Ruth , Chidugu-Ogborigbo Rachael U.
Published: December 2023

The marine sponge Hymeniacidon perlevis is a globally distributed and invasive species with extensive filter-feeding characteristics. The symbiotic relationship fostered between the sea sponge and the inhabiting microorganism is key in the production of metabolic enzymes which is the focus of this study. Sponge bacterial symbionts were grown on starch agar for 48hrs. Colourimetric analyses of amylase were conducted at 540nm using a spectrophotometric plate reader. Using an X-Bridge column (3.5μM, 4.6x150mm), 80/20 acetonitrile/water in 0.1% ammonium were the conditions used for the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses. Seven reducing sugars were used to optimise LC-MS to determine the presence of the crude enzyme formed. Not all the bacterial symbionts isolated from H perlevis produced alpha and beta amylases to break down starch. From the statistical mean of crude enzyme concentrations from the hydrolysis of starch by amylase, isolate seven had the highest optical density (OD) at 0.43475 while isolate twelve had the lowest OD at 0.141417. From the LC-MS analysis, out of the seven sugars, Glucose and maltose constituted > 65% of the reducing sugars formed from the hydrolysis of starch by the amylases. Isolates 3,6 and 7 produced 6.906 mg/l, 12.309 mg/l, and 5.909 mg/l of glucose, while isolates 3,4,5,6 and 7 produced 203.391 mg/l, 176.238 mg/l, 139.938 mg/l, 39.030 mg/l, and 18.809 mg/l of maltose, respectively. Isolate two had the highest amount of maltose at a concentration of 267.237 mg/l while isolate four had the highest amount of glucose concentration of 53.084 mg/l. Enzymes from marine sponge bacteria offer greater potential for a green and sustainable production process. Amylase extraction from bacterial symbionts in H perlevis is sustainable and should be supported. They can serve as reliable sources of revenue for enzyme industries, and applications in food industries and biotechnological processes.
Localisation of nitrate-reducing and highly abundant microbial communities in the oral cavity
Authors: L’Heureux Joanna E. , van der Giezen Mark , Winyard Paul G. , Jones Andrew M. , Vanhatalo Anni
Published: December 2023

The nitrate (NO3-) reducing bacteria resident in the oral cavity have been implicated as key mediators of nitric oxide (NO) homeostasis and human health. NO3--reducing oral bacteria reduce inorganic dietary NO3- to nitrite (NO2-) via the NO3--NO2--NO pathway. Studies of oral NO3--reducing bacteria have typically sampled from either the tongue surface or saliva. The aim of this study was to assess whether other areas in the mouth could contain a physiologically relevant abundance of NO3- reducing bacteria, which may be important for sampling in clinical studies. The bacterial composition of seven oral sample types from 300 individuals were compared using a meta-analysis of the Human Microbiome Project data. This analysis revealed significant differences in the proportions of 20 well-established oral bacteria and highly abundant NO3--reducing bacteria across each oral site. The genera included Actinomyces, Brevibacillus, Campylobacter, Capnocytophaga, Corynebacterium, Eikenella, Fusobacterium, Granulicatella, Haemophilus, Leptotrichia, Microbacterium, Neisseria, Porphyromonas, Prevotella, Propionibacterium, Rothia, Selenomonas, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Veillonella. The highest proportion of NO3--reducing bacteria was observed in saliva, where eight of the bacterial genera were found in higher proportion than on the tongue dorsum, whilst the lowest proportions were found in the hard oral surfaces. Saliva also demonstrated higher intra-individual variability and bacterial diversity. This study provides new information on where samples should be taken in the oral cavity to assess the abundance of NO3--reducing bacteria. Taking saliva samples may benefit physiological studies, as saliva contained the highest abundance of NO3- reducing bacteria and is less invasive than other sampling methods. These results inform future studies coupling oral NO3--reducing bacteria research with physiological outcomes affecting human health.
The association of cobalturia with cobaltism symptoms a prospective blinded study of 229 post-arthroplasty patients
Authors: Tower Stephen S. , Gessner Bradford D. , Cho Christina S. , Bridges Robert L.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Cobalt is a mitochondrial toxin, clinical cobaltism manifests with constitutional, neurologic, and cardiovascular symptomatology. Cobalt’s severe toxidrome is known through case reports from extreme wear or corrosion of cobalt-chromium arthroplasty components. However, the spectrum and epidemiology of orthopedic-implant cobaltism and its relationship to duration and degree of cobalt exposure are not well defined.

Methods

The relationship of urine-cobalt concentration and duration of exposure to cobalt-chromium joint implants and cobaltism symptomatology were prospectively studied in 229 patients. Subjects received a Cobaltism-Symptom-Inventory-Score (CSIS) based on a protocolized interview and examination followed by a spot urine-cobalt measurement.

Results

129 (56%) subjects were cobalturic (urine-cobalt ≥1.0 ppb). 122 (53%) subjects had a CSIS of >2, this status significantly associates with cobalturia. Median [IQR] urine-cobalt in the subjects with a CSIS >2 was 4.1[1.1–17.0] ppb compared to 0.5[0.5–1.4] ppb in subjects with CSIS ≤ 2. Cobalturia has a sensitivity of 0.69, a specificity of 0.77, and a positive predictive value of 0.74 for a CSIS of >2. The product of years-exposed to a cobalt-chromium implant and urine-cobalt by quartiles significantly positively associates with the Cobaltism-Symptom-Inventory-Score.

Conclusion

A urine-cobalt of ≥1 ppb likely indicates adverse systemic exposure to orthopedic-implant generated cobalt. Cobaltism severity as quantified by the CSIS significantly correlates with the product of spot urine-cobalt concentration and years-exposed to a cobalt-chromium orthopedic-implant indicating a dose-response relationship. Medical provider and public awareness of orthopedic-implant cobaltism is vital because tens-of-millions are at-risk and early cobaltism is reversible. Further use of cobalt-chromium orthopedic-implants should be questioned given cobaltism becomes clinically apparent at a spot urine-cobalt of 1 ppb or greater. Monitoring of patients with high-risk cobalt-chromium orthopedic-implants appears to be indicated.
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 among diarrheic patients and their cattle in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Engda Tigist , Tessema Belay , Mesifin Nebiyu , Nuru Anwar , Belachew Teshome , Moges Feleke
Published: December 2023

Background

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC O157:H7) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility, and associated risk factors of STEC O157:H7 among diarrheic patients and their cattle.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among diarrheic patients and their cattle in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia from December- 2020 to June- 2022. A total of 1,149 diarrheic patients and 229 cattle were included in the study. STEC O157:H7 detection was done using culture, latex agglutination test, and polymerase chain reaction on diarrheic stool samples and recto-anal mucosal swabs of cattle. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using disk diffusion techniques. Risk factors association were identified using binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

The overall prevalence of STEC O157:H7 in diarrheic patients and their cattle was 11.1% (128/1149) and 14.4% (33/229) respectively. High percentage of the study subjects were found in under-five children (34.5%). Age less than 5 (AOR: 4.02, 95%CI:1.608–10.058,P = 0.003), and greater than 64 years old (AOR:3.36, 95% CI:1.254–8.986, P = 0.016), presence of diarrheic patient in the house (AOR:2.11, 95%CI:1.309–3.390, P = 0.002), availability of cattle in the house (AOR:2.52, 95%CI:1.261–5.049, P = 0.009), and habit of consuming raw foods (AOR:4.35, 95%CI:2.645–7.148, P = 0.000) were risk factors. Antibiotic resistance was shown in 109(85.2%), and 31(93.9%) isolates from diarrheic patients and their cattle respectively. The highest levels of antibiotic resistance were found to tetracycline (54.7%, 69.7%) in diarrheic patients and their cattle respectively. Multiple drug resistance was also observed among 56(43.8%) and 11(33.3%) isolates in diarrheic patients and their cattle respectively.

Conclusion

Our study showed high prevalence of STEC O157:H7 in diarrheic patients and their cattle. Therefore, health education should be given to the community on how to care for animals, proper sanitation, and the impact of raw food consumption.
Estimation of health-related and economic impacts of PM2.5 in Arak, Iran, using BenMAP-CE
Authors: Salehi Maryam , Almasi Hashiani Amir , Karimi Behrooz , Mirhoseini Seyed Hamed
Published: December 2023

Ambient air quality is one of the most critical threats to human health. In this study, the health and economic benefits of reducing PM2.5 were estimated in the city of Arak during the period of 2017–2019. The concentration data were obtained from the Environmental Protection Organization of Central Province, while the demographic data were obtained from the website of the Iran Statistics Center. The number of premature deaths from all causes, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer, attributable to PM2.5 pollution was estimated using the Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program-Comprehensive Version (BenMAP_CE) to limit the guidelines of the World Health Organization. The results showed that improving air quality in 2017, 2018, and 2019 in Arak could prevent the deaths of 729, 654, and 460 people, respectively. The number of years of life lost (YLL) in 2017, 2018, and 2019 was 11383, 10362, and 7260 years, respectively. The total annual economic benefits of reducing the PM2.5 concentration in Arak under the proposed scenarios in 2017, 2018, and 2019 were estimated to be 309,225,507, 262,868,727, and 182,224,053 USD, respectively, using the statistical life method (VSL). Based on the results of this study, there are significant health and economic benefits to reducing PM2.5 concentrations in Arak City. Therefore, planning and adopting control policies to reduce air pollution in this city are necessary.
“I was screaming hallelujah”: Patient and provider perceptions of blood-based testing for colorectal cancer screening
Authors: Schneider Jennifer L. , Johnson Cheryl A. , Jenkins Charisma , Mummadi Rajasekhara , Coronado Gloria D.
Published: December 2023

Background

Blood-based tests for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening can offer many advantages over stool-based tests such as FIT. Yet, we know little about patients’ and providers’ perceptions of this type of test. We report findings from a qualitative study comparing patient and provider perceptions of blood-based testing for CRC screening.

Methods

Patient participants were aged 45–75 years and members of a large, integrated health system. Participants were mailed, but did not complete, a FIT through an organized FIT-screening program and were scheduled for a health-care encounter at any of nine clinical sites. Participants were consented to complete a blood draw. We used purposive sampling to select and recruit patients (who did and did not complete the blood test) and providers/specialists who would be involved in offering the blood test to patients or explaining results. We administered telephone interviews using a semi-structured interview guide and recorded and transcribed all interviews, then coded and analyzed content.

Results

We interviewed 15 patients (11 completed and 4 did not complete the blood test) and 5 providers (3 primary care providers, one gastroenterologist (GI), and one GI medical assistant). Patients were enthusiastic about completing a blood test, citing the simplicity, ease, convenience, and high perceived accuracy of the test. Providers were also receptive to a blood-based option, if adequate test performance could be achieved and if they have information that informs patients about the pros and cons of blood-based screening versus other screening tests.

Conclusions

Patients and providers were willing and enthusiastic about blood-based CRC screening tests. Future research focusing on performance and communication is needed.