bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Getting back on track after treatment of cancer: A qualitative interview study of cancer survivors’ experiences
Authors: Smissen Doris van der , Lugtenberg Marjolein , Enting Manon , Beerepoot Laurens , Mols Floortje , Brouwers Evelien , Wasowicz Dareczka , Joosen Margot
Published: January 2025

Objective

An increasing number of people resumes life after cancer treatment. Although the (long-term) side-effects of cancer and its treatment can be significant, less is known about the impact on cancer survivors’ participation in daily life. The aim of this study was to explore the common experiences of cancer survivors in resuming life after treatment.

Methods

A semi-structured interview study was conducted among 22 cancer survivors having a favorable prognosis after treatment. Purposive sampling was used to select a variable sample in terms of diagnoses (e.g. breast cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma), age (18–77 years), and time after diagnosis (0–7 years). Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed in a thorough thematic analysis.

Results

Four main themes were identified. First, cancer survivors reported an emotional fallout episode to often follow treatment, which was characterized by a loss of direction and control due to discontinuation of medical care, decreased support from healthcare professionals and their social network, and an emotional set back. Second, survivors experienced challenges with getting back on track such as the impact of impaired physical and cognitive functions, and challenges and uncertainty related to work and finances. Third, in coping with changes and regaining trust they tried to find a balance between dealing with patient stigma and fear of recurrence on the one hand, and maintaining a positive mindset on the other hand. Fourth, the disease often led to re-evaluating values in life, health and work, which included realizing and accepting change and having a more conscious outlook on life.

Conclusion

In resuming life after treatment, cancer survivors experience several challenges and changes in values in different life domains that extend beyond the specific diagnosis. To improve supportive care, healthcare professionals should focus on the (changed) individual needs and values of survivors in the domains considered relevant to them.
Curcumin modulated gut microbiota and alleviated renal fibrosis in 5/6 nephrectomy-induced chronic kidney disease rats
Authors: Li Cheng , Chen Xulong , Yao Jingchun , Zha Weiwei , Li Meiren , Shen Jiangwen , Jiang Hongli , Tian PuXun
Published: January 2025

Increasing evidence suggests that dysbiosis of gut microbiota exacerbates chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Curcumin (CUR) has been reported to alleviate renal fibrosis in animal models of CKD. However, the relationship between CUR and gut microbiome in CKD remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the potential anti-renal fibrosis effects of CUR from the gut microbiota perspective. A 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6Nx) rat model was used to explore the therapeutic effect of CUR on renal fibrosis. Tight junction protein expression levels were measured to assess intestinal barrier function. 16S rRNA sequencing was employed to evaluate changes in gut microbiota composition, and metabolomics was utilized to detect alterations in plasma metabolites. The administration of CUR significantly ameliorated renal fibrosis and inhibited inflammation in 5/6Nx rats. Additionally, CUR markedly improved the expression of tight junction proteins and local colon inflammation. CUR also positively reconstructed gut microbiota, significantly increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Eubacterium_siraeum_group, and Muribaculaceae was significantly increased. Metabolomics revealed that CUR reduced uremic retention solutes and elevated Vitamin D and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Spearman correlation analysis indicated that gut genera enriched by CUR were positively correlated with Vitamin D and SCFA and negatively correlated with chronic renal injury biomarkers. Mechanistically, we found inhibition of the LPS/TLR4/NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smads pathway in CUR-treated rats. Our study indicates that CUR has the potential to modulate gut microbiota composition, and that this modulation may contribute to the anti-fibrosis effects of CUR.
Effects of aerobic and resistance training on walking and balance abilities in older adults with Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Song Huishan , Ge Sheng , Li Ji , Jiao Chendao , Ran Linghua
Published: January 2025

Objective

To explore the impact of aerobic and resistance training on walking and balance abilities (UPDRS-III, Gait Velocity, Mini-BESTest, and TUG) in individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Method

All articles published between the year of inception and July 2024 were obtained from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Meta-analysis was conducted with RevMan 5.4.

Result

Research from 15 randomized controlled trials, comprising 792 older patients with a diagnosis of PD, was included in the analysis. Aerobic training (AT) and Resistance training (RT) significantly improved UPDRS-III (AT, SMD = -5.69, 95% CI: -8.67 to -2.71, p = 0.0002, I2 = 82%; RT, SMD = -3.01, 95% CI: -4.89 to -1.12, p = 0.002, I2 = 0%) and Gait Velocity(AT, SMD = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.58 to 1.18, p < 0.00001, I2 = 42%; RT, SMD = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.94, p = 0.01, I2 = 55%). AT showed no difference in Mini-BESTest (AT, SMD = 2.12, 95% CI: -0.70 to 4.94, p = 0.14, I2 = 90%). RT showed no change in TUG (RT, SMD = -0.03, 95% CI: -1.60 to 1.54, p = 0.97, I2 = 63%).

Conclusions

Resistance training stood out as the most effective approach to boost performance on the mini-BESTest. Conversely, aerobic exercise proved to be superior for improving the UPDRS-III, gait velocity and TUG scores.
Exploring factors influencing university students’ entrepreneurial intentions: The role of attitudes, beliefs, and environmental support
Authors: Liu Qing , Yao-Ping Peng Michael
Published: January 2025

Entrepreneurship is an increasingly popular career choice among students, driven by the transformative impact of emerging technologies and evolving professional landscapes. This study focuses on how higher education shapes students’ professional identities and entrepreneurial intentions, particularly among business school students. Utilizing the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as the foundational framework, the study examines the factors influencing entrepreneurial intentions, with a specific emphasis on the moderating role of departmental identification. The primary aim of this research is to explore how students’ identification with their academic departments influences the relationship between entrepreneurial attitude, self-efficacy, and environmental support with entrepreneurial intentions. The study hypothesizes that the stronger the departmental identification, the more significant these relationships become. A survey is conducted among students from several public universities in the eastern provinces of Mainland China, yielding 1,632 valid responses. The results confirm a positive correlation between entrepreneurial attitude, self-efficacy, and environmental support with entrepreneurial intentions. Furthermore, departmental identification moderates these relationships, amplifying the effects when students identify strongly with their academic departments. These findings emphasize the critical role of departmental identity in shaping entrepreneurial aspirations. They highlight the need for higher education institutions to leverage departmental identity as a strategic tool to guide students’ career trajectories. By fostering a supportive academic environment that strengthens departmental identity, institutions can better prepare their students for entrepreneurial success in a rapidly evolving professional world.
Development of oats flour and bitter gourd fortified cookies: Effects on physicochemical, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and sensory attributes
Authors: Tarannum Rehenuma , Alam Asraful , Hasan Md. Sakib , Rabby Golam , Raiyan Ananya , Parvin Rashida , Alam Mahfujul , Zahid Md. Ashrafuzzaman
Published: January 2025

The objective of this study was the develop of fortified cookies enriched with oats flour and bitter gourd powder and monitoring the effects of these enrichments on the physicochemical, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and sensory attributes. This study was subjected to four treatments: control (0% oats flour and bitter gourd powder), T1 (10% oats flour), T2 (3% bitter gourd powder), and T3 (7% oats flour and 3% bitter gourd powder). Various physical properties of the cookies, including weight, thickness, diameter, spread ratio, baking loss, pH, and color values (L*, a*, and b*), were measured. Proximate analysis revealed moisture (4.23–4.70%), ash (1.17–1.67%), fat (13.62–15.09%), crude protein (7.02–7.36%), carbohydrate (71.78–72.97%), energy (442.62–452.40 kcal), and crude fiber (8.02–3.33%). Mineral contents included Na (787–754 mg/100g), Ca (873–435 mg/100g), and Zn (66.7–58.8 mg/100g). Additionally, DPPH free radical scavenging activity ranged from 13.14 to 75.51%, while TBARS activity varied from 0.78 to 1.33 mg MDA/kg. T2 cookies exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity, with control cookies showing the lowest. The 5-point hedonic scale indicated that T2 cookies had lower overall acceptability, while T3 cookies were better received. In conclusion, the study suggests that fortified cookies have a more significant impact than regular or control cookies.
Baseline assessment of knowledge, attitude, practice, and adherence toward antimicrobials among women living in two urban municipalities in Lalitpur district, Nepal
Authors: Jha Nisha , Kafle Sajala , Joshi Mili , Pandey Aakriti , Koirala Prakriti , Bhandary Shital , Shankar Pathiyil Ravi
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant problem in developing, low- and middle-income countries like Nepal. Community engagement can be an important means to address the problem. Knowledge, attitude, practice, and adherence of women regarding antibiotics and AMR was studied.

Methods

This baseline study was conducted in two urban municipalities of Lalitpur district as preparation for a larger intervention study (Mahalaxmi municipality will be the intervention and Godawari the comparison/control area). The study population was women belonging to the mother’s groups of 45 female community health volunteers (FCHVs) from each municipality. The study was done from September 2023 to January 2024. A total of 1207 individuals (580 in Mahalaxmi and 627 in Godawari) were involved. Data on demographics, knowledge, attitude, practice, and adherence was collected using a pre-validated structured questionnaire.

Results

The average age, educational status, monthly income, occupation, presence of respiratory disease, chronic diseases and communicable diseases were found to be not different among the two municipalities. Work experience, presence of respiratory disease and of health worker in the household was different in the baseline survey among the two locations. Knowledge was higher in Mahalaxmi municipality, but adherence was higher in Godawari municipality (p <0.0001). No significant difference was seen in attitude and practice scales. Knowledge, attitude, practice and adherence scores among different subgroups of respondents in the two municipalities were found to be significantly different for occupation (p <0.0001), and education (p <0.0001). The attitude scores were also significantly different according to presence/absence of respiratory disease in the household (p = 0.027).

Conclusion

At baseline the two study sites were broadly comparable in terms of participants’ demographic characteristics. There was higher knowledge and lower adherence in Mahalaxmi municipality. An educational intervention to improve KAP and adherence is required and will be conducted.
Study on the relationship between microbial composition within obstructive biliary stents and the severity of obstruction and duration of stent placement
Authors: Sugawara Ichiro , Kawahara Yosuke , Takayasu Lena , Isshi Kimio , Kato Masayuki , Ono Shingo , Hara Yuko , Futakuchi Toshiki , Furuhashi Hiroto , Kurokawa Rina , Sumiyama Kazuki , Suda Wataru
Published: January 2025

Biliary stent occlusion is due, in part, to biofilm formation by bacteria. However, previous culture-based approaches may not have revealed all microorganisms on the surface. Twenty-seven patients underwent endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage for the removal or replacement of plastic biliary stents. We analyzed occlusion severity using image-analyses of a longitudinal section of the biliary stent and evaluated the microbial profile of sludge deposition inside the stents using 16S rRNA sequencing with a MiSeq Illumina platform. We then evaluated the association of microbial profiles with the duration of stent placement and stent occlusion severity. Actinobacteria and Synergistetes were much more abundant in occluded stents compared with non-occluded stents. An abundance of Bifidobacterium spp. and OTU00006 Bifidobacterium animalis (100%) correlated with stent occlusion severity (rho, 0.62; p<0.001; and 0.42; p = 0.03, respectively), and this relationship remained after adjusting for the duration of stent placement (p = 0.03 and 0.05, respectively). The genus Bifidobacterium and Bifidobacterium animalis were associated with the degree of occlusion in plastic biliary stents.
Metacognitive function in young adults is impacted by physical activity, diet, and sleep patterns
Authors: Gooderham G. Kyle , Handy Todd C.
Published: January 2025

Our cognitive capacities like working memory and attention are known to systematically vary over time with our physical activity levels, dietary choices, and sleep patterns. However, whether our metacognitive capacities––such as our strategic use and optimization of cognitive resources––show a similar relationship with these key lifestyle factors remains unknown. Here we addressed this question in healthy young adults by examining if physical activity, diet, and sleep patterns were predictive of self-reported metacognitive status. Participants completed a set of validated surveys assessing these lifestyle factors over the past week to month, as well as three measures of metacognition. Using multiple regression and exploratory factor analyses we identified four clusters of metacognitive processes that are sensitive to lifestyle behaviours. Specifically, knowledge of and offline regulation of cognition is linked with physical activity, on-line cognitive regulation is related to diet, and metacognitive worry is associated with sleep behaviours. These findings suggest that lifestyle behaviours do not just affect objective cognitive functioning, but also the meta-level processes we use to monitor our cognitive performance and exert strategic control over our cognitive resources.
20-Hour Conjugation Bottlenecks – Confronting ADC Development Challenges with CDMOs
Authors:   DD Technologies and Chime Biologics, Qin, Ph.D Minmin
Published: January 2025

ADCs are growing at an impressive rate of 30% annually worldwide, with China's growth standing at 37%. At the same time, there is plenty of room for ADC development. One bottleneck is drug delivery with less than 1% of ADCs entering the tissues. The advent of site-specific conjugation technologies has been a double-edged sword. While it has improved the homogeneity and stability of ADCs, enhancing their pharmacokinetic profiles, it has also introduced new complexities in the manufacturing process. What was once a relatively straightforward 40-minute conjugation can now take up to 20 hours, significantly impacting production timelines and costs.
The landscape of accelerating ADC development while controlling costs, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing become more crucial than ever. The challenges facing ADC development are too complex for any single entity to tackle alone. Partnerships between biotechnology companies, academic institutions, and CDMOs will be essential to drive innovation and overcome hurdles.
Akadémita lelkipásztorok a szilágyi traktusban
Authors: Zsigmond Attila
Published: January 2025

„Ennek commembrumi kegyesek s tudósok, / Vannak is közöttük
sok virtuosusok,” – olvashatjuk Marosi István egrespataki
prédikátor saját lelkésztársairól írt jellemzését a Szilágyság
1684-ben kelt verses bemutatásában. Valóság vagy csupán
udvariaskodó költői túlzás? Milyen mértékben voltak a traktusban
fungáló igehirdetők a hit és a kultúra itteni letéteményesei?
Kiművelt emberfőkként hogyan tudták hasznosítani a birtokukban
levő szellemi muníciót? Ezekre a kérdésekre is keresve a választ,
jelen dolgozat egy nagyobb volumenű vállalkozás keretében a
Szilágyságban egykor működött, külországbeli akadémiákon tanult
református lelkipásztorokat sorjázza. A bevezetőben olvasható
általános áttekintést egy, a kötet törzsanyagát kitevő adatbázis
követi, amely 114 peregrinus lelkész életútját rajzolja meg a
levéltári és nyomtatott források alapján, a szilágyi traktus bő
harmadfélszáz esztendőt kitevő fennállásának időbeli keretei
között.
Applying IB PYP Curriculum into a Multicultural Special Class: A Case Study
Authors:   Multicultural Education Studies, Park Jeongeun , Chang Insil
Published: January 2025

As the proportion of multicultural students increases, effective educational methods for students with diverse cultural backgrounds are required. In particular, a curriculum that can foster core competencies for multicultural students is needed, and the IB PYP curriculum can be an alternative for such education. This study is a case study conducted at an IB PYP candidate school located in a multicultural student-dense area in Gyeonggi-do, focusing on the development and application of a multicultural special class curriculum. The study was conducted from May to July 2024, and the curriculum for a multicultural special class was designed and applied to students based on the IB PYP program. The study participants were six elementary school students belonging to a multicultural special class at School A in Gyeonggi-do, and cognitive, affective, and functional changes were analyzed using participant observation, class journal analysis, and interview data. As a result of the study, the Korean language proficiency and learning method functions of students who participated in the IB PYP-based multicultural special class improved, and the conceptual understanding of the subject, self-efficacy, and student initiative were improved through inquiry learning. This study provides important implications for curriculum design and policy development that fosters future capabilities of multicultural students by moving away from multicultural education centered on Korean language education through the design of a multicultural special class curriculum based on the IB program.
Roles of Occupational Therapists Working in Special Education Support Centers: A Mixed Method Design Using Text Mining and Qualitative Research
Authors:   The Korean Society of Occupational Therapy, Park Yun-Yi , Kim Se-Yun , Yoo Yung-Mee , Choi Yoo Im , Ju Yumi
Published: January 2025

Objective: The study objectives were to explore the job experiences of occupational therapists working in special education support centers (SESCs) and establish the role of occupational therapists within these centers.
Methods: A focus group interview was conducted with five occupational therapists employed in SESCs. Therapists’ average clinical experience was 11 years, and the average working experience in an SESC was 11 years. The group engaged in open discussions about their roles within the centers. All discussions were recorded using Clover Notes, transcribed into text scripts, and subsequently reviewed. A phenomenological analysis was conducted following Giorgi’s research procedures, with five researchers collaboratively analyzing significant meaning units. Python was used for the text mining analysis.
Results: The study findings identified 18 significant meaning units and 7 components related to the roles performed by occupational therapists in SESC. From these, three primary tasks were derived: therapeutic support, diagnostic evaluations of students, and administrative tasks.
Conclusion: The findings of this study define the job roles of occupational therapists working in SESCs and provide foundational data for developing practice guidelines for the profession.
Translation and Content Validity Verification of the Korean Version of the Dysphagia Risk Assessment for the Community-dwelling Elderly (K-DRACE)
Authors:   The Korean Society of Occupational Therapy, Kim Bo-Ra , Son Yeong-Soo , Min Kyoung-Chul
Published: January 2025

Objective: Identifying dysphagia in community-dwelling older adults is important. The Dysphagia Risk Assessment for the Community-dwelling Elderly (DRACE) is a screening assessment tool to identify the degree of dysphagia and predict the risk of aspiration in community-dwelling older adults. The purpose of this study was to adapt DRACE to Korean and investigate its content validity.
Methods: The original text of DRACE was translated and back-translated into Korean. Content validity was assessed by a 10-expert committee twice. For content understanding, 10 community-dwelling older adults participated.
Results: The overall average of the primary content validity index (CVI) was 0.80, with items 5, 6, and 7 below 0.75. All items were revised and supplemented with an expert committee review. In the second round of validation, the overall average CVI was 0.90. Content understanding scores ranged from 4-5, with an average of 4.88.
Conclusion: This study is significant for its presentation of a systematic community-based dysphagia assessment tool. We hope that the study findings will contribute to the systematization of swallowing-related health care for community-dwelling older adults in South Korea. Additionally, it will be useful in clinical practice and research.
Non-Pharmacological Intervention for Treatment Resistant Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review
Authors:   The Korean Society of Occupational Therapy, Sim Hye-Rim , Kim Su-Kyoung
Published: January 2025

Objective: This study aimed to provide evidence for the application of non-pharmacological interventions (NPI) in the management of treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), by systematically analyzing the types and effects of NPI in patients with TRS.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, EBSCOhost CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library, covering the period from January 2015 to March 2024. The search used keywords, including TRS, Rehabilitation, therapy, and interventions. Based on the PRISMA guidelines, 12 studies were selected for review.
Results: Analysis of the 12 selected studies identified two main categories of intervention: electroconvulsive therapy and psychosocial intervention. Studies on electroconvulsive therapy demonstrated a reduction in psychiatric symptoms. Similarly, studies employing psychosocial interventions revealed a decrease in psychiatric symptoms, along with improvements in activities of daily living, quality of life, and social cognition.
Conclusion: The available evidence confirms that NPI can yield positive outcomes on psychiatric symptoms, cognition, and daily functioning in patients with TRS. Therefore, a multifaceted approach that includes the application of an appropriate NPI along with efforts to overcome therapeutic resistance is essential for the recovery of patients with schizophrenia. We hope that the findings of this study will serve as a foundation for the development of more comprehensive treatment approaches.
Development of Appropriate Synthetic Design Storms for Small Catchments in Gauteng, South Africa
Authors:   University of Pretoria, Mouton J.v.S. , Loots I. ,   University of Pretoria, Smithers J.C. ,   University of KwaZulu-Natal
Published: January 2025

Synthetic design storms are often used as input in dynamic rainfall-runoff simulation models. A number of methods to generate synthetic design storms are described in the literature. However, the selection of an inappropriate synthetic design storm will generate unrealistic simulations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop appropriate synthetic design storms for small urban catchments in Gauteng, South Africa. This study evaluated the applicability of the SCS method adapted for South Africa (SCS-SA), the Chicago Design Storm method and the Rectangular Hyetograph method. The performance of each method was evaluated compared to observed rainstorm events. Storm shape and intensity were used for the evaluation. As expected, the Rectangular Hyetograph was the least representative of naturally occurring storm events. The Chicago Design Storm and SCS-SA distribution curves initially performed poorly. Adjustment of the timing of the peak storm intensity to the start of the event resulted in a significant improvement for both methods. A novel approach was used to generate intermediate site-specific SCS-SA rainfall distribution curves anywhere in the study area.
Grit and foreign language achievement among Chinese university EFL students: a mixed-methods approach
Authors: Ding Feng , Wu Yanting , Chen Ming
Published: January 2025

Studies examining the relationship between grit and foreign language (FL) achievement have yielded inconsistent results. Furthermore, research on factors influencing grit is limited and primarily employs quantitative methodologies. To address these gaps, this study aims to reevaluate the link between grit and FL achievement among Chinese university students and identify factors influencing their grit by using a mixed-methods approach. In this study, 260 third- and fourth-year English major students participated in a questionnaire survey, and 35 of them also underwent semi-structured interviews. Through multiple regression analysis of the questionnaires, it was found that grit and FL achievement significantly and positively correlated with each other and grit significantly predicted FL achievement. The interview results showed that four major factors, namely individual-related factors, significant others, achievement-related experiences, and important external factors, affected grit. These results corroborate the positive role of grit in second language acquisition (SLA) and offer valuable pedagogical insights for L2 educators.
The evaluation of point-of-care testing for determining hemoglobin levels in geriatric intensive care patients
Authors: Honca Tevfik , Honca Mehtap
Published: January 2025

Background

The aim of the present study was to compare hemoglobin (Hb) levels determined by point-of-care testing (POCT) HemoCue® and arterial blood gas analyzer using an automated hematology analyzer in critically ill geriatric patients.

Methods

Forty geriatric patients requiring intensive care treatment were included in the study. Arterial blood sample was analyzed using HemoCue® (HemoCue®; Hb 201+, Angelholm, Sweden) (HbHemoCueArterial), blood gas analyzer (Techno Medica, Gastat1800 series, Japan) (HbBGA) and an automated hematology analyzer (Cell Dyne 3700 System, Abbott Laboratories, USA) (HbLab) as a reference method. Capillary blood measurements were performed (HbHemoCueCapillary) using HemoCue® at bedside. Bland-Altman analysis was applied to the results.

Results

We found a positive correlation between the Hb measurements of HemoCueCapillary, HemoCueArterial and automated hematology analyzer (r-values were 0.799 and 0.922, respectively) and p<0.001. There was also a positive correlation between the Hb measurements of blood gas analyzer and automated hematology analyzer (r = 0.878) and p<0.001. The bias and limits of agreement were 0.32 and −2.5±3.14 g/dL for the HbHemoCueCapillary, 0.64 and −1.03±2.31 g/dL for the HbHemoCueArterial and −1.2 and −4.45±2.05 g/dL for the HbBGA. Inotropic agent administration did not affect the Hb values in all groups.

Conclusions

Both HemoCueCapillary and HemoCueArterial are sufficiently accurate and correlated with automated hematology analyzer in geriatric critically ill patients if used correctly. In terms of Hb levels, arterial and capillary blood sample measurements with HemoCue® provided more clinically acceptable accuracy than blood gas analysis system.
Green urine – understanding its importance
Authors: Barros Pinto Marco P.
Published: January 2025

The presence of a green urine is an unusual finding in the clinical laboratory. This could happen due to several underlying causes such as dyes, medicines, metabolic disorders or infections. In this case, the green color (a harmless side effect) was due to methylene blue used to evaluate the integrity of an anastomosis.
Crystal structure of 5-hydroxy-3,5,8a-trimethyl-4a,5,6,7,8a,9-hexahydronaphtho[2,3-b]furan-4,8-dione, C15H18O4
Authors: Wang Mei-Ling , Wu Jie , Cai Pan-Feng , Ye Jiang-Hai , Zou Juan , Li Qi-Ji , Liu Ya-Hua , Li Ji-Xin
Published: January 2025

C15H18O4, triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P\overline{1}$

(no. 2), a = 6.7517(6) Å, b = 9.0117(8) Å, c = 11.5876(10) Å, α = 108.039(2), β = 100.136(2)°, γ = 90.748(2), V = 658.20(10) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F) = 0.0608, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1634, T = 273 K.
Pulp and paper industry side-stream materials as feed for the oleaginous yeast species Lipomyces starkeyi and Rhodotorula toruloides
Authors: Gamage Shiromini , Norström Sara , Olofsson Madelen , Bylund Dan , Asadollahi Mojtaba , Hedenström Erik
Published: January 2025

The pulp and paper industry in Sweden annually produce millions of tons of side-stream materials as black liquor, pulp and paper mill sludge, sulfite liquor and lignosulfonate. These lignocellulosic based materials can be more utilized today in biorefinery processes with microorganisms to produce high-value products as lipids, proteins and biofuels. In this work, we used five side-stream materials as carbon source in fermentation with two oleaginous yeasts, Lipomyces starkeyi and Rhodotorula toruloides. We analyzed lipid production, fatty acid profiles, inhibitors, phenolics, free sugars and metals before and after batch fermentation in 2 L bioreactors. Steam-exploded hardwood media was used as reference as it’s known to be a good substrate for the oleaginous yeast species and after fermentation the lipid yield for R. toruloides was 17 % (w/w) and for L. starkeyi 13 % (w/w). The side-stream materials contained less than 30 % of free sugar compared to the reference media and the total lipid yield was thus less than 2.7 %, (w/w). R. toruloides utilized various sugars during fermentation and L. starkeyi mostly consumed glucose and xylose. Both yeast species also showed a possible ability to utilize various phenolics indicating their metabolic potential to convert depolymerized lignin along with wood-based sugars to lipids and proteins.
Mbyá-Guarani e Kaingang Frente à Pandemia de Covid-19 na Região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Loeck Robson Becker , Rosa Rogério Reus Gonçalves da , Tillmann Reinaldo , Teixeira Adriana de Moraes
Published: January 2025

O artigo analisa a relação dos Mbyá-Guarani e dos Kaingang com a Covid-19. Apresenta dados das ciências humanas sobre a presença indígena pretérita e contemporânea na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul, bem como, as políticas públicas e sociais que estão sendo implementadas a essas pessoas no enfrentamento à pandemia.
As periferias na pandemia: explicitação da política de precarização e de exposição à morte
Authors: Magalhães Alexandre
Published: January 2025

Este artigo pretende traçar brevemente a configuração atual de periferias e favelas no contexto de expansão da pandemia do novo coronavírus. Buscarei apontar para o fato de que tal processo tem explicitado desigualdades estruturais e processos deliberados de precarização das condições de vida dessas pessoas (que chamarei aqui de política de precarização), mas também os inúmeros esforços delas para continuar vivendo, numa aposta na afirmação da vida contra a política de morte promovida pelo presidente da República.
O ensino de Arqueologia no mundo pós-pandemia: possibilidade e aproximações com a pedagogia contemporânea
Authors: Surya Leandro
Published: January 2025

Neste artigo propomos uma reflexão quanto ao ensino de arqueologia no pós-pandemia trazendo a tutoria como uma metodologia para o ensino/aprendizagem em Arqueologia, visando a diminuição do contato social nas atividades presenciais pós-pandemia nas universidades e consequentes prejuízos a saúde. A proposta envolve o estimulo o uso de métodologias ativas no intuito despertar nos discentes independência, autonomia e espírito crítico em relação aos conteúdos discutidos e trabalhados. Busca também estimular o uso de simulações para as atividades práticas e de campo como escavações e prospecções.
A Arqueologia em contexto de pandemia.
Authors: Wagner Gustavo Peretti , Bernardo Danilo
Published: January 2025

Texto de Apresentação do Dossiê
FAST: Fast, Free, Consistent, and Unsupervised Oligodendrocyte Segmentation and Tracking System
Authors: Bae Eunchan , Perrin Gregory E. , Gonzenbach Virgilio , Orthmann-Murphy Jennifer L. , Shinohara Russell T.
Published: January 2025

To develop reparative therapies for neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS), we need to better understand the physiology of loss and replacement of oligodendrocytes, the cells that make myelin and are the target of damage in MS.In vivotwo-photon fluorescence microscopy allows direct visualization of oligodendrocytes in the intact brain of transgenic mouse models, promising a deeper understanding of the longitudinal dynamics of replacing oligodendrocytes after damage. However, the task of tracking the fate of individual oligodendrocytes requires extensive effort for manual annotation and is especially challenging in three-dimensional images. While several models exist for annotating cells in two-dimensional images, few models exist to annotate cells in three-dimensional images and even fewer are designed for tracking cells in longitudinal imaging. Notably, existing options often come with a substantial financial investment, being predominantly commercial or confined to proprietary software. Furthermore, the complexity of processes and myelin formed by individual oligodendrocytes can result in the failure of algorithms that are specifically designed for tracking cell bodies alone. Here, we propose a fast, free, consistent, and unsupervised beta-mixture oligodendrocyte segmentation system (FAST) that is written in open-source software, and can segment and track oligodendrocytes in three-dimensional images over time with minimal human input. We showed that the FAST model can segment and track oligodendrocytes similarly to a blinded human observer. Although FAST was developed to apply to our studies on oligodendrocytes, we anticipate that it can be modified to study four-dimensionalin vivodata of any brain cell with associated complex processes.
Deciphering Compromised Speech-in-Noise Intelligibility in Older Listeners: The Role of Cochlear Synaptopathy
Authors: Garrett Markus , Vasilkov Viacheslav , Mauermann Manfred , Devolder Pauline , Wilson John L. , Gonzales Leslie , Henry Kenneth S. , Verhulst Sarah
Published: January 2025

Speech intelligibility declines with age and sensorineural hearing damage (SNHL). However, it remains unclear whether cochlear synaptopathy (CS), a recently discovered form of SNHL, significantly contributes to this issue. CS refers to damaged auditory-nerve synapses that innervate the inner hair cells and there is currently no go-to diagnostic test available. Furthermore, age-related hearing damage can comprise various aspects (e.g., hair cell damage, CS) that each can play a role in impaired sound perception. To explore the link between cochlear damage and speech intelligibility deficits, this study examines the role of CS for word recognition among older listeners. We first validated an envelope-following response (EFR) marker for CS using a Budgerigar model. We then applied this marker in human experiments, while restricting the speech material’s frequency content to ensure that both the EFR and the behavioral tasks engaged similar cochlear frequency regions. Following this approach, we identified the relative contribution of hearing sensitivity and CS to speech intelligibility in two age-matched (65-year-old) groups with clinically normal (n = 15, 8 females) or impaired audiograms (n = 13, 8 females). Compared to a young normal-hearing control group (n = 13, 7 females), the older groups demonstrated lower EFR responses and impaired speech reception thresholds. We conclude that age-related CS reduces supra-threshold temporal envelope coding with subsequent speech coding deficits in noise that cannot be explained based on hearing sensitivity alone.
Heterogeneity in Category Recognition across the Visual Field
Authors: Shakerian Farideh , Kushki Roxana , Pashkam Maryam Vaziri , Dehaqani Mohammad-Reza A. , Esteky Hossein
Published: January 2025

Visual information emerging from the extrafoveal locations is important for visual search, saccadic eye movement control, and spatial attention allocation. Our everyday sensory experience with visual object categories varies across different parts of the visual field which may result in location-contingent variations in visual object recognition. We used a body, animal body, and chair two-forced choice object category recognition task to investigate this possibility. Animal body and chair images with various levels of visual ambiguity were presented at the fovea and different extrafoveal locations across the vertical and horizontal meridians. We found heterogeneous body and chair category recognition across the visual field. Specifically, while the recognition performance of the body and chair presented at the fovea were similar, it varied across different extrafoveal locations. The largest difference was observed when the body and chair images were presented at the lower-left and upper-right visual fields, respectively. The lower/upper visual field bias of the body/chair recognition was particularly observed in low/high stimulus visual signals. Finally, when subjects’ performances were adjusted for a potential location-contingent decision bias in category recognition by subtracting the category detection in full noise condition, location-dependent category recognition was observed only for the body category. These results suggest heterogeneous body recognition bias across the visual field potentially due to more frequent exposure of the lower visual field to body stimuli.
MicroRNA-155 Inhibition Activates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling to Restore Th17/Treg Cell Balance and Protect against Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Huang Wenli , Hong Quanlong , Wang Huimin , Zhu Zhihua , Gong Shujie
Published: January 2025

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a severe neurological disease associated with Th17/Treg cell imbalance and dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This study investigates whether miR-155 inhibition can activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling, improve Th17/Treg balance, and provide neuroprotection against stroke. We conducted a multilevel experimental design, including high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, in vivo mouse models, and in vitro cell experiments. High-throughput sequencing revealed significant differential gene expression between the miR-155 antagomir–treated and control groups (BioProject: PRJNA1152758). Bioinformatics analysis identified key genes linked to Wnt/β-catenin signaling and Th17/Treg imbalance. In vitro experiments confirmed that miR-155 inhibition activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling and improved Th17/Treg ratios. In vivo studies demonstrated that miR-155 antagomir treatment provided significant neuroprotection against AIS. These findings suggest that targeting miR-155 could be a promising therapeutic strategy for stroke by modulating immune balance and key signaling pathways.
TheC. elegansuv1 Neuroendocrine Cells Provide Mechanosensory Feedback of Vulval Opening
Authors: Yan Lijie , Claman Alexander , Bode Addys , Collins Kevin M.
Published: January 2025

Neuroendocrine cells react to physical, chemical, and synaptic signals originating from tissues and the nervous system, releasing hormones that regulate various body functions beyond the synapse. Neuroendocrine cells are often embedded in complex tissues making direct tests of their activation mechanisms and signaling effects difficult to study. In the nematode wormCaenorhabditis elegans, four uterine-vulval (uv1) neuroendocrine cells sit above the vulval canal next to the egg-laying circuit, releasing tyramine and neuropeptides that feedback to inhibit egg laying. We have previously shown uv1 cells are mechanically deformed during egg laying, driving uv1 Ca2+transients. However, whether egg-laying circuit activity, vulval opening, and/or egg release triggered uv1 Ca2+activity was unclear. Here, we show uv1 responds directly to mechanical activation. Optogenetic vulval muscle stimulation triggers uv1 Ca2+activity following muscle contraction even in sterile animals. Direct mechanical prodding with a glass probe placed against the worm cuticle triggers robust uv1 Ca2+activity similar to that seen during egg laying. Direct mechanical activation of uv1 cells does not require other cells in the egg-laying circuit, synaptic or peptidergic neurotransmission, or transient receptor potential vanilloid and Piezo channels. EGL-19 L-type Ca2+channels, but not P/Q/N-type or ryanodine receptor Ca2+channels, promote uv1 Ca2+activity following mechanical activation. L-type channels also facilitate the coordinated activation of uv1 cells across the vulva, suggesting mechanical stimulation of one uv1 cell cross-activates the other. Our findings show how neuroendocrine cells like uv1 report on the mechanics of tissue deformation and muscle contraction, facilitating feedback to local circuits to coordinate behavior.
Subthalamic Nucleus Deep Brain Stimulation in the Beta Frequency Range Boosts Cortical Beta Oscillations and Slows Down Movement
Authors: Werner Lucy M. , Schnitzler Alfons , Hirschmann Jan
Published: January 2025

Recordings from Parkinson's disease (PD) patients show strong beta-band oscillations (13–35 Hz), which can be modulated by deep brain stimulation (DBS). While high-frequency DBS (>100 Hz) ameliorates motor symptoms and reduces beta activity in the basal ganglia and motor cortex, the effects of low-frequency DBS (<30 Hz) are less clear. Clarifying these effects is relevant for the debate about the role of beta oscillations in motor slowing, which might be causal or epiphenomenal. Here, we investigated how subthalamic nucleus (STN) beta-band DBS affects cortical beta oscillations and motor performance. We recorded the magnetoencephalogram of 14 PD patients (nine males) with DBS implants while on their usual medication. Following a baseline recording (DBS OFF), we applied bipolar DBS at beta frequencies (10, 16, 20, 26, and 30 Hz) via the left electrode in a cyclic fashion, turning stimulation on (5 s) and off (3 s) repeatedly. Cyclic stimulation was applied at rest and during right-hand finger tapping. In the baseline recording, we observed a negative correlation between the strength of hemispheric beta power lateralization and the tap rate. Importantly, beta-band DBS accentuated the lateralization and reduced the tap rate proportionally. The change in lateralization was specific to the alpha/beta range (8–26 Hz), outlasted stimulation, and did not depend on the stimulation frequency, suggesting a remote-induced response rather than entrainment. Our study demonstrates that cortical beta oscillations can be manipulated by STN beta-band DBS. This manipulation has consequences for motor performance, supporting a causal role of beta oscillations.
Foreseeability and Prior Fault: Examining the Assessment Framework for Intoxication, Blame and Criminal Responsibility
Authors: Goldberg Anna Elisabeth
Published: January 2025

Prior fault in cases of intoxication prevents any mental impairments stemming from the intoxication from having exculpatory or mitigatory effects. This article critically examines the pitfalls of using ‘foreseeability’ as a main requirement to establish prior fault in such cases in the Netherlands, with brief comparative references to Polish law. The appropriateness of foreseeability as a criterion strongly depends on the approach taken. When foreseeability is interpreted in an abstract manner, the ability to adequately differentiate between situations of prior fault is greatly reduced. Specifically for intoxication combined with addiction or other mental disorders, this approach to foreseeability may cause over-criminalization. The article provides suggestions for a more appropriate assessment framework, which could include a more concrete foreseeability requirement and a volitional criterion.
Considerations Regarding the Typology of Counter-Detection Measures in the Light of Quantitative Research on Organised Crime Groups that Recruit Football Hooligans
Authors: Chlebowicz Piotr , Safjański Tomasz
Published: January 2025

Through the application of counter-detection activities, football hooligan groups in Poland have created organised crime networks, that are able to identify, locate and neutralise police intelligence activities. In the 20th and 21st centuries, the issue of counter-detection activities undertaken by members of organised crime groups has not been acknowledged by researchers. Therefore, the existing body of work on forensic tactics as a scientific discipline needs to be critically analysed, and new definitions need to be adopted. The scope of the study includes definitions of forms of counter-detection activities (e.g. counter-surveillance or inverse surveillance), as well as the classification and functions of counter-detection activities. The article seeks to establish a framework and define the conceptual grid and key assumptions underlying the concept of counter-detection activities. It is the first desk-research analysis to systematise knowledge on the counter-detection activities of criminal groups. Analysis results are the basis for the creation of a theory of anti-forensics,: its typology is presented with the example of groups of football hooligans. The authors define the concept of counter-detection activities and its purpose, and seek to delineate the basic forms and strategies of counter-detection. The knowledge presented is also referred to as ‘anti-forensics’, which in fact, is a specific area of knowledge on how to prevent the detection of crimes and criminals. This follows directly from the wording of the cardinal rule of all crime-fighting: ‘Think like a criminal’.
The Observance of Human Rights and Freedoms during the Covert Obtaining of Information in Criminal Proceedings
Authors: Babikov Oleksandr , Fedorenko Ihor , Omelchenko Oleksandr , Lyseiuk Andrii , Panova Oksana
Published: January 2025

This article focuses on the analysis of problematic aspects of the system of internal control and judicial review over the protection of human rights and freedoms in the context of covert obtaining of information for the needs of criminal justice. Focusing on control measures and striking a balance between justice and human rights, the article dwells upon the effectiveness of supervision mechanisms and the factors affecting their efficiency. Analysis of legislation and case law of various European countries is therefore carried out to assess the effectiveness of control measures. Various factors that determine the effectiveness of control measures are examined. In addition, ways of solving these issues in the legislation of European countries and other jurisdictions are considered. As a result, the main problems and obstacles in ensuring the rights and freedoms of citizens while secretly obtaining information for criminal justice are identified. Furthermore, the effectiveness of mechanisms of internal control and judicial review in criminal proceedings is evaluated. Finally, a course of actions is suggested to maintain the balance of interests between criminal justice and human rights and freedoms.