bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using web log analysis to evaluate healthcare students’ engagement behaviours with multimedia lectures on YouTube
Authors: Doherty Cailbhe
Published: April 2023

The objective of this study was to utilise web log analysis to evaluate the relationship between University students’ engagement (e.g., watch time) and the characteristics of a catalogue of multimedia lectures, including their duration, the speaking rate of the narrator and the extent to which they implemented certain principles from Mayer’s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (CTML). Fifty-six multimedia lectures covering topics related to healthcare (e.g., anatomy, physiology and clinical assessment) were developed to differentially employ the image/embodiment, redundancy, segmentation and signalling principles from the CTML. These lectures were delivered to multiple cohorts of students throughout an academic semester. Student watch time was evaluated using the meta-usage data provided by YouTube studio. The multimedia lectures were viewed 4338 times (mean = 35 views per lecture; 27 unique viewers per lecture). Generalised estimating equations revealed that videos that were segmented into shorter chunks, that incorporated signals to highlight important information for students and during which captions were toggled ‘off’ by students were associated with longer watch times (P < 0.05). Additionally, watch time diminished for videos placed later in a sequence based on the audience retention metric. When designing multimedia lectures, instructors should be encouraged to use on screen labels to highlight important information, segment learning material into shorter ‘chunks’ and incorporate a dynamic instructor on screen at regular intervals displaying high embodiment. If several videos are to be delivered to students as part of a learning ‘unit’, educators should consider placing the most important learning material earlier in the sequence.
Probing microstructural changes in muscles of leptin-deficient zebrafish by non-invasive ex-vivo magnetic resonance microimaging
Authors: Eeza Muhamed N. Hashem , Singer Rico , Ding Yi , He Junling , Zuberi Zain , Baelde Hans J. , de Groot Huub J. M. , Matysik Jörg , Spaink Herman P. , Alia A.
Published: April 2023

Leptin is a hormone that plays a key role in controlling food intake and energy homeostasis. Skeletal muscle is an important target for leptin and recent studies have shown that leptin deficiency may lead to muscular atrophy. However, leptin deficiency-induced structural changes in muscles are poorly understood. The zebrafish has emerged as an excellent model organism for studies of vertebrate diseases and hormone response mechanisms. In this study, we exploredex-vivomagnetic resonance microimaging (μMRI) methods to non-invasively assess muscle wasting in leptin-deficient (lepb-/-) zebrafish model. The fat mapping performed by using chemical shift selective imaging shows significant fat infiltration in muscles oflepb-/-zebrafish compared to control zebrafish.T2relaxation measurements show considerably longerT2values in the muscle oflepb-/-zebrafish. MultiexponentialT2analysis detected a significantly higher value and magnitude of longT2component in the muscles oflepb-/-as compared to control zebrafish. For further zooming into the microstructural changes, we applied diffusion-weighted MRI. The results show a significant decrease in the apparent diffusion coefficient indicating increased constraints of molecular movements within the muscle regions oflepb-/-zebrafish. The use of the phasor transformation for the separation of diffusion-weighted decay signals showed a bi-component diffusion system which allows us to estimate each fraction on a voxel-wise basis. A substantial difference was found between the ratio of two components inlepb-/-and control zebrafish muscles, indicating alterations in diffusion behavior associated with the tissue microstructural changes in muscles oflepb-/-zebrafish as compared to control zebrafish. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the muscles oflepb-/-zebrafish undergo significant fat infiltration and microstructural changes leading to muscle wasting. This study also demonstrates that μMRI provides excellent means to non-invasively study the microstructural changes in the muscles of the zebrafish model.
The feasibility analysis of integrating community-based health insurance schemes into the national health insurance scheme in Uganda
Authors: Namyalo Prossy Kiddu , Mutatina Boniface , Byakika Sarah , Walimbwa Aliyi , Kato Rose , Basaza Robert K.
Published: April 2023

Background

Uganda has a draft National Health Insurance Bill for the establishment of a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). The proposed health insurance scheme is to pool resources, where the rich will subsidize the treatment of the poor, the healthy will subsidize the treatment of the sick, and the young will subsidize the treatment of the elderly. However, there is still a lack of evidence on how the existing community-based health insurance schemes (CBHIS) can fit within the proposed national scheme. Thus, this study aimed at determining the feasibility of integrating the existing community-based health financing schemes into the proposed National Health Insurance Scheme.

Methods

In this study, we utilized a multiple–case study design involving mixed methods. The cases (i.e., units of analysis) were defined as the operations, functionality, and sustainability of the three typologies of community-based insurance schemes: provider-managed, community-managed, and third party-managed. The study combined various data collection methods, including interviews, survey desk review of documents, observation, and archives.

Findings

The CBHIS in Uganda are fragmented with limited coverage. Only 28 schemes existed, which covered a total of 155,057 beneficiaries with an average of 5,538 per scheme. The CBHIS existed in 33 out of 146 districts in Uganda. The average contribution per capita was estimated at Uganda Shillings (UGX) 75,215 = equivalent to United States Dollar (USD) 20.3, accounting for 37% of the national total health expenditure per capita UGX 51.00 = at 2016 prices. Membership was open to everyone irrespective of socio-demographic status. The schemes had inadequate capacity for management, strategic planning, and finances and lacked reserves and reinsurance. The CBHIS structures included promoters, the scheme core, and the community grass-root structures.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate the possibility and provide a pathway to integrating CBHIS into the proposed NHIS. We however recommend implementation in a phased manner including first providing technical assistance to the existing CBHIS at the district level to address the critical capacity gaps. This would be followed by integrating all three elements of CBHIS structures. The last phase would then involve establishing a single fund for both the formal and informal sectors managed at the national level.
Mastication inefficiency due to diminished or lack of occlusal support is associated with increased blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bayram Yeter E. , Eskan Mehmet A.
Published: April 2023

Background

It has been shown that mastication may contribute to a lower risk of diabetes, and occlusal support reduced the risk of diabetes by improving glucose metabolism after meals. However, the relationship between inefficient mastication and blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains unclear. This retrospective study, therefore, aimed to investigate the association between mastication inefficiency due to diminished occlusal support and blood glucose control in subjects with T2D.

Methods

Ninety-four subjects (mean of 54.9 years) were recruited in this study. Subjects with at least 1-year T2D medical history and current medications for T2D were included. Subjects were divided into 2 groups: The control group (41 subjects) included Eichner group A (4 occlusal functional areas in the posterior area). The test group (53 subjects) included Eichner group B (1–3 occlusal functional areas) and group C (no natural occlusal contact). Blood glucose level was significantly lower in the control group participants than in the test group. Subject(s) showing diminished or lack of occlusal support and requiring a fixed restoration were treated with an implant-supported fixed restoration. These groups’ levels of glycated hemoglobin (A1c) were compared using the independent student t-test.

Results

Blood glucose level was significantly lower in the control group (7.48) as compared to those in the test group (9.42). The mean differences between the two groups were 1.94 ± 0.39 (p = 0.0001). Differences in white blood cell counts and body mass index (BMI) were not statistically significant between groups. Blood glucose levels could be reduced (from A1c 9.1 to 6.2) following a fixed implant-supported restoration in T2D patients with diminished occlusal support.

Conclusion

The results suggested that masticatory inefficiency due to diminished dental occlusion was associated with an increase in poor controlled-blood glucose levels among T2D patients.
Responding to harvest failure: Understanding farmers coping strategies in the semi-arid Northern Ghana
Authors: Boansi David , Owusu Victor , Tham-Agyekum Enoch Kwame , Wongnaa Camillus Abawiera , Frimpong Joyceline Adom , Bukari Kaderi Noagah
Published: April 2023

Farmers coping strategies against harvest failures have implication for future adaptation to such shocks. Previous studies on farmers’ vulnerability and response to shocks have emphasized on adaptation, at the expense of their coping to such shocks. Using a survey data from 299 farm households in northern Ghana, this study has analyzed farmers’ coping strategies against harvest failure, and the drivers of the choice and intensity of the coping strategies. The empirical results show that most of the households used liquidation of productive assets, reduction in consumption, borrowing from family and friends, diversification of livelihoods, and migration to cities for off-farm jobs as coping measures in response to harvest failure. The empirical results from a multivariate probit model indicate that the choice of coping strategies is influenced by farmers’ access to radio, net value of livestock produced per man-equivalent (ME), experience of yield loss in the previous year, farmers’ perception about the fertility status of their crop fields, access to credit, distance to market, farm-to-farmer extension, location of the respondent, cropland per ME, and access to off-farm income. Empirical results from a zero-truncated negative binomial regression model also indicate that the number of coping strategies adopted increases with the value of farm implements, access to radio, farmer-to-farmer extension and being located in the regional capital. It however decreases with the age of the household head, number of family members abroad, a positive perception about the fertility status of crop fields, access to government extension services, distance to market, and access to off-farm income. Limited access to credit, radio, and markets renders farmers more vulnerable and pushes them to adopt more costly coping strategies. In addition, an increase in income earned from secondary livestock products decreases incentive for farmers to adopt liquidation of productive assets as coping strategy after a harvest failure. Policy makers and stakeholders could make smallholder farmers less vulnerable to harvest failure by enhancing their access to radio, credit, off-farm income and market, promotion of farmer-to-farmer extension, implementing measure to improve the fertility of crop fields in the study area, and enhancing farmers’ engagement in the production and selling of secondary livestock products
GSK-3β inhibition alleviates arthritis pain via reducing spinal mitochondrial reactive oxygen species level and inflammation
Authors: Yang He-Yu , Sun Xu , Zhen Shu-Qing , Yu Liang-Zhu , Ding Jie-Qiong , Liu Ling , Xie Min , Zhu Hai-Li
Published: April 2023

Pain is the main symptom of osteoarthritis, which severely reduces the patients’ quality of life. Stimulated neuroinflammation and elevated mitochondrial oxidative stress are associated arthritis pain. In the present study, arthritis model was established by intra-articular injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) on mice. Knee swelling, pain hypersensitivity and motor disability were observed in CFA-induced mice. In spinal cord, neuroinflammation was triggered and presented as severe infiltration of inflammatory cells and up-regulated expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase (caspase-1) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). Mitochondrial function was disrupted and characterized as elevated expressions of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax), dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) and cytochrome C (Cyto C), and reduced expressions of Bcl-2 and Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) activity. Meanwhile, as a potential target for pain management, glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) activity was up-regulated in CFA induced mice. To explore potential therapeutic options for arthritis pain, GSK-3β inhibitor TDZD-8 was intraperitoneally injected for three days on CFA mice. Animal behavioral tests found that TDZD-8 treatment elevated mechanical pain sensitivity, suppressed spontaneous pain and recovered motor coordination. Morphological and protein expression analysis indicated that TDZD-8 treatment decreased spinal inflammation score and inflammatory related protein levels, recovered mitochondrial related protein levels, and increased Mn-SOD activity. In summary, TDZD-8 treatment inhibits GSK-3β activity, reduces mitochondrial mediated oxidative stress, suppresses spinal inflammasome response, and alleviates arthritis pain.
Work as an arena for health—Supervisors’ experiences with attending to employees’ sick leave and return-to-work process
Authors: Klevanger Nina Elisabeth , Aasdahl Lene , By Rise Marit
Published: April 2023

Background

Supervisors play a pivotal role in the sick leave process. Although responsibility for sick leave and return to work follow-up is increasingly placed on the workplace in Norway, few studies have explored supervisors’ experiences. This study aims to explore supervisors´ experiences with attending to employees’ sick leave and return to work process.

Methods

This study consists of individual interviews with 11 supervisors from diverse workplaces that was analysed thematically.

Results

The supervisors emphasised the value of presence at the workplace, the need for them to obtain information and uphold dialogue, considering individual and environmental influences on return-to-work and allocating responsibility. Investing time and money was crucial to prevent or reduce the negative impact of sick leave.

Conclusions

The supervisors’ perception of attending to sick leave and return-to-work largely reflect Norwegian legislation. However, they find obtaining information and managing responsibility challenging, suggesting that their responsibilities for return-to-work are perhaps disproportionate to their knowledge on attending this process. Individualised support and guidance on how to develop accommodations based on the employee´s workability should be made available. The reciprocal nature of follow-up described also reveals how the return-to-work process is enmeshed with (inter)personal considerations possibly resulting in unequal treatment.
Evaluating barriers to sustainable boiler operation in the apparel manufacturing industry: Implications for mitigating operational hazards in the emerging economies
Authors: Siraj Md. Tanvir , Debnath Binoy , Kumar Anil , Bari A. B. M. Mainul , Samadhiya Ashutosh , Payel Spandan Basak
Published: April 2023

The efficiency with which conventional boilers perform, in terms of sustainability, is affected by a variety of factors. Unsustainable boiler operating practices are still surprisingly frequent in developing countries, resulting in environmental liabilities and catastrophic accidents. It is a serious problem in developing countries like Bangladesh, where boilers are utilized extensively in the apparel manufacturing sector. However, no research has yet examined the challenges or barriers associated with sustainable boiler operation in the apparel manufacturing sector. This study, thereby, utilizes an integrated MCDM approach, combining the fuzzy theory and the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method, to identify, prioritize, and explore the relations among the barriers to sustainable boiler operation in the apparel manufacturing industry, from an emerging economy perspective. The barriers were initially identified from the literature and a visual survey of 127 factories. After expert validation, thirteen barriers were finally selected to be analyzed utilizing the fuzzy DEMATEL method. The study findings revealed that ’Absence of water treatment facilities’, ’Fossil fuel burning and GHG emissions’, and ’Excessive consumption of groundwater’ are the three most prominent barriers to sustainable boiler operation. The cause-effect relations among the barriers suggest that ’Inadequate compliance with safety and hazard regulations’ is the most influential and ’Fossil fuel burning and GHG emissions’ is the most influenced barrier. This study is expected to guide the managers and policymakers of the apparel manufacturing sector in successfully overcoming the barriers to sustainable boiler operation, thus mitigating the operational hazards and achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Longitudinal transitions in initiation, cessation, and relapse of cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use among US youth and adults: Validation of a microsimulation model
Authors: Schwamm Eli , Noubary Farzad , Rigotti Nancy A. , Reddy Krishna P.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Estimates of initiation, cessation, and relapse rates of tobacco cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use can facilitate projections of longer-term impact of their use. We aimed to derive transition rates and apply them to validate a microsimulation model of tobacco that newly incorporated e-cigarettes.

Methods

We fit a Markov multi-state model (MMSM) for participants in Waves 1–4.5 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) longitudinal study. The MMSM had nine cigarette smoking and e-cigarette use states (current/former/never use of each), 27 transitions, two sex categories, and four age categories (youth: 12-17y; adults: 18-24y/25-44y/≥45y). We estimated transition hazard rates, including initiation, cessation, and relapse. We then validated the Simulation of Tobacco and Nicotine Outcomes and Policy (STOP) microsimulation model, by: (a) using transition hazard rates derived from PATH Waves 1–4.5 as inputs, and (b) comparing STOP-projected prevalence of smoking and e-cigarette use at 12 and 24 months to empirical data from PATH Waves 3 and 4. We compared the goodness-of-fit of validations with “static relapse” and “time-variant relapse,” wherein relapse rates did not or did depend on abstinence duration.

Results

Per the MMSM, youth smoking and e-cigarette use was generally more volatile (lower probability of maintaining the same e-cigarette use status over time) than that of adults. Root-mean-squared error (RMSE) for STOP-projected versus empirical prevalence of smoking and e-cigarette use was <0.7% for both static and time-variant relapse simulations, with similar goodness-of-fit (static relapse: RMSE 0.69%, CI 0.38–0.99%; time-variant relapse: RMSE 0.65%, CI 0.42–0.87%). PATH empirical estimates of prevalence of smoking and e-cigarette use were mostly within the margins of error estimated by both simulations.

Discussion

A microsimulation model incorporating smoking and e-cigarette use transition rates from a MMSM accurately projected downstream prevalence of product use. The microsimulation model structure and parameters provide a foundation for estimating the behavioral and clinical impact of tobacco and e-cigarette policies.
Circular RNA expression alterations and function prediction in OSA-induced pancreatic injury in mice: New insights into pathogenesis
Authors: Chen Qingshi , Lin Jiayu , Chen Zhiyu , Che Lishuang , Liu Dexin
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Increasing studies have shown that circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in the pathogenesis and progression of many diseases. However, the function of circRNAs in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)-induced pancreatic damage has not been fully elucidated. In this study, the altered circRNA profiles in a chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) mouse model were investigated, aiming to provide novel clues for delineating the underlying mechanisms of OSA-induced pancreatic injury.

Methods

A CIH mouse model was established. circRNA microarray was then applied to profile circRNA expression in pancreatic samples from CIH groups and controls. Our preliminary findings were validated by qRT-PCR. Subsequently, GO and KEGG pathway analyses were carried out to annotate the biological functions of target genes of circRNAs. Lastly, we constructed a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA (ceRNA) network according to the predicted circRNA–miRNA and miRNA–mRNA pairs.

Results

A total of 26 circRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed, with 5 downregulated and 21 upregulated in the CIH model mice. Six selected circRNAs were preliminarily used to confirm the results by qRT-PCR, which were consistent with microarray. GO and pathway analysis indicated that numerous mRNAs were involved in the MAPK signaling pathway. The ceRNA analysis displayed the broad potentials of the dysregulated circRNAs to modulate their target genes by acting as miRNAs sponges.

Conclusions

Taken together, our study first revealed the specific expression profile of circRNAs in CIH-induced pancreatic injury, which suggested a novel focus for investigating the molecular mechanism of OSA-induced pancreatic damage through modulating circRNAs.
Realistic and complex visual chasing behaviors trigger the perception of intentionality
Authors: Ji Mohan , Ward Emily J. , Green C. Shawn
Published: April 2023

We not only perceive the physical state of the environment, but also the causal structures underlying the physical state. Determining whether an object has intentionality is a key component of this process. Among all possible intentions, the intention that has arguably been studied the most is chasing—often via a reasonably simple and stereotyped computer algorithm (“heat-seeking”). The current study investigated the perception of multiple types of chasing approaches and thus whether it is the intention of chasing that triggers the perception of chasing, whether the chasing agent and the agent being chased play equally important roles, and whether the perception of chasing requires the presence of both agents. We implemented a well-studied wolf chasing a sheep paradigm where participants viewed recordings of a disc (the wolf) chasing another disc (the sheep) among other distracting discs. We manipulated the types of chasing algorithms, the density of the distractors, the target agent in the task, and the presence of the agent being chased. We found that the participants could successfully identify the chasing agent in all conditions where both agents were present, albeit with different levels of performance (e.g., participants were best at detecting the chasing agent when the chasing agent engaged in a direct chasing strategy and were worst at detecting a human-controlled chasing agent). This work therefore extends our understanding of the types of cues that are and are not utilized by the visual system to detect the chasing intention.
Differentially expressed transcript isoforms associate with resistance to tuberculin skin test and interferon gamma release assay conversion
Authors: Simmons Jason D. , Segnitz R. Max , Dill-McFarland Kimberly A. , Stein Catherine M. , Peterson Glenna J. , Mayanja-Kizza Harriet , Boom W. Henry , Hawn Thomas R.
Published: April 2023

Background

A mechanistic understanding of uncommon immune outcomes such as resistance to infection has led to the development of novel therapies. Using gene level analytic methods, we previously found distinct monocyte transcriptional responses associated with resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection defined as persistently negative tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) reactivity among highly exposed contacts (RSTR phenotype).

Objective

Using transcript isoform analyses, we aimed to identify novel RSTR-associated genes hypothesizing that previous gene-level differential expression analysis obscures isoform-specific differences that contribute to phenotype.

Materials and methods

Monocytes from 49 RSTR versus 52 subjects with latent Mtb infection (LTBI) were infected with M. tuberculosis (H37Rv) or left unstimulated (media) prior to RNA isolation and sequencing. RSTR-associated gene expression was then identified using differential transcript isoform analysis.

Results

We identified 81 differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) in 70 genes (FDR <0.05) comparing RSTR and LTBI phenotypes with the majority (n = 79 DETs) identified under Mtb-stimulated conditions. Seventeen of these genes were previously identified with gene-level bulk RNAseq analyses including genes in the IFNγ response that had increased expression among LTBI subjects, findings consistent with a clinical phenotype based on IGRA reactivity. Among the subset of 23 genes with positive differential expression among Mtb-infected RSTR monocytes, 13 were not previously identified. These novel DET genes included PDE4A and ZEB2, which each had multiple DETs with higher expression among RSTR subjects, and ACSL4 and GAPDH that each had a single transcript isoform associated with RSTR.

Conclusion and limitations

Transcript isoform-specific analyses identify transcriptional associations, such as those associated with resistance to TST/IGRA conversion, that are obscured when using gene-level approaches. These findings should be validated with additional RSTR cohorts and whether the newly identified candidate resistance genes directly influence the monocyte Mtb response requires functional study.
GRACE: Graph autoencoder based single-cell clustering through ensemble similarity learning
Authors: Ha Jun Seo , Jeong Hyundoo
Published: April 2023

Recent advances in single-cell sequencing techniques have enabled gene expression profiling of individual cells in tissue samples so that it can accelerate biomedical research to develop novel therapeutic methods and effective drugs for complex disease. The typical first step in the downstream analysis pipeline is classifying cell types through accurate single-cell clustering algorithms. Here, we describe a novel single-cell clustering algorithm, called GRACE (GRaph Autoencoder based single-cell Clustering through Ensemble similarity larning), that can yield highly consistent groups of cells. We construct the cell-to-cell similarity network through the ensemble similarity learning framework, and employ a low-dimensional vector representation for each cell through a graph autoencoder. Through performance assessments using real-world single-cell sequencing datasets, we show that the proposed method can yield accurate single-cell clustering results by achieving higher assessment metric scores.
Architecture of the biofilm-associated archaic Chaperone-Usher pilus CupE from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Böhning Jan , Dobbelstein Adrian W. , Sulkowski Nina , Eilers Kira , von Kügelgen Andriko , Tarafder Abul K. , Peak-Chew Sew-Yeu , Skehel Mark , Alva Vikram , Filloux Alain , Bharat Tanmay A. M.
Published: April 2023

Chaperone-Usher Pathway (CUP) pili are major adhesins in Gram-negative bacteria, mediating bacterial adherence to biotic and abiotic surfaces. While classical CUP pili have been extensively characterized, little is known about so-called archaic CUP pili, which are phylogenetically widespread and promote biofilm formation by several human pathogens. In this study, we present the electron cryomicroscopy structure of the archaic CupE pilus from the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We show that CupE1 subunits within the pilus are arranged in a zigzag architecture, containing an N-terminal donor β-strand extending from each subunit into the next, where it is anchored by hydrophobic interactions, with comparatively weaker interactions at the rest of the inter-subunit interface. Imaging CupE pili on the surface of P. aeruginosa cells using electron cryotomography shows that CupE pili adopt variable curvatures in response to their environment, which might facilitate their role in promoting cellular attachment. Finally, bioinformatic analysis shows the widespread abundance of cupE genes in isolates of P. aeruginosa and the co-occurrence of cupE with other cup clusters, suggesting interdependence of cup pili in regulating bacterial adherence within biofilms. Taken together, our study provides insights into the architecture of archaic CUP pili, providing a structural basis for understanding their role in promoting cellular adhesion and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa.
Tim-3 regulates the immunosuppressive function of decidual MDSCs via the Fyn-STAT3-C/EBPβ pathway during Toxoplasma gondii infection
Authors: Qi Houbao , Li Yuantao , Liu Xianbing , Jiang Yuzhu , Li Zhidan , Xu Xiaoyan , Zhang Haixia , Hu Xuemei
Published: April 2023

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a key role in maintaining maternal-fetal tolerance for a successful pregnancy, but the role of MDSCs in abnormal pregnancy caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection is unknown. Herein, we revealed a distinct mechanism by which T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain containing protein-3 (Tim-3), an immune checkpoint receptor that balances maternal-fetal tolerance during pregnancy, contributes to the immunosuppressive function of MDSCs during T. gondii infection. The expression of Tim-3 in decidual MDSCs was significantly downregulated following T. gondii infection. The proportion of monocytic MDSCs population, the inhibitory effect of MDSCs on T-cell proliferation, the levels of STAT3 phosphorylation, and the expression of functional molecules (Arg-1 and IL-10) in MDSCs were all decreased in T. gondii-infected pregnant Tim-3 gene knockout (Tim-3KO) mice compared with infected pregnant WT mice. After treatment with Tim-3-neutralizing Ab in vitro, the expression levels of Arg-1, IL-10, C/EBPβ, and p-STAT3 were decreased, the interaction between Fyn and Tim-3 or between Fyn and STAT3 was weakened, and the binding ability of C/EBPβ to the promoters of ARG1 and IL10 was decreased in human decidual MDSCs with T. gondii infection, while opposite results were observed following treatment with galectin-9 (a ligand for Tim-3). Inhibitors of Fyn and STAT3 also downregulated the expression of Arg-1 and IL-10 in decidual MDSCs and exacerbated adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by T. gondii infection in mice. Therefore, our studies discovered that the decrease of Tim-3 after T. gondii infection could downregulate the functional molecules of Arg-1 and IL-10 expression in decidual MDSCs through the Fyn-STAT3-C/EBPβ signaling pathway and weaken their immunosuppressive function, which eventually contribute to the development of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Emergence of zoonotic Brugia pahangi parasite in Thailand
Authors: Bhumiratana Adisak , Nunthawarasilp Prapa , Intarapuk Apiradee , Pimnon Suntorn , Ritthison Wanapa
Published: April 2023

Zoonotic Brugia pahangi parasite infections in humans have emerged over two decades in Southeast Asia (SEA), including Malaysia and Thailand. The species is commonly found in domestic cats and dogs as the natural reservoir hosts. The sporadic transmission pattern of B. pahangi zoonosis causes childhood infections in Thailand and adulthood infections in Malaysia. It is crucial to understand the vulnerability in how zoonotic B. pahangi parasite is transmitted to susceptible persons in receptive settings and the exposure to the infection under impoverished environment to which the human-vector-animal interactions are related. This acquisition of knowledge will help multiple health science professions to apply One Health approach to strengthening the capacity in diagnosis and surveillance, and hence detecting and monitoring the “lingering” zoonotic B. pahangi infections present in vulnerable populations in Thailand and elsewhere in SEA. In this review article, the authors focused on articulating the concepts of plantation-related zoonotic B. pahangi filariasis by updating current knowledge of B. pahangi life cycle, vector’s life cycle and current state of research on the epidemiology and ecology of B. pahangi zoonosis. Keywords: Brugia pahangi, plantation-related zoonotic Brugia pahangi filariasis, sporadic transmission pattern, zoonosis.
A karrierút és a személyiségjegyek kapcsolata : Szisztematikus szakirodalmi áttekintés
Authors: Batizi Dávid
Published: April 2023

A munka és vele együtt a karrier kulcsfontosságú szerepet tölt be az egyének életében, hiszen a sikeres hivatás, illetve a kedvezően fejlődő pályafutás meghatározó eleme a beteljesült és boldog életnek. A karrierutakkal foglalkozó szakirodalom egyik lényeges kérdése, hogy léteznek-e konkrét személyiségjegyek, amelyek előrevetítik, befolyásolják a sikeres karriert. A szerző tanulmányában a szisztematikus szakirodalmi áttekintés módszerével meghatározza és csoportosítja azokat a személyiségjegyeket, amelyek hatást gyakorolnak a szakmai mindennapokra és a pályafutás sikerességére. A tanulmány kiemelendő és új értéke, hogy az irodalomkutatás eredménye szerint nem csak a pozitívnak, de a korábban negatívnak hitt személyiségjegyek is előnyösek lehetnek az eredményes karrierút építése során. A szisztematikus szakirodalmi áttekintés összefoglalója rámutat arra is, hogy a csoportosításban szereplő személyiségjegyek milyen további hatással lehetnek a munkavállaló és a munkaadó kapcsolatára és a karrierfejlesztési beavatkozásokra.
Development of a spectrophotometric technique for the quantitative determination of ademol
Authors: Semenenko S. I. , Miedviedieva K. P. , Vasiuk S. O. , Burlaka B. S.
Published: April 2023

According to statistics, craniocerebral injuries are often the cause of disability among the population. The choice of medicines for traumatic brain injuries is one of the most difficult problems in the complex treatment of such patients. Ademol (1-adamantylethyloxy-3-morpholino-2-propanol hydrochloride) is a promising medicinal substance that has a huge positive therapeutic effect of a protective act on the damaged brain and can be presented in medicinal preparations in different dosages. Therefore, the urgent task is the development of highly accurate, reliable, affordable, and fast methods of quantitative determination of ademol.
The aim of the work is to study the optimal conditions for the “ademol – bromocresol green” reaction and to develop an express, sensitive and easy-to-implement method for the quantitative determination of ademol.
Materials and methods. Bromocresol green (BCG) grade “chemically pure” and acetone grade “pure for analysis” were used as reagents and solvents. Analytical equipment: spectrophotometer Specord 200, electronic scales AVT-120-5DM, ultrasonic bath Elmasonic E 60H, class A measuring vessels.
Results. A new method of quantitative determination of ademol by the spectrophotometric method was developed. The optimal conditions of the flow between the substance to be determined and the reagent have been studied, the concentration limits have been established, in which subordination to the basic law of light absorption is observed. A forecast of the complete uncertainty of the results of the specified method of quantitative determination was made to assess the correctness of the reproduction of the developed method in other laboratories. The proposed method is relevant according to the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine.
Conclusions. According to the experimental data, the method of quantitative determination of ademol can be correctly reproduced and suitable for use.
The role of physical and occupational therapy in palliative and hospice medicine of neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Raznatovska O. M. , Kanyhina S. M. , Shalmin O. S. , Cherepok O. O.
Published: April 2023

The aim of our research is to review modern literature regarding the relevance and frequency of physical and occupational therapy in palliative and hospice medicine of neurodegenerative diseases.
Results. The role of physical therapy and occupational therapy in palliative-hospice medicine for such neurodegenerative diseases as Parkinson’s disease, cognitive impairment and/or dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis has been studied. It has been found, a wide variety of physical and occupational therapy is widely used in palliative hospice medicine despite the disease’s severity. These methods significantly improve the quality of life of both palliative patients and their families ultimately. Physical and occupational therapist specialists are a very important link in the multidisciplinary team of palliative-hospice medicine.
Conclusions. Physical and occupational therapy play a very important role in neurodegenerative diseases patients requiring palliative-hospice care in today’s world. Palliative physical and occupational therapy of patients with neurodegenerative diseases has many benefits that help maintain or improve various bodily functions. This contributes to the quality of life improving for not only patients but also for their family members who care for them.
Complex applying physical therapy and preformed physical factors in pregnant women with chronic pyelonephritis
Authors: Pavliuchenko М. І. , Siusiuka V. H. , Haidai N. V. , Serhiienko M. Yu. , Deinichenko O. V.
Published: April 2023

The aim of the work is to evaluate the impact of physical therapy and preformed physical factors in pregnant women with chronic pyelonephritis on central hemodynamic indicators.
Materials and methods. The dynamics of 134 pregnant women with chronic pyelonephritis (CP) in the remission stage, who underwent a complex sanatorium rehabilitation program, were examined. The main study group consisted of 79 pregnant women with chronic pyelonephritis. In this contingent of women, the sanatorium rehabilitation complex additionally included a course of intermittent normobaric hypoxytherapy (INH). The comparison group consisted of 55 pregnant women with CP, for whom the sanatorium rehabilitation complex did not include an INH course. The control group is represented by 37 somatically healthy women with a physiological course of pregnancy. All pregnant women were examined for central hemodynamic (CH) indicators using the computer diagnostic complex REOKOM (Kharkiv).
Results. Pregnancy periods of 20–30 and 31–30 weeks in women with CP are characterized by a pathological load on central hemodynamics. At the same time, the application for the INH course in the sanatorium rehabilitation complex (the main group) allows for an increase in the compensatory capabilities of the pregnant woman with CH. Thus, in the period of pregnancy of 22–30 weeks in the main group, indicators of diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were probably lower than the control values (P < 0.001), which in this group is determined by values of peripheral resistance of blood vessels close to those of the control group (P > 0.05), regardless of the timing of the study.
The study of CH and the comparison of different periods of gestation and between research groups indicate an inverse relationship between indicators that reflect the intensity of cardiohemodynamics and indicators of vascular resistance, as one of the final mechanisms of maintaining blood pressure at a physiological level, or its pathological increase in chronic pyelonephritis and preeclampsia
Taking into account that the ratio of cardiac index indicators and total peripheral vascular resistance in all study groups was stable and directly dependent on the level of blood pressure, it is advisable to recommend for practical application in order to assess the state of CH of pregnant women with CP indicators of stroke or cardiac indices, which characterize the intensity cardiohemodynamics and do not depend on the anthropometric data of the pregnant woman.
Conclusions. The application of physical therapy and preformed physical factors, namely, intermittent normobaric hypoxytherapy in pregnant women with chronic pyelonephritis in a complex program of sanatorium rehabilitation increases the compensatory capabilities of the cardiovascular system, which is confirmed by a significant decrease in the values of the total peripheral resistance against the background of an increase in the cardiac index.
Research of the domestic market of drugs for the treatment of HIV infection
Authors: Zarichna T. P. , Brytanova T. S.
Published: April 2023

The aim of the research is to study the domestic market of medicines for the treatment of HIV infection to optimize the drug supply of the target group of patients.
Materials and methods. Electronic sources of information (State Register of Medicines of Ukraine, Compendium-online, Tabletki.ua) were used to achieve the goal. System-analytical, mathematical-statistical, and comparative methods of analysis were used.
Results. The study of the assortment of drugs for the treatment of HIV infection showed the heterogeneity of the specified segment of the pharmaceutical market of Ukraine: there are solid and liquid dosage forms, both original and generic. The analysis of the company structure made it possible to establish that the national market of drugs for the treatment of HIV infection was dominated by foreign manu­facturers (95.93 %), the largest share of which was pharmaceutical companies from India (67.07 %).
The competitiveness of pharmaceutical firms supplying drugs for the treatment of HIV infection was studied. It was established that the firm Janssen-Silag S.p.A., Italy, occupied the most stable position in the studied market segment. A qualitative analysis of the mentioned medicines was carried out. The most effective and rational of them were determined.
Conclusions. A study of the domestic market of drugs for the treatment of HIV infection was conducted. The assortment and brand structure of this market segment was determined. The level of competitiveness of the above-mentioned pharmaceutical companies were analyzed, and the most successful of them were identified. At the same time, it was established that domestic pharmaceutical companies supply only 4.07 % of drugs of two out of five groups according to the ATS classification to this segment of the market. In connection with this, the development of new drugs of the specified action and the development of their production in Ukraine is important.
Przestępstwa o charakterze terrorystycznym w polskim prawie
Authors: Rosicki Remigiusz
Published: April 2023

Zakres przedmiotowy problemu badawczego prezentowanego w tekście obejmuje kwestie związane z istotą i sensem definicji legalnej przestępstwa o charakterze terrorystycznym w polskim prawie karnym. Polski ustawodawca zaimplementował definicję przestępstwa o charakterze terrorystycznym w ramach art. 115 § 20 Kodeksu karnego w 2014 roku, co wynikało z konieczności dostosowania polskiego prawa do regulacji Unii Europejskiej. Stosując metaforę uznać należy, że definicja ta stanowi swoisty rodzaj modyfikatora czynu zabronionego i zakresu odpowiedzialności karnej. Struktura definicji legalnej przestępstwa o charakterze terrorystycznym skalda się z dwóch elementów, będących zarazem przesłankami, które wypełnić ma sprawca. Pierwsza przesłanka ma charakter formalny, i dotyczy wysokości sankcji przypisanej głównemu czynowi sprawcy, z kolei druga przesłanka ma charakter motywacyjny, i dotyczy szczególnego rodzaju celu jaki przyświeca w działaniu sprawcy. Niewątpliwie instytucja przestępstwa o charakterze terrorystycznym w polskim prawie karnym pełni funkcje odstraszającą i represyjną w stosunku do sprawców tego typu przestępstw.           W celu uszczegółowienia zakresu przedmiotowego podjętej analizy w tekście przedstawiono następujące pytania badawcze: (1) W jakim stopniu definicja legalna przestępstwa o charakterze terrorystycznym jest efektywna w polityce karnej w zakresie przeciwdziałania i zwalczania zjawiska terroryzmu?, (2) W jakim stopniu treść definicji legalnej przestępstwa o charakterze terrorystycznym może naruszać zasadę nullum crimen sine lege certa?           Analiza zawarta w tekście ma głównie charakter poglądowy, w ramach, którego wykorzystano ujęcie instytucjonalno-prawne. W ramach tego ujęcia treść definicji legalnej przestępstwa o charakterze terrorystycznym poddano interpretacji tekstualnej, doktrynalnej i funkcjonalnej. W związku z rozbieżnościami wynikającymi z niejednoznaczności terminów użytych w tej definicji stosunkowo duży nacisk położono na interpretację językową.
Rozwój rynku elektromobilności w Polsce. Dylematy i wyzwania
Authors: Hoffmann Tomasz
Published: April 2023

Artykuł podejmuje zagadnienia związane z dylematami i wyzwaniami stojącymi przez Polską w zakresie rozwoju elektromobilności w naszym kraju. Uwaga badawcza skoncentrowana jest na rozwiązania prawne, które nie funkcjonują w społecznej rzeczywistości, a także problemy, na jakie natrafiają potencjalni właściciele pojazdów elektrycznych.
Obszar transformacji górniczo-energetycznej w województwie łódzkim w kontekście wygaszania kompleksu energetycznego w Bełchatowie a zagadnienie sprawiedliwej transformacji
Authors: Koczan Marcin
Published: April 2023

Unia Europejska od wielu lat konsekwentnie zmierza do minimalizowania oddziaływania na środowisko, bardziej zrównoważonego eksploatowania zasobów, zmniejszenia emisji gazów cieplarnianych, ochrony bioróżnorodności i odchodzenia od wykorzystywania paliw kopalnych. Ma to doprowadzić do zbudowania gospodarki nisko i zero emisyjnej i osiągnięcia neutralności klimatycznej Unii Europejskiej do roku 2050. Proces transformacji energetycznej, czyli odchodzenia od paliw kopalnych i technologii na nich opartych do zeroemisyjnych źródeł wytwórczych, pociągnie za sobą daleko idące wyzwania zwłaszcza dla takich państw jak Polska. W 2021 r. ponad 80% wytworzonej w naszym kraju energii elektrycznej pochodziło ze spalania węgla brunatnego, kamiennego i gazu ziemnego. Głównym motywem zainicjowania procesu transformacji były przesłanki środowiskowe. Proces zmierza do ukształtowania systemów w oparciu o odnawialne źródła energii, ewentualnie o źródła o niskiej emisji substancji szkodliwych dla atmosfery (pyły, gazy cieplarniane). To spowoduje postępujący proces dekarbonizacji, który będzie szczególnie bolesny dla regionów, których gospodarki w istotnym stopniu uzależnione są od dużych kompleksów wydobywczo-energetycznych jak Kopania Węgla Brunatnego Bełchatów i Elektrownia Bełchatów. Jednym z kluczowych elementów wspierających procesy transformacyjne w UE jest Mechanizm Sprawiedliwej Transformacji. Na on na celu wspieranie przemyślanej i zaplanowanej polityki zmiany profilu gospodarczego regionów, w których istotną rolę odgrywał przemysł wydobycia i przetwórstwa węgla kamiennego i brunatnego. Niniejszy artykuł ma na celu określenie skutków wygaszania Kompleksu Energetycznego w Bełchatowie.