bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of CerS4 Instead of CerS2 in Liver Effectively Alleviates Hepatic Insulin Resistance in HFD Male Mice
Authors: Roszczyc-Owsiejczuk Kamila , Zabielski Piotr , Imierska Monika , Pogodzińska Karolina , Sadowska Patrycja , Błachnio-Zabielska Agnieszka
Published: September 2024

Objective

Consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) induces insulin resistance (IRes), significantly affecting the maintenance of normal glucose homeostasis. Nevertheless, despite decades of extensive research, the mechanisms and pathogenesis of IRes remain incomplete. Recent studies have primarily explored lipid intermediates such as diacylglycerol (DAG), given a limited knowledge about the role of ceramide (Cer), which is a potential mediator of the IRes in the liver.

Methods

In order to investigate the role of Cer produced by CerS2 and CerS4 for the purpose of inducing the hepatic IRes, we utilized a unique in vivo model employing shRNA-mediated hydrodynamic gene delivery in the liver of HFD-fed C57BL/6J mice.

Results

Downregulation of CerS4 instead of CerS2 reduced specific liver Cers, notably C18:0-Cer and C24:0-Cer, as well as acylcarnitine levels. It concurrently promoted glycogen accumulation, leading to enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis.

Conclusion

Those findings demonstrate that CerS4 downregulating lowers fasting blood glucose levels and mitigates the HFD-induced hepatic IRes. It suggests that inhibiting the CerS4-mediated C18:0-Cer synthesis holds a promise to effectively address insulin resistance in obesity.
Early green and brown painted ware from Middle Byzantine Argos
Authors: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΥ (Anastasia VASSILIOU) Αναστασία
Published: September 2024

In recent years, research on Middle Byzantine glazed red wares has focused mainly on the pottery of the second half of the 12th and early 13th century. However, the publication of earlier material is important for a better understanding of the evolution of Middle Byzantine glazed pottery. The present study concentrates on examining the early group of Green and Brown Painted Ware from the rich ceramic material of Argos and comparing it with the important material from nearby Corinth.
Ευαγγελία Παπαθεοφάνους-Τσουρή, Εὑρετήριο Βυζαντινῶν Τοιχογραφιῶν Ἑλλάδος. Ἀνατολικὴ Μακεδονία ‒ Δυτικὴ Θράκη.
Authors: ΓΚΙΟΛΕΣ (Nikolaos GIOLES) Νικόλαος
Published: September 2024

Ευαγγελία Παπαθεοφάνους-Τσουρή, Εὑρετήριο Βυζαντινῶν Τοιχογραφιῶν Ἑλλάδος. Ἀνατολικὴ Μακεδονία ‒ Δυτικὴ Θράκη, Ακαδημία Αθηνών, Κέντρο Έρευνας της Βυζαντινής και Μεταβυζαντινής Τέχνης, Αθήνα 2016, 379 σελ., 2 χάρτες (σ. 100-101), 306 εικόνες εντός κειμένου, εκ των οποίων 274 έγχρωμες και 32 ασπρόμαυρες, 75 σχέδια, Ευρετήρια, γενικό και εικονογραφικό (σ. 361-377), κατάλογος προέλευσης φωτογραφιών (σ. 378-379) και Συντομογραφίες ‒ Βιβλιογραφία (σ. 17-21). 30×20 εκ. ISBN 978-960-404-309-5.
Some observations on the church of the Dormition in Labovo (Albania) and its murals
Authors: ZAKHAROVA Anna
Published: September 2024

The comparative stylistic analysis of the depiction of a Deesis recently uncovered in the church of the Dormition in Labovo, shows that this depiction is closest to works of the second quarter and middle of the 11th century, such as the frescoes in the narthex of Saint Sophia and in Panagia Chalkeon in Thessaloniki, the mosaic of the Annunciation in the Monastery of Vatopedi and, especially, the murals in the Saint Sophia cathedral in Ohrid and the church of Saint Leontius in Vodoča. Thus it is possible to confirm the dating of the church construction to the 10th or the first half of the 11th century previously proposed by other scholars.
Δύο άγνωστα προσχέδια αγίων από το καθολικό της μονής του Οσίου Νικάνορος στη Ζάβορδα Γρεβενών
Authors: ΤΣΙΑΠΑΛΗ (Mariza TSIAPALI) Μαρίζα
Published: September 2024

Η μονή του Οσίου Νικάνορος στη Ζάβορδα Γρεβενών χτίστηκε το 1534 και το πρώτο στρώμα των τοιχογραφιών του καθολικού της φιλοτεχνήθηκε από τον γνωστό ζωγράφο Φράγκο Κατελάνο, πιθανότατα ανάμεσα στα 1545 και 1548. Κατά τις πρόσφατες εργασίες συντήρησης των τοιχογραφιών αυτών ήλθαν στο φως, στη βόρεια και νότια παραστάδα της δυτικής εισόδου, τα προσχέδια δύο ολόσωμων αγίων που ανήκουν στο στρώμα αυτό. Οι άγιοι ταυτίζονται από επιγραφές με τους αγίους Ανίκητο και Φώτιο, οι οποίοι απεικονίζονται συνήθως ημίσωμοι ή σε μετάλλια, ή παριστάνεται το μαρτύριό τους. Ίσως πρόκειται για τη μοναδική απεικόνιση των δύο αγίων ως ολόσωμων, η οποία έχει διασωθεί σε προσχέδιο που δεν ολοκληρώθηκε
Ο Απόλλων και ο «δόμος» της Μαρίας. Σχόλια σε έναν χρησμό της Ύστερης Αρχαιότητας
Authors: ΘΕΟΧΑΡΗΣ (Yiannis THEOCHARIS) Γιάννης
Published: September 2024

Στο άρθρο αναλύεται ένας απολλώνιος χρησμός που προέβλεπε τη μετατροπή ενός ειδωλολατρικού ναού σε εκκλησία αφιερωμένη στη Θεοτόκο. Εκφράζεται η υπόθεση ότι ο χρησμός συνδέεται με την Γ΄ Οικουμενική Σύνοδο της Εφέσου (431). Εξετάζεται, επίσης, η λανθάνουσα σχέση του χρησμού με την Αθήνα και τον Απολλώνιο Τυανέα. Η κυζικηνή εκδοχή του χρησμού, στην οποία γίνεται αναφορά στην Κυβέλη, ερμηνεύεται μέσα από την ιστορία της Κωνσταντινούπολης και την αντικατάσταση της λατρείας της Μητέρας των Θεών από εκείνη της Παναγίας και άλλων γυναικών αγίων στη Μικρά Ασία.
Επιμόρφωση και δημιουργία εξ αποστάσεως εκπαιδευτικού υλικού. Απόψεις Εκπαιδευτικών Φροντιστηρίων Μέσης Εκπαίδευσης που διδάσκουν εξ αποστάσεως φιλολογικά μαθήματα
Authors: Τριανταφυλλίδου Ηλιάνα , Πιερρή Ευγενία , Νιάρη Μαρία
Published: September 2024

Πολλοί είναι οι εκπαιδευτικοί που καλούνται να δημιουργήσουν εκπαιδευτικό υλικό για την εξΑΕ χωρίς πολλές φορές να διαθέτουν την κατάλληλη επιμόρφωση. Στην παρούσα έρευνα μελέτης περίπτωσης επιχειρείται η μελέτη του τρόπου με τον οποίο οι εκπαιδευτικοί, που εργάζονται σε εξ αποστάσεως διαδικτυακά φροντιστήρια και διδάσκουν τα φιλολογικά μαθήματα, δημιουργούν εκπαιδευτικό υλικό. Επίσης, διερευνάται το είδος της επιμόρφωσης που έχουν λάβει για τη δημιουργία εξ αποστάσεως ΕΥ και, ταυτόχρονα, επιδιώκεται να προβληθεί η αναγκαιότητα της επιμόρφωσής τους. Με τη συμβολή οκτώ φιλολόγων, οι οποίοι μοιράστηκαν τις εμπειρίες και τις απόψεις τους μέσω ημιδομημένων συνεντεύξεων, η παρούσα έρευνα διεξάγει αξιοσημείωτα αποτελέσματα για την εξ αποστάσεως φροντιστηριακή εκπαίδευση και το εκπαιδευτικό της υλικό. Έτσι, λοιπόν, φαίνεται πως μόλις ένας στους οκτώ συμμετέχοντες διαθέτει πιστοποιημένη επιμόρφωση στην εξ αποστάσεως διδασκαλία και δημιουργία ΕΥ. Ενθαρρυντικό είναι πως –έστω και εμπειρικά, χωρίς θεωρητικές γνώσεις– οι εκπαιδευτικοί δημιουργούν ποικίλο εκπαιδευτικό υλικό και ασπάζονται ορισμένες αρχές δημιουργίας ΕΥ, όπως η συντομία. Ωστόσο, πράγματι η πλειοψηφία των συμμετεχόντων παραδέχεται την έλλειψη επιμόρφωσης στον τομέα εργασίας της και επιθυμεί να επιμορφωθεί, τουλάχιστον, στη μεθοδολογία της εξΑΕ.
Η χρήση του Μοντέλου Διερεύνησης (CoI) κατά την εφαρμογή της επείγουσας απομακρυσμένης διδασκαλίας (ERT) ως δείκτη αποτελεσματικής μάθησης στο λύκειο
Authors: Μάλαμα Σταυρούλα , Avgerinou Maria D.
Published: September 2024

Η επικράτηση της επείγουσας απομακρυσμένης διδασκαλίας (Emergency Remote Teaching –ERT) στην εκπαιδευτική κοινότητα, κατά τo Covid -19, αποκάλυψε κατά πόσο οι εκπαιδευτικοί διέθεταν την ετοιμότητα και τις δεξιότητες να ανταποκριθούν στις εκπαιδευτικές προκλήσεις που δημιουργήθηκαν. Στόχος της παρούσας εργασίας ήταν να αποτιμηθεί, βάσει των απόψεων των εκπαιδευτικών, η εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία κατά την εφαρμογή της ERT, σε σχολική μονάδα των Χανίων, με έμφαση στην αξιοποίηση, προς όφελος των εκπαιδευτικών, των αδυναμιών τους σε συνάρτηση με την ηλεκτρονική μάθηση. Για τη συγκεκριμένη μελέτη περίπτωσης χρησιμοποιήθηκε η μικτή ερευνητική μέθοδος. Διερευνήθηκε η ετοιμότητα ανταπόκρισης των εκπαιδευτικών στις ανάγκες της εξΑΕ, ο βαθμός κατάκτησης εκ μέρους τους της Διδακτικής, Κοινωνικής και Γνωστικής Παρουσίας,  ο βαθμός ικανοποίησής τους από το σχεδιασμό και την υλοποίηση της εκπαιδευτικής διαδικασίας, η χρήση των συστημάτων διαχείρισης μάθησης καθώς και η εμπειρία τους αναφορικά με την τηλεκπαίδευση και την καλλιέργεια των δεξιοτήτων του 21ου αιώνα. Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας έδειξαν ότι οι εκπαιδευτικοί αντιμετώπισαν δυσκολίες λόγω της μη έγκαιρης και επαρκούς επιμόρφωσής τους στην παιδαγωγική χρήση των νέων τεχνολογιών. Παράλληλα, αναδείχτηκε η αναγκαιότητα της απόκτησης και αξιοποίησης των δεξιοτήτων του 21ου αιώνα στην διδασκαλία, προκειμένου αυτοί να ανταπεξέλθουν αποτελεσματικά στις απαιτήσεις ενός σύγχρονου εκπαιδευτικού περιβάλλοντος.
Παιγνιώδης Σωκρατική Ανατροφοδότηση Γραπτών Εργασιών στην Εξ Αποστάσεως Εκπαίδευση για Βαθιά Ουσιαστική Μάθηση
Authors: Μυστακίδης Στυλιανός
Published: September 2024

Η βαθιά και ουσιαστική μάθηση είναι πρωταρχικό ζητούμενο στην εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση, καθώς αποτελεί ισχυρός δείκτης υψηλής ποιότητας. Οι γραπτές εργασίες αποτελούν μια κομβική διεργασία μάθησης στο μοντέλο εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευσης που εφαρμόζει στο Ελληνικό Ανοικτό Πανεπιστήμιο. Η ανατροφοδότηση των γραπτών εργασιών αξιολογεί την πρόοδο των φοιτητών/τριών, υποστηρίζει, ενδυναμώνει και καθοδηγεί. Στην παρούσα εργασία παρουσιάζεται μια Σωκρατική, ευρετική μέθοδος ομαδικής ανατροφοδότησης και αναστοχασμού πάνω στις γραπτές εργασίες. Κομβικά σημεία των εργασιών παρουσιάζονται ως ερωτήματα που λειτουργούν ως εναύσματα συζήτησης και διαλόγου. Η Σωκρατική μέθοδος εφαρμόστηκε κατά τις ΟΣΣ κατά τα ακαδημαϊκά έτη 2020-21 και 2021-22. Τριάντα δύο (n=32) φοιτήτριες/ες της θεματικής ενότητας ΕΚΠ65 αξιολόγησαν την εν λόγω μέθοδο σύμφωνα με ένα επαληθευμένο ερωτηματολόγιο με 26 ερωτήματα κλειστού τύπου. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι οι συμμετέχουσες/ντες στην έρευνα εκτίμησαν αυτή τη νέα μαθησιακή δραστηριότητα και ότι θα επιθυμούσαν την εφαρμογή της και σε άλλες ενότητες.
Απόψεις των φοιτητριών/ών του Ελληνικού Ανοικτού Πανεπιστημίου για τις επιπτώσεις στην εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία λόγω του εγκλεισμού
Authors: Γαρείου Ζωή , Πετρογιάννης Κωνσταντίνος , Χατζηνικήτα Βασιλεία , Ζερεφός Στυλιανός , Δημητράς Αυγουστίνος , Ζέρβας Ευθύμιος
Published: September 2024

Η εμφάνιση της νόσου COVID-19 και η ραγδαία εξάπλωσή του, τον καθιστά ως μία επικίνδυνη πανδημία. Οι κυβερνήσεις παγκοσμίως, προκειμένου να περιορίσουν τη διασπορά του ιού, έχουν επιβάλλει, μεταξύ άλλων, περιορισμούς, όπως εγκλεισμό, κοινωνική και σωματική αποστασιοποίηση και κατά περιόδους αναστολή ποικίλων δραστηριοτήτων, μεταξύ των οποίων και οι διά ζώσης εκπαιδευτικές δραστηριότητες όλων των επιπέδων και τύπων εκπαίδευσης. Η εφαρμογή των περιοριστικών μέτρων έχει επηρεάσει πολλούς κοινωνικο-οικονομικούς τομείς. Η παρούσα κατάσταση έχει σημαντικό αντίκτυπο και στον τομέα της εκπαίδευσης, καθώς η εμφάνιση αρνητικών συναισθημάτων έχει επηρεάσει την ψυχική υγεία των φοιτητών και την διάθεσή τους για μάθηση. Στην παρούσα έρευνα μελετώνται οι απόψεις για τις επιπτώσεις του εγκλεισμού στους φοιτητές του Ελληνικού Ανοικτού Πανεπιστημίου στην Ελλάδα, όσον αφορά πρακτικά θέματα καθημερινής εργασίας αναφορικά με τις σπουδές, καθώς και κατά πόσο έχουν επηρεαστεί συναισθηματικά οι φοιτητές σε σχέση με τις σπουδές τους και τη διεργασία της μάθησης, εξαιτίας του εγκλεισμού. Για την ανάλυση των δεδομένων, που συλλέχθηκαν μέσω διαδικτυακού αυτοσυμπληρωνόμενου ατομικά δομημένου ερωτηματολογίου από 1594 φοιτητές/τριες του Ελληνικού Ανοικτού Πανεπιστημίου, χρησιμοποιήθηκε περιγραφική στατιστική. Τα αποτελέσματα δείχνουν ότι, κατά τη διάρκεια του εγκλεισμού, οι φοιτητές δεν αντιμετώπισαν προβλήματα για τα καθημερινά θέματα σπουδών. Ωστόσο, παρότι είχαν περισσότερο χρόνο για να ασχοληθούν με τις σπουδές τους και υπήρχε η απαιτούμενη ησυχία και φυσική διάθεση για να το πράξουν, η έλλειψη ηρεμίας, όρεξης και ψυχικής διάθεσης από τη μεριά τους, τους επηρέασε αρνητικά, ώστε να ασχοληθούν εντατικότερα με τις σπουδές τους. Διαπιστώνεται δηλαδή ότι οι επιπτώσεις στους/στις φοιτητές/τριες του Ελληνικού Ανοικτού Πανεπιστημίου που είχαν τα περιοριστικά μέτρα εγκλεισμού που υιοθετήθηκαν και εφαρμόστηκαν στην Ελλάδα, αφορούσαν ιδιαίτερα το συναισθηματικό/ψυχολογικό πεδίο καθώς αναφέρουν συχνά της εμφάνιση έλλειψης ηρεμίας, διάθεσης για εκπαίδευση και ψυχικής διάθεσης.
Human – Centered Artificial Intelligence in Education. The critical role of the educational community and the necessity of building a holistic pedagogical framework for the use of HCAI in education sector
Authors: Anastasiades Panagiotes , Kotsidis Konstantinos , Stratikopoulos Konstantinos , Pananakakis Nektarios
Published: September 2024

The humanitarian and social aspect of artificial intelligence is the critical factor that will determine the next steps in all aspects of our daily lives, from work and transactions to education, information and entertainment. In the field of education, highlighting the human centric character of artificial intelligence is a prerequisite for the transformation of our educational systems in order to be able to respond in a critical and creative way to the demands of the new era.
This research focuses on the critical role of teachers in the course of the transition and highlighting the basic characteristics of the necessary pedagogical framework for the introduction and critical utilization of Human – Centered Artificial Intelligence in Education.
Spot Spine, a freely available ImageJ plugin for 3D detection and morphological analysis of dendritic spines
Authors: Gilles Jean-Francois , Mailly Philippe , Ferreira Tiago , Boudier Thomas , Heck Nicolas
Published: September 2024

Background Dendritic spines are tiny protrusions found along the dendrites of neurons, and their number is a measure of the density of synaptic connections. Altered density and morphology is observed in several pathologies, and spine formation as well as morphological changes correlate with learning and memory. The detection of spines in microscopy images and the analysis of their morphology is therefore a prerequisite for many studies. We have developed a new open-source, freely available, plugin for ImageJ/FIJI, called Spot Spine, that allows detection and morphological measurements of spines in three dimensional images. Method Local maxima are detected in spine heads, and the intensity distribution around the local maximum is computed to perform the segmentation of each spine head. Spine necks are then traced from the spine head to the dendrite. Several parameters can be set to optimize detection and segmentation, and manual correction gives further control over the result of the process. Results The plugin allows the analysis of images of dendrites obtained with various labeling and imaging methods. Quantitative measurements are retrieved including spine head volume and surface, and neck length. Conclusion The plugin and instructions for use are available at https://imagej.net/plugins/spot-spine.
Perceptions and attitudes of medical students and doctors on Euthanasia
Authors: Motappa Rohit , Mallya Ajay , Guleria Meghna , Singhal Aditi , Nambiar Pallavi , Gaiha Vaibhavi , Kotian Himani
Published: September 2024

Background The concept of euthanasia has recently come into the spotlight, and cases such as those of Aruna Shanbaug have heavily influenced people’s opinions on the topic. Whether euthanasia is performed with the intention of ending suffering that otherwise cannot be helped should truly be supported. The thoughts on this topic- especially of those who work closely with patients who suffer from terminal illnesses- healthcare providers must be analyzed. Their perception and views on legalizing the procedure and their hesitancy or lack thereof to perform such a procedure would give the rest of the world a clearer picture- a better standpoint to understand what to do. This study attempted to quantify and analyze the views of doctors and medical students regarding euthanasia. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 212 doctors and medical students at a private medical college in South India was conducted to determine their attitudes toward euthanasia. Results Most participants (66%) supported the practice of euthanasia. The majority of participants also believed that euthanasia should only be performed with the explicit consent of the patient (71.7%). It was also observed that those who had heard about euthanasia via hearsay mostly agreed that it must only be performed with the explicit consent of the patient. Moreover, the study showed that those who had heard about it from hearsay and news mostly stood for it. Conclusion It has been noted that news and media all around us heavily influence people’s opinions. It is concluded that these opinions have changed from the past, and will likely do so depending on the environment and media around the topic.
AIIMS ICU Rehabilitation (AIR): development and description of intervention for home rehabilitation of chronically ill tracheostomized patients
Authors: Tripathy Swagata , Shetty Asha P. , Hansda Upendra , P Nanda Kumar , Sahoo Alok Kumar , V Mahalingam , Mahapatra Sujata , Mitra Jayanta Kumar , Rao P Bhaskar , Sanyal Kasturi , Panda Itimayee , N Guruprasad , Sahoo Jagannath , Eborral Helen , Lone Nazir , Haniffa Rashan , Beane Abi
Published: September 2024

Background The paucity of state-supported rehabilitation for chronically ill patients with long-term tracheostomies has ramifications of prolonged hospital-stay, increased burden on acute-care resources, and nosocomial infections. Few interventions describe home rehabilitation of adult tracheostomized patients. Almost none involve stakeholders. This paper describes the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) ICU rehabilitation (AIR) healthcare intervention developed to facilitate home rehabilitation of chronically ill tracheostomized patients. Methods The AIR intervention development was based on the experience-based codesign theory (EBCD). A core research-committee studied prevalent knowledge and gaps in the area. Patients-carer and health-care stakeholders’ experiences of barriers and facilitators to home care resulted in an intervention with interlinked components: family-carer training, equipment bank, m-health application, and follow-up, guided by the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework. Healthcare stakeholders (doctors, nurses, medical equipment vendors) and patient-carer dyads were engaged to gather experiences at various stages to form smaller codesign teams for each component. Multiple codesign meetings iteratively allowed refinement of the intervention over one year. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist was used to report the AIR intervention. Results The first component comprised a minimum of three bedside hands-on training sessions for carers relating to tracheostomy suction, catheter care, monitoring oxygenation, enteral feeding, skincare, and physiotherapy, buttressed by pictorial-books and videos embedded in a mobile-application. The second was an equipment-bank involving a rental-retrieval model. The third component was a novel m-health tool for two-way communication with the core group and community of other patient-carers in the project for follow-up and troubleshooting. Home visits on days 7 and 21 post-discharge assessed patient hygiene, nutrition, physiotherapy, and established contact with the nearest primary healthcare facility for the future. Conclusions Findings support the EBCD-based development using active feedback from stakeholders. Assessment of feasibility, process and effectiveness evaluation will follow.
The genome sequence of the Bright-line Brown-eye moth, Lacanobia oleracea Linnaeus, 1758
Authors: Davis Jo ,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: September 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Lacanobia oleracea (the Bright-line Brown-eye; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 817.30 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z and W sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.33 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of the Large Ranunculus moth, Polymixis flavicincta ([Denis & Schiffermüller], 1775)
Authors: Lees David C. , Zilli Alberto ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: September 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Polymixis flavicincta (the Large Ranunculus moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 766.60 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.47 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 12,690 protein-coding genes.
The genome sequence of the narrow-waisted bark beetle, Salpingus planirostris (Fabricius, 1787)
Authors: Telfer Mark G. , Booth Roger , Phillips Dominic ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: September 2024

We present a genome assembly from a narrow-waisted bark beetle, Salpingus planirostris (Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Salpingidae). The genome sequence is 127.50 megabases in length. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 13 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.53 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of the marsh cinquefoil, Comarum palustre L., also known as Potentilla palustris (L.) Scop. (Rosaceae)
Authors: Christenhusz Maarten J. M. , Leitch Ilia J. ,   Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Plant Genome Sizing collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: September 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual Comarum palustre (the marsh cinquefoil; Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Rosales; Rosaceae). The genome sequence has a total length of 528.90 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 21 chromosomal pseudomolecules suggesting the individual is an allohexaploid (2n = 6x = 42). The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 362.32 kilobases and 154.29 kilobases, respectively. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 37,459 protein-coding genes.
A new role for NHS 111: mental health crisis support
Authors: Clough Isobel
Published: September 2024

In August, NHS England announced that NHS 111 services will now include a specific option for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, directing them to a specially trained professional. The editor discusses the positive implications and potential challenges of this development in NHS mental health provision.
Teaching Speaking to EFL Students in the Multilingual Context of Nepal: A Classroom Action Research
Authors: Paudel Pitambar
Published: September 2024

In the realm of language skills, speaking holds a pivotal position, making it imperative for classroom instruction to place a strong emphasis on its development. Teaching English speaking skills to Nepali EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students poses a unique set of challenges owing to English's non-native status in Nepal. To tackle these challenges and enhance the speaking abilities of Nepali students, English teachers in Nepal must adopt innovative strategies due to the limited daily use of English in their environment. This classroom action research endeavors to enhance the English speaking proficiency of EFL students in Nepal through the implementation of various communicative activities. These activities include role play, impromptu speaking exercises, language games such as "who is telling the truth", video tapping, and discussions. The interventions were applied to a group of 60 undergraduate students at a university who were learning English as a foreign language. The data gathered from participant classroom observations and unstructured interviews underwent thematic analysis, resulting in the identification of six distinct themes. The results demonstrated a noteworthy improvement in students' English speaking skills, attributing this progress to the implementation of communicative activities. The findings underscore the effectiveness of communicative activities as interventions for enhancing the English speaking abilities of university-level EFL undergraduates. In light of these results, it is recommended that both students and teachers remain cognizant of the contextual and appropriate use of communicative activities as a means to further improve English speaking skills among EFL students.
Mechanical influence of facet tropism in patients with chronic discogenic pain disorder
Authors: Lee Jun Y. , Lee Hae I. , Lee Sang-Heon , Kim Nack H.
Published: September 2024

Aims

The presence of facet tropism has been correlated with an elevated susceptibility to lumbar disc pathology. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of facet tropism on chronic lumbosacral discogenic pain through the analysis of clinical data and finite element modelling (FEM).

Methods

Retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data, with a specific focus on the spinal units displaying facet tropism, utilizing FEM analysis for motion simulation. We studied 318 intervertebral levels in 156 patients who had undergone provocation discography. Significant predictors of clinical findings were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. Loading conditions were applied in FEM simulations to mimic biomechanical effects on intervertebral discs, focusing on maximal displacement and intradiscal pressures, gauged through alterations in disc morphology and physical stress.

Results

A total of 144 discs were categorized as ‘positive’ and 174 discs as ‘negative’ by the results of provocation discography. The presence of defined facet tropism (OR 3.451, 95% CI 1.944 to 6.126) and higher Adams classification (OR 2.172, 95% CI 1.523 to 3.097) were important predictive parameters for discography-‘positive’ discs. FEM simulations showcased uneven stress distribution and significant disc displacement in tropism-affected discs, where loading exacerbated stress on facets with greater angles. During varied positions, notably increased stress and displacement were observed in discs with tropism compared to those with normal facet structure.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that facet tropism can contribute to disc herniation and changes in intradiscal pressure, potentially exacerbating disc degeneration due to altered force distribution and increased mechanical stress.

Cite this article:Bone Joint Res 2024;13(9):452–461.
Adverse event reports of tonifying herbal medicine products
Authors: Choi Yujin , Jung Jee-youn , Shin Hyeun-kyoo
Published: September 2024

Objectives: Tonifying herbal medicines are used to nourish and balance the body’s qi, blood, yin, and yang, targeting deficiencies. They are the second most frequently used category by consumers visiting Korean medicine clinics, following prescriptions for back pain. This study aimed to analyze the adverse events associated with herbal medicine products classified as tonics through a national pharmacovigilance database.Methods: We investigated 11 types of tonifying herbal medicine products (466 product codes) in the Korea Adverse Event Reporting System (KAERS) database from 2012 to 2021. Extracted adverse event reports were analyzed based on information of reports, patient demographics, classification of adverse events, reported herbal medicine products, and causality assessment results.Results: A total of 31 individual case safety reports were identified, covering 33 adverse events. The annual number of reports has increased over the study period. Most reports were filed by physicians and pharmacists, with the majority of patients being adults or elderly. Gastrointestinal disorders were the most frequently reported adverse events, accounting for 48.5% of cases. Of the 33 adverse events, 93.9% were classified as non-serious, while 6.1% were classified as serious. The most frequently reported herbal medicine products were Bojungikgi-tang, Yukmijihwang-tang, and Palmijihwang-tang.Conclusions: Although the study found that adverse events associated with tonifying herbal medicine products are generally not serious, it highlights the importance of systematic monitoring and reporting. The findings underscore the need for improved adverse event reporting systems within traditional Korean medicine to ensure patient safety and guide future research.
Protective effects of Puriton® on acute pancreatitis
Authors: Kim Dong-Uk , Kweon Bitna , Kim Kwang-Ho , Bae Gi-Sang , Song Kyung
Published: September 2024

Objectives: Puriton® is the electrolyte enriched water consisting of 31 essential minerals from biotite, kaolinite, montmorillonite, serpentine, and clinochlore, and vermiculite. It has been reported to be bactericidal and virucidal. However, the protective effect of Puriton® against acute pancreatitis (AP) has not yet been studied. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Puriton® against cerulein-induced AP.Methods: AP was induced by intraperitoneal injections of cerulein (50 μg/kg) hourly for 6 times. Puriton® (100, 300, 500, or 700 μL) was administered orally 1 hour before the first cerulein injection. Mice were sacrificed 6 hours after the last cerulein injection. Pancreas, lung, and serum samples were quickly collected for further analysis.Results: Administration of Puriton® did not reduce the ratio of pancreas weight to body weight. However, the increased serum amylase and lipase were decreased in the Puriton® administration group, and histological damage to pancreas and lung tissue was suppressed in the Puriton® 100 and 300 μL administration groups, but not in the Puriton® 500 and 700 μL administration groups. Additionally, among pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, the mRNA level of only IL-6 was decreased by Puriton® administration.Conclusion: In summary, we showed that the administration of Puriton® improved the severity of cerulein-induced AP, suggesting the possibility of being an effective drug for AP.
The Effect of Rhus verniciflua Stokes Extract on Apoptosis and Autophagy in human leukemic cell line (MOLT-4)
Authors: Lee Juyoung , Lee Jang-Hoon , Kim Youngchul
Published: September 2024

Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the effects of Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) on apoptosis and autophagy in the human leukemic cell line, MOLT-4.Methods: Cell viability was measured by MTS/PMS assay, and cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression levels of mRNA implicated in apoptosis and ER-stress were investigated with RT-qPCR. Lastly, apoptosis- and autophagy-related protein expressions were measured by Western blot analysis.Results: RVS inhibited proliferation of MOLT-4 in a dose-dependent manner over 24, 48 and 72 hours. RVS treatment also induced an increase in subG1 phase. Exposure to RVS increased the expression of the mRNAs encoding Bax and caspase-3, while decreasing the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA, suggesting that RVS induced apoptosis in MOLT-4 cells. Additionally, RVS extract up-regulated ER-stress related mRNAs such as IRE1α, CHOP, PERK and ATF6. Changes in RVS extract-induced apoptosis and autophagy proteins on MOLT-4 cells were also investigated. The level of Bcl-2 was decreased, whereas the levels of Bax, caspase-3, AMPK, Beclin-1, Atg5, p62, and LC3II were increased.Conclusion: These results suggest that RVS would be beneficial in the treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
3 Successful Case Reports of Tinnitus with Thread-embedding therapy
Authors: Han Do Kyung
Published: September 2024

Objectives: The objective of this study is to report three successful cases of tinnitus treatment using thread-embedding therapy.Methods: Thread-embedding therapy was performed on GV20 (百會), CV12 (中脘), and both sides of GB2 (聽會), TE17 (翳風), ST25 (天樞), and ST36 (足三里) for a duration ranging from 2 to 13 sessions. The severity of tinnitus was assessed using the Korean Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (K-THI) and the Verbal Numerical Rating Scale (VNRS).Results: In Case 1, the patient's THI score decreased from 92 to 8, and the VNRS score decreased from 10 to 0. In Case 2, the patient's THI score decreased from 62 to 2, and the VNRS score decreased from 7 to 0. In Case 3, the patient's THI score decreased from 88 to 42, and the VNRS score decreased from 8 to 4.Conclusions: Thread-embedding therapy demonstrated a positive clinical effect in the treatment of tinnitus.
The effects of music therapy program with the hand manipulation on the depression and cognition in elderly women with mild depression
Authors: Lee Jung Min , Kwon Young-Kyu , Lee Dong Ju
Published: September 2024

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of music therapy combined with hand manipulation on depression and cognition in elderly women with mild depression.Methods: In order to investigate the effects of a music therapy program through hand, 20 elderly women with a GDS-K score of 14-18 were selected among women aged 65 to 84 living in Busan. The 10 subjects in the experimental group were given the music therapy program 3 times a week for 4 weeks, 12 sessions, and the 10 subjects in the control group were not given it. GDS-K and K-MoCA were performed before and after the experiment, and data analysis was performed through Wilcoxon's test using the SPSS 24.0 statistical package program.Results: The music therapy program through hand manipulation is effective in reducing depression in elderly women with mild depression, and there was a significant decrease. The sub-domains of depression, such as tension and depressive emotions, life dissatisfaction, lethargy, cognitive difficulties, low energy, and loss of motivation, were significantly reduced. In addition, it has an effect on cognition, and it significantly increased in attention, delayed recall ability, which are sub-domains of cognition. There is a significant difference in depression between the experimental group and the control group, and there is a significant difference in cognition between the two groups.Conclusions: The music therapy program with hand manipulation has a positive effect on depression and cognition in elderly women with mild depression
Prediction of Sleep Disorder From Actigraphy Data Using Deep Learning
Authors: Kim Kyoungmin , Park Jeongho , Yook Soonhyun , Kim Ho Sung , Joo Eun Yeon
Published: September 2024

Objectives: The aim of this study was to classify polysomnography (PSG)-based sleep disorders using actigraphy data using a convolutional neural network (CNN).Methods: Actigraphy data, PSG data, and diagnoses were obtained from 214 patients from a single-center sleep clinic. Patients diagnosed with circadian sleep disorders, narcolepsy, or periodic limb movement disorders were excluded. From the actigraphy data, three types of data were selected from the first 5 days, namely, sleep-wake status, activity count, and light exposure per epoch. The data were processed into a two-dimensional array with four instances, namely, 24-hour full-day data and data for 6, 8, and 10 hours timepoints after sleep onset, and then analyzed. Using a CNN, we attempted to classify the processed data into PSG-based diagnoses.Results: Overfitting of the training data was observed. The CNN showed near-perfect accuracy on the test data, but failed to classify the validation data (area under the curve: 24-hour full-day data: 0.6031, 6 hours after sleep onset: 0.5148, 8 hours: 0.6122, and 10 hours: 0.5769).Conclusions: The lack and inaccuracy of data were responsible for the results. A higher sampling rate and additional ancillary data, such as PSG or heart rate variability data, are necessary for accurate classification. Additionally, alternative approaches to machine learning, such as transformers, should be considered in future studies.
Quantitative Spectral Analysis of Waking Electroencephalography in Patients With Moderate to Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: A Case–Control Matched Pilot Study
Authors: Nam Gi Won , Woo Jong Jin , Hong Yooha , Mo Heejung , Cho Soo-Jin , Im Hee-Jin
Published: September 2024

Objectives: This study aims to examine the differences in spectral analysis of waking electroencephalography (EEG) patterns between patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and matched healthy participants, to gain insights into the neurophysiological underpinnings of daytime impairments.Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted involving 17 patients with moderate to severe OSA confirmed by overnight polysomnography (PSG). These patients had ≥15 per hour apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and ≥11 Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). EEG recordings were captured within 30 minutes of awakening. A corresponding group of the equal number of age and sex-matched healthy participants was also analyzed for comparative purposes. Spectral analysis of quantitative EEG (qEEG) of patients with OSA compared with that of an equal number of age- and sex-matched healthy participants.Results: The analysis included 17 patients (16 males, average age 57.2 years) with moderate to severe OSA experiencing EDS (mean AHI 38.1±20.5; ESS 14.4±3.2). The patients with OSA exhibited altered sleep architecture during diagnostic PSG, significantly higher EEG delta band power in the frontal regions upon awakening after night sleep, and decreased connection of delta band in frontal area than normal participants (3.78±5.53 vs. 3.22±0.98 μV2, p=0.03).Conclusions: The study demonstrated difference in delta activity and connectivity in the frontal area between patients with OSA experiencing EDS and the control group. These findings suggest awakening qEEG in OSA may helpful to guide or enhance understanding of daytime functional impairment and EDS.
A Case of Varus Collapse and Bone Defects in Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty, after 12 Years of Primary Total Knee Replacement: Surgical Challenge and Bailout
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, Pushpanjali Medical Centre, New Delhi, India,, Jain Karun , Agarwal Naresh ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Maharaja Agrasen Hospital Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi, India,, Singh Jujhar ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital & Medical College, New Delhi, India.
Published: September 2024

Introduction: The failure of total knee arthroplasties (TKA) due to aseptic implant loosening is now the most common cause of long-term failure. Patients with varus alignment of the tibial or femoral component with additional bone collapse are a specific subset. It is unclear, however, whether implant fixation fails first or if bone collapse occurs first. Case Report: A 70-year-old lady with 12-year post-primary total knee arthroplasty presented with limping gate with radiological evidence of medial femoral bone collapse and implant loosening. After appropriate pre-operative planning, intraoperatively, after the removal of loose femoral implant which had additional bone loss and careful removal of a well-fixed tibial implant and to prevent collapse due to bone loss, Stryker LCCK implant with long stems on both sides was used. Additional screws on the medial femoral end, along with cement to fill the gap. After 5 years of follow-up, the patient is doing well with a painless full range of movement of the knee joint. Conclusion: Preoperatively one should always evaluate for bone loss and infection and compare with the other side. In case of aseptic collapse of bones, the use of thicker stems is a good way as these act as weight-sharing implants, and proper cementation during revision TKA is essential. Keywords: Varus collapse, bone defects, revision total knee arthroplasty.
Phytoremediation of African catfish waste using aquatic plant species in peat water
Authors: Handayani Tutwuri , Ardianor Ardianor
Published: September 2024

Aquatic plants are adaptive living on the gradient of acidity of peat waters in Palangka Raya city, with their potential role in remediating city wastewater. This research is aimed to study the ability of several aquatic plant species to remediate organic wastewater on a laboratory scale. The treatment was done from July to September 2020 in the field laboratory, greenhouse in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan. We compared the phytoremediation abilities of aquatic plant species, i.e. water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes), pickerelweed (Monochoria vaginalis (Burm. F) Presi), water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica), water primrose (Ludwigia ascedences), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta), and hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) on the wastewater of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) by measuring coverage as an indicator of their growth and absorption ability. Physicochemical parameters measured were water level, sunlight intensity, water temperature, electrical conductivity, potential oxidation-reduction, pH, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, nitrate, and ammonia. Results showed that of seven species tested for their phytoremediation abilities on wastewater, giant Salvinia was among the highest reducing total organic matter by about 95%. The highest coverage was water lettuce by 92%, followed by giant Salvinia (79%) and water hyacinth (78%). However, phosphate and ammonia had a negative value of the relative absorption for all aquatic plant species, suggesting a surplus in concentration during incubation. In this case, absorption for phosphate and ammonia is detected from a median of the lowest concentration on each species (n = 4). Water hyacinth and giant Salvinia were the highest absorbing for respectively phosphate and ammonia. Nitrate was absorbed by 100% of all species, except hornwort of 88%. The best absorption of nitrate was by water lettuce. So, it can be concluded that giant Salvinia is the best at absorbing organic waste, followed by water hyacinth; and the best growing by coverage is water lettuce.Keywords:PhytoremediationAquatic plantAfrican catfishWastewaterPeat water
The influence of planting distance on seagrass (Enhalus acoroides) seedling growth
Authors: Puruhito Haniifah Nur Faatinah , Addini Indri , Nugraha Aditya Hikmat
Published: September 2024

Seagrass restoration practice of transplanting grown seagrass from a donor to the planting site is discovered to disrupt the existing ecosystems. An alternative method includesthe use of seedlings, which requires a protected germination environment to survive. At the initial stage, the seedlings need adequate space for growth and expansion of root systems. However, cultivating seagrass seedlings in aquariums is challenging due to limited space. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the growth and development of aquarium-cultured seagrass seedlings and evaluate the impact of different spacing on growth. Seedlings were cultivated in the laboratory under 2 treatments, each lasting 3 months. Enhalus acoroides seedlings collected from Dompak Island, Tanjungpinang, were used with varying planting distances for each treatment. The results showed that Treatment A (4 cm spacing) had a lower survival rate (66.73%) compared to TreatmentB (1.5 cm spacing) (97.78%) due to a fungus outbreak.However, Treatment B had slower growth than A, suggesting potential problems with water quality and increased competition for resources in denser plantings. In this study, the significance of planting spacing was outlined and a statistically significant difference was discovered in seagrass growth between various treatments (P0.05). A rapid growth rate of 2.08-3.02 mm/day was observed in leafs, which exceeded the value observed in previous investigations conducted under similar conditions and species. It was important to acknowledge that leaf length was also 17.5-21.6 cm, exceeding the values observed in another experiment using lab-cultured E. acoroides. Root lengths were comparatively shorter (7.6-8.2 cm), which signified the dynamic nature of seagrass development. In conclusion, addressing environmental conditions and optimizing planting spacing, was essential for sustainable growth.Keywords:EnhalusGrowthSeagrassSeedlingsSpacing
Mediation of risk factors for high blood pressure in four racial and ethnic populations
Authors: Zamora-Kapoor Anna , Hebert Luciana , Mellacheruvu Pranav , Buchwald Dedra , Sinclair Ka’imi
Published: September 2024

This study evaluated the extent to which body mass index (BMI) mediates associations between risk factors and incident high blood pressure in American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), Non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs), Non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs) and Hispanics. There were 7,793 participants from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health: 312 AI/ANs, 1,091 Hispanics, 1,567 NHBs and 4,823 NHWs. Risk factors for high blood pressure included adolescent BMI, TV watching, fast-food consumption, smoking, parental obesity, parental educational attainment and financial instability. Relative risk regression models stratified by race/ethnicity were used to examine associations between risk factors and incident high blood pressure. Path analysis was used to assess mediation by BMI. Female sex was a protective factor against high blood pressure, and higher BMI was a risk factor in all populations. Smoking increased high blood pressure risk in AI/ANs (Incident Rate Ratio [IRR]: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02–1.27), but not in other groups. BMI partially mediated the effect of parental obesity on high blood pressure in NHWs and completely mediated the effect of parental obesity in NHBs. In AI/ANs and Hispanics, BMI did not mediate the relationship between incident high blood pressure and any risk factor. This study assessed the extent to which BMI mediates risk factors for high blood pressure in four populations, and showed important differences across populations. Further research is needed to improve knowledge about relationships between BMI, risk factors and incident high blood pressure, and their potential variability by race/ethnicity.
Not Caring One Farthing for Either Whig or Tory: John Gay’s Satire of the Political Elites in The Beggar’s Opera
Authors: Smyth Orla
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT: Robert Walpole and his regime are often considered the prime topical target of John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera . The significance of Macheath as a mirror for Walpole’s political rival, Henry St. John, Viscount Bolingbroke, has been obscured. In his parodic representation of the two political creeds dominating the public debate, Whig and Tory, Gay showed how both value systems deployed categories to justify discrimination against two categories of human being: women and the common people. Gay relied on the powers of the aesthetic to ensure that his audience’s experience of pleasure defused the operations of this ideological categorization, but the prior identification of the two worldviews circulating those categories was vital to his satiric project.