bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of melatonin supplementation on sperm quality parameters and expression of antioxidant genes during cold storage of buck semen extenders
Authors: Widyastuti Rini , Prastowo Sigit , Jaswandi Jaswandi , Lubis Alkaustariyah , Setiawan Rangga , Ridlo Muhammad Rosyid , Boediono Arief
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim: Semen storage is an important reproductive method used in artificial livestock breeding. However, oxidative stress during storage reduces the quality of sperm. Melatonin supplementation in semen storage medium has not been well studied, but it has been shown to protect cells from oxidative stress. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of melatonin supplementation on sperm quality parameters and antioxidant gene expression levels in semen extenders during cold storage.

Materials and Methods: Semen extenders with melatonin concentrations of 0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mM were added as treatment. The treated semen was then stored at 5°C for 72 h using a cold storage method, and quality parameters, including percentage of progressive motility, membrane integrity, intact acrosome, and DNA integrity, were measured every 24 h. In addition, messenger ribonucleic acid abundance levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) genes were sampled after 0 and 72 h of cold storage.

Results: All observed sperm quality parameters decreased with increasing cold storage time; however, 0.2 mM melatonin demonstrated superior protection of sperm quality during cold storage. Gene expression analysis showed that GPx levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after 72 h in semen without melatonin but not in the melatonin-treated groups. A similar trend was also observed in SOD, indicating that exogenous antioxidants effectively protected the sperms.

Conclusion: Melatonin supplementation at 0.2 mM in semen extenders during cold storage maintains sperm quality parameters for up to 72 h because melatonin protects sperm from oxidative stress. These findings can be used to improve the semen storage protocol by combining semen extender and antioxidant.

Keywords: antioxidant gene expression, melatonin, semen cold storage, sperm quality.
Segmentação de Mercado em Festivais Turísticos: Perspectivas de Identidade Social e Cultural
Authors: Zucco Fabricia Durieux , Ardigó Carlos Marcelo , Patrício Giovanni Augusto , Reinert Paulo Sérgio , Miranda Cristina Maria Schmitt
Published: April 2024

Os festivais culturais emergiram como catalisadores do turismo, influenciando profundamente a formação e expressão de identidade cultural e social. Este estudo tem o objetivo de identificar e analisar segmentos de visitantes, tendo em vista a valorização da identidade cultural e social durante o Festival Festitália 2023, sediado em Blumenau (SC). Adotando uma abordagem quantitativa, os dados foram coletados por meio de uma pesquisa survey com uma amostra de 471 participantes. Por meio da análise de clusters, foi possível identificar três segmentos de visitantes: “Os Céticos”, que possuem uma perspectiva crítica quanto ao impacto cultural do festival; “Os Otimistas Culturais”, que avaliam o evento positivamente; e “Os Defensores Apaixonados”, que exibem uma apreciação profunda tanto pelo festival quanto pela sua influência na cultura e na sociedade local. As informações reveladas neste estudo oferecem contribuições para os gestores do evento, apoiando decisões relacionadas à avaliação de determinados aspectos do festival. Contudo, vale ressaltar as limitações da pesquisa, dada sua concentração em um evento específico e a natureza exploratória da amostragem.
Development and Validation of the Deenz Suicidal Tendency Scale (DSTS-24) in a College Student Population: A Comprehensive Psychometric Evaluation
Authors: Dar Deen Mohd
Published: April 2024

This study introduces the Deenz Suicidal Tendency Scale (DSTS-24), a meticulously developed instrument designed to assess suicidal tendencies among college students. Through rigorous psychometric evaluation, the DSTS-24 demonstrates excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88) and multidimensionality, with three distinct factors explaining 68% of the total variance. Concurrent validity analysis reveals significant correlations between DSTS-24 scores and established measures of suicidal tendencies (p < 0.001). Despite slightly higher mean scores among male participants, gender differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.324). The DSTS-24 represents a significant advancement in the assessment of suicidal tendencies in college students, offering researchers and practitioners a reliable and valid tool for identifying and addressing mental health concerns in this population.
Rebellious yet apathetic: System justification and learned helplessness in collective action
Authors: Couto Cleno , Pilati Ronaldo
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The decay of democracy has led to a growth in political protests worldwide, but even when people perceive their situation as unfair, some do not act. We propose that system justification and learned helplessness are relevant factors in explaining this. Objective: To test a model of collective action that considers factors of inaction. Method: Through structural equation modelling, we estimated models with data from 961 Brazilians, variables were measured through self-report instruments, such as Collective Action scales, the General System Justification Scale, the Social Justice Perception Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, and the Learned Helplessness Scale. Results: The models had a good fit and supported the derogation effect of system justification on collective action, but only partially corroborated the predicted association between learned helplessness and collective action. In the Multigroup Model, we found that people who hold weaker political motivations are more prone to inaction through learned helplessness. Discussion: Our findings point to the risk of relative deprivation in generating learned helplessness, which may contribute to inaction and social isolation.
Landslides in Tijuana, Mexico: hazard assessment in an urban neighborhood
Authors: Oliva González Aldo Onel , Gallardo Amaya Romel Jesús , Angarita Uscátegui Pedro Nel
Published: April 2024

Context: The landslides in Tijuana, Mexico, destroy a large number of structures and infrastructures each year, producing large losses in various sectors of the economy.
Method: In this study, we carry out a quantitative assessment of the landslides hazard in a neighborhood of the city that was affected by a landslide in 2010 and shows signs of terrain instability that warn about the possibility of new landslides. The hazard was calculated using the spatial probability, based on the susceptibility of the terrain to landslides, and the temporal probability using a database of events that occurred at sites near the study area. We apply deterministic methods based on the analysis of slope stability to calculate susceptibility, and we estimate the temporal probability using probability models that consider the occurrence of independent random events.
Results: it was obtained that more than 50% of the study area presents a high landslides hazard of for return periods of 5, 10, 15 and 20 years, and it is demonstrated that the seismicity, topography and geotechnical properties of the soils, they are the factors with the greatest influence on terrain instability. In addition, it was determined that the areas of potential landslides are in soils whose resistance has been reduced due to the presence of underground flows produced by the infiltration of water through existing cracks and fractures in the terrain.
Conclusions: the application of the described procedure made it possible to quantify the landslides hazard in the Laderas de Monterrey neighborhood for four return periods and to identify the factors with the greatest influence on the occurrence of these phenomena. The results obtained are an important step to analyze and evaluate the risk that landslides represent for structures, infrastructures, and people exposed to the impact of these phenomena; and they are a valuable tool for decision-making related to risk management and the establishment of regulations on land use in the area.
Modelamiento de los niveles de contaminación en un tramo del río Sogamoso, mediante el acoplamiento de los métodos Lattice-Boltzmann y diferencias finitas
Authors: Duitama Leal Alejandro , Mendoza Celedón Valentina , Montes Vides Luis Alfredo , Gil Gómez Javier Hernán , Esquivel Rodrigo Elías
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: El modelado de flujos y contaminantes enfrenta grandes desafíos que van desde la definición de geometrías complejas hasta la convergencia del algoritmo y la determinación de los parámetros del modelo. El método presentado aquí aborda este problema a través de una aplicación conjunta de los métodos de Lattice-Boltzmann y diferencias finitas. La solución numérica de las ecuaciones de Navier-Stokes y advección-difusión permite simular los niveles de dispersión de la contaminación espaciotemporal en una fuente hídrica.
Metodología: El método resolvió las ecuaciones de Navier-Stokes a través de la propuesta de Lattice Boltzmann, que proporciona el campo vectorial de velocidades del fluido. La solución de la ecuación de difusión-advección por diferencia finita requiere este campo de velocidad conocido. La solución codificada en C++, primero digitaliza el mapa, etiqueta cada píxel del mapa como fluido o sólido. El código usa la imagen digital para configurar la geometría de la zona de flujo, luego simula la dinámica del fluido y la concentración del contaminante. La comparación entre las soluciones analíticas de modelos ideales advectivo-difusivo, y las obtenidas a través de este método, facilita la medición de la confiabilidad del método; aplicado a una sección del río Sogamoso (Colombia), el algoritmo arrojó la velocidad, la presión y la concentración del agente.
Resultados: Se encontró que el término advectivo predomina en gran parte de cada uno de los tramos del río Sogamoso. Sin embargo, hay una sección en el tramo superior, en donde predomina la componente difusiva. Esto ocurre porque allí la velocidad es muy baja.
Conclusión: Los resultados señalan la confiabilidad, estabilidad y robustez del método para simular fenómenos de advección-difusión en cuerpos con geometrías irregulares.
Relación entre aluminio y la enfermedad de Alzheimer: Revisión
Authors: Gutiérrez-Álzate Katherine , Acevedo-Correa Diofanor , Urzola-Ortega Jefferson Jose , Fuentes-Berrio Lorenzo , Beltrán-Cotta Luis Alfonso
Published: April 2024

Contexto: El Alzheimer es una enfermedad neurodegenerativa que no solo se presenta en población adulta, sino que algunos casos también se han presentado en personas de menor edad. Esto ha llevado a que se realicen investigaciones relacionando la ingesta de aluminio (el cual es considerado un precursor de esta enfermedad) y su fuente de ingesta, que en muchos casos es provenientes del consumo de alimentos.
Objetivo: Establecer mediante una revisión literaria una visión general de la enfermedad de Alzheimer y su relación con el aluminio consumido a través de la ingesta de alimentos.
Metodología: Se realizó una revisión de literatura, usando como herramientas las bases de datos Scopus, Science Direct, SpringerLink, Scielo, ResearchGate, Web of Science e Google schoolar. Además, se contó con información proveniente de sitios web.
Resultados: Se encontraron investigaciones donde se asocia la ingesta de aluminio en diferentes formas con la aparición de Alzheimer. Asimismo, se hallaron estudios en los cuales se demostraron la presencia de residuos de aluminio en distintos alimentos preparados, por la migración directa o indirecta de utensilios, agua o aditivos utilizados en su preparación.
Conclusiones: Se pudo identificar que algunos alimentos pueden ser una alta fuente de ingesta de aluminio debida a la lixiviación, a la absorción directa del suelo o por la adición de este elemento a través de aditivos o colorantes. Esto ha generado conciencia debido a la relación existente entre este metal y la enfermedad de Alzheimer.
Índices de calidad y contaminación del agua: una revisión bibliográfica
Authors: Ariza Restrepo Jaime Luis , Rodríguez Diaz Yim James , Oñate Barraza Hernando Carlos
Published: April 2024

Contexto: las fuentes de agua superficiales son el recurso fundamental en toda actividad o proceso de desarrollo, pues su eje representa un interés de interés. No obstante, las actividades antropogénicas han generado un deterioro de los cuerpos de agua, alterando considerablemente sus propiedades, las características fisicoquímicas y microbiológica, las cuales son los indicadores fundamentales de los niveles de contaminación en la dinámica de los cuerpos hídricos. A nivel individual, estos cuerpos hídricos solo presentan una idea de su concentración en las muestrasanalizadas, por lo que para tener una evaluación de la calidad del lecho se debe integrar estas variables a través de Indicadores de Calidad e Indicadores de contaminación (ICA e ICO) en  sistemas loticos, lenticos y subterráneos.
Metodología: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en la base de datos y plataforma digital sciencedirect, utilizando como criterio de búsqueda la frase “water quality index and pollution index”. Este patrón de búsqueda se aplicó a las palabras claves de los artículos consultados. Se seleccionaron los documentos más relevantes de los últimos 10 años, con los cuales se procedió a realizar la revisión.
Resultados: la forma más común de caracterizar el agua es a través de determinar sus parámetros fisicoquímicos y analizarlos con valores los máximos que son permitidos nacional e internacionalmente. Así pues, los Índices de Calidad del Agua y los Índices de Contaminación se convierten en métodos útiles, pues tienen un uso simple y práctico que ayuda a identificar  problema relacionado con los niveles de concentración que varían en los cuerpos loticos, lenticos y subterráneos. En esta investigación, se presentan los ICA e ICO más usados en la revisión  bibliográfica y se establece que los países donde más investigación se realizaron es China, India, Brasil, Nigeria e Indonesia.
Conclusiones: los índices de calidad del agua y el índice de contaminación se han implementado de manera reiterativa en los últimos años en varios países del mundo con el objetivo de evaluar la calidad de cuerpos de agua tanto superficial (ríos, lagos, mares) como subterráneas. De igual manera, se han desarrollado nuevos índices a partir de algunos ICA existentes.
Kearifan Lokal dalam Kumpulan Kisah Handap Bacina Buta Karya Hatmiati Masy’ud
Authors: Normuliati Sri , Yunus Muhammad
Published: April 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kearifan lokal yang ada dalam kumpulan cerpen Bacina Buta Karya Hatmiati Masy’ud. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan metode deskriptif. Data-data yang dikumpulkan berupa kata-kata, frasa, kalimat, dialog para tokoh dan paragraf yang berhubungan dengan kearifan lokal masyarakat Banjar. Pada proses analisis, data penelitian yang didapatkan akan dideskripsikan secara detail. Setelah proses analisis data, kegiatan terakhir adalah memberikan kesimpulan terhadap hasil penelitian. Berdasarkan penelitian yang telah dilakukan, diperoleh data kearifan masyarakat Banjar dalam cerpen tersebut di antaranya, (1) tradisi membawa nyiru untuk mencari seseorang yang hilang karena disembunyikan oleh makhluk halus, (2) Kearifan lokal berwujud petuah atau pesan yang berupa larangan bagi anak gadis untuk jalan-jalan menjelang senja, (3) tradisi khatam Al-Quran dengan menggunakan payung kembang, (4) Kearifan lokal yang berupa perumpamaan dalam masyarakat Banjar, seperti kalaras karing, asa dikuracak bidawang talung puluh, dan disusuri buncu tapih.
The effect of physical activity on cytokine levels in adults living with type 1 diabetes—a preliminary study
Authors: Kowal Małgorzata , Woźniacka Renata , Ścisłowska‐Czarnecka Anna , Homa Joanna , Głodzik Wojciech
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study is to investigate whether physical activity and the level of body fat are factors reducing the level of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in people with T1DM. Twenty‐five men (27.8 ± 9.4 years old; 178.9 ± 6.9 cm; 80.6 ± 12 kg) and 18 women (28.1 ± 12.5 years old; 162.4 ± 5.5; 63.1 ± 9.9 kg) were divided into four groups based on body fat percentage and level of physical activity (AN—active people with normal body fat; IAN—inactive people with normal body fat; AO—active people with excessive body fat, IAO—inactive people with excessive body fat). The level of cytokines in the blood serum was assessed. The level of IL‐8 was higher (measurable) in inactive men, regardless of adiposity degree and in women, only in the inactive group with normal body fat. IL‐6 was found only in active men with excessive adiposity. In conclusion, the findings from this study allow to indicate that moderate level of physical activity may contribute to a reduction in the development of systemic low‐grade inflammation in patients with T1DM, and thus, may reduce the risk of CVD.
The role of Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) in the genetic susceptibility to non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS)
Authors: Gambino Caterina Maria , Agnello Luisa , Vidali Matteo , Lo Sasso Bruna , Mansueto Pasquale , Seidita Aurelio , Giuliano Alessandra , Scazzone Concetta , Massa Davide , Masucci Anna , Tamburello Martina , Vassallo Roberta , Ciaccio Anna Maria , Candore Giuseppina , Carroccio Antonio , Ciaccio Marcello
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Non-celiac wheat sensitivity (NCWS) is an emerging clinical condition characterized by gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms following the ingestion of gluten-containing foods in patients without celiac disease (CD) or wheat allergy. Despite the great interest for NCWS, the genetic risk factors still need to be fully clarified. In this study, we first assessed the possible contribution of KIR genes and KIR haplotypes on the genetic predisposition to NCWS.

Methods

Fifty patients with NCWS, 50 patients with CD, and 50 healthy controls (HC) were included in this study. KIR genes and KIR genotyping were investigated in all subjects by polymerase chain reaction with the sequence oligonucleotide probe (PCR-SSOP) method using Luminex technology.

Results

We found a statistically different distribution of some KIR genes among NCWS, CD, and HC. Specifically, NCWS showed a decreased frequency of KIR2DL1, −2DL3, −2DL5, −2DS2, −2DS3, −2DS4, −2DS5, and −3DS1 genes, and an increased frequency of -3DL1 gene respect to both CD and HC. No difference was detected in the KIR haplotype expression. At the multivariate analysis, KIR2DL5, −2DS4, and −2DS5 were independent predictors of NCWS.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a role of KIR genes in NCWS susceptibility, with KIR2DL5, −2DS4, and −2DS5 having a protective effect. Further large-scale multicentric studies are required to validate these preliminary findings.
The occurrence mechanism, assessment, and non-pharmacological treatment of dyspnea
Authors: Gao Beiyao , Wang Siyuan , Jiang Shan
Published: April 2024

Dyspnea is a subjective sensation often described as a feeling of respiratory effort, tightness, or air hunger. The underlying mechanisms of this symptom are multifaceted and involve factors such as respiratory centers, cardiovascular system, airways, neuromuscular components, and metabolic factors, although not fully elucidated. The classical theory of imbalance between inspiratory neural drive (IND) and the simultaneous dynamic responses of the respiratory system posits that the disruption of a normal and harmonious relationship fundamentally shapes the expression of respiratory discomfort. Assessment and comprehensive treatment of dyspnea are crucial for patient rehabilitation, including subjective self-reporting and objective clinical measurements. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as pulmonary rehabilitation, fan therapy, exercise, chest wall vibration, virtual reality technology, traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture and acupressure), and yoga, have shown promise in alleviating dyspnea symptoms. Additionally, oxygen therapy, has demonstrated short-term benefits for patients with pre-hospital respiratory distress and hypoxemia. This review provides a comprehensive overview of dyspnea, emphasizing the importance of a multifaceted approach for its assessment and management, with a focus on non-pharmacological interventions that contribute to enhanced patient outcomes and quality of life.
Crystal structure of bis(N,N,N-trimethylbutanaminium) tetrathiotungstate(VI), (BuMe3N)2[WS4]
Authors: Kim Kang-Woo , Yoo Young-Hyun
Published: April 2024

C14H36N2S4W, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 16.175(3) Å, b = 9.7755(15) Å, c = 15.452(3) Å, β = 115.183(7)°, V = 2211.0(7) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt
(F) = 0.0190, wRref
(F
2) = 0.0490, T = 223 K.
Studying nonlinear vibration analysis of nanoelectro-mechanical resonators via analytical computational method
Authors: Ismail Gamal M. , Kamel Alwaleed , Alsarrani Abdulaziz
Published: April 2024

Periodic behaviour analysis of nano/microelectromechanical systems (N/MEMS) is an important area due to its numerous prospective applications in micro instruments. The intriguing and unique qualities of these systems, notably their tiny size, batch manufacturing, low power consumption, and great dependability have piqued the attention of academics and enterprises in using these structures to manufacture various microdevices. This article presents the parameter expansion method (PEM) to obtain the approximate solutions of N/MEMS. The present approach, as well as its speed and simplicity in providing analytical solutions that converge quickly to the exact numerical ones, distinguishes this study. The PEM has the benefit of immediately providing analytical solutions to nonlinear differential equations while avoiding costly calculations. Furthermore, in terms of establishing numerous terms of semi-analytic solutions, this approach is very faster and superior to other established analytical techniques in the literature.
Video interpretation in a medical spine clinic: A descriptive study of a diverse population and intervention
Authors: Schmidt Anne Mette , Clausen Stine Aalkjær , Agerbo Karina , Jørgensen Anette , Appel Charlotte Weiling , Sørensen Vibeke Neergaard
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Back pain is one of the most challenging health conditions to manage. Healthcare providers face additional challenges when managing back pain for patients with culturally diverse backgrounds including addressing linguistic barriers and understanding patients’ cultural beliefs about pain and healthcare. Knowledge about patients with culturally diverse backgrounds experiencing back pain and the interventions available to them is limited. Therefore, this study aims to describe the characteristics of patients with culturally diverse backgrounds experiencing back pain and the video interpretation intervention offered to them and further to explore the clinician’s perspective on this intervention.

Methods

Data were collected from the electronic medical records and the Interpreter Gateway. Four clinicians participated in a group interview, where they described and evaluated the video interpretation intervention in detail inspired by the template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR) checklist and guide.

Results

A total of 119 (68%) patients accepted the intervention (53% women, mean 44 years). These patients represent 24 different languages, with 50% having at least one hospital-registered diagnosis and a mean number of five outpatient contacts, 1 year before receiving the intervention. Fifty-seven patients did not accept the intervention and declined interpretation or opted to use relatives or through video conferencing equipment. The intervention was positively evaluated by the clinicians.

Conclusions

The detailed description of the population and the intervention together with the clinician perspective provides a valuable foundation for developing and refining similar interventions, allocating resources, and designing future research studies. The intervention consisted of a consultation lasting up to 2 h delivered by a rheumatologist and a physiotherapist, with a remote interpreter connected.
Modulation of Neural Spiking in Motor Cortex–Cerebellar Networks during Sleep Spindles
Authors: Fleischer Pierson , Abbasi Aamir , Gulati Tanuj
Published: April 2024

Sleep spindles appear to play an important role in learning new motor skills. Motor skill learning engages several brain regions with two important areas being the motor cortex (M1) and the cerebellum (CB). However, the neurophysiological processes in these areas during sleep, especially how spindle oscillations affect local and cross-region spiking, are not fully understood. We recorded an activity from the M1 and cerebellar cortex in eight rats during spontaneous activity to investigate how sleep spindles in these regions are related to local spiking as well as cross-region spiking. We found that M1 firing was significantly changed during both M1 and CB spindles, and this spiking occurred at a preferred phase of the spindle. On average, M1 and CB neurons showed most spiking at the M1 or CB spindle peaks. These neurons also developed a preferential phase locking to local or cross-area spindles with the greatest phase-locking value at spindle peaks; however, this preferential phase locking was not significant for cerebellar neurons when compared with CB spindles. Additionally, we found that the percentage of task-modulated cells in the M1 and CB that fired with nonuniform spike phase distribution during M1/CB spindle peaks were greater in the rats that learned a reach-to-grasp motor task robustly. Finally, we found that spindle band LFP coherence (for M1 and CB LFPs) showed a positive correlation with success rate in the motor task. These findings support the idea that sleep spindles in both the M1 and CB recruit neurons that participate in the awake task to support motor memory consolidation.
Increased Retinal Metabolism Induced by Flicker in the Isolated Mouse Retina
Authors: Linsenmeier Robert A. , Dmitriev Andrey V.
Published: April 2024

Both the retina and brain exhibit neurovascular coupling, increased blood flow during increased neural activity. In the retina increased blood flow can be evoked by flickering light, but the magnitude of the metabolic change that underlies this is not known. Local changes in oxygen consumption (QO2) are difficult to measure in vivo when both supply and demand are changing. Here we isolated the C57BL/6J mouse retina and supplied it with oxygen from both sides of the tissue. Microelectrode recordings of PO2were made in darkness and during 20 s of high scotopic flickering light at 1 Hz. Flicker led to a PO2increase in the outer retina and a decrease in the inner retina, indicating that outer retinal QO2(QOR) decreased and inner retinal QO2(QIR) increased. A four-layer oxygen diffusion model was fitted to PO2values obtained in darkness and at the end of flicker to determine the values of QOR and QIR. QOR in flicker was 76 ± 14% (mean and SD,n = 10) of QOR in darkness. The increase in QIR was smaller, 6.4 ± 5.0%. These metabolic changes are likely smaller than the maximum changes, because with no regeneration of pigment in the isolated retina, we limited the illumination. Further modeling indicated that at high illumination, QIR could increase by up to 45%, which is comparable to the magnitude of flow changes. This suggests that the blood flow increase is at least roughly matched to the increased metabolic demands of activity in the retina.
Potential of the Path Integral and Quantum Computing for the Study of Humanities: An Underlying Principle of Human Evolution and the Function of Consciousness
Authors: Iriki Atsushi , Tanaka Shogo
Published: April 2024

The “(classical) scientific view of the world” that characterizes the modern history of human civilization has been successful by objectifying nature, humans, and society, for reductive analysis into (approximate) linear causation to allow prediction and control. However, because of its growing maturity and complexity, our modern society now confronts the complexity of multilayered causal structures underlying the real phenomena, which classical science has abstracted through reductive approximation, and consequently, modern scientists are perplexed by the limitations on comprehension, predictability, and controllability. The “uncertainty principle” of quantum physics, discovered a century ago, has overthrown this classical mechanistic and deterministic worldview, but the “(quantum) scientific worldview” remained confined at the level of microscopic science and has to date never extended onward to the life-size human world.

However, as practical applications of the quantum computer are now becoming realistic, it might provide us with an innovative way to manipulate such complex causal structures and open up a new era in the history of civilization. In this paper, we build ideas on our earlier research findings in the context of the evolutionary patterns of human cognition, so as to extrapolate them to advance speculations on the mechanism of the phase transition of worldviews from classical to quantum causal structure-based ones, expecting to obtain insights into practical ways of computation to realize such a transition. The paper begins with a section examining the origin of the linear approximation adopted in classical science, back casting from the evolutionary history of the (linguistic) consciousness of our human ancestors. In the next section, we show how human intelligence and civilization have in fact evolved as analog with quantum laws, and review the limitations of modern science in finding an expression of these laws in Eastern philosophy. This section proceeds to show the potential of quantum computation to not only realize a fusion of Eastern and Western approaches but also integrate the humanities and natural sciences. The final section concludes that this new framework can expand and develop the structure and function of human “consciousness” and build a bridgehead against recent “anti-scientism” that is rooted in skepticism concerning the (classical) scientific view of the world and humanity.
Constitutive internalisation of EP2 differentially regulates G protein signalling
Authors: Walker Abigail R , Parkin Holly A , Hye Kim Sung , Terzidou Vasso , Woodward David F , Bennett Phillip R , Hanyaloglu Aylin C
Published: April 2024

The prostanoid G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) EP2 is widely expressed and implicated in endometriosis, osteoporosis, obesity, pre-term labour and cancer. Internalisation and intracellular trafficking are critical for shaping GPCR activity, yet little is known regarding the spatial programming of EP2 signalling and whether this can be exploited pharmacologically. Using three EP2-selective ligands that favour activation of different EP2 pathways, we show that EP2 undergoes limited agonist-driven internalisation but is constitutively internalised via dynamin-dependent, β-arrestin-independent pathways. EP2 was constitutively trafficked to early and very early endosomes (VEE), which was not altered by ligand activation. APPL1, a key adaptor and regulatory protein of the VEE, did not impact EP2 agonist-mediated cAMP. Internalisation was required for ~70% of the acute butaprost- and AH13205-mediated cAMP signalling, yet PGN9856i, a Gαs-biased agonist, was less dependent on receptor internalisation for its cAMP signalling, particularly in human term pregnant myometrial cells that endogenously express EP2. Inhibition of EP2 internalisation partially reduced calcium signalling activated by butaprost or AH13205 and had no effect on PGE2 secretion. This indicates an agonist-dependent differential spatial requirement for Gαs and Gαq/11 signalling and a role for plasma membrane-initiated Gαq/11-Ca2+-mediated PGE2 secretion. These findings reveal a key role for EP2 constitutive internalisation in its signalling and potential spatial bias in mediating its downstream functions. This, in turn, could highlight important considerations for future selective targeting of EP2 signalling pathways.
Transtorno depressivo recorrente e desempenho cognitivo em idosos
Authors: Panini Alceu Valentino , Sgnaolin Vanessa , Engroff Paula , Cataldo Neto Alfredo
Published: April 2024

Objetivo: identificar as variações dos escores de domínios cognitivos examinando sua relação com transtorno depressivo recorrente (TDR) em idosos. Métodos: estudo observacional transversal com amostra de 54 idosos que encontraram critérios TDR e foram pareados por sexo, idade e escolaridade com um grupo controle. Entre julho de 2015 a julho 2016 foram coletados dados sociodemográficos e realizada entrevista psiquiátrica estruturada (MINI-PLUS), escala de depressão geriátrica reduzida (GDS-15) e escala de avaliação cognitiva (ACE-R). Resultados: dos 54 idosos com TDR, 48 eram do sexo feminino (88,9%) e 6 do sexo masculino (11,11%). A média de idade encontrada foi de 68,2 anos (DP ± 6,0). A maioria era casada (31,5%), da cor branca (74,1%), católica (66,7%) e recebia até um salário mínimo mensal (57,4%). A pontuação média total encontrada da ACE-R foi para os casos 63,80 pontos (DP ± 18,55) e controles 64,44 pontos (DP ± 19,1). A média do escore Miniexame do Estado Mental para os casos foi de 23,0 (DP± 4,2) e os controles 23,6 (DP± 4,9). Conclusões: não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas nos domínios cognitivos entre os grupos com e sem depressão recorrente.
The Origins of Stilton
Authors: Landy Richard
Published: April 2024

The articles looks at evidence for the origins of Stilton drawn from historical documents and published texts. It is confined to seventeenth-, eighteenth- and nineteenth-century sources
Study of the relationship between the main principles of effectuation and capabilities that affect internationalization performance
Authors:   Korea Association for International Commerce and Information, Kim Chulhwan , Piao ZengNan
Published: April 2024

Recently, securing the capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises has been recognized as an important study. Much research has been done on the importance of international entrepreneurial orientation and network capabilities to achieve internationalization results, but little research has been done on the impact of effectuation. This study aims to analyze the impact of effectuation on internationalization performance by matching the main principles of effectuation with international entrepreneurial orientation, network capabilities, and previously undefined improvisational response capabilities. For this survey, an online survey was conducted from December 11, 2023 to January 15, 2024, after calling companies included in the 2022 list of exporters and importers to check whether they could respond. SPSS 26.0 and Amos 26.0 programs were used for statistical processing for empirical analysis. The results of the study showed that, in addition to the use of ownership means, the effectuation principles are related to capabilities that affect internationalization performance. When it comes to internationalization performance, network capabilities show that strength is more important than size, and improvisation response capabilities show that speed is more important than flexibility. The reason why the risk sensitivity hypothesis was rejected is that it was a difficult time to take risks and internationalize during the COVID-19 crisis.
The value of microvascular obstruction according to contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in assessing the prognosis of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Terenicheva M. A. , Shakhnovich R. M. , Stukalova O. V. , Pevzner D. V. , Yavelov I. S. , Shalaginova Yu. O. , Ternovoy S. K.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To study the relationship between the presence and size of microvascular obstruction (MVO) and the prognosis of patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) within one year.

Material and methods. The study included 50 patients with a first STEMI who underwent PPCI on the infarct-related artery. After 3-7 days and 12 months, contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was performed to assess left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), and MVOs. After 12 months, patients were rehospitalized and prognosis was assessed based on data on cardiovascular events.

Results. Patients with MVO had a significantly lower LVEF in the acute period of MI (44,1±10,6%) compared to patients without MVO (52,9±10,5%), p=0,0209, as well as during reassessment after a year (44,8±11,1%) compared with patients without MVO (58,9±8,0%), p=0,0004. A significant inverse correlation was found between LVEF in the initial and repeat examination and MVO size in the initial examination as follows: ρ=-0,42 (95% confidence interval (CI): -0,66 — -0,12, p=0,008) and ρ=-0,61 (95% CI: -0,78 — -0,34, p=0,0001). There was also a significant inverse correlation between LVEF and MVO size at reassessment, ρ=-0,40 (95% CI: -0,65 — -0,07, p=0,0205). A significant direct correlation was identified between MVO size in the acute MI period and LVEDV one year later, ρ=0,35 (95% CI: 0,02-0,62, p=0,0409). The development of a left ventricular (LV) aneurysm was registered in 40% of patients with MVO during the initial study and was not registered among patients without MVO (p=0,0039).

Conclusion. MVOs was associated with post-infarction LV aneurysm. An increase in MVO size correlated with a decrease in LVEF and an increase in LVEDV both in the acute period and one year after MI.
Myocardial infarction in persons aged ≥75 years: factors influencing inhospital mortality
Authors: Tishkina I. E. , Kuleshova T. M. , Frolova M. A. , Pereverzeva K. G. , Yakushin S. S.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To identify factors influencing inhospital mortality in patients with myocardial infarction aged ≥75.

Material and methods. We performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of all patients aged ≥75 years hospitalized from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021 with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (I21, ICD-10), assessment of comorbidities, clinical performance, laboratory and treatment data and their impact on the outcome of hospitalization.

Results. Inhospital mortality was 22,2%. The mean age of discharged and deceased patients was 81 [79; 84] and 82 [79; 85] years, respectively (p=0,12). Cardiogenic shock on admission (hazard ratio (HR) 31,28; 95% confidence interval (CI) 5,7-171,53; p<0,001), degree 2-3 atrioventricular block (HR 4,67; 95% CI 1,02-21,38; p=0,04), as well as a GRACE score ≥166 for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (HR 7,19; 95% CI 1,01-51,43; p<0,001) showed an unfavorable effect on prognosis.

Conclusion. Cardiogenic shock, degree 2-3 atrioventricular block, and a GRACE score ≥166 for patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome are factors that increase inhospital mortality in patients aged ≥75 years.
Cardiovascular predictors of the post-COVID-19 course: results of a cohort study
Authors: Podzolkov V. I. , Bragina A. E. , Tarzimanova A. I. , Shvedov I. I. , Ogibenina E. S. , Avanesyan M. A. , Fomin A. S.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To evaluate cardiovascular risk factors as predictors of the post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome.

Material and methods. This prospective cohort study included adult patients admitted to a university hospital with a clinically or laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. A number of cardiovascular risk factors were assessed at admission, including the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI). After hospital discharge, patients were observed for 6 months. Then, data on the course of the post-COVID-19 period was collected from electronic medical records and discharge summaries. Two following outcomes were assessed: the development of post-COVID-19 syndrome and the development of newly diagnosed diseases or worsening of existing chronic diseases in the post-COVID-19 period.

Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between potential predictors and outcomes, and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated to assess the association strength. The statistical significance level was p<0,05.

Results. The final analysis included 125 patients (68 (54,4%) women). The median age was 59,0 [50,5, 71,0] years. Post-COVID-19 syndrome was diagnosed in 32,8% of patients. The most common symptoms were weakness (19,2%), headaches (11,2%) and shortness of breath (10,4%). In multivariate analysis, CAVI ≥9,5, increased systolic blood pressure (SBP) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) on admission were associated with the post-COVID-19 syndrome, with an OR of 2,415 (95% CI 1,174-2,846), 1,045 (95% CI 1,010-1,082), 0,971 (95% CI 0,946-0,998), respectively. Age (OR 1,056, 95% CI 1,009-1,105) and body mass index (OR 1,132, 95% CI 1,027-1,248) were associated with newly diagnosed diseases or worsening of existing chronic diseases in the post-COVID-19 period.

Conclusion. Objective indicators such as SBP, CAVI and GFR may be predictors of post-COVID-19 syndrome, and age and body mass index are associated with the unfavorable course of chronic diseases in the post-COVID-19 period.
Comparative analysis of two multitask approaches to cognitive training in cardiac surgery patients
Authors: Tarasova I. V. , Kukhareva I. N. , Temnikova T. B. , Kupriyanova D. S. , Syrova I. D. , Sosnina А. S. , Trubnikova O. A. , Barbarash O. L.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To compare the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction and neuropsychological changes in the early postoperative period of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients who underwent two versions of multitask cognitive training, which involved various cognitive and motor tasks, as well as in a control group.

Material and methods. The study included 100 patients after elective CABG. All patients were randomly divided into three following groups: cognitive training (CT) 1 (postural balance combined with mental arithmetic, verbal fluency, and unusual object use tasks) (n=30), CT 2 (simple visual-motor response combined with task on mental arithmetic, verbal fluency and unusual object use) (n=35) and without training (standard postoperative therapy) (n=35). All patients underwent extensive neuropsychological testing before CABG. Reexamination with assessment of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) was carried out on days 2-3 and upon completion of 5-7 days of training or on days 11-12 after CABG.

Results. The presence of POCD on days 2-3 was found in 100% of patients in the study groups. On days 11-12 of CABG, POCD persisted in 17 people (56,7%) from the CT 1 group, in 24 (68,6%) from the CT 2 group, and in 28 (80%) patients in the control group. Significant differences were obtained in the POCD prevalence in the CT 1 and control groups (odds ratio =3,06; 95% confidence interval: 1,02-9,18, p=0,04), but not CT 2 and control groups (odds ratio =1,83; 95% confidence interval: 0,64-5,47, p=0,28).

Conclusion. Multitask training using a combination of postural balance and mental arithmetic tasks, verbal fluency, and unusual object use had a greater effect in reducing the POCD incidence in patients after CABG compared with standard postoperative care. The results of this study may be used to develop cognitive rehabilitation programs in cardiology and cardiac surgery.
Comparative analysis of pharmacotherapy for patients with coronary artery disease and type 2 diabetes at various healthcare stages
Authors: Kokozheva M. A. , Mardanov B. U. , Mamedov M. N.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To study the features of treatment of patients with various types of coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) at various healthcare stages.

Material and methods. The comparative clinical study included 412 patients of both sexes with acute and chronic coronary artery disease. Depending on the glycemic status and CAD type, patients were divided into four subgroups: subgroup 1a (n=100, 56,6±0,96 years, male/female 67/33) — with acute CAD and T2D; subgroup 1b (n=106, 58,7±1,01 years, male/female 75/31) — with acute CAD without T2D; subgroup 2a (n=102, 57,9±1,04 years, male/female 72/30) — with chronic CAD and T2D; subgroup 2b (n=104, 60,2±0,9 years, 69/35) — with chronic CAD without T2D. The selection and mean doses of standard and hypoglycemic therapy were analyzed.

Results. Initially, 86% and 81% of patients with diabetes in subgroups 1a and 2a adhered to glucose-lowering therapy. Among patients with chronic CAD, more than 1/4 (26,4%) received insulin therapy versus 2% in the group of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and diabetes. After discharge from hospital, oral hypoglycemic therapy was prescribed to 74% of patients with ACS and 48% of patients with chronic CAD. The prescription of insulin therapy for people with ACS increased 5 times (up to 10% of the total number of patients with ACS and T2D). By the time of hospital admission, 70% and 71,5% of patients with ACS and chronic CAD with diabetes received acetylsalicylic acid as an antiplatelet agent, respectively. During hospitalization, all patients with acute CAD were prescribed dual antiplatelet therapy, as well as triple antiplatelet therapy in the case of atrial fibrillation/flutter. It is noteworthy that in the group of patients with chronic CAD, less than 70% received statins. In patients with chronic CAD and diabetes, this parameter was even lower, amounting to 59,8%. At the outpatient stage, all patients, with the exception of the group with chronic CAD without diabetes, took beta-blockers (up to 65%). In the hospital, the use of beta blockers increased to 95%. During inpatient treatment, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and sartans were prescribed 1,5-2 times more often than in the prehospital stage.

Conclusion. The study indicates insufficient prescription of standard CAD and glucose-lowering therapy. Careful inpatient selection of therapy requires continuity at the outpatient stage.
Phenotyping of outpatients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and poor prognosis
Authors: Larina V. N. , Lunev V. I.
Published: April 2024

The applicability of the left ventricular global function index (LVGFI) and its deriva­tive, determined by echocardiography, to distinguish clinical phenotypes in a cohort of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is unknown.

Aim. To evaluate the differential diagnostic potential of LVGFI and its derivative when phenotyping outpatients aged ≥60 years with HFpEF.

Material and methods. A total of 140 outpatients (men, 43%) aged 73 (67-78) years with functional class II-IV HFpEF were included in the study. The follow-up period was 34 (22-36) months.

Results. LVGFI was 22,4 (19,4-24,6)%, while derivative index of LVGFI — 283,9 (248,9-332,2) ml. There were 18 (12,9%) deaths. The threshold value for predicting death for LVGFI was ≤21,4%, for derivative index of LVGFI — ≥303,6 ml. Based on cluster membership and mortality analysis, two following risk groups for death of patients with HFpEF were identified: a relatively low-risk (group 1) and moderate (group 2) risk group (mortality within 34 months ~25%). Group 1 was represented by patients, predominantly male, with class II HFpEF, coronary artery disease (CAD) and prior myocardial infarction (MI), concentric hypertrophy, a significant LV mass increase, a high frequency of bendopnea, lower LVGFI and higher derivative index of LVGFI. Group 2 was represented by patients, predominantly female, with class II HF, a history of CAD and myocardial infarction, concentric hypertrophy and concentric remodeling, a moderate LV mass increase, a relatively low frequency of bendopnea, higher LVGFI and lower derivative index of LVGFI. Based on the data obtained, an algorithm was developed to determine the risk of death in patients with HFpEF.

Conclusion. LVGFI and its derivative index can be used in phenotyping patients with HFpEF. The developed algorithm for determining the death risk makes it possible to identify outpatients with HFpEF who need intensified therapy and observation by a general practitioner and cardiologist in order to reduce the risk of an unfavorable prognosis.