bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PEMBELAJARAN MENGGEMBIRAKAN MELALUI PENDEKATAN TECHNOLOGICAL PEDAGOGICAL CONTENT KNOWLADGE
Authors: Rochsun Rochsun , Sunuyeko Nurcholis , Wijayanti Rina
Published: May 2023

Higher-order thinking skills in 21st century learning are a requirement, so that students are able to think critically, creatively, collaboratively and communicatively. Focusing on these demands, often the learning process ignores the basic needs of students, namely happiness. Kebudiutamaan course is one of the institutional courses that must be taken by students of all study programs at IKIP Budi Utomo Malang. As with other study programs, students of the Mathematics Education Study Program also take this course. Regarding the basic needs of students, namely being happy, in taking the Virtue Course, Mathematics Education students also need fun learning. The Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) approach is intended to create fun learning in the learning activities of the Civics course. This study used quantitative approach with survey data (primary) with a cross-sectional design. The sampling technique used porpusive sampling. Data collection used self-administered questionaires. The results of the non-parametric statistical test Chi-square test (χ2) with a significance level of 5%, show that there is a significant difference in the number of students of the Mathematics Education Study Program in the Kebudiutamaan subject. Students are happy with learning TPACK Plus than those who are not, and there is an increase in critical thinking skills, creative, communicative and able to work collaboratively, which is shown by the product of high-quality material content in the form of short videos.
Poszttranszplantációs hypertonia rizikófaktora és hatása az allograft funkciójára
Authors: Harsányi Márton , Rárosi Ferenc , Borda Bernadett
Published: May 2023

Bevezetés: A vesetranszplantációt követő halálozások csaknem 40%-a valamilyen cardiovascularis betegség miatt történik, amelynek egyik főbb rizikófaktora a transzplantáció utáni magas vérnyomás (PTHT), ami gyakran nem kerül felismerésre és kezelésre. Beteg és módszerek: Kutatásunk során a PTHT előfordulási gyakoriságát és kockázati tényezőit vizsgáltuk, valamint a PTHT hatását az allograft működésére. Eredmények: Vizsgálatunkban a PTHT előfordulásának gyakorisága 42% volt. A rizikófaktorokat vizsgálva BMI, életkor, nemek arányában szignifikáns különbséget nem találtunk. A PTHT szignifikánsan nagyobb arányban fordult elő a ciklosporint szedők körében (p=0,021), mint a takrolimuszt szedőknél. A vese funkcióját vizsgálva a szérumkreatinin- (p=0,024), urea- (p=0,005) és eGFR- (p=0,036) értékek szignifikánsan különböztek a PTHT és a normális vérnyomású betegek között. Megbeszélés: A transzplantáció után újonnan kialakult hypertonia allograftra gyakorolt hatása már korán megmutatkozik a vesefunkcionális értékek romlásában. Ezért elengedhetetlennek tartjuk a vérnyomás rendszeres ellenőrzését, szükség esetén a vérnyomáscsökkentő terápia megkezdését.
Az obesitasparadoxon. Létezik olyan metabolikus hátrány, amely bizonyos helyzetekben előny?
Authors: Sipos Erzsébet Evelyn , Bedros J. Róbert , Alföldi Sándor , Simonyi Gábor
Published: May 2023

Számos olyan tényező ismert, amelyek mind mortalitási, mind morbiditási szempontból fokozott kockázatot jelentenek a betegek számára 2-es típusú cukorbetegség, szív- és érrendszeri betegségek, valamint krónikus veseelégtelenség kialakulására. Ezek közül az egyik legismertebb az elhízás. Alapvető egészségügyi cél tehát az obesitas elleni harc. Vannak azonban olyan vizsgálati eredmények, amelyek az egészséges testsúlyúakhoz képest jobb mortalitási és morbiditási értékeket igazoltak enyhe súlyfelesleg esetén. Ez az obesitasparadoxon. Az alábbi cikkben ezt a fogalmat járjuk körbe néhány újabb vizsgálati eredmény alapján.
A vérnyomás hatása a veseartéria áramlástani jellemzőire egészséges és fél vese esetén
Authors: Csonka Dávid , Szukits Sándor , Bogner Péter , Koller Ákos , Wittmann István , Háber István , Horváth Iván
Published: May 2023

A vérnyomás változása befolyásolhatja az áramlástani jellemzőket, és ezáltal a vesék hemodinamikáját is. Fél vesés állapotban ez a hatás még jelentősebb lehet. A veseartéria környezetének in vivo mérhetetlen áramlástani jellemzőit numerikus áramlástani szimulációval hatékonyan lehet vizsgálni. A kutatás elsődleges célja annak bizonyítása volt, hogy a magas vérnyomás és az izolált szisztolés hypertonia változásokat eredményez a veseartéria áramlástani jellemzőiben, amelyek fél vesés esetben jelentősebbek. Módszer: Egy véletlenszerűen kiválasztott betegcsoport aorta-veseartéria jobb és bal oldali elágazási szögeit mértük retrospektív módon, in vivo. A veseartéria áramlástani jellemzőinek mérésére egy numerikus áramlástani szimulációsorozatot végeztünk egészséges és fél vesés modelleken. A vérnyomást először fokozatosan növeltük 120/80 Hgmm értékről 200/90 Hgmm értékig. Ezt követően az izolált szisztolés hypertonia esetét szimuláltuk a diasztolés vérnyomást fokozatosan csökkentve 200/50 Hgmm értékig. A szimuláció kimenő paraméterei a nyomás, turbulens kinetikus energia, sebesség és térfogatáram értékei voltak a veseartériák kilépő keresztmetszetén. Eredmény: A veseartéria-elágazási szögek átlaga a bal oldalon 78°, a jobb oldalon 66° volt. A szimuláció eredményei azt mutatták, hogy a magas vérnyomás és az izolált szisztolés hypertonia következetesen változtatják a veseartéria áramlástani jellemzőit, fél vesés esetben nagyobb mértékben. Konklúziók: A vesét károsíthatja a nagyobb nyomás, a turbulencianövekedés atherosclerosishoz vezethet a veseartéria elágazásánál. Ezek a jellemzők nagyobb mértékben változnak fél vesés állapotban, így ez veszélyesebb a vesére nézve. Az áramlási sebesség és térfogatáram értékei azonban nem függenek szignifikánsan a fél vesés állapottól.
L’influenza dell’apprendimento capovolto sui fattori motivazionali degli studenti in matematica: osservazioni e risultati di una prima analisi narrativa
Authors: Lazzari Elena
Published: May 2023

Il presente contributo ha l’obiettivo di indagare la possibile influenza dell’apprendimento capovolto, una metodologia didattica innovativa di ampia diffusione, sui fattori motivazionali nell’insegnamento-apprendimento della matematica. È stata svolta un’analisi dei testi narrativi prodotti da circa 200 studenti di scuola secondaria di secondo grado al termine di una sperimentazione della durata di circa 20 ore. Si è così giunti ad alcune rilevanti conclusioni che sembrano riconoscere nell’apprendimento capovolto una metodologia in grado di creare un ambiente di apprendimento con influenza positiva sui fattori motivazionali.
Representation Of Women In Art Museums: How Can We Improve Gender Balance In Exhibition Practice?
Authors: Aspegren Astrid
Published: May 2023

This paper is a summary of my master thesis from 2019. The paper examines the obstacles that artists, who are women, face in their artistic practice and opportunity to have their works exhibited in a Danish context. The paper is the result of a study into the representation of women artists in Danish state art museums; a study stemming from the observation that the prestigious Charlottenborg Spring Exhibition in Copenhagen always exhibits as many (if not more) women than men. Given the well documented imbalance of men and women artists in museum exhibitions around the world, the paper offers some inspiration for curators and museums to look at their own exhibition practice in order to foster gender equity and engage in active history-making.
Cultural diversity in Finland: Opening up the field for foreign-born artists
Authors: Lahtinen Emmi
Published: May 2023

In 2018, around 7% of the population of Finland was born outside Finland, and this proportion is rising. Specifically, foreign-born artists have sparked discussion about the difficulties they experience in gaining entry to the cultural field as well as funding opportunities in Finland. This article reports on the ‘Opening’ research project (2017–2019), which investigated the situation of foreign-born artists in the Finnish arts and cultural sector. The major factors creating inequality for all artists in Finland are insufficient funding, fierce competition, and different forms of discrimination. The foreign-born artists face additional difficulties due to language issues, merits, such as educational degrees, gained from outside Finland, closed networks, and ethnicity-based discrimination. The research was financed by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture, and it was carried out by the Center for Cultural Policy Research Cupore.
Neo-colonialism in cultural governance in the EU: a Maltese case study
Authors: Xuereb Dr Karsten
Published: May 2023

The case of cultural governance in Malta will be assessed to throw light on neo-colonialist practices persistent in relations between the European Union (EU) and Member States today. A sense of continuity between British rule in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and current cultural governance in Malta seems to have facilitated EU support of neo-liberal economic approaches to culture. It will be argued that this tension has allowed nationalistic tendencies and the instrumental use of the sector to grow. The term ‘culture’ is interpreted following Edward Said with regard to the acknowledgment of general social practices together with the struggle for the assertion of identities.

This paper makes the case that the adherence of the EU to the principle of subsidiarity in culture, combined with the prioritisation of economic principles, seem to have compromised cultural development in Malta through the dilution of a critical approach towards cultural practice. This strategic approach seems to have enabled the continuation of a colonial framework by enabling the subtle yet pervasive dominance of culture by the state elite.
ModEx: a general purpose computer model exploration system
Authors: Younesy Hamid , Pober Joseph , Möller Torsten , Karimi Mohammad M.
Published: May 2023

We present a general purpose visual analysis system that can be used for exploring parameters of a variety of computer models. Our proposed system offers key components of a visual parameter analysis framework including parameter sampling, deriving output summaries, and an exploration interface. It also provides an API for rapid development of parameter space exploration solutions as well as the flexibility to support custom workflows for different application domains. We evaluate the effectiveness of our system by demonstrating it in three domains: data mining, machine learning and specific application in bioinformatics.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic preparation and performance: a complex picture of equity
Authors: Burkholder Eric W. , Salehi Shima
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Many experts have predicted a drop in students’ academic performance due to an extended period of remote instruction and other harmful effects of the pandemic.

Methods

As university instructors and education researchers, we sought to investigate the effects of the pandemic on students’ preparation for college-level coursework and their performance in early college using mixed effects regression models. Data were collected from STEM students at a public research university in the southeastern United States.

Results

We found that demographic gaps in high school preparation (as measured by ACT scores) between men and women, as well as underrepresented minority and majority students, remained relatively consistent after the start of the pandemic. These gaps were approximately 1 point (out of 36) and 3 points, respectively. However, the gap between first generation and continuing generation students increased from prior to 2020, to after 2020, going from approximately 1 point to 2 points. This gap in preparation was not accompanied by a corresponding shift in the demographics of the student population and there was no corresponding increase in the demographic gaps in students’ first term grades.

Discussion

The data seem to suggest that first-generation students in STEM suffered more from the changes to secondary instruction during the pandemic, but that college instructors were able to mitigate some of these effects on first-semester grades. However, these effects were only mitigated to the extent that they preserved the status quo of pre-pandemic inequities in undergraduate STEM education.
Practical work in science education: a systematic literature review
Authors: Oliveira Hugo , Bonito Jorge
Published: May 2023

Practical work has taken a leading role in science teaching, particularly since the 1960s. Its goals are mainly oriented toward the development of sensitivity and taste for the study of physical and natural phenomena, bringing students closer to the daily reality experienced by researchers working in these areas of knowledge, while promoting educational success. However, these purposes have not always been achieved so, over time, limitations to the way that practical work has been developed have also been identified. In order to recognize the current state of the art on the development of the practical work in the teaching of sciences, a systematic literature review was designed, especially focused on the definition of the concept of practical work, its advantages, evaluation methodologies, and the criticism/limitations attributed to its implementation. To this end, four databases and one aggregator were used, to identify 53 international scientific publications. Analysis of this corpus allowed the identification of 8 categories associated to the concept of practical work, 5 categories associated to its advantages, 6 categories with the types/methodologies of evaluation and 5 categories associated with the limitations of this methodology. (From this analysis) it is concluded that most authors considers that the main idea integrative idea of the concept of practical work should be the manipulation of materials in practical activities (hands-on style), and the main advantage of this methodology comes from the fusion between the development of practical skills and the conceptual understanding (minds-on). In the evaluation methods, the context, procedures and specific instruments are favored and the main limitation pointed to this methodology is that the way practical work is implemented, is often not in agreement with the methods and techniques used by scientists and researchers.
The Metaverse and complex thinking: opportunities, experiences, and future lines of research
Authors: George-Reyes Carlos Enrique , Peláez Sánchez Iris Cristina , Glasserman-Morales Leonardo David , López-Caudana Edgar Omar
Published: May 2023

Research trends about the Metaverse have increased in recent years due to its potential to create immersive realities, where complex thinking becomes relevant as an ability to promote emerging ways to understand and explain the different realities that comprise a digital society. Although some investigations allow us to know both topics’ concepts and applications, scientific literature production about them is scarce. In this work, we conducted a systematic review of the literature (SLR), analyzing 234 publications from various databases, including Scopus and Web of Science, to understand how studies about the Metaverse overlap with the components of complex thought. The results showed that there has been extensive exploration of the Metaverse since 2022. The prevalence of the Metaverse aligns with the design of algorithms and retail sales, and it primarily correlates with virtual reality technology. Likewise, various reference frameworks and taxonomies have been designed to explain the operation of the Metaverse in different formative spaces. We concluded that examining the Metaverse from the perspective of critical, systemic, scientific, and innovative thinking can open lines of research that affect the knowledge of immersive technologies and the evolution of disruptive digital ecosystems.
A mini-review on cryogenic carbon capture technology by desublimation: theoretical and modeling aspects
Authors: Aneesh A. M. , Sam Ashish Alex
Published: May 2023

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies are the most effective methods to reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuel power plants. Of the different CCUS technologies, cryogenic carbon capture (CCC) methods are the most mature technology as they can obtain remarkably high CO2 recovery and purity (99.99%). The significant advantage of the CCC process is that it can be easily retrofitted to existing systems and can handle the gas stream’s impurities. Different desublimation-based CCC technologies like Cryogenic packed bed, Anti sublimation, External cooling loop, CryoCell process and Novel low-cost CO2 capture technology (NLCCT) are reported in the literature. The significant limitations of these processes are the continuous removal of the dry ice into storage tanks. For the efficient design of CCC systems, accurate prediction of the phase equilibria data and modeling of the frost formation is called for. This paper reviews the recently reported cryogenic desublimation technologies and analyses the various challenges in making them economically viable. The article also examines the different heat and mass transfer models employed to model CO2 frost formation.
Validity of wind power for heavy winter demand in eastern Japan power systems
Authors: Kondoh Junji
Published: May 2023

On a day with unusually low temperatures in March 2022, there was a risk of a shortage in the power supplied by the eastern Japan (Tohoku and Tokyo) power systems owing to the spiked demand. Mass-installed photovoltaic power systems cannot be considered as winter supply capacity because they generate almost no electricity during such heavy demand in winter. Conversely, wind power, which is currently installed in much less capacity, is promising in these areas owing to the high output due to the East Asian winter monsoon. This study clarifies that, in the Tohoku power system, the winter capacity values of wind power are sufficiently high and higher than the annual capacity factors. The study concluded that increasing offshore wind farms along the Tohoku area can effectively supply part of the tight winter electricity demand that needs to be fulfilled by power systems in eastern Japan. Moreover, it increases the share of renewable energy sources.
Competition matters: using in vitro community models to study the impact of human skin bacteria on mosquito attraction
Authors: Lucas-Barbosa Dani , Balvers Carlijn , Bellantuono Anthony J. , Castillo John S. , Costa-da-Silva André L. , De Moraes Consuelo M. , DeGennaro Matthew , Verhulst Niels O.
Published: May 2023

The human skin bacteria play an important role in the production of volatiles that attract mosquitoes. Using some of the most abundant human skin bacterial species, we created in vitro community models to assess whether increased microbial biodiversity could reduce human attractiveness to females of the dengue fever mosquito Aedes aegypti and whether co-culturing bacterial commensals affects overall attraction. More complex bacterial models were less attractive to female mosquitoes than the simplest models. For instance, the triple bacterial community model was approximately three times less attractive than Staphylococcus epidermidis alone. Our data show, for instance, that an in vitro community model mimicking the skin composition of a highly attractive individual to the anthropophilic Anopheles gambiae was also more attractive to anthropophilic Ae. aegypti than a community model mimicking the skin composition of a poorly attractive individual to An. gambiae. In line with these results, volatile analyses of the blends emitted by the different in vitro community models showed that the more complex models had lower emission overall. Effects on mosquito responses differed sharply when the different bacteria species were sharing the same resources used for growth, showing that either competition or commensalism may influence their relative growth, and that this consequently can influence mosquito responses. We conclude that studies on mosquito responses to skin volatiles need to take the microbial community into account.
A cross-sectional study of malaria transmission in suggests the existence of a potential bridge vector susceptible of ensuring the transfer of simian malaria parasites to humans
Authors: Longo-Pendy Neil-Michel , Boundenga Larson , Makanga Boris Kevin , Mbou-Boutambe Clark , Bouafou Lemonde , Akone-Ella Ousmane , Nkoghe-Nkoghe Lynda Chancelya , Lekana-Douki Sonia , Lekana-Douki Jean-Bernard , Kengne Pierre
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Despite all the efforts made to control or even eliminate malaria, the disease continues to claim the highest number of victims of vector-borne pathogens in the world and Sub-Saharan countries bear the heaviest burden. The lack of knowledge of the role of various protagonists involved in the transmission of this parasitic disease, such as mosquito vectors and the plasmodial species they transmit as well as the host species they infect in a locality, constitutes one of the main causes of the persistence of malaria. In Gabon, in several areas, entomological data on malaria transmission remain poorly known. Thus, this study aimed to determine the diversity of Anopheles involved in malaria transmission in different environments of the province of Nyanga in southwest Gabon.

Methods

For this, an entomological study was carried out in the four main localities of the province of Nyanga to provide answers to these shortcomings. Mosquitoes were collected over several nights using the human landing catch method. The identification of Anopheles and malaria parasites circulating in the different sites was achieved by combining morphological and molecular analysis tools.

Results

A total of five hundred and ninety-one (591) mosquitoes belonging to the Culicidae family were collected. From this collection of adult mosquitoes, nine species of Anopheles mosquitoes notably species of the Anopheles nili complex (53.46%) followed by those of Anopheles gambiae complex (22.01%), Anopheles funestus group (18.24%), Anopheles moucheti complex (5.66%) and Anopheles hancocki (0.63%). Approximately 18 percent of these Anopheles species were infected with Plasmodium spp. Anopheles funestus, known to be involved in malaria transmission to humans, and An. moucheti-like, recently discovered in Gabon, and whose status in Plasmodium transmission is not yet elucidated, were found to be infected with great ape Plasmodium.

Discussion

Our results raise the question of the potential switch of simian malaria parasites to humans. If these observations are confirmed in the future, and the infective capacity of the bridge vectors is demonstrated, this new situation could ultimately constitute an obstacle to progress in the fight against malaria.
Cell-based and cell-free immunotherapies for glioblastoma: current status and future directions
Authors: Wang Mingming , Wang Xiaojie , Jin Xiaoyan , Zhou Jingjing , Zhang Yufu , Yang Yiyuan , Liu Yusi , Zhang Jing
Published: May 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is among the most fatal and recurring malignant solid tumors. It arises from the GBM stem cell population. Conventional neurosurgical resection, temozolomide (TMZ)-dependent chemotherapy and radiotherapy have rendered the prognosis of patients unsatisfactory. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can frequently induce non-specific damage to healthy brain and other tissues, which can be extremely hazardous. There is therefore a pressing need for a more effective treatment strategy for GBM to complement or replace existing treatment options. Cell-based and cell-free immunotherapies are currently being investigated to develop new treatment modalities against cancer. These treatments have the potential to be both selective and successful in minimizing off-target collateral harm in the normal brain. In this review, several aspects of cell-based and cell-free immunotherapies related to GBM will be discussed.
Evaluation of safety and efficacy of inhaled ambroxol in hospitalized adult patients with mucopurulent sputum and expectoration difficulty
Authors: Zheng Zeguang , Yang Kai , Liu Ni , Fu Xiuhua , He Huijie , Chen Hong , Xu Peijun , Wang Jing , Liu Maofeng , Tang Yuling , Zhao Fengzi , Xu Shufeng , Yu Xiaowei , Han Jichang , Yuan Bo , Jia Bin , Pang Guifen , Shi Yantong , Kuang Min , Shao Haiyan , Xiong Hao , He Jia , Pan Yuanyuan , Chen Rongchang
Published: May 2023

Background

Ambroxol is a widely used mucoactive drug in sputum clearance of respiratory diseases taken orally and by injection. However, there is a paucity of evidence for inhaled ambroxol in sputum clearance.

Methods

This study performed a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial at 19 centers in China. Hospitalized adult patients with mucopurulent sputum and expectoration difficulty were recruited. Patients were randomized by 1:1 to receive inhalation of either ambroxol hydrochloride solution 3 mL (22.5 mg) + 0.9% sodium chloride 3 mL or 0.9% sodium chloride 6 mL twice daily for 5 days, with an interval of more than 6 h. The primary efficacy endpoint was the absolute change in the sputum property score after treatment compared to the baseline in the intention-to-treat population.

Results

Between 10 April 2018 and 23 November 2020, 316 patients were recruited and assessed for eligibility, of whom 138 who received inhaled ambroxol and 134 who received a placebo were included. Patients who received inhaled ambroxol had a significantly greater decrease in the sputum property score compared with patients who received inhalation of placebo (difference: −0.29; 95% CI: −0.53 to −0.05; p = 0.0215). Compared with the placebo, inhaled ambroxol also significantly reduced more expectoration volume in 24 h (difference: −0.18; 95% CI: −0.34 to −0.03; p  = 0.0166). There was no significant difference in the proportion of adverse events between the two groups, and no deaths were reported.

Discussion

In hospitalized adult patients with mucopurulent sputum and expectoration difficulty, inhaled ambroxol was safe and effective for sputum clearance compared with a placebo.

Clinical trial registration

[https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=184677], Chinese Clinical Trial Registry [ChiCTR2200066348].
Association of airway obstruction with first-pass success and intubation-related adverse events in the emergency department: multicenter prospective observational studies
Authors: Takahashi Jin , Goto Tadahiro , Fujitani Shigeki , Okamoto Hiroshi , Hagiwara Yusuke , Watase Hiroko , Hasegawa Kohei ,   the Japanese Emergency Medicine Network Investigators
Published: May 2023

Background

Airway obstruction is a relatively rare but critical condition that requires urgent intervention in the emergency department (ED). The present study aimed to investigate the association of airway obstruction with first-pass success and intubation-related adverse events in the ED.

Methods

We analyzed data from two prospective multicenter observational studies of ED airway management. We included adults (aged ≥18 years) who underwent tracheal intubation for non-trauma indications from 2012 through 2021 (113-month period). Outcome measures were first-pass success and intubation-related adverse events. We constructed a multivariable logistic regression model adjusting for age, sex, modified LEMON score (without airway obstruction), intubation methods, intubation devices, bougie use, intubator’s specialty, and ED visit year with accounting for patients clustering within the ED.

Results

Of 7,349 eligible patients, 272 (4%) underwent tracheal intubation for airway obstruction. Overall, 74% of patients had first-pass success and 16% had intubation-related adverse events. The airway obstruction group had a lower first-pass success rate (63% vs. 74%; unadjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.63; 95% CI, 0.49–0.80), compared to the non-airway obstruction group. This association remained significant in the multivariable analysis (adjusted OR 0.60, 95%CI 0.46–0.80). The airway obstruction group also had a significantly higher risk of adverse events (28% vs. 16%; unadjusted OR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.48–2.56, adjusted OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.27–2.29). In the sensitivity analysis using multiple imputation, the results remained consistent with the main results: the airway obstruction group had a significantly lower first-pass success rate (adjusted OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.48–0.76).

Conclusion

Based on these multicenter prospective data, airway obstruction was associated with a significantly lower first-pass success rate and a higher intubation-related adverse event rate in the ED.
Effect of the bacterial community assembly process on the microbial remediation of petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil
Authors: Zheng Xuehao , Oba Belay Tafa , Shen Chenbo , Rong Luge , Zhang Bin , Huang Ling , Feng Lujie , Liu Jiani , Du Tiantian , Deng Yujie
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The accumulation of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) in the soil can reduce soil porosity, hinder plant growth, and have a serious negative impact on soil ecology. Previously, we developed PH-degrading bacteria and discovered that the interaction between microorganisms may be more important in the degradation of PHs than the ability of exogenous-degrading bacteria. Nevertheless, the role of microbial ecological processes in the remediation process is frequently overlooked.

Methods

This study established six different surfactant-enhanced microbial remediation treatments on PH-contaminated soil using a pot experiment. After 30 days, the PHs removal rate was calculated; the bacterial community assembly process was also determined using the R language program, and the assembly process and the PHs removal rate were correlated.

Results and discussion

The rhamnolipid-enhanced Bacillus methylotrophicus remediation achieved the highest PHs removal rate, and the bacterial community assembly process was impacted by deterministic factors, whereas the bacterial community assembly process in other treatments with low removal rates was affected by stochastic factors. When compared to the stochastic assembly process and the PHs removal rate, the deterministic assembly process and the PHs removal rate were found to have a significant positive correlation, indicating that the deterministic assembly process of bacterial communities may mediate the efficient removal of PHs. Therefore, this study recommends that when using microorganisms to remediate contaminated soil, care should be taken to avoid strong soil disturbance because directional regulation of bacterial ecological functions can also contribute to efficient removal of pollutants.
Association of cataract extraction and the risk of dementia—A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Ju Yuan , Zheng Wei , Xie Lulu , Wang Xi , Ren Huanhuan , Chen Zhipeng , Liu Xingtong , Bai Xiaolin , Fan Ruile
Published: May 2023

Objectives

This research aims to investigate if cataract extraction lowers the risk of all-cause dementia.

Methods

Original literature on cataract surgery associated with all-cause dementia as of November 27, 2022, was searched in several commonly used databases. Manual review was used to include eligible studies. Stata software (version 16) was used to perform statistical analysis on pertinent data. Publication bias can be precisely evaluated using funnel plots and Egger's test.

Results

In the meta-analysis of 4 cohort studies with 245,299 participants. Pooled analysis indicated that cataract surgery was linked to a lower incidence of all-cause dementia (OR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.66–0.89; I2= 54.7%; P < 0.001). Cataract surgery was linked to a lower risk of AD (OR = 0.60, 95%CI: 0.35–1.02; I2= 60.2%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Cataract surgery is linked to a lower incidence of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer's disease. A cataract is a reversible visual impairment. Cataract surgery may be a protective factor against the onset of all-cause dementia and can reduce the economic and family burden caused by all-cause dementia worldwide. Given the restricted pool of included studies, our findings necessitate meticulous interpretation.

Systematic review registration

http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero retrieve registration details by searching CRD4202379371.
Early therapeutic effects of an Angiopoietin-1 mimetic peptide in middle-aged rats with vascular dementia
Authors: Gao Huanjia , Findeis Elizabeth L. , Culmone Lauren , Powell Brianna , Landschoot-Ward Julie , Zacharek Alex , Wu Trueman , Lu Mei , Chopp Michael , Venkat Poornima
Published: May 2023

Background

Vascular Dementia (VaD) refers to dementia caused by cerebrovascular disease and/or reduced blood flow to the brain and is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. We previously found that in middle-aged rats subjected to a multiple microinfarction (MMI) model of VaD, treatment with AV-001, a Tie2 receptor agonist, significantly improves short-term memory, long-term memory, as well as improves preference for social novelty compared to control MMI rats. In this study, we tested the early therapeutic effects of AV-001 on inflammation and glymphatic function in rats subjected to VaD.

Methods

Male, middle-aged Wistar rats (10–12 m), subjected to MMI, were randomly assigned to MMI and MMI + AV-001 treatment groups. A sham group was included as reference group. MMI was induced by injecting 800 ± 200, 70–100 μm sized, cholesterol crystals into the internal carotid artery. Animals were treated with AV-001 (1 μg/Kg, i.p.) once daily starting at 24 h after MMI. At 14 days after MMI, inflammatory factor expression was evaluated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain. Immunostaining was used to evaluate white matter integrity, perivascular space (PVS) and perivascular Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) expression in the brain. An additional set of rats were prepared to test glymphatic function. At 14 days after MMI, 50 μL of 1% Tetramethylrhodamine (3 kD) and FITC conjugated dextran (500 kD) at 1:1 ratio were injected into the CSF. Rats (4–6/group/time point) were sacrificed at 30 min, 3 h, and 6 h from the start of tracer infusion, and brain coronal sections were imaged using a Laser scanning confocal microscope to evaluate tracer intensities in the brain.

Result

Treatment of MMI with AV-001 significantly improves white matter integrity in the corpus callosum at 14 days after MMI. MMI induces significant dilation of the PVS, reduces AQP4 expression and impairs glymphatic function compared to Sham rats. AV-001 treatment significantly reduces PVS, increases perivascular AQP4 expression and improves glymphatic function compared to MMI rats. MMI significantly increases, while AV-001 significantly decreases the expression of inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), chemokine ligand 9) and anti-angiogenic factors (endostatin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, P-selectin) in CSF. MMI significantly increases, while AV-001 significantly reduces brain tissue expression of endostatin, thrombin, TNF-α, PAI-1, CXCL9, and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

Conclusion

AV-001 treatment of MMI significantly reduces PVS dilation and increases perivascular AQP4 expression which may contribute to improved glymphatic function compared to MMI rats. AV-001 treatment significantly reduces inflammatory factor expression in the CSF and brain which may contribute to AV-001 treatment induced improvement in white matter integrity and cognitive function.
Characterization of pain-related behaviors and gene expression profiling of peripheral sensory ganglia in a mouse model of acute ankle sprain
Authors: Pan Yushuang , Hu Qimiao , Yang Yunqin , Nie Huimin , Yin Chengyu , Wei Huina , Tai Yan , Liu Boyu , Shen Zui , He Xiaofen , Fang Jianqiao , Liu Boyi
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is a very common type of joint injury. It occurred with high incidence among general population and especially among individuals participating sports and outdoor activities. A certain proportion of individuals who once developed LAS may suffer persistent ankle pain that affects daily activities. However, the mechanisms underlying LAS-induced pain still remained largely unknown.

Methods

We established a LAS mouse model and systematically evaluated the pain-related behaviors in this mouse model. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), combined with bioinformatics analysis, was undertaken to explore gene expression profiles. Immunostaining was used to study glial cell and neuron activation in ipsilateral spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH) of LAS model mice. Ibuprofen was used to treat LAS model mice.

Results

The LAS model mice developed obvious signs of mechanical and heat hypersensitivities as well as gait impairments in ipsilateral hind paws. Besides, LAS model mice developed signs of pain-related emotional disorder, including pain-induced aversion. By RNA-Seq, we were able to identify certain differentially expressed genes and signaling pathways that might contribute to pain mechanisms of LAS mouse model. In addition, LAS model mice showed increased c-Fos and p-ERK immunoreactivity as well as astrocyte and microglia overactivation in ipsilateral spinal cord dorsal horn, indicating central sensitization might occur. Finally, LAS model mice respond to ibuprofen, a drug clinically used to treat ankle sprain pain.

Conclusion

Our study found LAS model mice may be used as a preclinical animal model for screening novel targets or therapies for ankle sprain. Thus, the study may further help to understand molecular mechanisms contributing to ankle sprain-induced pain.
The role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis and intestinal microbiome dysregulation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Li Qing , Meng Ling-bing , Chen Li-jun , Shi Xia , Tu Ling , Zhou Qi , Yu Jin-long , Liao Xin , Zeng Yuan , Yuan Qiao-ying
Published: May 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with aging. Its main pathological feature is the degeneration and loss of dopaminergic neurons related to the misfolding and aggregation of α-synuclein. The pathogenesis of PD has not yet been fully elucidated, and its occurrence and development process are closely related to the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Dysregulation of intestinal microbiota may promote the damage of the intestinal epithelial barrier, intestinal inflammation, and the upward diffusion of phosphorylated α-synuclein from the enteric nervous system (ENS) to the brain in susceptible individuals and further lead to gastrointestinal dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration of the central nervous system (CNS) through the disordered microbiota-gut-brain axis. The present review aimed to summarize recent advancements in studies focusing on the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in the pathogenesis of PD, especially the mechanism of intestinal microbiome dysregulation, intestinal inflammation, and gastrointestinal dysfunction in PD. Maintaining or restoring homeostasis in the gut microenvironment by targeting the gut microbiome may provide future direction for the development of new biomarkers for early diagnosis of PD and therapeutic strategies to slow disease progression.
Rapidly progressive adult-onset neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease beginning with autonomic symptoms: a case report
Authors: Zhu Yi , Yang Qian , Tian Yun , Fan Weibing , Mao Xinfa
Published: May 2023

Background

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a rare neurodegenerative disease that can affect the nervous and other systems of the body. Its clinical manifestations are complex and easily misdiagnosed. Adult-onset NIID beginning with autonomic symptoms such as recurrent hypotension, profuse sweating, and syncope has not been reported.

Case presentation

An 81-year-old male was admitted to the hospital in June 2018 due to repeated episodes of hypotension, profuse sweating, pale complexion, and syncope for 3 years, and progressive dementia for 2 years. DWI was not possible due to the presence of metal residues in the body. Cutaneous histopathology revealed sweat gland cell nuclear inclusions and immunohistochemistry showed p62 nuclear immunoreactivity. Blood RP-PCR identified an abnormal GGC repeat expansion in the 5′UTR of the NOTCH2NLC gene. Accordingly, this case was diagnosed as adult-onset NIID in August 2018. The patient subsequently received vitamin C nutritional support, rehydration, and other vital signs maintenance treatments during hospitalization, but the above symptoms still recurred after discharge. With the development of the disease, lower extremity weakness, slow movement, dementia, repeated constipation, and vomiting appeared successively. In April 2019, he was hospitalized again for severe pneumonia, and died of multiple organ failure in June 2019.

Conclusion

The presented case exemplifies great clinical heterogeneity of NIID. Some patients may have neurological symptoms and other systemic symptoms simultaneously. This patient started with autonomic symptoms, including recurrent episodes of hypotension, profuse sweating, pallor, and syncope, which progressed rapidly. This case report provides new information for the diagnosis of NIID.
Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy coexistent with reversible splenial lesion syndrome: A case report and literature review
Authors: Lin Jing , Dong Liangbin , Yu Li , Huang Jingwei
Published: May 2023

Autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy is a rare autoimmune disorder. Reversible splenial lesion syndrome (RESLES) is a transient clinical-imaging syndrome characterized by specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) pattern. A 58-year-old man was admitted with a fever, headache, and confusion for 1 week. Brain MRI showed abnormal leptomeningeal enhancement in the brainstem and high signal intensity on diffusion-weighted MRI of the corpus callosum. Anti-GFAP antibody was positive in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. This patient significantly improved and had no relapse after glucocorticoid and immune suppressant therapy. A repeated brain MRI revealed the lesion in the corpus callosum and abnormal leptomeningeal enhancement in the brainstem disappeared. Linear perivascular radial enhancement is the characteristic pattern of autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy which is rarely coexistent with RESLES.
The effect of vascular risk factors on the efficacy of endolymphatic sac decompression surgery for Meniere’s disease: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Yiling , Gong Fengyuan , Guo Yangyang , Xu Xianrong , Wang Cuicui , Jin Zhanguo
Published: May 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effect of vascular risk factors on the outcomes of endolymphatic sac decompression (ESD) surgery in patients with Meniere’s disease.

Methods

The study included 56 patients with Meniere’s disease, who had undergone unilateral ESD surgery. The patients’ vascular risk factors were assessed based on the preoperative 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases risk classification. Those with no or low risk were defined as the low-risk group, while those with medium, high, or very high risk were defined as the high-risk group. The correlation between the vascular risk factors and ESD efficacy was evaluated by the comparison of vertigo control grade between the two groups. The functional disability score was also assessed to investigate whether ESD improved the quality of life in Meniere’s disease patients with vascular risk factors.

Results

After ESD, 78.95 and 81.08% of patients from the low-risk and high-risk groups, respectively, demonstrated at least grade B vertigo control; no statistically significant difference was observed (p = 0.96). The postoperative functional disability scores in both groups were significantly lower compared with those before surgery (p < 0.01), with a median decrease of two (1, 2) points in both groups. No statistically significant difference between the two groups was observed (p = 0.65).

Conclusion

Vascular risk factors have little effect on the efficacy of ESD in patients with Meniere’s disease. Patients with one or more vascular risk factors can still experience a not poor vertigo control and improved quality of life after ESD.
Individualized closed-loop TMS synchronized with exoskeleton for modulation of cortical-excitability in patients with stroke: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Singh Neha , Saini Megha , Kumar Nand , Padma Srivastava M. V. , Mehndiratta Amit
Published: May 2023

Background

Repetitive TMS is used in stroke rehabilitation with predefined passive low and high-frequency stimulation. Brain State-Dependent Stimulation (BSDS)/Activity-Dependent Stimulation (ADS) using bio-signal has been observed to strengthen synaptic connections. Without the personalization of brain-stimulation protocols, we risk a one-size-fits-all approach.

Methods

We attempted to close the ADS loop via intrinsic-proprioceptive (via exoskeleton-movement) and extrinsic-visual-feedback to the brain. We developed a patient-specific brain stimulation platform with a two-way feedback system, to synchronize single-pulse TMS with exoskeleton along with adaptive performance visual feedback, in real-time, for a focused neurorehabilitation strategy to voluntarily engage the patient in the brain stimulation process.

Results

The novel TMS Synchronized Exoskeleton Feedback (TSEF) platform, controlled by the patient’s residual Electromyogram, simultaneously triggered exoskeleton movement and single-pulse TMS, once in 10 s, implying 0.1 Hz frequency. The TSEF platform was tested for a demonstration on three patients (n = 3) with different spasticity on the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS = 1, 1+, 2) for one session each. Three patients completed their session in their own timing; patients with (more) spasticity tend to take (more) inter-trial intervals. A proof-of-concept study on two groups—TSEF-group and a physiotherapy control-group was performed for 45 min/day for 20-sessions. Dose-matched Physiotherapy was given to control-group. Post 20 sessions, an increase in ipsilesional cortical-excitability was observed; Motor Evoked Potential increased by ~48.5 μV at a decreased Resting Motor Threshold by ~15.6%, with improvement in clinical scales relevant to the Fugl-Mayer Wrist/Hand joint (involved in training) by 2.6 units, an effect not found in control-group. This strategy could voluntarily engage the patient.

Conclusion

A brain stimulation platform with a real-time two-way feedback system was developed to voluntarily engage the patients during the brain stimulation process and a proof-of-concept study on three patients indicates clinical gains with increased cortical excitability, an effect not observed in the control-group; and the encouraging results nudge for further investigations on a larger cohort.
Studying Brains. What could neurometaphysics be to NeurotechEU?
Authors: Bransen Jan , Oude Maatman Freek
Published: May 2023

NeurotechEU has introduced a new conceptual hierarchy for neuroscientific research and its applications along 8 different core research areas, including the so-called ‘neurometaphysics’. This paper explores this concept of neurometaphysics, its topics and its potential approach. It warns against an endemic Cartesianism in (neuro)science that somehow seems to survive explicit refutations by implicitly persisting in our conceptual scheme. Two consequences of this persisting Cartesian legacy are discussed; the isolated brain assumption and the idea that activity requires identifiable neural ‘decisions’. Neuropragmatism is introduced as offering the promise of progress in neurometaphysics, by emphasizing that (1) studying brains interact organically with their environment and (2) studying brains requires an attitude of continuous learning.