bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BUNGA MATAHARI DALAM KARYA SENI GRAFIS CETAK TINGGI
Authors: Maharani Clara , Kurniawati Dyah Yuni
Published: February 2024

The purpose of creating this final work is as a form of aesthetic experience when the author needs calm in living his life. Sunflowers have a philosophy of always following the direction of the sun’s rays, which means being loyal, optimistic and enthusiastic so that sunflowers can be used as an inspiration for those who see them. The issues discussed are: 1) What is interesting about sunflowers as a source of ideas for creating high-print graphic art works, 2) How sunflowers become a theme in high-print graphic art works, 3) How to visualize sunflowers in high-print graphic art works . The objectives of creating this thesis work are: 1) Describe the interesting things about sunflowers, 2) Explain the choice of sunflowers as a source of ideas for creating graphic works of art, 3) Create a visualization of sunflowers as a work of graphic art. Sunflowers are packaged in high-print graphic art visuals with a flow of surrealism and color reduction methods. Presentation of works with figures using matte glass so as not to reflect light. The media used is mdf with a thickness of 3 mm with dimensions of 60 cm x 80 cm. The work is presented by placing it on the surface of the gallery wall using glass figures. Hopefully this work of art can be a reference, useful and enjoyable for the community.
Finding Satoyama – Forest bathing as a creative practice of knowledge creation and healing in/with/through damaged landscapes
Authors: Wuyts Wendy
Published: February 2024

Many people in the Western world are estranged from the more-than-human world, which negatively impacts their health and well-being. This article investigates the effect of forest bathing as an intervention on how designers and other citizens can reconnect with nature. Walking, talking, and sitting spot practices are not only research methods that help to understand the histories and interdependencies of a landscape and contribute to society and science, but can also be used as mental health promotion tools to generate self-care, especially when dealing with the experience of wounds through the inner and outer landscapes in which we engage. This article is based on an extensive review of a multidisciplinary body of literature. Although mainly conceptual, this article is empirically informed and illustrated by my experiences in Japan. By sharing an autoethnography of experiencing a Japanese landscape through five walks along the same trail over 1.5 years while exploring the deepening journey into the forest bathing practice, this article illustrates the opportunities and benefits of deploying forest bathing in landscape architecture and other regional and urban planning interventions. It also examines the concept of self-care and environmental citizenship and how they emerge in the forest bathing practice.
Challenges of Ukrainian Refugees in Germany: Resources for Women’s Empowerment
Authors: Byelikova Yuliya
Published: February 2024

We are currently witnessing one of the biggest waves of refugee’s influx to the EU (forced migrants); 90% of them are women and children. This paper deals with the gender sensitive approach to migration based on a study of the challenges and adaptation strategies of Ukrainian refugees in Germany. In June 2022, an online poll of 430 Ukrainian refugees was conducted by the author that included two open questions about the problems refugees faced since their arrival to Germany. The subsequently undertaken content-analysis on a grounded theory basis allows the author to describe the variety of topics, which occurred in the answers and group the challenges of respondents accordingly: adaptation, uncertainty future, separation, lack of social connections, complicated emotional state. The difference in social-demographic portraits of Ukrainian refugees (i.e. mostly female, mostly with children…) from the previous waves of refugees (i.e. Syria, Afghanistan) gives the opportunity to identify the specificity of female refugees' needs. The paper added to research of emotional challenges of refugees that are shaped by the experience of grief, loss, shame, guilt, fear, pain, loneliness, helplessness. Challenges are considered to be resources for women’s empowerment, providing changes in power structures and social institutions.
Cultura de seguridad del paciente desde la perspectiva de enfermería en dos hospitales públicos de Perú
Authors: Palomino Taquire Rewards
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: Evaluar la cultura de seguridad del paciente desde la perspectiva de enfermería en dos hospitales públicos de Perú. Material y métodos: Investigación de tipo cuantitativo, descriptivo, explicativo y de corte transversal. La muestra estuvo conformada por 231 profesionales de enfermería entre varones y mujeres que laboran en dos hospitales públicos de nivel III-III, a quienes se aplicó el cuestionario Hospital Survey on Patient Safety, traducido y validado en el contexto español; el instrumento utilizado presentó un nivel de confiabilidad de ,926 de alfa de Cronbach. Para el análisis y discusión de resultados, se utilizaron tablas de contingencia y el estadístico rangos con signos de Wilcoxon. Resultados: Las variables desarrollo de la cultura de seguridad, trabajo en equipo, dirección y gestión y supervisión presentan diferencias significativas (p < 0,5) entre ambas organizaciones hospitalarias; mientras que la apertura a la comunicación no presenta diferencias significativas. Conclusión: La gestión hospitalaria en cuanto a cultura de seguridad del paciente en el hospital 1 es deficiente y en el hospital 2 se deben redoblar esfuerzos para garantizar una cultura de seguridad del paciente de calidad, aunque los puntajes obtenidos, están muy por debajo de lo obtenido en hospitales de América Latina.
Alteraciones en la salud mental derivadas de la COVID-19 en la población de Moquegua
Authors: Alfaro Paco Eliana Rocio , Carlos Ayala Grecia Antonella , Huanca Chambi Betsabeth Yuliana
Published: February 2024

Identificar las alteraciones en la salud mental derivadas del COVID-19 en las personas de 18 a 60 años de edad en la población de Moquegua. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, no experimental, de tipo cuantitativo, de corte transversal, prospectivo y conglomerado. Se aplicó el cuestionario (PHQ-9) para medir el nivel de depresión, el instrumento Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) para el nivel de ansiedad y el cuestionario EEP-10-C para medir el nivel de estrés. Resultados: En relación con el estrés, el nivel bajo obtuvo el 93,6 % y el nivel alto, el 6,4 %. Para la depresión, el dato más significativo fue el nivel leve con el 31,4 %, mientras que el nivel severo obtuvo el 1,7 %. Para la ansiedad, el resultado significativo fue el nivel leve con el 26,5 %, mientras que el nivel severo obtuvo el 2 %. Conclusión: Se evidencia una asociación en la afectación psicológica con el nivel leve de los parámetros estudiados entre el estrés, la depresión y la ansiedad.
Conocimiento materno sobre la alimentación complementaria y el estado nutricional de los lactantes
Authors: Calderon Choque Nelly Leticia
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: Establecer la relación del conocimiento materno sobre la alimentación complementaria y el estado nutricional de los lactantes del Centro de Salud Leoncio Prado - Tacna, 2022. Materiales y métodos: La investigación fue de enfoque cuantitativo, tipo descriptivo correlacional de corte transversal y de método deductivo cuya muestra fueron 71 madres de lactantes donde se aplicó un cuestionario sobre el conocimiento materno y el estado nutricional respetando las consideraciones éticas. Resultados: El 55,0% de las madres tienen conocimiento medio, el 38,0% conocimiento alto y el 7,0% conocimiento bajo. Respecto al estado nutricional de los lactantes según el indicador Peso/Edad el 88,7% tienen peso normal y el 11,3% sobrepeso, según el indicador Peso/Talla el 84,5% tienen peso normal, el 9,9% obesidad y el 5,6% sobrepeso, y según el indicador Talla/Edad el 84,5% tienen talla normal, el 9,9% talla baja y el 5,6% talla alta. Conclusión: Existe relación significativa entre el conocimiento materno sobre la alimentación complementaria y el estado nutricional de los lactantes, comprobado mediante la prueba estadística Chi-cuadrado P/E (p=0,016<α=0,05), P/T (p=0,015<α=0,05) y T/E (p=0,034<α=0,05).
Satisfacción laboral del profesional de enfermería en el contexto hospitalario: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Perca Palacios Lisbeth Tania
Published: February 2024

Introducción: La satisfacción laboral del profesional de enfermería se ha convertido en un desafío para las organizaciones de salud, por ello se debe tener en cuenta los múltiples factores que conducen a la satisfacción como a la insatisfacción laboral, pues estos influyen en el desempeño de sus funciones el cual puede afectar la calidad de los servicios de salud y el alcance de las metas. Objetivo: analizar en la evidencia científica sobre la satisfacción laboral del profesional de enfermería en el contexto hospitalario. Métodos: Revisión sistemática de artículos publicados del 2013 al 2023 en las bases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, ScienceDirect y Embase. Para la estrategia de búsqueda se utilizó el acrónimo PICO y el diagrama de flujo Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA); se obtuvieron 2,429 artículos y tras aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, fueron revisados 82 artículos, de los cuales 20 fueron útiles para la revisión. Conclusiones: es importante tener en cuenta los diversos factores que influyen en la satisfacción laboral del profesional de enfermería y crear estrategias que aumenten la calidad de vida del enfermero lo que hará una reacción en cadena al aumentar la satisfacción laboral, el compromiso organizacional, la eficiencia y eficacia de los sistemas de salud, lo que a su vez se verá reflejado en la calidad de los cuidados prestados.
Saako mennä käytävälle tekemään? Nomadinen tutkimus avautuvan kouluympäristön arjesta
Authors: Alamikkelä Kaisu , Petäjäniemi Maria , Lanas Maija
Published: February 2024

Uusia perusopetuksen koulutiloja suunnitellaan monikäyttöisiksi ja helposti muunneltaviksi erikokoisten sekä erilaisten ryhmien tarpeiden mukaan. Kouluympäristöjen muuttuessa haasteena on omaksua uudenlainen toimintakulttuuri, mutta siihen siirtymisestä tarvitaan lisää tutkimustietoa. Tämä nomadinen tutkimus kuljeskelee yhden peruskorjatun ja muunneltavaksi uudistetun alakoulun arjessa sekä tuottaa uutta tietoa siitä, miten koulun käytänteet rakentuvat ensimmäisen vuoden aikana henkilökunnan ja oppilaiden palattua väistötiloista peruskorjattuun, uudistettuun vanhaan kouluunsa. Teemme näkyväksi koulun juurtuneita ajatusmalleja, joita arkkitehtuurinen muutos saa liikkeelle, tarkastellen toimintakulttuurin muutosta nojautumalla Foucault’n teorioihin vallasta, diskursseista ja diskursiivisista käytänteistä. Uudistettujen tilojen mahdollisuudet aktualisoituivat koulun perinteisten vahvojen diskurssien ehdoilla. Toiminta kiinnittyi totuttuihin tapoihin ja yritti sovittaa totuttuja tapoja uudenlaisen ympäristön kouluarkeen. Erityisesti työrauhaan ja luottamukseen kiinnittyvät käytänteet muokkasivat tilojen käyttöä. Esitämme, että koulun arkisessa toiminnassa on vahvoja luokkahuoneisiin perustuvia käytänteitä, jotka ylläpitävät itseään kouluympäristön avautumisesta ja luokkahuoneiden poistumisesta huolimatta.
Miten ilmiö pääsisi paremmin esiin? Mixed methods -metodologian valintoja kasvatustieteellisessä tutkimuksessa
Authors: Pitkäniemi Harri
Published: February 2024

Tässä artikkelissa pohditaan, miten ilmiö tutkimuskohteena voidaan saada haltuun siten, että sen omin piirteistö ja siinä vaikuttavat voimat nousevat kasvatustieteellisessä tutkimuksessa esiin. Tarkoituksena on kehittää pääasiassa mixed methods -lähestymistapaa, mutta käyttää hyväksi tuon tavoitteen toteuttamisessa myös kompleksisten systeemien lähestymistavan ja kriittisen realismin tarkastelua. Analyyttisen ja syntetisoivan tarkastelun perusteella rakennetaan sellaiset periaatteet, jotka tukevat metodologian kehittämistä ja sellaista empiirisen tutkimuksen suunnittelua, joka tavoittelee näkymää tutkimusmetodologisen verhon taakse: ilmiöön, sen olennaisuuksiin ja kompleksiseen kokonaisuuteen. Johtopäätöksinä esitetään seuraavat painopisteet: Ilmiön käsitteellinen mallintaminen kehittää metodologian suunnittelua tutkimuksessa. Lokaalisuus ja generaalisuus yhdistyvät metodologiassa; ne eivät erkaannu. Sotkuisuus on välitila – ei lähtökohtaisesti tutkimuksen virhe tai lopullinen tutkimustulos. Fokusointi prosessiin on kasvatuksen ilmiön tutkimuksessa olennaista, mutta myös kertatutkimukset ovat apuna kokonaisuuden hahmottamisessa.
Muğla’da Airbnb İlanlarının Coğrafi Boyutları ve Mekânsal Özellikleri
Authors: Zoğal Volkan , Emekli Gözde
Published: February 2024

Bu çalışma, Türkiye’nin önemli turizm merkezlerinden olan Muğla ilinde, Airbnb platformunda listelenen kısa süreli konut kiralamalarının mekânsal özelliklerine odaklanmaktadır. Airbnb ile ilgili, Türkiye’de son dönemlerde tartışmalar giderek artmış ve kısa süreli kiralamalara yeni bir yasal düzenleme getirilmiştir. Bu kapsamda olgunun coğrafi boyutlarının ortaya konulması önem arz etmektedir. Çalışmada, Muğla’da toplam 30 binden fazla Airbnb ilanının konum bilgileri kullanılarak, farklı mekânsal ölçeklerde (il, ilçe ve mahalle) dağılış, yoğunluk ve kümelenme analizleri yapılmış ve haritalar üretilmiştir. Çalışmanın bulguları, dünyada birçok şehirde olduğu gibi Muğla’da da Airbnb ilanlarının hızla arttığını ve ilanların Bodrum, Fethiye ve Marmaris gibi ikinci konut yapılaşmasının fazla olduğu ilçelerde yoğunlaştığını göstermiştir. Airbnb ilanlarının dağılışında denize yakınlık önemli bir belirleyicidir. Airbnb ilanlarının, anlamlı bir kümelenme eğilimi gösterdiği alanlar zamanla artmaktadır. Muğla’daki Airbnb ilanlarının yaratmış olduğu toplam yatak kapasitesi, işletme belgeli tesislerin yatak kapasitesini geçmiştir ve il genelinde Airbnb ilanları resmi konaklama tesislerine göre daha geniş bir alanda dağılış göstermektedir.
Inovações tecnologiacas no monitoramento de enchentes: um estudo de revisão sistêmica
Authors: Barizão Fernando Aparecido Costa , Angelis Neto Generoso De
Published: February 2024

Para reduzir o risco enchentes urbanas e aumentar a resiliência de comunidades vulneráveis, especialmente comunidades costeiras os sistemas de monitoramento empregam uma função crucial na eminência de possíveis desastres. Como parte fundamental das medidas não relacionadas à engenharia, reconhecesse que melhorar o monitoramento e a previsão de inundações urbanas é uma medida com alto benefício relacionado ao custo da redução do risco. A pesquisa teve como objetivo apresentar de forma resumida metodologias de monitoramento de enchentes em centros urbanos por meio uma metodologia de revisão sistemática da literatura (RSL). Este artigo revisou de maneira geral os mecanismos inovadores de monitoramento de enchentes e resumiu brevemente os métodos que os autores buscaram para dar uma solução em relação ao monitoramento e previsão de enchentes. Todos os sistemas abordados neste artigo de revisão compartilham uma característica comum, o uso de sistemas meteorológicos como ferramentas de previsão de enchentes, porém combinado com outras ferramentas. Dentre eles o uso complementar de sensores LiDAR e o sistema de o integração de câmera de vigilância se destacam no monitoramento em tempo real e previsão de enchente, se tornando ferramentas que possibilitam o auxílio de previsão é monitoramento de desastres.
Técnicas de mitigação da retração autógena no concreto de ultra alto desempenho (UHPC)
Authors: Barizão Fernando Aparecido Costa , Enami Rodrigo Mazia
Published: February 2024

As características únicas do concreto de ultra alto desempenho (UHPC) quanto a melhor eficiência em relação ao concreto convencional atrai cada vez mais pesquisadores para a sua aplicação em diversos segmentos da construção civil. O concreto de ultra alto desempenho (UHPC) são compósitos à base de cimento que apresentam melhor desempenho mecânico e durabilidade. Embora tenhas características mecânicas excepcionais esse material sofre de retração autógena superiores aos concretos convencionais graças ao baixo índice água cimento (a/c). Este trabalho teve por objetivo apresentar o panorama sobre a aplicação de métodos de mitigação da retração autógena do UHPC através da análise qualitativa e quantitativa de publicações na área. Através da string “ TITLE (shrinkege AND of AND ultra-high AND performance AND concrete) AND (LIMIT TO (SUBJAREA, “ENGI”) OR LIMIT TO (SUBJAREA, “MATE”))” utilizada na plataforma Scopus e a aplicação de filtros para refinar a pesquisa definiu-se os parâmetros que levou aos artigos selecionados para a revisão sistemática. Como resultado verificou-se que as pesquisas revisadas obtiveram grandes ganhos na mitigação da retração autógena do UHPC, nas propriedades mecânicas e no aperfeiçoamento do UHPC. Ainda, a análise quantitativa evidenciou a crescente quantidade de publicações aplicadas nos últimos anos e o interesse de países desenvolvidos em utilizar o material e torná-lo viável
Intelligent visually lossless compression of dental images
Authors: Kryvenko Liudmyla , Krylova Olha , Lukin Vladimir , Kryvenko Sergii
Published: February 2024

Background: Tendencies to increase the mean size of dental images and the number of images acquired daily makes necessary their compression for efficient storage and transferring via communication lines in telemedicine and other applications. To be a proper solution, lossy compression techniques have to provide a visually lossless option (mode) where a desired quality (invisibility of introduced distortions for preserving diagnostically valuable information) is ensured quickly and reliably simultaneously with a rather large compression ratio.

Objective: Within such an approach, our goal is to give answers to several practical questions such as what encoder to use, how to set its parameter that controls compression, how to verify that we have reached our ultimate goal, what are additional advantages and drawbacks of a given coder, and so on.

Methods: We analyze the performance characteristics of several encoders mainly based on discrete cosine transform for a set of 512 × 512 pixel fragments of larger size dental images produced by Morita and Dentsply Sirona imaging systems. To control the visual quality of compressed images and the invisibility of introduced distortions, we have used modern visual quality metrics and distortion invisibility thresholds established for them in previous experiments. Besides, we have also studied the so-called just noticeable distortions (JND) concept, namely, the approach based on the first JND point when the difference between an image subject to compression and its compressed version starts to appear.

Results: The rate-distortion dependences and coder setting parameters obtained for the considered approaches are compared. The values of the parameters that control compression (PCC) have been determined. The ranges of the provided values of compression ratio have been estimated and compared. It is shown that the provided CR values vary from about 20 to almost 70 for modern coders and almost noise-free images that is significantly better than for JPEG. For images with visible noise, the minimal and maximal values of produced CR are smaller than for the almost noise-free images. We also present the results of the verification of compressed image quality by specialists (professional dentists).

Conclusion: It is shown that it is possible and easy to carry out visually lossless compression of dental images using the proposed approaches with providing quite high compression ratios without loss of data diagnostic value.
Allergy-associated biomarkers in early life identified by Omics techniques
Authors: Zubeldia-Varela Elisa , Ibáñez-Sandín María Dolores , Gomez-Casado Cristina , Pérez-Gordo Marina
Published: February 2024

The prevalence and severity of allergic diseases have increased over the last 30 years. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for these diseases is a major challenge in current allergology, as it is crucial for the transition towards precision medicine, which encompasses predictive, preventive, and personalized strategies. The urge to identify predictive biomarkers of allergy at early stages of life is crucial, especially in the context of major allergic diseases such as food allergy and atopic dermatitis. Identifying these biomarkers could enhance our understanding of the immature immune responses, improve allergy handling at early ages and pave the way for preventive and therapeutic approaches. This minireview aims to explore the relevance of three biomarker categories (proteome, microbiome, and metabolome) in early life. First, levels of some proteins emerge as potential indicators of mucosal health and metabolic status in certain allergic diseases. Second, bacterial taxonomy provides insight into the composition of the microbiota through high-throughput sequencing methods. Finally, metabolites, representing the end products of bacterial and host metabolic activity, serve as early indicators of changes in microbiota and host metabolism. This information could help to develop an extensive identification of biomarkers in AD and FA and their potential in translational personalized medicine in early life.
Characterization of merozoite-specific thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (MTRAP) in Plasmodium vivax and P. knowlesi parasites
Authors: Sy Thau Nguyen , Nguyen Tuyet-Kha , Truong Nguyen Van , Chu Thi-Thanh Hang , Na Sung-Hun , Moon Robert W. , Lau Yee Ling , Nyunt Myat Htut , Park Won-Sun , Chun Wan-Joo , Lu Feng , Lee Seong-Kyun , Han Jin-Hee , Han Eun-Taek
Published: February 2024

Plasmodium vivax, the most widespread human malaria parasite, and P. knowlesi, an emerging Plasmodium that infects humans, are the phylogenetically closest malarial species that infect humans, which may induce cross-species reactivity across most co-endemic areas in Southeast Asia. The thrombospondin-related anonymous protein (TRAP) family is indispensable for motility and host cell invasion in the growth and development of Plasmodium parasites. The merozoite-specific TRAP (MTRAP), expressed in blood-stage merozoites, is supposed to be essential for human erythrocyte invasion. We aimed to characterize MTRAPs in blood-stage P. vivax and P. knowlesi parasites and ascertain their cross-species immunoreactivity. Recombinant P. vivax and P. knowlesi MTRAPs of full-length ectodomains were expressed in a mammalian expression system. The MTRAP-specific immunoglobulin G, obtained from immune animals, was used in an immunofluorescence assay for subcellular localization and invasion inhibitory activity in blood-stage parasites was determined. The cross-species humoral immune responses were analyzed in the sera of patients with P. vivax or P. knowlesi infections. The MTRAPs of P. vivax (PvMTRAP) and P. knowlesi (PkMTRAP) were localized on the rhoptry body of merozoites in blood-stage parasites. Both anti-PvMTRAP and anti-PkMTRAP antibodies inhibited erythrocyte invasion of blood-stage P. knowlesi parasites. The humoral immune response to PvMTRAP showed high immunogenicity, longevity, and cross-species immunoreactivity with P. knowlesi. MTRAPs are promising candidates for development of vaccines and therapeutics against vivax and knowlesi malaria.
Data sources and applied methods for paclitaxel safety signal discernment
Authors: Gressler Laura Elisabeth , Avila-Tang Erika , Mao Jialin , Avalos-Pacheco Alejandra , Shaya Fadia T. , Torosyan Yelizaveta , Liebeskind Alexander , Kinard Madris , Mack Christina D. , Normand Sharon-Lise , Ritchey Mary E. , Marinac-Dabic Danica
Published: February 2024

Background

Following the identification of a late mortality signal, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) convened an advisory panel that concluded that additional clinical study data are needed to comprehensively evaluate the late mortality signal observed with the use of drug-coated balloons (DCB) and drug-eluting stent (DES). The objective of this review is to (1) identify and summarize the existing clinical and cohort studies assessing paclitaxel-coated DCBs and DESs, (2) describe and determine the quality of the available data sources for the evaluation of these devices, and (3) present methodologies that can be leveraged for proper signal discernment within available data sources.

Methods

Studies and data sources were identified through comprehensive searches. original research studies, clinical trials, comparative studies, multicenter studies, and observational cohort studies written in the English language and published from January 2007 to November 2021, with a follow-up longer than 36 months, were included in the review. Data quality of available data sources identified was assessed in three groupings. Moreover, accepted data-driven methodologies that may help circumvent the limitations of the extracted studies and data sources were extracted and described.

Results

There were 39 studies and data sources identified. This included 19 randomized clinical trials, nine single-arm studies, eight registries, three administrative claims, and electronic health records. Methodologies focusing on the use of existing premarket clinical data, the incorporation of all contributed patient time, the use of aggregated data, approaches for individual-level data, machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches, Bayesian approaches, and the combination of various datasets were summarized.

Conclusion

Despite the multitude of available studies over the course of eleven years following the first clinical trial, the FDA-convened advisory panel found them insufficient for comprehensively assessing the late-mortality signal. High-quality data sources with the capabilities of employing advanced statistical methodologies are needed to detect potential safety signals in a timely manner and allow regulatory bodies to act quickly when a safety signal is detected.
Non-coronary atherosclerosis: a marker of poor prognosis in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: González-Lorenzo Óscar , Franco Pelaez Juan A. , Kallmeyer Andrea , Nieto Luis , Esteban Laura , Pello Ana , Aceña Álvaro , Aldamiz Gonzalo , Tuñón José
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The presence of non-coronary atherosclerosis (NCA) in patients with coronary artery disease is associated with a poor prognosis. We have studied whether NCA is also a predictor of poorer outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Materials and methods

This is an observational study involving 567 consecutive patients who underwent CABG. Variables and prognosis were analysed based on the presence or absence of NCA, defined as previous stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or peripheral artery disease (PAD) [lower extremity artery disease (LEAD), carotid disease, previous lower limb vascular surgery, or abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)]. The primary outcome was a combination of TIA/stroke, acute myocardial infarction, new revascularization procedure, or death. The secondary outcome added the need for LEAD revascularization or AAA surgery.

Results

One-hundred thirty-eight patients (24%) had NCA. Among them, traditional cardiovascular risk factors and older age were more frequently present. At multivariate analysis, NCA [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–2.69], age (HR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.09–1.67, p = 0.004), and diabetes mellitus (HR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.05–2.15, p = 0.025), were positively associated with the development of the primary outcome, while estimated glomerular filtration rate (HR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.93, p = 0.001) and use of left internal mammary artery (HR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.15–0.82, p = 0.035), were inversely associated with this outcome. NCA was also an independent predictor of the secondary outcome. Mortality was also higher in NCA patients (27.5% vs. 9%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Among patients undergoing CABG, the presence of NCA doubled the risk of developing cardiovascular events, and it was associated with higher mortality.
Identification and validation of NAD+ metabolism-related biomarkers in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Ye Chenhao , Fu Yuedong , Zhou Xijie , Zhou Feiya , Zhu Xuwei , Chen Yiheng
Published: February 2024

Background

The mechanism of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) metabolism-related genes (NMRGs) in diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is unclear. This study aimed to find new NMRGs biomarkers in DPN.

Methods

DPN related datasets GSE95849 and GSE185011 were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. 51 NMRGs were collected from a previous article. To explore NMRGs expression in DPN and control samples, differential expression analysis was completed in GSE95849 to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and the intersection of DEGs and NMRGs was regarded as DE-NMRGs. Next, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network based on DE-NMRGs was constructed and biomarkers were screened by eight algorithms. Additionally, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) enrichment analysis was completed, biomarker-based column line graphs were constructed, lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA and competing endogenouse (ce) RNA networks were constructed, and drug prediction was completed. Finally, biomarkers expression validation was completed in GSE95849 and GSE185011.

Results

5217 DEGs were obtained from GSE95849 and 21 overlapping genes of DEGs and NMRGs were DE-NMRGs. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that DE-NMRGs were associated with glycosyl compound metabolic process. The PPI network contained 93 protein-interaction pairs and 21 nodes, with strong interactions between NMNAT1 and NAMPT, NADK and NMNAT3, ENPP3 and NUDT12 as biomarkers based on 8 algorithms. Expression validation suggested that ENPP3 and NUDT12 were upregulated in DPN samples (P < 0.05). Moreover, an alignment diagram with good diagnostic efficacy based on ENPP3 and NUDT12 were identified was constructed. GSEA suggested that ENPP3 was enriched in Toll like receptor (TLR) pathway, NUDT12 was enriched in maturity onset diabetes of the young and insulin pathway. Furthermore, 18 potential miRNAs and 36 Transcription factors (TFs) were predicted and the miRNA-mRNA-TF networks were constructed, suggesting that ENPP3 might regulate hsa-miR-34a-5p by affecting MYNN. The ceRNA network suggested that XLOC_013024 might regulate hsa-let-7b-5p by affecting NUDT12. 15 drugs were predicted, with 8 drugs affecting NUDT12 such as resveratrol, and 13 drugs affecting ENPP3 such as troglitazone.

Conclusion

ENPP3 and NUDT12 might play key roles in DPN, which provides reference for further research on DPN.
A maternally derived complex small supernumerary marker chromosome involving chromosomes 8 and 14: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Ouboukss Fatima , El Amrani Zhour , Bouchahta Hicham , Ratbi Ilham , Sbiti Aziza , Liehr Thomas , Sefiani Abdelaziz , Natiq Abdelhafid
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The majority of small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMCs) are derived from one single chromosome. Complex sSMCs, on the other hand, consist of genetic material derived from more than one, normally two chromosomes. Complex sSMCs involving chromosomes 8 and 14 are rarely encountered.

Case presentation: We present here a 14-month-old boy born from an unrelated couple. At birth, the baby was hypotonic and had a cleft lip and palate, as well as ocular involvement. Throughout the course of development, the baby experienced feeding difficulties, stunted growth, and delayed psychomotor development. Banding together with molecular cytogenetics revealed a balanced maternal translocation t(8;14)(p22.3;q21)mat, leading due to meiotic 3:1 segregation to a partial trisomy of chromosomes 8 and 14 in the affected boy.

Discussion/Conclusion: This report highlights the importance of cytogenetics in diagnosis of rare genetic disorders, with impact on genetic counselling of patients and their families. There are three comparable cases in the literature involving both chromosomes 8 and 14, but with different breakpoints; the complex sSMC derived from chromosomes 8 and 14 in this case, characterized as der(14)t(8;14) (p22.3;q21)mat.
Genotype-by-environment interactions govern fitness changes associated with adaptive mutations in two-component response systems
Authors: Sanders Brittany R. , Miller Jordan E. , Ahmidouch Noor , Graves Joseph L. , Thomas Misty D.
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Two-component response systems (TCRS) are the main mechanism by which prokaryotes acclimate to changing environments. These systems are composed of a membrane bound histidine kinase (HK) that senses external signals and a response regulator (RR) that activates transcription of response genes. Despite their known role in acclimation, little is known about the role TCRS play in environmental adaptation. Several experimental evolution studies have shown the acquisition of mutations in TCRS during adaptation, therefore here we set out to characterize the adaptive mechanism resulting from these mutations and evaluate whether single nucleotide changes in one gene could induce variable genotype-by-environment (GxE) interactions.

Methods: To do this, we assessed fitness changes and differential gene expression for four adaptive mutations in cusS, the gene that encodes the HK CusS, acquired by Escherichia coli during silver adaptation.

Results: Fitness assays showed that as the environment changed, each mutant displayed a unique fitness profile with greatest fitness in the original selection environment. RNAseq then indicated that, in ± silver nitrate, each mutant induces a primary response that upregulates cusS, its RR cusR, and constitutively expresses the target response genes cusCFBA. This then induces a secondary response via differential expression of genes regulated by the CusR through TCRS crosstalk. Finally, each mutant undergoes fitness tuning through unique tertiary responses that result in gene expression patterns specific for the genotype, the environment and optimized for the original selection conditions.

Discussion: This three-step response shows that different mutations in a single gene leads to individualized phenotypes governed by unique GxE interactions that not only contribute to transcriptional divergence but also to phenotypic plasticity.
Key candidate genes and pathways in T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma identified by bioinformatics and serological analyses
Authors: Ren Yansong , Liang Haoyue , Huang Yali , Miao Yuyang , Li Ruihua , Qiang Junlian , Wu Lihong , Qi Jinfeng , Li Ying , Xia Yonghui , Huang Lunhui , Wang Shoulei , Kong Xiaodong , Zhou Yuan , Zhang Qiang , Zhu Guoqing
Published: February 2024

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL)/T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) is an uncommon but highly aggressive hematological malignancy. It has high recurrence and mortality rates and is challenging to treat. This study conducted bioinformatics analyses, compared genetic expression profiles of healthy controls with patients having T-ALL/T-LBL, and verified the results through serological indicators. Data were acquired from the GSE48558 dataset from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). T-ALL patients and normal T cells-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were investigated using the online analysis tool GEO2R in GEO, identifying 78 upregulated and 130 downregulated genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses of the top 10 DEGs showed enrichment in pathways linked to abnormal mitotic cell cycles, chromosomal instability, dysfunction of inflammatory mediators, and functional defects in T-cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and immune checkpoints. The DEGs were then validated by examining blood indices in samples obtained from patients, comparing the T-ALL/T-LBL group with the control group. Significant differences were observed in the levels of various blood components between T-ALL and T-LBL patients. These components include neutrophils, lymphocyte percentage, hemoglobin (HGB), total protein, globulin, erythropoietin (EPO) levels, thrombin time (TT), D-dimer (DD), and C-reactive protein (CRP). Additionally, there were significant differences in peripheral blood leukocyte count, absolute lymphocyte count, creatinine, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, folate, and thrombin times. The genes and pathways associated with T-LBL/T-ALL were identified, and peripheral blood HGB, EPO, TT, DD, and CRP were key molecular markers. This will assist the diagnosis of T-ALL/T-LBL, with applications for differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
Novel adjuvants in allergen-specific immunotherapy: where do we stand?
Authors: Lin Yen-Ju , Zimmermann Jennifer , Schülke Stefan
Published: February 2024

Type I hypersensitivity, or so-called type I allergy, is caused by Th2-mediated immune responses directed against otherwise harmless environmental antigens. Currently, allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only disease-modifying treatment with the potential to re-establish clinical tolerance towards the corresponding allergen(s). However, conventional AIT has certain drawbacks, including long treatment durations, the risk of inducing allergic side effects, and the fact that allergens by themselves have a rather low immunogenicity. To improve AIT, adjuvants can be a powerful tool not only to increase the immunogenicity of co-applied allergens but also to induce the desired immune activation, such as promoting allergen-specific Th1- or regulatory responses. This review summarizes the knowledge on adjuvants currently approved for use in human AIT: aluminum hydroxide, calcium phosphate, microcrystalline tyrosine, and MPLA, as well as novel adjuvants that have been studied in recent years: oil-in-water emulsions, virus-like particles, viral components, carbohydrate-based adjuvants (QS-21, glucans, and mannan) and TLR-ligands (flagellin and CpG-ODN). The investigated adjuvants show distinct properties, such as prolonging allergen release at the injection site, inducing allergen-specific IgG production while also reducing IgE levels, as well as promoting differentiation and activation of different immune cells. In the future, better understanding of the immunological mechanisms underlying the effects of these adjuvants in clinical settings may help us to improve AIT.
Accurate identification of Helicoverpa armigera–Helicoverpa zea hybrids using genome admixture analysis: implications for genomic surveillance
Authors: Trujillo Dario , Mastrangelo Thiago , Estevez de Jensen Consuelo , Verle Rodrigues Jose Carlos , Lawrie Roger , Massey Steven E.
Published: February 2024

Helicoverpa armigera, the cotton bollworm moth, is one of the world’s most important crop pests, and is spreading throughout the New World from its original range in the Old World. In Brazil, invasive H. armigera has been reported to hybridize with local populations of Helicoverpa zea. The correct identification of H. armigera-H. zea hybrids is important in understanding the origin, spread and future outlook for New World regions that are affected by outbreaks, given that hybridization can potentially facilitate H. zea pesticide resistance and host plant range via introgression of H. armigera genes. Here, we present a genome admixture analysis of high quality genome sequences generated from two H. armigera-H. zea F1 hybrids generated in two different labs. Our admixture pipeline predicts 48.8% and 48.9% H. armigera for the two F1 hybrids, confirming its accuracy. Genome sequences from five H. zea and one H. armigera that were generated as part of the study show no evidence of hybridization. Interestingly, we show that four H. zea genomes generated from a previous study are predicted to possess a proportion of H. armigera genetic material. Using unsupervised clustering to identify non-hybridized H. armigera and H. zea genomes, 8511 ancestry informative markers (AIMs) were identified. Their relative frequencies are consistent with a minor H. armigera component in the four genomes, however its origin remains to be established. We show that the size and quality of genomic reference datasets are critical for accurate hybridization prediction. Consequently, we discuss potential pitfalls in genome admixture analysis of H. armigera-H. zea hybrids, and suggest measures that will improve such analyses.
Noise-induced synchrony of two-neuron motifs with asymmetric noise and uneven coupling
Authors: Jagdev Gurpreet , Yu Na
Published: February 2024

Synchronous dynamics play a pivotal role in various cognitive processes. Previous studies extensively investigate noise-induced synchrony in coupled neural oscillators, with a focus on scenarios featuring uniform noise and equal coupling strengths between neurons. However, real-world or experimental settings frequently exhibit heterogeneity, including deviations from uniformity in coupling and noise patterns. This study investigates noise-induced synchrony in a pair of coupled excitable neurons operating in a heterogeneous environment, where both noise intensity and coupling strength can vary independently. Each neuron is an excitable oscillator, represented by the normal form of Hopf bifurcation (HB). In the absence of stimulus, these neurons remain quiescent but can be triggered by perturbations, such as noise. Typically, noise and coupling exert opposing influences on neural dynamics, with noise diminishing coherence and coupling promoting synchrony. Our results illustrate the ability of asymmetric noise to induce synchronization in such coupled neural oscillators, with synchronization becoming increasingly pronounced as the system approaches the excitation threshold (i.e., HB). Additionally, we find that uneven coupling strengths and noise asymmetries are factors that can promote in-phase synchrony. Notably, we identify an optimal synchronization state when the absolute difference in coupling strengths is maximized, regardless of the specific coupling strengths chosen. Furthermore, we establish a robust relationship between coupling asymmetry and the noise intensity required to maximize synchronization. Specifically, when one oscillator (receiver neuron) receives a strong input from the other oscillator (source neuron) and the source neuron receives significantly weaker or no input from the receiver neuron, synchrony is maximized when the noise applied to the receiver neuron is much weaker than that applied to the source neuron. These findings reveal the significant connection between uneven coupling and asymmetric noise in coupled neuronal oscillators, shedding light on the enhanced propensity for in-phase synchronization in two-neuron motifs with one-way connections compared to those with two-way connections. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the functional roles of network motifs that may serve within neuronal dynamics.
A retrotransposon-derived DNA zip code internalizes myeloma cells through Clathrin-Rab5a-mediated endocytosis
Authors: Puvvula Pavan Kumar , Martinez-Medina Lourdes , Cinar Munevver , Feng Lei , Pisarev Andrey , Johnson Anthony , Bernal-Mizrachi Leon
Published: February 2024

Introduction

We have demonstrated that transposons derived from ctDNA can be transferred between cancer cells. The present research aimed to investigate the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of Multiple Myeloma-zip code (MM-ZC), a cell-specific zip code, in myeloma cell lines. We demonstrated that MM-ZC uptake by myeloma cells was concentration-, time- and cell-type-dependent.

Methods

Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy methods were used to identify the level of internalization of the zip codes in MM cells. To screen for the mechanism of internalization, we used multiple inhibitors of endocytosis. These experiments were followed by biotin pulldown and confocal microscopy for validation. Single interference RNA (siRNA) targeting some of the proteins involved in endocytosis was used to validate the role of this pathway in ZC cell internalization.

Results

Endocytosis inhibitors identified that Monensin and Chlorpromazine hydrochloride significantly reduced MM-ZC internalization. These findings suggested that Clathrin-mediated endocytosis and endosomal maturation play a crucial role in the cellular uptake of MM-ZC. Biotin pulldown and confocal microscopic studies revealed the involvement of proteins such as Clathrin, Rab5a, Syntaxin-6, and RCAS1 in facilitating the internalization of MM-ZC. Knockdown of Rab5a and Clathrin proteins reduced cellular uptake of MM-ZC and conclusively demonstrated the involvement of Clathrin-Rab5a pathways in MM-ZC endocytosis. Furthermore, both Rab5a and Clathrin reciprocally affected their association with MM-ZC when we depleted their proteins by siRNAs. Additionally, the loss of Rab5a decreased the Syntaxin-6 association with MMZC but not vice versa. Conversely, MM-ZC treatment enhanced the association between Clathrin and Rab5a.

Conclusion

Overall, the current study provides valuable insights into the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of MM-ZC in myeloma cells. Identifying these mechanisms and molecular players involved in MM-ZC uptake contributes to a better understanding of the delivery and potential applications of cell-specific Zip-Codes in gene delivery and drug targeting in cancer research.
Taliglucerase alfa in the longterm treatment of children and adolescents with type 1 Gaucher disease: the Albanian experience
Authors: Cullufi Paskal , Tomori Sonila , Velmishi Virtut , Gjikopulli Agim , Akshija Ilir , Tako Aferdita , Dervishi Ermira , Hoxha Gladiola , Tanka Marjeta , Troja Erjon , Tabaku Mirela
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Enzyme replacement therapy is already recognized as the gold standard of care for patients with Gaucher disease. Taliglucerase alfa is one of the three alternatives recommended for treatment of Gaucher disease in children and adults.

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of Taliglucerase alfa in children and adolescents with Type 1 Gaucher disease.

Patients and methods

Over a six-year period, we monitored the efficacy of continuous treatment in 10 patients by assessing various parameters, including hemoglobin concentration, platelet count, liver and spleen volume, bone mineral density, glucosylsphingosine level, chitotriosidase activity, and growth parameters. Safety was evaluated by immunogenicity and adverse event monitoring.

Results

The mean age of patients was 13.4 ± 3.6 years and the treatment duration was 60.24 ± 13.4 months. From baseline to end line the parameters change as follows: hemoglobin concentration improved from 12.7 (±1.3) to 14.6 (±1.5) and platelet count from 180 (±74) to 198 (±79). The spleen volume, was reduced by 46% (p = 0,007). The chitotriosidase activity decreased from 4,019.7 (±3,542.0) nmoles/ml/hr to 2,039.5 (±1,372.2) nmoles/ml/hr (46% reduction). Glucoylsphingosine level dropped from 119.2 (±70.4) ng/ml to 86.2 (±38.1) ng/ml, indicating a reduction of 28%. Bone mineral density Z-score, improved from −1.47 (±1.76) to −0.46 (±0.99) (69.7% reduction). Out of the 1,301 total administrations, our patients reported only 37 (2.8%) infusion-related adverse events which were mild and transitory.

Conclusion

Taliglucerase alfa exhibits good efficacy and a safe profile in the treatment of children and adolescents with Type 1 Gaucher disease.