bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medicinal plant-derived mtDNA via nanovesicles induces the cGAS-STING pathway to remold tumor-associated macrophages for tumor regression
Authors: Liu Jinfeng , Xiang Jiaxin , Jin Cuiyuan , Ye Lusha , Gao Yanan , Lv Nianyin , Zhang Junfeng , You Fuping , Qiao Hongzhi , Shi Liyun
Published: December 2022

Plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNVs) have been proposed as a major mechanism for inter-kingdom interaction and communication, but the effector components enclosed and the mechanisms involved are largely unknown. The plant Artemisia annua, known for its anti-malaria properties, exhibits a wide range of biological activities including the immunoregulatory and anti-tumor properties with the mechanisms to be further addressed. Here, we isolated and purified the exosome-like particles from Artemisia annua, and characterized them as nano-scaled and membrane-bound, which were therefore termed artemisia-derived nanovesicles (ADNVs). Remarkably, the vesicles displayed a potential to inhibit tumor growth and boost anti-tumor immunity, primarily through remolding tumor microenvironment and reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). More importantly, we identified plant-derived mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), upon internalized into TAMs via the vesicles, as a major effector mechanism to induce the cGAS-STING pathway driving the shift of pro-tumor macrophages to anti-tumor phenotype. Furthermore, our data showed that administration of ADNVs greatly improved the efficacy of PD-L1 inhibitor, a prototypic immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), in a murine lung cancer model. Together, the present study, for the first time, to our knowledge, unravels an inter-kingdom interaction wherein medical plant-derived mtDNA, via the nanovesicles, induces the immunostimulatory signaling in mammal immune cells for resetting anti-tumor immunity.
The Role of Impaired Receptor Trafficking in Mediating the Pathological Effects of ApoE4 in Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Safieh Mirna , Liraz Ori , Ovadia Maayan , Michaelson Danny
Published: December 2022

Background: Apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) is the most prevalent genetic risk factor of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Several studies suggest that the binding of apoE4 to its receptors (i.e., apoER2 and LRP-1) is associated with the internalization of the receptors and their accumulation in intracellular compartments. Importantly, this phenomenon also occurs with other, non-apoE, receptors.
These observations lead to the hypothesis that the pathological effects of apoE4 are mediated by impairment in the life cycle and intracellular compartmentation of distinct receptors which belong to various systems. Thus, the present study examines the effects of APOE -genotype on the levels and compartmentation of membranal receptors including apoE receptors (apoER2 and LRP-1) and growth-factor receptors (InsulinR and VEGFR).
Methods: Primary mouse neurons were prepared from either apoE3 or apoE4 targeted replacement (TR) mice or apoE-KO mice. The neurons were then evaluated for levels of the LRP-1, apoER2, VEGFR and InsulinR utilizing immunohistochemical staining. Additionally, external surface membranal levels of those receptors was evaluated via cell surface Biotinylation assay and ELISA. The extend of colocalization of the receptors with intracellular compartments was assessed by double labeling and confocal microscopy, followed by M1 colocalization analysis. Finally, CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to knock out LRP-1 and apoER2 and study their role in mediating the effects of apoE4 on the receptors.
Results: Comparisons of the receptors’ levels in apoE4 and apoE3 primary neuronal cultures, revealed that apoE4 is associated with lower levels of the four receptors, specifically in the external membrane. Additionally, apoE4 affects the intracellular localization of these receptors in two main patterns: the first pattern was observed with LRP-1 and was associated with decreased receptor levels in numerous intracellular compartments. The second pattern, which was obtained with the other three receptors, was associated with their accumulation in early endosomes with a parallel decrease of their levels in the late endosomes.
Conclusion: These results show that apoE4 drives the down regulation, and affects the intracellular trafficking of apoE and growth factor receptors. This provide a unifying mechanism via which apoE4 induces a wide range of pathological phenotypes seen in Alzheimer’s disease.
Solitary Lung Nodule: Ct Guided Transthoracic Biopsy Vs Transbronchial Biopsy With Endobronchial Ultrasound and Flexible Bronchoscope, a Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ho An Thi Nhat , Gorthi Ramya , Lee Robert , Chawla Mohit , Patolia Setu
Published: December 2022

Background
Transbronchial lung biopsy with radial endobronchial ultrasound (rEBUS-TBB) and Computed tomography (CT) scan guided transthoracic biopsy (CT-TTB) are commonly used to investigate peripheral lung nodules but high quality data is still not clear about the diagnostic and safety profile comparison of these two modalities.
Method
We included all randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing rEBUS-TBB with a flexible bronchoscope and CT-TTB for solitary lung nodules. Two reviewers extracted data independently on diagnostic performance and complication rates.
Results
170 studies were screened, 4 RCT with total of 325 patients were included. CT-TTB had a higher diagnostic yield than rEBUS-TBB (83.45% vs 68.82%, risk difference − 0.15, 95% CI, [-0.24,-0.05]), especially for lesion size 1–2 cm (83% vs 50%, risk difference − 0.33, 95% CI, [-0.51,-0.14]). For malignant diseases, rEBUS-TBB had a combined diagnostic yield of 75.75% vs 87.7% of CT-TTB. rEBUS-TBB had a significant better safety profile with lower risk of pneumothorax (2.87% vs 21.43%, OR = 0.12, 95% CI [0.05–0.32]) and combined outcomes of hospital admission, hemorrhage and pneumothorax (8.62% vs 31.81%, OR 0.21, 95% CI, [0.11–0.40]). Factors increasing diagnostic yield of rEBUS were lesion size and localization of the probe but not the distance to the chest wall, hilum nor probe localizing adjacent to the lesion.
Conclusion
CT-TTB has a higher diagnostic yield than rEBUS-TBB in diagnosing peripheral lung nodules, particularly for lesions from 1 cm to 2 cm. However, rEBUS-TBB is significantly safer with five to eight times less risk of pneumothorax and composite complications of hospital admission, hemorrhage and pneumothorax.
Electrical Impedance Tomography – Image Reconstruction using Population-based Optimisation Algorithms
Authors: Khan Talha Ali , Ling SAI HO , Rizvi Arslan A.
Published: December 2022

Preventing living tissues' direct exposure to ionising radiation has resulted in tremendous growth in medical imaging and e-health, enhancing intensive care of perilous patients and helping to improve quality of life. Moreover, the practice of image-reconstruction instruments that utilise ionising radiation significantly impacts the patient's health. Prolonged or frequent exposure to ionising radiation is linked to several illnesses like cancer. These factors urged the advancement of non-invasive approaches, for instance, Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT), a portable, non-invasive, low-cost, and safe imaging method. EIT image reconstruction still demands more exploitation, as it is an inverse and ill-conditioned problem. Numerous numerical techniques are used to answer this problem without producing anatomically unpredictable outcomes. Evolutionary Computational techniques can be used as substitutes for the conventional methods that usually create low-resolution blurry images. EIT reconstruction techniques optimise the relative error of reconstruction using population-based optimisation methods presented in this work. Three advanced optimisation methods have been developed to facilitate the iterative procedure for avoiding anatomically erratic solutions. Three different optimising techniques, namely, a) Advanced Particle Swarm Optimisation Algorithm (APSO), b) Advanced Gravitational Search Algorithm (AGSA), and c) Hybrid Gravitational Search Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm (HGSPSO), are used. By utilising the advantages of these proposed techniques, the performance in terms of convergence and solution stability is improved. EIT images were obtained from the EIDORS library database for two case studies. The image reconstruction was optimised using the three proposed algorithms. EIDORS library was used for generating and solving forward and reverse problems. Two case studies were undertaken, i.e. circular tank simulation and gastric emptying. The results thus obtained are analysed and presented as a real-world application of population-based optimisation methods. Results obtained from the proposed methods are quantitatively assessed with ground truth images using the relative mean squared error, confirming that a low error value is reached in the results. HGSPSO algorithm has superior performance compared to the other proposed methods in terms of solution quality and stability.
The Failure of Instant Runoff to Accomplish the Purpose for Which it was Adopted: A Case Study from Burlington Vermont
Authors: Bristow-Johnson Robert
Published: December 2022

Instant-Runoff Voting (IRV) has been marketed to “guarantee that the majority candidate is elected,” to “eliminate the spoiler effect,” and to empower voters, particularly those supporting third-party or independent candidates, to “vote your hopes, not your fears,” which is meant to level the playing field between such candidates and those from the major-party duopoly. This paper shows that in Burlington Vermont, IRV objectively failed to deliver on these promises. However, this failure is not blamed on the use of ranked ballots, but rather on the Hare method of tallying the ballots and identifying the winner. The paper proposes a revision in the method to eliminate the failure, including a template for possible legislative language.
Body Weight, Weight change and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Hypertension: A Primary-care Cohort Study
Authors: Dong Yue , Gong Yanhong , Han Yanping , Yu Hanbing , Zeng Xiaozhou , Chen Zimei , An Rongrong , Sun Na , Chen Zhenyuan , Yin xiaoxv
Published: December 2022

Background/objectives: Obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) often co-occur. However, the effects of excessive body weight and weight change on CVD in patients with hypertension is not clearly established. We examined the associations of BMI, weight change and the risk of CVD in patients with hypertension.
Subjects/methods: Our Data were drawn from the medical records of primary-care institutions in China. A total of 25 810 patients with valid weight measurements attending primary healthcare centers were included. Body weight were grouped in BMI categories of underweight (<18.5kg/m2), normal weight (18.5–22.9 kg/m2), overweight (23.0–24.9 kg/m2) and obesity (≥25.0 kg/m2). Weight change over 12 months was divided into: gain >4%, gain 1%–4%, stable (–1%–1%), loss 1%–4%, and loss ≥4%. Cox regression analyses were used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) between BMI, weight change and the risk of CVD.
Result: After multivariable adjustment, patients with obesity were related to higher risks of CVD (HR=1.46, 95% CI: 1.22–1.75). Higher risks were seen in participants with loss ≥4%, gain 1–4% and gain >4% of body weight compared to stable weight (loss ≥4%: HR=1.26, 95% CI: 1.02–1.55; gain 1–4%: HR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.04–1.64; gain >4%: HR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.08–1.66).
Conclusion: Obesity and weight change of loss ≥4%, gain 1–4% and gain >4% were related to higher risks of CVD. Close monitoring and appropriate interventions aimed at achieving an optimal weight are needed to prevent adverse outcomes for patients with hypertension.
Forging weight Reduction of gear blank by Topology Optimization using Parametric FEA
Authors: Mehta Yash , Kuthiya Abhishek , Hadiya J. P. , Jivani R. G. , Patel Rohit
Published: December 2022

In any gearbox, gears play a crucial role in motion transmission and contribute considerable weight to the gearbox. Usually, gears fail when the operating stress exceeds the maximum permissible stress. The power transmitted by the gears is directly proportional to these stresses. This paper intends a systematic study of gear blank hub, web, and rim geometry along with rim angle and fillets to reduce the weight of helical gear without altering the material and tooth geometry with the proper balance between weight reduction and total deformation. In turn, the total deformation in optimized gear will be in the safety range, 30% of existing gear deformation. Also aims to determine the magnitude of total deformation and Von-Mises stresses for a particular configuration of helical gears that transfer power while maintaining functionality and lowering the gear's material cost and energy consumption. Incorporating change in dimensional features of gear blank for weight reduction over the existing design and evaluation of individual feature behavior trends could be considered as the key parameters for assessment for this work.
Influence of Structural, Social and Hygienic Atmospheres to accessing Public Toilets in Dhaka, Bangladesh: A Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Hossain Syed Billal , Chowdhury ABM Alauddin , Shahjahan Md.
Published: December 2022

Lack of access to public toilets is provoking to urinate or defecate by men at open places in the capital city, Dhaka. Moreover, here public toilets are not much care for women or for sanitary conditions. Over five million people are without proper toilet facilities in Dhaka on the other side very few open access public toilets or paid latrines and/or urinal settings made this situation more awful. Therefore the purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of the Structural, Social and Hygienic Atmospheres on accessing Public Toilets in Dhaka. It was a cross-sectional qualitative study in Dhaka city from November 2016 and January 2017. Data were collected from 29 public toilets in different areas of both south and north part of Dhaka city. Semi-structured checklists for observation of the present structural and social situation of public toilets were used in data collection. There are 237 public toilets are in working condition in the city including Dhaka City Corporation (DCC)-authorized and non-governmental public toilets. However, for almost 6.97 million residents in the city, those surprisingly lack the number. This study survey found that people of the city are used to visiting the nearest restricted toilets such as Mosques, Filling stations, hospitals, etc. due to the absence or inaccessibility of the nearest public toilet. According to the observations, public toilet entrances were poorly constructed and the toilets had no ramp or suitable entrance for any disabled person. Unsuitable sanitary settings (such as washbasins, toilets, flushing mechanisms, and urinals) were the main reason found in terms of usability struggle. All the public toilets were found with poor lighting, ventilation, and piping conditions, both aesthetically and functionally. Additionally, the floor materials in all of the toilets were found slippery and deterioration of the roof, doors, windows and indoor walls of public toilets was a common scenario. Mismanagement was also a common feature in public toilets. Among the surveyed public toilets about half of those have no "Women Section" and the gathering of bystanders especially around the women block is remarkable in some public toilets. It seemed that some public toilets were used not only for sanitation purposes but also for other reasons such as a living place for caretakers and water sources for low-income/floating people living around the public toilets. Although there are unhygienic environments and uncomfortable structural and social circumstances in public toilets of Dhaka city, however, the context is taken lightly by the authorities.
Intralesional versus intramuscular methotrexate in the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers
Authors: Elkholy Basma M. , El-Sayed Manal , Sola Maryam A. , Bessar Hagar
Published: December 2022

Background: Intralesional methotrexate (MTX) could be a promising conservative alternative therapy for non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs). Systemic MTX was previously attempted as adjuvant for locally-advanced NMSCs.
Aim: To compare the effectiveness and safety of intralesional vs. systemic MTX in NMSC management.
Methods: Sixty patients with histologically-proven NMSCs [keratoacanthoma (KA), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)], were randomly-assigned into two equal groups: Group A received intralesional MTX injections, and group B was intramuscularly injected with MTX. Injections were repeated weekly until clearance or for 8 sessions. Patients were classified into: responders (>50% improvement), partial responders (<50% improvement), and non-responders to the treatment intervention.
Results: In terms of responders, there was a statistically-significant difference in favor of the intralesional MTX group (53.3%) as compared to the intramuscular MTX group (26.7%) (P value=0.04). In groups A and B, respectively, 1-For KA, 88.9% vs 71.4% of patients had a complete resolution; 2-For BCC, 42.8% vs 30% were responders; 3-For SCC, 28.6% vs 0% were responders.
Limitations: Low sample size and short follow up.
Conclusions: Intralesional MTX is significantly more effective than systemic MTX in the treatment of NMSCs. In KA and lip tumors, both treatment approaches showed excellent response.
Trial registration: Registered and approved prospectively by the ethical review board at Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University.
INTRODUCTION
Authors: Straehle Christine , Atuire Caesar
Published: December 2022

n/a
Inclusive climate and the performance of employees from Muslim diaspora in the Western organisations
Authors: Sardana Islam Khan  , Rumana Afroze  , Laila Zaman
Published: December 2022

This exploratory study focuses on the impact of inclusive organisational climate on the members of Muslim diaspora in the Western workforce. There are theories and evidence that view increasing diversity in the workforce as a positive rather than a negative phenomenon. This is one of the few research papers that exclusively focuses on the implications of inclusive management practices for Muslim employees in the Western organisations. Evidence from the Muslim employees working in different industrial sectors in Australia, New Zealand, United States, and Canada have been used to explore the positive outcomes of inclusive organisational climate propositioned by the growing Muslim community in the Western workplace. This exploratory qualitative study presents the findings from 30 interviews with purposively selected Muslim employees working in the Western economies. Recursive abstraction and thematic approach have been used to analyse the data. The findings supported the popular assumption that inclusive organisational environment positively influences the desired employee outcomes among the Muslim employees that may lead to the attainment of various organisational goals. The findings also revealed that Muslim workers in the Western workplace feel more comfortable and included in a work climate where co-workers from different backgrounds or orientation are interested and encouraged to discuss their faith, values, and practices openly instead of carefully avoiding such conversation in the social interaction. Inclusiveness, to the Western workers with Muslim identity, is more about the interaction and behaviour of their co-workers at a personal level and less about the organisational system level mechanisms. Social exchange theory underpins the phenomenon explored in this study. Implications have been drawn for managers and human resource experts in the Western organisations.
Unveiling the linkages between emerging stock market indices and cryptocurrencies
Authors: Wajid Shakeel Ahmed  , Ahsan Mehmood  , Talha Sheikh  , Allah Bachaya
Published: December 2022

This paper investigated the relationship between cryptocurrencies and emerging stock market indices using fractional integration and co-integration technique. Particularly, fractional integration is applied to examine stochastic properties of individual assets and fractional cointegration to analyse bivariate connectedness. Our findings unveil the absence of mean reversion in majority cases which indicates high persistence in series. Furthermore, bivariate analysis reveals disconnection between cryptocurrencies prices and stock indices. Surprisingly, a different picture emerges on using conditional volatility instead of prices. Like, conditional volatility-based estimation uncovers evidence of mean reversion in univariate analysis as expected. There is some evidence of cointegration on volatility grounds between cryptocurrencies and emerging stock market indices. Our findings implies that investment decision regarding digital currencies should be taken cautiously. As cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile with high degree of persistence which can make them counterproductive.
COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Pregnancy Outcome During Third Wave
Authors: Dhume Pranjali , Dey Madhusudan , Tiwari Shyamji , Chawla Sunil , Kumar Abhijit , Chowdhary Priyanshi , Rawal Reshu
Published: December 2022

OBJECTIVES: Omicron was declared as a variant of concern by WHO on 26 Nov 2021. Omicron is highly transmissible, but the disease severity and morbidity were lesser compared to the Delta variant. However, COVID-19 Vaccine efficacy was reduced for the Omicron variant whereas it was highly efficacious for the Delta variant. Hence, for evidence-based counseling in pregnant patients about expected outcomes depending on their vaccination status, this prospective cohort study was conducted.
STUDY DESIGN: This study was conducted in Base Hospital Delhi Cantt, New Delhi, India during the third wave of SARS-CoV-2 i.e. from Jan 2022 to Mar 2022. All COVID-19-positive patients who were admitted for delivery were followed up till discharge from the hospital. The outcomes in terms of severity of COVID-19 infection, period of gestation at the time of delivery, intrapartum/postpartum complications, fetal distress, meconium staining of liquor, the requirement of neonatal intensive care unit admission were documented and data was analyzed to assess clinical severity of the disease in fully/partially vaccinated+unvaccinated women.
RESULTS: During the specified period, 22.32% was the positivity rate among the delivered patients. Of 61.78% were fully vaccinated and 24.39% were either not vaccinated or partially vaccinated. The risk of symptomatic COVID-19 illness, the requirement of supportive management, and maternal and neonatal outcomes in both groups were comparable.
CONCLUSION: Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated parturient had no increased risk of symptomatic COVID-19 illness or requirement of supportive management in terms of oxygen inhalation or ventilation as compared with fully vaccinated pregnant women. The study also reported comparable maternal and fetal outcomes in vaccinated and unvaccinated/ partially vaccinated pregnant women. Further studies are required to ascertain whether the comparable outcomes were due to the decreased severity of the disease caused by the omicron variant.
Asset management for blue-green infrastructures: a scoping review
Authors: Langeveld Jeroen G. , Cherqui Frédéric , Tscheikner-Gratl Franz , Muthanna Tone Merete , Juarez Marina Fernandez-Delgado , Leitão Joao P. , Roghani Bardia , Kerres Karsten , do Céu Almeida Maria , Werey Caty , Rulleau Bénédicte
Published: December 2022

Urban drainage systems have developed way beyond the traditional piped combined or separate sewer systems. Many ‘new’ systems are being introduced, ranging from stormwater infiltration facilities to green roofs. However, the widely advocated blue-green infrastructures are typically overlooked by asset managers, which will very likely have detrimental effects on their performance, service life, and wider adoption. In this paper, the working group on Urban Drainage Asset Management (UDAM – https://udam.home.blog/) of the IWA and IAHR Joint Committee on Urban Drainage discusses whether the state-of-the-art knowledge based on conventional sewer asset management is sufficient to develop asset management for blue-green infrastructures (BGIs). The discussion is structured around the five preconditions for effective control and asset management. Results show that asset management for BGIs is still underdeveloped due to a lack of monitoring techniques covering the broad range of BGI benefits and performance indicators, inspection techniques covering relevant failure mechanisms and models describing these mechanisms, maintenance and rehabilitation options, and sufficient support tools to aid inhabitants in the operation and maintenance of their individual BGIs such as green roofs or vegetated swales.
Lijiang flood characteristics and implication of karst storage through Muskingum flood routing via HEC-HMS, S. China
Authors: Rad Saeed , Junfeng Dai , Jingxuan Xu , Zitao Li , Linyan Pan , Wan Zepeng , Lin Liao
Published: December 2022

We analyzed the characteristics of main karstic/non-karst reaches of the Lijiang River to uncover the causes behind different flood behaviors by providing a better understanding of the flood formation. Having 63 years of rainfall-runoff data and applying the HEC-HMS model, geo/hydrological features were investigated. The available reservoir capacity of karts (ARCK) was included through soil moisture accounting loss data to assess its impact. In particular, the expected instantaneous peak discharge rates/times were found largely imbalanced with generated unit hydrographs. Moreover, significant gaps among the floods’ features for different subbasins in terms of required peak modifications (2–4 times larger for mid-upstream, respectively) were mainly associated with the unique karst structure and initial condition due to various ARCK in rainy/dry seasons. Besides, notable dissimilarities between the wedge/prism storage volumes and the hydrograph’s wave traveling/receding time were observed owing to the geomorphological conditions. Although the contribution rates of drivers in karst flood formation cannot be quantitively modeled, based on our results the ARCK emerged to play a substantial role on the forecasted results, comparatively. Our results suggest that since ARCK varies, taking it into account (as initial abstraction) results in a more reliable estimation. This was underpinned by the results in which the unmodified simulations had a qualified rate of 52% accuracy on average and increased to 67.5% after the ARCK inclusion. This work adds to the body of evidence illustrating that in karst hydrology, ignoring the situational circumstances in modeling might lead to inaccuracies in flood forecasting for such dynamic watersheds.
Interculturalidad en la Educación Técnica Profesional: Tensiones y Desafíos para su Implementación
Authors:   Universidad Católica de Temuco, Quezada-Carrasco Patricio , Valdebenito Zambrano Vanessa ,   Universidad Católica de Temuco, Quintriqueo Millán Segundo ,   Universidad Católica de Temuco
Published: December 2022

Este artículo aborda tensiones y desafíos para la implementación de la educación intercultural en contexto de educación técnica profesional en Chile. Argumentamos que, producto de la idea de progreso técnico-científico, la educación técnica profesional, ha instalado una racionalidad instrumental que gobierna y domina las mentes de quienes comparten este escenario, derribando la posibilidad de construir aprendizajes desde una perspectiva de pluralidad. Como medida contrahegemónica, proponemos un modelo de aprendizaje reflexivo para los actores del medio educativo y social, que permita relevar el enfoque de interculturalidad como medio para alcanzar la construcción de aprendizajes situados, contextualizados y la búsqueda de una identidad de colaboración entre actores del medio educativo y social. La metodología empleada es la investigación educativa y un procedimiento de análisis de contenido. Concluimos que, tanto la política educativa como el currículum escolar y la escuela técnica profesional, sólo han causado el encierro de la comunidad educativa técnica profesional en una identidad fija e inmutable al no considerar el contexto social y cultural de sus miembros. Revertir este problema, requiere adoptar con urgencia un enfoque educativo en perspectiva intercultural y la idea de una nueva educación intercultural técnico profesional.
Educación electiva en casa como alternativa para la educación inicial en tiempos de pandemia
Authors:   Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios, Herrera Mateus Catalina , Maldonado Ramírez Sandra ,   Politécnico gran Colombiano
Published: December 2022

El confinamiento debido a la pandemia del Covid-19 llevó al cierre temporal de escuelas y los niños en edad escolar fue uno de los grupos más afectados, puesto que un gran porcentaje de los niños y niñas fueron desescolarizados o forzados a atender largas jornadas de estudio de forma virtual con un modelo presencial remoto asistido por las TIC. Debido a esta situación, fue necesario pensar en una alternativa para la educación de mi hija y encontrar en las pedagogías emergentes de educación en casa, una opción para iniciar el desarrollo de las diferentes dimensiones de su aprendizaje. Es así que este artículo describe la experiencia de diseñar e implementar un modelo de educación electivo en casa para mi hija de 3 años de edad. El modelo incluye las dimensiones del desarrollo infantil, así como la promoción de la interacción como elemento fundamental en el desarrollo integral de los niños. La implementación de un modelo electivo en casa con el apoyo de docentes que guíen a los padres en el proceso de enseñanza, permitiendo demostrar que es posible crear un currículo flexible, centrado en los intereses y necesidades específicas de cada niño; además, convierte a los padres de familia en generadores de experiencias de aprendizaje significativas y novedosas tanto para los niños como para ellos mismos.
Aula de física para estudante deficiente visual durante a pandemia
Authors:   Universidade Federal do Acre, Santos dos Reis Joisilany , Martins Santos Bianca ,   Universidade Federal do Acre, Da Costa Nunes Ingrath  Narrayany ,   Universidade Federal do Acre
Published: December 2022

O trabalho compartilha uma sequência didática que propõe o uso de recursos que podem viabilizar a inclusão de estudantes com deficiência visual em aulas de física, especificamente sobre o tema de ondas. Como base referencial, utiliza-se o conceito de Zona de Desenvolvimento Proximal de Vygotsky e como mediação os recursos: maquete tátil-visual, imagens ampliadas em alto relevo e audiodescritas, brinquedo mola maluca e vídeo com audiodescrição; de forma a ampliar a Zona de Desenvolvimento Potencial de tais estudantes. Adotou-se como metodologia, a pesquisa qualitativa descritiva e o relato de experiência com base no estudo de caso. Como resultado, apresenta-se o relato de experiência sobre a aula ministrada, que devido à pandemia da Covid-19 ocorreu de forma individualizada e presencial na casa da estudante deficiente visual, discente de uma das turmas de ensino médio de uma escola pública de Rio Branco, Acre, Brasil. A partir dos resultados apresentados faz-se um debate ao redor do tema, discutem-se aspectos relevantes sobre os recursos utilizados bem como sobre a questão da inclusão.
Integrative Approaches of DNA Methylation Patterns According to Age,
Sex and Longitudinal Changes
Authors: Gim Jeong-An
Published: December 2022

Background:

In humans, age-related DNA methylation has been studied in blood, tissues,
buccal swabs, and fibroblasts, and changes in DNA methylation patterns according to age and sex
have been detected. To date, approximately 137,000 samples have been analyzed from 14,000 studies,
and the information has been uploaded to the NCBI GEO database.

Methods:

A correlation between age and methylation level and longitudinal changes in methylation
levels was revealed in both sexes. Here, 20 public datasets derived from whole blood were analyzed
using the Illumina BeadChip. Batch effects with respect to the time differences were correlated. The
overall change in the pattern was provided as the inverse of the coefficient of variation (COV).

Results:

Of the 20 datasets, nine were from a longitudinal study. All data had age and sex as common
variables. Comprehensive details of age-, sex-, and longitudinal change-based DNA methylation levels
in the whole blood sample were elucidated in this study. ELOVL2 and FHL2 showed the maximum
correlation between age and DNA methylation. The methylation patterns of genes related to mental
health differed according to age. Age-correlated genes have been associated with malformations (anteverted
nostril, craniofacial abnormalities, and depressed nasal bridge) and drug addiction (drug habituation
and smoking).

Conclusion:

Based on 20 public DNA methylation datasets, methylation levels according to age and
longitudinal changes by sex were identified and visualized using an integrated approach. The results
highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying the association of sex and biological age with changes
in DNA methylation, and the importance of optimal genomic information management.
Emerging Trends and Future Challenges of Nanovaccine Delivery via
Nasal Route
Authors: Dewangan Hitesh Kumar , Raghuvanshi Akash , Shah Kamal
Published: December 2022

The mucosal surfaces are the key site of the entrance, protection, and stability of several pathogens. Considering that >90% of pathogens gain access to the body via mucosal sites, using mucosal vaccination to generate protective immunity at mucosal sites could overcome. Some of the micro and nano carrier-based nasal delivery systems produce cellular, humoral and mucosal immun-ity. The nasal route vaccination may protect multiple distant mucosal sites like-rectal, vaginal, oral, and pulmonary. Also, it is a convenient and cost-effective vaccination mode with improved patient compliance. Several nasal vaccine delivery systems are currently being supplied in the form of lipo-somes, micro/nano particulates, which have shown immunity in animal models. Especially particu-late nanovaccine has a special character related to long-term immunogenicity and high efficiency. The significance and the ability of the nasal route vaccination programs are unexplained and com-plications; therefore, effective delivery strategies will promote the production of nasal vaccines. The present study focuses on vaccine delivery strategies and their effects on the immune system. Also, the study discusses the benefits of mucosal-associated immune response over the conventional de-livery system for vaccine via the nasal route.
Nanostructured Transition Metal Sulfide-based Glucose and Lactic Acid
Electrochemical Sensors for Clinical Applications
Authors: Maduraiveeran Govindhan , Arivazhagan Mani , Kannan Palanisamy
Published: December 2022

Engineered nanostructures of mixed transition metal sulfides have emerged as promising nanomaterials (NMs) for various electrochemical sensors and biosensors applications, including glucose sensors (GS) and lactic acid sensors (LAS) in clinical aspects. Electrochemical sensors based on nanostructured materials, such as transition metal sulfides and their nanocomposites, in-cluding graphene, carbon nanotubes, molecularly imprinted polymers, and metal-organic frame-works, have emerged as potent tools for the monitoring and quantification of biomolecules. Highly sensitive and selective electrochemical detection systems have generally been established credibly by providing new functional surfaces, miniaturization processes, and different nanostructured mate-rials with exceptional characteristics. This review provides an overview of glucose and lactic acid sensors based on transition metal nanomaterials and their nanocomposites with a detailed discussion about the advantages and challenges. The merits of nanoscale transition metal sulphide-based elec-trochemical sensors and biosensor systems include cost-effectiveness, ease of miniaturization pro-cess, energy- and time-efficient, simple preparation, etc. Moreover, online sensing competence is the dynamic strength for sustained progress of electrochemical detection systems, thus fascinating interdisciplinary research. In particular, we discuss the synthesis, characteristics, electrode construc-tion strategies, and uses in electrochemical sensing of glucose and lactic acid primarily based on our most recent research and other reports. In addition, the challenges and future perspectives of the nanostructured transition metal sulfides-based electrochemical sensing and biosensing systems to-ward the detection of glucose and lactic acid are described.
Manifestations, Prevalence, Management and Outcome of Invasive Aspergillosis
in Post-Liver Transplant Patients
Authors: Aliakbarian Mohsen , Khodashahi Rozita , Rezayat Kambiz Akhavan , Naderi Hamid Reza , Khodashahi Mandana , Pasand Maziar Mortazavi , Khaleghi Ebrahim , Moghaddam Maliheh Dadgar
Published: December 2022

Backgrounds:

Aspergillosis is a severe and fatal complication that causes infection in
transplant recipients and patients with immunodeficiency syndrome, neutropenia, chronic granulomatosis,
and hematologic malignancies. Invasive Aspergillosis has been reported as one of the
fungal infections with high mortality in transplant recipients. This study aimed to describe the
manifestations, prevalence, management and outcome of invasive Aspergillosis fungal infections in
liver transplant patients.

Methods:

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with liver transplantation
who were infected with invasive Aspergillosis fungal infections. The data were extracted from
the medical records of the archive of Montasryieh Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, between August 2019
and August 2020.

Results:

In general, 86 patients who had liver transplantation were hospitalized at Montasryieh
Hospital from August 2019 to August 2020. Among them, 10 patients were infected with invasive
Aspergillosis. Only 6.7% of the patients were categorized under late-onset (> 90 days after liver
transplantation), and 93.3% of them were early-onset (< 90 days after liver transplantation). Invasive
Aspergillosis fungal infections were suspected based on clinical or radiological signs (possible
in 30% of cases; n = 3). The probable diagnosis was reported in 60% (n = 6), and the proven diagnosis
was observed only in one patient. In addition, 80% of the patients were diagnosed with Pulmonary
Aspergillosis, and two patients had pulmonary Aspergillosis in combination with the central
nervous system and cutaneous Aspergillosis. A correlation was found between a comorbid disease
and the type of Aspergillosis (r = 0.69; P = 0.02). Voriconazole was effective to treat invasive
Aspergillosis in all patients.

Conclusion:

The prevalence rate of Aspergillosis is relatively high among liver transplant recipient
populations (11%). All recipients infected with Aspergillosis had at least one risk factor, including
an underlying disease. It seems that Voriconazole therapy is effective among transplant patients
with pulmonary Aspergillosis.
voomSOM: voom-based Self-Organizing Maps for Clustering RNASequencing
Data
Authors: Zararsız Gökmen , Cephe Ahu , Koçhan Necla , Zararsız Gözde Ertürk , Eldem Vahap , Coşgun Erdal , Karabulut Erdem
Published: December 2022

Background:

Due to overdispersion in the RNA-Seq data and its discrete structure, clustering
samples based on gene expression profiles remains a challenging problem, and several clustering
approaches have been developed so far. However, there is no “gold standard” strategy for clustering
RNA-Seq data, so alternative approaches are needed.

Objective:

In this study, we presented a new clustering approach, which incorporates two powerful
methods, i.e., voom and self-organizing maps, into the frequently used clustering algorithms such as kmeans,
k-medoid and hierarchical clustering algorithms for RNA-seq data clustering.

Methods:

We first filter and normalize the raw RNA-seq count data. Then to transform counts into continuous
data, we apply the voom method, which outputs the log-cpm matrix and sample quality weights.
After the voom transformation, we apply the SOM algorithm to log-cpm values to get the codebook
used in the downstream analysis. Next, we calculate the weighted distance matrices using the sample
quality weights obtained from voom transformation and codebooks from the SOM algorithm. Finally,
we apply k-means, k-medoid and hierarchical clustering algorithms to cluster samples.

Results:

The performances of the presented approach and existing methods are compared over simulated
and real datasets. The results show that the new clustering approach performs similarly or better than
other methods in the Rand index and adjusted Rand index. Since the voom method accurately models
the observed mean-variance relationship of RNA-seq data and SOM is an efficient algorithm for modeling
high dimensional data, integrating these two powerful methods into clustering algorithms increases
the performance of clustering algorithms in overdispersed RNA-seq data.

Conclusion:

The proposed algorithm, voomSOM, is an efficient and novel clustering approach that can
be applied to RNA-Seq data clustering problems.
Two-way Road of Kidney and Hypercalcemia: A Narrative Review
Authors: Alizadeh Reza , Aghsaeifard Ziba
Published: December 2022

Calcium homeostasis is regulated by the dyad of parathyroid hormone and calcitriol, whereas kidney, intestine, and bone are the primary target sites. Elevation of serum calcium levels and hypercalcemia are likely markers of pathological conditions, particularly malignancy and hyperparathyroidism. Similarly, several dysfunctions within the body can direct hypercalcemia. Furthermore, chemicals and drugs can also drive this condition. Owing to the significant role of the kidney in calcium homeostasis, renal abnormalities lead to hypercalcemia and increased calcium levels can have pathological effects on the kidney. This review is designed to highlight some of the commonly known causes of hypercalcemia and their effects on the kidney.
Trends of Dye Removal and Heavy Metal Removal of Different Hydrogel-Based Materials and Their Mixtures
Authors: Abdelhamid Mahy M. , Saleh Shaza H. , Radwan Mostafa. A. , Sadek Mohammed. A. , Darwish Sohair A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Hydrogels are relatively newly developed materials that has piqued the curiosity of scientists in various fields, particularly for wastewater treatment applications. Heavy metal ions and dye removal hydrogels is becoming more popular due to its ease of use, low cost, increased effectiveness, biodegradability, and reusability.

Objective

Evaluate and study the adsorption behaviour of different hydrogel materials towards heavy metal ions and dyes.

Methods

The hydrogels investigated are Poly(2-Acrylamido-2-Methylpropane Sulphonic Acid) (PAMPS) hydrogels, commercial sodium polyacrylates (Na-PA), chitosan (CH), along with their binary and ternary mixtures. A semi-interpenetrating network (IPN) based on PAMPS and Na-PA was also investigated. The performance of each hydrogel towards six different heavy metals (Co+2, Cu+2, Ni+2, Cd+2, Zn+2, and Mn+2), cationic Methylene Blue (MB) dye, and anionic Methyl Orange (MO) dye, was studied and analysed.

Results

It was found that the Na-PA/CH hydrogel was the best performing hydrogel for heavy metal removal, removing more than 84% of all metals, followed by PAMPS/Na-PA which removed up to 70%. The best hydrogel mixture with both cationic and anionic dyes is PAMPS/CH, removing 90.1% and 85%, respectively. The proposed dye removal mechanism is electrostatic attraction between the dyes and the charged functional groups on the hydrogel’s surface.

Conclusion

It is concluded that the use of Na-PA with CH for heavy metal removal yields better results than when using each hydrogel separately. For dye removal, it was found that combining PAMPS with CH creates a very promising hydrogel suitable for removing both anionic and cationic dyes, which is critical for industrial applications.
Peculiarities of the Relationships between Anxiety, Psychological Skills, and Injuries in Cuban Athletes
Authors: Garit Jesús Ríos , Rodríguez Rosalía Cárdenas , Surita Yanet Pérez , Méndez Leonardo Rodríguez , Carvajal Dayana Calviño , Moya Yoanny Soris , Castellanos Roswel Borges
Published: December 2022

Background:

In the present research, the general and specific relationships of anxiety and psychological skills with the history of injuries in a heterogeneous population of Cuban high-performance athletes are analyzed.

Methods:

Through a correlational and cross-sectional study, the Villa Clara basketball, baseball, soccer, and softball preselection’s were studied between 2019 and 2022. To obtain data on injuries, a specific questionnaire was applied. The state of the psychological variables was determined by means of the Competition State Anxiety Inventory and the Sports Execution Psychological Inventory. Data were analyzed using empirical frequency distribution, descriptive statistics, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, and Kendall's Tau_b nonparametric correlation coefficient.

Results and Discussion:

High anxiety and psychological skills to compete prevailed. Most of the athletes had been injured with remarkable frequency, severity and in competitions. Lower motivational level, attention and emotional control are related to the occurrence of injuries. The most serious injuries are related to high levels of anxiety, less control of attention and negative coping, while the occurrence in competition is related to less control of attitude. The relationships between variables differ between the sports analyzed.

Conclusion:

A lower degree of psychological preparation makes the athlete vulnerable to injury, however, the psychological risk factors are established specifically in each sport. These differences must be considered for the design and implementation of injury prevention.
Metal Ion and Dye Adsorption Potential of Grafted Co-polymer of Polysaccharides
for the Treatment of Wastewater
Authors: Singh Shilpa , Malviya Rishabha , Sharma Pramod Kumar , Gupta Ashok
Published: December 2022

This review explains the importance of polysaccharide derivatives in removing heavy
metals and dyes from contaminated materials. With rising urbanization and industrialization, the
availability of heavy metals and dyes in the environment is increasing. Heavy metals can cause a
variety of health problems in individuals and offer major environmental dangers. This paper uses
diverse techniques to discuss the most recent improvements in metal ion and dye adsorption from
wastewater. Various derivatives of natural polymers can be used as good adsorbents for removing
heavy metals and dyes from industrial wastewater and treated water released into the environment,
lowering the risk of human disease and environmental problems. According to literature reviews,
removing heavy metal ions from industrial effluent benefits both people and the environment. Graft
copolymers are the most effective heavy metal ion and dye removal adsorbents, and the majority of
them obey the pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order models. Also, an overview of each grafted copolymers
of polysaccharides for the adsorption of metal ions and dyes is mentioned in this review.
South Indian Medicinal Herb: An Extensive Comparison of the Neuroprotective Activity
Authors: Singh Pratistha , Kumar Ashutosh , Singh Anil Kumar
Published: December 2022

Medicinal Plants have secondary metabolites containing various
phytoconstituents. Traditionally, medicinal plants are used in several diseases like
cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorder, etc. Flavonoids, Tannin, Phenols,
Phenylpropanoids, Isoprenoids, and alkaloids are present in several medicinal plants,
which play a very important role to promote health benefits and defensiveness for other
disorders. Neurological disorders are prone to the elderly and difficult to treat. Several
medicinal plants have been recognized as beneficial in neurological disorders. Various
types of plant extract and formulations are present in ancient texts, which are effective
in such disorders and should be explored scientifically to mitigate neurodegenerative
disorders. In this chapter, we will focus on South Indian medicinal plants which are
effective in neurological disorders or have neuroprotective properties.