bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inducible prophages modulate symbiotic phenotypes in Sargassum-associated bacteria
Authors: Stiffler Alexandra K. , Hesketh-Best Poppy , Varona Natascha S. , Zagame Ashley , LaPointe Brian , Silveira Cynthia B
Published: January 2024

Background
Symbioses between primary producers and bacteria are crucial for host growth and niche adaptation. Here, we investigate the role of viruses on the genomic and functional adaptations of bacteria associated with the pelagic algae Sargassum, which has undergone a dramatic range expansion in the Atlantic in the past decade.
Results
We reconstructed 73 bacterial and 3,963 viral metagenome-assembled genomes (bMAGs and vMAGs, respectively) from coastal Sargassum and surrounding seawater. Sargassum bMAGs were enriched in prophages compared to seawater (28% and 0.02%, respectively), which was not explained by bMAG completion. Roseobacter and Synechococcus bMAGs, abundant members of the Sargassum microbiome, were shared between the algae and seawater but were associated with distinct phages in each environment. Genes related to biofilm formation and quorum sensing were enriched in Sargassum phages, indicating their potential to influence the switch from free-living to algal association in their bacterial host. In-vitro assays with a Sargassum-derived bacterial community depleted of free viruses demonstrated that Sargassum-associated prophages are inducible and that their induction led to a significant decrease in biofilm formation by the bacteria growing on Sargassum media.
Conclusions
Our data shows that prophages contribute to the flexible genomes in Sargassum-associated bacteria. These prophages encode genes with symbiotic functions, and their induction decreases biofilm formation, an essential capacity for the symbiosis between bacteria and the algae. These results indicate that prophage acquisition and induction contribute to genomic and functional diversification that mediates Sargassum-bacteria symbioses, with potential implications for algae growth.
The sweet path of Hansel and Gretel: pollination system of Masdevallia hortensis Luer & R. Escobar (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) in a cloud montane forest of the Cordillera Occidental, in Colombia
Authors: Ospina-M Ana , Sanín María J. , Maia Artur Campos D. , Cardona-Duque Juliana
Published: January 2024

Pollination by deception is assumed as the general rule among pleurothallid orchids. However, considering the exceptional diversity of these orchids (44 genera and over 5100 species) and the relatively limited number of available studies (pollination ecology has been assesed in only 17 genera), generalized trends about their pollination systems might disregard a wide variety of specific life-history traits and inconspicuous honest signals/rewards for pollinators. Known associations of pleurothallid orchids with a large assortment of fly taxa further support this assumption. We investigated the natural pollination system of Masdevallia hortensis, a strictly endemic species of cloud forests in the Western Andes of Colombia. Masdevallia hortensis exhibited a sophisticated and customized pollination mechanism, producing sugary secretions in the lateral sepals along purple dotted patches, fed upon by different visiting species of fruit flies (Drosophilidae). The sucrose concentration in these secretions varied throughout the day and was significantly lower after removing the pollinaria. Visiting fruit flies appeared to be guided towards a chamber between the mobile lip and the column by the dotted lines in the lateral sepals. During visitations, individuals of the most abundant species in our observations (Drosophilidae sp. 1 [AO]) were singly entrapped in the chamber until eventually freeing themselves with the pollinaria attached to their bodies. We also demonstrated that M. hortensis is strictly self-incompatible, which makes fly pollination an essential process for the maintenance of natural populations of the species. The flowers of M. hortensis offer rewards for visiting insects, an aspect that should also be evaluated among congenerics. In this way, we urge integrative ecological studies to understand the evolutionary patterns of this group of orchids.
Some Fixed Point Theorems in p-normed Spaces
Authors: Xiao Jian-Zhong , Yuan George Xianzhi
Published: January 2024

The goal of this paper is to discuss some updated new fixed theorems in p-normed spaces, which will provide a general foundation for the development of fixed point theory in p-vector spaces for p ∈ (0, 1].
Mathematics Subject Classification 46A16 . 46A55
Putting two and two together – a model of learning and memory in cultural evolution
Authors: Gibeily Caius
Published: January 2024

To what extent do the cognitive capacities of learners shape the dynamics of cultural evolution and gene-culture coevolution? To begin to address some of these questions, an individual-based model was built, incorporating the cognitive dynamics of working memory, long-term memory and learning strategies—imitation and learning by induction. By representing cultural values as hierarchically arranged sequences of unit token values, this work showed how the emergence of complex cultural representations depends on chunking, becomes constrained by working memory and is spatially limited by learning distance. Cultural token variants diverged into spatially clustered lineages with agent similarity scaling relative to distance, demonstrating the emergence of cultural systems built upon shared cultural variants. Moreover, by simulating a process of inductive learning, agents converged upon certain cultural primitives and complex tokens, thereby marrying aspects of cultural attractor theory with cumulative cultural evolution. The model offers some computational insight into the roles of imitation and inductive learning across the lifespan, showing that imitation occurred most in the first iterations of an agent’s lifespan and inductive inference throughout the adult lifespan, thereby shedding light on the proximal effects of cognitive capacities in the debate between replication and reconstruction of cultural values.
Overlapping pattern of the four individual components of dyslipidemia in adults: analysis of nationwide cross-sectional data
Authors: Zheng Wenxiao , Zhang Jiayue , Wang Shuting , Yang Zuyao
Published: January 2024

Background
Dyslipidemia, including abnormalities in any one of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is a well-recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, among the currently available drug treatments, only the ones that lower LDL-C and consequently TC have proven effective in preventing CVD, suggesting that people with isolated high TG or low HDL-C would unlikely benefit from the treatments. The study aimed to investigate the overlapping pattern of the four individual components of dyslipidemia in adults, which could provide benchmark estimates on the contribution of each component to dyslipidemia prevalence and consequently on the proportion of potential beneficiaries of currently available, effective lipid-lowering drugs that are targeted at high LDL-C and high TC.
Methods
We included 7,822 participants aged ≥ 20 years, abnormal in any of the four lipid parameters, and not on lipid-lowering medications, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycle 1999–2000 through cycle 2017–2018. Dyslipidemia was defined as presence of at least one of the following: TC ≥ 240 mg/dL, LDL-C ≥ 160 mg/dL, HDL-C < 40 mg/dL in males or < 50 mg/dL in females, and TG ≥ 200 mg/dL. The proportions of different combinations of them were calculated and then presented using area-proportional Euler plots.
Results
High TC, high LDL-C, high TG, and low HDL-C were seen in 32.8%, 28.1%, 26.7%, and 65.9% of the people with dyslipidemia, respectively. “High LDL-C or high TC”, “normal LDL-C, normal TC, but high TG”, and “normal LDL-C, normal TC, normal TG, but low HDL-C” (isolated low HDL-C) accounted for 37.5%, 18.3%, and 44.2% of dyslipidemia, respectively. “High LDL-C or high TC” accounted for 54% of dyslipidemia in those aged ≥ 60 years, while isolated low HDL-C was the most prevalent abnormality in almost all the other subgroups defined by gender, age and race.
Conclusions
Isolated low HDL-C, which was unlikely to benefit from currently available, effective drug treatments targeted at high LDL-C or TC, was the largest contributor to dyslipidemia prevalence. Potential beneficiaries of currently available drugs, i.e., those with high LDL-C or TC, accounted for 37.5% of all people with dyslipidemia.
Social-Ecological Landscape Sustainability in Ghana and Nigeria: An application of a DPSIR-SEL Framework
Authors: Atampugre Gerald , Igbadun Henry E. , Tilahun Seifu , Oke Adebayo , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe , Olaleye A. O. , Cofie Olufunke
Published: January 2024

This study evaluates the Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) dynamics and water quality in the Mankran landscape in Ghana (case study-1) and the Doma-Rutu landscape in Nigeria (case study-2) using the Drivers Pressure State Impact Response (DPSIR) for social ecological landscape (SEL) assessment framework (DPSIR-SEL). In the Mankran landscape, between 2008 and 2018, there was a notable shift in land utilization: cash crop cultivation surged to 30% in 2015 before receding to 14.5% by 2018, while subsistence farming was reduced. Water quality analysis revealed deviations from World Health Organization (WHO) standards, with parameters such as Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Pb (lead), and As (arsenic) signaling potential contamination risks. Conversely, in the Doma-Rutu landscape of Nigeria, LULC changes from 2000 to 2022 manifest as expanding residential and agricultural areas and alterations in natural water bodies and vegetation. Water quality concerns have arisen with high levels of electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, and salinity. Additionally, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) in Nigeria illuminated the deep-rooted herder-farmer conflicts, constraining crop cultivation due to historical and environmental factors. The intertwined challenges in the Mankran landscape and Doma-Rutu landscape necessitate sustainable and inclusive resource management, adaptive land-use practices, and proactive measures to ensure water quality. Land use land cover (LULC) and water quality evaluations, informed by the DPSIR-SEL framework, underscore the pressing need for integrated and inclusive solutions to address evolving land-use challenges and safeguard water resources in the Mankran and Doma-Rutu landscapes.
Optimal control strategies for parameter estimation of quantum systems
Authors: Ansel Quentin , Dionis Etienne , Sugny Dominique
Published: January 2024

Optimal control theory is an effective tool to improve parameter estimation of quantum systems. Different methods can be employed for the design of the control protocol. They can be based either on Quantum Fischer Information (QFI) maximization or selective control processes. We describe the similarities, differences, and advantages of these two approaches. A detailed comparative study is presented for estimating the parameters of a spin-1/2 system coupled to a bosonic bath. We show that the control mechanisms are generally equivalent, except when the decoherence is not negligible or when the experimental setup is not adapted to the QFI. In this latter case, the precision achieved with selective controls can be several orders of magnitude better than that given by the QFI.
The Effect of Parental Psychological Control on Unrealistic Expectations in Romantic Relationships of University Students: The Moderated Mediating Effect of Maladaptive Perfectionism by Ambivalence Over Emotional Expression
Authors:   Korean Association of Family Therapy, Choi MinAh , Seo Mia
Published: January 2024

Objectives: This study was conducted to verify the moderated mediating effect of maladaptive perfectionism by ambivalence over emotional expression in the effect of parental psychological control on unrealistic expectations among romantic relationships of university students. Method: Data collected for this study were analyzed for correlation, mediating effect, and moderating effect of major variables applying SPSS 26 and PROCESS macro 4.0, and a boosting algorithm was employed to verify significance. Results: The influence of parents' psychological control on the unrealistic expectations of university students and the moderating effect of ambivalence of emotional expression on maladaptive perfectionism were confirmed. Conclusions: As a result of the study, it has been confirmed that relational ambivalence lowers mind reading among unrealistic expectations in romantic relationships. Therefore, it suggests that if you recognize and practice the importance of expressing emotions through counseling, you can help restore emotional communication and form healthy relationships.
A Systematic Literature Review on Solution-Focused Group Counseling in Korea: Focusing on Research from 2007 to 2023
Authors:   Korean Association of Family Therapy, Song Eun Sug , Choi Jung Jin
Published: January 2024

Objectives: Solution-focused(SF) group counseling has been used as an intervention in various clinical settings. However, there are not many systematic reviews showing the landscape of SF group counseling. The goal of this study was to understand the trends of SF group counseling studies published through Korean academic journals from 2007 to the first half of 2023. Methods: For this purpose, major search engines such as RISS were used to collect the data. Seventy-one articles were extracted. The research topics were analyzed applying content analysis. Results: Key findings were as follows. First, an increasing volume of research in SF group counseling has been conducted every year since 2007 but has declined sharply since 2020 likely due to the aftermath of COVID-19. Second, the research area of SF group
counseling is expanding and diversifying. Third, despite the growth of research, there are not enough data available to judge the quality of the studies, the principles, and central philosophies of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), and the dynamics of the groups. Conclusions: Based on the results, directions for follow-up research and practice were discussed.
ESG ratings and stock performance in the internet industry
Authors: Wang Lan , Weng Zhenyuan , Xue Chunxiao , Zhang Jianing
Published: January 2024

Amidst the escalating emphasis on sustainable development, numerous corporations and organizations have intensified their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts. The internet sector, intrinsically linked to the ESG domain, has consequently garnered amplified scrutiny. This study delves into the correlation between ESG ratings and the stock performance of publicly listed Chinese companies in the internet sector from 2016 to 2020. The findings reveal that initiatives in the ESG sphere significantly and negatively influence stock performance in these firms, assessed through raw stock returns, stock excess returns relative to the market index, Jensen’s one-factor alpha, and the Fama-French three-factor alpha. This inverse correlation between ESG ratings and stock performance is nonlinear and convex, indicating a lessening negative impact at elevated ESG levels. Moreover, this adverse effect is more pronounced in value stocks compared to growth stocks. Predominantly manifesting before 2018, this negative trend diminishes amidst the COVID-19 period. The reverse causality analysis employing lagged ESG ratings suggests that higher ESG ratings precipitate reduced stock performance, as opposed to vice versa. This study bridges a gap in the existing literature concerning ESG and stock performance specific to the Chinese internet industry and proposes recommendations for its sustainable evolution.
AcknowledgmentThis research was supported by the Department of Education of Zhejiang Province General Program (Y202249981, Y202353438), the Wenzhou Association for Science and Technology – Service and Technology Innovation Program (jczc0254), the Wenzhou-Kean University Student Partnering with Faculty Research Program (WKUSPF2023004), the Wenzhou-Kean University International Collaborative Research Program (ICRP2023002, ICRP2023004), and the Wenzhou-Kean University Internal Research Support Program (IRSPG202205, IRSPG202206).
Pengaruh Promosi dan Lokasi terhadap Keputusan Berkunjung di Museum Siwalima Ambon
Authors:   Hotel Operation, Sekolah Tinggi Pariwisata Bogor,Jl. Curug Mekar, Jl. Yasmin Raya No.17, Curugmekar, Bogor Barat, Kota Bogor, Jawa Barat 16113, Indonesia, Falaq Muhammad , Sjukriana Juke ,   Hotel Operation, Sekolah Tinggi Pariwisata Bogor,Jl. Curug Mekar, Jl. Yasmin Raya No.17, Curugmekar, Bogor Barat, Kota Bogor, Jawa Barat 16113, Indonesi, Pariama Deria Tedry Lourentia ,   Hotel Operation, Sekolah Tinggi Pariwisata Bogor,Jl. Curug Mekar, Jl. Yasmin Raya No.17, Curugmekar, Bogor Barat, Kota Bogor, Jawa Barat 16113, Indonesi
Published: January 2024

The goal of this study was to see if Instagram promotion and location had a partial and simultaneous effect on the visit decision to Museum Siwalima Ambon. This study used a quantitative research method with a questionnaire instrument and sample of 100 visitors to the Museum Ambon Siwalima. This study has 3 variables: Instagram Social Media Promotion (X1), Location (X2), and Visit Decision (X3) (Y). This study’s analysis included statistical descriptive analysis, coefficient of determination, and simple linear regression using SPSS 24.0. The findings of this study show that factors X1 and X2 have a substantial influence on Y, with a significance level of less than 0.05. The results of the influence coefficients X1 and X2 on Y = 0.758 were then obtained, indicating that Social Media Promotion on Instagram and Location both had a strong influence on the visit decision to Museum Siwalima Ambon.
Opportunity of Integrated Sustainable Tourism
Authors:   Departement of Hospitality, Sekolah Tinggi Pariwisata Bogor Jl. Curug Mekar, Jl. Yasmin Raya No.17, RT.01/RW.04, Curug Mekar, Kec. Bogor Barat, Kota Bogor, Jawa Barat 16113, Indonesia, Sadikin Pipin Noviati
Published: January 2024

Urbanization led to the extension of the administrative boundaries of the city of Bogor to the villages border in Bogor Regency. This process forms physical, social, and economic interactions between cities and villages, including creating integrated tourism opportunities between cities and districts. However, there are many challenges faced, including the packaging of tourist attractions, weak management of tourism destinations, disparities in the development of tourism areas, and others. This study aims to identify the potential and challenges of sustainable tourism, ecotourism, and urban tourism that are integrated within the framework of city and district linkages; and strategic issues that can become opportunities for development planning. The research method used qualitative descriptive analysis with research objects on opportunities and attractions of sustainable tourism, ecotourism or urban tourism (urban tourism), and amenities in Bogor City and Bogor Regency, which are analyzed using the five pillars of sustainable.
New records of chigger mites (Acariformes, Trombiculidae) from the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Stekolnikov Alexandr A.
Published: January 2024

First data on the chigger mites of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are obtained based on the material collected from alcohol-fixed specimens of the Arabian spiny mouse, Acomys dimidiatus (Cretzschmar), stored in a museum collection. Four species of chiggers are recorded, three of which were previously known from the nearby provinces of Iran.
Review of Cheylostigmaeus (Acari: Stigmaeidae) of Russia
Authors: Khaustov Alexander A.
Published: January 2024

This article provides a review of the genus Cheylostigmaeus Willmann (Acari: Stigmaeidae) of Russia. Female of Cheylostigmaeus bimaculatus sp. n. is described from Western Siberia. Cheylostigmaeus marinus Willmann, Ch. longisetosus Willmann, Ch. pannonicus Willmann, Ch. salinus Evans and Ch. occultatus Doğan and Doğan are reported from Russia for the first time. In addition, females and males of Cheylostigmaeus longisetosus, Ch. pannonicus, Ch. salinus and all active stages of Ch. marinus are redescribed based on materials from Russia. Moreover, a key to the Cheylostigmaeus species of Russia is provided.
Investigation of the Potential Mechanism of Compound Dragon's Blood Capsule against Myocardial Ischemia Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Su Xin , Xue Hongwei , Lou Yang , Lv Xinkai , Mi Xiao , Lu Juan , Chen Xi
Published: January 2024

Background:

Dragon's blood is widely consumed in China, Vietnam and Laos to
promote blood circulation. A Compound Dragon's blood capsule (CDC) is a patented medicine
composed of dragon’s blood, notoginseng, and borneol. This combination is purported to stabilize
coronary heart disease and myocardial ischemia. However, the possible mechanisms and the
characterization of its drug targets’ relevance at the systemic level remain unclear.

Aim:

The present study aims to reveal the potential mechanisms of CDC’s anti-myocardial
ischemia effect

Materials and Methods:

The potential mechanisms were investigated by network pharmacology
and qRT-PCR was used to verify the expression levels of key genes of PI3k-Akt pathway.

Results:

S1PR2 and AGTR1 were the common targets, which involved 6 biological processes
annotated by KEGG and GO analysis. The qRT-PCR results showed a remarkable increase in
the expression of Pi3k, Pdk1, Akt, Mdm2, Bcl2, and mTOR. Results also showed a decline in the
expression of P53 and Casp3 after CDC intervention.

Conclusion:

CDC has a significant anti-myocardial ischemia effect through the PI3k/Akt pathway,
which demonstrates that CDC is a suitable adjuvant to treat CHD and provides a theoretical
basis for its further clinical application.
TOMM40 Correlates with Cholesterol and is Predictive of a Favorable Prognosis in Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Yan , Luo Yi , Long Jinling , Liu Siyun , Zhao Linbeini , Chen Baishu , Mu Qiuyun
Published: January 2024

Background:

A link between cholesterol and endometrial cancer has been established,
but current studies have been limited in their findings. We aimed to elucidate the causal relationship
between cholesterol and endometrial cancer and to find prognostic genes for endometrial
cancer.

Methods:

We first explored the causal relationship between total cholesterol and endometrial
cancer using two-sample Mendelian randomization and then obtained differential genes to screen
for prognosis-related genes in endometrial cancer. Then, we utilized pan-cancer analysis based
on RNA sequencing data to evaluate the expression pattern and immunological role of the Translocase
of Outer Mitochondrial Membrane 40 (TOMM40). Through multiple transcriptome datasets
and multi-omics in-depth analysis, we comprehensively explore the relationship of
TOMM40 expression with clinicopathologic characteristics, clinical outcomes and mutations in
endometrial cancer. Lastly, we systematically associated the TOMM40 with different cancers
from immunological properties from numerous perspectives, such as immune cell infiltration,
immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunotherapy, gene mutation load and microsatellite instability.

Results:

We found a negative association between cholesterol and endometrial cancer. A total of
78 genes were enriched by relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), of which 12 upregulated
genes and 5 downregulated genes in endometrial cancer. TOMM40 was found to be a
prognostic gene associated with endometrial cancer by prognostic analysis. TOMM40 was found
to be positively correlated with the infiltration of most immune cells and immunization checkpoints
in a subsequent study. Meanwhile, TOMM40 also was an oncogene in many cancer types.
High TOMM40 was associated with lower genome stability.

Conclusion:

The findings of our study indicate that the maintenance of normal total cholesterol
metabolism is associated with a decreased risk of developing endometrial cancer. Moreover,
TOMM40 may have potential as a prognostic indicator for endometrial cancer.
Synergistic Effect of Silver Nanoparticles with Antibiotics for Eradication
of Pathogenic Biofilms
Authors: Masadeh Majed M. , Al-Tal Zeinab , Khanfar Mai S. , Alzoubi Karem H. , Sabi Salsabeel H. , Masadeh Majd M.
Published: January 2024

Background:

The increase in nosocomial multidrug resistance and biofilm-forming
bacterial infections led to the search for new alternative antimicrobial strategies other than traditional
antibiotics. Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) could be a viable treatment due to their wide
range of functions, rapid lethality, and minimal resistance potential. The primary aim of this
study is to prepare silver nanoparticles and explore their antibacterial activity against biofilms.

Methods:

AgNPs with specific physicochemical properties such as size, shape, and surface
chemistry were prepared using a chemical reduction technique, and then characterized by DLS,
SEM, and FTIR. The activity of AgNPs was tested alone and in combination with some antibiotics
against MDR Gram-negative and Gram-positive planktonic bacterial cells and their biofilms.
Finally, mammalian cell cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity were tested using VERO and human
erythrocytes.

Results:

The findings of this study illustrate the success of the chemical reduction method in
preparing AgNPs. Results showed that AgNPs have MIC values against planktonic organisms
ranging from 0.0625 to 0.125 mg/mL, with the greatest potency against gram-negative bacteria.
It also effectively destroyed biofilm-forming cells, with minimal biofilm eradication concentrations
(MBEC) ranging from 0.125 to 0.25 mg/ml. AgNPs also had lower toxicity profiles for the
MTT test when compared to hemolysis to erythrocytes. Synergistic effect was found between
AgNPs and certain antibiotics, where the MIC was dramatically reduced, down to less than
0.00195 mg/ml in some cases.

Conclusion:

The present findings encourage the development of alternative therapies with high
efficacy and low toxicity.
Late Presentation of Primary Oxalosis, Microcrystalline Arthropathy, and
Tumoral Calcinosis: A Case Report and a Literature Review
Authors: Mrabet Sanda , BenHmida Mohamed
Published: January 2024

Background::

Primary hyperoxaluria consists of a group of inherited disorders with enzymatic
defects in the glyoxylate pathway, leading to decreased oxalate metabolism. The resulting
oxalic deposition is specifically responsible for kidney disease and joint disease. Neonatal oxalosis
is the most severe form of primary hyperoxia type 1, with the onset of end-stage renal disease
in childhood.

Case Presentation::

A 55-year-old hemodialysis man was referred to Nephrology because of inflammatory
polyarthralgia and periarticular swelling evolving for six months. He had been on hemodialysis
for six years for end-stage chronic renal failure, diagnosed at the same time as primary
hyperoxaluria. Radiological investigation showed a rugby jersey appearance on the lumbar spine,
budding calcium tone opacities next to large joints and clavicles, vascular calcifications and tumoral
calcinosis. The synovial fluid contained a few cells with polymorphic intracellular crystals. We
ruled out hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, and related phosphocalcic disorders, and we
retained arthropathy and tumoral calcinosis secondary to primary hyperoxaliuria. The patient also
had congestive heart failure. Despite intensification of hemodialysis, he did not improve and died
at the age of 56 in the context of cachexia.

Conclusion::

This rare case documents the possible occurrence of late clinical presentation and
long survival in primary oxalosis with extra renal complications.
Exploring the Potential of Metformin in Mitigating Radiation-induced
Gastrointestinal and Hematopoietic System Injury in Rats After
Whole-body X-ray Radiation: An Experimental Study
Authors: Khodamoradi Ehsan , Rahmani Nafiseh , Rashidi Khodabakhsh , Najafi Masoud , Shahsavari Soodeh , Mohammadi Mohammad
Published: January 2024

Background::

The modern world faces a growing concern about the possibility of
accidental radiation events. The Hematopoietic system is particularly vulnerable to radiationinduced
apoptosis, which can lead to death. Metformin, a drug used to treat diabetes, has been
shown to protect normal cells and tissues from the toxic effects of radiation. This study aimed to
evaluate the effectiveness of metformin in mitigating radiation injury to the gastrointestinal and
hematological systems of rats.

Materials and Methods:

The study involved 73 male rats. After total body irradiation with 7.5
Gy of X-rays, rats were treated with metformin. Seven days later, the rats were sacrificed and
blood samples were taken for evaluation.

Results::

The study found that metformin was not effective in mitigating radiation injury. The
histopathological assessment showed no significant changes in goblet cell injury, villi shortening,
inflammation, or mucous layer thickness. In terms of biochemical evaluation, metformin
did not significantly affect oxidative stress markers, but irradiation increased the mean MDA
level in the radiation group. The complete blood count revealed a significant decrease in WBC
and platelet, counts in the radiation group compared to the control group, but no significant difference
was found between the radiation and radiation + metformin groups.

Conclusion::

In conclusion, metformin may not be a good option for reducing radiation toxicity
after accidental exposure. Despite treatment, there was no improvement in platelet, white blood
cell, and lymphocyte counts, nor was there any decrease in oxidative stress. Further research is
needed to explore other potential treatments for radiation injury.
Yijae Hwang Yun-Seok's Recognition of Loyalty
Authors:   The Association of DaeDong-Hanmun, Lee Sang-Bong , Yu Young-Og
Published: January 2024

Hwang Yun-seok(黃胤錫) is a neo-Confucian scholar known for great learning who wrote and left a tremendous amount of journal titled 『Yijae Nango(頤齋亂藁)』 in the 18th century. He thoroughly sticked to neo- Confucian ideas, especially theory of legitimacy and theory of loyalty and cause, both of which were more strengthened during the late Joseon period. In a similar vein, 『Yijae Nango』 includes some evaluation of particular figures from Hwang Yun-Seok's own view of fidelity.
In its 2nd chapter, this study noted that Yijae regarded loyalty as ‘the most utilitarian thing in the universe[天下之公]’, so he claimed it's wrong for scholars to forcibly and unconditionally accept even opinions from their factions, teachers or friends if the opinions seem suspicious.
And, 3rd chapter of the study put a prior focus on Yijae's suggestion that the posthumous title honored on Confucius should be changed from ‘Munseonwang(文宣王)’ to ‘Jiseong Seonsa(至聖先師)’ on the basis of discrimination in duty between sovereign and subject.
A Study on Cho Han-young(曺漢英)'s Poetry in the 『Seolgyosuchangjip(雪窖酬唱集)』
Authors:   The Association of DaeDong-Hanmun, Lee Nam-myon
Published: January 2024

This paper was attempted to examine the poetry of Cho Han-young found in the collection Seolgyosuchangjip. In 1639, after the Manchu War of 1636(丙子胡亂), the Qing Dynasty requested the deployment of naval forces(水軍) from Joseon for their war against the Ming Dynasty. In response, Kim Sang-heon(金尙憲), Cho Han-young, and Chae Ihang(蔡以恒) submitted a petition opposing the dispatch of naval forces. As a result, the Qing Dynasty summoned these three men to Shenyang(瀋陽). During their confinement in Shenyang's prison, Cho Han-young and Kim Sang- heon spent their time composing poetry, the poems exchanged between them are compiled in the collection Seolgyosuchangjip. In this paper, Cho Han-young's poetry included in this book was divided into two aspects.
The first aspect is the portrayal of deep sorrow and lamentation in the foreign land. Cho Han-young employed a technique of contrasting the present with the past to reveal his discontent with life in confinement and his yearning for freedom. Through the metaphor of a bird, he lamented his own situation, and he frequently expressed nostalgia using the theme of dreams. Additionally, he incorporated regret and heartbreak into playful poetic expressions. These works indicate that Cho Han-young's eyes were often directed towards the south.
The second aspect is an expression of the anti-Qing consciousness. Cho Han-young depicted Shenyang and its surroundings as a dark and unstable space, and used negative expressions and a strong tone to reveal his resentment towards the Qing Dynasty. He also blamed himself for failing to become a warrior and revealed his great will to play an active part in the battlefield. Meanwhile, He also revealed a sense of anti-Qing consciousness through retrospection on historical figures. He recalled individuals who achieved victory in wars, those who punished the barbarians, and those who harbored a spirit of revenge. He also recited his desire for these characters to appear in the reality of Joseon. Works that manifest anti-Qing consciousness indicate that his eyes were oriented towards the north, including Shenyang.
Jo Han-young's poetry is significant in that it shows the conscious orientation of an anti-Qing writer who had to live in detention in Shenyang after the Manchu War of 1636.
Minder mobiliteit en toch bereikbaar
Authors: Altena Stijn
Published: January 2024

Om klimaatdoelstellingen te halen is het verduurzamen van mobiliteit noodzakelijk. Beleid en maatregelen voor duurzame mobiliteit zijn vaak gericht op meer elektrisch rijden en meer fietsen. Maar kunnen we ook uit met een beetje minder mobiliteit? En hoe kan de inrichting of structuur van steden daar een rol in spelen?
Locatie als middel voor integratie
Authors: Fias Mona
Published: January 2024

Het opvangbeleid voor asielzoekers in België functioneert reactief op het aantal asielaanvragen, waardoor vaak op erg korte tijd nieuwe opvangplaatsen voorzien moeten worden. Hierdoor is er weinig ruimte om structureel na te denken over goede locaties voor opvang, terwijl dit een grote impact heeft, onder andere op integratiemogelijkheden.
Speculatie op de Chinese woningmarkt
Authors: Zhang Yunpeng
Published: January 2024

In 2022 slaagden twee Chinese vastgoedontwikkelaars er niet in om hun schulden af te lossen. Het gaat om Evergrande, één van de grootste ontwikkelaars van het land, en Greenland Holdings Corp, dat gedeeltelijk in eigendom is van de staat. De vastgoedmarkt is een belangrijke zuil van de Chinese economie. De neergang van twee belangrijke spelers op de vastgoedmarkt roept dan ook ernstige vragen op.
Dirección de Investigación y Desarrollo DID : #EnQuéEstamos 2023 ﻿
Authors:   Corporación Colombiana de Investigación Agropecuaria - AGROSAVIA, Corchuelo Rodriguez Camilo Alejandro , Mora Niviayo Maria Esperanza
Published: January 2024

Noticias de la semana es una acción dentro de la Estrategia Corporativa de Difusión y Divulgación Científica y Tecnológica. Su objetivo principal es comunicar los avances e impacto científico de la Dirección de Investigación y Desarrollo DID para potenciar la divulgación y difusión de AGROSAVIA a nivel nacional e internacional. #CienciaAbierta #CienciaConConciencia Cifras del impacto científico de AGROSAVIA: 10.21930/agrosavia.Boletin.2023. Participa en la #Ideatón https://forms.office.com/r/cDiJwriNX6. Canal de difusión WhatsApp: https://goo.su/JtYb1lU.
Virtual and Interprofessional Objective Structured Clinical Examination in Dentistry and Dental Technology: Development and User Evaluations (Preprint)
Authors: Pang MengWei , Dong YanLing , Zhao XiaoHan , Wan JiaWu , Jiang Li , Song JinLin , Ji Ping , Jiang Lin
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Interprofessional education (IPE) facilitates interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP) to encourage teamwork among dental care professionals and is increasingly becoming a part of training programs for dental and dental technology students. However, the focus of previous IPE and IPCP studies has largely been on subjective student and instructor perceptions without including objective assessments of collaborative practice as an outcome measure.

OBJECTIVE

The purposes of this study were to develop the framework for a novel virtual and interprofessional objective structured clinical examination (viOSCE) applicable to dental and dental technology students, to assess the effectiveness of the framework as a tool for measuring the outcomes of IPE, and to promote IPCP among dental and dental technology students.

METHODS

The framework of the proposed novel viOSCE was developed using the modified Delphi method and then piloted. The lead researcher and a group of experts determined the content and scoring system. Subjective data were collected using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale and a self-made scale, and objective data were collected using examiner ratings. Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests.

RESULTS

We successfully developed a viOSCE framework applicable to dental and dental technology students. Of 50 students, 32 (64%) participated in the pilot study and completed the questionnaires. On the basis of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale, the subjective evaluation indicated that teamwork skills were improved, and the only statistically significant difference in participant motivation between the 2 professional groups was in the mutual evaluation scale (P=.004). For the viOSCE evaluation scale, the difference between the professional groups in removable prosthodontics was statistically significant, and a trend for negative correlation between subjective and objective scores was noted, but it was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The results confirm that viOSCE can be used as an objective evaluation tool to assess the outcomes of IPE and IPCP. This study also revealed an interesting relationship between mutual evaluation and IPCP results, further demonstrating that the IPE and IPCP results urgently need to be supplemented with objective evaluation tools. Therefore, the implementation of viOSCE as part of a large and more complete objective structured clinical examination to test the ability of students to meet undergraduate graduation requirements will be the focus of our future studies.

CLINICALTRIAL
Digital Storytelling Intervention for Enhancing the Social Participation of People With Mild Cognitive Impairment: Co-Design and Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Zhu Di , Al Mahmud Abdullah , Liu Wei
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Community-based social participation has shown promise in delaying cognitive decline in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who are at risk of developing dementia. Although group storytelling interventions have proven effective, the need for a skilled workforce to support people with MCI can limit broader community implementation. Technology-based interventions may offer a solution to this limitation by replicating the abilities of therapists.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to co-design a digital storytelling intervention and evaluate its usability.

METHODS

This co-design process involved 3 stages, engaging people with MCI (n=12), their caregivers (n=4), and therapists (n=5) in Beijing, China. In the first stage, we used card sorting and voting methods to identify potential incentives for social participation and target the specific abilities that people with MCI wanted to enhance. In the second stage, we conducted brainstorming sessions with people with MCI and their caregivers to identify the potential features of a digital storytelling application named Huiyou (“meeting new friends” in Chinese). Finally, we assessed Huiyou’s usability with people with MCI and therapists, leading to iterative improvements based on the usability findings.

RESULTS

We uncovered a crucial link between boosting the self-confidence of people with MCI and their ability to address social participation challenges. Notably, we identified memory improvement and enhanced language expression as key factors for effective communication with grandchildren. Subsequently, participants suggested features and interfaces to address these challenges, leading to the development of Huiyou, a group-based digital storytelling application featuring functions such as generating story materials, conducting memory retrieval activities, and sharing stories. It received an “excellent” rating in the User Experience Questionnaire benchmark, displaying high levels of attractiveness, dependability, stimulation, and novelty. People with MCI achieved an average task completion rate of 87% (n=19; SD 0.13) of the 22 tasks. However, feedback from people with MCI and therapists highlighted usability issues in navigation, activity management, user interface, and feature optimization, indicating a need for improved accessibility and efficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

The co-design approach contributed to developing the Huiyou prototype, supporting community-based social participation. User feedback highlighted the potential of Huiyou to enhance well-being and facilitate meaningful social interactions while maintaining crucial existing relationships.
Connected Offices: Assessment of Experience and Acceptability of Telemedicine Cabin by Patients and Doctors (Preprint)
Authors: França Caroline Villela Galvão de , Segalla Paola Boaro , Reis Felipe Sebastião de Assis , Pereira José Ricardo Silveira , Mattos Alexandre Oliveira de , Ferron Roberta de Moura , Oliveira Cleyton Zanardo de , Borges Jéssica Bassani , Hoffmann Lilian Quintal , Caboclo Edmundo Di Giaimo
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Telemedicine represents an important tool, with potential to reduce the health costs, thus avoiding displacing patients, and even producing best results in the patient care, becoming an important social technology.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this paper is to present an analysis on the design to implementing telehealth boots in the Hospital BP – A Beneficência Portuguesa de São Paulo aiming to assess the experience both with patients and professionals, and also the acceptability of such tool.

METHODS

It was performed a prospective interventional cross-sectional study with 229 participants, which was divided in two phases: the first of the phases was performed with 40 apparently healthy individuals, aiming to assess the usability, experience and satisfaction of that group for the later safe application in the group with clinical complaints. The second phase included 189 individuals who could have clinical complaints, to assess the adherence, usability, experience and satisfaction both by users and doctors. In both phases of the study, participants answered screening questionnaires (in order to assess the eligibility criteria) and a socioeconomic demographic questionnaire before using the cabin, and a questionnaire contemplating the System Usability Scale (SUS), and the Net Promoter Score (NPS) after using the cabin.

RESULTS

After the data analysis of the first phase, it was observed a good acceptance of the cabin, which allowed to go on with the study towards the second phase. In this phase, it was observed a high usability index (85.97 average) and favorability (9.4 NPS) in the group with clinical complaints, as well as for doctors (usability average index of 67.8 and 8.0 NPS).

CONCLUSIONS

The outcomes of this research allow to assess the feasible expansion of this kind of practice from the point of view of usability, and also that this kind of study may contribute as subsidy to construct public policies with the purpose to expand the access for the Brazilian population to a qualified medical care, promoting the adherence of patients as to the health, thus providing to professionals an extended view of the clinical pictures through the embedded devices, even in areas with scarcity of such type of medical care.
Scalable precision psychiatry with an objective measure of psychological stress: Prospective real world study (Preprint)
Authors: Wang Helena , Farb Norman , Saab Bechara
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND

Precision psychiatry is data-driven personalisation of mental healthcare. One major aim is to identify the specific forms of therapy that will be most clinically meaningful for each patient. Before major progress towards this aim is possible however, tools that objectively assess the mental wellbeing of a patient must be validated in this context.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the fidelity of a therapy recommendation algorithm when trained with an objective quantification of psychological stress versus subjective ecological momentary assessments of stress and mood.

METHODS

From 2,786 unique individuals engaging between March 2015 and December 2022 in English language psychotherapy sessions and providing pre- and post-session self-report and facial biometric data via the AmDTx mental health platform (Mobio Interactive Pte Ltd, Singapore), analysis was conducted on 67 “super users” that completed at least 28 sessions with all pre- and post-session measures. AmDTx is a clinically validated mental health platform that provides patients with audio recordings supporting mental wellbeing (asynchronous and on-demand psychotherapy). AmDTx also contains easy to use tools that rapidly assess mental wellbeing, including an objective measure of psychological stress derived from AI analysis of facial biomarkers (Objective Stress Level; ∆OSL), and ecological momentary assessments (EMAs). Two commonly used EMAs within AmDTx are self-reported stress (∆SRS) and self-reported mood (∆SRM). These three data sources were used to independently train an algorithm designed to predict what future therapy sessions would prove most efficacious for each individual. Algorithm predictions were compared against the efficacy of the individual’s self-selected sessions.

RESULTS

EMAs demonstrated significant convergence with each other (r=0.53, P<.01), and divergence from the objective measure of psychological stress (r<0.03). The recommendation algorithm selected increasingly efficacious therapy sessions as a function of training data, when trained with the pre- and post-session ∆OSL (F(1, 16)=5.37, P=.034) or ∆SRM data (F(1, 16) = 3.69, P=.048). Using the first 15 therapy sessions, the algorithm trained using ∆OSL data predicted future sessions with a statistically higher efficacy relative to self-selected sessions (P<.01). Training the algorithm with self-reported data showed potential trends that did not reach significance (∆SRS: P=.092; ∆SRM: P=.12). Self-selections were over-represented amongst the algorithmically recommended sessions, an effect most pronounced for ∆OSL (F(1, 14)=30.94, P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

A rapid, scalable, and objective measure of psychological stress, when combined with a robust recommendation algorithm, may improve clinical predictiveness within precision psychiatry and thereby support the capacity for healthcare professionals to meet global demand.

CLINICALTRIAL

clinicaltrials.gov