bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revealing Prdx4 as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for acute pancreatitis based on machine learning analysis
Authors: Lu Zhonghua , Tang Yan , Qin Ruxue , Han Ziyu , Chen Hu , Cao Lijun , Zhang Pinjie , Yang Xiang , Yu Weili , Cheng Na , Sun Yun
Published: April 2024

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common systemic inflammatory disease resulting from the activation of trypsinogen by various incentives in ICU. The annual incidence rate is approximately 30 out of 100,000. Some patients may progress to severe acute pancreatitis, with a mortality rate of up to 40%. Therefore, the goal of this article is to explore the key genes for effective diagnosis and treatment of AP. The analysis data for this study were merged from two GEO datasets. 1357 DEGs were used for functional enrichment and cMAP analysis, aiming to reveal the pathogenic genes and potential mechanisms of AP, as well as potential drugs for treating AP. Importantly, the study used LASSO and SVM-RFE machine learning to screen the most likely AP occurrence biomarker for Prdx4 among numerous candidate genes. A receiver operating characteristic of Prdx4 was used to estimate the incidence of AP. The ssGSEA algorithm was employed to investigate immune cell infiltration in AP. The biomarker Prdx4 gene exhibited significant associations with a majority of immune cells and was identified as being expressed in NKT cells, macrophages, granulocytes, and B cells based on single-cell transcriptome data. Finally, we found an increase in Prdx4 expression in the pancreatic tissue of AP mice through immunohistochemistry. After treatment with recombinant Prdx4, the pathological damage to the pancreatic tissue of AP mice was relieved. In conclusion, our study identified Prdx4 as a potential AP hub gene, providing a new target for treatment.
Effect of spatiotemporal variables on abundance, biting activity and parity of Nyssorhynchus darlingi (Diptera: Culicidae) in peri-Iquitos, Peru
Authors: Bickersmith Sara A. , Saavedra Marlon P. , Prussing Catharine , Lange Rachel E. , Morales Juliana A. , Alava Freddy , Vinetz Joseph M. , Gamboa Dionicia , Moreno Marta , Conn Jan E.
Published: April 2024

Background

In malaria endemic regions of the Peruvian Amazon, rainfall together with river level and breeding site availability drive fluctuating vector mosquito abundance and human malaria cases, leading to temporal heterogeneity. The main variables influencing spatial transmission include location of communities, mosquito behaviour, land use/land cover, and human ecology/behaviour. The main objective was to evaluate seasonal and microgeographic biting behaviour of the malaria vector Nyssorhynchus (or Anopheles) darlingi in Amazonian Peru and to investigate effects of seasonality on malaria transmission.

Methods

We captured mosquitoes from 18:00 to 06:00 h using Human Landing Catch in two riverine (Lupuna, Santa Emilia) and two highway (El Triunfo, Nuevo Horizonte) communities indoors and outdoors from 8 houses per community, during the dry and rainy seasons from February 2016 to January 2017. We then estimated parity rate, daily survival and age of a portion of each collection of Ny. darlingi. All collected specimens of Ny. darlingi were tested for the presence of Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites using real-time PCR targeting the small subunit of the 18S rRNA.

Results

Abundance of Ny. darlingi varied across village, season, and biting behaviour (indoor vs outdoor), and was highly significant between rainy and dry seasons (p < 0.0001). Biting patterns differed, although not significantly, and persisted regardless of season, with peaks in highway communities at ~ 20:00 h in contrast to biting throughout the night (i.e., 18:00–06:00) in riverine communities. Of 3721 Ny. darlingi tested for Plasmodium, 23 (0.62%) were infected. We detected Plasmodium-infected Ny. darlingi in both community types and most (20/23) were captured outdoors during the rainy season; 17/23 before midnight. Seventeen Ny. darlingi were infected with P. vivax, and 6 with P. falciparum. No infected Ny. darlingi were captured during the dry season. Significantly higher rates of parity were detected in Ny. darlingi during the rainy season (average 64.69%) versus the dry season (average 36.91%) and by community, Lupuna, a riverine village, had the highest proportion of parous to nulliparous females during the rainy season.

Conclusions

These data add a seasonal dimension to malaria transmission in peri-Iquitos, providing more evidence that, at least locally, the greatest risk of malaria transmission is outdoors during the rainy season mainly before midnight, irrespective of whether the community was located adjacent to the highway or along the river.
Assessing health-related quality of life of Chinese population using CQ-11D
Authors: Pan Jie , Han Qianxi , Zhou Pingda , Zhou Jiameng , Zhang Mengpei , Zhu Wentao
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the Chinese population by using the Chinese medicine quality of life-11 dimensions (CQ-11D) questionnaire and to identify factors associated with HRQoL.

Methods

The data was derived from a survey conducted by the Institute of Pharmacoeconomics Evaluation at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine on the quality of life of the Chinese population. The sex and age of respondents were considered through quota sampling. Demographic, socioeconomic, and health indicators were collected using the structured questionnaire. We performed bivariate analyses first to examine the associations between the above factors and the HRQoL of respondents measured by the CQ-11D. Multivariate linear regression and ordinal logistic regression models were established to analyze the factors (demographic, socioeconomic, and health indicators) differences in HRQoL, as well as the risk of each group reporting problems across the 11 dimensions of CQ-11D.

Results

From February 2021 to November 2022, a total of 7,604 respondents were involved and 7,498 respondents were included. The sample approximated the general adult Chinese population in terms of age, sex, and district of residence, and each geographic distribution ranged from 9.71 to 25.54%. Of the respondents, 45.84% were male, and 89.82% were Han ethnicity. The mean utility score ranged from 0.796 to 0.921 as age increased. According to the respondents, most health problems were identified in the PL (fatigue) (70.16%) and SM (quality of sleep) (63.63%) dimensions. The CQ-11D index scores varied with the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of respondents, except for ethnicity (p > 0.05) and income (p > 0.05). The multivariate analysis revealed significant negative associations between health utility scores and various factors. These factors include sex (female), age over 65, belonging to ethnic minorities, rural household registration, being widowed or divorced, having a primary school education or below, being a student or unemployed, having a low income of 0–1,300, engaging in smoking or drinking, limited participation in physical activities, experiencing changes in self-perceived health status compared to the previous year, and having chronic diseases. The odds of respondents reporting problems in 11 dimensions varied among different socio-demographic groups.

Conclusions

This study reports the first Chinese population norms for the CQ-11D derived using a representative sample of the Chinese general population. Self-reported health status measured by the CQ-11D varies among different socio-economic groups. In addition to participation a physical activity and the presence of chronic disease, smoking and drinking also significantly influence HRQoL.
Investigating the impact of couple counseling based on the CHARMS model on sexual quality of life and marital satisfaction of wives of men suffering from myocardial infarction: a study protocol
Authors: Rabeipoor Soheila , Khademvatani Kamal , Barjasteh Samira , Ghafuri Delniya
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Cardiovascular diseases are a common chronic illness in adults, with implications for health and psychological well-being. These implications not only affect the patients themselves but also impact family members, especially the spouses of patients. One significant issue and consequence of this disease is its impact on marital relationships and sexual satisfaction, which can also influence other dimensions of quality of life. The aim of the current study is to determine the effect of couple counseling based on the CHARMS model on sexual quality of life and marital satisfaction of wives of men suffering from myocardial infarction.

Method

This study is a clinical randomized controlled trial. Sampling will be done on a convenience basis. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: control (50 couples) and intervention (50 couples). Couples in 6 groups of 8 members each will attend counseling sessions based con the CHARMS model, with sessions held weekly and lasting for 60 min. Data collection tools will include Demographic information questionnaire, Women’s Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire, Enrich Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire, Sexual Compatibility Questionnaire and Perceived Quality of Relationship Dimensions Questionnaire, which will be completed by women in both groups before and after the intervention. Data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical tests and SPSS software.

Discussion

This trial will evaluate whether a counseling intervention based on the CHARMS model can enhance sexual quality of life and marital satisfaction of wives of men with myocardial infarction in Urmia city.

Trial registration

IRCT code: IRCT20240218061046N1
MST1/2 exerts a pivotal role in inducing neuroinflammation and Coxsackievirus-A10 replication by interacting with innate immunity
Authors: Hu Yajie , Zhong Minigmei , Lv Yaming , Zhao Wei , Qian Baojiang , Song Jie , Zhang Yunhui
Published: April 2024

Coxsackievirus-A10 (CV-A10), responsible for the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) pandemic, could cause serious central nervous system (CNS) complications. The underlying molecular basis of CV-A10 and host interactions inducing neuropathogenesis is still unclear. The Hippo signaling pathway, historically known for a dominator of organ development and homeostasis, has recently been implicated as an immune regulator. However, its role in host defense against CV-A10 has not been investigated. Herein, it was found that CV-A10 proliferated in HMC3 cells and promoted the release of inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs)-mediated pathways, including TLR3-TRIF-TRAF3-TBK1-NF-κB axis, RIG-I/MDA5-MAVS-TRAF3-TBK1-NF-κB axis and TLR7-MyD88-IRAK1/IRAK4-TRAF6-TAK1-NF-κB axis, were examined to be elevated under CV-A10 infection. Meanwhile, it was further uncovered that Hippo signaling pathway was inhibited in HMC3 cells with CV-A10 infection. Previous studies have been reported that there exist complex relations between innate immune and Hippo signaling pathway. Then, plasmids of knockdown and overexpression of MST1/2 were transfected into HMC3 cells. Our results showed that MST1/2 suppressed the levels of inflammatory cytokines via interacting with TBK1 and IRAK1, and also enhanced virus production via restricting IRF3 and IFN-β expressions. Overall, these data obviously pointed out that CV-A10 accelerated the formation of neuroinflammation by the effect of the Hippo pathway on the PRRs-mediated pathway, which delineates a negative immunoregulatory role for MST1/2 in CV-A10 infection and the potential for this pathway to be pharmacologically targeted to treat CV-A10.
Acute patients discharged without an established diagnosis: risk of mortality and readmission of nonspecific diagnoses compared to disease-specific diagnoses
Authors: Gregersen Rasmus , Villumsen Marie , Mottlau Katarina Høgh , Maule Cathrine Fox , Nygaard Hanne , Rasmussen Jens Henning , Christensen Mikkel Bring , Petersen Janne
Published: April 2024

Background

Nonspecific discharge diagnoses after acute hospital courses represent patients discharged without an established cause of their complaints. These patients should have a low risk of adverse outcomes as serious conditions should have been ruled out. We aimed to investigate the mortality and readmissions following nonspecific discharge diagnoses compared to disease-specific diagnoses and assessed different nonspecific subgroups.

Methods

Register-based cohort study including hospital courses beginning in emergency departments across 3 regions of Denmark during March 2019–February 2020. We identified nonspecific diagnoses from the R- and Z03-chapter in the ICD-10 classification and excluded injuries, among others—remaining diagnoses were considered disease-specific. Outcomes were 30-day mortality and readmission, the groups were compared by Cox regression hazard ratios (HR), unadjusted and adjusted for socioeconomics, comorbidity, administrative information and laboratory results. We stratified into short (3–<12 h) or lengthier (12–168 h) hospital courses.

Results

We included 192,185 hospital courses where nonspecific discharge diagnoses accounted for 50.7% of short and 25.9% of lengthier discharges. The cumulative risk of mortality for nonspecific vs. disease-specific discharge diagnoses was 0.6% (0.6–0.7%) vs. 0.8% (0.7–0.9%) after short and 1.6% (1.5–1.7%) vs. 2.6% (2.5–2.7%) after lengthier courses with adjusted HRs of 0.97 (0.83–1.13) and 0.94 (0.85–1.05), respectively. The cumulative risk of readmission for nonspecific vs. disease-specific discharge diagnoses was 7.3% (7.1–7.5%) vs. 8.4% (8.2–8.6%) after short and 11.1% (10.8–11.5%) vs. 13.7% (13.4–13.9%) after lengthier courses with adjusted HRs of 0.94 (0.90–0.98) and 0.95 (0.91–0.99), respectively. We identified 50 clinical subgroups of nonspecific diagnoses, of which Abdominal pain (n = 12,462; 17.1%) and Chest pain (n = 9,599; 13.1%) were the most frequent. The subgroups described differences in characteristics with mean age 41.9 to 80.8 years and mean length of stay 7.1 to 59.5 h, and outcomes with < 0.2–8.1% risk of 30-day mortality and 3.5–22.6% risk of 30-day readmission.

Conclusions

In unadjusted analyses, nonspecific diagnoses had a lower risk of mortality and readmission than disease-specific diagnoses but had a similar risk after adjustments. We identified 509 clinical subgroups of nonspecific diagnoses with vastly different characteristics and prognosis.
Cell-specific extracellular vesicle-encapsulated exogenous GABA controls seizures in epilepsy
Authors: R Abhijna Ballal , K Shivakumar Reddy , Chandran Divya , Hegde Sumukha , Upadhya Raghavendra , SE Praveen Kumar , Shenoy Smita , Devi Vasudha , Upadhya Dinesh
Published: April 2024

Background

Epilepsy affects ∼60 million people worldwide. Most antiseizure medications in the market act on voltage-gated sodium or calcium channels, indirectly modulating neurotransmitter GABA or glutamate levels or multiple targets. Earlier studies made significant efforts to directly deliver GABA into the brain with varied success. Herein, we have hypothesized to directly deliver exogenous GABA to the brain with epilepsy through extracellular vesicles (EVs) from human GABA-producing cells and their progenitors as EVs largely mimic their parent cell composition.

Methods

Human neural stem cells (NSCs), medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) cells, and GABAergic interneurons (INs) were generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and characterized. EVs were isolated from NSCs, MGE cells, and INs and characterized for size and distribution, morphological features, and molecular markers. Exogenous GABA was passively loaded to the isolated EVs as a zwitterion at physiological pH, and the encapsulated dose of GABA was quantified. Epilepsy was developed through status epilepticus induction in Fisher rats by administration of repeated low doses of kainic acid. The extent of the seizures was measured for 10 h/ day for 3–6 months by video recording and its evaluation for stage III, IV and V seizures as per Racine scale. EVs from INs, MGE cells, and NSCs encapsulated with exogenous GABA were sequentially tested in the 4th, 5th, and 6th months by intranasal administration in the rats with epilepsy for detailed seizure, behavioral and synapse analysis. In separate experiments, several controls including exogenic GABA alone and EVs from INs and MGE cells were evaluated for seizure-controlling ability.

Results

Exogenic GABA could enter the brain through EVs. Treatment with EVs from INs and MGE cells encapsulated with GABA significantly reduced total seizures, stage V seizures, and total time spent in seizure activity. EVs from NSCs encapsulated with GABA demonstrated limited seizure control. Exogenic GABA alone and EVs from INs and MGE cells individually failed to control seizures. Further, exogenic GABA with EVs from MGE cells improved depressive behavior while partially improving memory functions. Co-localization studies confirmed exogenous GABA with presynaptic vesicles in the hippocampus, indicating the interaction of exogenous GABA in the brain with epilepsy.

Conclusion

For the first time, the study demonstrated that exogenous GABA could be delivered to the brain through brain cell-derived EVs, which could regulate seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy. It is identified that the cellular origin of EVs plays a vital role in seizure control with exogenous GABA.
Transcriptomic profiling across human serotonin neuron differentiation via the FEV reporter system
Authors: Li Yingqi , Duan Jinjin , Li You , Zhang Meihui , Wu Jiaan , Wang Guanhao , Li Shuanqing , Hu Zhangsen , Qu Yi , Li Yunhe , Hu Xiran , Guo Fei , Cao Lining , Lu Jianfeng
Published: April 2024

Background

The detailed transcriptomic profiles during human serotonin neuron (SN) differentiation remain elusive. The establishment of a reporter system based on SN terminal selector holds promise to produce highly-purified cells with an early serotonergic fate and help elucidate the molecular events during human SN development process.

Methods

A fifth Ewing variant (FEV)-EGFP reporter system was established by CRISPR/Cas9 technology to indicate SN since postmitotic stage. FACS was performed to purify SN from the heterogeneous cell populations. RNA-sequencing analysis was performed for cells at four key stages of differentiation (pluripotent stem cells, serotonergic neural progenitors, purified postmitotic SN and purifed mature SN) to explore the transcriptomic dynamics during SN differentiation.

Results

We found that human serotonergic fate specification may commence as early as day 21 of differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells. Furthermore, the transcriptional factors ZIC1, HOXA2 and MSX2 were identified as the hub genes responsible for orchestrating serotonergic fate determination.

Conclusions

For the first time, we exposed the developmental transcriptomic profiles of human SN via FEV reporter system, which will further our understanding for the development process of human SN.

Graphical Abstract
Biochemical, morphological and molecular assessments of n butanol fraction of Phoenix dactylifera L. following exposure to inorganic mercury on the liver of Wistar rats
Authors: Abubakar Musa Garba , Agbon AN , Musa SA , Hamman WO , Oladele SB
Published: April 2024

Background

Mercury chloride (HgCl2) damages tissues it comes in contact with in sufficient concentration. This study evaluated the protective effects of n-butanol fraction of Phoenix dactylifera (BFPD) on mercury-triggered liver toxicity in Wistar rats. 25 male rats were divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each. Group I was administered 2 ml/kg of distilled water; group II was administered 5 mg/kg of HgCl2; group III was administered 500 mg/kg of BFPD + 5 mg/kg of HgCl2; group IV was administered 1000 mg/kg of BFPD + 5 mg/kg of HgCl2, while group V was administered 100 mg/kg of silymarin + 5 mg/kg of HgCl2. orally for 2 weeks. The rats were euthanized and liver tissue blood samples were collected for histological, histochemical, stereological, immunohistochemical, molecular, and biochemical studies.

Results

The results revealed that HgCl2 induced oxidative stress in the rats evident by histoarchitectural distortions and altered levels of liver enzymes, proteins, and oxidative stress biomarkers when compared to the control. However, BFPD treatment restored these changes. Glutathione peroxidase levels decreased (p < 0.05) in the HgCl2−treated group when compared to the control and BFPD-treated groups. HgCl2 group revealed reduced reactivity with histochemical and immunohistochemical stains (Masson’s Trichrome and B cell Lymphoma 2) when compared to the control, with a significant decrease in quantified liver Bcl-2 stain intensity when compared to the silymarin-treated group. BFPD administration revealed normal staining intensity comparable to the control. HgCl2 administration revealed a remarked decrease in the number of hepatocytes when compared to the control, BFPD, and silymarin groups. BFPD preserved (p < 0.05) the stereological features when compared to the HgCl2-treated group. GPx activity in the liver decreased (p < 0.05) with HgCl2 administration when compared to the control and silymarin-treated groups. BFPD attenuated GPx gene activity to levels similar to the control indicating some level of amelioration against HgCl2-induced toxicity.

Conclusions

The ability of BFPD to mitigate HgCl2 triggered liver alterations could be attributed to the antioxidant property of its flavonoid content. Therefore, BFPD may be a potential candidate for treating and managing liver-induced mercury intoxication.
What Makes a Good Match? Predictors of Quality Mentorship Among Doctoral Students
Authors: Tuma Trevor T. , Dolan Erin L.
Published: April 2024

Deep level similarity and culturally aware mentoring, not sociodemographic similarity, predict quality doctoral student mentoring.
Undergraduate Biology Lecture Courses Predominantly Test Facts about Science Rather than Scientific Practices
Authors: Uminski Crystal , Burbach Sara M. , Couch Brian A.
Published: April 2024

National calls have emphasized the importance of integrating scientific practices into science courses, but the authors' analysis of exams from 111 undergraduate biology courses found that scientific practices were largely absent from course assessments.
Anesthesia-Related Closed Claims in Free-Standing Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Authors: Pimentel Marc Philip T. , Chung Scott , Ross Jacqueline M. , Wright Daniel , Urman Richard D.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

As higher acuity procedures continue to move from hospital-based operating rooms (HORs) to free-standing ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), concerns for patient safety remain high. We conducted a contemporary, descriptive analysis of anesthesia-related liability closed claims to understand risks to patient safety in the free-standing ASC setting, compared to HORs.

METHODS:

Free-standing ASC and HOR closed claims between 2015 and 2022 from The Doctors Company that involved an anesthesia provider responsible for the claim were included. We compared the coded data of 212 free-standing ASC claims with 268 HOR claims in terms of severity of injury, major injuries, allegations, comorbidities, contributing factors, and financial value of the claim.

RESULTS:

Free-standing ASC claims accounted for almost half of all anesthesia-related cases (44%, 212 of 480). Claims with high severity of injury were less frequent in free-standing ASCs (22%) compared to HORs (34%; P = .004). The most common types of injuries in both free-standing ASCs and HORs were dental injury (17% vs 17%) and nerve damage (14% vs 11%). No difference in frequency was noted for types of injuries between claims from free-standing ASCs versus HORs––except that burns appeared more frequently in free-standing ASC claims than in HORs (6% vs 2%; P = .015). Claims with alleged improper management of anesthesia occurred less frequently among free-standing ASC claims than HOR claims (17% vs 29%; P = .01), as well as positioning-related injury (3% vs 8%; P = .025). No difference was seen in frequency of claims regarding alleged improper performance of anesthesia procedures between free-standing ASCs and HORs (25% vs 19%; P = .072). Technical performance of procedures (ie, intubation and nerve block) was the most common contributing factor among free-standing ASC (74%) and HOR (74%) claims. Free-standing ASC claims also had a higher frequency of communication issues between provider and patient/family versus HOR claims (20% vs 10%; P = .004). Most claims were not associated with major comorbidities; however, cardiovascular disease was less prevalent in free-standing ASC claims versus HOR claims (3% vs 11%; P = .002). The mean ± standard deviation total of expenses and payments was lower among free-standing ASC claims ($167,000 ± $295,000) than HOR claims ($332,000 ± $775,000; P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS:

This analysis of medical malpractice claims may indicate higher-than-expected patient and procedural complexity in free-standing ASCs, presenting patient safety concerns and opportunities for improvement. Ambulatory anesthesia practices should consider improving safety culture and communication with families while ensuring that providers have up-to-date training and resources to safely perform routine anesthesia procedures.
“Shrewd and Sagacious” Middlemen: Black Go-Betweens in the Florida Borderlands, 1817–1836
Authors: Mair Edward
Published: April 2024

This article argues that Black Maroons were able to maintain a semiformal space of freedom in Territorial Florida through their work as go-betweens. Scholarship understands the utility of the Maroons to the Florida Indians, but this text posits that Black go-betweens, through their work as guides and interpreters, were also of vital importance to settlers. As Florida was Indigenous space prior to 1835, go-betweens became essential to settler ambitions in Florida, from officials of the Territorial Government to planters. The go-betweens’ ease of interaction with Indigenous and settler society shows that in spite of their status as fugitives from slavery, they could force the two dominant slaveholding societies in Florida to accept their claims of freedom. Furthermore, rather than simply falling prey to bribery, go-betweens used treaty proceedings between the Florida Indians and Territorial Government to have the interests of their own communities heard.
John Norton Reconsidered: Influence, Blood, and Belonging in the British Empire and Haudenosaunee Confederacy, 1786–1823
Authors: Ince Nathan
Published: April 2024

John Norton (fl. 1770–1823) has long fascinated historians. After having been taken in by the prominent Mohawk leader Thayendanegea Joseph Brant as a young man, Norton claimed to imperial outsiders that he occupied a position of great influence among the Haudenosaunee. Norton bolstered this assertion with the improbable story that his own father had been Cherokee. While many historians have accepted Norton’s claims, there is good reason to reconsider this view. Existing records, including Six Nations council minutes, suggest that not only did Norton misrepresent his ancestry, he greatly exaggerated his standing among the Grand River communities. Rather than an authentic representative of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, it appears much more likely that Norton mobilized his claims of Cherokee blood and Six Nations belonging in order to gain remarkable influence in the British Atlantic World. Recognizing the power of these claims, his opponents eventually succeeded in undermining Norton’s self-presentation, eventually resulting in his political marginalization and ultimately in his exile from the Grand River under pain of death.
Biomechanical analysis of little penguins’ underwater locomotion from the free-ranging dive data
Authors: Masud Mahadi Hasan , Dabnichki Peter
Published: April 2024

Penguins are proficient swimmers, and their survival depends on their ability to catch prey. The diving behaviour of these fascinating birds should then minimize the associated energy cost. For the first time, the energy cost of penguin dives is computed from the free-ranging dive data, on the basis of an existing biomechanical model. Time-resolved acceleration and depth data collected for 300 dives of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) are specifically employed to compute the bird dive angles and swimming speeds, which are needed for the energy estimate. We find that the numerically obtained energy cost by using the free-ranging dive data is not far from the minimum cost predicted by the model. The outcome, therefore, supports the physical soundness of the chosen model; however, it also suggests that, for closer agreement, one should consider previously neglected effects, such as those due to water currents and those associated with motion unsteadiness. Additionally, from the free-ranging dive data, we calculate hydrodynamic forces and non-dimensional indicators of propulsion performance – Strouhal and Reynolds numbers. The obtained values further confirm that little penguins employ efficient propulsion mechanisms, in agreement with previous investigations.
Phenological patterns from two sympatric subspecies of the palm Geonoma cuneata (H. Wendl. ex Spruce) and their gall inductor Contarinia geonomae (Gagné)
Authors: Ley-López Juan Manuel , Alvarado Cristian Miranda , Valerio Emmanuel Rojas , Wawrzyniak Mikołaj Krzysztof , Chmielarz Paweł
Published: April 2024

Geonoma cuneata is a variable species with eight subspecies and one of two palms worldwide with a gall record. In this species, staggered flowering has been suggested as a possible mechanism to explain its reproductive isolation from sympatric subspecies. In this study, we examined the phenology of two G. cunea­ta subspecies and their gall inductor, Contarinia geonomae, in the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica. For 207 consecutive weeks, we monitored the phenology of 79 G. cuneata individuals and recorded the outcomes of 434 inflorescences in terms of abortions, fruit, and gall success. We analyzed phenological patterns, checked for seasonality and synchrony, and evaluated the effects of precipitation and temperature on each phenophase. The reproductive outcomes of the two subspecies were compared in terms of abortions of the inflorescences and the development of fruits or galls in the infructescences. Both subspecies were mainly seasonal and showed a clear overlap in all phenophases during the four years of study. However, seasonality and synchrony were very well marked in G. cuneata subsp. cuneata whereas G. cuneata subsp. procumbens was characterized by lower synchrony and higher abortion rates. Emergent inflorescences were influenced by average temperature, while flowering was influenced by monthly rainfall and average temperature. More­over, the peak flowering occurred just after the end of the dry season, whereas ripe fruits peaked at the end of the rainy period. Ripe fruits showed higher levels of synchrony and were the only phenophase in which the mean date did not differ among subspecies. This was partly explained by the higher number of abortions and lower fruiting success of individuals flowering outside the peak period. Instead, such indi­viduals are more likely to have infructescences with galls and higher loads. Flowering convergence did not support phenology as a mechanism of reproductive isolation. However, an extended combination of time from flowering to fruiting in both subspecies benefits the gall inductor by providing an extended period of oviposition and adult emergence.
The transparency of Development Banks in Brazil: Between the secrecy of bureaucracy and the democratization of information
Authors: Gonçalves Bárbara Garschagen , Zuccolotto Robson , Souza Frederico Pinto de , Caliman Douglas Roriz
Published: April 2024

This research carried out a diagnosis of the active transparency of the development banks (DBs) in Brazil based on the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) Transparency Guide. The observation protocol consisted of 33 items distributed among 8 pillars, namely: Policies and guidelines; Institutional; Finance and jobs; Portfolio information; Customer data; Operations data; Impact; and Social Participation. The results show that the DBs present a process of transparency that is still insufficient and that the reality found in the institutional portals is marked by the absence of important information, which would clarify the criteria used to define the allocation of government funds. Many of the advances in the federal context were not incorporated into the subnational DBs, mainly due to complex legislation that favors secrecy in these institutions.
What is the future of Brazil’s cybersecurity governance?
Authors: Goldoni Luiz Rogério Franco , Rodrigues Karina Furtado , Medeiros Breno Pauli
Published: April 2024

In 2023, Brazil enacted its first national cybersecurity policy. The policy emerged as a response to worrisome diagnoses, which listed information security and cybersecurity among Brazil’s public administration high-risk vulnerabilities, according to a 2022 report from the Federal Court of Auditors. What lies ahead for Brazil’s newly enacted Cybersecurity National Policy? Our analysis aims to answer this question by unraveling the existing cyber governance structure that the new policy inherited and by analyzing the governance structure debated and enacted by the current policy. We conclude that Brazil has made several efforts to securitize cyberspace through a broad but disconnected collection of documents; their implementation maturity is unclear, and the Cybersecurity National Policy fails to design straightforward policy tools to address those challenges.
Refugee flows
Authors: Γκίκα Αποστολία
Published: April 2024

Με αφορμή τις τεράστιες τυχαίες προσφυγικές ροές που εμφανίστηκαν στα σύνορα της Νότιας Ευρώπης στις αρχές του 2015 και την άνοδο των ακροδεξιών κομμάτων στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση, η παρούσα μελέτη αξιολογεί σε ποιο βαθμό και πώς η κάλυψη από τα ευρωπαϊκά μέσα μαζικής ενημέρωσης των τυχαίων καθημερινών αφίξεων προσφύγων, ιδίως στην Ελλάδα, συνδέεται με την πρόθεση των Ευρωπαίων πολιτών να ψηφίσουν ακροδεξιά κόμματα. Στα τέλη της δεκαετίας του 2000, οι δημοσιονομικές και νομισματικές υποχρεώσεις οδήγησαν σε τεταμένη λιτότητα στις χώρες της Νότιας Ευρώπης. Η παρούσα μελέτη αποσκοπεί στη σύνδεση αυτών των δύο σημαντικών γεγονότων που συγκλόνισαν τις οικονομίες της Ευρώπης. Η πρόθεση με τη σύνδεση αυτών των δύο καυτών θεμάτων είναι να εκτιμηθεί πώς η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση αντιμετώπισε τις τεράστιες προσφυγικές ροές και πώς θα μπορούσε να τις χρησιμοποιήσει, για να αποτρέψει τις δημοσιονομικές και νομισματικές παρεμβάσεις υπέρ της οικονομικής σταθερότητας.
A prospective randomized comparative study to evaluate efficacy of intrathecal dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine added as adjuvant to bupivacaine in pregnant patients posted for elective LSCS
Authors: Patel Samarpan , Chandak Aruna , Wanjari Dnyanshree
Published: April 2024

Any individual undergoing surgery is concerned about postoperative discomfort. It modifies the body’s physiological reaction and impacts an individual’s psychological state. A physician can meet early mobilization goals by effectively managing postoperative pain and preventing related co-morbidities. Targeting different phases of the pain pathway, from perception to central modulation, is successfully accomplished through the use of different drug combinations and regional anesthetic block techniques. Local anaesthetics injected intrathecally in a single injection create a superb surgical field and can even make a patient pain-free two to three hours following surgery. By adding certain adjuncts, this period can be prolonged, and there will be long-term benefits in terms of decreasing the dosage of opioid analgesics. Because of its faster start of the action and low side effects, spinal anaesthesia is the procedure most frequently used for caesarean sections. Many intrathecal additives have been explored since it has a limited role in postoperative pain control. Adjuvants such as opioids, clonidine, adrenaline, and phenylephrine have been explored recently. These chemicals have been linked to several problems, including tachycardia, respiratory depression with opioids, hypertension with adrenaline and clonidine, and excessive sedation. In this study, our primary objective is to compare the duration of postoperative analgesia between Dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine, as Dexamethasone is an anti-inflammatory drug and dexmedetomidine is an alpha-two agonist that binds with a G protein-coupled receptor. our secondary objectives include comparing intraoperative hemodynamics, intraoperative sedation, and intraoperative shivering between Dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine. CTRI REF.NO-REF/2023/05/067283
In silico analysis of the action of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids against Echinococcus granulosus fatty-acid-binding protein 1
Authors: Paco-Chipana Margot , Mena-Ulecia Karel , Hidalgo Rosa Yoan , Herrera Valdivida Maria Isabel , Goyzueta-Mamani Luis Daniel , Cardenas-Pillco Berly , Chavez-Fumagalli Miguel Angel , Barazorda-Ccahuana Haruna Luz
Published: April 2024

Background The zoonotic infection caused by tapeworms Echinococcus is a neglected tropical disease in poor regions with limited access to suitable sanitary conditions. Hydatid cysts produced by Echinococcus granulosus use fatty-acid-binding proteins (FABP) to obtain the fatty acids and cholesterol necessary for their survival from the host. In this work, we analyzed the behaviour of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids against EgFABP1. Methods We used computational biology and chemistry techniques and binding free energy estimations by molecular mechanics generalized Born surface area (MM/GBSA). Results This research has enabled us to clarify the EgFABP1 isoforms identified in the database, suggesting their potential involvement in diverse cellular activities of Echinococcus granulosus. Conversely, examining the global and local chemical reactivity of 14 fatty acids revealed that liposolubility is contingent upon the degree of unsaturation in the FAs. Additionally, FAs exhibited acceptable levels of oral absorption and bioavailability. The binding of EgFABP1 with FAs analyzed by molecular dynamics simulation showed us that these are highly stable, where the best affinity was with docosahexaenoic acid. Conclusions Our results suggest that the action of fatty acids could play an interesting role in detecting early Echinococcus granulosus.
Improving the energy efficiency of buildings: lessons learned from Poland
Authors: Kociuba Dagmara , Janczak Maciej
Published: April 2024

The aim of the article is to demonstrate the effects of the distribution and application of EU structural funds on improving the energy efficiency of buildings (IEEB) in the regions of Poland. Conducting detailed analyses, based on data from 3,914 projects co-financed with a total of €1.876 billion under 16 Regional Operational Programs (ROPs) 2014–2020, led to the indentification of similarities and differences with regard to the beneficiaries, the implemented investments, and the spatial distribution of funds. In all regions, a huge disparity was observed in the disbursement of funds in favor of self-government units compared to the other categories of beneficiaries. Considering the investments, thermo-modernization and combination measures dominated, and their regional differentiation is mainly due to the nature and age of the buildings. The largest amounts of subsidies were obtained by cities from northern, western and southern Poland, whereas projects were more numerous though individually smaller in rural areas in central and eastern Poland. The spatial distribution of investments still reflects the post-partition division of Poland. The recommendations developed guide policy thinking for better implementation of IEEB actions within the framework of EU Cohesion Policy.
De oruga a mariposa, o el proceso de autoengendramiento y resignificación del “cuerpo trans”
Authors: Carvajal Sánchez Fernando
Published: April 2024

Este capítulo describe y analiza algunos aspectos de la transición emprendida por seis personas que habían sido asignadas en un género al nacer, pero que asumían socialmente otro en un momento dado. Se teoriza alrededor de conceptos como la necesidad de la metamorfosis, la presión exterior a conformarse con la binariedad y la “espiritualidad trans”. Para desarrollar este último aspecto, se recurre a una analogía con algunas culturas originarias de América que atribuyen un rol social a las personas trans, lo cual permite valorar sus competencias comunicacionales. Esta propuesta ilustra cómo las personas trans despliegan su autonomía en la creación y resignificación de sus cuerpos. Para investigar las distintas maneras en las que el “espíritu trans” resignifica su cuerpo, se exploran las tres dimensiones del sentido: “sensibilidad, orientación y significación” (Pineau y Legrand, 2013, p. 4). Este capítulo involucra principalmente dos ejes temáticos del libro. Por un lado, el proyecto explicito, con frecuencia permanente, con el que la persona trans aborda la recreación consciente de su cuerpo. Por el otro, la influencia de distintas biotecnologías en la metamorfosis del “cuerpo trans”. La base empírica está constituida por entrevistas semidirectivas de tipo comprensivo con seis personas trans. Todas las conversaciones fueron efectuadas con personas residentes en Suiza y respetando los cánones de la Comisión de Ética de la Universidad de Ginebra. Este texto considera actrices y participantes en la investigación a las personas que aceptaron compartir su experiencia; el autor de este texto expresa sus sinceros agradecimientos a ellas.
El corpus pasional: acciones para la creación
Authors: García Orozco Germán
Published: April 2024

En el contexto del paro nacional colombiano en 2021 acontecen diversas protestas para manifestar el disgusto contra la reforma fiscal, mediante marchas, cacerolazos, bloqueos de carreteras y tomas de lugares estratégicos en las ciudades como parte de la resistencia social. En otra actitud, estudiantes de artes plásticas, escénicas, música, diseño gráfico y profesores del Instituto Departamental de Bellas Artes en Cali deciden crear murales, pinturas, acciones performáticas, cacerolazos sinfónicos, entre otras, como medios expresivos para demostrar su descontento. Estas propuestas creativas interpelan la existencia como consecuencia de un año y medio de aislamiento preventivo obligatorio por la covid-19. En otro sentido, la reforma fiscal del Gobierno nacional acentuó el malestar, haciendo evidente la inequidad social y económica del país. Estos cambios disruptivos vulneraron la vida, la estabilidad y el bienestar de la población, de manera que surge la necesidad de pensar en cómo interpretar las creaciones artísticas que emergen de una situación crítica para sublimar las pasiones. Para dar respuesta a este interrogante, este trabajo aborda la semiótica de las pasiones y la hermenéutica de la experiencia para delinear un horizonte de comprensión acerca de la creación en tiempos revueltos, como también lo que las cosas significan una vez que son experimentadas para los artífices de estos procesos.
El cuerpo transfigurado en imagen en movimiento: una aproximación semiótica sobre los cruces entre danza, tecnología y nuevos medios
Authors: Vite Tiscareño Edgar
Published: April 2024

En este capítulo discuto la influencia de la tecnología y los nuevos medios en el campo de la danza, lo que ha dado lugar a fenómenos e hibridaciones características de los procesos creativos actuales. La danza sale del cubo blanco y del ámbito escénico para posibilitar “la transfiguración del cuerpo en imagen en movimiento”. Esto implica una serie de cruces e intercambios disciplinares que alteran la percepción e interpretación de las categorías del tiempo, del espacio, del cuerpo y del movimiento, especialmente en géneros como la cinedanza, la videodanza, el videomapping, el arte digital, la videoinstalación, entre otros. En ellos predominan la proyección de imágenes en diversos formatos de pantalla, que configuran experiencias, percepciones e interacciones en contextos artificiales, digitales y ficcionales. A partir de una serie de principios metodológicos y categorías teóricas de la semiología del cuerpo y de la semiótica de las artes, analizo la propuesta de una selección de destacados artistas, como es la cineasta ucraniana Maya Deren; del bailarín, coreógrafo y videoartista francés Philippe Decouflé, y finalmente del bailarín, coreógrafo y artista interdisciplinar Klaus Obermaier. Ellos, a través de sus aportaciones creativas,nos permiten reflexionar sobre las convergencias entre danza, tecnología y nuevos medios en las manifestaciones artísticas contemporáneas.
Grupo de Trabalho em Práticas Corporais e Atividades Físicas na APS da SBAFS: criação, atividades e perspectivas
Authors: Trapé Atila Alexandre , Guimarães Jean Augusto Coelho , Oliveira Júlia Cunha Santos , Bonolo Angélica , Lemos Emmanuelly Correia de , Andrella João Luiz , Ferreira Juliana da Cruz , Sposito Letícia Aparecida Calderão , Alves Lucas Gomes , Loch Mathias Roberto , Guerra Paulo Henrique , Fermino Rogério César
Published: April 2024

A Sociedade Brasileira de Atividade Física e Saúde (SBAFS) exerce papel importante no desenvolvimento e na disseminação do conhecimento científico, além de promover a articulação entre pesquisadores, estudantes, gestores e profissionais dos serviços de saúde nos cenários nacional e internacional. Nos últimos anos, estimulou-se a elaboração e a manutenção de Grupos de Trabalhos (GT) em diferentes temáticas na área de atividade física e saúde. Em 2021, foi instituído o GT em Práticas Corporais e Atividades Físicas na Atenção Primária à Saúde (PCAF-APS), o qual busca desenvolver ações para fortalecer a área temática, por meio da realização de encontros e debates com profissionais, gestores e acadêmicos, além do desenvolvimento de pesquisas. Desse modo, o objetivo deste manuscrito é descrever as ações relacionadas à criação, trajetória e perspectivas do GT PCAF-APS.
Leaching Behavior of Pb, Cd, and Cu from Domestic Solid Waste Over Three Types of Soil Columns Under Different Rainfall Loading
Authors: Haddad Marwan , Al-Nuri Qusai
Published: April 2024

Long-term raining over accumulated solid waste disposal dumps would result in heavy metal contamination in both soil and groundwater, specially when no separation of industrial waste is made in Nablus Area of Palestine. A column leaching experiments were conducted to study the leaching behavior of Pb, Cd, and Cu from domestic solid waste over three types of local soils, clay, sandy, and a mix of both in one, three and five 100 cm depth, soil packed in eleven plastic columns under different rainfall loading of one, five, and ten years of average annual rainfall. Experimental results showed that (1) The concentration of heavy metals in leachate passing through soil were highest out of sandy soil followed by sandy clay soil and the least was out of clay soil, (2) As the applied layer of solid waste over the soil in the columns increases, the concentration of heavy metals and organic matter increase, (3) As the amount of rainwater applied over solid waste increases, the concentration of heavy metals decreases in the leachate from all columns, (4) The concentration of heavy metals absorbed by clay soil was much higher than than those in the sandy and mixed clay-sandy soil indicating that clay soil is good for metal remediation or removal but not suitable for using the soil for agricultural production purposes, and (5) The TOC removal efficiencies were greater in clay and clay-sandy soil and significantly improve with time.