bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intents and Actualities of Health Optimizing Physical Education (HOPE) Curriculum Implementation: A Sequential Exploratory
Authors: M. Gabunilas Joana Marie Carina , F. Cruz Jayson , Favila Salve A.
Published: July 2024

This study explores the implementation of the Health Optimizing Physical Education (HOPE) curriculum in senior high schools in Pasay City, Philippines. Utilizing an exploratory sequential mixed-method design, the research first employed validated questionnaires to quantitatively assess the implementation of HOPE 1, 2, 3, and 4. Subsequently, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with teachers provided qualitative insights into the challenges and experiences during the curriculum's initial three years. The study involved 428 private school students, 412 public school students, 27 private school teachers, and 38 public school teachers. Quantitative findings indicated a moderate to limited extent of curriculum implementation, with significant differences between public and private schools for HOPE 1 and 2, but not for HOPE 3 and 4. Qualitative data highlighted challenges related to curriculum content, facilities, equipment, and teacher training. Recommendations include targeted workshops, Learning Action Cell sessions, collaboration with community resources, and initiatives like the Family Activity Challenge. These interventions aim to enhance the curriculum's effectiveness, promoting physical activity and health literacy among students.
Intervenções comportamentais com foco em análise de comportamento aplicada em pacientes com Transtorno do Espectro Autista: Uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Vasconscelos Lanúbia Garcia de Araújo , Muchon Mayara Marques
Published: July 2024

Introdução: O transtorno do espectro autista é uma condição cada vez mais prevalente, acometendo cerca de 16% da população infantil. Apresenta sintomas que interferem na aquisição, retenção e aplicação de habilidades especificas. O presente estudo tem como objetivo revisar bibliograficamente o uso de intervenções comportamentais nos pacientes com transtorno do espectro autista. Métodos: Este artigo consiste em uma revisão literária, com busca nas bases de dados PubMed, Scielo e UpToDate. Foram utilizados descritores relacionados a intervenções comportamentais em pacientes com transtorno do espectro autista com foco na Análise de Comportamento Aplicada. Publicações que contemplassem os critérios de inclusão e exclusão foram selecionadas. Totalizando 61 artigos todos discutidos no texto. Discussão: Por mais que os programas de tratamento para portadores de transtorno do espectro autista variem, eles apresentam objetivos semelhantes, com base na melhora da qualidade de vida do paciente. São apresentados diversos tipos de intervenções comportamentais, no entanto, em todos os casos, recomenda-se que os programas educacionais iniciem assim que seja elencada a suspeita de autismo e o tratamento deve incluir uma carga horária mínima de 25 horas semanais. A Análise de Comportamento Aplicada representa uma modalidade de tratamento com evidências de eficácia em terapias comportamentais intensivas, apresentando melhorias no funcionamento intelectual e no comportamento adaptativo de pacientes com autismo. Conclusão: A terapêutica para pacientes com transtorno do espectro autista deve ser individualizada pois cada indivíduo apresenta diferentes sintomas. O uso da Análise de Comportamento Aplicada tem apresentado resultados significativos positivos. Acredita-se que uma combinação de intervenções seja necessária para melhores resultados.
Tratamento radioquimioterápico em caso extenso de carcinoma de células escamosas em lábio inferior: Relato de caso
Authors: Tanajura Takira Eliete Moreira , Nascimento Juliana de Souza do
Published: July 2024

Objetivo: relatar um caso clínico de um paciente do sexo masculino com Carcinoma de células escamosas em região de lábio inferior localmente invasivo e destacar o tratamento oncológico instituído. Material e métodos: Trata-se de um estudo de relato de caso clínico com caráter descritivo de um paciente atendido no Hospital Samur localizado na cidade de Vitória da Conquista-Bahia, com informações obtidas do prontuário clínico e registros fotográficos. Relato de caso: Paciente do sexo masculino, 65 anos, lavrador, leucoderma, tabagista e etilista crônico compareceu ao ambulatório odontológico de um hospital particular para iniciar a adequação do meio bucal previamente ao tratamento radioquimioterápico. Ao exame físico extraoral, observou-se lesão ulcerativa com áreas crostosas com expansão para a região mentual e comissuras labiais. Ao exame físico intraoral, notou-se perda considerável de continuidade tecidual em região de mucosa labial inferior até a área anterior da gengiva. Após o tratamento radioquimioterápico, o paciente foi submetido a uma nova biópsia incisional na região afetada para constatar margens livres da lesão. Atualmente, o paciente se encontra em proservação médica a cada 6 meses com o cirurgião de cabeça e pescoço. Conclusão: Desta forma, percebe-se que o tratamento radioquimIoterápico em câncer de lábio com estadiamento localmente avançado associado ao acompanhamento médico e odontológico proporciona resultado positivo. Destaca-se ainda a importância da presença do estomatologista na equipe multidisciplinar hospitalar, pois, apesar da dificuldade de o paciente aderir às consultas de retorno de maneira periódica, a intervenção verbal e técnica pontual auxiliou no fechamento do quadro clínico do paciente.
Fatores associados à ocorrência de Lesão por Pressão Relacionada a Dispositivos Médicos (LPRDM)
Authors: Abud Ana Cristina Freire , Santos Gleyce Kelly de Brito Brasileiro , Santana Laura Beatriz Freire , Barreiro Maria do Socorro Claudino , Cunha Mariana Oliveira Gomes da
Published: July 2024

Objetivo: Identificar os principais fatores associados à ocorrência de LPRDM. Metodologia: Revisão Integrativa da Literatura baseada na pergunta norteadora: Quais são os fatores associados à ocorrência de LPRDM em ambientes hospitalares e quais os dispositivos médicos mais frequentes relacionados a LP? O recorte temporal foi entre os anos de 2013 e 2023 e as bases de dados consultadas foram: Scielo, MEDLINE, Lilacs e Scopus por meio dos descritores: “Lesão por Pressão”, “Equipamentos e Suplementos”, “Fatores Desencadeantes”, “Hospital” e suas correspondentes em inglês e espanhol. Resultados: A amostra do estudo incluiu 16 artigos publicados entre os anos de 2016 e 2023, com predominância em 2021. A análise dos artigos proporcionou informações sobre os dispositivos médicos envolvidos e fatores desencadeantes dessas lesões, na qual definiram-se quatro categorias: fatores relacionados aos dispositivos, ao indivíduo, aos cuidados preventivos e aos cuidados de enfermagem. Fatores como pressão, microclima, pH e tipo/tamanho dos dispositivos contribuem para essas lesões e exigem medidas preventivas como monitoramento constante e reposicionamento adequado. Dispositivos médicos, como máscaras VNI e tubos endotraqueais, são identificados como principais causadores. Conclusão: Abordar fatores associados a LPRDM é fundamental para prevenir, melhorar o manejo dessas lesões e promover um ambiente hospitalar mais seguro. Ademais, é crucial envolver toda a equipe multidisciplinar no manejo para evitar a subnotificação e subtratamento. Observou-se como limitação do estudo as restrições dos "Never Events" pela ANVISA, que restringem a notificação de casos menos graves e afetam a qualidade do cuidado.
Frequência da representatividade da Zona de Transformação/Junção Escamo Colunar (ZT/JEC) e de lesões em exames citopatológicos cérvicovaginais, no Laboratório de Cito e Anatomopatologia (LACIAN), do Município de Caruaru Estado de Pernambuco (PE), Brasil
Authors: Araújo Cassia Vilar de , Silva Jefferson Moreira da , Pereira Rener Artur da Silva , Albuquerque Ana Cecilia Cavalcante de
Published: July 2024

Trata-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa, documental, do tipo transversal descritivo, onde foram avaliados os exames citológicos cervicovaginais do Laboratório Municipal de Caruaru-PE, realizados no período de outubro a dezembro de 2022. O objetivo do estudo é determinar a frequência da representação da zona de transformação/JEC e de lesões nos exames citopatológicos cervicovaginais de mulheres atendidas no município de Caruaru-PE. Durante a análise foram observadas as seguintes variáveis: idade, inspeção do colo, epitélios representados na amostra e presença ou ausência de lesão. Os dados foram armazenados na plataforma Google Forms, transformados em gráficos pelo Excel 2016. Um total de 3.953 amostras foram avaliados, todavia 1.170 foram insatisfatórias para a realização do exame citológico. Dos 2.783 exames incluídos para pesquisa, apenas 1.590 apresentavam a representação da Zona de Transformação/JEC e 152 mostraram algum tipo de lesão. Dessas 152 mulheres que apresentaram lesão, 131 tinham no exame a representação da Zona de Transformação/JEC, corroborando com a literatura, que mostra o quanto é importante a presença da representação da Zona de Transformação/JEC nas amostras citológicas cérvicovaginais, para um diagnóstico de lesão. Diante dos resultados obtidos nessa pesquisa percebe-se a importância de todas as fases do exame citopatológico, onde evidenciou-se que a coleta impacta diretamente na sensibilidade e interpretação do exame, sendo para isso necessário a capacitação dos profissionais de saúde sobre o rastreamento do câncer de colo de útero em unidades básicas de saúde, capacitação essa que deve ser periódica devido à alta rotatividade de profissionais no âmbito do SUS.
Utilização dos óculos de realidade virtual durante a sedestação em pacientes com COVID-19 internados em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva: Estudo clínico randomizado
Authors: Wassmuth Talita , Lara Eduardo Manoel de , Santos Elaine Becher , Mazzo Débora Melo , Cerutti Diolete Marcante Lati , Pacheco Maurício Zadra , Schleder Juliana Carvalho
Published: July 2024

Introdução: O internamento prolongado pela COVID-19 gera alterações funcionais, das quais a mobilização de forma precoce com auxílio da Realidade Virtual (RV) recupera e alivia essas condições. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da utilização da RV imersiva sobre o nível de dor, tempo de permanência em sedestação à beira leito e mobilidade de pacientes diagnosticados com COVID-19, internados em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Métodos: Estudo realizado com pacientes diagnosticados com COVID-19 e internados nas UTIs adulto do Hospital Universitário Regional dos Campos Gerais da Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: realidade virtual - sedestados com os óculos de realidade virtual, e o grupo sedestação a beira do leito - sem os óculos. Foram mensurados, dor e mobilidade antes e após a sedestação, e o tempo de permanência nesta posição. Resultados:  40 pacientes foram inclusos, 20 no grupo sedestação a beira leito com média de idade 53,55 anos e 20 no grupo realidade virtual com média de idade de 50,7 anos. Conclusão: O uso da realidade virtual na fisioterapia em pacientes na UTI, em uma única sessão, é segura e proporcionou maior tempo de permanência na posição sedestada, porém não agiu na mobilidade e no controle da dor.
Análise bibliométrica sobre o uso do abacaxi cultivar Turiaçu e seus subprodutos na área de alimentos e nutrição
Authors: Garcia Iza Gabriela França , Silva Tonicley Alexandre da
Published: July 2024

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar uma análise bibliométrica sobre o uso do abacaxi cultivar Turiaçu e seus subprodutos na área de Alimentos e Nutrição. Realizou-se consultas nos bancos de dados Periódicos Capes, Google Acadêmico e Web of Science, utilizando como palavras-chave os termos “abacaxi”, “pineapple”, “ananas” e “Turiaçu, utilizando-se todo o corpo dos estudos para analisar as variáveis autores, ano de publicação, instituição de desenvolvimento do estudo, parte da cultivar utilizada no estudo, local de obtenção da cultivar, objetivos e resultados. Foram selecionados 13 estudos, as Universidades Estadual (n=5) e Federal (n=4) do Maranhão foram as instituições com maior número de trabalhos, a cidade de Turiaçu no Maranhão (n=6), seguida por Itacoatiara no Amazonas (n=3) foram os principais locais cujos autores obtiveram os frutos analisados nos estudos, a maior parte dos estudos avaliaram o fruto inteiro(n=8), seguido pela polpa (n=3) e casca (n=2), verificou-se que as análises se concentram 5 áreas, com destaque as análises físico-químicas (n=8) e biométrica (n=4). Conclui-se que apesar da cultivar ser originaria do Estado do Maranhão observa-se um movimento crescente de pesquisas e produção para o Estado do Amazonas, com destaque a Indicação de Procedência (IP) Novo Remanso conferida ao cultivar Turiaçu, observa-se também um baixo número de pesquisas, demonstrando ser uma cultivar promissora para o desenvolvimento de estudos na área de Alimentos e Nutrição.
PENGARUH KUALITAS LAYANAN, CITRA MEREK, KEPERCAYAAN PELANGGAN, DAN KEPUASAN PELANGGAN TERHADAP LOYALITAS PELANGGAN PADA USAHA MIE GACOAN DI SURABAYA
Authors: Rinata Yulius Ari Candra ,   Fakultas Bisnis Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Mawasti Alpi , Koesworo Yulius ,   Fakultas Bisnis Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya,   Fakultas Bisnis Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya
Published: July 2024

Persaingan bisnis saat ini semakin ketat dan kompetitif, terutama di sektor industri makanan dan minuman cepat saji. Hal ini mendorong perusahaan untuk terus meningkatkan kualitas produk dan layanan mereka agar dapat mempertahankan dan meningkatkan jumlah pelanggan yang loyal. Salah satu industri yang terus berkembang adalah industri makanan cepat saji, makanan cepat saji yang berupa usaha bidang mie telah menjadi bagian penting dalam gaya hidup modern yang sibuk. Penelitian ini dimaksudkan untuk menginvestigasi dampak kualitas layanan, citra merek, kepercayaan pelanggan, dan kepuasan pelanggan terhadap loyalitas pelanggan pada usaha mie gacoan di Surabaya. Saat ini, berbagai pilihan makanan cepat saji tersedia di kalangan masyarakat, dan beberapa di antaranya tetap menjadi pilihan utama berkat faktor-faktor tertentu. Salah satu opsi tersebut adalah Mie Gacoan. Pengambilan sampel menggunakan metode non-probability sampling dengan pendekatan purposive sampling. Meskipun jumlah responden awal adalah 300, namun sebanyak 70 responden dieliminasi karena hasil penilaian mereka dianggap bias. Kriteria responden mencakup usia minimal 17 tahun, tinggal di Surabaya, dan memiliki pengalaman pembelian Mie Gacoan setidaknya selama 6 bulan terakhir. Analisis data dilakukan menggunakan analisis SEM-PLS dengan bantuan program Smart PLS. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kualitas layanan, citra merek, dan kepercayaan pelanggan memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap kepuasan pelanggan. Selain itu, kepuasan pelanggan juga berdampak signifikan terhadap loyalitas pelanggan. Lebih lanjut, kualitas layanan, citra merek, dan kepercayaan pelanggan, yang dimediasi oleh kepuasan pelanggan, memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap loyalitas pelanggan. Sebagai saran, Mie Gacoan di Surabaya disarankan untuk terus mempertahankan dan meningkatkan kualitas layanan serta memperhatikan kepuasan pelanggan. Dengan demikian, tingkat loyalitas pelanggan terhadap Mie Gacoan di Surabaya dapat terus meningkat. Kesetiaan yang semakin tinggi ini akan membawa Mie Gacoan ke peringkat tertinggi sebagai pilihan utama makanan cepat saji di Surabaya.
EXPERIENTIAL MARKETING, SERVICE QUALITY: MEDIASI PERCEIVED VALUE TERHADAP CUSTOMER TRUST BATIK AIR
Authors: Kristanti Maria Mia ,   Fakultas Bisnis Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Manukele Florentina Lidya , Putro Antonius Jan Wellyantony ,   Fakultas Bisnis Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya,   Fakultas Bisnis Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya
Published: July 2024

This research is motivated by the people who currently still need air transportation. This is marked by the many current airline services such as Batik Air, Lion Air, Citilink, Garuda Indonesia, Air Asia and so on. Batik Air is one of the airlines that offers a full service system that is of interest to the public, as evidenced by the Top Brand Index for 2020-2022 Batik Air occupies fourth place. This study aims to determine the effect of experiential marketing and service quality on customer trust through perceived value as an intervening variable. The sample used in this study was 150 samples with a purposive sampling method. The data used is primary data obtained by distributing questionnaires to users of the Batik Air airline in Surabaya. The data analysis technique used is SEM with the LISREL program. The results of this study indicate thet experiential marketing has a positive and significant effect on perceived value; service quality has a postive and significant effect on perceived value; perceived value has a positive and significant effect on customer trust; experiential marketing and service quality have a positive and significant effect on customer trust through perceived value. This indicates that positive experience and service quality will be trusted by consumers will receive perceived value.
Fenomena Back Flashover Akibat Sambaran Petir Pada SUTT 150 kV Haurgeulis–Sukamandi#2
Authors: Septian Pramuditia Putra
Published: July 2024

Lightning disturbances on the 150 kV High Voltage Overhead Transmission Line (SUTT) Haurgeulis-Sukamandi #2 were analyzed to understand their causes and impacts. This study aims to identify and analyze lightning-induced disturbances using data from Fault Locator, Digital Fault Recorder, and Lightning Detection System. The methods used include calculating the protection angle, analyzing the maximum current before shield failure, and applying the Rolling Sphere method. The analysis results showed that the lightning current of -22 kA exceeded the tower's shielding capacity, causing a Back Flash Over phenomenon that led to system disruption. This finding was confirmed by comparing the measured voltage with the breakdown voltage of the insulator. The implications of this study highlight the importance of enhancing lightning protection systems, such as reducing tower grounding resistance and installing inductance reducers, to prevent similar disturbances in the future. This research provides valuable insights for improving the reliability and safety of power transmission networks in lightning-prone areas.
Evaluasi Ketidakseimbangan Beban Pada Penyulang Unicora
Authors: Ahmad Hermawan  , Ahmad Koimam  , Rhezal Agung Ananto  , Satria Luthfi Hermawan
Published: July 2024

Load imbalance in electrical distribution transformers can lead to significant power losses and decreased efficiency in electrical distribution systems. This study focuses on the load imbalance problem at the Unicora feeder of PT PLN (Persero) ULP Singosari, which hinders optimal operational efficiency. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the extent of load imbalance, its impact on power losses, and the effectiveness of load balancing interventions in mitigating these losses. The methodology includes phase load measurements from February to September 2021, analysis of load imbalance, and power loss simulations using ETAP 12.6.0 software. The study's important findings indicate that the average load imbalance decreased from 34% to 21% after implementing load balancing interventions. Concurrently, power losses in the neutral conductor were reduced from 106.3 kW to 78.0 kW. ETAP simulations revealed a total power loss of 773.5 kW in the Unicora feeder, underscoring the significant impact of load imbalance on system efficiency. The implications of this research are crucial for operational practices at PT PLN (Persero) ULP Singosari. The findings demonstrate that effective load balancing can significantly enhance distribution efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve the reliability of electricity provision. This study advocates for continuous monitoring and adaptive management of load distribution in electrical networks to maintain optimal performance and sustainability.
Evaluating Space Creation in the National Hockey League using Puck and Player Tracking Data
Authors: Inayatali Hassaan , Chan Timothy
Published: July 2024

Star ice hockey players are often described as having a magnetic pull, with the ability to draw out opponents and generate dangerous opportunities for their linemates in the space left vacant by defenders. Using spatiotemporal Puck and Player Tracking (PPT) data, we develop a quantitative approach to measure how players create space while in possession of the puck, termed On-Puck Space Generation (OPSG). The benefits of our model’s approach include its decomposition into three components: 1) Rink Control, the probability of controlling the puck at a given location; 2) Rink Value, the probability of scoring from a given location; and 3) Transition Probability, the probability that the next on-puck event will occur at a given location. Preliminary results of our metric show that players who achieve high levels of OPSG are more likely to lead their team in goals, assists and points. Our model can be used to analyze which players are in positions of danger, identify instances in which an individual created valuable space for their teammates, and understand which teams are best at generating space.
Evaluation of outcomes in a clinical trial: comparing self-fit hearing aids and hearing aids fit with best practices
Authors: Yellamsetty Anusha , Lewis Rebecca M.
Published: July 2024

The study aimed to determine whether a self-fitting algorithm for hearing aids could produce outcomes comparable to those achieved with professionally fitted hearing aids. Involving up to 40 subjects aged 18 to 80, the research compared two fittings: one conducted by a professionally trained audiologist Best Practice Fit (BP-FIT) and one using a self-fitting software (SELF-FIT). Subjects completed both fittings, with Real Ear Measures and Quick Speech In Noise (QuickSIN) measures taken before field use of either fitting. The subjects were randomly assigned to start with either SELF-FIT or BP-FIT, remaining unaware of their condition throughout the trial. After 2 weeks of hearing aid use in each condition, subjects provided subjective reports of perceived benefit (via the APHAB survey) and had their hearing aids reprogrammed for the remaining condition. The study assessed the efficacy through objective (REM), behavioral (QuickSIN), and subjective (APHAB) measures. In summary, the study findings reveal that the SELF-FIT hearing aid system performed similar to the BP-FIT across multiple domains. This includes objective measures of self-fitting hearing aid output assessed through REM, with a difference of <5 dB SPL between fitting conditions, behavioral evaluation of speech understanding in background noise via QuickSIN, with a difference of <2.7 dB SNR between fitting conditions, and subjective assessment of efficacy as reported by the user via APHAB, with a difference of <10% between fitting conditions.
Effects of buffer composition and plasmid toxicity on electroporation-based non-viral gene delivery in mammalian cells using bursts of nanosecond and microsecond pulses
Authors: Radzevičiūtė-Valčiukė Eivina , Gečaitė Jovita , Balevičiūtė Austėja , Szewczyk Anna , Želvys Augustinas , Lekešytė Barbora , Malyško-Ptašinskė Veronika , Mickevičiūtė Eglė , Malakauskaitė Paulina , Kulbacka Julita , Novickij Vitalij
Published: July 2024

Gene electrotransfer (GET) is non-viral gene delivery technique, also known as electroporation-mediated gene delivery or electrotransfection. GET is a method used to introduce foreign genetic material (such as DNA or RNA) into cells by applying external pulsed electric fields (PEFs) to create temporary pores in the cell membrane. This study was undertaken to examine the impact of buffer composition on the efficiency of GET in mammalian cells Also, we specifically compared the effectiveness of high-frequency nanosecond (ns) pulses with standard microsecond (µs) pulses. For the assessment of cell transfection efficiency and viability, flow cytometric analysis, luminescent assays, and measurements of metabolic activity were conducted. The efficiency of electrotransfection was evaluated using two different proteins encoding plasmids (pEGFP-N1 and Luciferase-pcDNA3). The investigation revealed that the composition of the electroporation buffer significantly influences the efficacy of GET in CHO-K1 cell line. The different susceptibility of cell lines to the electric field and the plasmid cytotoxicity were reported. It was also shown that electroporation with nanosecond duration PEF protocols ensured equivalent or even better transfection efficiency than standard µsPEF. Additionally, we successfully performed long-term transfection of the murine 4T1 cell line using high-frequency nanosecond PEFs and confirmed its’ applicability in an in vivo model. The findings from the study can be applied to optimize electrotransfection conditions.
Effects and mechanisms of the myocardial microenvironment on cardiomyocyte proliferation and regeneration
Authors: Zheng Kexiao , Hao Yanglin , Xia Chenkun , Cheng Shaoxian , Yu Jizhang , Chen Zhang , Li Yuan , Niu Yuqing , Ran Shuan , Wang Song , Ye Weicong , Luo Zilong , Li Xiaohan , Zhao Jiulu , Li Ran , Zong Junjie , Zhang Han , Lai Longyong , Huang Pinyan , Zhou Cheng , Xia Jiahong , Zhang Xi , Wu Jie
Published: July 2024

The adult mammalian cardiomyocyte has a limited capacity for self-renewal, which leads to the irreversible heart dysfunction and poses a significant threat to myocardial infarction patients. In the past decades, research efforts have been predominantly concentrated on the cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart regeneration. However, the heart is a complex organ that comprises not only cardiomyocytes but also numerous noncardiomyocyte cells, all playing integral roles in maintaining cardiac function. In addition, cardiomyocytes are exposed to a dynamically changing physical environment that includes oxygen saturation and mechanical forces. Recently, a growing number of studies on myocardial microenvironment in cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart regeneration is ongoing. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in myocardial microenvironment, which plays an important role in cardiomyocyte proliferation and heart regeneration.
The salivary microbiome as a diagnostic biomarker of periodontitis: a 16S multi-batch study before and after the removal of batch effects
Authors: Regueira-Iglesias Alba , Suárez-Rodríguez Berta , Blanco-Pintos Triana , Relvas Marta , Alonso-Sampedro Manuela , Balsa-Castro Carlos , Tomás Inmaculada
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Microbiome-based clinical applications that improve diagnosis related to oral health are of great interest to precision dentistry. Predictive studies on the salivary microbiome are scarce and of low methodological quality (low sample sizes, lack of biological heterogeneity, and absence of a validation process). None of them evaluates the impact of confounding factors as batch effects (BEs). This is the first 16S multi-batch study to analyze the salivary microbiome at the amplicon sequence variant (ASV) level in terms of differential abundance and machine learning models. This is done in periodontally healthy and periodontitis patients before and after removing BEs.

Methods

Saliva was collected from 124 patients (50 healthy, 74 periodontitis) in our setting. Sequencing of the V3-V4 16S rRNA gene region was performed in Illumina MiSeq. In parallel, searches were conducted on four databases to identify previous Illumina V3-V4 sequencing studies on the salivary microbiome. Investigations that met predefined criteria were included in the analysis, and the own and external sequences were processed using the same bioinformatics protocol. The statistical analysis was performed in the R-Bioconductor environment.

Results

The elimination of BEs reduced the number of ASVs with differential abundance between the groups by approximately one-third (Before=265; After=190). Before removing BEs, the model constructed using all study samples (796) comprised 16 ASVs (0.16%) and had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.944, sensitivity of 90.73%, and specificity of 87.16%. The model built using two-thirds of the specimens (training=531) comprised 35 ASVs (0.36%) and had an AUC of 0.955, sensitivity of 86.54%, and specificity of 90.06% after being validated in the remaining one-third (test=265). After removing BEs, the models required more ASVs (all samples=200–2.03%; training=100–1.01%) to obtain slightly lower AUC (all=0.935; test=0.947), lower sensitivity (all=81.79%; test=78.85%), and similar specificity (all=91.51%; test=90.68%).

Conclusions

The removal of BEs controls false positive ASVs in the differential abundance analysis. However, their elimination implies a significantly larger number of predictor taxa to achieve optimal performance, creating less robust classifiers. As all the provided models can accurately discriminate health from periodontitis, implying good/excellent sensitivities/specificities, the salivary microbiome demonstrates potential clinical applicability as a precision diagnostic tool for periodontitis.
The role of gut microbiota and blood metabolites in postpartum depression: a Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Cui Ji , Zhai Qilong , Yang Zhu , Liu Yi
Published: July 2024

Background

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common complication of pregnancy that imposes a heavy health and economic burden on individuals, families and society. The etiology of PPD is complex and incompletely defined, and recent studies have identified an important role for gut microbiota (GM) and their metabolites in neurological disorders. However, fewer studies on GM and PPD are available and have not yielded uniform results.

Methods

Instrumental variables for GM and blood metabolites were obtained from the MiBioGen consortium and metabolomics GWAS server. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with PPD phenotypes were obtained from the FinnGen consortium. Inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, weighted mode, and MR-Egger methods were used to assess causal effects. Inverse MR analysis and sensitivity analysis were also utilized to improve the stability of the results.

Results

In this study, 5 intestinal species and 24 blood metabolites causally associated with PPD were identified using MR analysis. In addition, MR analysis showed that Prevotellaceae and Bifidobacteria may reduce the risk of PPD by elevating Xanthine and 1-arachidonoylglycerophosphoinositol (LysoPI) levels.

Conclusions

This study identified GM and blood metabolites causally associated with PPD. The results of this study may provide a theoretical basis for the discovery of PPD-related biomarkers and the treatment of the disease by regulating the gut microenvironment.
Assessing adherence to treatment guidelines and complications among atrial fibrillation patients in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ayash Bayan , Malaeb Diana , Hallit Souheil , Hosseini Hassan
Published: July 2024

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF), a potential trigger for stroke development, is considered a modifiable condition that can halt complications, decrease mortality, and prevent morbidity. The CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED scores are categorized as risk assessment tools used to estimate the risk of thrombosis development and assess major bleeding among atrial fibrillation patients.

Objectives

Our study aims to assess the adherence to post-discharge treatment recommendations according to CHA₂DS₂-VASc score risk group and evaluate the impact of CHA₂DS₂-VASc score and HAS-BLED score risk categories on death, length of hospital stay, complications, and hospital readmission among United Arab Emirates (UAE) patients.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective study conducted from November 2022 to April 2023 in the United Arab Emirates. Medical charts for AF patients were assessed for possible enrolment in the study.

Results

A total number of 400 patients were included with a mean age of 55 (±14.5) years. The majority were females (67.8%), and most had high CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED scores (60% and 57.3%, respectively). Our study showed that adherence to treatment recommendations upon discharge was 71.8%. The bivariate analysis showed that patients with a high CHA₂DS₂-VASc score had a significantly higher risk of death (p-value of 0.001), hospital readmission (p-value of 0.007), and complications (p-value of 0.044) vs. the low and moderate risk group with a p-value of <0.05. Furthermore, our findings showed that the risk of death (0.001), complications (0.057), and mean hospital stay (0.003) were significantly higher in the high HAS-BLED risk score compared to both the low- and moderate-risk categories. Hospital stay was significantly higher in CHA₂DS₂-VASc and HAS-BLED high-risk score categories compared to the low-risk score category with a p-value of <0.001.

Conclusion

Our study concluded that the adherence to treatment guidelines in atrial fibrillation patients was high and showed that patients received the most effective and patient-centered treatment. In addition, our study concluded that the risk of complications and mortality was higher in high-risk category patients.
Recent progress of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the mechanism of atherosclerosis
Authors: Ni Lin , Yang Luqun , Lin Yuanyuan
Published: July 2024

The research progress of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in atherosclerosis (AS) is of great concern. The ER, a critical cellular organelle, plays a role in important biological processes including protein synthesis, folding, and modification. Various pathological factors may cause ER stress, and sustained or excessive ER stress triggers the unfolded protein response, ultimately resulting in apoptosis and disease. Recently, researchers have discovered the importance of ER stress in the onset and advancement of AS. ER stress contributes to the occurrence of AS through different pathways such as apoptosis, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and autophagy. Therefore, this review focuses on the mechanisms of ER stress in the development of AS and related therapeutic targets, which will contribute to a deeper understanding of the disease's pathogenesis and provide novel strategies for preventing and treating AS.
Research approaches in master-based teacher education preparing student teachers for professional work
Authors: Antonsen Yngve , Toom Auli , Ulvik Marit , Drageset Ove Gunnar , Olsen Knut Rune , Hjardemaal Finn Rudolf , Sæther Kari-Anne
Published: July 2024

Student teachers have been found to be critical toward the research approaches they learned from their master's-based teacher education programmes. Our aim is to discuss how certain research approaches learnt during a 5-year academic master's level teacher education, may bring student teachers close to practice and provide them with conceptual and practical tools for a thorough understanding of the practice of teaching. The argumentation is based on an elaboration of master's-based teacher education programs in Finland and Norway and the essential characteristics of teachers' work. We elaborate on student teachers' need to understand constative, critical and constructive research approaches. This includes critical approaches such as observations and interviews for understanding and interpretation, and constructive approaches such as action research and lesson studies. Finally, we argue that, through these approaches, student teachers make use of research knowledge in teachers' work with an inquiring orientation as well as develop and change their practice.
Healthcare professionals’ perspectives towards the digitalisation of paediatric growth hormone therapies: expert panels in Italy and Korea
Authors: Rivera Romero Octavio , Chae Hyun Wook , Faienza Maria Felicia , Vergani Edoardo , Cheon Chong Kun , Di Mase Raffaella , Frasca Francesco , Lee Hae Sang , Giavoli Claudia , Kim Jihyun , Klain Antonella , Moon Jung Eun , Iezzi Maria Laura , Yeh James , Aversa Antonio , Rhie Young-Jun , Koledova Ekaterina
Published: July 2024

Introduction

To analyse the perspectives of healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding the acceptance of digital health solutions for growth hormone (GH) deficiency care. This study identified factors impacting HCPs’ intent to use and recommend digital solutions supporting recombinant-human growth hormone (r-hGH) therapy in Italy and Korea with a use case of connected drug delivery system (Aluetta® with Smartdot™) integrated in a platform for GH treatment support (the Growzen™ digital health ecosystem).

Methods

Participatory workshops were conducted in Rome, Italy, and Seoul, Korea, to collect the perspectives of 22 HCPs on various predefined topics. HCPs were divided into two teams, each moderated by a facilitator. The workshops progressed in five phases: introduction of the project and experts, capturing views on the current context of digitalisation, perceived usefulness and ease of use of Aluetta® with Smartdot™, exploration of the perception of health technology evolution, and combined team recommendations. Data shared by HCPs on technology acceptance were independently analysed using thematic analysis, and relevant findings were shared and validated with experts.

Results

HCPs from both Italy and Korea perceived Aluetta® with Smartdot™ and the Growzen™ based digital health ecosystem as user-friendly, intuitive, and easy-to-use solutions. These solutions can result in increased adherence, a cost-effective healthcare system, and medication self-management. Although technology adoption and readiness may vary across countries, it was agreed that using digital solutions tailored to the needs of users may help in data-driven clinical decisions and strengthen HCP–patient relationships.

Conclusion

HCPs’ perspectives on the digitalisation in paediatric GH therapies suggested that digital solutions enable automatic, real-time injection data transmission to support adherence monitoring and evidence-based therapy, strengthen HCP–patient relationships, and empower patients throughout the GH treatment process.
Has bank digitization facilitated green transformation of enterprises?
Authors: Jia Kaiwei , Zhang Yu , Zheng Yanting
Published: July 2024

Based on measuring the green transformation of heavily polluting enterprises based on the sub-dimensions of green strategy and green action, we empirically analyze whether and how bank digitization affects the green transformation of enterprises by using the data of China’s A-share heavily polluting enterprises from 2010 to 2021. The findings show that 1) bank digitization has a significant positive effect on firms’ green transformation; 2) bank digitization promotes firms’ green transformation by alleviating firms’ financing constraints and improving firms’ ESG performance; 3) governmental environmental regulations and media attention positively moderates the relationship between bank digitization and firms’ green transformation; and 4) bank digitization is more likely to promote the green transformation of firms that are highly digitized, non-state-owned firms, and enterprises in the eastern region; 5) the sub-dimension test shows that bank digitization has significant differences on different dimensions of green transformation. The above analysis shows that bank digitization should be deeply integrated with the green transformation of enterprises, and the former should be deeply embedded in supervising, forcing and empowering enterprises to upgrade environmental protection technology and sewage treatment, and the regulator should formulate a more detailed environmental protection disclosure program to realize the consistency “words” and “deeds” of the green transformation of enterprises.
Plant-insect interactions in the mid-Cretaceous paleotropical El Chango Lagerstätte (Cintalapa Fm., Mexico)—patterns of herbivory during the Angiosperm Terrestrial Revolution
Authors: Santos Artai A. , McLoughlin Stephen , Rubalcava-Knoth Marco A. , Hernández-Damián Ana L. , Villanueva-Amadoz Uxue , Cevallos-Ferriz Sergio R. S.
Published: July 2024

Plants and insects are two of the more diverse and abundant organisms in terrestrial ecosystems. The fossil record of plant-insect interactions offers crucial insights into the coevolutionary dynamics between these groups, shedding light on the intricate relationships that have shaped terrestrial ecosystems. The study of fossil interactions is especially relevant in mid-Cretaceous ecosystems, a time of dramatic changes in the composition of floras and, consequently, in plant-insect relationships. Here, we describe the first suite of plant-insect interactions from the mid-Cretaceous of Mexico. We studied 554 plant fossils from the El Chango Lagerstätte (Cintalapa Formation, Chiapas, Mexico), including vegetative (leaves) and reproductive structures (fruits and seeds). The flora was dominated by gymnosperms (89.3%) followed by angiosperms (10.7%); other groups, such as pteridophytes and bryophytes, were absent. In total, 5.4% of the plant specimens hosted some damage. Angiosperms (all broad-leafed forms), despite being much less common than gymnosperms, expressed more evidence of damage by herbivores (35.6% of specimens damaged). In contrast, the narrow-leafed gymnosperms, the dominant group in the flora, hosted a much lower proportion of herbivory damage (1.8% of specimens damaged). The diversity of damage types (DTs) was relatively low: 14 DTs were identified, corresponding to seven FFGs, including margin feeding, hole feeding, surface feeding, piercing and sucking, oviposition, galling, and mining. Comparison with the other mid-Cretaceous plant-insect assemblages reveals a similar richness of DTs for angiosperms but a lower richness and diversity of DTs on gymnosperms from El Chango. These results indicate preferential herbivory on angiosperms (rather than on the available gymnosperms in the assemblage) by terrestrial arthropods during a period of major changes in the structure of terrestrial ecosystems. However, it is challenging to resolve whether this apparent preference is because insects particularly targeted angiosperms or if the herbivores simply targeted broad leaves in general, since most of the available gymnosperms from El Chango are scale-leafed forms.
Novel genotypes and phenotypes in Snijders Blok-Campeau syndrome caused by CHD3 mutations
Authors: Gao Yuanyuan , Wang Pei , Chen Mengying , Pang Kexin , Sun Yifan , Zheng Bixia , Li Taisong , Zhang Hongmei , Zhu Min
Published: July 2024

Background

Snijders Blok-Campeau syndrome (SNIBCPS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by facial abnormalities, hypotonia, macrocephaly, and global developmental delay (GDD) caused by mutations in CHD3 gene. There is limited information on SNIBCPS and few studies on its pathogenic gene CHD3.

Methods

We utilized whole-exome sequencing, in vitro minigene splicing assay analysis, and construction of protein models to validate the suspected pathogenic mutation. In addition, the PubMed database was searched using the keywords “Snijders Blok-Campeau syndrome,” “CHD3,” or “SNIBCPS” to summarize the gene mutations and clinical phenotypic characteristics of children with SNIBCPS.

Results

We identified a non-frameshift variant c.3592_c.3606delGCCAAGAGAAAGATG, a splice site variant c.1708-1G>T, and two missense variants, c. 2954G>C (p.Arg985Pro) and c.3371C>T (p.A1124V), in CHD3 variants with SNIBCPS. Importantly, the c.3592_c.3606delGCCAAGAGAAAGATG, c.1708-1G>T, and c.3371C > T (p.A1124V) loci were not reported, and the children in this study also had phenotypic features of unibrow, transverse palmar creases, tracheal bronchus, and hypomelanosis of Ito (HI). The c.1708-1G>T classical splicing mutation leads to abnormal shearing of mRNA, forming a truncated protein that ultimately affects gene function.

Conclusion

Our findings have expanded the spectrum of genetic variants and clinical features in children with SNIBCPS. Splicing analysis of CHD3 is an important method to understand the pathogenesis of spliced cells.
Occurrence of ceramides in the Acidobacterium Solibacter usitatus: implications for bacterial physiology and sphingolipids in soils
Authors: Halamka Toby A. , Garcia Andy , Evans Thomas W. , Schubert Stephanie , Younkin Adam , Hinrichs Kai-Uwe , Kopf Sebastian
Published: July 2024

Sphingolipids have long been of interest to the scientific community for their roles in eukaryotic cell structuring and disease pathology. Less is known about the occurrence and function of these diverse compounds in the bacterial domain of life, with most studies on bacterial sphingolipids focused on eukaryotic disease research and host-pathogen or host-symbiont interactions. Thus, bacterial contributions to environmental sphingolipid pools are poorly understood and the function of these lipids outside of pathogenicity remains largely unexplored. This report marks the first instance of sphingolipid production in a member of the phylum Acidobacteria, a globally ubiquitous phylum of soil bacteria. The occurrence of core- and intact-ceramides is reported for the Acidobacterium Solibacter usitatus under various environmentally relevant conditions. Shifts in the production of ceramides across temperature, pH, and oxygen gradients in this organism suggest that these compounds play a role in the physiological adaptation to environmental fluctuations. Additionally, the genetic basis of bacterial ceramide biosynthesis in this species is assessed and used to explore the potential for ceramide biosynthesis across the bacterial domain of life. The extent of the biosynthetic potential for Acidobacteria to produce ceramides coupled to the abundance of their genes in soil metagenomes suggests that soil sphingolipids should not be solely attributed to eukaryotic production.
Identifying transcriptomic profiles in ovine spleen after repetitive vaccination
Authors: Guisasola-Serrano Aitor , Bilbao-Arribas Martin , Varela-Martínez Endika , Abendaño Naiara , Pérez Marta , Luján Lluís , Jugo Begoña Marina
Published: July 2024

Aluminum hydroxide has long been employed as a vaccine adjuvant for its safety profile, although its precise mechanism of action remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the transcriptomic responses in sheep spleen following repetitive vaccination with aluminum adjuvanted vaccines and aluminum hydroxide alone. Notably, this work represents the first exploration of the sheep spleen transcriptome in such conditions. Animals were splitted in 3 treatment groups: vaccine group, adjuvant alone group and control group. A total of 18 high-depth RNA-seq libraries were sequenced, resulting in a rich dataset which also allowed isoform-level analysis. The comparisons between vaccine-treated and control groups (V vs C) as well as between vaccine-treated and adjuvant-alone groups (V vs A) revealed significant alterations in gene expression profiles, including protein coding genes and long non-coding RNAs. Among the differentially expressed genes, many were associated with processes such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, immune response and cell cycle. The analysis of co-expression modules further indicated a correlation between vaccine treatment and genes related to ER stress and unfolded protein response. Surprisingly, adjuvant-alone treatment had little impact on the spleen transcriptome. Additionally, the role of alternative splicing in the immune response was explored. We identified isoform switches in genes associated with immune regulation and inflammation, potentially influencing protein function. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the transcriptomic changes in sheep spleen following vaccination with aluminum adjuvanted vaccines and aluminum hydroxide alone. These findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying vaccine-induced immune responses and emphasize the significance of antigenic components in aluminum adjuvant mechanism of action. Furthermore, the analysis of alternative splicing revealed an additional layer of complexity in the immune response to vaccination in a livestock species.