bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the Business Processes of Marketing Department with the Help of Information Technologies
Authors:   West Ukrainian National University, Semenenko Yurii S.
Published: April 2024

The aim of the article is to analyze the impact of information technology on the efficiency of business processes in modern marketing. A business process optimization helps an enterprise increase its competitiveness by reducing the time from product development to market launch and reducing production and promotion costs. This helps to enhance the efficiency of marketing strategies and increase the profitability of the enterprise. Optimization of business processes in marketing, in particular through the use of process management, is an important element of the company’s strategy for achieving success and ensuring competitiveness in the market. Information technology plays a key role in today’s progress. Under modern business conditions, information technology becomes a powerful tool for increasing the competitiveness of an enterprise, becomes a necessary component of its management system, an important element of its international activity. The rapid progress of information technologies requires increased attention to the processes of their implementation and use. Ignoring current digital trends can lead to business degradation. By analyzing different types of information technology, such as customer relationship management systems, marketing process automation, analytics systems, internet marketing and mobile technologies, social media instruments, data analytics and machine learning platforms, the article explores how these tools contribute to improving productivity and achieving the strategic goals of enterprise marketing departments. The given examples of specific programs and platforms, their advantages and disadvantages, plus a detailed analysis illustrate the importance of using information technology for the successful implementation of marketing strategies and ensuring the competitiveness of enterprises in the modern business environment. Information technology plays a crucial role in the progress of modern marketing, assisting businesses in improving the efficiency of their business processes and ensuring a high level of competitiveness.
Addressing Seasonality and Trend Detection in Predictive Sales Forecasting: A Machine Learning Perspective
Authors: MD ROKIOBUL HASAN
Published: April 2024

Sales prediction plays a paramount role in the decision-making process for organizations across various industries. Nonetheless, accurately predicting sales is challenging because of trends and seasonality in sales data. The prime objective of this research paper was to explore machine learning methodologies and techniques that can efficiently address seasonality and trend detection in predictive sales forecasting. The research focused on pinpointing suitable features based on correlation coefficients, which were then adopted to train the three different models: random forests, linear regression, and gradient boosting. From the performance evaluation, gradient boosting displayed relatively superior performance compared to the other two regarding R2 score and accuracy. These results highlighted the capability of sales prediction through machine learning, offering vital insights for decision-making processes. The findings of this empirical research provide an extensive guideline for executing machine learning techniques in sales forecasting and addressing seasonality and trend detection, especially when working with large datasets. Furthermore, the study shed light on possible challenges and issues encountered in the process. By resolving these issues, retailers can reinforce the reliability and accuracy of their sales predictions, thereby enhancing their decision-making capabilities in the context of sales management.
Ethical Considerations in AI-driven Dynamic Pricing in the USA: Balancing Profit Maximization with Consumer Fairness and Transparency
Authors: Md Sumon Gazi  , Md Rokibul Hasan  , Nisha Gurung  , Anik Mitra
Published: April 2024

Organizations in the USA are progressively employing AI-driven dynamic pricing as a strategic intervention to flexibly modify their prices based on competition, market demand, and various other factors. This research paper focused on the ethical dimensions of AI-driven dynamic pricing and the crucial interplay between profitability and the establishment of unwavering consumer transparency and fairness. The recommended models for dynamic pricing solutions entailed ensemble learning methods, notably, XG-Boost, Light-GBM, Cat-Boost, and X-NGBoost models. Particularly, the proposed model consolidated the XG-Boost algorithm and the NG-Boost model, resulting in a novel methodology termed the X-NGBoost. To compare and contrast the performance of the proposed models, these algorithms were trained and subjected to the same dataset. The comparison between the models was mainly grounded on the root-mean-square error (RMSE) metric, which was quantified in meters. The results indicated that X-NGBoost had the lowest RMSE on both the testing and training sets, at 4.23 and 5.34 respectively. This indicated that X-NGBoost performed very well on both seen and unseen data. Therefore, from the outcomes it was deduced that, for the provided data set, the X-NGBoost model provided the accurate pricing solution.
Stem cell factor and erythropoietin-independent production of cultured reticulocytes
Authors: Olivier Emmanuel , Zhang Shouping , Yan Zi , Bouhassira Eric E.
Published: April 2024

Cultured reticulocytes can supplement transfusion needs and offer promise for drug delivery and immune tolerization. They can be produced from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), but the 45-day culture time and cytokine costs make large-scale production prohibitive. To overcome these limitations, we have generated IPSCs that express constitutive SCF receptor and jak2 adaptor alleles. We show that iPSC lines carrying these alleles can differentiate into self-renewing erythroblast (SRE) that can proliferate for up to 70 cell-doubling in a cost-effective, chemically-defined, albumin- and cytokine-free medium. These kitjak2 SREs retain the ability to enucleate at a high rate up to senescence. Kitjak2 derived cultured reticulocytes should be safe for transfusion because they can be irradiated to eliminate residual nucleated cells. The kitjak2 cells express blood group 0 and test negative for RhD and other clinically significant RBCs antigens and have sufficient proliferation capacity to meet global RBC needs.
Scientific and Methodological Support of Health and Epidemiological Supervision during the Remediation of Nuclear Legacy Facilities and Sites and Tasks for the Future
Authors:   A.I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, Moscow, Russia, Shandala N.K. , Kiselev S.M. ,   A.I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, Moscow, Russia, Seregin V.A. ,   A.I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, Moscow, Russia, Filonova A.A. ,   A.I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, Moscow, Russia, Isaev D.V. ,   A.I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, Moscow, Russia
Published: April 2024

The article deals with and characterizes the main achievements in one of the leading areas in the activities of the SRC-FMBC – medical and health physics support of radiation safety when managing the nuclear legacy of the Russian Federation. An advanced methodology for radiation and health physics monitoring is presented, which has become a reliable guarantee of an adequate response to current challenges associated with the operation of sites for spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste temporary storage in the Northwest Russia. Special attention is paid to topical issues of radiation and health physics survey of the coastal part of the areas inhabited by the population of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation and the development of regulatory documents. Prospects for further development of research in order to improve radiation safety have been identified.
The Importance of Radiation Methods in the Diagnosis of Coronary Heart Disease in a Specific Patient
Authors:   Central Clinical Hospital RZD-Medicine, Moscow, Russia, Tomashevsky I.O. , Kornikova O.S. ,   Central Clinical Hospital RZD-Medicine, Moscow, Russia
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Demonstrate a clinical observation in which to establish a diagnosis it was necessary to use eight methods for diagnosing coronary pathology, four of which are radiation. Material and methods: To establish a diagnosis in a cardiac patient with suspected coronary heart disease (CHD), post-infarction cardiosclerosis, echocardiography (ECG), Holter monitoring (HM), bicycle ergometry (VE), X-ray computed tomography (X-ray computed tomography) to determine calcification of the coronary arteries, single-photon selective computer tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance computed tomography (MRI), positron emission computed tomography (PET), coronary angiography (CAG). Results: The sequential use of eight diagnostic methods, four from radiation, was established when observing cardiosclerosis with coronary heart disease, cardiosclerosis in the 4, 5, 10, and 11 segments of the heart, complicated by a left ventricular aneurysm in the lower and lateral walls with minor ischemia at the height of physical activity. The need to use SPECT/CT in the complex diagnosis of coronary heart disease consists of using hybrid tomography and sequentially performing two studies in one diagnostic procedure (X-ray computed tomography and SPECT with 99m Tc-technetril) it seems possible to obtain 26 study indicators (with X-ray computed tomography – 4 indicators assessing calcification of the coronary arteries, with SPECT – 11 indicators of perfusion and 11 indicators of myocardial function). Conclusion: A clinical observation of the diagnosis of coronary artery disease with post-infarction cardiosclerosis and left ventricular aneurysm was demonstrated in which eight diagnostic technologies were used (ECG, CM, VE, CT, SPECT, MRI, PET, and CAG), four of which relate to radiation diagnostics (X-ray CT, SPECT, PET, and KAG). A feature of sequential hybrid tomography (X-ray CT and SPECT with 99mTc-technitrile) is that this technology allows you to obtain 26 research indicators.
Nuclear Physics Medical Elementology as a Section of Medical Radiology
Authors:   A.F. Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre, Obninsk, Russia, Zaichick V. , Kolotov V. ,   V.I. Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Medical elementology and its subsection nuclear physics medical elementology, as the most important areas of biomedical science, are still insufficiently included in the arsenal of medical radiology as a fundamental basis for the development and use of new methods for diagnosing and treating various diseases, including oncological ones. For the successful establishment of nuclear physics medical elementology as a new scientific discipline, it is necessary to develop a clear methodology for its further development. Results: The definition of the subject of research and the main postulates of medical elementology is given. The close interrelation of knowledge about the content and metabolism of chemical elements, as well as their radioactive and stable isotopes, with the needs of medical radiology is shown. The following areas of research are considered: 1) The use of chemical elements, as well as their radioactive and stable isotopes in medicine; 2) Visualization of organs and tissues, as well as in vivo determination of the content of chemical elements in them; 3) Nuclear physical methods for determining chemical elements in samples of tissues and fluids of the human body in solving oncological problems; 4) The role of chemical elements in calculating absorbed doses during radiotherapy; 5) The use of nuclear physical methods in the formation of groups at increased risk of cancer. A range of modern nuclear physics analytical methods acceptable in clinical practice and as an adequate research tool is outlined. The need for the integrated use of nuclear physics analytical technologies to obtain reference values ​​for the content of chemical elements in various organs, tissues and fluids of the human body in normal and various pathological conditions, as well as to organize the strictest quality control of measurements and unify methodological approaches is demonstrated. The modern possibilities of using the achievements of nuclear physics medical elementology in solving the problems of medical radiology are determined and the priorities for the future are outlined. Conclusion: The steady development of nuclear physical methods of chemical elements analysis and their implementation in medicine is constantly expanding the scope of possibilities of medical elementology. The development of this area will certainly make a significant contribution to the future successes of medical radiology.
Angelina Konstantinovna Guskova (for the 100th Anniversary of her Birth)
Authors:   A.I. Burnazyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center, Moscow, Russia, Efimova I.L.
Published: April 2024

Angelina Konstantinovna Guskova, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Laureate of the Lenin Prize, Honoured Scientist of the RSFSR, Laureate of the Sievert Prize, worked for 50 years at the A.I. Burnazyan FMBC. She was born on 29 March 1924 in the family of doctor Konstantin Vasilievich and pianist Zoya Vasilievna Guskov. In 1941, she entered the Sverdlovsk State Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine, and successfully graduated in 1946. A.K. Guskova did her residency at the Clinic of Nervous Diseases and Neurosurgery. After her graduation, Angelina Konstantinovna was sent to Chelyabinsk-40 (Ozersk), where she started working in medical institutions serving the operating personnel of Plutonium Combine No. 817. There she gained her first experience in treating patients with acute and chronic radiation sickness. In 1957, A.K. Guskova became a senior researcher at the Institute of Biophysics in Moscow, from 1961 she headed the Radiology Department of the Institute of Occupational Hygiene and Occupational Diseases of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences. In 1974 she returned to the Institute of Biophysics of the Ministry of Health of the USSR as Head of the Clinical Department. Under the leadership of A.K. Guskova in the Clinical Department of the Institute of Biophysics a number of methods of diagnostics and prediction of severity of radiation syndromes, as well as their treatment were developed and introduced into practice. This allowed the staff of the Department to successfully cope with the most difficult task of treating a large group of victims of the Chornobyl accident in 1986. A.K. Guskova is the author of more than 200 publications, 11 monographs (co-authored), and sections in monographs and manuals (independent). The most important of them are: «Human Radiation Disease» (1971), «Medical Assistance given to personnel of the Chernobyl N.P., after 1986 Accident». (1996). (editor and co-author), «Guidelines for Organisation of Medical Care for Persons Exposed to Radiation» (1986), «Guidelines for Radiation Medicine» (2001).
Microgeração de sistemas fotovoltaicos para aeração e oxigenação em fazenda de camarão de cativeiro de água doce na região semiárida
Authors: Fonseca Mayara Oliveira , Sacramento Elissandro Monteiro do , Batista Natasha Esteves , Lima Lutero Carmo de , Garcia Brendo Rodrigues , Brito Merivaldo de Freitas , Lopes Renata de Oliveira
Published: April 2024

O presente trabalho apresenta uma análise sobre a importância e desempenho de Sistemas Fotovoltaicos (FV) conectados à rede elétrica em uma fazenda de camarão de água doce localizada no interior do Ceará. A carcinicultura está em expansão no semiárido e uma das formas de tornar o negócio sustentável é investir em fontes de energia renováveis, especialmente a solar, devido aos seus benefícios ambientais e econômicos, uma vez que a região de análise apresenta condições favoráveis para a geração de energia solar e eólica. O objetivo do trabalho é fazer um estudo de análise de desempenho de uma microgeração fotovoltaica conectada à rede com potência de 42,88 kWp, instalado no interior de Russas-CE. Para esse estudo é realizado análises de produção que incluem geração de energia, produtividade, perdas do sistema, taxa de desempenho e fator de capacidade, baseados nas medidas elétricas geradas pelo aplicativo do inversor e dados meteorológicos fornecidos pela FUNCEME (2023). Os resultados indicam que a produção de energia é significativamente influenciada pela irradiação solar e temperatura ambiente, sendo os meses de agosto, setembro e outubro os mais produtivos. A produtividade do sistema FV é analisada em comparação com a irradiação de referência, mostrando variações ao longo dos meses. Além disso, são discutidas as perdas do sistema e sua influência na taxa de desempenho, sendo sugeridas medidas para melhorar a eficiência do sistema. Por fim, o estudo destaca a viabilidade e eficiência do sistema FV analisado, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento sustentável da região.
Estruturação e validação de escore de risco para avaliar o nível de cuidado farmacêutico aos pacientes internados em um hospital de Salvador
Authors: Silva Lílian Liciane Oliveira , Silva Luana Sávia Santos , Noblat Lucia de Araújo Costa Beisl
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é desenvolver e validar um escore para identificar o nível de cuidado farmacêutico que será prestado aos pacientes internados em um hospital terciário em Salvador, Bahia. Método: O presente trabalho ocorreu no período de um ano (2022-2023) no Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos. Foi construído um formulário online contendo diversas variáveis colhidas da literatura que, posteriormente, foram validadas pelo Método-Delphi. A avaliação dos especialistas ocorreu em duas etapas mediadas pela escala de Likert até chegar a um consenso e finalização do escore. Por fim, foi realizado um teste piloto para avaliação da concordância na aplicabilidade desse escore, a partir das respostas de um grupo de farmacêuticos usando o Kappa Cohen ponderado. Resultado: O escore de risco farmacêutico foi desenvolvido a partir das decisões dos especialistas com oito variáveis como, número de medicamentos, idade, comorbidades e outras capazes de avaliar o nível de cuidado que os pacientes internados demandam, sendo responsável por auxiliar a prática clínica farmacêutica. O modelo apresentou um Kappa Cohen ponderado de 0,67 (p valor <0,0001; IC 0,46-0,87) que demonstra uma confiabilidade moderada e satisfatória. Desta forma, o escore permite que o farmacêutico ofereça uma atenção proporcional às necessidades do paciente, exercendo suas atividades com mais segurança. Conclusão: Esse estudo desenvolveu um instrumento objetivo e claro de avaliação de risco pela perspectiva farmacêutica, baseado em evidências na literatura.
Influência das Células da Glia na patogênese e progressão da Doença de Alzheimer
Authors: Santos Luiz Henrique Cunha dos , Pereira Neto Manoel Rodrigues , Melo Pedro Augusto de Andrade Maranhão , Oliveira Mariana do Nascimento , Monteiro Rayssa Geovanna Silva , Lins Manoela Alves Bezerra , Holanda Valentina Cavalcanti Siqueira , Caldas Neto Antonio Pereira , Bezerra Adriana Costa Santos , Bonfim Evylla Carolina Castanha , Serrano Gabriela Goedert
Published: April 2024

A doença de Alzheimer (DA) é uma condição neurodegenerativa devastadora que afeta milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo, apresentando déficits cognitivos progressivos, comprometimento funcional e alterações comportamentais. Nos últimos anos, o papel das células gliais na patogênese e progressão da DA tem sido cada vez mais reconhecido. Astrócitos, microglias e oligodendrócitos, células essenciais do sistema nervoso central, desempenham funções fundamentais na regulação do ambiente neural e na resposta a estímulos patológicos. No entanto, sua disfunção está implicada na neuroinflamação, perda neuronal e progressão dos sintomas da DA. Esta revisão de literatura tem como objetivo avaliar criticamente a influência das células da glia na patogênese e progressão da DA, utilizando uma abordagem rigorosa e sistemática, dos últimos 20 anos, a partir de alguns estudos primários, incluindo ensaios clínicos, meta-análises, ensaios clínicos randomizados e revisões sistemáticas. Além disso, foi apresentado e analisado estratégias terapêuticas inovadoras, como imunoterapias direcionadas a astrócitos e microglias, que demonstraram potencial na redução da carga de beta-amiloide e melhoria dos resultados cognitivos em modelos animais de DA. No entanto, desafios significativos, como heterogeneidade das células gliais e necessidade de biomarcadores mais específicos, precisam ser superados para traduzir esses avanços para a prática clínica. Em suma, esta revisão destaca o papel crítico das células gliais na patogênese da DA e identifica áreas de pesquisa futura essenciais para o desenvolvimento de terapias mais eficazes e personalizadas para essa doença neurodegenerativa.
Pesquisa sobre a aplicação de avaliação funcional do comportamento pelos profissionais brasileiros
Authors: Lemos Felipe Magalhães , Val Henrique Costa , Jessel Joshua
Published: April 2024

A análise do comportamento aplicada enfatiza a importância de realizar uma avaliação funcional antes de desenvolver um tratamento para comportamentos-problema. Beavers et al. e também Hanley et al. estabelecem a Análise Funcional como o procedimento de avaliação funcional padrão-ouro no tratamento de comportamentos-problema severos. No entanto, há pouca informação sobre como os profissionais usam a avaliação funcional em ambientes aplicados a indivíduos com ou sem atraso no desenvolvimento. O presente estudo teve como objetivo replicar o estudo de Roscoe et al. e compreender como são implementadas as avaliações funcionais em instituições que atendem indivíduos com desenvolvimento atípico no Brasil. No total, 103 participantes responderam aos formulários, mas apenas 25,2% relataram usar mais a análise funcional do que uma avaliação descritiva e indireta para informar um plano de intervenção para comportamentos-problema, embora 79,6% relatem que a análise funcional é necessária para informar um tratamento para comportamento-problema. Concluímos que há é uma evolução desde Roscoe et al., pelo menos relacionado à compreensão do que é mais necessário. Ainda assim, não temos muita melhora na prática com a aplicação da análise funcional para tratamento de problemas de comportamento.
Prenatal physical exercise and Zika virus infection have no effect on maternal behavior
Authors: De Sousa Ricardo Augusto Leoni , Cassilhas Ricardo Cardoso , Peixoto Marco Fabrício Dias , Silva-Júnior Fidelis Antonio da , Rocha-Vieira Etel , Mendes Bruno Ferreira , Oliveira Danilo Bretas de
Published: April 2024

Some of the worst effects associated with the Zika virus infection during gestation include microcephaly, and central nervous system damage. Pregnancy-related physical exercise is recognized to improve both the mother's and her unborn child's health. It is widely known that male newborns of late-pregnancy mother infection tend to exhibit more depressive and anxious behaviors as they age. However, nothing is known about how the Zika virus could affect a mother's behavior in the first few days after giving birth. The objective of this study was to evaluate if 4 weeks of moderate-intensity swimming during pregnancy prevents negative outcomes of prenatal Zika infection in the behavior of the dams. Dams were randomly selected and divided into three groups:  Mock (n= 8) - untrained group, intraperitoneally injected with saline; Zika (n = 8) - untrained group, intraperitoneally injected with Zika; and Zika/swim (n = 8) - trained group, intraperitoneally injected with Zika. The swimming sessions were initiated before mating, which occurred between the 5th and 7th day of the 1st week of the swimming training, according to the estrous cycle and lasted until the parturition date. Prenatal Zika virus infection did not change maternal body weight or maternal behavior significantly independently of performing or not physical exercise.
Comprehensive Network and Structural Analysis of Bovine Papillomavirus, Squamous Cell Carcinoma Markers, and Elucidation of Efficacy Mechanisms of Phytochemicals from Thuja Occidentalis
Authors: Rahman Shafiqur , Kumar Arun HS
Published: April 2024

Papillomaviruses infect cutaneous tissue in various species including bovines and from benign warts to malignant squamous cell carcinoma causing severe economic losses to the farmers. The mechanisms by which bovine papillomaviruses interact with host tissue are unclear. Hence in this study using classical network analysis tools, we evaluated interactions of Bovine papilloma (BPV) variants, with markers and receptors implicated in squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, the Thuja phytoconstituents were also evaluated for its potential to target the BPV and squamous cell carcinoma network interactions to understand the mechanism of its clinical benefits. Various protein composition of 14 different virus variants of BPV were assessed against 24 markers of squamous cell carcinoma. Among these interactions EGFR consistently exhibited high-affinity interactions with the E1 protein in all isoforms of BPV. Type 4 BPV displayed the maximum number of binding sites (14) with a binding pocket score ranging from 15.47 to 141.34 and a probability score of 0.75 to 0.99. The comparison of the binding pockets identified that BPV types 2 and 13 had the highest number of common amino acid sequences. Further the alpha helix structure of specific common amino acid sequences contributes to a more robust and widespread affinity interaction with both E1 of various BPV types and EGFR. Analysis of Thuja phytochemicals suggested superior efficacy of Beyerene and Terpinene-4-ol towards all ten BPV targets and bEGFR. In conclusion, our comprehensive study leading to identification of E1 protein of BPV as a major interacting network with bEGFR, their key binding sites, and efficacy of Thuja phytoconstituents offer valuable insight into further experimental validation and development of novel therapeutic strategies against BPV-associated diseases.
Discovery of long non-coding RNAs in naïve CD4+ T cells in response to initiating antiretroviral therapy at acute or chronic phase of HIV-1 infection
Authors: Farsiu Niloofar , Ghorbani Abozar , Karbanowicz Thomas P. , Mottaghi-Dastjerdi Negar , Veltri Pierangelo , Guzzi Pietro Hiram
Published: April 2024

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have gained prominence due to their involvement in various cellular processes, but their specific roles remain elusive. Dysregulation of lncRNAs has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases. In this study, we aimed to shed light on the role of lncRNAs in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) by examining their changes in the expression patterns related to the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) during acute or chronic phases of infection, compared to healthy controls. We found 316 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs in patients receiving long-term ART, shedding light on their potential roles. We also observed interactions between these DE lncRNAs and specific microRNAs (miRNAs). Some of these miRNAs, such as hsa-miR-574-5p, hsa-miR-765, hsa-miR-6165, hsa-miR-1207-5p, and hsa-miR-378i, are associated with cancer progression or suppression, while others, including hsa-miR-328-5p, hsa-miR-4753-3p, and MiR-664, play roles in immune system regulation. Furthermore, our study revealed substantial enrichment in distinct Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, such as axon guidance, PI3K-Akt signaling, and MAPK signaling pathways. Although our results indicate possible molecular processes impacted by the discovered lncRNAs, we cannot explicitly establish causality or specific connections between lncRNAs and genes in these pathways, fostering more specific studies. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) analysis highlighted terms such as cytoskeletal protein binding, ion channel function, synaptic processes, neuron projection, and the somatodendritic compartment, underscoring the relevance of lncRNAs in these cellular components within the context of HIV-1 infection and ART treatment. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the need for further exploration of lncRNAs as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets in HIV-1-infected patients, with a particular focus on CD4+ T cells. Understanding the functions of lncRNAs in these contexts may pave the way for novel treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes, aligning with the broader goals of our research.
Myoelectric control and virtual reality to enhance motor rehabilitation after stroke
Authors: Berger Denise Jennifer , d’Avella Andrea
Published: April 2024

Effective upper-limb rehabilitation for severely impaired stroke survivors is still missing. Recent studies endorse novel motor rehabilitation approaches such as robotic exoskeletons and virtual reality systems to restore the function of the paretic limb of stroke survivors. However, the optimal way to promote the functional reorganization of the central nervous system after a stroke has yet to be uncovered. Electromyographic (EMG) signals have been employed for prosthetic control, but their application to rehabilitation has been limited. Here we propose a novel approach to promote the reorganization of pathological muscle activation patterns and enhance upper-limb motor recovery in stroke survivors by using an EMG-controlled interface to provide personalized assistance while performing movements in virtual reality (VR). We suggest that altering the visual feedback to improve motor performance in VR, thereby reducing the effect of deviations of the actual, dysfunctional muscle patterns from the functional ones, will actively engage patients in motor learning and facilitate the restoration of functional muscle patterns. An EMG-controlled VR interface may facilitate effective rehabilitation by targeting specific changes in the structure of muscle synergies and in their activations that emerged after a stroke—offering the possibility to provide rehabilitation therapies addressing specific individual impairments.
Using screening data: Educators’ perceptions of a structured data review
Authors: Grubb Justina , Young Ellie L.
Published: April 2024

Schoolwide social-emotional screening identifies students who may be at-risk for school problems and benefit from prevention efforts, additional supports, or individualized interventions. Data from screening can also pinpoint topics that bolster teachers’ knowledge and skills when they provide supports and instruction focused on social, emotional, and behavioral needs. While research has explored many aspects of schoolwide screening, studies that focus on how the process of summarizing and using screening data are limited. This study investigated school teams’ perspectives on the use of a structured guide for reviewing their screening data. After collecting schoolwide screening data, 47 participants from seven school leadership teams used a Discussion Guide (DG) to answer a series of questions about their Student Risk Screening Scale – Internalizing and Externalizing (SRSS-IE) data. Using content analysis, this qualitative study identified what teams found helpful, less helpful, and what they might add to the DG. Participants valued the DG’s usefulness in developing data-based responses to the SRSS-IE results and identifying patterns and trends in their data. Including a menu of specific intervention strategies and supports was a frequent suggestion for improving the DG. Reviewing their screening data took longer than expected; participants recommended that teams needed multiple meetings for organizing, analyzing, and developing action plans.
Lactose intolerance and levothyroxine malabsorption: a review of the literature and report of a series of patients treated with liquid L-T4 without lactose
Authors: Ferrari Silvia Martina , Patrizio Armando , Mazzi Valeria , Ragusa Francesca , Botrini Chiara , Elia Giusy , Balestri Eugenia , Barozzi Emilio , Rugani Licia , Bracchitta Fabiana , Stoppini Giulio , Frenzilli Giada , Baldini Enke , Virili Camilla , Benvenga Salvatore , Fallahi Poupak , Antonelli Alessandro
Published: April 2024

In hypothyroid patients needing large doses of levothyroxine (L-T4) (>1.7–2 μg/kg/day) to reach euthyroidism, lactose intolerance (LI) needs to be excluded, owing to the high prevalence in the population. If LI is present, a lactose-free diet decreases the rate of L-T4 malabsorption. However, an increased requirement of L-T4 is described in patients with LI, which can be beneficially treated using lactose-free L-T4 formulation. The lactose-free liquid L-T4 formulation is able to circumvent LI malabsorption leading to the normalization of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and long-term stable TSH levels.
The application of magnetite biochar composite derived from parthenium hysterophorus for the adsorption of methylene blue from aqueous solution
Authors: Teweldebrihan Meseret Dawit , Gnaro Mikiyas Abewaa , Dinka Megersa Olumana
Published: April 2024

The removal of toxic and harmful dyes like methylene blue (MB) from textile wastewater is necessary to reduce environmental pollution. Therefore, this study is aimed at removing MB from an aqueous solution using magnetite-doped biochar of parthenium hysterophorus. Biochar was prepared through pyrolysis techniques at 500 ℃ for 2 h whereas the magnetite and composite material were developed using coprecipitation methods. Herein, NaNO3 and FeSO4. 7H2O were utilized as precursor materials and NaOH as a precipitating agent for preparation of magnetite. Furthermore, pH point of zero charge (pHpzc), Scanning Electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) are characterization techniques used to evaluate the nature of the composite material. On the other hand, a full factorial design involving four factors at two levels (24) such as pH (3 and 9), contact time (10 and 40 min), initial dye concentration (100 and 150 mg/L) and adsorbent dosage of 0.01 and 0.04 g/100 mL was used to design and optimize the batch adsorption of MB from an aqueous solution. As a result, a maximum removal efficiency of 99.99% was attained at optimum operating conditions of pH 9, contact time 40 min, initial MB concentration 100 mg/L and adsorbent dosage of 0.04 g/100 mL. Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models were used to investigate the adsorption isotherm in which Freundlich isotherm with a maximum R2 of 0.98 was found to describe the adsorption process inferring multilayer and heterogeneous surface interaction. Additionally, the thermodynamics study depicts that the nature of the adsorption is spontaneous, endothermic and feasible. On the other hand, the chemosorption nature is revealed by the pseudo second kinetics model with a maximum R2 of 0.99. Finally, the remarkable reusability ranging from 99.98% to 97.6% for five consecutive cycles proved that the magnetic biochar derived from parthenium hysterophorus can be used as an effective adsorbent for the decolourization of MB saturated effluent at an industrial scale.
Gonadal transcriptome sequencing reveals sexual dimorphism in expression profiling of sex-related genes in Asian arowana (Scleropages formosus)
Authors: Zhao Chenxi , Bian Chao , Mu Xidong , Zhang Xinhui , Shi Qiong
Published: April 2024

Asia arowana (Scleropages formosus) is an ornamental fish with high economic value, while its sex determination mechanism is still poorly understood. By far, no morphological evidence or molecular marker has been developed for effective distinguishment of genders, which poses a critical challenge to our captive breeding efforts. In this study, we sequenced gonadal transcriptomes of adult Asian arowanas and revealed differential expression profiling of sex-related genes. Based on the comparative transcriptomics analysis of testes (n = 3) and ovaries (n = 3), we identified a total of 8,872 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 18,490 differentially expressed transposable elements (TEs) between male and female individuals. Interestingly, the expression of TEs usually has been more significantly testis-biased than related coding genes. As expected, several genes related to females (such as foxl2 and cyp19a1a) are significantly transcribed in the ovary, and some genes related to male gonad development (such as dmrt1, gsdf and amh) are highly expressed in the testis. This sexual dimorphism is valuable for ascertaining the differential expression patterns of sex-related genes and enriching the genetic resources of this economically important species. These valuable genetic materials thereby provide instructive references for gender identification and one-to-one breeding practices so as to expand fish numbers for a rapid elevation of economic value.
Artificial structure selection by economically important reef fishes at North Carolina artificial reefs
Authors: Tharp Ryan M. , Hostetter Nathan J. , Paxton Avery B. , Taylor J. Christopher , Buckel Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2024

Artificial reefs can play an important role in marine fisheries management by supplementing or enhancing natural habitats. Despite their increased use in recent years, the choice of structures used at artificial reefs remains largely haphazard due to the lack of information on reef structure performance. Few studies have examined the use of different artificial reef structures by individual fish. From 2021-2022, we acoustically tagged 72 black sea bass (Centropristis striata), 34 gag (Mycteroperca mircrolepis), 27 greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili), nine almaco jack (S. rivoliana), and eight red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) on four artificial reef complexes near Cape Lookout, North Carolina, U.S. Available artificial reef structures consisted of materials of various sizes and heights made of concrete and metal. We tracked tagged fish using a fine-scale positioning system for ~100 days. Black sea bass exhibited high site fidelity to the artificial structure where we caught them, rarely moving away from that structure. The limited movement resulted in low transition probabilities; we conclude that black sea bass do not select for particular artificial structures. Gag and red snapper moved greater distances away from artificial structures and routinely moved between them. Greater amberjack and almaco jack moved the most within the complexes displaying circling behavior around individual structures and were the only species that regularly moved off the artificial reef complexes. Greater amberjack movements away from artificial sites were most commonly directed to surrounding shipwrecks. Whereas gag, red snapper, almaco jack, and greater amberjack used all available structures, they consistently selected for high relief structures, such as vessels, more than other structures. These results will be useful to managers charged with decisions on what types of structures to place at artificial reef complexes to supplement or enhance habitat for economically important fishes.
Thoracic spinal anesthesia with intrathecal sedation for lower back surgery: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Boykov Nikolay , Ferdinandov Dilyan , Vasileva Petra , Yankov Dimo , Burev Stefan , Tanova Rositsa
Published: April 2024

Background

Spinal anesthesia (SA) is a good alternative to general anesthesia (GA) for spine surgery. Despite that, a few case series concern the use of thoracic spinal anesthesia for short-duration surgical interventions. In search of an alternative approach to GA and a better opioid-free modality, we aimed to investigate the safety, feasibility, and patient satisfaction of thoracic SA for spine surgery.

Materials and methods

We analyzed retrospectively a cohort of 24 patients operated on for a degenerative and osteoporotic pathology of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine. Data was collected from medical records, including clinical notes, operative and anesthesia records, and patient questionnaires.

Results

Twenty-one surgeries for herniated discs, two for degenerative spinal stenosis, and one for multi-level osteoporotic vertebral body fractures were performed under spinal anesthesia with intrathecal sedation. In all cases, we applied 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine and the following adjuvants: midazolam, clonidine or dexmedetomidine, and dexamethasone. We boosted the anesthesia with local ropivacaine due to inefficient sensory block in two patients. Nobody in the cohort received intravenous opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or additional sedation intraoperatively. Postoperative painkillers were upon the patient’s request. No significant complications were detected.

Conclusion

Thoracic spinal anesthesia incorporating adjuvants such as midazolam, clonidine or dexmedetomidine, and dexamethasone demonstrates not only efficient conditions for spine surgery, a favorable safety profile, high patient satisfaction, and intrathecal sedation but also effective opioid-free pain management.
Gaming motivation and well-being among Norwegian adult gamers: the role of gender and disability
Authors: Hygen Beate W. , Wendelborg Christian , Solstad Bård Erlend , Stenseng Frode , Øverland Mari Bore , Skalicka Vera
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Digital gaming is a popular and often social activity, also among adults. However, we need more knowledge of the social dynamics of gaming and its potential benefits for one's well-being. The current study aimed to examine gaming motivation, time spent gaming, and gaming performed together with friends, family, or romantic partner and how these aspects relate to expanded social network and well-being among men and women with and without disability.

Methods

Regular players of the popular game Fortnite Battle Royale (FBR; N = 278, 48.5% women, Mage = 32.38) completed an online questionnaire assessing their motivations for playing FBR (social motivation, achievement motivation, novelty motivation), time spent gaming, whom they usually play with, their psychological well-being, and FBR's impact on their life and social network. Differentiated statistical analyses on gender and disability were performed.

Results and discussion

The results showed that time spent gaming and social motivation to play were associated with larger social networks for all participants (strongest for women). More time spent gaming FBR was also associated with a positive impact on life for those with a disability. Social motivation to play was positively associated with a positive impact on life for men and those without a disability and increased well-being for women. Novelty motivation, which concerns experiencing new features in the game, was associated with a positive impact on life for women and with a decrease in well-being for those with a disability. This study demonstrated that gaming can be an essential social arena associated with positive outcomes for men, women and disabled people, who—when socially motivated—may expand their social networks through gaming.
IL-1β, the first piece to the puzzle of sepsis-related cognitive impairment?
Authors: Zhu Qing , Wan Li , Huang Han , Liao Zhimin
Published: April 2024

Sepsis is a leading cause of death resulting from an uncontrolled inflammatory response to an infectious agent. Multiple organ injuries, including brain injuries, are common in sepsis. The underlying mechanism of sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE), which is associated with neuroinflammation, is not yet fully understood. Recent studies suggest that the release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) following activation of microglial cells plays a crucial role in the development of long-lasting neuroinflammation after the initial sepsis episode. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the recent literature on the molecular signaling pathways involved in microglial cell activation and interleukin-1β release. It also explores the physiological and pathophysiological role of IL-1β in cognitive function, with a particular focus on its contribution to long-lasting neuroinflammation after sepsis. The findings from this review may assist healthcare providers in developing novel interventions against SAE.
Deep learned triple-tracer multiplexed PET myocardial image separation
Authors: Pan Bolin , Marsden Paul K. , Reader Andrew J.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

In multiplexed positron emission tomography (mPET) imaging, physiological and pathological information from different radiotracers can be observed simultaneously in a single dynamic PET scan. The separation of mPET signals within a single PET scan is challenging due to the fact that the PET scanner measures the sum of the PET signals of all the tracers. The conventional multi-tracer compartment modeling (MTCM) method requires staggered injections and assumes that the arterial input functions (AIFs) of each tracer are known.

Methods

In this work, we propose a deep learning-based method to separate triple-tracer PET images without explicitly knowing the AIFs. A dynamic triple-tracer noisy MLEM reconstruction was used as the network input, and dynamic single-tracer noisy MLEM reconstructions were used as training labels.

Results

A simulation study was performed to evaluate the performance of the proposed framework on triple-tracer ([F18]FDG+Rb82+[Tc99m]sestamibi) PET myocardial imaging. The results show that the proposed methodology substantially reduced the noise level compared to the results obtained from single-tracer imaging. Additionally, it achieved lower bias and standard deviation in the separated single-tracer images compared to the MTCM-based method at both the voxel and region of interest (ROI) levels.

Discussion

As compared to MTCM separation, the proposed method uses spatiotemporal information for separation, which improves the separation performance at both the voxel and ROI levels. The simulation study also demonstrates the feasibility and potential of the proposed DL-based method for the application to pre-clinical and clinical studies.
Acute effects of mango leaf extract on cognitive function in healthy adults: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study
Authors: Dodd Fiona L. , Kennedy David O. , Johnson Jodee , Haworth Emily , Greener Jessica P. , Jackson Philippa A.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Extracts made from the leaves of the edible mango plant (Mangifera indica L., Anacardiaceae) have a long history of medicinal usage, most likely due to the presence of high levels of mangiferin, a polyphenol compound. Previous research has demonstrated that mango leaf extract (MLE) can beneficially modulate cognitive function in both animals and humans. This study aimed to assess the effects of an acute dose of 300 mg MLE (standardised to contain ≥60% mangiferin) on cognitive performance and mood in healthy adults.

Methods

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, 114 healthy men and women (18–43 years) received either MLE or a matched placebo at each testing visit (separated by at least 7 days). Cognitive performance (including the cognitive demand battery) and mood were measured at 30, 180, and 300 min post-dose.

Results

The results showed that, compared to placebo, the group taking MLE displayed a significant increase in serial 3 s and serial 7 s subtraction errors overall. There were no other significant effects on cognitive performance.

Discussion

The results of the current study suggest that the consumption of 300 mg MLE in the absence of an observed multitasking psychological stressor does not improve cognitive performance or mood at up to 300 min post-dose. Due to the very limited nature of the effects and since they were observed among many analyses, these findings should be treated with caution.

Clinical trial registration: http://ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier [NCT05182450].