bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micro e macro cambiamento nel processo psicoterapico: un tentativo di ricerca
Authors: Ambrosini Mauro , Bertoni Marina , Faccini Alice , Maggioni Daniela , Vassallo Paolo
Published: November 2024

La nostra ricerca si fonda sugli studi e sulla concettualizzazione di Daniel Stern e del Boston Change Process Study Group (BCPSG) riguardo all'esigenza di "qualcosa di più" dell'interpretazione per conseguire il cambiamento in psicoterapia. Il tentativo empirico qui presentato prevede la siglatura del processo di cambia-mento all'interno della relazione terapeutica al microlivello delle interazioni pazien-te/analista nella singola seduta e nel corso del trattamento. La prima e seconda parte dell'articolo illustrano le basi teoriche ed empiriche della ricerca, mentre la terza e la quarta presentano gli strumenti metodologici, esempi di protocollo e risultati. Abbiamo codificato i trascritti parola per parola delle audio-registrazioni delle se-dute operazionalizzabili, applicando gli item definiti ma solo parzialmente operazio-nalizzati dal BCPSG: Mosse Relazionali o Present Moment, Now Moment, Moment of Meeting, Orientamento Intersoggettivo, etc. Il nostro obiettivo è di ricostruire le dimensioni implicite del percorso di cambia-mento che la relazione psicoterapica disegna, momento per momento, nel processo del mobbing along a livello locale e implicito, al microlivello della singola seduta. Il processo del mobbing along è imprevedibile, non-lineare e sloppy; consiste di Mosse Relazionali, momenti di consapevolezza e momenti presenti, cioè delle più piccole componenti che vanno a costruire l'espressione del continuo bisogno umano di con-tatto intersoggettivo così come si realizza in sede clinica. Il nostro lavoro empirico coglie e mette in luce il processo di cambiamento al mi-crolivello per incrociarlo con la linea di sviluppo del cambiamento al macrolivello e con il ragionamento clinico.
Sistema de la pena y política migratoria: un análisis a propósito de la legislación argentina
Authors: Espina Nadia
Published: November 2024

La ley nacional de política migratoria nº 25.871, receptó por primera vez los estándares del Derecho Internacional de los Derechos Humanos, reconoció a los migrantes como sujeto de derechos, estableció directivas concretas respecto al acceso a derechos de los migrantes, incluyó pautas de procedimiento administrativo en materia de admisión, permanencia y expulsión de extranjeros e incorporó la revisión judicial de estos últimos actos. Palabras clave: migración; política migratoria; pena; Derechos; extranjeros.
Istituzioni, sicurezza, violenza e fraternità Il caso della comunità LGBTQI+ di Porto Alegre
Authors: Russo Vanessa , Regina Martini Sandra , Fleck da Rosa Stéphani
Published: November 2024

La ricerca presentata ha come obiettivo di individuare la percezione della sicu-rezza nella comunità LGBTQI+ di Porto Alegre (BR). Il frame teorico di riferimen-to è la metateoria del diritto fraterno su cui si articola un processo metodologico progettato su due livelli macro e micro-sociale. Il primo consiste in una ricostruzio-ne evolutiva della comunità, mentre il secondo in una raccolta di storie di vita con codifica qualitativa dei risultati.
Il trauma della migrazione per la guerra. Una ricerca esplorativa tra Ucraina e Italia
Authors: Conti Uliano , Tanzi Elisa
Published: November 2024

Il recente conflitto russo-ucraino ha dato origine a un'importante migrazione di donne e minori ucraini verso l'Italia (UNHCR, 2023). Studi precedenti (Federici, 2019; Conti, Guercio, 2022) hanno analizzato la trasformazione del fenomeno migratorio dovuto alla guerra. In tale prospettiva, appare rilevante la teoria sociale del trauma di Alexander (2018). Per comprendere i vissuti delle migranti dall'Ucraina dopo il conflitto e allo scopo di esaminare le implicazioni sociali italiane del conflitto in Ucraina, si pro-pone uno studio esplorativo sull'esperienza dei rifugiati ucraini in Italia. La ricerca si basa su interviste semi-strutturate e sociologia visuale e consente di esplorare la tematizzazione che le donne migranti verso l'Italia hanno della guerra.
Il ruolo del terzo settore italiano nel sistema di contrasto all'usura. Tra movimento e istituzione
Authors: Bassi Andrea , Fabbri Alessandro
Published: November 2024

L'articolo affronta il tema del ruolo svolto dai soggetti di terzo settore nella costruzione del sistema istituzionale di contrasto all'usura nel nostro paese. Basandosi su una indagine qualitativa con interviste semi-strutturate, esso analizza e commenta il punto di vista dei principali attori del sistema. La ricerca evidenzia come la spinta dal basso da parte della società civile sia stata fondamentale per l'attuale configurazione basata su una governance multi-stakeholder e multi livello.
Estrazione in movimento: la svolta logistica dell'industria mineraria cilena
Authors: Arboleda Martin
Published: November 2024

Basandosi sul caso delle città portuali del Cile settentrionale, questo articolo analizza le implicazioni territoriali e sociopolitiche dello spostamento logistico nelle industrie estrattive. L'adozione di imperativi di flusso, velocità e connettività da parte dell'industria mineraria su larga scala ha dato origine a una modalità di organizzazione urbano-territoriale in cui la governance del movimento dei minerali assume un ruolo sempre più rilevante rispetto agli spazi di estrazione considerati singolarmente. Questo processo di urbanizzazione logistica ha reso possibile lo sviluppo di un corridoio infrastrutturale trans-pacifico che collega i molteplici giacimenti minerari degli altopiani cileni con le città manifatturiere e portuali dell'Asia orientale. Attraverso una lettura materialista dello Stato, si sostiene che i flussi metabolici di questo complesso sistema socio-ecologico sono mediati dalle tendenze simultanee e contrastanti all'internazionalizzazione e alla concentrazione dell'autorità politica dello Stato tardo liberale.
Multinazionali del mare: pratiche occupazionali e contesto locale
Authors: Nebbia Colomba Emanuele
Published: November 2024

L'articolo esplora il ruolo che giocano le identità sindacali e gli attori locali nelle scelte di localizzazione produttiva delle multinazionali dello shipping, un tema poco esplorato in letteratura. Dallo studio di caso emerge che l'identità sindacale dei lavoratori portuali e l'intraprendenza degli attori locali hanno giocato un ruolo chiave nella scelta di "de-localizzare" il traffico portuale di due grandi armatori. L'articolo contribuisce inoltre ad approfondire le ragioni dell'ascesa del porto commerciale di La Spezia nelle classifiche di movimentazione degli scali marittimi attraverso l'utilizzo di una metodologia all'intersezione tra storia sociale e sociologia del lavoro con interviste a élite, documenti d'archivio e analisi dei giornali.
Virtual Reality as a support in psychotherapies for children with autism and/or social anxiety: a systematic review
Authors: Gómez Sánchez Lilia Guiodi , Lara López Graciela , Orozco Luna Felipe de Jesús
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
Purpose
The growth of Virtual Reality (VR) applications for therapies has increased and diversified over time. Through VR, patients are encouraged to immerse themselves in virtual environments to interact and socialize. In this article we analyze the therapies that apply VR, as a strategy that addresses health needs, to improve the patient’s quality of life in mental disorders such as anxiety and autism spectrum. Furthermore, we compare the similarities and differences of the therapies, evaluating the efficacy of VR. Finally, we present a review of VR from a technological point of view.
Methods
The literature search was guided by PRISMA guidelines; study eligibility criteria: year of publication from 2014 to 2022, full-length and open access articles. Articles to improve social skills in children and adolescents with autism, as well as in addressing social anxiety in youth. Exclusion criteria: systematic reviews, meta-analyses, comorbidity, postoperative, and other disorders.
Results
We considered 14 eligible studies, with a low risk of bias. 78% of VR therapies were implemented immersively and 85% interactively, involving active user participation in virtual environments through voice, gaze, and body movements. VR therapies for children with ASD focus on the development of social skills, with facial expression recognition, emotion recognition, social cognitive development, and verbal and non-verbal communication. VR therapies for social anxiety are effectively treated with meditation and progressive muscle relaxation. 
Conclusion
VR can simplify the lives of those patients who are unable to leave home, due to illness or disability, allowing them to comply with therapy sessions.
Harbingers of change: towards a mechanistic understanding of anticipatory plasticity
Authors: Petrullo Lauren , Morris Natalie , Tharin Chloé , Dantzer Ben
Published: November 2024

1. Phenotypic plasticity is a central avenue through which organisms cope with environmental heterogeneity by responding to cues of current environmental change to maximize fitness. If environmental change is impending and cues can reliably predict future conditions, organisms can also mount adaptive responses in anticipation of these changes if they possess the mechanistic architecture to do so (i.e., anticipatory plasticity). 2. Anticipatory plasticity has been documented across the tree of life, but how organisms detect and integrate cues of future conditions and mount anticipatory responses remains ambiguous. We synthesize theoretical principles from sensory biology and animal communication with recent advances in physiological ecology and extrapolate these insights to identify candidate mechanisms that may underpin anticipatory plasticity. 3. We discuss how ecological rhythms, cue detection and perception, and three major physiological mechanisms–the epigenome, neuroendocrine system, and the commensal gut microbiota–can contribute to the evolution and maintenance of anticipatory plasticity. We then integrate across these components by focusing on anticipatory plasticity in reproductive phenotypes (i.e., anticipatory reproduction). 4. We close by detailing a series of open questions related to both the proximate causes and evolutionary consequences of anticipatory plasticity. We hope to shed light on the potential mechanisms that facilitate anticipatory plasticity in the face of environmental variation, and how these mechanisms may influence how organisms and populations respond to anthropogenic change.
Probable physical factors of anthropogenesis
Authors: Kholmanskiy Alexander
Published: November 2024

The increasing frequency of climate catastrophes worldwide against background of global warming and reduction of biodiversity in human ecosystem are typical signs of global extinction, the sixth in ~600 million years of Phanerozoic. The regularity of global extinctions of marine biota with a period of ~62 Myr in Phanerozoic correlates with cyclicity of tidal effects of stellar environment of Solar System as it revolves around center of Galaxy. In accordance with Anthropic Principle, abiogenic factors of mass extinctions can correct evolution along vector of anthropogenesis. Human parasitism on biosphere, demographic problems and stagnation of sapientation during 6th extinction suggest launch of mutagenesis, necessary for fixing dominance of thinking over the instinct of reproduction at level of the human genome. Taking into account chirality of bilaterals, sexual dimorphism and molecular mechanism of circadian clock, it was suggested that role of mutagenic factor is played by chiral photon-neutrino quanta, genetically linked to the neutrino of the proton-proton cycle of Sun's energy. Sensitization of biosphere to action of chiral factor at night will be provided by anomalous physicochemical properties of liquid water in hydrosphere and in physiological fluids. It is shown that the ~11-year cycle of Solar activity reflects the influence on the physics of Sun of periodicity of the tidal effects of syzygy of Jupiter, Venus and Earth, as well as interactions of magnetic dipoles of Sun and Jupiter. Synchronous with Solar activity changes in flux of chiral quanta on the night side of earth will be additionally modulated by geography and this will manifest itself in differences in mentality of population of southern and northern hemispheres of Earth, as well as coastal and continental territories.
Progress in the study of toxic effects of drugs on the male reproductive system
Authors: Walker Tina
Published: November 2024

This paper provides a comprehensive summary of the toxic effects of drugs on the male reproductive system, with a special focus on the mechanisms of testicular and sperm damage caused by chemotherapeutic agents, antibiotics, and immunosuppressants. Drug-induced reproductive toxicity usually manifests through multiple pathways including direct injury, interference with hormone regulation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. These mechanisms can lead to impaired spermatogenesis, decreased testicular function, and long-term infertility, thereby seriously affecting male reproductive health. Specifically, chemotherapeutic drugs, such as cisplatin and cyclophosphamide, have been widely documented to cause direct damage to the testes, leading to significant decreases in sperm quantity and quality. Antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also negatively affect reproductive function by affecting mitochondrial function and inducing oxidative stress in the testicular cells. Although important advances have been made in recent years in the study of drug-induced reproductive toxicity, further exploration is needed to assess the variability of individual responses to drugs and develop long-term protective measures. Future research should focus on developing accurate toxicity assessment methods, customized therapeutic regimens, and enhanced fertility protection strategies, such as the use of antioxidants and methods for the cryopreservation of testes and sperm. Interdisciplinary collaboration will provide new solutions for balancing disease treatment and fertility preservation, especially in the use of high-risk drugs, such as anticancer therapies, where achieving both efficacy and reproductive health will be an important clinical challenge.
Tratamiento de la Vaginosis Bacteriana recurrente, actualización 2023
Authors: Espitia de la Hoz Franklin
Published: November 2024

Introducción: a pesar de los múltiples tratamientos para la vaginosis bacteriana, más de la mitad de las mujeres experimentan recurrencia de los síntomas. Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad y seguridad de las intervenciones terapéuticas en el manejo de la vaginosis bacteriana recurrente, en mujeres no gestantes. Métodos: se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura en diferentes bases de datos electrónicas (MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Biblioteca Cochrane, entre otras); entre 1990 y 2023. Se utilizaron términos de búsqueda libres y estandarizados. Los desenlaces evaluados fueron el tiempo de retardo en la aparición de VB mayor a 12 meses y las reacciones adversas. Resultados: se tuvieron en cuenta 84 publicaciones. El metronidazol y la clindamicina siguen siendo el régimen terapéutico recomendado en el tratamiento de la vaginosis bacteriana aguda, y en la recurrente; el secnidazol y nifuratel han mostrado su positivo efecto, escalonando una posición entre estos regímenes (los cuales no solo podrían aumentar las tasas de curación clínica y microbiológica, sino disminución en la recurrencia). La proporción de reacciones adversas fueron más notables con los nitroimidazoles y la clindamicina, sin hallarse reportes del nifuratel. Conclusión: la revisión mostró que en el tratamiento de la vaginosis bacteriana recurrente no se observan diferencias significativas entre los regímenes tradicionales, lo mismo sucede con la seguridad, ya que las reacciones adversas son escasas y no suelen ser graves. Se necesitan ensayos clínicos que ayuden a aumentar las opciones de tratamiento para la VB recurrente, dándole paso al nifuratel y a otras opciones terapéuticas.
Glutathione S-Transferase Does Not Play a Role in Multidrug Resistance of L1210/VCR Cell Line
Authors: Boháčová V , Kvačkajová J , Barančík M , Drobná Z , Breier A
Published: November 2024

Multidrug resistance of cancer cells is often accompanied by the (over)expression of integral plasma membrane P-glycoprotein, an ATP-dependent transport pump for diverse unrelated compounds. The glutathione detoxification system represents another mechanism that may be involved in multidrug resistance. In the multidrug-resistant L1210/VCR cell line obtained by long-term adaptation of parental L1210 cells to vincristine, an increased expression of P-glycoprotein has previously been established. In this paper, we investigated if the glutathione detoxification system is also involved in the multidrug resistance of these cells. L1210/VCR cells with resistance induced by adaptation to vincristine were also found to be cross-resistant to vinblastine, actinomycin D, mitomycin C, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. The resistance of the above cells to vincristine and doxorubicin was accompanied by a depression of drug accumulation (which has not yet been established for other drug). L1210/VCR cells are able to survive better than sensitive cells under conditions when glutathione was depleted by L-buthionine sulfoximine. Nevertheless, L-buthionine sulfoximine did not influence the resistance of L1210/VCR cells to vincristine. Moreover, the presence of sublethal concentrations of cytostatics neither changed the IC50 value of resistant cells to L-buthionine sulfoximine nor the cytoplasmic activity of glutathione S-transferase, the crucial enzyme of glutathione detoxification system. All the above findings indicate that the glutathione detoxification system is not involved in the mechanisms that ensure the multidrug resistance phenotype of L1210/VCR cells.
GPER-1 Rapid Regulation Influences p-Akt Expression to Resist Stress-Induced Injuries in a Sex-Specific Manner
Authors: Sang L , Fu L , Gao L , Adu-Amankwaah J , Gong Z , Li T , Ma Z , Wang Z , Xu J , Sun H
Published: November 2024

G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER-1) has gained recognition for its role in conferring cardioprotection. However, the extent to which GPER-1 exerts equally important effects in both sexes remains unclear. The study found similar expressions of GPER-1 in rat heart apex in both sexes. In male rats, administering epinephrine (Epi) at a dose of 31.36 μg/100 g resulted in a rapid decline in cardiac function, accompanied by a sharp increase in bax/bcl-2 levels. In contrast, female rats did not display significant changes in cardiac function under the same conditions. Additionally, compared to the injection of Epi alone (at a dose of 15.68 μg/100 g), the administration of G15 (GPER-1 antagonist) further decreased cardiac function in both male and female rats. However, it only increased mortality and lung coefficient in male rats. Conversely, G1 (GPER-1 agonist) administration improved cardiac function in both sexes. Notably, the apex of the male heart exhibited lower levels of inhibitory G protein (Gαi). Furthermore, female and male rats treated with Epi displayed elevated phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt). Compared to their respective Epi groups, the administration of G15 increased p-Akt levels in female rat hearts but decreased them in male rat hearts. Conversely, the administration of G1 decreased p-Akt levels in females but rapidly increased them in male rats. Our study uncovers the vital role of GPER-1 in protecting against stress-induced heart injuries in a sex-specific manner. These findings hold immense potential for advancing targeted cardiac therapies and enhancing outcomes for both females and males.
Study on the Correlation Between Renal Blood Perfusion and Kidney Injury in Different Weekly-Aged Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Wu Z , Wang X-R , Gao Y , Chen X-H , Li M , Jin X-F , He T-T , Zhu Y-G , Chen X-M , Zhou X-H , Gao W-J
Published: November 2024

This study aims to explore the correlation between renal blood perfusion (RBP) and diabetic nephropathy (DN). Methods: A total of 72 mice included db/db and db/m mice at the ages of 6, 14, and 22 weeks, forming six groups. RBP was assessed using Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging (LSCI). Kidney function markers and the extent of pathological damage were evaluated. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to predict the relationship between RBP and various indicators of kidney damage. Results: Compared to db/m mice of all ages, 6-week-old db/db mice showed no significant difference in kidney function markers and had no apparent pathological damage. However, db/db mice at other ages showed deteriorating kidney functions and evident pathological damage, which worsened with age. The RBP in db/m mice of all ages and 6-week-old db/db mice showed no significant difference; however, RBP in db/db mice demonstrated a significant declining trend with age. The correlation between RBP and kidney damage indicators was as follows: 24 h urinary microalbumin (r=-0.728), urinary transferrin (r=-0.834), urinary β2-microglobulin (r=-0.755), urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (r=-0.786), Masson's trichrome staining (r=-0.872), and Periodic Acid-Schiff staining (r=-0.908). Conclusion: RBP is strongly correlated with the extent of diabetic kidney damage.
Matriz de rigidez para estructuras con barras de sección o rigidez variable
Authors: Ibáñez Ceba Angel
Published: November 2024

El cálculo matricial por el Método de la Matriz de Rigidez de estructuras compuestas por barras rectas se realiza normalmente considerando las barras de sección e inercia constantes y esta hipótesis se considera suficientemente segura en todos los casos.
Sin embargo, en la práctica, muchos sistemas estructurales están formados por barras de sección o inercia variable, como es el caso de las barras acarteladas, las barras fisuradas de hormigón armado, las barras de acero con uniones semirrígidas o las barras mixtas de hormigón y acero.
En este estudio se plantea la Matriz de Rigidez de una barra recta de sección o inercia variable cuyos coeficientes de rigidez son función de las leyes de variación del área de su sección, de su Módulo de Torsión y de los Momentos de Inercia referidos a los ejes normales a su directriz.
Este planteamiento no incrementa el número de nudos de la estructura ni el de incógnitas de la ecuación matricial y permite que, estableciendo criterios suficientemente aproximados para el cálculo de sus coeficientes de rigidez, determinar un comportamiento más real de sus elementos estructurales.
Thomas More through temporary museum exhibitions
Authors: Ávila Isabel Burgos
Published: November 2024

The pedestal of the statue of Thomas More by Leslie Cubitt Bevis, unveiled in 1969 in Chelsea, includes three inscriptions: statesman, humanist, saint. The person of More and his particularly renowned qualities have been celebrated by at least 20 temporary exhibitions, held in eight different countries, between 1896 and 2024. The standard of these exhibitions reflects the intellectual pre-eminence of the personalities involved in them, as well as the prestige of the institutions in which they have been held. The enduring significance of More is indicated by the high number of visitors to these exhibitions, as well as the attendance of authorities such as Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, the president of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, Mario Monti, and the president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New Evangelization, Monsignore Rino Fisichella.
TIBBİ KORUNMA HAKKI BAĞLAMINDA HPV AŞISI VE TOPLUMSAL CİNSİYET
Authors: Söğüt İpek Sevda , Yarli Sureyya Kardelen
Published: November 2024

Human papillomavirus olarak tıp literatürüne giren HPV, sadece belirli bir kesimin karşılaşabileceği ya da belirli bir kesimde sağlık sorunlarına yol açan bir virüs değildir. Günümüzde toplumun her kesiminden, her türlü hayat tarzından, cinsel kimlik ve yönelimden bireylerin bu virüsle karşılaşabilmesi mümkün olduğundan, toplumun ilgili virüsün risklerinin bilincinde olması gerekmektedir. Bilimsel araştırmalar göstermektedir ki, HPV ile ilişkili enfeksiyonların önlenmesinde tarama programları ve aşılar etkilidir. HPV aşısı ülkemizde halen ulusal aşılama programına alınmamıştır ve ilgili aşıya erişim yüksek bir maliyetle söz konusu olmaktadır. Bu çalışma ile amaçlanan; öncelikli olarak tıbbi korunma hakkı çerçevesinde HPV aşısına ücretsiz erişimin hukuki dayanaklarını ortaya koymak, sonrasında Türkiye’de mevcut güncel aşı politikası karşısında HPV aşısında yürütülen hukuki süreç hakkında bilgi vermek, HPV aşısına yaklaşımlar, HPV farkındalığı hakkında yayınlanan bilimsel araştırma sonuçlarını paylaşmak ve HPV’nin feminizasyonunun yol açtığı cinsiyet eşitsizliğini sonuçları bağlamında konunun toplumsal cinsiyet perspektifinden ele alınmasıdır.
YABANCI UNSURLU INFLUENCER SÖZLEŞMESİNE UYGULANACAK HUKUK
Authors: Güner Cemil , Öçal Büşra
Published: November 2024

Internet ve teknolojinin gelişmesiyle birlikte, geleneksel reklamcılık yerini dijital çağın şartlarına uyarlanan yeni bir anlayışa bırakmıştır. Bu anlayış influencer marketing olarak adlandırılmaktadır. Influencer sözleşmesi yoluyla sosyal medya fenomenleri, belirli bir ücret veya başka bir menfaat karşılığında kendi sosyal medya platformlarında bir mal veya hizmetin tanıtımını gerçekleştirir. Yabancı unsurlu influencer sözleşmesinden doğan uyuşmazlığa uygulanacak hukuku tayin edecek hâkim, bu sözleşmenin sahip olduğu unsurları gözeterek hukukî nitelendirmesini gerçekleştirir. Atipik sözleşme özelliği gösteren influencer sözleşmesinin hangi unsurlara sahip olması gerektiğini gösteren bir kanunî düzenleme bulunmamaktadır. Bu sebeple sözleşme serbestisi ilkesi gereğince taraflarca sözleşmeye katılacak unsurlar, akdedilen sözleşmesinin hukukî niteliğini de belirler. Bu doğrultuda taraflar, influencer sözleşmesini eser sözleşmesi veya vekâlet sözleşmesi kapsamında akdedebilirler. Çalışmamızda yabancı unsurlu influencer sözleşmelerine uygulanacak hukuk konusu ayrıntılı olarak ele alınacaktır.
Computational modelling of valvular heart disease: haemodynamic insights and clinical implications
Authors: Šeman Michael , Stephens Andrew F. , Kaye David M. , Gregory Shaun D. , Stub Dion
Published: November 2024

An aging population and an increasing incidence of cardiovascular risk factors form the basis for a global rising prevalence of valvular heart disease (VHD). Research to further our understanding of the pathophysiology of VHD is often confined to the clinical setting. However, in recent years, sophisticated computational models of the cardiovascular system have been increasingly used to investigate a variety of VHD states. Computational modelling provides new opportunities to gain insights into pathophysiological processes that may otherwise be difficult, or even impossible, to attain in human or animal studies. Simulations of co-existing cardiac pathologies, such as heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and mixed valvular disease, have unveiled new insights that can inform clinical research and practice. More recently, advancements have been made in using models for making patient-specific diagnostic predictions. This review showcases valuable insights gained from computational studies on VHD and their clinical implications.
Chromatographic analysis of ponatinib and its impurities: method development, validation, and identification of new degradation product
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhu Yonghong , Qin Jisu , Wu Wenyi , Huang Rongrong , Cai Liangliang
Published: November 2024

Background

Ponatinib, a third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is employed in the management of adult chronic myeloid leukemia. Nevertheless, the presence of process impurities and degradation impurities linked to ponatinib may potentially influence its effectiveness and safety. Therefore, the objective of this research was to establish a robust liquid chromatography method and systematically validate it for the detection of substances related to ponatinib.

Methods

The separation of ponatinib and its impurities was conducted using an Agilent 5HC-C18 chromatographic column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm). The mobile phase A comprised a mixture of water and acetonitrile in a 9:1 ratio, with an aqueous solution of pH 2.4 containing 2 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate and 0.4% triethylamine. Mobile phase B, consisting of acetonitrile, was eluted in a gradient fashion. The flow rate was set at 1.0 mL/min, detection wavelength at 250 nm, column temperature at 40°C, and injection volume at 10 μL.

Results

The method demonstrated high specificity, sensitivity, solution stability, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. Additionally, this research unveiled a novel compound, imp-B, generated via the oxidative degradation of ponatinib. The molecular structure of the newly discovered product was elucidated through the utilization of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the chromatographic method developed in this study has the potential to be utilized for the detection of ponatinib and its impurities, thereby offering significant insights for quality assessment in ponatinib research.
Advances in the study of oral microbiota and metabolism associated fatty liver disease: a systematic review
Authors: Huang Mingming , Zhang Xinbi , Zhou Rui , Song Yingzhe , Zhang Jing , Wu Jian
Published: November 2024

Objective

The oral microbiota is the second largest microbiota in the human body and has a significant impact on human health. Recent evidence suggests that dysbiosis of the oral microbiota may be associated with the development of metabolism-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This review aimed to validate the relationship between oral microbial diversity and the development of MAFLD.

Methods

A systematic evaluation was performed based on PRISMA guidelines. Three independent reviewers searched for relevant literature in several databases, including PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus, with a search date ranging from the establishment of the databases to June 2024.

Results

A total of 1278 publications were initially screened, including five cross-sectional studies, seven case-control studies, one cohort study, and one retrospective study. These studies included a total of 3335 patients with MAFLD, 254 patients with MASH, and 105 patients with liver cirrhosis. All 14 included studies concluded that there was a correlation or potential correlation between oral microbiota and MAFLD. Seven studies found that the composition of the oral microbiota in MAFLD patients differed from that of healthy controls, and specific oral bacteria may be associated with an increased incidence of MAFLD. At the phylum level, several studies found differences in the abundance of the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Clostridia compared to healthy controls. Additionally, a study on oral fungi found significant differences in the phyla Proteobacteria and in the genus Staphylococcus between patients with MAFLD and healthy controls. At the genus level, Porphyromonas was studied most frequently, with all 8 studies identifying infection with Porphyromonas as a significant risk factor for pathological progression in MAFLD. Furthermore, a dysbiosis in the ratio of Porphyromonas gingivalis./Porphyromonas anomalies may be an important marker of MAFLD progression.

Conclusion

There is an important association between the diversity of oral microbiota composition and MAFLD. This finding suggests the importance of oral health assessment and monitoring for the prevention or intervention of MAFLD.
Association between estimated glucose disposal rate and female infertility: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Meng , Zhang Lisong , Li Xiaoyu , Yan Weisheng
Published: November 2024

Background

Insulin resistance (IR) can lead to infertility in women. The primary objective of this research was to examine how estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) correlates with infertility in women, assessing its validity as an indicator of IR.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning 2013 to 2018 were analyzed in this study. In order to investigate the correlation between eGDR and the prevalence of female infertility, this study used a combination of weighted multivariate regression analysis, restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis, subgroup analyses, sensitive analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

This study enrolled 2541 women, with an average age of (32.52 ± 0.23) years. The overall infertility rate was 14.27%. A negative relationship was observed between eGDR levels and female infertility. Each increment of one unit in eGDR was linked to a 14% reduction in infertility incidence (OR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.80–0.94). RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear, inverse correlation between eGDR and female infertility. Subgroup analyses indicated that age influenced the association between eGDR and female infertility. The ROC curve suggested that eGDR was significantly better than HOMA-IR in predicting infertility [eGDR: 0.632 (95% CI: 0.603, 0.660) vs. HOMA-IR: 0.543 (95% CI: 0.514, 0.572)].

Conclusion

There was an observed association where lower eGDR levels were linked with higher rates of female infertility. These results emphasize the significance of implementing measures to manage IR to protect women’s reproductive health.
Efficient voltage control strategy: observability design for multistage DC–DC buck converter
Authors: Albariqi Khalid A. , Alhussainy Abdullah Ali , Bawayan Haneen , Alturki Yusuf A. , Alghamdi Sultan
Published: November 2024

This paper emphasizes the significance of implementing an effective control system to enhance the performance of a three-stage DC–DC buck converter (TDDC). Herein, we present the development of an observer controller (OC) for TDDC, where average modeling of the DC–DC converter was employed alongside an observer algorithm for the OC. The primary focus is on the adoption of an observation topology aimed at enhancing system responsiveness under various conditions, including variable input voltages, reference voltage changes, load fluctuations, integration with photovoltaics, and battery charging. This approach ensures improved stability and performance, addressing the dynamic challenges inherent in such systems. A comparative analysis was conducted on two distinct control topologies for the proposed TDDC system, namely proportional–integral (PI) and advanced OC. Simulink software was used to model and simulate the proposed system. The results demonstrate lower rising and settling times of the TDDC for the OC and PI implementations, respectively. Additionally, the system with the OC eliminates 20% of the overshoot, while the system with OC minimizes the output voltage oscillations from 13% to 2% compared to the PI system. The OC was integrated into the TDDC to enhance system stability and improve the control loops, particularly the third loop. These improvements make the TDDC with OC suitable for application to renewable energy systems, microgrids, telecommunication networks, and electric vehicles, where precise control and stability are essential.
Prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among solid waste collectors in Jigjiga city, eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study design
Authors: Abib Muktar , Tolera Sina Temesgen , Hashi Abdiwahab , Mulugeta Yohannes , Temesgen Liku Muche
Published: November 2024

Background

Solid waste collectors play an important role in maintaining health and hygiene in cities globally. The risk levels are very high in low-income countries since solid waste collectors have low socio-economic status and are exposed directly, unknowingly, and without adequate personal protection to municipal solid waste that contains hazardous materials. Solid waste collectors in Ethiopia are at high risk of occupational injuries due to the manual collection of hazardous solid waste by hand. In Jigjiga city, so far, there has been no study or published research showing the prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among municipal solid waste collectors.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among solid waste collectors in Jigjiga City, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia, 2023.

Methods

An institutional cross-sectional study was conducted in Jigjiga City, Somali Regional State, involving 247 solid waste collectors. Data was collected through an observational and structured questionnaire and analyzed using Epi Info and STATA software programs. The study used systematic random sampling techniques and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine the statistical association between the outcome variable and independent variables. The significance of the association was tested using the 95% confidence interval and p value (<0.05).

Results

The overall prevalence of occupational injuries was 54.7% (95% CI: 48.2%, 60.6%). Training on health and safety measures before employment [AOR: 0.43, 95% CI (0.24, 0.80)], sleeping problems [AOR: 3.28, 95% CI (1.86, 5.78)] and Temporary workers [AOR: 2.14, 95% CI (1.16, 3.95)] were significantly associated with occupational injuries.

Conclusion

The prevalence rate of occupational injuries among solid waste collectors in Jigjiga City was high. There should be preventive measures, like giving Training on Health and safety before employment, to safeguard the health and safety conditions of the workers.
Genetic screening of α-thalassemia fusion gene using routine flow-through hybridization
Authors: Huang Yingbei , Ju Aiping , Zheng Lihong , Xu Biqiu , Liang Liang , Li Youqiong
Published: November 2024

Objective

The fusion gene is a rare form of α-thalassemia. Patients carrying the fusion gene could be misdiagnosed as normal or -α4.2deletion by the conventional thalassemia detection methods. The aim of this study was to present the detection of fusion genes using routine flow-through hybridization, as well as to analyze hematological and molecular characteristics.

Methods

Samples were collected at our hospital from January 2019 to January 2024. Common thalassemia mutations in the Chinese population were conducted by flow-through hybridization. Samples showing faint coloration at the -α4.2 mutation site on hybridization membrane were considered suspicious. Samples detected as suspicious for -α4.2deletion were rechecked by conventional Gap-PCR. Those samples suspected of having -α4.2deletions were finally confirmed with specific primers for Gap-PCR and Sanger sequencing.

Results

Of the 32,083 samples, 25 samples (0.08%) were detected as suspected of having -α4.2 deletion by flow-through hybridization. However, upon reevaluation wtih conventional Gap-PCR reagents capable of detecting -α4.2 deletion, all were found to be negative for the deletion. Specific primers for Gap-PCR were designed, and fusion gene fragments were amplified. DNA sequencing of the HBA gene showed a 7-base mutation corresponding to the α-thalassemia fusion gene. Among the 25 samples, 22 were heterozygous carriers. Three samples were combined: one with Hb QS, one with β-thalassemia, and one with Hb G-Honolulu.Most hematological indices and capillary electrophoresis results were in the normal reference range.

Conclusion

The fusion gene was present in 0.08% of the population in the Guangzhou region of Guangdong province, southern China. Conventional genetic methods tend to misdiagnose the fusion gene but can be effectively screened with flow-through hybridization.
Oral exposure to high concentrations of polystyrene microplastics alters the intestinal environment and metabolic outcomes in mice
Authors: Hasegawa Yuka , Okamura Takuro , Ono Yuriko , Ichikawa Takahiro , Saijo Yuto , Nakanishi Naoko , Sasano Ryoichi , Hamaguchi Masahide , Takano Hirohisa , Fukui Michiaki
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Oral exposure to microplastics (MPs) is a global health concern. In our previous study, MPs induced glucose intolerance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) under a high-fat diet-induced leaky gut syndrome (LGS). This study aims to evaluate the effects of high concentrations of MP on lipid metabolism under normal dietary conditions and to assess the changes in the intestinal tract resulting from MP exposure.

Methods

C57BL6/J mice were fed a normal diet (ND) without polystyrene MPs (PS-MPs) or with PS-MPs (1000 µg/L or 5000 µg/L) for six weeks. Subsequently, intestinal permeability, gut microbiota, and metabolite levels in the serum, feces, and liver were determined.

Results

Mice fed the ND showed no increase in intestinal permeability in either group. However, high MPs concentrations led to increased serum lipid levels and exacerbated fatty liver function. Oral exposure to MPs did not affect the number of innate lymphoid cells or short-chain fatty acids in the intestine. However, it increased the number of natural killer cells, altered the gut microbiota, induced inflammation, and modulated the expression of genes related to nutrient transport in the intestine. The severity of intestinal disturbance tended to worsen with dose.

Discussion

Despite the absence of LGS, high concentrations of MPs induced dyslipidemia and NAFLD. Oral exposure to MPs triggered intestinal inflammation via natural killer cells, altered the gut microbiota, and modulated nutrient metabolism. Our study highlights the need for environmental measures to reduce oral MPs exposure in the future.
Does nature’s contributions to people value realization policy in China improve public awareness and preferences for marine biodiversity conservation? A temporal stability analysis
Authors: Liu Dandan , Li Jingmei , Shan Jingzhu , Shi Fangyuan
Published: November 2024

Management policies are crucial for safeguarding sustained and stable marine biodiversity amidst ongoing pressures such as land use change, pollution, resource overexploitation, invasive alien species and climate change. China established a nature’s contributions to people value realization policy (NCPVR) in 2021, aiming to encourage stakeholders to prioritize environmentally beneficial production and consumption choices, thereby stimulating intrinsic public motivation for ecological conservation. Biodiversity conservation is an integral component of the NCPVR policy. A choice experiment method was employed to investigate the changes in public preferences for marine biodiversity conservation in Jiaozhou Bay before and after the enactment of the NCPVR policy (in 2017 and 2023, respectively), aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy on marine biodiversity conservation. The results indicate that two years after the implementation of the NCPVR, the public’s overall breadth and depth of awareness regarding marine biodiversity increased. Additionally, public preferences for marine biodiversity conservation increased, expanding from two categories in 2017 (shallow-water swimming organisms and marine plants) to five categories in 2023 (with the addition of seabirds, plankton, and intertidal and benthic organisms). The willingness to pay (WTP) for seabirds, plankton, and intertidal and benthic organisms, as well as shallow-water swimming organisms, increased from 32.21~85.77 CNY/person·year to 98.21~140.49 CNY/person·year. China’s NCPVR policy effectively conveyed important information about biodiversity conservation in the short term, enhancing public awareness and preferences for marine biodiversity conservation. The study also revealed that economic incentive policies for NCPVR remain at the conceptual propaganda level and lack operational incentives for biodiversity conservation. It is recommended that the government deepen the design of value realization pathways and market trading arrangements to stimulate the intrinsic motivation of the public for marine biodiversity conservation and ensure the long-term effectiveness of policies.
Molecular characteristics of dissolved organic matter in the porewater of "Challenger" Deep sediments, Mariana Trench
Authors: Zheng Kexin , Hu Tingcang , Luo Min , Chen Linying , Qi Yulin , Xie Jingqian , Chen Duofu
Published: November 2024

Hadal trenches (> 6,000 m water depth) have been revealed as hotspots of organic carbon deposition and mineralization. Here, we present the molecular compositions of porewater dissolved organic matter (DOM) at the “Challenger” Deep (Site MT02; 10,954 m water depth) sediments of the Mariana Trench and the adjacent abyssal plain sediments (Site MT04; 5,800 m water depth) using ultra high-resolution Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (FT-ICR MS). The "Challenger" Deep sediments are characterized by higher abundance of recalcitrant compounds, mainly composed of highly unsaturated compounds (79.7%) and carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules (57.1%), compared to the abyssal plain sediments (68.3%&51.5%). Principal component analysis suggests that TOC content in the sediments exerts an important control on the molecular characteristics of porewater DOM. It is likely that higher TOC content triggers elevated microbial-mediated organic matter mineralization, thereby forming more refractory organic matter compounds. These results improved the knowledge of the poorly-understood DOM compositions and microbial organic matter degradation in the ultra-deep, extreme ocean environment.
Hydrodynamic mechanisms of topographic evolution in straight sandy beach: a case study of Wanpingkou beach, China
Authors: Li Kang , Hao Yi , Wang Nan , Feng Yingming , Song Dehai , Chen Yanyu , Zhang Hao , Ren Zhaopeng , Bao Xianwen
Published: November 2024

Stricter controls on destructive human activities in recent years have improved the protection and management of sandy coasts in China. Marine-driven geomorphic changes have become the predominant process influencing future beach evolution. However, in the complex geomorphic conditions of mixed artificial and natural coastlines, the mechanisms and contributions of various marine-driven factors to beach changes remain unclear. Using methods of field observations and numerical simulations by FVCOM model, this study reveals the sedimentary dynamic mechanism of straight sandy beach in the southern Shandong Peninsula (Wanpingkou beach, WPK beach). From 2005 to 2016, the northern section of WPK Beach eroded at a rate of approximately 2-3 m/year, the middle section at about 0.5-1.5 m/year, and the southern section accrued at an average rate of about 1-2 m/year, demonstrating an overall pattern of “northern erosion and southern accretion.” During winter, the average grain size of beach sediments is about 0.5 mm with minimal variations, indicating an onshore transport trend; in summer, the average grain size is about 0.7 mm with larger variations, indicating an offshore transport trend. Offshore sediment transport correlates mainly with seasonal changes in wind direction, while alongshore sediment transport is influenced by tidal currents, wind-induced currents, and wave-induced currents. Wave-induced currents are the primary force in alongshore sediment transport with a velocity of 0.1-0.3 m/s toward southwest. Followed by tidal currents with a velocity of 0.05-0.1 m/s, and wind-induced currents with a velocity of 0-0.1 m/s, which have a relatively minor impact. Therefore, seasonal changes in beach morphology are primarily controlled by waves, while interannual variations is mainly influenced by a combination of wave-induced currents and tidal currents. With increasing efforts in beach maintenance and coastal ecological restoration in recent years, understanding the sedimentary dynamics of beaches remains of vital theoretical and practical value.