bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnobotanical investigation of medicinal plants in Buska Mountain range, Hamar district, Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Melese , Woldeyes Feleke , Lulekal Ermias , Bekele Tamrat , Demissew Sebsebe
Published: September 2022

Background

Despite the fact that ethnobotanical studies have been conducted in various parts of Ethiopia, compared with the existence of the multitude and diverse ethnic groups and their associated traditional knowledge, the studies are not comprehensive enough for all the localities and communities in the country. This is also true for the Hamar community of Southwestern Ethiopia, who are totally dependent on plants and plant products for their livelihood. Hence, this investigation was done to identify and record medicine plants and the native wisdom of the community in the area.

Methods

Three hundred twenty six (326) informants were selected from the 12 lowest governmental units (Kebeles) applying Cochran’s formula through stratified random sampling technique. From the total informants, 74 (48 males and 26 females) were purposively selected for in-depth discussion. Semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, guided field walks as well as market surveys were used for data collection. Standard ethnobotanical analytical tools comprising ranking and comparison were used for the analysis. Preference ranking, pair-wise comparison, informant consensus factor, direct matrix ranking, Cultural Significance Index (CSI) and Jaccard’s similarity coefficient (JCS) as well as Analysis of Variances (ANOVA), applying SPSS (version 20) were computed.

Results

A total of 145 species practical to cure about 72 ailments of livestock and humans were recorded. Families Fabaceae (with 22% of species), Asteraceae (11%), and Lamiaceae (9%) were discovered as the most dominant families in the area. Shrubs contributed the most (40%) to the growth forms followed by herbs (26.5%). Fresh leaves of the plants were parts that are used most frequently in the area. The highest ICF value (0.94) was recorded for reproductive problem categories. There was a relatively very high dependence of the community on plants and plant products together with a hoarded indigenous knowledge in the area that positively correlated with age (r = 0.82).

Conclusion

The study's findings revealed that Buska Mountain range is a home for highly diverse and most dependable plant species and associated indigenous knowledge. However, because of the realized environmental threats in the area, the conservation efforts of the community should be invigorated and supported in order to sustain the biodiversity in general and the medicinal plant species in particular.
Metabolic shift towards increased biohydrogen production during dark fermentation in the anaerobic fungus Neocallimastix cameroonii G341
Authors: Stabel Marcus , Haack Karoline , Lübbert Hannah , Greif Meike , Gorenflo Pascal , Aliyu Habibu , Ochsenreither Katrin
Published: September 2022

Background

Anaerobic fungi of the phylum Neocallimastigomycota have a high biotechnological potential due to their robust lignocellulose degrading capabilities and the production of several valuable metabolites like hydrogen, acetate, formate, lactate, and ethanol. The metabolism of these fungi, however, remains poorly understood due to limitations of the current cultivation strategies in still-standing bottles, thereby restricting the comprehensive evaluation of cultivation conditions.

Results

We describe the analysis of growth conditions and their influence on the metabolism of the previously isolated fungus Neocallimastix cameroonii G341. We established a bioreactor process in a stirred tank, enabling cultivation under defined conditions. The optimal growth temperature for the fungus was between 38.5 °C and 41.5 °C, while the optimal pH was 6.6–6.8. Like other dark fermentation systems, hydrogen production is dependent on the hydrogen partial pressure and pH. Shaking the bottles or stirring the fermenters led to an increase in hydrogen and a decrease in lactate and ethanol production. Regulation of the pH to 6.8 in the fermenter nearly doubled the amount of produced hydrogen.

Conclusions

Novel insights into the metabolism of Neocallimastix cameroonii were gained, with hydrogen being the preferred way of electron disposal over lactate and ethanol. In addition, our study highlights the potential application of the fungus for hydrogen production from un-pretreated biomass. Finally, we established the first cultivation of an anaerobic fungus in a stirred tank reactor system.
Improvement in l-ornithine production from mannitol via transcriptome-guided genetic engineering in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Nie Libin , He Yutong , Hu Lirong , Zhu Xiangdong , Wu Xiaoyu , Zhang Bin
Published: September 2022

Background

l-Ornithine is an important medicinal intermediate that is mainly produced by microbial fermentation using glucose as the substrate. To avoid competition with human food resources, there is an urgent need to explore alternative carbon sources for l-ornithine production. In a previous study, we constructed an engineered strain, Corynebacterium glutamicum MTL13, which produces 54.56 g/L of l-ornithine from mannitol. However, compared with the titers produced using glucose as a substrate, the results are insufficient, and further improvement is required.

Results

In this study, comparative transcriptome profiling of MTL01 cultivated with glucose or mannitol was performed to identify novel targets for engineering l-ornithine-producing strains. Guided by the transcriptome profiling results, we modulated the expression of qsuR (encoding a LysR-type regulator QsuR), prpC (encoding 2-methylcitrate synthase PrpC), pdxR (encoding a MocR-type regulator PdxR), acnR (encoding a TetR-type transcriptional regulator AcnR), CGS9114_RS08985 (encoding a hypothetical protein), and CGS9114_RS09730 (encoding a TetR/AcrR family transcriptional regulator), thereby generating the engineered strain MTL25 that can produce l-ornithine at a titer of 93.6 g/L, representing a 71.6% increase as compared with the parent strain MTL13 and the highest l-ornithine titer reported so far for C. glutamicum.

Conclusions

This study provides novel indirect genetic targets for enhancing l-ornithine accumulation on mannitol and lays a solid foundation for the biosynthesis of l-ornithine from marine macroalgae, which is farmed globally as a promising alternative feedstock.
Translation of a tissue epigenetic signature to circulating free DNA suggests BCAT1 as a potential noninvasive diagnostic biomarker for lung cancer
Authors: Palanca-Ballester Cora , Hervas David , Villalba Maria , Valdes-Sanchez Teresa , Garcia Diana , Alcoriza-Balaguer Maria Isabel , Benet Marta , Martinez-Tomas Raquel , Briones-Gomez Andres , Galbis-Caravajal Jose , Calvo Alfonso , Juan Oscar , Lahoz Agustin , Cases Enrique , Sandoval Juan
Published: September 2022

Lung cancer patients are diagnosed at late stages when curative treatments are no longer possible; thus, molecular biomarkers for noninvasive detection are urgently needed. In this sense, we previously identified and validated an epigenetic 4-gene signature that yielded a high diagnostic performance in tissue and invasive pulmonary fluids. We analyzed DNA methylation levels using the ultrasensitive digital droplet PCR in noninvasive samples in a cohort of 83 patients. We demonstrated that BCAT1 is the candidate that achieves high diagnostic efficacy in circulating DNA derived from plasma (area under the curve: 0.85). Impact of potentially confounding variables was also explored.
Salivary testosterone in male and female youth with and without autism spectrum disorder: considerations of development, sex, and diagnosis
Authors: Muscatello Rachael A. , Rafatjoo Emma , Mirpuri Karan K. , Kim Ahra , Vandekar Simon , Corbett Blythe A.
Published: September 2022

Background

Puberty is characterized by significant physical, hormonal, and psychological changes, which may be especially challenging for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although the etiology of ASD remains uncertain, studies suggest imbalances in hormones, such as testosterone, may modulate the autism phenotype. While differences in fetal and postnatal testosterone have been reported, there is limited literature regarding testosterone variations during adolescence in ASD. We investigated morning salivary testosterone levels in youth with ASD and typical development (TD) to explore hypothesized differences, expecting elevated hormonal levels in ASD compared to TD.

Methods

Youth with ASD (n = 140) and TD (n = 104), ages 10 to 13 years, were enrolled as part of a longitudinal study on pubertal development. Pubertal stage was determined by gold standard physical examination, and salivary testosterone was collected in the morning immediately upon waking and 30 min after waking and averaged across 3 days. Diagnostic (ASD/TD) and sex (male/female) differences, as well as interactions with age and puberty, were examined using robust linear mixed effect models.

Results

Youth with ASD showed significantly elevated testosterone concentrations compared to same-age TD peers. After the inclusion of natural cubic splines to account for nonlinearity in age, a significant age-by-sex interaction emerged with distinct developmental slopes for males and females. At younger ages, females had higher testosterone, until about 11.5 years of age, when levels began to plateau, while male testosterone concentrations continued to rapidly increase and surpass females. As expected, more advanced pubertal development was associated with elevated testosterone. In contrast, no significant effect of parent-reported social communication symptoms was observed.

Limitations

Limitations include an unequal sex distribution, non-representative sample (e.g., cognition and race/ethnicity), and inability to examine afternoon/evening testosterone due to detection limits.

Conclusions

Testosterone may play a unique role in the presentation of ASD, especially during periods of dynamic hormonal changes including puberty. Inherent developmental (age, puberty) and sex-based (male, female) factors play a more prominent role in changes in testosterone levels during adolescence. Even so, future research is warranted to determine the differential expression and impact of exposure to excess testosterone during the pubertal transition for youth with ASD.
Biofilm of Klebsiella pneumoniae minimize phagocytosis and cytokine expression by macrophage cell line
Authors: Rathore Sudarshan Singh , Cheepurupalli Lalitha , Gangwar Jaya , Raman Thiagarajan , Ramakrishnan Jayapradha
Published: September 2022

Infectious bacteria in biofilm mode are involved in many persistent infections. Owing to its importance in clinical settings, many in vitro and in vivo studies are being conducted to study the structural and functional properties of biofilms, their drug resistant mechanism and the s urvival mechanism of planktonic and biofilm cells. In this regard, there is not sufficient information on the interaction between Klebsiella biofilm and macrophages. In this study, we have attempted to unravel the interaction between Klebsiella biofilm and macrophages in terms of phagocytic response and cytokine expression. In vitro phagocytosis assays were performed for heat inactivated and live biofilms of K. pneumoniae, together with the expression analysis of TLR2, iNOS, inflammatory cytokines such as IL-β1, IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-12, IL-4, TNF-α and anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. A phagocytic rate of an average of 15% was observed against both heat inactivated and live biofilms when LPS + IFN-γ activated macrophages were used. This was significantly higher than non-activated macrophages when tested against heat inactivated and live biofilms (average 8%). Heat-inactivated and live biofilms induced similar phagocytic responses and up-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes in macrophages, indirectly conveying that macrophage responses are to some extent dependent on the biofilm matrix.
Cloud failure prediction based on traditional machine learning and deep learning
Authors: Tengku Asmawi Tengku Nazmi , Ismail Azlan , Shen Jun
Published: September 2022

Cloud failure is one of the critical issues since it can cost millions of dollars to cloud service providers, in addition to the loss of productivity suffered by industrial users. Fault tolerance management is the key approach to address this issue, and failure prediction is one of the techniques to prevent the occurrence of a failure. One of the main challenges in performing failure prediction is to produce a highly accurate predictive model. Although some work on failure prediction models has been proposed, there is still a lack of a comprehensive evaluation of models based on different types of machine learning algorithms. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a comprehensive comparison and model evaluation for predictive models for job and task failure. These models are built and trained using five traditional machine learning algorithms and three variants of deep learning algorithms. We use a benchmark dataset, called Google Cloud Traces, for training and testing the models. We evaluated the performance of models using multiple metrics and determined their important features, as well as measured their scalability. Our analysis resulted in the following findings. Firstly, in the case of job failure prediction, we found that Extreme Gradient Boosting produces the best model where the disk space request and CPU request are the most important features that influence the prediction. Second, for task failure prediction, we found that Decision Tree and Random Forest produce the best models where the priority of the task is the most important feature for both models. Our scalability analysis has determined that the Logistic Regression model is the most scalable as compared to others.
Formulation of abamectin and plant oil-based nanoemulsions with efficacy against the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) under laboratory and field conditions
Authors: Ismail Tamer , Keratum Attia , El-Hetawy Lamia
Published: September 2022

Due to the harmful effects of synthetic chemical acaricides on ecosystems and human health, there is increasing interest in the use of nanotechnology to fabricate eco-friendly nanoemulsions based on plant oils in the field of spider mite control. In this study, nanoemulsions of abamectin, garlic, and neem oils were prepared by a high-energy approach and characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The droplet sizes of all tested nanoemulsions were less than 100 nm. The acaricidal activities of the prepared nanoemulsions compared to abamectin were evaluated against a susceptible laboratory strain of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) under laboratory and field conditions. The results showed that abamectin nanoemulsion was the most toxic compound against adult females of T. urticae followed by abamectin emulsion. Neem nanoemulsion had moderate toxicity and garlic nanoemulsion had the lowest toxicity. The effects of tested compound residues on egg deposition and egg hatching in descending order were as follows: abamectin nanoemulsion > abamectin emulsion > neem oil nanoemulsion < garlic oil nanoemulsion. In the field experiment, all tested compounds were effective in reducing the population density of T. urticae in the motile stage, with mean reductions ranging between 66.08% and 95.24% for all compounds. The most effective compound was abamectin nanoemulsion. The results of the present study demonstrate that nanoemulsion enhanced the biological activity of abamectin. Further, neem and garlic oil nanoemulsions have potential utility as environmentally friendly acaricides in integrated pest management programs.
Immune dysregulation associated with co-occurring germline CBL and SH2B3 variants
Authors: Baccelli Francesco , Leardini Davide , Muratore Edoardo , Messelodi Daria , Bertuccio Salvatore Nicola , Chiriaco Maria , Cancrini Caterina , Conti Francesca , Castagnetti Fausto , Pedace Lucia , Pession Andrea , Yoshimi Ayami , Niemeyer Charlotte , Tartaglia Marco , Locatelli Franco , Masetti Riccardo
Published: September 2022

Background

CBL syndrome is a RASopathy caused by heterozygous germline mutations of the Casitas B-lineage lymphoma (CBL) gene. It is characterized by heterogeneous clinical phenotype, including developmental delay, facial dysmorphisms, cardiovascular malformations and an increased risk of cancer development, particularly juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). Although the clinical phenotype has been progressively defined in recent years, immunological manifestations have not been well elucidated to date.

Methods

We studied the genetic, immunological, coagulative, and clinical profile of a family with CBL syndrome that came to our observation after the diagnosis of JMML, with homozygous CBL mutation, in one of the members.

Results

Variant analysis revealed the co-occurrence of CBL heterozygous mutation (c.1141 T > C) andSH2B3mutation (c.1697G > A) in two other members. Patients carrying both mutations showed an ALPS-like phenotype characterized by lymphoproliferation, cytopenia, increased double-negative T-cells, impaired Fas-mediated lymphocyte apoptosis, altered cell death in PBMC and low TRECs expression. A coagulative work-up was also performed and showed the presence of subclinical coagulative alterations in patients carrying both mutations.

Conclusion

In the reported family, we described immune dysregulation, as part of the clinical spectrum of CBL mutation with the co-occurrence of SH2B3.
2D image-based crack monitoring: an affordable, sufficient and non-invasive technique for the democratization of preventive conservation of listed buildings
Authors: Oliveros-Esco Jesús , Gracia-Villa Luis , López-Mesa Belinda
Published: September 2022

In order to democratize the preventive conservation of most listed buildings, we need to have an affordable tool that allows controlling their main vital signs. Complex and costly control installations, such as large digital data collection campaigns or 3D laser scanning, are not always possible. Methods for analogue data collection, such as comparators and callipers, are much more affordable and discreet but require the use of auxiliary lifting platforms for both installation and reading and control, hence resulting too invasive. In this paper we study techniques for digital indoor monitoring of cracks of listed masonry buildings. 2D image-based crack monitoring technique was found to be sufficient, affordable, traceable, and respectful with the use of the building. To verify its effectiveness, we performed laboratory tests and implement it in a real case study, a church in Zaragoza, Spain, currently undergoing a reparation process. The obtained results show that the proposed 2D image-based inspection technique provides measurements closer to the comparator, used as a reference, than the calliper, with a mean difference of 0.15 mm with respect to the reference, and a standard deviation of 0.17 mm, and its use can be up to 56% cheaper than the comparator. Therefore, the technique is easily generalizable to different heritage buildings.
The application of AI technologies in STEM education: a systematic review from 2011 to 2021
Authors: Xu Weiqi , Ouyang Fan
Published: September 2022

Background

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in STEM education (AI-STEM), as an emerging field, is confronted with a challenge of integrating diverse AI techniques and complex educational elements to meet instructional and learning needs. To gain a comprehensive understanding of AI applications in STEM education, this study conducted a systematic review to examine 63 empirical AI-STEM research from 2011 to 2021, grounded upon a general system theory (GST) framework.

Results

The results examined the major elements in the AI-STEM system as well as the effects of AI in STEM education. Six categories of AI applications were summarized and the results further showed the distribution relationships of the AI categories with other elements (i.e., information, subject, medium, environment) in AI-STEM. Moreover, the review revealed the educational and technological effects of AI in STEM education.

Conclusions

The application of AI technology in STEM education is confronted with the challenge of integrating diverse AI techniques in the complex STEM educational system. Grounded upon a GST framework, this research reviewed the empirical AI-STEM studies from 2011 to 2021 and proposed educational, technological, and theoretical implications to apply AI techniques in STEM education. Overall, the potential of AI technology for enhancing STEM education is fertile ground to be further explored together with studies aimed at investigating the integration of technology and educational system.
Systematic review on the application of 3D-bioprinting technology in orthoregeneration: current achievements and open challenges
Authors: Pan Rachel L. , Martyniak Kari , Karimzadeh Makan , Gelikman David G. , DeVries Jonathan , Sutter Kelly , Coathup Melanie , Razavi Mehdi , Sawh-Martinez Rajendra , Kean Thomas J.
Published: September 2022

Background

Joint degeneration and large or complex bone defects are a significant source of morbidity and diminished quality of life worldwide. There is an unmet need for a functional implant with near-native biomechanical properties. The potential for their generation using 3D bioprinting (3DBP)-based tissue engineering methods was assessed. We systematically reviewed the current state of 3DBP in orthoregeneration.

Methods

This review was performed using PubMed and Web of Science. Primary research articles reporting 3DBP of cartilage, bone, vasculature, and their osteochondral and vascular bone composites were considered. Full text English articles were analyzed.

Results

Over 1300 studies were retrieved, after removing duplicates, 1046 studies remained. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 114 articles were analyzed fully. Bioink material types and combinations were tallied. Cell types and testing methods were also analyzed. Nearly all papers determined the effect of 3DBP on cell survival. Bioink material physical characterization using gelation and rheology, and construct biomechanics were performed. In vitro testing methods assessed biochemistry, markers of extracellular matrix production and/or cell differentiation into respective lineages. In vivo proof-of-concept studies included full-thickness bone and joint defects as well as subcutaneous implantation in rodents followed by histological and µCT analyses to demonstrate implant growth and integration into surrounding native tissues.

Conclusions

Despite its relative infancy, 3DBP is making an impact in joint and bone engineering. Several groups have demonstrated preclinical efficacy of mechanically robust constructs which integrate into articular joint defects in small animals. However, notable obstacles remain. Notably, researchers encountered pitfalls in scaling up constructs and establishing implant function and viability in long term animal models. Further, to translate from the laboratory to the clinic, standardized quality control metrics such as construct stiffness and graft integration metrics should be established with investigator consensus. While there is much work to be done, 3DBP implants have great potential to treat degenerative joint diseases and provide benefit to patients globally.
Antifungal activity of silver/silicon dioxide nanocomposite on the response of faba bean plants (Vicia faba L.) infected by Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Baka Zakaria A. , El-Zahed Mohamed M.
Published: September 2022

Silicon (Si) and its nanomaterials could help plants cope with different negative effects of abiotic and/or biotic stresses. In this study, the antifungal role of silver/silicon dioxide nanocomposite (Ag/SiO2NC) biosynthesized using a free-cell supernatant ofEscherichia coliD8 was investigated for controlling the growth parameters and yield of faba bean (Vicia fabaL.) infected byBotrytis cinerea. This nanocomposite was characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta analysis, and X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD). Positively charged Ag/SiO2NC (+ 31.0 mV) with spherical-shaped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) showed strong in vitro antifungal activity with minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) value equal to 40 ppm. In vivo experiments revealed the good resistance of Ag/SiO2NC-treated plants against theB. cinereainfection due to the increase of total phenolic content, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase activity. The ultrastructure of Ag/SiO2NC-treated plants showed normal morphology of cells including cell membranes and ellipsoidal-shaped chloroplasts with big starch grains. The concentration of silver content in Ag/SiO2NC-treated plants was similar to the untreated control plant indicating the low realizability of AgNPs. All of these results are promising outcomes for the application of the biosynthesized Ag/SiO2NC as a safe and effective antifungal agent againstB. cinerea.

Graphical Abstract
Comparative analysis of ECG records depending on body position in domestic swine (Sus scrofa domestica)
Authors: Kawicka Marta , Lewicki Maksymilian , Frydrychowski Piotr , Michałek Marcin , Noszczyk-Nowak Agnieszka
Published: September 2022

Background

Electrocardiography is a method widely applied in diagnosing abnormalities in the functioning of the heart muscle in veterinary medicine. It is a non-invasive and easy to perform test helpful in the general examination and a widely used patient monitoring method during anesthesia. Since the 1980s, pigs have become more and more popular companion animals. Moreover, the pig is a widely used model animal in biomedical research. Therefore, there is need to provide them with higher-quality veterinary services, also in emergency situations. It creates new challenges for veterinarians and the need to expand their knowledge of pigs’ treatment as pets. The aim of the planned experiment was to compare the ECG recordings made with two different body positions and determine if any differences occurred. Standard ECG in swine is performed under general anesthesia in the lying position on the left side, for this position of the body have been developed and reported standards in the literature. However, some procedures performed on swine require a different body position, for which there is less data in the literature.

Methods

The study was carried out on 29 Polish landrace pigs weighing in the range of 33–44 kg. The tests were performed under general anesthesia with the same protocol for each animal, placing the animals first lying down on their right side, and then on their backs. The anesthesia protocol included medetomidine, midazolam, ketamine, and propofol. During the examination, ECG records were performed and analyzed in a 12-lead system with software support.

Results

The results show significant differences in electrocardiogram recordings depending on the animal's body position. Those differences mainly concern the amplitude of the P wave and R wave in the recordings and are even more visible comparing the electrocardiograms of the same specimen. There are also some significant differences in the duration of intervals. Based on the obtained results, reference ranges for the right lateral and dorsal positions were developed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the body position has a significant impact on the ECG recording in swine, therefore performing this examination, chosen normative value tables should be compatible with the position of the examined animal.
Functional, imaging, and respiratory evaluation (FIRE) of patients post-hospitalization for COVID-19: protocol for a pilot observational study
Authors: Mayer Kirby P. , Palakshappa Jessica A. , Peltan Ithan Daniel , Andrew James S. , Gundel Stephanie J. , Ringwood Nancy J. , Mckeehan Jeffrey , Hope Aluko A. , Rogers Angela J. , Biehl Michelle , Hayden Douglas L. , Caldwell Ellen , Mehkri Omar , Lynch David J. , Burham Ellen L. , Hough Catherine L. , Jolley Sarah E. ,   for the NHLBI PETAL Network
Published: September 2022

Introduction

We describe a protocol for FIRE CORAL, an observational cohort study that examines the recovery from COVID-19 disease following acute hospitalization with an emphasis on functional, imaging, and respiratory evaluation.

Methods and analysis

FIRE CORAL is a multicenter prospective cohort study of participants recovering from COVID-19 disease with in-person follow-up for functional and pulmonary phenotyping conducted by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Prevention and Early Treatment of Acute Lung Injury (PETAL) Network. FIRE CORAL will include a subset of participants enrolled in Biology and Longitudinal Epidemiology of PETAL COVID-19 Observational Study (BLUE CORAL), an NHLBI-funded prospective cohort study describing the clinical characteristics, treatments, biology, and outcomes of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 across the PETAL Network. FIRE CORAL consists of a battery of in-person assessments objectively measuring pulmonary function, abnormalities on lung imaging, physical functional status, and biospecimen analyses. Participants will attend and perform initial in-person testing at 3 to 9 months after hospitalization. The primary objective of the study is to determine the feasibility of longitudinal assessments investigating multiple domains of recovery from COVID-19. Secondarily, we will perform descriptive statistics, including the prevalence and characterization of abnormalities on pulmonary function, chest imaging, and functional status. We will also identify potential clinical and biologic factors that predict recovery or the occurrence of persistent impairment of pulmonary function, chest imaging, and functional status.

Ethics and dissemination

FIRE CORAL is approved via the Vanderbilt University central institutional review board (IRB) and via reliance agreement with the site IRBs. Results will be disseminated via the writing group for the protocol committee and reviewed by the PETAL Network publications committee prior to publication. Data obtained via the study will subsequently be made publicly available via NHLBI’s biorepository.

Strengths and limitations of the study

Strengths:

First US-based multicenter cohort of pulmonary and functional outcomes in patients previously hospitalized for COVID-19 infection

Longitudinal biospecimen measurement allowing for biologic phenotyping of abnormalities

Geographically diverse cohort allowing for a more generalizable understanding of post-COVID pulmonary sequela

Limitations:

Selected cohort given proximity to a participating center

Small cohort which may be underpowered to identify small changes in pulmonary function
An overview of Fintech applications to solve the puzzle of health care funding: state-of-the-art in medical crowdfunding
Authors: Grassi Laura , Fantaccini Simone
Published: September 2022

Crowdfunding is emerging as an alternative form of funding for medical purposes, with capital being raised directly from a broader and more diverse audience of investors. In this paper, we have systematically researched and reviewed the literature on medical crowdfunding to determine how crowdfunding connects with the health care industry. The health care industry has been struggling to develop sustainable research and business models for economic systems and investors alike, especially in pharmaceuticals. The research results have revealed a wealth of evidence concerning the way crowdfunding is applied in real life. Patients and caregivers utilize web platform–based campaigns all over the world to fund their medical expenses, generally on a spot basis, using donation-based or even reward-based schemes, regardless of the health care system archetype (public, private insurance-based or hybrid). Academics have also focused on funding campaigns and the predictors of success (which range from social behaviour and environment to the basic demographics of the campaigners and their diseases) and on social and regulatory concerns, including heightened social inequality and stigma. While equity crowdfunding is disrupting the way many ventures/businesses seek capital in the market, our research indicates that there are no relevant or consistent data on the practice of medical equity crowdfunding in health care, apart from a few anecdotal cases.
Developing an online learner satisfaction framework in higher education through a systematic review of research
Authors: Martin Florence , Bolliger Doris U.
Published: September 2022

Satisfaction is a critical aspect of student success in online education. In this systematic review, we examine 98 articles which studied various aspects of online learner satisfaction. We specifically analyzed publication patterns, context, research methodology, research instruments, and research themes and factors pertaining to online learner satisfaction research. Among these 98 studies, the journal Internet and Higher Education published the highest number of articles (n = 8), and the majority of studies were conducted in the United States (n = 37). Thirty five percent of the studies were conducted with undergraduate students. The majority of the studies (89%) was quantitative, 68% were descriptive, and 94% used surveys. Learner characteristics was the most examined theme, followed by engagement and course delivery. Program quality, assessment, and learner support were some of the themes that were least studied. In 46 studies researchers adopted or modified existing items or instruments to measure student satisfaction. The framework benefits both online learning practitioners and researchers.
Introductory evidence on data management and practice systems of forensic autopsies in sudden and unnatural deaths: a scoping review
Authors: Prahladh Salona , van Wyk Jacqueline
Published: September 2022

Background

The investigation into sudden unexpected and unnatural deaths supports criminal justice, aids in litigation, and provides important information for public health including surveillance, epidemiology, and prevention programs. The use of mortality data to convey trends can inform policy development and resource allocations. Hence, data practices/management systems in Forensic Medicine are critical. This study scoped literature and described the body of knowledge on data management and practice systems in Forensic Medicine.

Methods

Five steps of the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley guided this scoping review. A combination of keywords, Boolean terms, and Medical Subject Headings was used to search PubMed, EBSCOhost (CINAHL with full text and Health Sources), Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, WorldCat, and Google Scholar from the 18th to 24th of June 2020 and updated in November 2021 for peer review papers. This study included articles involving unnatural deaths, focused on data practice or data management systems, relating to Forensic Medicine, all study designs, and published in English. Screening and selection and data extraction were conducted by two reviews. Thematic analysis was conducted, and the results were reported using both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results

Of the 23,059 articles, 16 met this study’s inclusion criteria. The included articles were published between 2008 and 2019. Eight of the 16 articles were published between 2017 and 2019. Most of the included studies were conducted in the USA (5) and Australia/New Zealand (4). Only two publications were from lower- and middle-income countries (Nigeria, Mexico), and the remaining 14 were from high-income countries (Italy, Denmark, USA, Australia, and New Zealand, Japan, Switzerland, Canada). The data management systems found in this study were as follows: Virtopsy, Canadian Coroner and Medical Examiner Database, Infant Injury Database, Fatal injury surveillance system, Medical Examiners and Coroners Alert System, National Violent Deaths Reporting System, AM/PM Database, Tokyo CDISC/ODM, and National Coronial Information System.

Conclusions

This study’s results revealed limited articles relating to data management and practice systems in Forensic Medicine, particularly in LMICs through literature indicating there is a prevalence of unnatural deaths in LMICs. This study, therefore, recommends research on data management and practice systems relating to forensic medicine in LMICs to inform policy decisions.
The diagnostic dilemma of congenital foot deformity in pediatrics: could adding ultrasound be problem solving?
Authors: Kamel Sara Mahmoud , Arafa Amr Said , Labeb Germeen Wagih , Abdelrahman Sherif Fathy
Published: September 2022

Background

Foot deformity is one of the most common congenital musculoskeletal anomalies in the pediatric age group. Accurate diagnosis can be sometimes impossible to be established clinically. In the assessment of foot abnormalities, radiology plays a crucial role. Lack of ossification of the tarsal bones renders plain radiographs of the foot as of little diagnostic value in this age group. MRI apart from its cost requires anesthesia and sedation. In contrast, ultrasonography allows for the imaging of cartilaginous structures. As a result, newborn foot abnormalities can be thoroughly assessed. The whole anatomy of the foot is evaluated using several scanning views. Additional planes may be needed to show the pathologic features of a specific deformity. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the additive value of ultrasound to plain radiographs in the assessment of foot deformities in the pediatric age group.

Results

This case–control study was performed on sixty children, 30 of which were patients admitted from the pediatric orthopedic clinic, presenting with foot deformity, after being examined clinically. Antero-posterior and lateral radiographs of foot, tibiocalcaneal, antero-posterior talocalcaneal, and lateral talocalcaneal angles were measured. Sonographic examination was done in different projections of both feet, while the patient is lying supine with dynamic sonography. The sonographic parameters measured were as follows: medial malleolar–navicular distance and medial soft tissue thickness on medial projection, calcaneocuboid distance on lateral projection, talonavicular relation on dorsal projection, and tibiocalcaneal distance on posterior projection. There was a statistically significant difference between patients and controls in the medial malleolar–navicular distance and medial soft tissue thickness measured on the medial view, the calcaneocuboid distance recorded on the lateral view, and the tibiocalcaneal distance measured on the posterior view.

Conclusions

Ultrasonography has a growing and useful role as a complementary imaging modality in the evaluation and follow-up of pediatric patients with foot deformity.
Sinusoidal Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide 1B1/1B3 and Bile Canalicular Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 2 Play an Essential Role in the Hepatobiliary Disposition of a Synthetic Cyclic Dinucleotide (STING Agonist)
Authors: Sandoval Philip , Chuang Bei-Ching , Fallon John K. , Smith Philip C. , Chowdhury Swapan K. , Griffin Robert J. , Xia Cindy Q. , Iwasaki Shinji , Chothe Paresh P.
Published: September 2022

The liver is central to the elimination of many drugs from the body involving multiple processes and understanding of these processes is important to quantitively assess hepatic clearance of drugs. The synthetic STING (STimulator of INterferon Genes protein) agonist is a new class of drugs currently being evaluated in clinical trials as a potential anticancer therapy. In this study, we used ML00960317 (synthetic STING agonist) to investigate the hepatobiliary disposition of this novel molecular entity. A bile-duct cannulated (BDC) rat study indicated that biliary excretion is the major route of elimination for ML00960317 (84% of parent dose in bile). The human biliary clearance using in vitro sandwich cultured human hepatocyte model predicted significant biliary excretion of ML00960317 (biliary excretion index (BEI) of 47%). Moreover, the transport studies using transporter expressing cell lines, hepatocytes, and membrane vesicles indicated that ML00960317 is a robust substrate of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, and MRP2. Using relative expression factor approach, the combined contribution of OATP1B1 (fraction transported (ft) = 0.62) and OATP1B3 (ft = 0.31) was found to be 93% of the active uptake clearance of ML00960317 into the liver. Furthermore, OATP1B1 and OATP1B3-mediated uptake of ML00960317 was inhibited by rifampicin with IC50 of 6.5 and 2.3 μM, respectively indicating an in vivo DDI risk (R value of 1.5 and 2.5 for OATP1B1 and OATP1B3, respectively). These results highlighted an important role of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, and MRP2 in the hepatobiliary disposition of ML00960317. These pathways may act as rate-determining steps in the hepatic clearance of ML00960317 thus presenting clinical DDI risk.

Graphical Abstract
The Flightless Man: Self-Awareness in Fakhr al-Din al-Razi
Authors: Tiryaki M. Zahit
Published: September 2022

The flying man thought experiment upon which Avicenna grounds his theory of self-awareness (al-shu‘ūr al-dhātī) and justifies the argument that the soul is an immaterial, incorporeal and independent substance, has drawn as much interest in the modern era as it has in the classical Islamic and Latin worlds, spawning various interpretations on what to make of the experiment’s basic claim and purpose. Commentators of both traditions differ on the basic claim and purpose of the flying man experiment, depending the ontological and epistemological attitudes they emphasize. This study firstly tries to clarify the claim and purpose of the experiment, inasmuch as it forms the basis of Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī’s criticisms. It proceeds to briefly point out the context of the experiment from Avicenna to al-Rāzī, and examine al-Rāzī’s comments and criticisms thereof. Since he rejects the claim that the soul is an immaterial, incorporeal and independent substance, it follows that al-Rāzī does not understand the term essence (dhāt) in self-awareness (al-shu‘ūr al-dhātī) in the same way as Avicenna, who through the experiment, argues the exact opposite. Al-Rāzī rather interprets essence directly as the self, from which he proceeds to develop a distinct understanding of self-awareness.
Υποβοηθούμενη αναπαραγωγή - κίνδυνος εμφάνισης συγγενών ανωμαλιών
Authors: Καπαρελιώτη Χρυσούλα
Published: September 2022

Η παρούσα διατριβή μελετά τα χαρακτηριστικά και τις συγγενείς ανωμαλίες τηςτεχνικής υποβοηθούμενης αναπαραγωγής σε δείγμα 230 ασθενών που προσήλθαν στοΙατρείο Κλινική Γενετικής του ΕΚΠΑ κατά την τελευταία δεκαετία και που είχανσυλληφθεί με χρήση της τεχνικής υποβοηθούμενης αναπαραγωγής. Συλλέχθηκανδεδομένα για την παθολογία και τις διαγνώσεις, το αίτιο υπογονιμότητας, την τεχνικήυποβοηθούμενης αναπαραγωγής, τη φαρμακευτική αγωγή πριν από την υποβοηθού-μενη αναπαραγωγή, το αποτέλεσμα της κύησης, τα αποτελέσματα του ελέγχουκαρυότυπου καθώς και τα αποτελέσματα DNA κ.α. ανάλογος των γενετικώννοσημάτων και συνδρόμων. Πραγματοποιήθηκε εκτενής βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση,που περιλαμβάνει στοιχεία για την υποβοηθούμενη αναπαραγωγή και τις συγγενείςανωμαλίες, συγκεκριμένα τα χαρακτηριστικά των συγγενών ανωμαλιών μετά απόυποβοηθούμενη αναπαραγωγή, τους παράγοντες που επηρεάζουν την εμφάνισησυγγενών ανωμαλιών μετά από υποβοηθούμενη αναπαραγωγή και τη συσχέτιση τηςυποβοηθούμενης αναπαραγωγής με τα διάφορα είδη συγγενών ανωμαλιών. Τααποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι το 5,8% του δείγματος είχε διαγνωστεί με γενετικάσύνδρομα, ενώ οι υπόλοιπες σημαντικότερες διαγνώσεις περιλάμβαναν ψυχοκινητικήκαθυστέρηση (ΨΚΚ) (14,1%), ανωμαλίες προσώπου (9,5%), μορφολογικές ανωμα-λίες κορμού και άκρων (9,5%), μορφολογικές ανωμαλίες κεφαλής/κρανίου(8,1%),αναπτυξιακές διαταραχές(ΔΑΦ,ΔΕΠΥ) (7,9%), καρδιοπάθειες (7,6%) καινευρολογικές παθήσεις (7,6%). Επιπλέον, ο έλεγχος καρυοτύπου έδειξε ότι στο10,5% των ασθενών υπήρχαν παθολογικά ευρήματα (έλλειμμα), ενώ με βάση τιςμοριακές αναλύσεις, το 21,9% των περιστατικών ανέδειξε την ύπαρξη παθολογικώνευρημάτων. Ακολούθως, συζητούνται τα συμπεράσματα της παρούσας μελέτης και27πραγματοποιείται σύνδεση με την βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση, ενώ, τέλος,αναφέρονται οι περιορισμοί της μελέτης και παρέχονται προτάσεις για μελλοντικήέρευνα.
Constructiveness of business interaction in management as a criterion for the effectiveness of organizational leadership
Authors: Komarov V.
Published: September 2022

The article considers one of the aspects of an integrated approach to assessing the effectiveness of organizational (formal) leadership – the constructiveness of business interaction in management. The author considers the main types of influence in leadership based on the classification of K.Levin and common constructive and destructive models of business behavior (in the typology of S. Covey). The author suggests that following constructive types of influence and models of interaction will help to increase the effectiveness of the leader's influence on followers.

The article describes the author's interpretation of the methods of evaluating the constructiveness of the models of behavior of the head, their generalization into a single comprehensive methodology, the use of which will contribute to the improvement of communications at all levels of interaction in the organization.

The author cites data from studies of constructiveness indicators of almost 500 managers of different levels of management and potential managers from among the personnel reserve. The data obtained allow us to draw conclusions about the main trends of leadership behavior of managers in modern Russian organizations and the importance of constructive business interaction in the formation of an individual leadership style.

The novelty of the research lies in the application of an integrated approach to assessing the effectiveness of organizational leadership; in a broader interpretation of the concept of «leadership style», the dilution of the concepts of «leadership style» and «type of influence in leadership», the allocation of a special factor (characteristic) of leadership that affects the quality of managerial influence – «constructiveness of business interaction».
CUSTOMS STAFF BUILDING IN CONDITIONS OF TRANSITION TO "INTELLIGENT CUSTOMS"
Authors: Kalmykova O. , Trubicyn K.
Published: September 2022

The article is devoted to the formation of personnel potential of customs authorities. The conditions for the formation of professional and general cultural (universal) competencies within the framework of federal state educational standards of higher education in the preparation of students in the specialty "Customs" are analyzed. The authors have developed organizational and methodological recommendations for the formation of the emotional competence of university students, as well as officials of customs authorities, which involve improving the methodology for individualizing education at the university. Formed educational and methodological support for the process of training students studying in the specialty "Customs" at the Samara State Technical University, which includes variable tasks developed on the basis of the contextual ap-proach and methods of individualization of education at the university.