bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing and evaluation of ebastine–benzamide cocrystals
Authors: Salih Zainab M. , Al-Khedairy Eman B. H.
Published: November 2023

Background: Ebastine (EB) is a selective nonsedating H1 antihistamine belonging to Class II(BCS);  it has inadequate oral bioavailability due to its poor water solubility. Cocrystal is one of the most recent methods that has been utilized to improve some physicochemical characteristics of a drug, such as solubility and dissolution rate. This research's main objective was to design and evaluate EB cocrystal as a trial to enhance its solubility.

Methods: Various techniques were employed to formulate cocrystals, such as solvent evaporation, slurry, and drop asset grinding using benzamide (BENZ) as a co-former in different molar ratios. The prepared formulas were characterized by percentage yield, drug content,  saturation solubility, in vitro dissolution studies, infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD),  and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC),

Results: Solubility enhanced by 347 fold in distilled water with enhanced dissolution profile.

Conclusions: Co-crystallization is a potential solid formation method due to its ability to enhance physicochemical and mechanical characteristics. Co-crystals have been successfully formed from a variety of medicines and co-former, using distinct hydrogen bond synthon motifs.
Associations between item characteristics and statistical performance for paediatric medical student multiple choice assessments
Authors: Bosi Isabelle , O'Mara Deborah , Clark Tyler , Patabendige Nounu Sarukkali , Kennedy Sean E. , Gunasekera Hasantha
Published: November 2023

Background: Multiple choice questions (MCQs) are commonly used in medical student assessments but often prepared by clinicians without formal education qualifications. This study aimed to inform the question writing process by investigating the association between MCQ characteristics and commonly used statistical measures of individual item quality for a paediatric medical term.

Methods: Item characteristics and statistics for five consecutive annual barrier paediatric medical student assessments (each n=60 items) were examined retrospectively. Items were characterised according to format (single best answer vs. extended matching); stem and option length; vignette presence and whether required to answer the question, inclusion of images/tables; clinical skill assessed; paediatric speciality; clinical relevance/applicability; Bloom’s taxonomy domain and item flaws. For each item, we recorded the facility (proportion of students answering correctly) and point biserial (discrimination).

Results: Item characteristics significantly positively correlated (p<0.05) with facility were relevant vignette, diagnosis or application items, longer stem length and higher clinical relevance. Recall items (e.g., epidemiology items) were associated with lower facility. Characteristics significantly correlated with higher discrimination were extended matching question (EMQ) format, longer options, diagnostic and subspeciality items. Variation in item characteristics did not predict variation in the facility or point biserial (less than 10% variation explained).

Conclusions: Our research supports the use of longer items, relevant vignettes, clinically-relevant content, EMQs and diagnostic items for optimising paediatric MCQ assessment quality. Variation in item characteristics explains a small amount of the observed variation in statistical measures of MCQ quality, highlighting the importance of clinical expertise in writing high quality assessments.
Excess Mortality During the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea
Authors: Kye Bongoh
Published: November 2023

This study examines excess mortality in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. I analyze age-specific mortality rates and present an international comparison. First, Korean excess mortality remained low until the end of 2021 but significantly increased in early 2022. Second, this excess mortality was concentrated among older people. For example, cumulative excess mortality among the population aged 85+ years until the 30th week of 2022 was approximately 1-2 percent, that is, an additional 1-2 percent of this age group died compared with what we would have expected in the absence of COVID-19. Third, the international comparison demonstrates that excess mortality in South Korea was relatively low. The country experienced one of the lowest excess mortality rates among countries under study until the end of 2021, but excess mortality rapidly increased in early 2022. However, it returned to being comparatively low by mid-2022. This comparison shows cross-national variation in excess mortality, which may be associated with policy responses and public health infrastructure. Finally, I discuss implications and opportunities for future research.
Developing perspectives in NHS patient safety
Authors: Tingle John
Published: November 2023

John Tingle, Lecturer in Law, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, discusses some recent patient safety and health quality reports
Carrying out research, critical appraisal, ethics and stakeholder involvement
Authors: Rees Scott
Published: November 2023

Research skills are a requirement under the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards for paramedic registration. Paramedics must ‘recognise the value of research to the critical evaluation of practice’. Research in the medical field is important in order to improve the knowledge of clinicians and inform evidence-based practice. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the key components of the research process, use of a PICO [population, intervention, comparison, outcome] tool to search relevant databases and explain the critical appraisal of research in order to establish if research is valid before implementing results into paramedic practice.
Recognising the need for support
Authors: Wyatt Dan
Published: November 2023

While coping with a series of difficult life events alongside university commitments, Dan Wyatt reflects on his realisation about the importance of recognising when we may require some additional support and having the humility and courage to ask for it
A new adventure
Authors: Sofield Katy
Published: November 2023

In her first column, Katy Sofield prepares for her start as a Newly Qualified Paramedic
TECNOLOGIA RECREATIVA EM UNIDADE PEDIÁTRICA E CIRÚRGICA: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA
Authors: Valentim da Silva Moreira Italo , Da Silva Sabino Aderlaine , Andrade da cunha Marques Anne Grace , Véras Fontes Esteves Arinete
Published: November 2023

Introdução: toda e qualquer criança, onde ela estiver, tem o direito de brincar.  No entanto, quando a criança está doente, ela pode ser submetida a tratamento com internações e ações hospitalares que afetam sua rotina, afastando-a dos seus pares e podendo privá-la de brincar. Tal situação implica em pouco contato social com outras crianças, dificuldades emocionais e baixo nível de atividade física, o que pode acarretar prejuízos à criança. Objetivo: analisar nas evidências científicas a importância e benefício das tecnologias recreativas utilizadas em unidade cirúrgica pediátrica. Materiais e Método: estudo de revisão integrativa, com questão de pesquisa elaborada pela estratégia PICO, selecionando-se os descritores "Tecnologia Biomédica", "Recreação", "Centro Cirúrgico", "Sala de Cirurgia", "Bloco Cirúrgico", "Cirurgia", "Sala de Operações", “Enfermagem Pediátrica”, “Equipe de Enfermagem”, “Profissionais de Enfermagem”, “Enfermeiras”, “Saúde da Criança”, em português e inglês, e utilizou-se o operador booleano AND ou OR. Realizou-se a busca em quatro fontes de literatura científica, no período de setembro de 2020 a fevereiro de 2021. Aplicaram-se os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, bem como os dados extraídos por formulário próprio. Resultados: a amostra final quantificou doze estudos e seus resultados foram agrupados em duas categorias: Atividades lúdicas e seus benefícios para a criança hospitalizada; Percepção dos profissionais e de familiares na recreação do paciente. Conclusão: o estudo contribuirá para que profissionais da área da saúde tenham um olhar diferenciado no cuidado do paciente hospitalizado, levando em consideração que o brincar oferta subsídios primordiais na amenização da aflição.
enseñanza del modelo de ser vivo en la formación inicial de maestros: Primer ciclo de una investigación basada en el diseño
Authors: Galera-Flores Rosa Esperanza , Jiménez-Tenorio Natalia , Oliva José María
Published: November 2023

Presentamos el primer ciclo de una investigación basada en el diseño en torno a una secuencia de enseñanza-aprendizaje (SEA) orientada desde un enfoque de modelización en ciencias para abordar el modelo de ser vivo en maestros y maestras en formación inicial. Se propone una secuencia estructurada en 13 sesiones y 25 actividades que impulsan un acercamiento a este modelo, tanto desde un enfoque funcional a partir de las funciones vitales, como desde un enfoque estructural basado en su composición por células. Esta propuesta se implementó con un grupo clase de 58 estudiantes de tercer curso del Grado en Educación Primaria. Los resultados se presentan en forma de una crónica que reconstruye y hace un seguimiento de lo acontecido durante la clase, utilizando el portafolio del estudiantado, el diario de clase y grabaciones de vídeo y audio como instrumentos de recogida de datos. La evaluación del grado de cumplimiento de las actividades diseñadas, unido a la crónica, permitió tomar decisiones sobre la modificación de la SEA con vistas a realizar nuevas implementaciones.
Projectes interdisciplinaris centrats en l'alimentació sostenible mitjançant maletes didàctiques: Canvis perceptius de l'estudiantat
Authors: Sabido-Codina Judit , Solé-Coromina Laia , Amat Arnau
Published: November 2023

La nova conjuntura contextual fa imprescindible desenvolupar en els futurs ciutadans una consciència crítica amb el seu entorn, tal i com recull  la nova llei educativa LOMLOE. Aquest article vol descriure i analitzar l’ús i la viabilitat de projectes interdisciplinaris centrats en l’agroecologia en la formació inicial de professorat en el context del tercer curs del grau de Mestre d’Educació Primària. Per assolir l’anàlisi sobre l’ús i viabilitat es va passar un qüestionari perceptiu de caràcter qualitatiu a un total de 36 estudiants. Els resultats presentats mostren com a través de la realització del projecte, els i les estudiants no només han canviat la seva concepció respecte la interdisciplinarietat, els PSR i les maletes didàctiques, sinó que també tenen la percepció que aquests canvis tindran afectació en la seva pràctica com a futurs docents.
Andamiar el aprendizaje de la escritura para aprender en las áreas y lenguas del currículum
Authors: García-Parejo Isabel , Ahern Aoife
Published: November 2023

Introducción a la sección monográfica.
EL TRATAMIENTO DE LAS VÍCTIMAS DEL TERRORISMO EN EL CINE: DIFERENCIAS CULTURALES EN DÍAS CONTADOS, JUEGO DE LÁGRIMAS Y BABEL
Authors: HERENCIA GRILLO AMALIA , MARTEL ROBAINA ALEXIS
Published: November 2023

El terrorismo que aparece en el cine hace más de 50 años, por norma general, ha dado prioridad a los perpetradores. Sin embargo, en los últimos 30 años el protagonismo de las víctimas ha ido en aumento, con la excepción de las conocidas como colaterales que de algún modo siempre han tenido una aparición significativa. Este estudio analiza precisamente las de esta categoría atendiendo a tres películas: Días contados, Juego de lágrimas y Babel. Fruto de este análisis, se concluye que hay una percepción de semejanzas en la representación de las víctimas, en su protagonismo y en su vínculo (in-) directo con el terrorismo como consecuencia de las diferentes narrativas sobre las causas de su victimización.
BREST Y LA MISTIFICACIÓN DE LA GRAN GUERRA PATRIÓTICA
Authors: BARRENETXEA MARAÑÓN IGOR
Published: November 2023

Este artículo analiza las claves históricas y mistificaciones de la película La fortaleza de Brest (Alexander Kott, 2010). Tras analizar la memoria de la Gran Guerra Patriótica en la historiografía y el contexto histórico previo a la invasión alemana de la URSS, en junio de 1941, se abordan los aspectos más relevantes de una película que recrea, con portentoso realismo, los hechos que protagonizaron los defensores soviéticos de la fortaleza, tras la inesperada agresión nazi. Claro que también se ponen de relieve, a través de sus imágenes, los rasgos de una identidad rusa configurada convenientemente a través de una serie de calculados olvidos históricos, una épica visual grandilocuente y un heroísmo sublimado muy reveladores sobre los rasgos de un nacionalismo ruso de sacrificio y entrega que (indirectamente) aspira de configurar la Rusia actual.
Art i pesta: justícia divina, retrats i santedat en la Barcelona moderna
Authors: Fontcuberta Famadas Cristina
Published: November 2023

Al llarg de l’època moderna a la ciutat de Barcelona es van viure diverses plagues i episodis de pesta. Les importants conseqüències que van suposar per a la societat del període han estat analitzades a bastament pels historiadors. També han augmentat els estudis sobre l’art que es va produir a l’època en ciutats com Venècia, Palerm o Marsella, on també es patiren grans epidèmies. Si bé en el cas barceloní es parteix d’una bibliografia de caràcter més fragmentari, en aquest article es plantegen algunes qüestions en relació amb el panorama artístic quan s’esdevingueren malalties que assolaren la ciutat. Tenint present un context cívic amarat de religió, es van decorar diversos hospitals i llatzerets, es van fundar confraries que vetllaven per la fe en els sants com a intercessors per a la curació, i les autoritats de l’època encarregaren exvots escultòrics i pictòrics en els quals es van fer retratar als peus dels sants i advocacions protectores.
Dispositivos Virales: cuestionando las relaciones entre el cuerpo y el espacio desde la especulación artística
Authors: Hernández Sanchez Citlali , Bernad Lage Silvia , Garcia Campos Núria , Scavo Giorgia
Published: November 2023

En Dispositivos Virales:  cuestionando las relaciones entre el cuerpo y el espacio desde la especulación artística se relata el proceso de investigación artística Dispositivos Virales, entrando en juego el concepto de cuerpos y espacios conectados,  forjando un espacio experiencial colectivo e individual que pretende establecer una colección de memorias sobre el cambio de subjetividades y relaciones que derivan después de la crisis de la Covid-19, y la fusión creciente de la vida online y offline. A través de proyectos artísticos e investigación bibliográfica asistimos al foco de la práctica artística: el testeo de varios dispositivos tecno-afectivos diseñados para este proyecto bajo la estela de los «objetos sonda» con el fin de observar, relatar y abrir nuevas experiencias posibles ante un cambio de paradigma patente.
LA PROTECCIÓN SOCIOAMBIENTAL EN LA FRONTERA BOLIVIANO-CHILENA
Authors: De Marchi Moyano Bianca
Published: November 2023

Este artículo busca comprender las tensiones producidas por las medidas formales de protección que se aplicaron en territorios por sus características biológicas y étnicas en la zona fronteriza entre Chile y Bolivia, de 2001 a 2020 (regiones: Arica y Parinacota, Tarapacá y departamentos: Oruro y Potosí). Se genera un análisis cartográfico e histórico, sostenido en entrevistas y revisión documental, sobre los cambios que sufrieron las áreas protegidas y los territorios indígenas. Los hallazgos se exponen para los dos lados de la frontera en tres ejes de análisis: 1) las tensiones entre corredores comerciales, biológicos y explotación minera; 2) los intentos fallidos de protección de la biodiversidad y 3) la centralidad de las oportunidades de desarrollo frente a la autodeterminación de territorios indígenas. Así, se aporta a discutir la articulación entre la protección ambiental y étnica en la multiplicidad de territorios transfronterizos y fronterizos en esta región andina.
Realization of a photoswitchable anapole metasurface based on phase change material Ge2Sb2Te5
Authors: Wang Xiaoyun , Lu Xiaojing , Xia Zhengwei
Published: November 2023

The electromagnetic anapole mode originates from the phase cancellation interference between the far-field radiation of an oscillating electric dipole moment and toroidal dipole moment, which presents a radiation-free state of light while enhancing the near-field, and has potential applications in micro- and nanophotonics. The active control of the anapole is crucial for the design and realization of tunable photonic devices. In this paper, we realize dynamic tuning of an anapole metasurface and metasurface optical switching based on the phase change material Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST). By utilizing the destructive interference of the electric dipole moment and ring dipole moment, we design the non-radiative anapole mode. At the same time, we introduce the phase change material GST to dynamically regulate the intensity and position of the far-field scattering, electric field, and transmission spectra, and to realize the transition from anapole mode to electric dipole mode. At the same time, the modulation of the transmission spectrum by the metasurface after the addition of GST film is achieved. A relative transmission modulation of 640.62% is achieved. Our study provides ideas for realizing effective active modulation of active micro- and nanophotonic devices, and promotes active modulation of active micro- and nanophotonic devices in lasers and filters and potential applications in dynamic near-field imaging.
Informing ocean color inversion products by seeding with ancillary observations
Authors: Bisson KM , Werdell PJ , Chase AP , Kramer SJ , Cael BB , Boss E , McKinna LIW , Behrenfeld MJ
Published: November 2023

Ocean reflectance inversion algorithms provide many products used in ecological and biogeochemical models. While a number of different inversion approaches exist, they all use only spectral remote-sensing reflectances (R
rs
(λ)) as input to derive inherent optical properties (IOPs) in optically deep oceanic waters. However, information content in R
rs
(λ) is limited, so spectral inversion algorithms may benefit from additional inputs. Here, we test the simplest possible case of ingesting optical data (‘seeding’) within an inversion scheme (the Generalized Inherent Optical Property algorithm framework default configuration (GIOP-DC)) with both simulated and satellite datasets of an independently known or estimated IOP, the particulate backscattering coefficient at 532 nm (b
bp
(532)). We find that the seeded-inversion absorption products are substantially different and more accurate than those generated by the standard implementation. On global scales, seasonal patterns in seeded-inversion absorption products vary by more than 50% compared to absorption from the GIOP-DC. This study proposes one framework in which to consider the next generation of ocean color inversion schemes by highlighting the possibility of adding information collected with an independent sensor.
Multifunctional transmission-type microwave metadevice based on spin-decoupled and linear-to-circular metasurfaces
Authors: Zhang Ming , Dong Peng , Wang Yu , Zhang Najiao , Yang Lin , Wang Baozhu , Wu Ruihong , Hou Weimin , Duan Lei
Published: November 2023

Metasurfaces have enabled precise electromagnetic (EM) wave manipulation with strong potential to obtain unprecedented functionalities and multifunctional behavior in flat optical devices. One promising aspect to achieve multifunction is polarization-dependent metadevices enabled by simultaneous phase control over orthogonally polarized waves. Among these, metasurfaces with geometric phase shows their natural and robust phase control ability over different circularly polarized waves. However, the phase responses under the circularly polarized incidence are locked to be opposite with each other, resulting in limited multifunctionality. In this study, we propose what we believe to be a novel transmission-type microwave metadevice constructed by linear-to-circular metasurface and spin-decoupled metasurface. By endowing independent phase adjustment capability to each unit structure in a spin-decoupled metasurface, the metadevice can reconfigure arbitrary phase wavefronts under orthogonal polarization state incidence, thereby achieving flexible multifunctionality. As a proof-of-concept, the feasibility and reliability of proposed metasurfaces were verified by simulating multifunctional directional deflection, off-axis focusing, and focused vortex beam generation. Finally, the multifunctional manipulation capability of the metadevice is successfully demonstrated by actually measuring the generation of orbital angular momentum modes. This work is expected to drive the application development of metasurface devices in wireless communication.
Intimate partner violence and malnutrition among women of reproductive age in Western Africa: A geostatistical analysis
Authors: Gayawan Ezra , Uzobo Endurance , Ononokpono Dorothy N. , Aladeniyi Olabimpe B. , Dake Fidelia A. A.
Published: November 2023

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health issue, and the experience varies among population sub-groups in Africa. In the West African sub-region, IPV perpetrated against women remains high and is exacerbated by the pertaining cultural milieu. It affects women’s health, wellbeing, and nutritional status. We examined the association between women’s lifetime experiences of physical, sexual, and emotional IPV and undernutrition by quantifying the association at smaller geographical settings in West African countries. We used a bivariate probit geostatistical technique to explore the association between IPV and undernutrition, combining data from the latest Demographic and Health Survey conducted in ten Western African countries. Bayesian inference relies on Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation. The findings demonstrate spatial clustering in the likelihood of experiencing IPV and being underweight in the regions of Mali, Sierra Leone, Liberia and neighboring Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Cameroon, and Nigeria. The pattern of clustering was somewhat similar when physical violence was combined with underweight and emotional violence combined with underweight. The findings also indicate protective effects of education, wealth status, employment status, urban residence, and exposure to mass media. Further, the likelihood of experiencing IPV and the likelihood of being underweight or thin declined with age and age-gap between the woman and her partner. The findings provide insight into the location-specific variations that can aid targeted interventions, and underscore the importance of empowering women holistically, in the domains of education, socio-economic and socio-cultural empowerment, in addressing women’s vulnerability to IPV and malnutrition (underweight and thinness). Furthermore, IPV prevention programmes will need to address gender inequality and cultural factors such as male dominance that may heighten women’s risk of experiencing IPV.
Is refugee experience in childhood a risk for poorer health in adulthood?—A Swedish national survey study
Authors: Mattelin Erica , Khanolkar Amal R. , Korhonen Laura , Åhs Jill. W. , Fröberg Frida
Published: November 2023

Studies on experiences of migration in childhood and subsequent health in adulthood report conflicting results. While there is limited research on the long-term health outcomes of refugee children as they transition into adulthood, it is often observed that refugee children experience adverse health conditions upon their arrival in the host country. We examined whether adults with a childhood refugee experience were more likely to have poorer mental health, general health, and risk-behaviours compared to non-refugee migrants and Swedish-born peers We included a nationally representative sample of 18-64-year-olds who answered the Swedish National Public Health survey in 2018 or 2020. Using official register data, we categorized individuals as: 1) refugees in childhood (<age 18 years); 2) migrants in childhood; or 3) Swedish-born. Associations between childhood status (refugee, migrant, or Swedish-born) and all outcomes in adulthood were analyzed using logistic regression. The final model was adjusted for age, sexual- and gender-minority (SGM) identity, and stratified by sex. We also analysed the above and all outcomes stratified by age (18–25, 26–64), adjusted for sex and SGM-identity. We found that a childhood refugee experience was not associated with worse self-rated general or mental health, or more risk behaviours in adulthood, compared to non-refugee migrants or Swedish-born individuals. Additionally, adults with a childhood refugee experience had lower odds of at-risk alcohol use and substance use than Swedish-born peers. In general, a childhood refugee experience was not associated with worse self-rated health or risk behaviours in adulthood when considering age and sexual- and gender-minority status.
Psychological morbidities among Nepalese migrant workers to Gulf and Malaysia
Authors: Sharma Abha , Adhikari Renuka , Parajuli Enjila , Buda Manisha , Raut Jyotika , Gautam Ena , Adhikari Bibhav
Published: November 2023

Background

One of the important aftereffects of rapid global development is international mobility, which has placed the health of migrant workers as a key public health issue. A less-developed country, Nepal, with political instability and a significant lack of employment, could not remain untouched by this phenomenon of migration. Our goal was to identify and determine the predictors of anxiety, depression, and psychological wellbeing among Nepalese migrant workers in Gulf countries (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain) and Malaysia.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was used to collect information from 502 Nepalese migrant workers in the arrival section of Tribhuvan International Airport from May to June 2019 using purposive sampling. Workers with a minimum work experience of 6 months and above were included in the study. A structured questionnaire with socio-demographic items was used along with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and WHO (five) wellbeing scale for measuring the subjective psychological wellbeing and screening for depression.

Results

The mean age of the respondents was 32.97 years. Majority (41.8%) of the respondents had work experience in Qatar and 63.7% had work experience of 1–5 years. The results suggested that 14.4% had mild to severe depression while 4.4% had a moderate level of anxiety. The WHO5 wellbeing index score suggested that 14.1% of the respondents had a score below 13, which is suggestive of poor psychological wellbeing. Further, the country of work (p = 0.043), sleeping hours (p = 0.001), occupation (p = 0.044), working hours (p = 0.000), water intake (p = 0.010) and anxiety level (p = 0.000) were found to be significantly associated with depression score. Similarly, sleeping hours (p = 0.022), occupation (p = 0.016), working hours (p = 0.000), water intake (p = 0.010), and anxiety level (0.000) were significantly associated with the WHO5 wellbeing score.

Conclusions

Nepalese migrant workers in the Gulf countries (United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain) and Malaysia bear an important burden of psychological morbidities. This highlights the need to prioritize the migrant worker’s mental health by Nepal as well as Gulf countries and Malaysia.
Lupenone, a wonder chemical obtained from Euphorbia segetalis to boost affinity for the transcriptional factor escalating drought-tolerance in Solanum Lycopersicum: A cutting-edge computational biology approach
Authors: Debnath Sandip , Alqahtani Taha , Alqahtani Ali , Alharbi Hanan M. , Akash Shopnil
Published: November 2023

Drought is the single greatest abiotic factor influencing crop yield worldwide. Plants remain in one area for extended periods, making them vulnerable to natural and man-made influences. Understanding plant drought responses will help us develop strategies for breeding drought-resistant crops. Large proteome analysis revealed that leaf and root tissue proteins respond to drought differently depending on the plant’s genotype. Commonly known as tomatoes, Solanum Lycopersicum is a globally important vegetable crop. However, drought stress is one of the most significant obstacles to tomato production, making the development of cultivars adapted to dry conditions an essential goal of agricultural biotechnology. Breeders have put quite a lot of time and effort into the tomato to increase its productivity, adaptability, and resistance to biotic and abiotic challenges. However, conventional tomato breeding has only improved drought resistance due to the complexity of drought traits. The resilience of tomatoes under drought stress has been the subject of extensive study. Using contemporary sequencing approaches like genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics has dramatically aided in discovering drought-responsive genes. One of the most prominent families of plant transcription factors, WRKY genes, plays a crucial role in plant growth and development in response to natural and abiotic stimuli. To develop plants that can withstand both biotic and abiotic stress, understanding the relationships between WRKY-proteins (transcription factors) and other proteins and ligands in plant cells is essential. This is despite the fact that tomatoes have a long history of domestication. This research aims to utilize Lupenone, a hormone produced in plant roots in response to stress, to increase drought resistance in plants. Lupenone exhibits a strong affinity for the WRKY protein at -9.64 kcal/mol. Molecular docking and modeling studies show that these polyphenols have a significant role in making Solanum Lycopersicum drought-resistant and improving the quality of its fruit. As a result of climate change, droughts are occurring more frequently and persisting for more extended periods, making it necessary to breed crops resistant to drought. While considerable variability for tolerance exists in wild cousins, little is known about the processes and essential genes influencing drought tolerance in cultivated tomato species.
Estimating individual exposure to predation risk in group-living baboons, Papio anubis
Authors: Suire Alexandre , Kunita Itsuki , Harel Roi , Crofoot Margaret , Mutinda Mathew , Kamau Maureen , Hassel James M. , Murray Suzan , Kawamura Shoji , Matsumoto-Oda Akiko
Published: November 2023

In environments with multiple predators, vulnerabilities associated with the spatial positions of group-living prey are non-uniform and depend on the hunting styles of the predators. Theoretically, coursing predators follow their prey over long distances and attack open areas, exposing individuals at the edge of the group to predation risk more than those at the center (marginal predation). In contrast, ambush predators lurk unnoticed by their prey and appear randomly anywhere in the group; therefore, isolated individuals in the group would be more vulnerable to predators. These positions of vulnerability to predation are expected to be taken by larger-bodied males. Moreover, dominant males presumably occupy the center of the safe group. However, identifying individuals at higher predation risk requires both simultaneous recording of predator location and direct observation of predation events; empirical observations leave ambiguity as to who is at risk. Instead, several theoretical methods (predation risk proxies) have been proposed to assess predation risk: (1) the size of the individual ‘unlimited domain of danger’ based on Voronoi tessellation, (2) the size of the ‘limited domain of danger’ based on predator detection distance, (3) peripheral/center position in the group (minimum convex polygon), (4) the number and direction of others in the vicinity (surroundedness), and (5) dyadic distances. We explored the age-sex distribution of individuals in at-risk positions within a wild baboon group facing predation risk from leopards, lions, and hyenas, using Global Positioning System collars. Our analysis of the location data from 26 baboons revealed that adult males were consistently isolated at the edge of the group in all predation risk proxies. Empirical evidence from previous studies indicates that adult male baboons are the most frequently preyed upon, and our results highlights the importance of spatial positioning in this.
The structural basis of mRNA recognition and binding by yeast pseudouridine synthase PUS1
Authors: Grünberg Sebastian , Doyle Lindsey A. , Wolf Eric J. , Dai Nan , Corrêa Ivan R. , Yigit Erbay , Stoddard Barry L.
Published: November 2023

The chemical modification of RNA bases represents a ubiquitous activity that spans all domains of life. Pseudouridylation is the most common RNA modification and is observed within tRNA, rRNA, ncRNA and mRNAs. Pseudouridine synthase or ‘PUS’ enzymes include those that rely on guide RNA molecules and others that function as ‘stand-alone’ enzymes. Among the latter, several have been shown to modify mRNA transcripts. Although recent studies have defined the structural requirements for RNA to act as a PUS target, the mechanisms by which PUS1 recognizes these target sequences in mRNA are not well understood. Here we describe the crystal structure of yeast PUS1 bound to an RNA target that we identified as being a hot spot for PUS1-interaction within a model mRNA at 2.4 Å resolution. The enzyme recognizes and binds both strands in a helical RNA duplex, and thus guides the RNA containing the target uridine to the active site for subsequent modification of the transcript. The study also allows us to show the divergence of related PUS1 enzymes and their corresponding RNA target specificities, and to speculate on the basis by which PUS1 binds and modifies mRNA or tRNA substrates.
Comparing text mining and manual coding methods: Analysing interview data on quality of care in long-term care for older adults
Authors: Hacking Coen , Verbeek Hilde , Hamers Jan P. H. , Aarts Sil
Published: November 2023

Objectives

In long-term care for older adults, large amounts of text are collected relating to the quality of care, such as transcribed interviews. Researchers currently analyze textual data manually to gain insights, which is a time-consuming process. Text mining could provide a solution, as this methodology can be used to analyze large amounts of text automatically. This study aims to compare text mining to manual coding with regard to sentiment analysis and thematic content analysis.

Methods

Data were collected from interviews with residents (n = 21), family members (n = 20), and care professionals (n = 20). Text mining models were developed and compared to the manual approach. The results of the manual and text mining approaches were evaluated based on three criteria: accuracy, consistency, and expert feedback. Accuracy assessed the similarity between the two approaches, while consistency determined whether each individual approach found the same themes in similar text segments. Expert feedback served as a representation of the perceived correctness of the text mining approach.

Results

An accuracy analysis revealed that more than 80% of the text segments were assigned the same themes and sentiment using both text mining and manual approaches. Interviews coded with text mining demonstrated higher consistency compared to those coded manually. Expert feedback identified certain limitations in both the text mining and manual approaches.

Conclusions and implications

While these analyses highlighted the current limitations of text mining, they also exposed certain inconsistencies in manual analysis. This information suggests that text mining has the potential to be an effective and efficient tool for analysing large volumes of textual data in the context of long-term care for older adults.
Renogrit attenuates Vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity in human renal spheroids and in Sprague-Dawley rats by regulating kidney injury biomarkers and creatinine/urea clearance
Authors: Balkrishna Acharya , Sharma Sonam , Gohel Vivek , Kumari Ankita , Rawat Malini , Maity Madhulina , Sinha Sandeep , Dev Rishabh , Varshney Anurag
Published: November 2023

Vancomycin, is widely used against methicillin-resistant bacterial infections. However, Vancomycin accumulation causes nephrotoxicity which leads to an impairment in the filtration mechanisms of kidney. Traditional herbal medicines hold potential for treatment of drug-induced nephrotoxicity. Herein, we investigated protective properties of plant-based medicine Renogrit against Vancomycin-induced kidney injury. Phytometabolite analysis of Renogrit was performed by UHPLC. Spheroids formed from human proximal tubular cell (HK-2) were used for in vitro evaluation of Vancomycin-induced alterations in cell viability, P-gp functionality, NAG, KIM-1 levels, and mRNA expression of NGAL and MMP-7. The in vivo efficacy of Renogrit against Vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity was further evaluated in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by measurement of BUN, serum creatinine, and their respective clearances. Moreover, eGFR, kidney-to-body weight ratio, GSH/GSSG ratio, KIM-1, NAG levels and mRNA expression of KIM-1 and osteopontin were also analyzed. Changes in histopathology of kidney and hematological parameters were also observed. Renogrit treatment led to an increase in cell viability, normalization of P-gp functionality, decrease in levels of NAG, KIM-1, and reduction in mRNA expression of NGAL and MMP-7. In Vancomycin-challenged SD rats, Renogrit treatment normalized altered kidney functions, histological, and hematological parameters. Our findings revealed that Renogrit holds a clinico-therapeutic potential for alleviating Vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity.
Interferon signaling drives epithelial metabolic reprogramming to promote secondary bacterial infection
Authors: Carreno-Florez Grace P. , Kocak Brian R. , Hendricks Matthew R. , Melvin Jeffrey A. , Mar Katrina B. , Kosanovich Jessica , Cumberland Rachel L. , Delgoffe Greg M. , Shiva Sruti , Empey Kerry M. , Schoggins John W. , Bomberger Jennifer M.
Published: November 2023

Clinical studies report that viral infections promote acute or chronic bacterial infections at multiple host sites. These viral-bacterial co-infections are widely linked to more severe clinical outcomes. In experimental models in vitro and in vivo, virus-induced interferon responses can augment host susceptibility to secondary bacterial infection. Here, we used a cell-based screen to assess 389 interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) for their ability to induce chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. We identified and validated five ISGs that were sufficient to promote bacterial infection. Furthermore, we dissected the mechanism of action of hexokinase 2 (HK2), a gene involved in the induction of aerobic glycolysis, commonly known as the Warburg effect. We report that HK2 upregulation mediates the induction of Warburg effect and secretion of L-lactate, which enhances chronic P. aeruginosa infection. These findings elucidate how the antiviral immune response renders the host susceptible to secondary bacterial infection, revealing potential strategies for viral-bacterial co-infection treatment.
Becoming Citizen Scientists of the Earth
Authors: Poindexter Kristen
Published: November 2023

Young children are able to embrace the role of a citizen scientist as they discover ways that they can care for and help the earth in a Kindergarten classroom.
COVID-19, eLearning, the Digital Divide and Underprivileged Children
Authors: Hollenbeck James E , Nesbitt Beccah-Marie
Published: November 2023

Within the last two years studies show that many of our youth are lagging in education due to the pandemic lockdown, the application of eLearning with the lack of preparation, and a shortage of adequate learning technology and updated technology (Povich, 2020). Schools moved away from paper homework and in-person learning, and to online homework unfamiliar to students. In some areas, the schools were able to provide technology that the students could take home, but this did not always come along with Wi-Fi, hotspots, or some type of internet to make it functional. In other areas, the school systems were not able to fund the distribution of technology to each student. The pressure students feel from not having access to the technology they need leads to academic decline. Students with lower socio-economic status and limited access to eLearning and technology were unable to complete their homework or receive an adequate education.
China's Health and Health Care in the "New Era"
Authors: Zhang Wei
Published: November 2023

What is the state of health care in China? Wei Zhang analyzes the deep institutional issues that plague China's health care system. Despite its timely and effective efforts to mitigate the COVID-19 crisis, the system still faces deep-seated challenges, many of which can be traced directly to the marketization of hospitals and medical care.
Civilizačně nekompetentní? Kultura české společnosti 90. let v paměti západních expatriantů
Authors: Razím Tomáš
Published: November 2023

The so-called Velvet Revolution started a new “transformation” period of Czech history. There seemed to be a general agreement that the main goal was the “return to Europe”, assimilation to the West after more than 40 years of different historical development. That was not only a political and economic, but also a cultural and civilizational process. Theories about postsocialist societies with distorted values tried to explain why the westernizing process was taking longer than expected. This article confronts the theory of Polish sociologist Piotr Sztompka with oral history interviews conducted with Western expatriates who came to Czechoslovakia in early 1990s. Although daily interaction with Czech society brought them many disenchantments, the narrators generally perceived those simply as cultural differences, not as signs of civilizational incompetence. Some of the differences even led them to settle down in the Czech Republic. The most prominent social phenomena which the narrators classify altogether negatively are xenophobia and racism which in their view still prevail in Czech society, albeit less pronounced.
Dose-dependent cytotoxicity against lung cancer cells via green synthesized ZnFe2O4/cellulose nanocomposites
Authors: Singh Alka , Singh Nakshatra Bahadur , Priya Kanu , Tomar Richa , Al-Qahtani Mohammed Saeed , Imam Mohammad Tarique , Almalki Ziyad Saeed , Abdulmonem Waleed Al , Yadav Krishna Kumar , Park Hyun-Kyung
Published: November 2023

Cancers are complicated sicknesses that happen because of many different things going wrong in cells, and as they get worse, the cells undergo many changes one after another. Nanomedicine is a new way to treat diseases like cancer. Tiny particles called nanoparticles have special properties that can help to treat diseases better than regular treatments. These particles are very small but have a lot of surface area, can carry different drugs, and can be designed to target specific areas. They can move around the body, go into cells, and release drugs slowly. Because of these benefits, nanoparticles could be better for cancer treatment. In this continuous research, we present a simple technique for the quick and single-step synthesis of ZnFe2O4/cellulose nanocomposites, employing the polymer cellulose. This method is not only cost-effective but also environment friendly. Scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the ultraviolet-visible (UV) spectrum were all used to examine the morphological, structural, and electrical properties of ZnFe2O4/cellulose nanocomposites. The nanocomposite derived from UV-DRS exhibits an optical energy bandgap of 1.8 eV. The mechanical strength of the composites gradually increases as ZnFe2O4 is added to the cellulose polymer matrix. These findings propose a straightforward and innovative approach to produce ZnFe2O4/cellulose nanocomposites that can serve as functional biomaterials. In addition, the ZnFe2O4/cellulose nanocomposite exhibits decreased antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid. ZnFe2O4/cellulose nanocomposite was found to have an IC50 of 49.64 g·mL−1. With an IC50 value of 55.91 g·mL−1, the synthesized ZnFe2O4/cellulose nanocomposites demonstrate significant cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner against the lung cancer cell lines A549. In conclusion, nanocomposites are potential materials for usage in biomedical applications due to their affordable production and mild magnetic sensitivity.
Numerical investigation of gravity-grouted soil-nail pullout capacity in sand
Authors: Won Myoung-Soo , Sadiq Shamsher , Seo Sung-Uk , Park Jun-Yong
Published: November 2023

Soil nailing reinforces soil slopes and retaining walls by installing reinforcing elements into the soil, which rely on bonding strength with surrounding soil to transfer axial forces. This study focuses on the pullout capacity evaluation of grouted soil-nailing, which is conventionally determined through costly and time-intensive site-specific field pullout tests or simplified design methods, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and Effective Stress Method (ESM). However, these methods neglect important soil nail configuration parameters governing the pullout capacity. To address this limitation, we present a parametric study on a validated Finite-Element model using PLAXIS 3D to comprehensively investigate the pullout characteristics of grouted soil nailing. The study considers various factors such as sand relative densities, lengths, diameters, and inclination angles of the soil nails. The results reveal that the pullout capacity is significantly influenced by the sand relative density, diameter, and the length of the nailing, while the angle of inclination has only a marginal effect. The comparison with FHWA and ESM methods shows significant scatter, attributed to their lack of consideration for these governing parameters in determining pullout capacity. These findings provide valuable insights into the design and optimization of grouted soil nailing pullout capacity for geotechnical applications.
A deep learning multimodal fusion framework for wood species identification using near-infrared spectroscopy GADF and RGB image
Authors: Pan Xi , Yu Zhiming , Yang Zhong
Published: November 2023

Accurate and rapid wood species identification is vital for wood utilization and trade. This goal is achievable with the fast development of deep learning (DL). Several studies have been published related to this topic; however, they were limited by their generalization performance in practical applications. Therefore, this study proposed a DL multimodal fusion framework to bridge this gap. The study utilized a state-of-the-art convolutional neural network (CNN) to simultaneously extract both short-wavelength near-infrared (NIR) spectra and RGB image feature, fully leveraging the advantages of both data types. Using portable devices for collecting spectra and image data enhances the feasibility of onsite rapid identification. In particular, a two-branch CNN framework was developed to extract spectra and image features. For NIR spectra feature extraction, 1 dimensional NIR (1D NIR) spectra were innovatively encoded as 2 dimensional (2D) images using the Gramian angular difference field (GADF) method. This representation enhances better data alignment with CNN operations, facilitating more robust discriminative feature extraction. Moreover, wood’s spectral and image features were fused at the full connection layer for species identification. In the experimental phase conducted on 16 difficult-to-distinguish wood samples from the Lauraceae family, all achieved identification metrics results exceed 99 %. The findings illustrate that the proposed multimodal fusion framework effectively extracts and fully integrates the wood’s features, thereby, improving wood species identification.