bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetically controlled synthesis of dipeptides using ficin as biocatalyst
Authors: Monter B. , Herzog B. , Stehle P. , Furst P.
Published: October 2023

The application of the sulfhydryl protease ficin as biocatalyst is proposed as a novel method for enzyme‐catalyzed synthesis of dipeptides. The negligible peptidase but considerable esterase activity at alkaline pH facilitated the kinetically controlled formation of peptide bonds by coupling the ester substrates Z‐Ala‐OMe and Z‐Gly‐OMe with L‐alanine, D‐alanine, L‐glutamine, D‐glutamine and L‐Cys(acetamidomethyl) respectively. The reaction is accomplished without the occurrence of secondary peptide hydrolysis. Under optimum reaction conditions (pH 9.2, high ratio nucleophile/carboxyl component, 4.8% ethanol, 40 degrees C), the peptide yields ranged from 5 to 91%, depending on the structure of the amino and/or carboxyl component. No racemization was observed in the enzymatic reaction. Application of short‐chain peptides has been advocated recently in clinical nutrition. Ficin‐catalyzed peptide synthesis might be an attractive biotechnological approach for the synthesis of suitable dipeptides in this respect.
Isolation and fundamental characteristics of a phospholipase B inhibitor from autolyzed Torulaspora delbrueckii
Authors: Maruyama M. , Kusuno N. , Tsujimoto T. , Watanabe Y. , Tamai Y.
Published: October 2023

Phospholipase B inhibitor was found in the autolyzate of yeast cells, Torulaspora delbrueckii. The inhibitor was purified to homogeneity by ethanol precipitation, gel filtration with Sephadex G‐10, ion‐exchange chromatography with DEAE‐Sephacel, and gel filtration with Asahipak GS‐320. On thin‐layer chromatography the purified inhibitor was detected with the Hanes‐Isherwood reagent, which is used to detect phosphorus. The activity of the inhibitor was not affected by heat treatment at 100 degrees C for 1 h. Heating at 100 degrees C for 1 h in 1 M HCl and 1 M NaOH lowered activity to 76 and 80% of the original values, respectively, but heating at 110 degrees C for 24 h in 6 M HCl completely abolished activity. The inhibitor was highly soluble in water, but practically insoluble in alcohol, acetone, ether, and chloroform. The degree of inhibition of enzyme activity was not proportional to the concentration of inhibitor. The inhibitor inhibited both membrane‐bound and water‐soluble phospholipase B activity from T. delbrueckii at the same level; however, the inhibitor did not inhibit the activity of phospholipase A2 from snake venom (Naja naja).
Increased glucose metabolism by enzyme‐loaded erythrocytes in vitro and in vivo normalization of hyperglycemia in diabetic mice
Authors: Rossi L. , Bianchi M. , Magnani M.
Published: October 2023

The main metabolic properties of human red blood cells (RBC) overloaded with glucose catabolizing enzymes such as hexokinase and glucose oxidase were evaluated. Human erythrocytes loaded with human hexokinase metabolized 3.1 +/‐ 0.2 mumol/h/ml RBC of glucose, an amount double that consumed by normal and unloaded cells (1.46 +/‐ 0.16 mumol/h/ml RBC), while glucose oxidase‐loaded erythrocytes consumed up to 5.5 +/‐ 0.5 mumol/h/ml RBC of glucose but with a time‐dependent increase in methemoglobin formation due to the H2O2 produced in the glucose oxidase reaction. This methemoglobin production was greatly reduced while glucose consumption was increased (8.1 +/‐ 0.4 mumol/h/ml RBC) by coentrapment of hexokinase and glucose oxidase. Similar results were obtained in mouse red blood cells, although the role of hexokinase was less pronounced due to a higher basal level of this enzyme. When administered to diabetic mice the hexokinase/glucose oxidase‐overloaded erythrocytes had a circulating half‐life of 5 days and were able to regulate blood glucose at near physiological levels. A single intraperitoneal administration of 500 microliters of enzyme‐loaded cells maintained a near‐normal blood glucose concentration for 7 +/‐ 1 days, while repeated administrations at 10‐day intervals were effective in the regulation of blood glucose levels for several weeks. These results suggest that enzyme‐loaded erythrocytes can behave as circulating bioreactors and can provide a new way to reduce abnormally elevated blood glucose.
Interaction of carboplatin with carrier human erythrocytes
Authors: Tonetti M. , Gasparini A. , Giovine M. , Bini D. , Mazzucotelli A. , de Paz F. , Benatti U. , de Flora A.
Published: October 2023

The antineoplastic drug Carboplatin (CBDCA) was encapsulated in human erythrocytes by means of transient hypotonic hemolysis, followed by isotonic resealing. Up to 5 mg/ml of packed cells could be entrapped, with about 70% cell recovery. In vitro incubation of the CBDCA‐loaded erythrocytes in autologous plasma caused a very slow release of the drug from the cells (12% approximately in 3 h). The encapsulation conditions, performed at a low hematocrit, in order to obtain high amounts of the drug inside the carriers, impaired the metabolic properties of the loaded erythrocytes significantly. In particular, an almost complete disappearance of GSH was observed. Analysis of the intraerythrocytic metabolism of CBDCA showed that, in spite of its relatively high stability in aqueous solutions, in hemolysates and in the loaded erythrocytes a significant percentage of CBDCA is rapidly converted to other species that still retain an antiproliferative activity in vitro. This fast conversion could be extensively inhibited by previous conversion of oxyhemoglobin to methemoglobin or carbomonoxyhemoglobin, suggesting an important role of heme iron in this process. Encapsulation of CBDCA in selectively targeted human erythrocytes may represent a therapeutic strategy for increasing the drug concentration in specific organs, notably liver.
An immobilized‐enzyme system for the determination of sialic acid using cloned neuraminidase from Clostridium perfringens A.T.C.C. 10543
Authors: Chien CH , Wei YH , Yeh SF , Li CP
Published: October 2023

Neuraminidase expressed by cloned nanH of Clostridium perfringens has been immobilized and employed to determine the concentration of sialic acid in human serum. Two enzyme pairs, cloned neuraminidase‐N‐acetylneuraminate (NANA) lyase and pyruvate oxidase‐peroxidase, have been respectively co‐immobilized on to 1,12‐aminododecane‐agarose with glutaraldehyde. The relative specific activities of the co‐immobilized neuraminidase and NANA lyase were 61 and 77%, and those of pyruvate oxidase and peroxidase were 51 and 96% of the corresponding soluble enzymes respectively. The optimal reaction pH at 37% C for each of the co‐immobilized enzymes was about 1 pH unit higher than that of the corresponding soluble enzyme. The optimal reaction temperature of peroxidase was increased as a result of immobilization. The thermostability of the immobilized cloned neuraminidase, NANA lyase, pyruvate oxidase and peroxidase were increased 80‐, 83‐, 115‐ and 147‐fold at 45 degrees C over the soluble forms respectively. The results correlated satisfactorily with those obtained by using a soluble enzyme system. The system is thus a reliable assay method for sialic acid in serum.
Suicidal Adolescents' Perceptions of Their Family Environment
Authors: Miller Kenneth E. , King Cheryl A. , Shain Benjamin N. , Naylor Michael W.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This study examined the extent to which adolescents' perceptions of their family environments were associated with suicidal behavior. Fifteen suicidal adolescents, 14 psychiatric controls, and 14 normal controls rated their families on cohesiveness, adaptability, parent‐adolescent communication, parental caring, and parental over‐protectiveness. Suicidal adolescents rated their families as the least cohesive and most rigid of the 3 groups, suggesting that adolescent suicidal behavior may occur when isolation is experienced within an inflexible family system. Suicidal and psychiatric control adolescents rated their families as similarly dysfunctional along the remaining variables, and as more dysfunctional than families of normal control adolescents. The implications of these findings are discussed, and it is suggested that several characteristics commonly attributed to families of suicidal adolescents may actually be general risk factors for adolescent psychopathology, rather than for suicidal behavior specifically.
10 A Rational Approach to Rational Suicide
Authors: Richman Joseph
Published: October 2023

Suicide is a reaction to internal and external sources of stress and the impact of life events. In the elderly these situations are prevalent in many who are not suicidal and instead choose life. They represent what may be called rational nonsuicide. They are far more frequent than rational suicide. Nevertheless, considerably more is written about rational suicide than its alternative. The reasons for this phenomenon are reviewed, and suggestions are made for a rational approach to the affirmation of life rather than its rejection, even to the very end.
A Durkheimian Analysis of Youth Suicide: Canada, 1971 and 1981
Authors: Trovato Frank
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Durkheim hypothesized that suicide varies inversely with the extent of social integration in family, religious, political, and economic life. In this study I examine the relationship between three of these sources of social integration on young Canadians' (aged 15–29) suicide rate for 1971 and 1981: family integration (as measured by divorce), religious integration (as measured by the percent of the population reporting no religious affiliation), and economic anomie (unemployment). The findings of this research provide confirmation for the hypothesis that religious detachment among the young is associated with increased proneness to commit suicide. The effect of family dissolution was positive and significant for both young men and women in 1981 but not in 1971, giving partial confirmation for the family integration explanation of suicide. These results pertaining to unemployment are not consistent with the American‐based literature that calls for a significant and positive impact on the odds of self‐destruction.
Regulating Disinformation and Big Tech in the EU: A Research Agenda on the Institutional Strategies, Public Spheres and Analytical Challenges
Authors: Bouza García Luis , Oleart Alvaro
Published: October 2023

The growing influence of social media platforms, and the disinformation that circulates in them, has transformed the public spheres. How to deal with disinformation is an open normative, empirical and political question in contemporary democracies. In this article, we outline an agenda on the institutional strategies pursued in the European Union (EU), the normative understandings of the public sphere that such strategies imply, and the analytical challenges to undertake this line of inquiry. We argue that there is an emerging competition in the EU field of disinformation – constructed by actors coming from different pre‐existing fields, such as journalism or foreign policy – not only to define what is ‘true’ from what is ‘fake’, but also to determine the sort of the public sphere and democracy we ought to strive for. This perspective allows us to anticipate which actors might be empowered (or disempowered) depending on how disinformation is addressed in regulatory terms.
Increased ferroptosis in leukocytes from preeclamptic women involving the long non‐coding taurine upregulated gene 1 (TUG1)
Authors: Lekva Tove , Michelsen Annika Elisabet , Roland Marie Cecilie Paasche , Norwitz Errol R. , Estensen Mette‐Elise , Olstad Ole Kristoffer , Akkouh Ibrahim A , Henriksen Tore , Bollerslev Jens , Aukrust Pål , Ueland Thor
Published: October 2023

Background

Ferroptosis plays a key role in placental development and physiology, and abnormal ferroptosis has been implicated in trophoblast injury leading to preeclampsia (PE). We hypothesize that leukocytes isolated from PE exhibit increased ferroptosis and that extracellular vesicles contain long non‐coding (lnc) RNA/mRNAs that modulate oxidative stress and iron toxicity in vascular endothelial cells.

Methods

We measured the expression of key regulators of ferroptosis in leukocytes and extracellular vesicles as well as circulating biomarkers of iron homeostasis and oxidative stress in plasma from women with/without PE at different timepoints during pregnancy. For markers that were dysregulated, we assessed their temporal correlation with established markers of disease activity and marker of endothelial activation. For markers dysregulated in early pregnancy, we assessed their ability to predict the development of PE.

Results

We found decreased lncRNA/mRNAs in leukocytes, but not extracellular vesicles, in PE that may modulate oxidative stress and iron toxicity. This decrease in anti‐ferroptotic markers does not appear to be related to maternal disease activity or plasma oxidative stress status but rather to attenuated anti‐inflammatory expression in these cells. Circulating ferritin was elevated in PE, supporting the hypothesis that PE represents a disbalance in iron homeostasis. Low lncRNA taurine upregulated gene 1 RNA levels in leukocytes at 22–24 weeks were strongly associated with the development of PE.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that maternal leukocytes in PE show decreased anti‐ferroptotic activity that correlates with anti‐inflammatory expression. Moreover, some of these changes in ferroptotic activity appear to precede the development of PE.
Predictors of Willingness to Participate in COVID‐19 Screening Testing from a Pilot School Survey in the United States
Authors: Mark‐Carew Miguella , Swanson Megan , Eller Brian , Cullen Theresa , Valenzuela Manuel O. , LaBelle Monica , Persad Neela , Barrios Lisa C. , Szucs Leigh E.
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

COVID‐19 screening testing (ST) can detect asymptomatic or pre‐symptomatic cases, allowing for prompt identification of cases and close contacts. This study examined parents' and school staffs' knowledge and attitudes toward to a pilot school‐based ST program in a school district in southern Arizona.

METHODS

In May 2021, online surveys to parents and school staff were administered to examine attitudes toward ST and impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Unweighted percent estimates were calculated, and bivariate differences were examined by demographics. Associations were assessed using chi‐square tests and logistic regression.

RESULTS

The survey had response rates of 10% (606/6085) and 22% (187/849) among parents and staff, respectively. Approximately one‐third of responding parents (35%) would or already allow their child to participate in school‐based ST, 37% would not participate; 28% were unsure. Among responding staff, 46% would or already participate in ST, 33% would not; 21% were unsure. The top concern (38%) among responding staff was taking job‐related leave if testing positive.

CONCLUSION

Schools work to balance the needs of students, families, and staff by implementing supportive and flexible policies and practices founded on buy‐in and acceptance from their communities
A cytosystematic study of the Dianthus virgineus complex (Caryophyllaceae) in the Central Mediterranean
Authors: Franzoni Jacopo , Astuti Giovanni , Bacchetta Gianluigi , Barone Giulio , Bartolucci Fabrizio , Bernardo Liliana , Carta Angelino , Conti Fabio , Domina Gianniantonio , Frajman Božo , Giusso del Galdo Gianpietro , Iamonico Duilio , Iberite Mauro , Minuto Luigi , Sarigu Marco , Terlević Ana , Turini Alessia , Varaldo Lucia , Volgger Daniel , Peruzzi Lorenzo
Published: October 2023

European wild carnations (Dianthus) are represented by a high number of taxa organized in unresolved taxonomies. In particular, taxa belonging to the Dianthus virgineus L. complex in the Central Mediterranean have been delimited mainly with qualitative morphological data and still await quantitative investigations, which are vital to understand boundaries and relations among plant diversity groups. Here, we examine the phenotypic features of nuclear genome organization testing for species boundaries in this complex. We have studied the chromosome number, the total haploid length (THL), and the relative genome size (RGS) in 122 populations belonging to 25 out of 33 taxa of the complex. All the studied populations have 2n = 2x = 30 chromosomes, and the THL ranges from 14.09 to 20.71 μm. Genome size estimations support the absence of polyploidization events, but show a certain degree of variation (0.318–0.423 arbitrary units). The RGS variation is not in agreement with current taxonomic treatment, but rather shows a geographical pattern, with higher values in Sicily and Sardinia. No correlation between the THL and the RGS was detected, possibly due to the stable chromosome number and the small size of chromosomes. A number of evolutionary unique groups lower than the number of currently accepted taxa may be hypothesized.
The MIO1‐MtKIX8 module regulates the organ size in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Mao Yawen , Zhou Shaoli , Yang Jing , Wen Jiangqi , Wang Dongfa , Zhou Xuan , Wu Xinyuan , He Liangliang , Liu Mingli , Wu Huan , Yang Liling , Zhao Baolin , Tadege Million , Liu Yu , Liu Changning , Chen Jianghua
Published: October 2023

Plant organ size is an important agronomic trait tightly related to crop yield. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying organ size regulation remain largely unexplored in legumes. We previously characterized a key regulator F‐box protein MINI ORGAN1 (MIO1)/SMALL LEAF AND BUSHY1 (SLB1), which controls plant organ size in the model legume Medicago truncatula. In order to further dissect the molecular mechanism, MIO1 was used as the bait to screen its interacting proteins from a yeast library. Subsequently, a KIX protein, designated MtKIX8, was identified from the candidate list. The interaction between MIO1 and MtKIX8 was confirmed further by Y2H, BiFC, split‐luciferase complementation and pull‐down assays. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that MtKIX8 is highly homologous to Arabidopsis KIX8, which negatively regulates organ size. Moreover, loss‐of‐function of MtKIX8 led to enlarged leaves and seeds, while ectopic expression of MtKIX8 in Arabidopsis resulted in decreased cotyledon area and seed weight. Quantitative reverse‐transcription PCR and in situ hybridization showed that MtKIX8 is expressed in most developing organs. We also found that MtKIX8 serves as a crucial molecular adaptor, facilitating interactions with BIG SEEDS1 (BS1) and MtTOPLESS (MtTPL) proteins in M. truncatula. Overall, our results suggest that the MIO1‐MtKIX8 module plays a significant and conserved role in the regulation of plant organ size. This module could be a good target for molecular breeding in legume crops and forages.
Passive restoration of fynbos after afforestation with exotic pines, South Africa
Authors: Baard Johan A. , Grobler B. Adriaan , Kraaij Tineke
Published: October 2023

Plantations, and associated invasions, of exotic Pinus trees occur extensively in the southern hemisphere, threatening the persistence of biodiverse Mediterranean‐climate vegetation. Large‐scale decommissioning of such plantations in the eastern Cape Floristic Region (South Africa) enabled a wide‐ranging study showing successful passive restoration of fynbos vegetation after afforestation. Using a paired study design, we compared the diversity, and floristic and growth‐form composition of post‐fire recovering fynbos in former plantations with that in recently burnt neighboring fynbos in a natural state within the Garden Route National Park. The fynbos of the study area showed good autogenic recovery after several decades of pine afforestation and a fire subsequent to the clearcutting of these trees. On average, native plant abundance and species richness (particularly of shrubs) were significantly lower, and non‐native plant species richness significantly higher, in former plantation areas than in natural fynbos, but these differences were small. Species diversity (Shannon–Wiener index) did not differ significantly between the two vegetation states. The former plantations harbored 91% of the number of native species that the natural fynbos had, while the similarity of the two floras was 65%. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling ordination and multivariate generalized linear models accordingly showed no clear distinction in community composition between the two vegetation states. We concluded that the restoration potential of the montane grassy fynbos in the study area is superior to that previously documented in montane proteoid fynbos, and that fire and invasive alien plant control after clearcutting of the plantations is essential to promote fynbos restoration.
Spatial, seasonal and climatic drivers of suspended sediment atop Great Bahama Bank
Authors: Lopez‐Gamundi Cecilia , Barnes Brian B. , Bakker Anna C. , Harris Paul (Mitch) , Eberli Gregor P. , Purkis Sam J.
Published: October 2023

Suspension is the key mechanism by which fine‐grained sediment (≤125 μm) is winnowed and transported across shallow‐water carbonate platforms into adjacent deep waters. Unlike sliding and saltation, which deliver sedimentary structures via bedload, the sedimentological signature of suspended sediment is more cryptic. This study focuses on suspended sediment, and its drivers – wind, waves and tides – to better constrain the processes responsible for the transport of fine‐grained sediments. By building forward from remote sensing algorithms developed for deep‐waters, sediment suspension in the shallow water column can be mapped from satellite. By applying machine learning to Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer data for Great Bahama Bank, this study demonstrates how the drivers of sediment suspension change over 18 years across this 100 000 km2 carbonate platform. Through time, both seasonal patterns of suspension, as well as those induced by El Niño‐Southern Oscillation and, more subtly, the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation were tracked. El Niño‐Southern Oscillation modulates wind‐induced currents, while Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation affects local sea level. Across space, this study shows how the eastern margin of Great Bahama Bank, which is traditionally considered to be wind‐dominated, primarily owes its suspended sediment to tidal currents focused between islands. Sediment suspension across the leeward margin of Great Bahama Bank, meanwhile, can be attributed to wind‐induced currents and waves. The authors consider this work a step towards delivering a quantitative, reproducible, process‐based understanding of sediment suspension atop carbonate platforms using Earth observation data.
Efficacy of a multimodal approach of laser therapy for earlobe keloids management in dark population
Authors: Piccolo Domenico , Crisman Giuliana , Conforti Claudio , Fusco Irene , Bonan Paolo
Published: October 2023

Background

Patients with keloids are often younger than 30 years old and have darker skin.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of CO2 laser therapy in the management of earlobe and helix keloids in dark subjects.

Methods

A total of 21 dark patients (five men and 16 women) presented with the earlobe and ear helix keloids, with a mean age of 30.5 (±6.7) years and with phototype between III–VI, were enrolled. In order to improve their earlobe and helix keloids, all patients underwent a single session of CO2 laser therapy immediately followed by a pulsed Dye laser procedure. A single well‐experienced doctor performed all treatment sessions and the response to treatment. Patients were followed‐up for 6 months after termination of therapy. Clinical images were examined and collected: all patients were examined clinically and with Dermoscopy.

Results

The majority of the patients treated show complete remission of keloid lesions. Clinical photographs show a visible aesthetic improvement of several types of keloids in dark subjects.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that this combined laser therapeutic protocol appears to be effective and well tolerated for the management of earlobe and helix keloids in dark subjects, with no high recurrence rate and avoiding the adverse effects and lengthy recovery time.
Thermal analysis of transverse fluid flow in a gradient porous media with the exponentially boundary conditions
Authors: Jalili Payam , Mirzaei Amirmohammad , Jalili Bahram , Shateri Amirali , Ganji Davood Domiri , Ozsahin Dilber Uzun , Ahmad Hijaz
Published: October 2023

In this study, a numerical investigation was conducted on the thermal analysis of transverse fluid flow in a gradient porous medium with exponential boundary conditions. By solving a two-dimensional system of dimensionless equations using the Newton–Raphson method and Galerkin finite element technique, the authors studied the effects of cross-diffusion on double-diffusive natural convection in shells. The simulation results for isoconcentrations, isotherms, and stream functions were analyzed for different flow parameters, and it was found that the mean Dufour and Soret numbers were more susceptible to cross-diffusion impacts. The researchers also found that altering the tilt angle of the trapezoidal enclosure can significantly impact flow circulation and temperature gradient, which has important implications for thermal energy control in different technical appliances. This study provides valuable insights into the thermal behavior of fluid flow in porous media, which can aid in the development of more efficient and effective thermal systems.
A generalized thermal memory effect of Caputo–Fabrizio fractional integral on natural convection flow of hybrid nanofluid
Authors: Afzal Usman , Almutairi Bander , Shah Nehad Ali , Ullah Saif , Abdullah  , Chung Jae Dong
Published: October 2023

In this paper, the natural convective flow of hybrid nanofluid over the vertical plate has been examined. Cattaneo law of thermal flux is used to characterize thermal transport. The novel model for fractional constitutive equation is expressed by the time fractional Caputo–Fabrizio integral. The analytical solution of the generalized convective flow of viscous fluid over the vertical plate along generalized conditions is obtained by using the Laplace transform. Mathcad is used to determine numerically the influence of the physical and fractional parameters on the temperature and velocity field to depict the results graphically.
Challenges in AI-supported Process Analysis in the Italian Judicial System: what After Digitalization?
Authors: Bianchini Devis , Bono Carlo , Campi Alessandro , Cappiello Cinzia , Ceri Stefano , De Luzi Francesca , Mecella Massimo , Pernici Barbara , Plebani Pierluigi
Published: October 2023

In this commentary article, we outline research challenges and possible directions for the potential applications of AI in the judicial domain by specifically considering process analysis in the Italian context. Applying AI to process analysis poses several challenges, including information extraction from legacy information systems and analysis of legal documents, process modeling with a particular emphasis on temporal analysis, real-time process monitoring, conformance and compliance checking, predictive techniques for accurate predictions, and analysis of judges’ workload. Solutions to these challenges include methods and tools for data identification and collection, innovative approaches to process modeling, reactive techniques for real-time monitoring, conformance checking with explainability, language models adapted to specific domains, and the identification of suitable indicators for the analysis of case handling efficiency and case classification.
Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Parental Health Literacy Activities Test-8 with Portuguese Parents
Authors: Souto Rosa Nisa Rubina Pereira , Henriques Maria Adriana Pereira , Curado Maria Alice dos Santos
Published: October 2023

Background. Parents’ health literacy has a great impact on child’s care and health. Knowing parent’s health literacy levels is crucial to avoid the consequences of limited literacy and for the creation of better health policies and educational interventions. To assess those levels, we must have tools tailored to this population. However, there is a lack of specific instruments to evaluate this capacity in Portuguese parents of children aged less than 12 months. Aim. To perform the cultural adaptation and psychometric validation of the Parental Health Literacy Assessment Test-8 for use in Portugal. Methods. Methodological study is divided into two phases: cultural adaptation and psychometric validation. The first phase followed the Beaton guidelines. The second, carried out with 176 parents, took place at a public hospital in Portugal, between October 2020 and June 2021. Data were analyzed for internal reliability using the Kuder–Richardson reliability coefficient (KR-20). Confirmatory factor analysis was used to estimate factor validity, applying polychoric correlation measures using the “lavaan package” for the R statistical package. Results. In the cultural adaptation, the expert committee adjusted the translated version, validating the content for Portuguese parents. At validation, the calculated value of KR-20 was approximately 0.50. The empirical indices of the goodness-of-fit of the factor model showed a good overall fit, although two of the items had low weights (0.24 and 0.32). The results of the factors show an acceptable value for the factor (FC = 0.756) and a lower value for the average variance extracted. Conclusion. The version of the instrument adapted for Portugal presented adequate semantic and content equivalence. The psychometrics suggested that the PHLAT-8-PT is a reliable and valid instrument that can be used systematically by the health team to measure the health literacy levels and improve health education.
Automated Mesiodens Detection with Deep‐Learning‐Based System Using Cone‐Beam Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Syed Ali Zakir , Çelik Ozen Duygu , Abdelkarim Ahmed Z. , Duman Şuayip Burak , Bayrakdar İbrahim Şevki , Duman Sacide , Celik Özer , Orhan Kaan
Published: October 2023

The detection of mesiodens supernumerary teeth is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. The study aimed to develop a convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based model to automatically detect mesiodens in cone‐beam computed tomography images. A datatest of anonymized 851 axial slices of 106 patients’ cone‐beam images was used to process the artificial intelligence system for the detection and segmentation of mesiodens. The CNN model achieved high performance in mesiodens segmentation with sensitivity, precision, and F1 scores of 1, 0.9072, and 0.9513, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.9147, indicating the model’s robustness. The proposed model showed promising potential for the automated detection of mesiodens, providing valuable assistance to dentists in accurate diagnosis.
Is Exploration of Alternate Immune Pathways Needed in Hidradenitis Suppurativa? A Case of Atopic Dermatitis and Concurrent Hidradenitis Suppurativa Responding to Dupilumab
Authors: McCormack Sean , Tazudeen Noor , Garden Benjamin C.
Published: October 2023

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an inflammatory dermatosis associated with overactive T helper 1/T helper 17 (Th1/Th17) cells. HS has been effectively treated with biologic medications; however, many such biologics lack large randomized controlled trials. Only one such biologic, adalimumab, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of HS. Other such biologics currently being studied for HS downregulate Th1/Th17 inflammatory pathways. We describe a patient with atopic dermatitis (AD) and comorbid HS, both of which improved several months into treatment with dupilumab. Interestingly enough, dupilumab targets Th2-mediated inflammatory skin conditions through the inhibition of IL-4/IL-13 cytokines. While dupilumab is known for its success in treating Th2-mediated inflammation, this presents a paradox as HS is a Th1/Th17 inflammatory condition. This case highlights how the inflammatory process of HS is not fully understood and how biologic pharmacologic interventions need to be further studied to determine their efficacy in treating HS.
Solutions of the Diophantine EquationsBr=Js+JtandCr=Js+Jt
Authors: Gaber Ahmed , Ahmed Mohiedeen
Published: October 2023

LetBrr≥0,Jrr≥0, andCrr≥0be the balancing, Jacobsthal, and Lucas balancing numbers, respectively. In this paper, the diophantine equations

B

r

=

J

s

+

J

t

andCr=Js+Jtare completely solved. The solutions rely basically on Matveev’s theorem on linear forms in logarithms of algebraic numbers and a procedure of reducing the upper bound due to Dujella and Pethö.
Infusion Product TNFα, Th2, and STAT3 Activities Are Associated with Clinical Responses to Transgenic T-cell Receptor Cell Therapy
Authors: Nowicki Theodore S. , Peters Cole W. , Quiros Crystal , Kidd Conner K. , Kawakami Moe , Klomhaus Alexandra M. , Baselga-Carretero Ignacio , Kaplan-Lefko Paula , Macabali Mignonette H. , Perez Garcilazo Ivan , Berent-Maoz Beata , Comin-Anduix Begoña , Ribas Antoni
Published: October 2023

Transgenic T-cell receptor (TCR) T cell–based adoptive cell therapies for solid tumors are associated with dramatic initial response rates, but there remain many instances of treatment failure and disease relapse. The association of infusion product cytokine profiles with clinical response has not been explored in the context of TCR T-cell therapy products. Single-cell antigen-dependent secretomic and proteomic analysis of preinfusion clinical TCR T-cell therapy products revealed that TNFα cytokine functionality of CD8+ T cells and phospho-STAT3 signaling in these cells were both associated with superior clinical responsiveness to therapy. By contrast, CD4+ T-helper 2 cell cytokine profiles were associated with inferior clinical responses. In parallel, preinfusion levels of IL15, Flt3-L, and CX3CL1 were all found to be associated with clinical response to therapy. These results have implications for the development of therapeutic biomarkers and identify potential targets for enrichment in the design of transgenic TCR T-cell therapies for solid tumors.
Neues von der Anti-VEGF-A-Therapie
Authors: Strauß Olaf
Published: October 2023

Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents have been increasingly applied in the treatment of retinal neovascular diseases. Concerns have arisen that these intravitreal agents may be associated with a potential risk of arterial thromboembolic (ATE) events. We conducted a retrospective, nationwide population-based cohort study to analyze the risks for ATE events in patients receiving intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) or intravitreal aflibercept (IVA). Data (2011–2018) were obtained from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. Cox proportional-hazards model was used to identify the risk factors for ATEs. Of the total 3,469 patients, 1393 and 2076 patients received IVR and IVA, respectively. In our result, 38 ATEs occurred within 6 months after IVR or IVA. The risk of ATEs was lower in patients receiving IVR than in those receiving IVA (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.11–0.66). Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) exhibited a higher risk of ATEs than did those without CAD (aHR, 3.47; 95% CI, 1.41–8.53). The risk of ATEs was higher in patients with an event of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or ischemic stroke (IS) within 6 months prior to index IVI than in those without recent AMI/IS events (aHR, 23.8; 95% CI, 7.35–77.2 and IS: aHR, 290.2; 95% CI, 103.1–816.4). In conclusion, compared with IVA, IVR was associated with a lower risk of ATEs. When strategies for anti-VEGF agents are devised, risk factors, such as CAD and a history of AMI or IS within 6 months should be considered. Further large-scale studies are warranted to elucidate the safety of anti-VEGF injections.
Empowering vocational educators instructional delivery through information and communication technology training in universities
Authors: Anorue Honesta Chidiebere , Ekuma John E. , Olinya Timothy Onwumere , Nwandu Lilian O.
Published: October 2023

This paper explores ways of empowering vocational educators for effective instructional delivery through information and communication technology (ICT) training in tertiary institutions in Enugu State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was used with a population of 63 respondents, comprising lecturers of computer education and business education from University of Nigeria, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, and Godfrey Okoye University. There was no sampling carried out due to the manageable size of the population. The researchers employed a structured questionnaire as a means of collecting data. The collected data were analysed using the mean ( ) and standard deviation. The findings of the study revealed that ICT training would help promote effective instructional delivery in universities in Enugu State. Also, various ICT skills are required by vocational educators for effective instructional delivery. Lastly, several challenges are constraining the ICT training for effective instructional delivery in universities in Enugu State. Based on the findings, the study recommends, among others, that universities should make provision for training and retraining of vocational educators on the use of new technological tools for proper integration in teaching and learning.
Misapprehension of mathematics among teachers, parents, and elementary school students
Authors: Rohman Khabibur , Turmudi Turmudi , Budimansyah Dasim , Syaodih Ernawulan
Published: October 2023

Early mathematicians viewed mathematics as a beautiful and ethereal art form. However, the pupils in school appear to have no idea of this beauty. Misconceptions about mathematics among students, parents, and instructors are thought to be one of the root causes of the problem. Mathematical misconceptions and myths among instructors, parents, and students were examined in this study. These findings were obtained using a descriptive qualitative method of investigation. Research participants included elementary school pupils and their parents from East Java, Indonesia as well as 10 instructors, 10 students, and 10 parents. Random selection was used to pick the respondents. The results of this study showed that teachers, parents, and students have a wide range of misconceptions about mathematics. Among the misconceptions that occur among students, teachers and parents are: i) The conception of mathematics; ii) The aim of learning mathematics is only to train students to count and memorize formulas; iii) Mathematical ability is a genetic talent and only people who have talent will be proficient in mathematics; and iv) Mathematics is a non-applicable. The consequences of widespread misconceptions about mathematics among teachers, parents, and students are detrimental to the learning process and hinder the development of strong mathematical skills.
Teachers’ interventions against the behaviors of children with intellectual disability
Authors: Mumpuniarti Mumpuniarti , Prabawati Wening , Hermanto Hermanto , Sukinah Sukinah , Putri Sarwendah Ade , Suparno Suparno
Published: October 2023

Teachers’ interventions against the behaviors of students with intellectual disability (ID) are urgent for their instructional strategies in the classroom. There were 42 teachers of children with ID given a questionnaire via Google Forms. The questions posed concerned the antecedents of the behavior problems in students with ID, the forms of the behavior problems, teachers’ measures, post-intervention conditions, and suggestions for parents. The strongest trigger of behavior problems found was the teacher’s direction for a task, in which task refusal. In response to the task refusal behavior, the teacher took a measure by calming the students down and resulted in the students turning calm. This predictor of the teacher’s intervention can be applied as a basis for parents’ participation in collaboration to overcome behavior problems in students with ID. The teachers’ interventions against behavior problems in students with ID took the form of measures that were of the fading and prompting nature as well as the form of verbal diversion. The teachers’ interventions above mentioned can be used as predictors as they are relevant to the antecedents of the behavior problems of the students with ID, the forms of the behavior problems, and the concequences the teachers should follow.
The effect of reverse roleplay training to improve the counselor’s mind skills
Authors: Fauzan Lutfi , Hidayah Nur , Wahyuni Fitri , Hanafi Husni , Rofiqoh Rofiqoh , Kurniawan Nanda Alfan
Published: October 2023

Mind skills become the counselor’s internal competencies that support the counselor’s self-development in providing guidance and counseling services. Mind skills consist of six components that are interrelated and often integrated. The metacognitive thinking process is the key to success in how counselors can manage their thoughts and mental states through these six components. This study examined the success of the reverse roleplay training strategy to improve the counselor’s mind skills. The method was quasi-experimental quantitative with a pretest-posttest design. The subjects of this study were 31 counselors in Malang Raya, Indonesia. Data analysis in this study used two stages, descriptive statistical analysis and hypothesis test. The results showed that the counselor’s mind skills achievements before and after the intervention marked a difference with significant increase. Reverse roleplay increased the participants’ understanding and experience of the thoughts, perceptions, and feelings from broader perspectives. The counselor’s mental experiences involved during counseling sessions become a “full presence” for the therapeutic relationship. This research suggests further research to explore the counselor’s mental experiences in detail. As for practical implication, the reverse roleplay is recommended as a training design for improving the internal competencies of counselors and educators in general.
Ethno-ECLIPSE learning model: The bridge between collaboration and critical thinking skills
Authors: Priyambodo Panggih , Paidi Paidi , Wilujeng Insih , Widowati Asri
Published: October 2023

Collaboration skills and critical thinking skills are two real-life competencies in the 21st century. These two skills are believed to be related to one another. However, research on the magnitude of the correlation between the two skills is rarely investigated. Empowerment of these two skills cannot be separated from the learning model. This study analyzes the relationship between collaboration and critical thinking skills through the ethno-ECLIPSE learning model and conventional learning. This correlation study involved 240 biology students from various universities in Special Region of Yogyakarta and Central Java Provinces, Indonesia. Collaboration skills data was obtained through peer-to-peer rating scales, while critical thinking skills data was collected through essay tests. Data was analyzed by using simple linear regression. The research results showed collaboration skills significantly correlate with students’ critical thinking skills. The contribution of collaboration to critical thinking skills is higher when applying the ethno-ECLIPSE learning model (86.9%) than in conventional learning (48.2%). Then, the regression equation formed from both learning is parallel but not coincident. The ethno-ECLIPSE learning model can be the right choice and is highly recommended for achieving learning goals, especially increasing collaboration and critical thinking skills of pre-service teacher.
Writing and scientific publication skills of university teachers: A survey study
Authors: Mendoza Velazco Derling Jose , Flores Hinostroza Elizeth Mayrene , Muñoz Briones Josselyn Leonela , García Cedeño María Leonila
Published: October 2023

In the academic world, the skills of scientific writing and publishing allow for the sharing and dissemination of academic research. The research analysed the scientific publications of university teachers from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Technical University of Manabí (FCHS-UTM), Ecuador, in order to determine their skills and preferences in terms of scientific journals, writing language, type of publication, indexing, and editorial quality. A descriptive quantitative approach study was applied. A survey study was carried out. The sample selection was non-probabilistic and participatory. The sample consisted of 55 teachers from the faculty. A 25-item questionnaire was developed for data collection. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics. Among the results the faculty has a preference for national or local scientific journals. The language most used in studies is Spanish. University researchers are more professional in their use of American Psychological Association (APA) norms. The study presented implications such as the promotion of scientific publication and professional development, preservation of language and culture, professionalism in citation standards, promotion of collaboration, improvement of editorial quality and training strategies.
Examination of metaphorical attitudes towards physical education teacher and lesson
Authors: Avşar Züleyha , Yanar Nazlı Tunçel
Published: October 2023

The attitudes of secondary school students towards physical education and sports lessons and their teachers were tried to be determined through metaphors in this study. In the study, in which the mixed research method was used, the convergent parallel design was adopted. In the research, “physical education teacher evaluation scale based on student opinions”, “physical education attitude scale for secondary education students” and the metaphor sentence created by the researchers were used as data collection tools. The study group consisted of 185 secondary school students. The obtained quantitative data were analyzed in the Jamovi 2.0.0 statistical software program. Independent sample t-test and Pearson correlation test were used in pairwise comparisons. When the data obtained were examined, significant differences were determined according to the physical education teacher (PEL) attitude, gender, sports background, PEL, and teacher love. In the mean scores of physical education teacher evaluation, there were differences according to gender, PEL, and teacher love. The findings of the qualitative data were analyzed with the content analysis method, and categories and themes were created. The metaphors for physical education and sports lessons were grouped under two categories, while the metaphors for the physical education and sports teacher were grouped under three categories.
No place for chance: myths and stereotypes about old age and aging
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades
Published: October 2023

The objective of the book No Place for Change: Mythsanderstereotypes about old age and aging (in Portuguese: Onde o Acaso Não Tem Vez: mitos e estereótipos sobre a velhice e o envelhecimento is sharing, artistically and in a thought-provokingway, the five analysis categories that resulted from a research and literature review involving myths and stereotypes about old age an ageing. Each category comprises a book chapter: Degeneration, Morality, Sexuality, Age Roles and Productivity. The research sources were Brazilian journals specialized in ageing, since their foundation year until 2021. Characterized as scientific disclosure material, beyond the many others audiences that may be interested or already work in this field, the book also aims, as a supplementary education formation in Gerontology and related areas. Finally, the book invites us to think about how our postures and choices, from the simplest to the most complex, may not just be the work of simple chance.