bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employee engagement and work centrality in times of crisis
Authors: Sharabi Moshe , Shlomi Adiel , Sharabi Shani
Published: March 2024

During the COVID-19 crisis, in 2020, many employees were forced to switch to working full-time from home or in a hybrid mode (combining work from home and on premises). The purpose of the present study examined the degree of engagement and work centrality of employees according to their employment mode. The questionnaire was conducted to those who continued to work on premises (n=100), those who switched to a hybrid mode (n=100), and those who switched to working from home (n=100) during the crisis. The findings of the study showed that the participation or non-participation of employees in the decision to change the working mode during the crisis, did not affect their engagement work centrality. Work centrality was highest for employees who continued to work on premises and lowest for those who switched to working from home. No difference was found in the degree of employee’s engagement in the different employment modes. Single-parent workers with children under the age of 13 who switched to hybrid work or working from home showed a higher engagement than did other workers. Demographic variables, employee participation, and the change in work mode had little effect on work centrality and engagement. One of the practical implications is that employing workers in crisis situations, when other organizations lay off employees and unemployment rates soar, increase appreciation of the organization, and contribute to strengthening the psychological contract of mutual obligations.
Köztaurusz a 21. században?
Authors: Bódog András
Published: March 2024

Magyarországon a Köztaurusz elnevezésű általános információkereső tezaurusz szolgál a nemzeti könyvtárban, illetve a közkönyvtárakban gyűjtött dokumentumok tárgyszavazására. A tárgyszórendszerként is szolgáló tezaurusz évtizedeken át épült, jelenleg is folyamatosan gyarapodik a tárgyszójegyzék, ám mára már hatályon kívül helyezett szabványok figyelembe vételével készült. A tanulmány azt vizsgálja, hogy a Köztaurusz mennyire felel meg a hatályos nemzetközi (ISO) tezauruszszabványnak. Mivel a Köztaurusz alapvető fontosságú az Országos Széchényi Könyvtár és számos közkönyvtár mindennapi munkájában és szabványos tartalmi feltárásában, a rendszer mindenkori szabványossága elengedhetetlen annak továbbfejlesztése érdekében. A Köztaurusz modernizálásának és a kor kihívásainak megfelelő szinten tartásának legelső lépése ez a szabványossági vizsgálat.
Взаємозв’язок відповідальності та лідерських якостей у здобувачів вищої освіти
Authors: Остополець Ірина , Бакуменко Тетяна , Блага Ольга , Маннапова Катерина , Раджабова Сабіна
Published: March 2024

У статті представлено результати теоретичного аналізу та емпіричного дослідження проблеми взаємозв᾽язку відповідальності та лідерських якостей у здобувачів вищої освіти. Визначено, що лідерські якості охоплюють комплекс індивідуально-особистісних і соціально-психологічних особливостей, які дозволяють індивіду впливати на групу з метою досягнення індивідуальних і групових цілей. Відповідальність є інтегративним і багатоаспектним утворенням, яке об’єднує особистісні особливості в систему і виявляється на різних рівнях. Стрижнем відповідальності виступають моральні цінності, норми та емоційне ставлення до них, що стають спонукою вчинків суб’єкта.
Метою дослідженняє визначення особливостей взаємозв’язку лідерських якостей та відповідальності у здобувачів вищої освіти.
Наукова новизна. Проведене дослідження дозволило виявити що у досліджуваних середньо-низький рівень розвитку здатності до лідерства та середній рівень лідерства.Рівень сформованості морально-етичної відповідальності у здобувачів вищої освіти є середнім. Найбільш розвиненими є альтруїстичні емоції і екзистенціальна відповідальність; найменш – морально-етичні цінності. Результати вказують на середній рівень загальної інтернальності у досліджуваних. Найбільш відповідальними вони відчувають себе за власні невдачі, найменш – за своє здоров'я. В цілому можна говорити про змішаний тип контролю – зовнішньо-внутрішній.Також виявлено пряму і зворотну взаємозалежності між лідерськими здібностями і морально-етичною відповідальністю, а саме: здатність до лідерства має прямий кореляційний зв'язок з екзистенційною відповідальністю і зворотний – з рефлексією щодо морально-етичних ситуацій, цінностей. Рівні лідерства не корелюють з жодним із показників морально-етичної відповідальності.
Висновки.Здатність до лідерства і високий рівень лідерства припускають внутрішнє атрибутування відповідальності за власне життя в цілому, діяльність, її процес і результати, а також за стосунки з іншими людьми. Проведене дослідження дозволяє стверджувати про недостатню міру відповідальності здобувачів вищої освіти та певну суперечливість їх розвитку: відповідальність проявляється ситуативно, про що свідчить середній рівень розвитку суб’єктивного контролю.
Ключові слова: лідерські якості, відповідальність, локус контролю, здобувачі вищої освіти.
Психологічні аспекти ресурсного розвитку особистості в умовах війни
Authors: Єна Аліна
Published: March 2024

У статті розкрито психологічні аспекти ресурсного розвитку особистості в умовах війни. Проведене дослідження спрямоване на вивчення впливу воєнних конфліктів на психічне здоров'я та розвиток особистості. Дослідження зосереджується на виявленні ресурсів, які можуть бути використані для підтримки психічного благополуччя особистостей у таких надскладних умовах.
Ресурсний розвиток особистості означає процес розширення та максимізації внутрішніх та зовнішніх ресурсів, які впливають на особистість з метою покращення її психічного стану, емоційного благополуччя та здатностей до самореалізації. Ресурсний розвиток спрямований на збереження та розширення позитивних ресурсів, що сприяють розвитку особистості та формуванню позитивного життєвого бачення.
Аналізуються стресові ситуації, що виникають під час війни, та їх вплив на психічний стан особистості. Окрема увага приділяється виявленню внутрішніх ресурсів особистості, які можуть сприяти її адаптації та виживанню в умовах стресу та небезпеки. Дослідження також розглядає психологічні стратегії та підходи, що можуть бути використані для підтримки ресурсного розвитку особистості під час війни. Висвітлюються аспекти психологічної реабілітації та підтримки, спрямовані на зміцнення внутрішніх ресурсів та психічної стійкості особистості.
Звертається увага на важливості розвитку ресурсів, таких як психологічна гнучкість, соціальна підтримка та саморегуляція, для забезпечення психічного здоров'я та адаптації особистості до військових конфліктів. Аналізується роль психологічної роботи з військовослужбовцями, цивільним населенням та постраждалими, спрямованої на підтримку їхньої психічної стійкості та відновлення після впливу воєнних подій. Окрема увага надається індивідуальним та груповим психотерапевтичним підходам, спрямованим на зміцнення внутрішніх ресурсів особистості. Розглядаються методи психологічної реабілітації, спрямовані на покращення психічного здоров'я та забезпечення психосоціальної адаптації.
Означена проблема має важливе значення для розуміння впливу війни на психіку людини та розвитку практичних рекомендацій для психологічної підтримки осіб, задіяних у конфліктних ситуаціях. Результати дослідження можуть бути використані для формулювання рекомендацій щодо психологічної підтримки осіб, залучених до воєнних подій, з метою покращення їхнього психічного стану та ресурсного розвитку.
Ключові слова: ресурс, психологічне здоров’я, психологічне благополуччя особистості, стрес, стійкість.
Взаємозв'язок самовідношення та комунікабельності у здобувачів вищої освіти
Authors: Білуха Тамара , Дейниченко Лариса , Дроздова Діана , Ільїна Юлія
Published: March 2024

У статті представлено результати теоретичного аналізу та емпіричного дослідження проблеми взаємозв᾽язкусамовідношення та комунікабельності у здобувачів вищої освіти юнацького віку. Визначено нерозв’язані аспекти цієї проблеми та її актуальність на сучасному етапі розвитку українського суспільства у зв᾽язку із трансформацією системи вищої освіти.
Аналіз результатів психологічних досліджень проблеми самовідношення, формування комунікативних якостей особистості в онтогенезі показав, що ці психологічні феномени є складними динамічними утвореннями, які розвиваються протягом життя особистості та залежать від мікросоціальних, макросоціальних та внутрішньо-особистісних чинників. Ставлення до власної особистості та комунікативні якості, уміння, здібності пов’язані один з одним. Максимального розвитку ці психологічні утворення досягають в юнацькому віці.
Метою дослідженняє визначення особливостей взаємозв’язку самовідношення та комунікабельності у здобувачів вищої освіти юнацького віку.
Наукова новизна. Проведене дослідження дозволило виявити що у досліджуваних розвинені такі показники самовідношення, як: інтегральне позитивне ставлення до власної особистості, високий рівень самоповаги, аутосимпатії та очікування позитивного ставлення від оточуючих. Комунікабельність розвинена на середньому рівні.Виявлений прямий кореляційний зв’язок між високим рівнем комунікабельності та інтегральним позитивним ставленням до власного «Я», самоповагою, самовпевненістю і самоприйняттям. Тобто розвиток цих складових самовідношення взаємопов’язаний із комунікабельністю. Отримані результати можуть бути використані для оптимізації навчально-виховного процесу в закладах вищої освіти.
Висновки.На основі результатів дослідження розроблено психологічні рекомендації для майбутніх фахівців щодо оптимізації комунікативної сфери. Формування комунікативної компетентності, використання конструктивних стратегій спілкування, розв’язання конфліктних ситуацій сприяють оптимізації самовідношення. Професійна комунікативна компетентність є важливою складовою особистості фахівця, який повинен вміти ефективно взаємодіяти з колегами та іншими суб᾽єктами професійної діяльності у процесі здійснення діяльності.
Ключові слова: самовідношення, комунікабельність, комунікативна культура, комунікативна компетентність, юнацький вік.
Elderly long-term survivors in the Nordic phase II study with first-line maintenance temozolomide for primary central nervous system lymphoma: a 10-year follow-up
Authors: Pulczynski Elisa Jacobsen , Simonsen Mikkel Runason , Kuittinen Outi , Fagerli Unn-Merete , Erlanson Martin , Fluge Øystein , Leppä Sirpa , Østenstad Bjørn , Fosså Alexander , Eriksson Mikael , El-Galaly Tarec , Kuitunen Hanne , Papworth Karin , Ljungqvist Maria , Pedersen Martin B. , Pollari Marjukka
Published: March 2024

Not available.
Eficiência e segurança da utilização de biofertilizantes em mudas de alface lisa (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) e rúcula (Eruca sativa L.).
Authors: Bizzo Barbosa de Amorim Gabriel , Saldanha Vogelmann Eduardo
Published: March 2024

A utilização de caldos microbiológicos na agricultura é prática milenar que se soma às práticas de manejo que proporcionam saúde ao agroecossistema. Esse trabalho apresenta uma metodologia para verificar a eficiência e segurança de dois biofertilizantes, elaborados com ingredientes locais, na produção de mudas de alface lisa (Lactuca sativa var. capitata) e rúcula (Eruca sativa L.), e no desenvolvimento, em canteiro definitivo, dos tratamentos selecionados de rúculas. O experimento ocorreu entre março e julho de 2023, na casa do estudante universitário da FURG, em São Lourenço do Sul, RS. Todos os tratamentos resultaram na brotação mais rápida das plântulas de alfaces, quando comparados ao tratamento controle. O uso do BFM na concentração de 0,1% apresentou melhores efeitos no desenvolvimento da área foliar das plantas de rúcula avaliadas no canteiro definitivo. O processo de fermentação realizado elimina a Escherichia coli, resultando em um biofertilizante seguro para o uso agrícola.
Del paisaje interior al paisaje exterior: Guía gráfica de parámetros de análisis
Authors:   Universidad del Azuay, Moyano-Vásquez María Gabriela
Published: March 2024

Los espacios interiores guardan una estrecha relación con los espacios exteriores en todo espacio de hábitat en el que se desarrollan las diversas actividades humanas, que van desde el habitar, estudiar, gestionar, servir, hasta el comercializar. Actualmente, al hablar de espacios comerciales en nuestras sociedades, se habla de espacios que crecen, se transforman y mutan al ritmo de un acelerado proceso comercial global; proceso en el que, muchas veces, a los diseñadores de interiores y arquitectos se les dificulta percibir con facilidad los diferentes elementos que relacionan los espacios interiores comerciales con los exteriores. Así, se generan proyectos de diseño comercial ajenos al contexto cultural y espacial en el que se emplazan, y reducen, como consecuencia, la generación de espacios que provoquen emociones o experiencias en los usuarios. Uno de los mayores aportes que intenta brindar esta publicación es el poder compartir no solo con estudiantes, arquitectos y diseñadores de interiores, sino con personas en general relacionadoas con los espacios comerciales. Es una guía gráfica de los diferentes parámetros de análisis que se han definido y que se espera lleguen a ser un recurso de fácil entendimiento que sirva de ayuda para encontrar respuestas asertivas en la definición, funcionamiento y generación de locales comerciales, integrales, seguros, cómodos, con una alta calidad ambiental, que generen experiencias motivadoras en los usuarios que los visiten y mejoren a su vez la calidad visual de los contextos en los que se emplazan. 140 páginas ISBN: 978-9942-645-37-1 E-ISBN: 978-9942-645-38-8
Tumor Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancer Development: A Review of 3D Study Analysis
Authors: Angka Rebecca Noerjani , Sudoyo Aru Wisaksono , Siregar Nurjati Chairani , Jeo Wifanto Saditya , Antarianto Radiana Dhewayani
Published: March 2024

Background: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in 2020, with a high mortality rate. Colorectal cancer treatment has made many advances. However, many factors in the tumor microenvironment still have not been reached but significantly affect the success of treatment. This literature review was conducted to search for research articles that analyze factors in the tumor microenvironment, how they interact through studies primarily conducted in 3D, and how to prepare for 3D research on colorectal cancer will be briefly discussed. The aim of this systematic review is to study the components of the tumor microenvironment in colorectal cancer development as assessed by 3D studies. Methods: Article searches were conducted through Embase, Scopus and PubMed. From the 110 articles found at the beginning of the search, after going through several screening stages, 27 articles were determined that met the inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria used were journals containing research articles on colorectal cancer in the last five years with topics regarding the tumor microenvironment and according to keywords. Results: Microenvironment components in colorectal cancer, consisting of cellular and noncellular components, have the most significant effect on cancer development and ultimately affect metastasis, response to treatment, and prognosis.  Conclusions: This literature review proves that the components of the tumor microenvironment are very diverse, making colorectal cancer heterogeneous. It still requires a lot of research to prove the existence of other components that affect the effectiveness of the treatment.
Sosialisasi Pentingnya Pendidikan dan Pemanfaatan Teknologi Informasi di Bidang Pendidikan
Authors: Septarina Amalia Agung , Widaningrum Anisa Hudi , Ratnasari Novia , Tarecha Rachmad Imam , Darajat Pangestuti Prima
Published: March 2024

Kurangnya minat warga Dusun Lebaksari untuk melanjutkan pendidikan hingga ke jenjang pendidikan tinggi perlu ditindaklanjuti. Hal tersebut dikarenakan faktor ekonomi dan kurangnya dukungan dari orang tua. Sosialisasi ini bertujuan untuk mendorong motivasi masyarakat agar dapat mempertimbangkan pendidikan anak-anaknya sampai ke jenjang pendidikan tinggi, sehingga dapat mencetak generasi muda yang dapat memberikan kontribusi besar kepada bangsa dengan memanfaatkan teknologi informasi untuk memaksimalkan proses belajar mereka. Metode yang digunakan dalam kegiatan ini yaitu metode Pendidikan Masyarakat melalui sosialisasi dengan beberapa tahap yaitu survei lapangan, persiapan dan sosialisasi. Kegiatan yang dilaksanakan di SDN Kepatihan 3 ini dihadiri oleh Bapak Kepala Dusun Lebaksari, para ibu guru dan wali murid SD kelas 1 sampai 6. Hasil dari kegiatan ini meningkatkan pemahaman peserta akan pentingnya pendidikan dan memberikan gambaran bahwa untuk dapat meraih pendidikan tinggi tidak selalu membutuhkan biaya yang banyak karena dapat melalui jalur beasiswa .
Clinical Features and Treatment of Pediatric Cerebral Cavernous Malformations
Authors: Phi Ji Hoon , Kim Seung-Ki
Published: March 2024

Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a vascular anomaly commonly found in children and young adults. Common clinical presentations of pediatric patients with CCMs include headache, focal neurological deficits, and seizures. Approximately 40% of pediatric patients are asymptomatic. Understanding the natural history of CCM is crucial and hemorrhagic rates are higher in patients with an initial hemorrhagic presentation, whereas it is low in asymptomatic patients. There is a phenomenon known as temporal clustering in which a higher frequency of symptomatic hemorrhages occurs within a few years following the initial hemorrhagic event. Surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment for pediatric CCMs. Excision of a hemosiderin-laden rim is controversial regarding its impact on epilepsy outcomes. Stereotactic radiosurgery is an alternative treatment, especially for deepseated CCMs, but its true efficacy needs to be verified in a clinical trial.
Question Tree Technique in Science Education; Sample Application
Authors: Gülen Salih , Yadigar Tuğba
Published: March 2024

The main purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the question tree technique used in the science lesson and the questions brought independently by the students on academic success. In addition, it is to get the opinions of the students about the use of question tree. Mixed method was used in the study. In the study lasting eight weeks, 61 participants participated with random sampling method. A fully structured interview form was preferred in the collection of qualitative data. Question tree questions and academic achievement test were used to collect quantitative data. The data obtained from the measurement tools were analyzed descriptively and content. In these analyzes, assistance was taken from Microsoft Excel and SPSS 17 programs. T-Test, ANCOVA, frequency and percentage and participant citations were used to interpret the data. According to the findings; It was determined that the question tree technique did not make a significant difference on the academic achievement of the experimental and control groups. The test of question tree questions did not affect academic success. It is thought that bringing the questions out of the book, freeing them not under the control of the teacher and using the low level questions are effective on this result. Students' question tree; It has been determined that they are useful and entertaining, sharing the questions with the class and solving them together, and using them in learning the subjects they cannot understand. It has been determined that the questions put on the question tree of the students have effects such as giving them information, learning new and different questions and solutions. In line with the results, suggestions are presented.
Çıkarma ve Toplama İşlemindeki Hata ve Kavram Yanılgılarına Cebirsel Akıl Yürütme Uygulamalarının Etkisi
Authors: Çırakoğlu Tuğba , Aydoğdu İskenderoğlu Tuba
Published: March 2024

Bu araştırmada ilkokul 2. sınıfta gerçekleştirilen cebirsel akıl yürütme uygulamalarının öğrencilerin çıkarma ve toplama işlemindeki hatalarını ve kavram yanılgılarını gidermeye nasıl bir etkisi olduğunun incelenmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Bu amaca yönelik olarak; öncelikle öğrencilerin ön test ile çıkarma ve toplama işleminde karşı karşıya kaldıkları hata ve kavram yanılgıları belirlenmiştir. Daha sonra sınıfta cebirsel akıl yürütme uygulamaları gerçekleştirilmiştir ve ardından bu uygulamaların hata ve kavram yanılgılarını gidermedeki etkisi son test ile ortaya konulmuştur. Araştırmada nicel araştırma yaklaşımlarından tek gruplu ön-son test zayıf deneysel desen kullanılmıştır. Bu araştırmada, veri toplama aracı olarak araştırmacılar tarafından geliştirilen bir test kullanılmıştır. Bu test aynı zamanda ön-son test olarak da kullanılmıştır. Kavram yanılgısı ve hataları gidermeye yönelik hazırlanan ders planları cebirsel akıl yürütme uygulamaları içermektedir. Araştırmadan elde edilen verilerin analizi içerik analizi ile yapılmıştır. Testte yer alan her soru ayrı ayrı analiz edilmiştir. Deneysel çalışmanın etkililiği Wilcoxon İşaretli Sıralar Testi ile belirlenmiştir. Araştırmanın sonucunda cebirsel akıl yürütme uygulamalarının hata ve kavram yanılgılarını giderdiği ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu nedenle cebirsel akıl yürütme uygulamalarının öğretim programında yer alması önerilmektedir.
Development of IgE-mediated food allergies in children with history of food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis: a series of five cases
Authors: Tran Kim L. , Wisner Elizabeth L. , Jeha George M. , Wall Luke A.
Published: March 2024

Food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) is a non-IgE-mediated allergic condition that presents with hematochezia in otherwise healthy infants. It is most commonly induced by cow's milk protein via breast milk or formula. The prognosis for FPIAP is generally considered favorable with most infants achieving symptomatic resolution after diet modification. Most infants go on to tolerate the offending foods by 1–3 years of age. Over 8 years at our institution, five patients were identified and noted to have FPIAP to cow's milk during infancy with subsequent development of IgE-mediated allergic reaction to cow's milk and other foods. All five cases developed other atopic disorders (atopic dermatitis in four cases). IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy has persisted beyond the preschool years in at least two patients (currently 8 and 16 years old). For three of the patients, the IgE-mediated reaction to cow's milk was severe with development of anaphylaxis or angioedema. In addition, three patients experienced anaphylaxis or angioedema to allergens other than milk. While FPIAP is a non-IgE-mediated process traditionally thought not to progress past the first year of life, some infants with FPIAP develop severe, persistent IgE-mediated cow's milk allergy. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed clinical description of such patients.
Levofloxacin loaded poly (ethylene oxide)-chitosan/quercetin loaded poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) core-shell electrospun nanofibers for burn wound healing
Authors: Monavari Mahshid , Sohrabi Razieh , Motasadizadeh Hamidreza , Monavari Mehran , Fatahi Yousef , Ejarestaghi Negin Mousavi , Fuentes-Chandia Miguel , Leal-Egaña Aldo , Akrami Mohammad , Homaeigohar Shahin
Published: March 2024

This study developed a new burn wound dressing based on core-shell nanofibers that co-deliver antibiotic and antioxidant drugs. For this purpose, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-chitosan (CS)/poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) core-shell nanofibers were fabricated through co-axial electrospinning technique. Antibiotic levofloxacin (LEV) and antioxidant quercetin (QS) were incorporated into the core and shell parts of PEO-CS/PLGA nanofibers, respectively. The drugs could bond to the polymer chains through hydrogen bonding, leading to their steady release for 168 h. An in vitro drug release study showed a burst effect followed by sustained release of LEV and QS from the nanofibers due to the Fickian diffusion. The NIH 3T3 fibroblast cell viability of the drug loaded core-shell nanofibers was comparable to that in the control (tissue culture polystyrene) implying biocompatibility of the nanofibers and their cell supportive role. However, there was no significant difference in cell viability between the drug loaded and drug free core-shell nanofibers. According to in vivo experiments, PEO-CS-LEV/PLGA-QS core-shell nanofibers could accelerate the healing process of a burn wound compared to a sterile gauze. Thanks to the synergistic therapeutic effect of LEV and QS, a significantly higher wound closure rate was recorded for the drug loaded core-shell nanofibrous dressing than the drug free nanofibers and control. Conclusively, PEO-CS-LEV/PLGA-QS core-shell nanofibers were shown to be a promising wound healing material that could drive the healing cascade through local co-delivery of LEV and QS to burn wounds.
Revolutionizing nephrology research: expanding horizons with kidney-on-a-chip and beyond
Authors: Huang Wei , Chen Yi-Yuan , He Fang-Fang , Zhang Chun
Published: March 2024

Organs-on-a-chip (OoC) is a microengineered three-dimensional cell culture system developed for decades. Utilizing microfluidic technology, OoC cultivates cells on perfusable channels to construct in vitro organ models, enabling the simulation of organ-level functions under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. The superior simulation capabilities compared to traditional animal experiments and two-dimensional cell cultures, making OoC a valuable tool for in vitro research. Recently, the application of OoC has extended to the field of nephrology, where it replicates various functional units, including glomerulus-on-a-chip, proximal tubule-on-a-chip, distal tubule-on-a-chip, collecting duct-on-a-chip, and even the entire nephron-on-a-chip to precisely emulate the structure and function of nephrons. Moreover, researchers have integrated kidney models into multi-organ systems, establishing human body-on-a-chip platforms. In this review, the diverse functional kidney units-on-a-chip and their versatile applications are outlined, such as drug nephrotoxicity screening, renal development studies, and investigations into the pathophysiological mechanisms of kidney diseases. The inherent advantages and current limitations of these OoC models are also examined. Finally, the synergy of kidney-on-a-chip with other emerging biomedical technologies are explored, such as bioengineered kidney and bioprinting, and a new insight for chip-based renal replacement therapy in the future are prospected.
Antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of halogenated phenylboronic acids against Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio harveyi
Authors: Sathiyamoorthi Ezhaveni , Lee Jin-Hyung , Lee Jintae
Published: March 2024

Vibrios are associated with live seafood because they are part of the indigenous marine microflora. In Asia, foodborne infections caused by Vibrio spp. are common. In recent years, V. parahaemolyticus has become the leading cause of all reported food poisoning outbreaks. Therefore, the halogenated acid and its 33 derivatives were investigated for their antibacterial efficacy against V. parahaemolyticus. The compounds 3,5-diiodo-2-methoxyphenylboronic acid (DIMPBA) and 2-fluoro-5-iodophenylboronic acid (FIPBA) exhibited antibacterial and antibiofilm activity. DIMPBA and FIPBA had minimum inhibitory concentrations of 100 μg/mL for the planktonic cell growth and prevented biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. Both iodo-boric acids could diminish the several virulence factors influencing the motility, agglutination of fimbria, hydrophobicity, and indole synthesis. Consequently, these two active halogenated acids hampered the proliferation of the planktonic and biofilm cells. Moreover, these compounds have the potential to effectively inhibit the presence of biofilm formation on the surface of both squid and shrimp models.
Leveraging undergraduate learning assistants when implementing new laboratory curricula
Authors: Griffin James H. , Thompson Jordan C. , López Pía A. , Link Renée D.
Published: March 2024

At University of California, Irvine, a large-enrollment research university, undergraduate chemistry courses for non-chemistry majors were delivered remotely during the 2020–2021 academic year, with a return to in-person instruction planned for January 2022. Because this return to in-person instruction coincided with the transition of second-year students from general chemistry to organic chemistry laboratory courses, the instructional staff recognized a need for remedial laboratory curricula for students with no prior in-person laboratory experience. Simultaneously, we desired to implement undergraduate Learning Assistants (LAs) in non-chemistry major organic chemistry laboratories for the first time at our university. In this paper, we describe our approach for leveraging undergraduate LAs to (1) test new laboratory curricula and (2) address feelings of comfort and safety for students with no prior in-person laboratory experience. Benefits of our LA program perceived by students include increased laboratory efficiency and improved student learning from near-peer instructors; benefits perceived by LAs include the development of professional skills and teamwork with graduate student teaching assistants. We provide an outline of resources and strategies to enable instructors to simultaneously implement undergraduate LAs and new laboratory curricula.
Review of childhood genetic nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis
Authors: Gefen Ashley M. , Zaritsky Joshua J.
Published: March 2024

Nephrolithiasis (NL) is a common condition worldwide. The incidence of NL and nephrocalcinosis (NC) has been increasing, along with their associated morbidity and economic burden. The etiology of NL and NC is multifactorial and includes both environmental components and genetic components, with multiple studies showing high heritability. Causative gene variants have been detected in up to 32% of children with NL and NC. Children with NL and NC are genotypically heterogenous, but often phenotypically relatively homogenous, and there are subsequently little data on the predictors of genetic childhood NL and NC. Most genetic diseases associated with NL and NC are secondary to hypercalciuria, including those secondary to hypercalcemia, renal phosphate wasting, renal magnesium wasting, distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA), proximal tubulopathies, mixed or variable tubulopathies, Bartter syndrome, hyperaldosteronism and pseudohyperaldosteronism, and hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism. The remaining minority of genetic diseases associated with NL and NC are secondary to hyperoxaluria, cystinuria, hyperuricosuria, xanthinuria, other metabolic disorders, and multifactorial etiologies. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in adults have identified multiple polygenic traits associated with NL and NC, often involving genes that are involved in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D homeostasis. Compared to adults, there is a relative paucity of studies in children with NL and NC. This review aims to focus on the genetic component of NL and NC in children.
New findings on CD16brightCD62Ldim neutrophil subtypes in sepsis-associated ARDS: an observational clinical study
Authors: Zhang Jing , Gao Chencheng , Zhu Zhenxing , Li Danyang , Qu Lai , Xue Qiuli , Wang Guoqiang , Ji Tong , Wang Fang
Published: March 2024

Background

The CD16brightCD62Ldim neutrophil subtype is a recently identified neutrophil subtype. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes of peripheral blood CD16brightCD62Ldim neutrophils in patients with sepsis-associated ARDS.

Methods

We prospectively recruited adult patients with sepsis-associated ARDS in the intensive care unit (ICU). Patient demographic data, medical history information, and laboratory data were collected within 48 hours of enrollment, and flow cytometry was applied to analyze the CD16brightCD62Ldim neutrophil subtype in the patients’ peripheral blood. Multifactor COX regression models were used to analyze factors affecting prognosis, and Spearman correlation coefficients were used to analyze clinical and laboratory indicators affecting complications of infection.

Results

Of the 40 patients, 9 patients died by the 28-day follow-up, indicating a mortality rate of 22.5%. Patients in the nonsurvival group had higher CD16brightCD62Ldim neutrophil levels. Patients with sepsis-associated ARDS who had a baseline proportion of CD16brightCD62Ldim neutrophil subtypes to total neutrophils in peripheral blood >3.73% had significantly higher 28-day mortality, while patients with CD16brightCD62Ldim neutrophil subtypes counts >2.62×109/L were also associated with significantly higher 28-day mortality. The percentage of the CD16brightCD62Ldim neutrophil subtype (HR=5.305, 95% CI 1.986-14.165, p=0.001) and IL-8 (HR=3.852, 95% CI 1.561-9.508, p=0.003) were independent risk factors for the development of infectious complications in patients with sepsis-related ARDS. The percentage of CD16brightCD62Ldim neutrophil subtypes predicted an AUC of 0.806 (95% CI 0.147-0.964, P=0.003) for the development of infectious complications, and 0.742 (95% CI 0.589-0.895, P=0.029) for the prediction of death within 28 days.

Conclusion

We identified for the first time that CD16brightCD62Ldim neutrophils are elevated in patients with sepsis-associated ARDS and are associated with infectious complications and poor prognosis. The percentage of CD16brightCD62Ldim neutrophil subtypes may serve as a predictor of the development of infectious complications in patients with ARDS.
Rate of severe and fatal infections in a cohort of patients with interstitial lung disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis: a multicenter prospective study
Authors: Mena-Vázquez Natalia , Redondo-Rodriguez Rocío , Rojas-Gimenez Marta , Romero-Barco Carmen María , Fuego-Varela Clara , Perez-Gómez Nair , Añón-Oñate Isabel , Castro Pérez Patricia , García-Studer Aimara , Hidalgo-Conde Ana , Arnedo Díez de los Ríos Rocío , Cabrera-César Eva , Velloso-Feijoo Maria Luisa , Manrique-Arija Sara , Calvo-Gutiérrez Jerusalem , Gandía-Martínez Myriam , Morales-Garrido Pilar , Godoy-Navarrete Francisco Javier , Mouriño-Rodriguez Coral , Espildora Francisco , Aguilar-Hurtado María Carmen , Fernández-Nebro Antonio
Published: March 2024

Objective

To describe severe infection, foci of infection, microorganisms, associated factors, and impact on mortality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis–associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD).

Patients and methods

The study was based on a multicenter prospective cohort of patients with RA-ILD followed up from 2015 to 2023. The main outcome measures were incident severe infection and fatal infection. We evaluated infectious foci, etiologic agents, vaccination status, variables associated with lung function, and clinical-therapeutic variables in RA. The incidence rate (IR) for infection and mortality was calculated per 100 person-years, and 3 multivariate models were constructed to explore factors associated with infection.

Results

We followed up 148 patients with RA-ILD for a median 56.7 months (699.3 person-years). During this period, 142 patients (96%) had at least 1 infection. A total of 368 infectious episodes were recorded, with an IR of 52.6 per 100 person-years. Of the 48 patients who died, 65% did so from infection. Respiratory infections were the most common first infection (74%), infection overall (74%), and fatal infection (80%) and were caused mostly by SARS CoV-2, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and influenza A virus. The factors associated with an increased risk of infection and death in patients with RA-ILD were age, inflammatory activity, and therapy with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants.

Conclusion

Patients with RA-ILD have a high risk of serious infection, especially respiratory infection. Infection develops early, is recurrent, and is frequently fatal. The presence of associated factors such as advanced age, joint inflammation, and treatment highlight the importance of integrated and preventive medical care.
The gastrointestinal microbiota in the development of ME/CFS: a critical view and potential perspectives
Authors: Stallmach Andreas , Quickert Stefanie , Puta Christian , Reuken Philipp A.
Published: March 2024

Like other infections, a SARS-CoV-2 infection can also trigger Post-Acute Infection Syndromes (PAIS), which often progress into myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). ME/CFS, characterized by post-exercise malaise (PEM), is a severe multisystemic disease for which specific diagnostic markers or therapeutic concepts have not been established. Despite numerous indications of post-infectious neurological, immunological, endocrinal, and metabolic deviations, the exact causes and pathophysiology remain unclear. To date, there is a paucity of data, that changes in the composition and function of the gastrointestinal microbiota have emerged as a potential influencing variable associated with immunological and inflammatory pathways, shifts in ME/CFS. It is postulated that this dysbiosis may lead to intestinal barrier dysfunction, translocation of microbial components with increased oxidative stress, and the development or progression of ME/CFS. In this review, we detailed discuss the findings regarding alterations in the gastrointestinal microbiota and its microbial mediators in ME/CFS. When viewed critically, there is currently no evidence indicating causality between changes in the microbiota and the development of ME/CFS. Most studies describe associations within poorly defined patient populations, often combining various clinical presentations, such as irritable bowel syndrome and fatigue associated with ME/CFS. Nevertheless, drawing on analogies with other gastrointestinal diseases, there is potential to develop strategies aimed at modulating the gut microbiota and/or its metabolites as potential treatments for ME/CFS and other PAIS. These strategies should be further investigated in clinical trials.
Advancing diabetes treatment: the role of mesenchymal stem cells in islet transplantation
Authors: Mou Lisha , Wang Tony Bowei , Wang Xinyu , Pu Zuhui
Published: March 2024

Diabetes mellitus, a prevalent global health challenge, significantly impacts societal and economic well-being. Islet transplantation is increasingly recognized as a viable treatment for type 1 diabetes that aims to restore endogenous insulin production and mitigate complications associated with exogenous insulin dependence. We review the role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in enhancing the efficacy of islet transplantation. MSCs, characterized by their immunomodulatory properties and differentiation potential, are increasingly seen as valuable in enhancing islet graft survival, reducing immune-mediated rejection, and supporting angiogenesis and tissue repair. The utilization of MSC-derived extracellular vesicles further exemplifies innovative approaches to improve transplantation outcomes. However, challenges such as MSC heterogeneity and the optimization of therapeutic applications persist. Advanced methodologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), are highlighted as potential technologies for addressing these challenges, potentially steering MSC therapy toward more effective, personalized treatment modalities for diabetes. This review revealed that MSCs are important for advancing diabetes treatment strategies, particularly through islet transplantation. This highlights the importance of MSCs in the field of regenerative medicine, acknowledging both their potential and the challenges that must be navigated to fully realize their therapeutic promise.
Co-design of a paediatric oncology medicines database (ProCure) to support complex care provision for children with a hard-to-treat cancer
Authors: Mazariego Carolyn G. , McKay Skye , Tyedmers Elijah , Kelada Lauren , McGill Brittany C. , Daly Rebecca , Wakefield Claire E. , Ziegler David S. , Taylor Natalie
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Paediatric oncologists often encounter challenges when seeking compassionate access to off-label therapies for their patients. This study employed implementation science and co-design techniques to develop the ProCure medicines database, with the goal of streamlining the application process and addressing identified barriers in paediatric oncology.

Methods

This study utilised an exploratory qualitative research design. Seventeen healthcare providers, including oncologists, nurse consultants, and allied health professionals, participated in semi-structured interviews guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and a visual process map aid. Deductive qualitative data analysis, according to the CFIR constructs, identified key barriers and facilitators. Collaborative design sessions engaged multidisciplinary teams to develop the ProCure beta version.

Results

Barriers to off-label therapy access included resource-intensive applications, time sensitive decision-making, and complex pharmaceutical information. Facilitators included Drug Access Navigators, Molecular Tumour Boards, and a multi-disciplinary approach. ProCure addressed end-user needs by centralising medicines information. Additional features suggested by healthcare providers included blood–brain-barrier penetrability data and successful application examples.

Conclusion

ProCure represents a promising solution to the challenges paediatric oncologists face in accessing off-label therapies. By centralising information, it simplifies the application process, aids decision-making, and promotes a collaborative approach to patient care. The potential of the database to stream and enhance off-label therapy access underscores its relevance in improving paediatric oncology practise. Further research and implementation efforts are warranted to assess ProCure’s real-world impact and refine its features based on user feedback.
Evaluation of crAssphages as a potential marker of human viral contamination in environmental water and fresh leafy greens
Authors: Suh Soo Hwan , Lee Jeong Su , Kim Seung Hwan , Vinjé Jan , Kim Soon Han , Park Geun Woo
Published: March 2024

CrAssphages are human gut bacteriophages with potential use as an indicator of human fecal contamination in water and other environmental systems. We determined the prevalence and abundance of crAssphages in water, food, and fecal samples and compared these estimates with the prevalence of norovirus. Samples were tested using two crAssphage-specific qPCR assays (CPQ056 and TN201-203) and for norovirus using TaqMan realtime RT-PCR. CrAssphage was detected in 40% of human fecal specimens, 61% of irrigation water samples, 58.5% of stream water samples, and 68.5% of fresh leafy greens samples. Interestingly, across all sample categories, crAssphage concentrations were 2–3 log10 higher than norovirus concentrations. The correlation of detection of crAssphage and norovirus was significant for the irrigation water samples (r = 0.74, p = 7.4e-06). Sequences obtained from crAssphage positive samples from human fecal and stream water samples phylogenetically clustered with genotype I crAssphages, whereas sequences derived from irrigation water samples clustered differently from other genotypes. Our data show that crAssphages were prevalent in norovirus-positive water samples and in fresh leafy green samples, there was a strong correlation between the presence of crAssphage and norovirus. CrAssphage genomic copies were consistently higher than norovirus copies in all sample types. Overall, our findings suggest that crAssphages could be used as reliable indicators to monitor fecal-borne virus contamination within the food safety chain.
Optimization of flavanonols heterologous biosynthesis in Streptomyces albidoflavus, and generation of auronols
Authors: Magadán-Corpas Patricia , Ye Suhui , Braune Annett , Villar Claudio J. , Lombó Felipe
Published: March 2024

Aromadendrin and taxifolin are two flavanonols (derived from the precursor naringenin) displaying diverse beneficial properties for humans. The carbon skeleton of these flavonoids may be transformed by the human gastrointestinal microbiota into other compounds, like auronols, which exert different and interesting biological activities. While research in flavonoids has become a certainly extensive field, studies about auronols are still scarce. In this work, different versions of the key plant enzyme for flavanonols biosynthesis, The flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), has been screened for selecting the best one for the de novo production of these compounds in the bacterial factory Streptomyces albidoflavus UO-FLAV-004-NAR, a naringenin overproducer strain. This screening has rendered 2.6 μg/L of aromadendrin and 2.1 mg/L of taxifolin final production titers. Finally, the expression of the chalcone isomerase (CHI) from the gut bacterium Eubacterium ramulus has rendered a direct conversion (after feeding experiments) of 38.1% of (+)-aromadendrin into maesopsin and 74.6% of (+)-taxifolin into alphitonin. Moreover, de novo heterologous biosynthesis of 1.9 mg/L of alphitonin was accomplished by means of a co-culture strategy of a taxifolin producer S. albidoflavus and a CHI-expressing Escherichia coli, after the observation of the high instability of alphitonin in the culture medium. This study addresses the significance of culture time optimization and selection of appropriate enzymes depending on the desired final product. To our knowledge, this is the first time that alphitonin de novo production has been accomplished.
Assessing the cognitive decline of people in the spectrum of AD by monitoring their activities of daily living in an IoT-enabled smart home environment: a cross-sectional pilot study
Authors: Grammatikopoulou Margarita , Lazarou Ioulietta , Alepopoulos Vasilis , Mpaltadoros Lampros , Oikonomou Vangelis P. , Stavropoulos Thanos G. , Nikolopoulos Spiros , Kompatsiaris Ioannis , Tsolaki Magda
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Assessing functional decline related to activities of daily living (ADLs) is deemed significant for the early diagnosis of dementia. As current assessment methods for ADLs often lack the ability to capture subtle changes, technology-based approaches are perceived as advantageous. Specifically, digital biomarkers are emerging, offering a promising avenue for research, as they allow unobtrusive and objective monitoring.

Methods

A study was conducted with the involvement of 36 participants assigned to three known groups (Healthy Controls, participants with Subjective Cognitive Decline and participants with Mild Cognitive Impairment). Participants visited the CERTH-IT Smart Home, an environment that simulates a fully functional residence, and were asked to follow a protocol describing different ADL Tasks (namely Task 1 – Meal, Task 2 – Beverage and Task 3 – Snack Preparation). By utilizing data from fixed in-home sensors installed in the Smart Home, the identification of the performed Tasks and their derived features was explored through the developed CARL platform. Furthermore, differences between groups were investigated. Finally, overall feasibility and study satisfaction were evaluated.

Results

The composition of the ADLs was attainable, and differentiation among the HC group compared to the SCD and the MCI groups considering the feature “Activity Duration” in Task 1 – Meal Preparation was possible, while no difference could be noted between the SCD and the MCI groups.

Discussion

This ecologically valid study was determined as feasible, with participants expressing positive feedback. The findings additionally reinforce the interest and need to include people in preclinical stages of dementia in research to further evolve and develop clinically relevant digital biomarkers.