bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A National Survey about Online Teaching in Medicine and Dental Medicine in the Universities of Morocco
Authors: I Boujoual , I Benazouz , Wahid OH , A Khalil , M Regragui , KH Elboussiri
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Learning is the process by which we acquire knowledge or expertise. All teaching is done with the objective of transferring factual, conceptual or processual knowledge, acquiring skills, inculcating attitudes or bringing out, appropriating or developing reflexes or routines. Distance learning can be a substitute for face-to-face teaching, a complement or a useful reinforcement to it. Distance learning has emerged as a new teaching method to maintain the continuity of medical education during the closure of educational institutions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore the status of distance learning among medical students during their clinical years and to identify possible challenges, limitations, satisfaction, and prospects for this approach to learning. Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on a questionnaire that was designed and administered to students in their clinical years from public and private medical and dental schools. For this study, the estimated sample size was 1584. Results: A total of 1584 students completed the questionnaire, among them 1407 respondents (88.8%) stated that they had used the educational platform to access their course. Among these students, 55.4% (878) think that access is easy, 35.3% (550) find it quite difficult and 9.3% (149) difficult. 43.2% (685) of the students prefer the face-to-face system, 35.4% prefer the hybrid system. Only 21.4% (339) prefer the distance learning system. The overall satisfaction rate with medical distance education was 18.2%; with 31.4% being somewhat satisfied with distance education during this period of confinement and 5.7% very satisfied. Discussion: Regardless of the reported benefits, medical students prefer the blended or face-to-face approach to teaching because distance learning was a major challenge to acquiring equivalent clinical medical skills. Satisfaction with distance education is strongly related to students' prior experience with distance education as well as instructors' experiences and interactions. Technical and infrastructural resources were reported as a major challenge to implementing distance learning.
Evaluation of a Brief Training of Police Constables in Recognizing Suicidal Behaviour in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Olibamoyo Olushola
Published: January 2024

Background: Given the high frequency with which police officers encounter people challenged by mental health issues, including those at risk for suicide, a well-trained police force has the potential to play an important role in community-based suicide awareness and mental health prevention. Objectives: This paper addresses the need to understand the effects of brief suicide intervention training for police constables on the participant’s knowledge about suicide, self-rated confidence in enquiring about suicidal behaviours, and their attitudes towards suicidal behaviours. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed to examine the changes from pretest to post-tests with participants acting as their controls. Participants included 289 police constables who attended a 90-minute training and completed self-report surveys. The training included both didactic and experiential components. Paired t-test was used to compare means on variables across the pre-training and post-training. The significance level was set at ≤ 0.05. Results: Although the training program was brief, significant improvement in perceived knowledge, t (288) = 3.45, p < .001; self-confidence to prevent suicide, t (288) = 3.5, p < .001, and attitudes toward suicidal patients were observed immediately after training t (288) = 4.6, p < .001. Conclusion: The role of police officers as gatekeepers in suicide prevention is essential and often underestimated. A competent appearance and knowledge of suicidality can promote adequate interaction with those affected.
Chlorpromazine-Induced Priapism in A 22-Year-Old Undergraduate Managed Conservatively in A Psychiatric Setting
Authors: Uche Nwaopara , E Watson-Aputu , Beatrice Nwaopara
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Priapism which is a urological emergency caused by the use of antipsychotic drugs like Chlorpromazine, can occur at all ages, from newborn to the elderly, irrespective of dose, route of administration, intake duration, the etiology, and prior history of penile erections. Case Presentation: A 22-year-old Nigerian undergraduate, in one of the Universities in the South East, was referred on account of the use of cannabis, alcohol, and codeine, with an associated history of abnormal behavior, low mood, weepy spells, guilt feelings, and poor sleep. A diagnosis of Mental and Behavioral Disorder secondary to Polysubstance Dependence (Cannabis, Alcohol, Shisha, Codeine, Crack) with co-morbid Severe Depression with Suicidal ideations, was made. Investigations done included Complete blood count, Malarial parasite test and Widal test, Serum Electrolyte, Urea and Creatinine, Retroviral screening, and HBsAg. The patient after the first dose of Intramuscular Chlorpromazine developed a painful penile erection (Priapism), which changed the clinical picture. A referral made to a Urologist was declined, as he was recommending that the patient be referred, which was not possible in the immediate term. Ice packs were administered in the region of the penis, that there was reversal of the painful engorgement of the penis. The time between the onset of the side effect and resolution of the engorgement was 3 hours, which was within the golden hours allowed in order to avoid complications. Conclusion: This possibility of priapism due to antipsychotic use, and lessons from its conservative management, makes it imperative that physicians and patients, must be alert and knowledgeable about this life-threatening adverse drug reaction and this awareness would help in reducing priapism-related adverse sequelae.
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMPATIBILITY OF MEDICATION PRESCRIBING WITH THE NATIONAL FORMULARIUM IN BPJS PATIENTS IN THE OUTPATIENT POLICY OF INTERNAL MEDICINE AT EMC TANGERANG HOSPITAL FOR THE PERIOD OF JANUARY – MARCH 2023
Authors: Rahajeng Sunny Koswara
Published: January 2024

The Hospital Formulary is a list of drugs agreed upon by medical staff compiled by the Pharmacy and TherapyCommittee/Team determined by the Hospital Management. The Hospital Formulary is prepared referring to the NationalFormulary and must be available to all prescribers, drug dispensers and drug providers in hospitals. The aim of this researchis to determine the appropriateness of drug prescribing according to the National Formulary for BPJS patients in the internalmedicine clinic at EMC Hospital Tangerang City for the period January – March 2023. The type of research is nonexperimental research with a descriptive approach, data collection was carried out retrospectively. Based on the results ofthe research, the description of the suitability of drug prescribing with the National Formulary in BPJS outpatient polyinternal medicine patients at EMC Hospital Tangerang City for the period January – March 2023 can be concluded basedon the characteristics of the gender and age categories of BPJS outpatient poly internal medicine patients, gender is themost the highest, namely female gender, 88 patients (55%) and the highest age, namely early adulthood (26–35 years) asmany as 50 patients (31%), based on conformity between prescription writing and the National Formulary in BPJS internalmedicine patients The highest number was in February with 24 recipes (40%).
Cochlear implant positioning and fixation
Authors:   , Markodimitraki Laura Maria
Published: January 2024

Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions worldwide. Almost half a billion people globally suffer from disabling hearing loss, and this number is expected to increase in the coming years. Hearing aids are often helpful, but in cases of severe hearing loss, a cochlear implant (CI) may be considered. The CI takes over the function of damaged nerve cells by converting sound into electrical signals. The surgery required to place the CI, known as cochlear implantation, is a safe procedure with few complications. The surgical techniques used to secure the implant under the skin and in the cochlea vary between centers and CI surgeons. Increasingly, operators are using minimally invasive surgery, although there is no consensus among CI surgeons regarding the safety of these newer techniques. Despite the many advantages of minimally invasive techniques, there seems to be insufficient scientific evidence to safely use these methods. Incorrect positioning and inadequate fixation of the CI can lead to implant displacement, also known as migration. In this thesis, we have investigated the surgical techniques used during cochlear implantation to secure the CI, with a specific focus on complications related to drilling a bony recess and implant migration under the skin. We have developed new methods to position the implant, utilizing 3-D software and 3-D printing. Finally, we have attempted to develop objective means to determine CI migration and to map the impact of wearing a CI on patients.
An Oral History of the BUMIDOM
Authors: Wimbush Antonia
Published: January 2024

This article draws on interviews with people who migrated from the French Caribbean and Réunion in the 1960s to 1980s to offer an oral history of the BUMIDOM. The BUMIDOM (Bureau pour le développement des migrations dans les départements d’outre-mer) operated as a labour recruitment agency from 1963 to 1982, bringing some 160,000 workers from Martinique, Guadeloupe, Réunion and French Guiana to mainland France to work in transportation, health care and domestic service. The interviews provide a more nuanced portrayal of migration than the one often put forward in cultural representations of the Bureau. They reveal that the work offered to BUMIDOM participants was often based on racialized and gendered stereotypes of Antillean men and women which decreased rather than elevated their social status. For others, however, migration through the Bureau did improve their standard of living, enabling them to establish a career and provide for their families.
Croient or Croivent: French Language Commentary on Twitter
Authors: Humphries Emma
Published: January 2024

This article explores online language commentary in the French language on Twitter. The internet has provided a much wider opportunity for all French-speakers, from ‘experts’ to laypeople, to discuss and criticize the language use of others. Furthermore, whilst lay language commentary has presumably long taken place in spoken language, the internet gives us previously unprecedented access to the attitudes of a broader spectrum of society. This article analyses a corpus of French-language tweets which contain one of two non-standard conjugations: croivent ( ils/elles croient) and voyent ( ils/elles voient). The discussion focuses specifically on those tweets that comment on another person's use of non-standard language, examining the recurring tropes and imagery used. These demonstrate how online language commentary connects to a long tradition of printed language commentary in France, which dates back to, at least, the sixteenth century.
Why Can Modulation of α6-Containing GABAA Receptors Reduce the Symptoms of Multiple Neuropsychiatric Disorders?
Authors: Sieghart Werner
Published: January 2024

α6-containing GABAA receptors (α6GABAARs) are strongly expressed in cerebellar granule cells, where they mediate a correctly timed and precise coordination of all muscle groups that execute behavior and protect the brain from information overflow. Recently, it was demonstrated that positive modulators with a high selectivity for α6GABAARs (α6-modulators) can reduce the symptoms of multiple neuropsychiatric disorders in respective animal models to an extent comparable with established clinical therapeutics. Here, these incredible findings are discussed and explained. So far, the beneficial actions of α6-modulators and their lack of side effects have only been demonstrated in animal models of the respective disorders. Preclinical studies have demonstrated their suitability for further drug development. Future human studies have to investigate their safety and possible side effects, and to clarify to which extent individual symptoms of the respective disorders can be reduced by α6-modulators in patients during acute and chronic dosing. Due to their broad therapeutic potential, α6-modulators might become a valuable new treatment option for multiple neuropsychiatric disorders.
LOS MODELOS EUROPEOS DE TRANSFERENCIA DE TECNOLOGÍA UNIVERSIDAD-EMPRESA
Authors: Aceytuno María-Teresa , Cáceres F. Rafael
Published: January 2024

El enfoque basado en los sistemas de innovación enfatiza la idea de interdependencia entre los distintos elementos que contribuyen a la generación de innovaciones. Entre esos elementos, las empresas, es decir, el subsistema empresarial tiene un interés especial para el análisis en tanto que en él se re?ejan las relaciones entre las empresas, que son las que ?nalmente  introducen las innovaciones, y el resto de los agentes del sistema. En este trabajo se persigue analizar las diferencias entre los subsistemas empresariales presentes en dos modelos distintos de innovación o transferencia de tecnología, el centroeuropeo y el mediterráneo. Para ello se cuenta con datos de la encuesta Community Innovation Survey 4 (CIS 4). Los resultados del análisis empírico muestran que, efectivamente, el subsistema empresarial en cada uno de esos modelos de transferencia tecnológica o innovación presenta notable diferencias en lo que se re?ere a las relaciones de las empresas con otros agentes de dichos sistemas.
British and Spanish Entrepreneurial Intentions: A Comparative Study
Authors: Liñán Francisco , Nabi Ghulam , Krueger Norris
Published: January 2024

Extending from Ajzen’s (1991) theory of planned behaviour, this paper develops a more integrated entrepreneurial intention model. This incorporates the role of culture, along with motivations, skills and knowledge of the entrepreneurial environment. The cross-cultural applicability of the model is tested across two different countries, Great Britain and Spain, on a total sample of 1005. Partial Least Squares technique is used to try and overcome limitations of previous research. The model broadly holds for both countries. Implications for public decision makers and entrepreneurship education are discussed. In particular, enhancing the level of knowledge and awareness about entrepreneurship would increase self-efficacy perceptions and, hence, entrepreneurial intentions.
Indigenous technical knowledge used in dairying by pastoralists of Jammuand Kashmir
Authors: Rani Kavita , Tak Ata-Ul-Munim
Published: January 2024

The study was carried out in current Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (erstwhile state of Jammu & Kashmir). Two districts, namely Rajouri & Poonch from Jammu division were selected purposively because of being the districts of highest Gujjar (transhumants primarily rearing cattle and buffaloes)population; whereas, two districts, namely Anantnag & Baramullafrom Kashmir division were selected purposively because of beingthe districts of highest Bakarwal (transhumants primarilyrearing sheep and goats) population. Sixty respondents (Gujjars)from migratory tracts of district Rajouri & Poonch from Jammudivision were selected randomly and sixty respondents(Bakarwal) from migratory tract of districts Anantnag &Baramulla from Kashmir division were selected randomly comprising a total of 120 respondents. Those pastoralists who were rearing at least 10 milch animals were selected for the study. Focus group discussion method was used for collection of data related to Indigenous Technical Knowledges (ITKs). The discussion revealed that the respondents were using ITKs primarily in breeding, feeding and health-care management practices. With regard to the induction of heat, thirty per cent of the respondents used chapatti of a mixture of Gur and ghee inthe ratio of 2:1 in wheat flour and fed to animal once a day toinduce heat. For retention of placenta, 34.17 per cent of therespondents fed extract obtained from tea leaves (Camelliasinensis) on boiling after sieving to animals. As far as ITKsregarding feeding practices are concerned 40.83 per cent of therespondents fed boiled Ber leaves (Ziziphus mauritiana) onceaday to increase milk production. The study reveals that 42.50 percent of respondents fed10-12 leaves of Katori(Xylosonalongifolium) plant to animals having diarrhoea and15.83 per cent fed fruits of bel (Aegle marmelos) to animals having diarrhoea.
Preparation of Basundi using Ashwagandha for value addition
Authors: Modi Lalita , Pinto Suneeta V , Prajapati PS , Suvera Priyanka A
Published: January 2024

The objective of the present study was to develop an acceptable quality Basundi incorporated with Ashwagandha powder. Four batches of Basundi were prepared using three different levels of Ashwagandha powder viz. 0 (P1), 0.20 (P2),0.25 (P3) and 0.30 (P4) % (w/w of milk). Addition of ashwagandha powder up to 0.25% i.e. P3 was found to be acceptable. In order to evaluate the effect of level of sucrose on its acceptability, P3Basundi was incorporated with three level of sugar viz. 5, 6 and7 % (w/w of milk) and it was found that Basundi prepared using6 % sugar was most acceptable. Cardamom was found most suitable background flavour on basis of sensory score among three different flavors viz. cardamom, saffron and nutmeg when added at the rate of 0.25 % w/w of Basundi. Based on the results obtained in this study a method for preparing Basundi using Ashwagandha powder was developed. The standardized method involved use of mixed milk (fat: SNF ratio of 0.5), addition of 0.25% Ashwagandha powder and 6 % sugar (w/w of milk) and using cardamom flavour @ 0.02% w/w of Basundi. The total score of the developed product was 90.13 indicating that the product could be graded as excellent quality based on the 100 point scorecard suggest by BIS for sensory evaluation of milk.
Contribuições da pesquisa (auto) biográfica para a elaboração de projetos de vida de alunos do Ensino Médio
Authors: Furlanetto Ecleide Cunico , Pio Priscila Lima , Nunes Cristiane Nobre
Published: January 2024

Este artigo apresenta o resultado de uma pesquisa cujo objetivo principal foi dialogar com os princípios da pesquisa (auto)biográfica, de modo a investigar as contribuições das narrativas para desencadear a elaboração de projetos de vida de alunos do Ensino Médio. Discute-se primeiramente a Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC) com foco no Ensino Médio, que inclui o projeto de vida como eixo central da organização escolar. Na sequência, dialoga-se com autores que abordam a temática na perspectiva das narrativas biográficas e, com base nesse diálogo, elabora-se um protocolo de pesquisa. Por fim, realiza-se a análise da narrativa de uma das participantes, convidando a refletir sobre o desenvolvimento dessa proposta. Os dados permitiram observar que o roteiro proposto estimulou a participante a narrar sua trajetória, o que resultou em um processo de auto-organização biográfica que permitiu ir além dos acontecimentos vividos em busca de sentidos para sua vida futura.
A formação inicial de professores de Geografia: entre memórias escolares e experiências docentes
Authors: Carlos Lígia Cardoso , Ruzicki Karen Duarte
Published: January 2024

O artigo aborda a licenciatura em Geografia e, nela, busca compreender o papel das memórias das experiências escolares e o diálogo com docentes da educação básica na formação inicial. Utiliza registros de uma disciplina do curso e o grupo focal como estratégia de geração dos dados. A análise identifica a necessidade de ampliação de oportunidades de aproximação entre teoria e prática da/na profissão. Também revela incertezas em relação às aprendizagens acadêmicas como capazes de dar conta dos desafios da profissão. Outro aspecto, vivências com a Geografia escolar e influências na formação inicial, indicou que o diálogo entre estudantes e docentes da escola básica é promotor de aprendizagens, porém, não há necessariamente um entendimento de que esses sujeitos são colaboradores da formação. A investigação indica que as experiências da vida escolar dos graduandos influenciaram em suas escolhas pela docência e o tipo de formação inicial vivenciada interfere em suas expectativas profissionais.
O estágio supervisionado a partir da abordagem autobiográfica: um estudo com histórias de vida de professores e a formação docente
Authors: Gomes Daniel Mendes
Published: January 2024

Este artigo apresenta algumas contribuições da abordagem autobiográfica para a formação inicial de professores. A experiência aqui contatada é a da elaboração e execução da disciplina Estágio Supervisionado I da primeira turma do curso de Licenciatura em Ciências Humanas da Universidade Federal do ABC. Partindo de uma metodologia centrada na vida de professores, os estagiários entraram nas escolas de educação básica com o propósito de entender por que os professores ensinam o que ensinam. Essa experiência foi baseada, sobretudo, nos estudos de Goodson (2020), Bueno, Catani e Sousa (1998) e Nóvoa (1995). O artigo discute como a abordagem das histórias de vida contribuiu para a formação docente e para um melhor conhecimento do cotidiano escolar, principalmente, da prática do professor. A abordagem autobiográfica foi utilizada como caminho metodológico para a realização do estágio supervisionado, entendido como vivência e pesquisa de forma indissociável.
Construção de memória nas narrativas autobiográficas do poeta Antonio Gonçalves Dias
Authors: Fernandes Andréa Camila de Faria
Published: January 2024

O presente trabalho busca refletir sobre a construção identitária do poeta Antonio Gonçalves Dias como um dos ícones da literatura brasileira, entendendo que sua figuração em nosso panteon literário se deu como o resultado de um esforço pessoal seu na elaboração de uma memória que o vinculava diretamente a uma memória nacional, e que foi consolidada depois por seus críticos e biógrafos. No que tange aos registros autobiográficos deixados por Gonçalves Dias, nos concentraremos aqui em algumas de suas cartas, escritas em diferentes momentos de sua vida, e numa nota autobiográfica escrita em 1854, que, embora pareça inacabada e lacunar, é bastante emblemática pela maneira peculiar com que o poeta escolhe relacionar o seu nascimento ao da pátria.
Probing the enzymatic activity and maturation process of the EcAIII Ntn-amidohydrolase using local random mutagenesis
Authors: Loch Joanna I. , Ściuk Anna , Kilichowska Marta , Pieróg Izabela , Łukaszczyk Weronika , Zimowska Katarzyna , Jaskolski Mariusz
Published: January 2024

This report describes a comprehensive approach to local random mutagenesis of the E. coli Ntn-amidohydrolase EcAIII, and supplements the results published earlier for the randomization series RDM1. Here, random mutagenesis was applied in the center of the EcAIII molecule, i.e., in the region important for substrate binding and its immediate neighborhood (series RDM2, RDM3, RDM7), in the vicinity of the catalytic threonine triplet (series RDM4, RDM5, RDM6), in the linker region (series RDM8), and in the sodium-binding (stabilization) loop (series RDM9). The results revealed that the majority of the new EcAIII variants have abolished or significantly reduced rate of autoprocessing, even if the mutation was not in a highly conserved sequence and structure regions. AlphaFold-predicted structures of the mutants suggest the role of selected residues in the positioning of the linker and stabilization of the scissile bond in precisely correct orientation, enabling the nucleophilic attack during the maturation process. The presented data highlight the details of EcAIII geometry that are important for the autoproteolytic maturation and for the catalytic mechanism in general, and can be treated as a guide for protein engineering experiments with other Ntn-hydrolases.
ROS-dependent catalytic mechanism of melatonin metabolism and its application in the measurement of reactive oxygen
Authors: Tian Xiangge , Kang Xiaohui , Yan Fei , Feng Lei , Huo Xiaokui , Zhang Houli , Wang Yan , Lv Xia , Ma Xiaochi , Yuan Jinsong , Peng Jiao , Dai Li
Published: January 2024

Melatonin (Mel) is an endogenous active molecule whose metabolism progress significantly influences its bioactivity. However, the detailed metabolic pathway of Mel in the pathological state has not yet been fully illustrated. In this study, 16 metabolites of Mel in cancer cells and human liver microsomes were identified, of which seven novel metabolites were newly discovered. Among them, 2-hydroxymelatonin (2-O-Mel), as the major metabolite in cancer cells, was revealed for the first time, which was different from the metabolite found in the human liver. Furthermore, CYP1A1/1A2- and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated 2-hydroxylation reactions of Mel were verified to be the two metabolic pathways in the liver and cancer cells, respectively. ROS-dependent formation of 2-O-Mel was the major pathway in cancer cells. Furthermore, the underlying catalytic mechanism of Mel to 2-O-Mel in the presence of ROS was fully elucidated using computational chemistry analysis. Therefore, the generation of 2-O-Mel from Mel could serve as another index for the endogenous reactive oxygen level. Finally, based on the ROS-dependent production of 2-O-Mel, Mel was successfully used for detecting the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin in human blood. Our investigation further enriched the metabolic pathway of Mel, especially for the ROS-dependent formation of 2-O-Mel that serves as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for the rational use of Mel in clinics.
Target, tool, tenure and timing: the four T’s limiting the impact of traditional hunting in Indonesian Papua
Authors: Pattiselanno Freddy , Ziembicki Mark , Nasi Robert , Krockenberger Andrew
Published: January 2024

Subsistence hunting has sustained human populations in New Guinea for millennia, without seriously affecting the highest levels of biodiversity on Earth. Recent changes to hunting practices, demographic, social and economic context and the introduction of large exotic species has significantly altered the dynamic of hunting and its potential effects in north-west New Guinea. In this paper we examine contemporary hunting practices of six ethnic groups from highland to coastal sites throughout Papua and West Papua provinces of Indonesia. Semi-structured interviews were used to examine hunting practices as well as customary rules and attitudes associated with hunting in the region and how they have changed in living memory. Each group indicated traditional restrictions on at least one of target, tool, timing or tenure, albeit in varied ways. Six different hunting tools were used and each hunter typically combined several tools while hunting. Religious and cultural factors deeply influenced hunting practices among the communities. We discuss the implications of these findings and conclude with recommendations to integrate local, village level governance and customary practices with regional and national law for more effective conservation and management of wildlife in the region while simultaneously respecting cultural heritage and local ecological knowledge.
Current knowledge of morbidities and direct costs related to diabetic foot disorders: a literature review
Authors: Waibel Felix W. A. , Uçkay Ilker , Soldevila-Boixader Laura , Sydler Christina , Gariani Karim
Published: January 2024

Diabetes is a chronic disease associated with numerous complications including diabetic foot disorders, which are associated with significant morbidity and mortality as well as high costs. The costs associated with diabetic foot disorders comprise those linked to care (direct) and loss of productivity and poor quality of life (indirect). Due to the constant increase in diabetes prevalence, it is expected that diabetic foot disorder will require more resources, both in terms of caregivers and economically. We reviewed findings on management, morbidity, mortality, and costs related to diabetic foot disorder.
Epigenetic mechanisms of particulate matter exposure: air pollution and hazards on human health
Authors: Gavito-Covarrubias Dulcemaría , Ramírez-Díaz Ivonne , Guzmán-Linares Josué , Limón Ilhuicamina Daniel , Manuel-Sánchez Dulce María , Molina-Herrera Alejandro , Coral-García Miguel Ángel , Anastasio Estela , Anaya-Hernández Arely , López-Salazar Primavera , Juárez-Díaz Gabriel , Martínez-Juárez Javier , Torres-Jácome Julián , Albarado-Ibáñez Alondra , Martínez-Laguna Ygnacio , Morán Carolina , Rubio Karla
Published: January 2024

Environmental pollution nowadays has not only a direct correlation with human health changes but a direct social impact. Epidemiological studies have evidenced the increased damage to human health on a daily basis because of damage to the ecological niche. Rapid urban growth and industrialized societies importantly compromise air quality, which can be assessed by a notable accumulation of air pollutants in both the gas and the particle phases. Of them, particulate matter (PM) represents a highly complex mixture of organic and inorganic compounds of the most variable size, composition, and origin. PM being one of the most complex environmental pollutants, its accumulation also varies in a temporal and spatial manner, which challenges current analytical techniques used to investigate PM interactions. Nevertheless, the characterization of the chemical composition of PM is a reliable indicator of the composition of the atmosphere, the quality of breathed air in urbanized societies, industrial zones and consequently gives support for pertinent measures to avoid serious health damage. Epigenomic damage is one of the most promising biological mechanisms of air pollution-derived carcinogenesis. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the implication of PM exposure in diverse molecular mechanisms driving human diseases by altered epigenetic regulation. The presented findings in the context of pan-organic cancer, fibrosis, neurodegeneration and metabolic diseases may provide valuable insights into the toxicity effects of PM components at the epigenomic level and may serve as biomarkers of early detection for novel targeted therapies.
Perceptions of health: (dis)integration and (mis)integration of refugees in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Boeyink Clayton , Metobo Brenda , Wanga Myriam , Mastaki Pascal , Atambo Lydia
Published: January 2024

This article utilizes 40 in-depth interviews of healthcare workers (HCWs) including Kenyan nurses, medical doctors, psychologists, pharmacists, refugee NGO officers, and others based in Nairobi who come in professional contact with Congolese and Somali refugees on a regular basis. They were asked to describe barriers to healthcare, care seeking behaviors, and pathways to care that refugees experience. These responses are juxtaposed with 60 life-history interviews, exploring the same topics with Congolese and Somali refugees living in Kawangware and Eastleigh estates. In short, this article argues that refugees and HCWs have a shared understanding of the barriers to healthcare for displaced people, such as poverty, refugee documentation issues, and inadequacy of Nairobi’s healthcare system for marginalized populations. However, there is a significant disconnect in perspectives for how healthcare integration should take place regarding major causes of ill health, such as malnutrition and poor hygiene. Refugees understand oppression as a primary structural determinant of health, whereas many HCWs take an individualized view, advocating for modifications of knowledge and behaviors of refugees rather than adjusting structural issues. This is reflective of larger processes, whereby refugees are actively “(dis)integrated” by state and society and are observed by many Kenyans as “(mis)integrating,” or integrating “wrongly” or “badly,” which has major implications for how to shape possible policy interventions.
Integration of multi-omics and clinical treatment data reveals bladder cancer therapeutic vulnerability gene combinations and prognostic risks
Authors: Xu Yan , Sun Xiaoyu , Liu Guangxu , Li Hongze , Yu Meng , Zhu Yuyan
Published: January 2024

Background

Bladder cancer (BCa) is a common malignancy of the urinary tract. Due to the high heterogeneity of BCa, patients have poor prognosis and treatment outcomes. Immunotherapy has changed the clinical treatment landscape for many advanced malignancies, opening new avenues for the precise treatment of malignancies. However, effective predictors and models to guide clinical treatment and predict immunotherapeutic outcomes are still lacking.

Methods

We downloaded BCa sample data from The Cancer Genome Atlas to identify anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy-related genes through an immunotherapy dataset and used machine learning algorithms to build a new PD-L1 multidimensional regulatory index (PMRI) based on these genes. PMRI-related column-line graphs were constructed to provide quantitative tools for clinical practice. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, tumor immune microenvironment, chemotherapy response, and immunotherapy response of patients based on PMRI system. Further, we performed function validation of classical PMRI genes and their correlation with PD-L1 in BCa cells and screening of potential small-molecule drugs targeting PMRI core target proteins through molecular docking.

Results

PMRI, which consists of four anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy-associated genes (IGF2BP3, P4HB, RAC3, and CLK2), is a reliable predictor of survival in patients with BCa and has been validated using multiple external datasets. We found higher levels of immune cell infiltration and better responses to immunotherapy and cisplatin chemotherapy in the high PMRI group than in the low PMRI group, which can also be used to predict immune efficacy in a variety of solid tumors other than BCa. Knockdown of IGF2BP3 inhibited BCa cell proliferation and migration, and IGF2BP3 was positively correlated with PD-L1 expression. We performed molecular docking prediction for each of the core proteins comprising PMRI and identified 16 small-molecule drugs with the highest affinity to the target proteins.

Conclusions

Our PD-L1 multidimensional expression regulation model based on anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy-related genes can accurately assess the prognosis of patients with BCa and identify patient populations that will benefit from immunotherapy, providing a new tool for the clinical management of intermediate and advanced BCa.
Prognostic biomarker DARS2 correlated with immune infiltrates in bladder tumor
Authors: Yang Hailang , Ma Li , Deng Wen , Fu Bin , Nie Jianqiang , Liu Xiaoqiang
Published: January 2024

Background

DARS2 is a pivotal member of the Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases family that is critical for regulating protein translation. However, the biological role of DARS2 in bladder cancer remains elusive.

Methods

We analyzed the correlation between DARS2 expression and prognosis, tumor stage, and immune infiltration in bladder cancer using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We validated findings in clinical samples from The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University and explored the biological functions of DARS2 using cell and animal models.

Results

We found DARS2 to be upregulated in bladder cancer, associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis. Immune infiltration analysis suggested that DARS2 may facilitate immune evasion by modulating PD-L1. Cell and animal experiments validated that DARS2 knockdown and overexpress can inhibit or increase cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, tumorigenesis, immune escape, and PD-L1 levels.

Conclusions

Our study reveals DARS2 as a potential prognostic biomarker and immunotherapy target in BLCA.
Diverse drug delivery systems for the enhancement of cancer immunotherapy: an overview
Authors: Liu Xu , Cheng Yang , Mu Yao , Zhang Zhaohan , Tian Dan , Liu Yunpeng , Hu Xuejun , Wen Ti
Published: January 2024

Despite the clear benefits demonstrated by immunotherapy, there is still an inevitable off-target effect resulting in serious adverse immune reactions. In recent years, the research and development of Drug Delivery System (DDS) has received increased prominence. In decades of development, DDS has demonstrated the ability to deliver drugs in a precisely targeted manner to mitigate side effects and has the advantages of flexible control of drug release, improved pharmacokinetics, and drug distribution. Therefore, we consider that combining cancer immunotherapy with DDS can enhance the anti-tumor ability. In this paper, we provide an overview of the latest drug delivery strategies in cancer immunotherapy and briefly introduce the characteristics of DDS based on nano-carriers (liposomes, polymer nano-micelles, mesoporous silica, extracellular vesicles, etc.) and coupling technology (ADCs, PDCs and targeted protein degradation). Our aim is to show readers a variety of drug delivery platforms under different immune mechanisms, and analyze their advantages and limitations, to provide more superior and accurate targeting strategies for cancer immunotherapy.
Creeping flashover test methods, characteristics, and mechanisms of oil-paper insulation structures of power transformers
Authors: Bao Yanyan , Wang Feng , Liu Kang , Tao Bo
Published: January 2024

Power transformers are critical equipment responsible for the transmission and transformation of electrical energy, and they are an important component of power system. Under the combined effects of electric field, thermal field, and mechanical stress, insulation degradation is prone to occur in oil-paper insulation structures. Among them, the “liquid-solid” interface formed by oil and oil-immersed pressboard is the weak point in transformer insulation, and extensive operational experience has shown that creeping flashover of insulating pressboard is a common fault in power transformers. Creeping flashover of insulating pressboard can rapidly destroy the insulation structure, leading to irreversible damage to the transformer and posing a serious risk of transformer accidents. In recent years, many scholars have conducted in-depth research on the characteristics and mechanisms of creeping flashover in oil-paper insulation structures using various experimental methods. They have obtained significant findings that have important theoretical and practical implications for optimizing the structure of power transformers and improving their reliability. This paper first introduces the characteristics of the electromagnetic environment inside the power transformer and the common forms of creeping flashover accidents in engineering. Then, classified according to the uneven degree of electric field and creepage distance of test electrodes used in relevant research, and the test methods and flashover characteristics of small size (<5 cm) and large size insulating pressboard under extremely uneven and slightly uneven electric fields are introduced respectively. Secondly, the existing breakdown model and mechanism theory of oil-paper insulation structure creeping flashover are summarized. Finally, the limitations of the existing creeping flashover test method of insulating pressboard are analysed, and the key issues to be solved are condensed. This review aims to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the test methods, characteristics, and mechanisms of insulating pressboard creeping flashover.
Random forest can accurately predict the technique failure of peritoneal dialysis associated peritonitis patients
Authors: Zang Zhiyun , Xu Qijiang , Zhou Xueli , Ma Niya , Pu Li , Tang Yi , Li Zi
Published: January 2024

Instructions

Peritoneal dialysis associated peritonitis (PDAP) is a major cause of technique failure in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. The purpose of this study is to construct risk prediction models by multiple machine learning (ML) algorithms and select the best one to predict technique failure in PDAP patients accurately.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included maintenance PD patients in our center from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2021. The risk prediction models for technique failure were constructed based on five ML algorithms: random forest (RF), the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), decision tree, k nearest neighbor (KNN), and logistic regression (LR). The internal validation was conducted in the test cohort.

Results

Five hundred and eight episodes of peritonitis were included in this study. The technique failure accounted for 26.38%, and the mortality rate was 4.53%. There were resignificant statistical differences between technique failure group and technique survival group in multiple baseline characteristics. The RF prediction model is the best able to predict the technique failure in PDAP patients, with the accuracy of 93.70% and area under curve (AUC) of 0.916. The sensitivity and specificity of this model was 96.67 and 86.49%, respectively.

Conclusion

RF prediction model could accurately predict the technique failure of PDAP patients, which demonstrated excellent predictive performance and may assist in clinical decision making.
Change of glucometabolic activity per PSMA expression predicts survival in mCRPC patients non-responding to PSMA radioligand therapy: introducing a novel dual imaging biomarker
Authors: Burgard Caroline , Engler Jakob , Blickle Arne , Bartholomä Mark , Maus Stephan , Schaefer-Schuler Andrea , Khreish Fadi , Ezziddin Samer , Rosar Florian
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The value of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) PET/CT in monitoring prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) targeted radioligand therapy (RLT) is still unclear. The aim of this study was to identify appropriate prognostic dynamic parameters derived from baseline and follow-up [18F]FDG and dual [18F]FDG/[68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT for monitoring early non-responding mCRPC patients undergoing PSMA-RLT.

Methods

Twenty-three mCRPC patients of a prospective registry (NCT04833517), who were treated with [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 RLT and classified as early non-responders were included in this study. All patients received dual PET/CT imaging with [18F]FDG and [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 at baseline and after median two cycles of RLT. We tested potential biomarkers representing the “change of glucometabolic activity (cGA)” and “change of glucometabolic activity in relation to PSMA expression (cGAP)” composed of established parameters on [18F]FDG PET/CT as SUVmax, cumulative SUV of five lesions (SUV5), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) and its corresponding parameters on [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT, respectively, for association with overall survival (OS).

Results

Kaplan–Meier analyses showed no significant association with OS for each tested cGA (cGASUVmaxp = 0.904, cGASUV5, p = 0.747 cGAMTVp = 0.682 and cGATLGp = 0.700), likewise the dual imaging biomarkers cGAPSUVmax (p = 0.136), cGAPSUV5 (p = 0.097), and cGAPTV (p = 0.113) failed significance. In contrast, cGAPTL, which is based on TLG and total lesion PSMA (TLP) showed a significant association with OS (p = 0.004). Low cGAPTL (cut-off 0.7) was associated with significant longer survival (17.6 vs. 12.9 months).

Conclusion

The novel biomarker cGAPTL, which represents the temporal change of whole-body TLG normalized by TLP, predicts overall survival in the challenging cohort of patients non-responding to PSMA-RLT.
Pregnancies through oocyte donation. A mini review of pathways involved in placental dysfunction
Authors: Caradeux Javier , Fernández Benjamín , Ávila Francisco , Valenzuela Andrés , Mondión Mauricio , Figueras Francesc
Published: January 2024

Pregnancies resulting from assisted reproductive techniques (ART) are increasingly prevalent worldwide. While most pregnancies conceived through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) progress without complications, mounting evidence suggests that these pregnancies are at a heightened risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Specifically, IVF pregnancies involving oocyte donation have garnered attention due to numerous reports indicating an elevated risk profile for pregnancy-related complications within this subgroup of patients. The precise mechanisms contributing to this increased risk of complications remain incompletely understood. Nonetheless, it is likely that they are mediated by an abnormal immune response at the fetal–maternal interface. Additionally, these outcomes may be influenced by baseline patient characteristics, such as the etiology of infertility, absence of corpus luteum, and variations in endometrial preparation protocols, among other factors. This review aims to succinctly summarize the most widely accepted mechanisms that potentially contribute to the onset of placental dysfunction in pregnancies conceived through oocyte donation.
Trend of viral load during the first, second, and third wave of COVID-19 in the Indian Himalayan region: an observational study of the Uttarakhand state
Authors: Negi Shailender , Diksha  , Kalita Deepjyoti , Ranakoti Neeraj , Negi Ashish , Kandwal Diksha , Gupta Shailesh Kumar , Mathuria Yogendra Pratap
Published: January 2024

India had faced three waves throughout the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which had already impacted economic lives and affected the healthcare setting and infrastructure. The widespread impacts have inspired researchers to look for clinical indicators of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection prognosis. Cyclic threshold values have been used to correlate the viral load in COVID-19 patients and for viral transmission. In light of this correlation, a retrospective study was conducted to assess the trend of viral load in clinical and demographic profiles across the three waves. Data of a total of 11,125 COVID-19-positive patients were obtained, which had a Ct value of <35. We stratified Ct values as follows: under 25 (high viral load), 25–30 (moderate viral load), and over 30 (low viral load). We found a significantly high proportion of patients with high viral load during the second wave. A significantly high viral load across the symptomatic and vaccinated populations was found in all three waves, whereas a significantly high viral load across age groups was found only in the first wave. With the widespread availability of real-time PCR and the limited use of genomic surveillance, the Ct value and viral load could be a suitable tool for population-level monitoring and forecasting.