bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic patterning of stunted and overweight Iranian children: a national cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Kasaii Maryam Sadat , Rodrigues Sara , Abdollahi Morteza , Houshiar-Rad Anahita , Perelman Julian
Published: March 2024

Background: The evidence indicates a high prevalence of malnutrition, such as stunting and overweight, among Iranian children. Yet, this prevalence may not be equally distributed across socioeconomic groups, so that non-targeted policies may be ineffective. This paper aimed to measure the socioeconomic patterning of children's stunting and overweight status, and the mediating role of nutrition patterns.
Methods: The data were derived from the 2017 Demography and Health Survey (DHS) and the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), which were conducted in Iran. A sample of 19,270 children under the age of five was selected through a two-stage random sampling process. Children aged between 2 and 5 years were selected for the study (n=11,147). The probability of stunting and overweight was modeled using logistic regressions. The parental education and occupation and living conditions (areas and assets of the household) were considered as explanatory variables. The Diet Diversity Score was then factored in as mediation factor. Analyses were adjusted for age and sex.
Results: The odds of stunting were more than 1.7 times greater among children whose father only completed primary school and more than twice higher among children whose mother was illiterate. Children of unemployed fathers had a 1.69-fold greater risk of stunting, while the risk was almost 1.5 higher in children living in smaller houses. Finally, a gradient was also observed related to poor living resources, with 2.01 times greater odds of stunting for children from families without assets. The results were less socially patterned for overweight, which was still significantly lower among children from low-educated fathers. Although a higher Diet Diversity Score (DDS) was associated with a decrease in stunting and an increase in overweight, these associations did not modify the link between socioeconomic status and stunting and overweight.
Discussion: Malnutrition, especially stunting, more severely affects children from Iranian households with a lower socioeconomic background. Parental education, unemployment of father, area and assets were the most accurate factors for disentangling these inequalities, suggesting policies targeting more vulnerable groups.
Livestock predation and crop raiding by wildlife and community attitudes in the vicinity of Mankira Forest in southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Asaye Birhanu , Tekalign Wondimagegnehu , Dobamo Taye
Published: March 2024

Crop raiding and livestock predation negatively impact the views of the local community towards wildlife conservation. Farmers across the African continent, especially those in rural regions, incur financial losses as a result of crop damage and livestock depredation. The main objective of the study was to assess livestock predation and crop raiding activities by wildlife and community attitudes in the vicinity of Mankira Forest in southwest Ethiopia. The data were collected between November 2021 and September 2022 via a structured questionnaire. This study used a sample of 241 randomly selected respondents from the four villages, and responses were compared using chi-square tests. Pearson correlation was also used to test the relationship between the distance of farmland and the extent of crop damage. The majority of the respondents (95%) reported the presence of crop raiding and livestock predation in the area. These losses were caused by the Papio anubis (39%), the Chlorocebus aethiops (24.1%), the Hystrix cristata (15.3%), the Canis aures (58.3%), and the Crocutacrocuta (29.5%). The most vulnerable crop type for crop raiders was maize. Most of the respondents (56.7%) had a negative attitude towards wildlife conservation. There was a significant difference among age groups of respondents related to their attitude towards wildlife conservation (χ2 = 165.019, df = 8, p < 0.05). Farmers must protect their livestock and crops, as well as create a buffer zone between the farmlands and the forest, in order to reduce the damage.
Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding practice among mothers with infants under-six months in Ethiopia: A Multilevel Analysis of the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Geremew Bisrat Misganaw
Published: March 2024

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is defined as feeding infants only breast milk, be it directly from breast or expressed, except drops or syrups consisting of vitamins, mineral supplements, or medicine. However, the importance of the exclusive breastfeeding practicein Ethiopia is lower when compared to the internationally recommended one. The main objective of this study is to identify determinants of EBF practice among under 6-month infants in Ethiopian mothers.
Methods: The 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic Health Survey (2019 EMDHS) was used as a main source for this study. To identify significantly associated determinants with exclusive breastfeeding among the infants under 6-month of age a multilevel logistic regression model was used. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to measure the association of factors with EBF practice. For model comparison log-likelihood (LL), deviance, and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) were used.
Results: A total of 530 weighted infants under 6 months of age were included in the study. The prevalence of exclusive of breastfeeding practice was 83%. The odds of EBF for those mothers with higher educational level were less likely, 0.02(0.001, 0.64) as compared to non-educated mothers. Mothers with higher education (AOR: 0.02; 95%CI: 0.001, 0.64) and infants from middle or rich families (AOR: 5.34; 95% CI: 1.022, 27.85) from individual level variables; and rural residences (AOR: 0.008; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.99), pastoralist regions (AOR: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.18), and low community poverty level (AOR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.018, 0.68) from community level variables were factors significantly associated with EBF practice among under 6-month infants.
Conclusion: In this study, mother’s educational level, wealth index, place of residence, contextual region and community poverty level were the significant factors affecting EBF practice among infants under 6-month of age. Creating awareness, the importance of breastfeeding counseling, ANC and PNC for mothers and the community may help to enhance the exclusive breast-feeding practices.
Lifestyle and sociodemographic risk factors for stillbirth by region of residence in South Australia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bowman Anneka , Sullivan Thomas , Makrides Maria , Flenady Vicki , Shepherd Emily , Hawke Karen , Stuart-Butler Deanna , Leane Cathy , Middleton Philippa
Published: March 2024

Background
Stillbirth rates remain a global priority and in Australia, progress has been slow. Risk factors of stillbirth are unique in Australia due to large areas of remoteness, and limited resource availability affecting the ability to identify areas of need and prevalence of factors associated with stillbirth. This retrospective cohort study describes lifestyle and sociodemographic factors associated with stillbirth in South Australia (SA), between 1998 and 2016.
Methods
All restigered births in SA between 1998 ad 2016 are included. The primary outcome was stillbirth (birth with no signs of life ≥ 20 weeks gestation or ≥ 400 grams if gestational age was not reported). Associations between stillbirth and lifestyle and sociodemographic factors were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression and described using adjusted odds ratios (aORs).
Results
A total of 363,959 births were included. Inadequate antenatal care access (assessed against the Australian Pregnancy Care Guidelines) was associated with the highest odds of stillbirth (aOR 3.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.41–4.52). Other factors with important associations with stillbirth were plant/machine operation (aOR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.16–2.45), birthing person age ≥ 40 years (aOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.50–2.45), paternal pensioner status (aOR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.12–2.99), Asian country of birth (aOR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.19–2.10) and Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander status (aOR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.20–1.88). The odds of stillbirth were increased in regional/remote areas in association with inadequate antenatal care (aOR, 4.64; 95% CI, 2.98–7.23), birthing age 35–40 years (aOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.02–3.64), Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status (aOR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.12–3.21), paternal occupations: tradesperson (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.17–6.16) and unemployment (aOR, 4.06; 95% CI, 1.41–11.73).
Conclusion
Factors identified as independently associated with stillbirth odds include factors that could be addressed through timely access to adequate antenatal care and are likely relevant throughout Australia. The identified factors should be the target of stillbirth prevention strategies/efforts.
The stillbirth rate in Australia is a national concern. Reducing preventable stillbirths remains a global priority.
Pre-participation evaluation of recreational and competitive athletes – A systematic review of guidelines and consensus statements
Authors: Weise Alina , Könsgen Nadja , Joisten Christine , Schlumberger Fabian , Hirschmüller Anja , Breuing Jessica , Goossen Käthe
Published: March 2024

Objective: Pre-participation evaluation (PPE) aims to support safe participation in sports. The goal of this systematic review was to aggregate evidence- and consensus-based recommendations for the PPE of recreational or competitive athletes as preparation for developing a German guideline on this subject.
Methods: Five databases, including MEDLINE, were searched in August 2022. Searches on the websites of relevant guideline organisations and specialty medical associations were also performed, complemented by citation screening. We included guidelines/consensus statements with recommendations for PPE of adult recreational athletes or competitive athletes of any age, both without chronic illness. We extracted and synthesised data in a structured manner and appraised quality using selected domains of the AGREE-II tool.
Results: From the 6611 records found, we included 35 documents. Overall, the quality of the included documents was low. Seven documents (20%) made recommendations on the entire PPE process, while the remainder focussed on cardiovascular screening (16/35, 45.7%) or other topics. We extracted 305 recommendations. Of these, 11.8% (36/305) applied to recreational athletes, while the remaining 88.2% (269/305) applied to athletes in organised or competitive sports. A total of 12.8% (39/305) of recommendations were directly linked to evidence from primary studies.
Conclusion: Many recommendations exist for PPE, but only a few are evidence based. The lack of primary studies evaluating the effects of screening on health outcomes may have led to this lack of evidence-based guidelines and contributed to poor rigour in guideline development. Future guidelines/consensus statements require a more robust evidence base, and reporting should improve.
Registration: PROSPERO CRD42022355112
A massive pulmonary arteriovenous fistula complicated with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease treated by interventional therapy : a case report
Authors: Guo Jingwen , Wang Hongyong , Zhang Mingming
Published: March 2024

Background:
Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is a rare disease, and its symptoms are lack of specificity. For patients with coronary heart disease(CHD), hypertension and other common cardiovascular diseases, PAVF is easy to be ignored. We reported a case of massive PAVF complicated with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease by interventional treatment to improve the understanding of this complex disease.
Case presentation:
A 77-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital due to chest tightness and shortness of breath after activities, which was diagnosed with CHD and hypoxemia in other hospitals. Coronary angiography showed that the patient had severe stenosis of coronary artery while pulmonary vascular DSA showing the patient had PAVF. After interventional therapy of both coronary artery and PAVF, the patient's symptoms were significantly improved.
Conclusion:
We reported a case of massive PAVF complicated with CHD by interventional treatment. For patients with unexplained hypoxemiaand symptoms similar with CHD, the possibility of PAVF should not be ignored, and various auxiliary examinations should be improved to avoid missed diagnosis. And intervention treatment should be carried out to improve the prognosis of patients as much as possible.
A feasibility test of a large-scale implementation of schistosomiasis elimination under China-Zimbabwe cooperation: a pilot study protocol
Authors: Qian Yingjun , MIDZI Nicholas , LI Shizhu , MUTSAKA-MAKUVAZA Masceline Jenipher , LYU Shan , QIN Zhiqiang , LI Hongmei , TANG Ling , LI Changlian , YU Xinling , ZHOU Jie , SHI Liang , SOKO White , PHIRI Isaac , TSHUMA Cremance , DOBBIE Munyaradzi , ZHOU Xiaonong
Published: March 2024

Background
Schistosomiasis is amongst the leading Neglected Tropical Diseases in terms of its public health significance in Africa accounting for up to 90% of the global burden. Zimbabwe is endemic for Schistosoma haematobium and S. mansoni infection. Despite mass drug administration with a focus on school age children, other interventions are not yet in place at national level. China has set up a mechanism of public health cooperation with African countries targeting at schistosomiasis and other infectious diseases. A detailed methodological description of the pilot study for schistosomiasis is presented to make the protocol applied to expanded surveys in similar settings.
Methods/Design:
This pilot study was designed as a project and considered as an entry point for China-Africa cooperation on schistosomiasis control and elimination. It aimed to test the feasibility of a large-scale collaborative project between China and Zimbabwe. A cross-sectional study on schistosomiasis and snail survey was planned to understand the distribution of the disease at community level. The survey was designed to cover all the 14 villages in the target area (Chevakadzi ward). A simple random sampling was applied to enroll participants and convenient sampling for snail survey was carried out. The feces and urine samples were microscopically examined by the Kato-Katz and urine filtration respectively. At the same time, a capacity and needs assessment was carried out to understand the local pattern of disease control strategy.
Discussion
This pilot study is expected to generate important epidemiological information and indicators about schistosomiasis transmission at sub-district level. It will be used to determine the feasibility and practicality in China-Zimbabwe cooperation investment at a larger scale.
In situ analysis of CCR8 + regulatory T cells and cytotoxic CD8 + T cells in human lung squamous cell carcinoma: biological insights and clinical implications
Authors: Hayashi Yoshinori , Ueyama Azumi , Funaki Soichiro , Jinushi Koichi , Higuchi Naoko , Morihara Hitomi , Hirata Michinari , Nagira Yoji , Saito Takuro , Kawashima Atsunari , Iwahori Kota , Shintani Yasushi , Wada Hisashi
Published: March 2024

Background
CCR8-expressing regulatory T cells (Tregs) are selectively localized within tumors and have gained attention as potent suppressors of anti-tumor immunity. This study focused on CCR8+ Tregs and their interaction with CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment of human lung cancer. We evaluated their spatial distribution impact on CD8+ T cell effector function, specifically granzyme B (GzmB) expression, and clinical outcomes.
Methods
A total of 81 patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) who underwent radical surgical resection without preoperative treatment were enrolled. Histological analyses were performed, utilizing an automated image analysis system for double-stained immunohistochemistry assays of CCR8/Foxp3 and GzmB/CD8. We investigated the association of CCR8+ Tregs and GzmB+ CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues and further evaluated the prognostic impact of their distribution profiles.
Results
Histological evaluation using the region of interest (ROI) protocol showed that GzmB expression levels in CD8+ T cells were decreased in areas with high infiltration of CCR8+ Tregs, suggesting a suppressive effect of CCR8+ Tregs on T cell cytotoxicity in the local tumor microenvironment. Analysis of the association with clinical outcomes showed that patients with more CCR8+ Tregs and lower GzmB expression, represented by a low GzmB/CCR8 ratio, had worse progression-free survival.
Conclusions
Our data suggest that local CCR8+ Treg accumulation is associated with reduced CD8+ T cell cytotoxic activity and poor prognosis in LSCC patients, highlighting the biological role and clinical significance of CCR8+ Tregs in the tumor microenvironment. The GzmB/CCR8 ratio may be a useful prognostic factor for future clinical applications in LSCC.
From Land to Ocean: Bathymetric Terrain Reconstruction via Conditional Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Wen Jiabao , Huo Ziqiang , Li Zhengjian , Xi Meng , Yang Jiachen
Published: March 2024

Acquiring global ocean digital elevation model (DEM) is a forefront branch of marine geology and hydrographic survey that plays a crucial role in the study of the Earth's system and seafloor's structure. Due to limitations in technological capabilities and surveying costs, large-scale sampling of ocean depths is very coarse, making it challenging to directly create complete ocean DEM. Many traditional interpolation and deep learning methods have been applied to reconstruct ocean DEM images. However, the continuity and heterogeneity of ocean terrain data are too complex to be approximated effectively by traditional interpolation models. Meanwhile, due to the scarcity of available data, training an sufficient network directly with deep learning methods is difficult. In this work, we propose a conditional generative adversarial network (CGAN) based on transfer learning, which applies knowledge learned from land terrain to ocean terrain. We pre-train the model using land DEM data and fine-tune it using ocean DEM data. Specifically, we utilize randomly sampled ocean terrain data as network input, employ CGAN with U-Net architecture and residual blocks to capture terrain features of images through adversarial training, resulting in reconstructed bathymetric terrain images. The training process is constrained by the combined loss composed of adversarial loss, reconstruction loss, and perceptual loss. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach reduces the required amount of training data, and achieves better reconstruction accuracy compared to traditional methods.
Biochar's dual impact on soil acidity management and crop yield enhancement: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Junhe , Zhang Weina , Pang Jiayin , Qi Junfeng , Lu Yang , Yu Mingfu , Li Haigang , Wang Enli , Lambers Hans
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims
Biochar is a promising and widely used soil amendment to alleviate soil acidification and improve crop productivity. Quantitative analysis of the impact of biochar application on soil pH and crop yield can help promote its optimal utilization.
Methods
We compiled 654 observations from 105 peer-reviewed articles to investigate the impact of biochar application on crop yield, soil pH and other physicochemical properties in acidic soils.
Results
Application of biochar significantly increased soil pH and crop yield by 11% and 49%, respectively. The increase in soil pH exhibited a positive correlation with crop yield, and the relationship varied among crop type. The most significant increase in soil pH and crop yield following biochar application was observed in strongly acidic soils (pH < 4.5) characterized by low cation exchange capacity, ranging from 5 to 10 cmol kg− 1, and low soil organic matter content, < 6 g kg− 1. Among soil physicochemical properties, biochar application increased soil organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and cation saturation by 54%, 33% and 43%, respectively, while reduced soil bulk density by 11%. Biochar derived from herbaceous sources and pyrolyzed at an optimal temperature of 300–400°C had a significant and positive affect on soil pH (+ 16%) and crop yield (+ 71%).
Conclusion
Our findings can aid in optimizing management strategies for biochar application on acidic soils, whereas more long-term field experiments should be conducted to help provide better explanations for changes in biochar properties as it ages.
Does heart rate variability change over acute episodes of bipolar disorder? A Bayesian analysis.
Authors: Corponi Filippo , Li Bryan M. , Anmella Gerard , Valenzuela-Pascual Clàudia , Pacchiarotti Isabella , Valentí Marc , Grande Iria , Benabarre Antonio , Garriga Marina , Vieta Eduard , Lawrie Stephen M. , Whalley Heather C. , Hidalgo-Mazzei Diego , Vergari Antonio
Published: March 2024

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe psychiatric condition featuring autonomic nervous system dysfunctions, detectable with abnormal heart rate variability (HRV). This is a promising biomarker, but its dynamics over an acute episode of mania or depression, the two polarities of BD, are poorly understood. Studies of intra-individual HRV changes in BD cannot afford to recruit more than only few dozen patients, as collecting this kind of data is very resource-intensive. This makes the ground treacherous for frequentist statistical analyses. Unlike previous studies, we therefore took a Bayesian approach, as more suitable for quantifying uncertainty in small samples. Specifically, we developed an interpretable probabilistic model of HRV changes over the course of an acute BD episode, using the natural logarithm of the Root Mean Square of Successive RR interval Differences (lnRMSSD) as HRV measure. Patients with BD were recruited at the onset of an acute episode, either mania or depression, and had three-to-four follow-up assessments up to euthymia. Conversely, previous studies used just two assessments, which prevents adequately modelling change. During each assessment, lnRMSSD sleep values were recorded with a wearable device and symptoms’ severity was assessed with clinician-administered questionnaires. A model allowing the lnRMSSD rate of change with respect to symptoms’ improvement to vary across polarities was no better fit than a model disregarding polarities. Strong evidence emerged for a positive lnRMSSD change over the episode’s resolution (probability of positive direction = 95.175%), but sample size limited ascertaining the magnitude of this effect (95% Highest Density Interval of [-0.0366-0.4706] with a Region of Practical Equivalence of [-0.05, 0.05]). In conclusion, improvements in BD symptoms are associated with an increase in lnRMSSD but these changes do not appear to be influenced by the episode polarity.
Cyclical Mastalgia and Sexual Satisfaction: A Descriptive Analytical Study
Authors: olfati Forouzan , Mirzadeh Monirsadat , Moafi Farnoush , Hosseini Mobina
Published: March 2024

Aim
Mastalgia is a common form of breast pain among fertile women; the presence of pain in the aforementioned organs can affect sexual performance and sexual satisfaction. This study aimed to determine the predictors of sexual satisfaction among women diagnosed with cyclical mastalgia.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to August 2021. A total of 204 married women diagnosed with cyclical mastalgia were included. The study used a cluster random sampling method from 4 comprehensive health centers and Kousar hospital clinics in Qazvin, Iran. Sexual Satisfaction Index (SSI) scores were assessed. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results
The participants’ ages ranged from 21 to 47 years; the mean ages of the participants and their spouses were 33.05 (SD = 6.14) and 36.21 (5.97) years, respectively. The mean sexual satisfaction was 80.93 (14). Examining the level of sexual satisfaction of the participants showed that most of the participants in the study (63.7%) had moderate sexual satisfaction, and the least number of participants (2%) reported a lack of sexual satisfaction. The results of multivariate linear regression analysis to determine the predictors of sexual satisfaction showed that the couple’s education, spouse’s occupation, location, wife’s interest in her spouse, and spouse’s greater interest in touching the wife’s breast were predictors of sexual satisfaction.
Conclusion
Cyclical mastalgia did not affect sexual satisfaction.
Integrating Semantic Web Technologies in Higher Education: A Decision Support System for University Selection
Authors: Shah Shabir Ali , Khiyal Malik Sikandar Hayat , Awan Mohammad Daud
Published: March 2024

The process of choosing an appropriate university is a significant and complex decision for both students and academics. The challenge lies in efficiently navigating and interpreting the vast amount of unstructured and semi-structured data available online. To tackle this issue, this paper introduces a sophisticated decision support system designed to aggregate and integrate data from diverse sources, such as university websites and other online platforms. This system employs semantic web technologies and various datasets for automatic information extraction, facilitating a more streamlined data analysis process. Key attributes such as research output, student demographics, geographical location, and overall rankings are utilized as parameters for data integration. The system is equipped with a user-friendly interface that offers customizable visualization tools. These tools enable users to prioritize and compare universities based on their individual preferences effectively. For empirical validation, we gathered and analyzed data from 301 universities in the United Kingdom, employing both manual and automated techniques for information extraction. The outcomes of this study underscore the efficiency and practicality of our approach in simplifying the university selection process for potential students and faculty members. Overall, this system presents itself as an invaluable resource for informed decision-making in the domain of higher education.
Management of childhood cholelithiasis: experience at a third-level pediatric surgical center
Authors: Scalise Davina , Boscarelli Alessandro , Giangreco Manuela , Codrich Daniela , Scarpa Maria-Grazia , Iaquinto Marianna , Pagliara Camilla , Olenik Damiana , Guida Edoardo , Schleef Jurgen
Published: March 2024

Background: Cholelithiasis is increasing in the pediatric population. While its etiology is primarily idiopathic, it is often related to underlying diseases, and a significant number of patients may be asymptomatic. There are currently no guidelines for the management of asymptomatic patients with both cholelithiasis and a predisposing condition. Therefore, this study seeks to highlight situations where prophylactic cholecystectomy may be desirable based on pre, intra, and postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and disease recurrence.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy between October 2011 and September 2022. Data, including clinical presentation at the time of diagnosis and admission, imaging, treatments, complications, and length of hospital stay, were collected.
Results: Thirty-two patients (21 females and 11 males) were included in the study. The median age was 14 years (range <1–17). Five different groups of patients were identified based on associated pathologies. Ten patients had hematologic disease (31.25%), four had cystic fibrosis (12.5%), six were overweight or obese (18.75%), two had an autoimmune disease (6.25%), and ten had no underlying disease (31.25%). Twenty-six patients were symptomatic (81.25%), and six were asymptomatic (18.75%). The idiopathic etiology group was entirely symptomatic. All patients underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. There was one patient (in the idiopathic etiology group) who required conversion from laparoscopy to open surgery and a reintervention (3.13%). Hematologic and cystic fibrosis patients with asymptomatic cholelithiasis had a shorter length of hospital stay than patients with the same condition who progressed from asymptomatic to symptomatic gallstone disease.
Conclusions: Patients with cystic fibrosis and hematologic diseases who have concomitant asymptomatic cholelithiasis may benefit from early laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which could reduce the probability of surgical and postsurgical complications and shorten the length of hospital stays.
TET2 Deficiency Increases the Competitive Advantage of Hematopoietic Stem Cells through Upregulation of Thrombopoietin Receptor Signaling
Authors: Chan Steven , Yang Yitong , Cathelin Severine , Liu Alex , Subedi Amit , Maher Abdula , Hosseini Mohsen , Ayyathan Dhanoop Manikoth , Vanner Robert
Published: March 2024

Ten-Eleven Translocation-2 (TET2) mutations drive the expansion of mutant hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in clonal hematopoiesis (CH). However, the precise mechanisms by which TET2 mutations confer a competitive advantage to HSCs remain unclear. Here, through an epigenetic drug screen, we discovered that inhibition of disruptor of telomeric silencing 1-like (DOT1L), a H3K79 methyltransferase, selectively reduced the fitness of Tet2 knockout (Tet2KO) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Mechanistically, we found that TET2 deficiency increased H3K79 dimethylation and expression of Mpl, which encodes the thrombopoietin receptor (TPO-R). Correspondingly, TET2 deficiency was associated with a higher proportion of primitive Mpl-expressing (Mpl+) cells in the HSC compartment. Importantly, inhibition of Mpl expression or the signaling downstream of TPO-R was sufficient to reduce the competitive advantage of murine and human TET2-deficient HSPCs. Our findings demonstrate a critical role for aberrant TPO-R signaling in TET2 mutation-driven CH and uncover potential therapeutic strategies against this condition.
A contribuição da agricultura familiar para o desenvolvimento rural sustentável: um estudo de caso em Jóia/RS/Brasil
Authors: Stoffel Janete , Ramos Guilherme Fontana , Rambo Anelise Graciele
Published: March 2024

A agricultura familiar apresenta relevantes indicadores socioeconômicos, além de essencial contribuição para a dimensão sustentável do desenvolvimento rural. Neste contexto, o artigo apresenta resultados de experiências da agricultura familiar e como estas contribuem para o desenvolvimento rural sustentável no município de Jóia, localizado na Região Noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Com base na diversidade das formas de agricultura familiar e as suas características no município estudado, a pesquisa investigou uma parcela deste grupo social. Para alcançar o objetivo proposto foi realizado um levantamento de dados primários através de entrevistas com informantes chave, os quais destacaram iniciativas, das quais foram selecionadas 10 (dez) experiências, sendo 4 (quatro) agroindústrias familiares e 6 (seis) unidades de produção individuais que desenvolvem atividades de base ecológica/agroecológica. A análise dos dados primários foi baseada em referências bibliográficas e na utilização de análise de conteúdo. No que tange aos resultados alcançados, a pesquisa identificou elementos que apontam a contribuição das experiências estudadas para o desenvolvimento rural sustentável no município de Jóia. Entre esses elementos constam ações referentes ao desenvolvimento de atividades alternativas ao modelo produtivo convencional, iniciativas relacionadas a busca pela segurança alimentar, adoção de medidas voltadas a preservação dos recursos e bens naturais e a utilização de práticas/técnicas produtivas com princípios ecológicos e agroecológicos.
Proposta para o desenvolvimento de um índice de segurança hídrica
Authors: Mendes Jakeline , Ferreira Denise Helena Lombardo , Sugahara Cibele , Branchi Bruna
Published: March 2024

Para alcançar o desenvolvimento sustentável é imprescindível o uso racional dos recursos hídricos. O monitoramento de indicadores e índices de sustentabilidade é relevante para apontar ao tomador de decisão os critérios a serem considerados. Nesse sentido, a presente pesquisa visa analisar um conjunto de indicadores de sustentabilidade para a segurança hídrica, a fim de apresentar um Ranking dos municípios das sub-bacias dos Rios Atibaia e Piracicaba. A metodologia caracteriza-se como exploratória e explicativa, com a abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa. A análise dos resultados foi realizada a partir da avaliação de um grupo de especialistas em recursos hídricos aos indicadores referentes à segurança hídrica e de dados secundários sobre esses indicadores obtidos do Sistema Nacional de Informações sobre Saneamento referentes ao ano de 2019. Os resultados mostraram que o munícipio Nazaré Paulista, atendido pela sub-bacia do Rio Atibaia, obteve o pior desempenho quanto à segurança hídrica, enquanto Iracemápolis, pertencente à sub-bacia do Rio Piracicaba destacou-se como o município com as melhores condições de segurança hídrica. O Índice de Segurança Hídrica demonstrou ser um instrumento que contribui na formulação de ações para a gestão de recursos hídricos por meio de uma comparação entre municípios com diferentes graus de segurança hídrica.
“Morrer com as botas calçadas”: Desafios do agricultor idoso no processo de aposentadoria e sucessão familiar
Authors: Breitenbach Raquel , Galera Suzana Regina , Boscardin Mariele
Published: March 2024

A população rural e os gestores das unidades de produção agropecuárias estão envelhecendo e a renovação geracional no campo vem encontrando dificuldades de ser efetivada. Um dos aspectos centrais desta dificuldade reside na resistência dos agricultores mais velhos em passarem a gestão da propriedade para os mais jovens. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar e entender as fragilidades e os problemas enfrentados pelos agricultores idosos diante do processo sucessório e da sua retirada da gestão das propriedades rurais. Metodologicamente, realizou-se uma pesquisa bibliométrica, seguida de uma revisão sistemática aprofundada. Como base de dados foi utilizado o Scopus considerando as seguintes palavras chaves "retirement" AND "succession" AND "farm". A partir da busca e refinamento dos documentos, resultaram 34 documentos a serem analisados. Foi constatado que os agricultores mais velhos têm dificuldades em deixar a gestão e as atividades da propriedade rural, ou seja, eles não se aposentam. Tais dificuldades existem, sobretudo, pelo capital simbólico que a propriedade rural representa para o agricultor mais velho e o peso ou julgamento social negativo para quem se retira, pois socialmente existe um consenso de que bons agricultores não se aposentam. Tal comportamento traz consequências negativas no âmbito do processo sucessório, das propriedades rurais e do desenvolvimento da agricultura. A ajuda governamental através do pagamento de subsídios aos agricultores idosos ou aos jovens sucessores ajudaria na transferência intergeracional da agricultura, bem como a semi-aposentadoria.
Structural Characterization of Biomass from Crassiphycus birdiae in natura and Residual
Authors: Lima Ingrid Eduarda , Gonzalez Wilma , Teixeira Valéria
Published: March 2024

Macroalgae contains micro and macromolecules of great interest for various sectors, for example, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. These compounds can be obtained through different extraction methods, among them the use of organic solvents with varying polarities. In this study, materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry in the seaweed biomasses before and after an extraction process with organic solvents. The red macroalgae Crassiphycus birdiae, cultivated on the northeast coast of Brazil, appeared, after extraction, as an amorphous material with some porosity. Its composition includes the elements carbon, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, chlorine, potassium, aluminum, silicon, calcium, and iron. The presence of the agar polysaccharide was also verified by infrared spectroscopy. The decomposition of this polysaccharide was observed using differential scanning calorimetry.
Potency of Peripheral Blood- and Umbilical Cord Blood-derived Dendritic Cells and Their Secretomes as Vaccines for Cancer
Authors: Haifa Rima , Sartika Cynthia Retna , Faried Ahmad , Hadisaputri Yuni Elsa , Chouw Angliana , Wijaya Andi , Barliana Melisa Intan
Published: March 2024

Dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, as immunotherapy agents, can gather up and transport cancer-related antigens to T lymphocytes, activating anti-tumor effector responses. After being activated by DC, cytotoxic T lymphocyte cells (CTL) will secrete the cytolytic granzyme B that can effectively induce rapid apoptosis of target cells. On the other hand, DC also secrete several cytokines and a large number of exosomes, which together operate as a whole antigen-presenting entity. The efficacy of the vaccine’s treatment may be affected by the sources used for DC vaccines. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) from healthy donors can be employed when autologous cancer patient’s peripheral blood (PB) cannot be used as a source for isolating DC due to genetic abnormalities. Comparing UCB to other sources, there is a painless method of collecting sources as opposed to PB, which necessitates a venipuncture or leukapheresis procedure to isolate the blood. Many studies related to the use of PB-DC have been carried out, but research on potential comparisons between PB-DC and UCB-DC is still very limited. In this review, the potential of PB- and UCB-derived DC and their secretomes for cancer will be discussed.Keywords: dendritic cells, vaccines, umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Genetic Polymorphism rs4343 as Risk of Diabetic Nephropathy in Jambi-Malay Population
Authors: Elfiani Elfiani , Puspasari Anggelia , Arif Cut Wulan , Maharani Citra , Ali Zulkhair , Suhaimi Novadian , Effendi Ian , Suprapti Suprapti , Shafira Nyimas Natasha Ayu
Published: March 2024

Background: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the frequent complications of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Jambi province. Controlling blood glucose and blood pressure does not guarantee DN prevention, since genetic factors may also contribute to this disease. Multi-ethnic studies showed that one of the strongest genetic factors associated with DN was single nucleotide polymorphism rs4343 of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene. Study regarding phenotype-genotype association of ACE rs4343 and DN has not yet been performed in Jambi Province, which is dominated by Malay ethnicity. This study was conducted to reveal the association between ACE rs4343 and the risk of DN in the Jambi-Malay population.Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving 75 subjects (44 with DN and 31 without DN) who suffered from T2DM and hypertension. DN was defined as albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥30 mg/g. Genotyping was performed with one-step tetra amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primer for ACE rs4343. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the genetic risk for DN.Results: The bivariate analysis showed the proportion of DN subjects was higher than non-DN within the AG genotype (11:1) than within the AA (33:30) genotype. This difference was statistically significant (p=0.012; OR (95% CI): 10.00 (1.22-82.15)). Multivariate analysis showed that AG genotype (p=0.047; OR (95% CI): 10.04 (1.03-97.31)) and uncontrolled blood pressure (p=0.001; OR (95% CI): 6.72 (2.08-21.71)) were the risk factors of DN in the Jambi-Malay population.Conclusion: Polymorphism of ACE rs4343 is a risk factor of DN in the Jambi-Malay Population.Keywords: rs4343, angiotensin-converting enzyme gene, diabetic nephropathy, Malay, Jambi
Chlorogenic Acid Protects Cell Death in the Cerebellum through Anti-Apoptotic Protein Bcl2 in Transient Global Ischemia Cases
Authors: Hermawati Ery , Handini Mitra , Ilmiawan Muhammad In'am , Mahyarudin Mahyarudin
Published: March 2024

Background: Cerebellum is one of the vital components of the brain that will be affected by ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. IR injury will increase free radicals, which in turn can trigger apoptosis and cell death. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the effect of chlorogenic acid administration on apoptosis and the number of cells in the cerebellum of rats with global ischemic transients.Materials and methods: Wistar rats were divided into five groups: sham-operated (C1), IR (C2), IR + 15 mg/kgBW chlorogenic acid (T1), IR + 30 mg/kgBW chlorogenic acid (T2), and IR + 60 mg/kgBW chlorogenic acid (T3). C2, T1, T2, and T3 groups received bilateral common carotid occlusion (BCCO) surgery to induce IR injury. Thirty minutes after BCCO surgery, T1, T2, and T3 rats were administered chlorogenic acid in various doses intraperitoneally. RNA extraction and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) measurements were then performed on NeuN, Bcl2, Bax, caspase 3, as well as on GAPDH as housekeeping genes.Results: There were significant differences in NeuN expressions between groups, with the highest expression shown in C1 followed by T3. Bcl2 expressions were also significantly different between groups, and rats in C1 and T3 showed to be significantly higher compared to C2, while T1 was significantly lower than C1. However, Bax and caspase 3 expressions showed no significant differences.Conclusion: Chlorogenic acid in 60 mg/kgBW dose increases NeuN expression and Bcl2 mRNA expression after transient global ischemia. These increases might correlate with the heightened level of protection against apoptosis in the cerebellum, hence showing its potential in protecting neuron cells.Keywords: transient global ischemia, chlorogenic acid, cerebellum, apoptosis
Natural Herbal Compounds Exerting an Antidepressant Effect
through Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Regulation
Authors: Wang Nailong , Yu Binrui , Liu Jiayin , Lan Wei
Published: March 2024

Depression is a common mental illness that damages the life and health of patients
and causes economic burden, and HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis dysfunction
is considered to be one of the important factors leading to depression. In this
case, it is essential to explore possible treatment methods by using natural compounds
with HPA axis regulating and antidepressant effects. However, no one has reviewed it
so far. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to systematically sort out the related natural
products that play an antidepressant role by regulating the function of the HPA axis.
Natural products are divided into flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, saponins,
polysaccharides and so on according to their chemical structures, which play a variety of
biological activities such as regulating the HPA axis, anti-inflammation and neuroprotection.
These effects may provide a useful reference for the potential treatment of depression
so as to develop new antidepressants.
Plant Soup Formulations Show Cholinesterase Inhibition Potential in the
Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gajowniczek-Ałasa Dorota , Szwajgier Dominik , Baranowska-Wójcik Ewa
Published: March 2024

Background:

As the cholinesterase theory is a prominent hypothesis underlying our
current understanding of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the goal of this study was to compose functional
vegan lunchtime soups with potential health benefits in the prevention of AD (in the context of
cholinesterase inhibition).

Materials and Methods::

The potential of 36 edible plant raw materials in terms of acetyl- and butyrylcholinesterase
inhibition was investigated using a 96-well microplate reader. The most
promising ingredients were combined to obtain 18 palatable vegetable soup recipes with 6 dominant
flavor, appearance, and aroma variants. To shortlist candidates for in-depth analysis and potential
consideration in industrial production, our team performed a sensory analysis of the soups.

Results::

The white boletus soup exhibited the highest potential for cholinesterase inhibition, further
bolstered by the inclusion of other ingredients known for their elevated capacity to inhibit
both AChE and BChE. Ingredients such as blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), garlic, and white potato
contributed significantly to this inhibitory effect (nearly 100% of AChE inhibition). Notably, intriguing
results were also observed for asparagus soup, despite the fact that the inhibitory potential
of asparagus itself is negligible compared to other raw materials. The success of the asparagus
soup lies in the meticulous selection of various ingredients, each contributing to its overall effectiveness.
It was observed that mushroom soups scored the highest in this respect, while the team
members’ response to nettle soup was the least favorable.

Conclusion:

The outcomes of our study should serve as a catalyst for further exploration of this
important research domain. Our current research focuses on deeper insights into the potential of
comprehensive meal options. Furthermore, the synergy/antagonism/non-interaction between respective
soup ingredients as well as elements of individual soups’ chemical composition is a very
interesting topic currently under our intensive scientific investigation.
Synthesis and In vitro and In silico Anti-inflammatory Activity of New
Thiazolidinedione-quinoline Derivatives
Authors: da Silva Sandra Elizabeth Barbosa , da Silva Moura José Arion , Branco Júnior Jeann Fabiann , de Moraes Gomes Paulo André Teixeira , de Paula Simão Kalebe Silva , Francisco Viana Douglas Carvalho , de Freitas Ramalho Eduardo Augusto Vasconcelos , de Melo Gomes João Victor , Pereira Michelly Cristiny , da Rocha Pitta Maira Galdino , da Rocha Pitta Ivan , da Rocha Pitta Marina Galdino
Published: March 2024

Background:

Inflammation is a series of complex defense-related reactions. The inflammation
cascade produces various pro-inflammatory mediators. Unregulated production of these
pro-inflammatory mediators can lead to a wide range of diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis,
sepsis, and inflammatory bowel disease. In the literature, the anti-inflammatory action of quinoline
and thiazolidinedione nuclei are well established, alone, and associated with other nuclei.
The synthesis of hybrid molecules is a strategy for obtaining more efficient molecules due to the
union of pharmacophoric nuclei known to be related to pharmacological activity.

Objective:

Based on this, this work presents the synthesis of thiazolidinedione-quinoline molecular
hybrids and their involvement in the modulation of cytokines involved in the inflammatory reaction
cascade.

Methods:

After synthesis and characterization, the compounds were submitted to cell viability test
(MTT), ELISA IFN-γ and TNF-α, adipogenic differentiation, and molecular docking assay with
PPARy and COX-2 targets.

Results:

LPSF/ZKD2 and LPSF/ZKD7 showed a significant decrease in the concentration of IFN-
γ and TNF-α, with a dose-dependent behavior. LPSF/ZKD4 at a concentration of 50 μM significantly
reduced IL-6 expression. LPSF/ZKD4 demonstrates lipid accumulation with significant differences
between the untreated and negative control groups, indicating a relevant agonist action
on the PPARγ receptor. Molecular docking showed that all synthesized compounds have good
affinity with PPARγ e COX-2, with binding energy close to -10,000 Kcal/mol.

Conclusion:

These results demonstrate that the synthesis of quinoline-thiazolidinedione hybrids
may be a useful strategy for obtaining promising candidates for new anti-inflammatory agents.