bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fucose-Containing Sulfated Polysaccharides from Brown Seaweeds Inhibit Proliferation of Melanoma Cells and Induce Apoptosis by Activation of Caspase-3 in Vitro
Authors: Ale Marcel Tutor , Maruyama Hiroko , Tamauchi Hidekazu , Mikkelsen Jørn D. , Meyer Anne S.
Published: December 2011

Fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides (FCSPs) extracted from seaweeds, especially brown macro-algae, are known to possess essential bioactive properties, notably growth inhibitory effects on tumor cells. In this work, we conducted a series of in vitro studies to examine the influence of FCSPs products from Sargassum henslowianum C. Agardh (FSAR) and Fucus vesiculosus (FVES), respectively, on proliferation of melanoma B16 cells and to investigate the underlying apoptosis promoting mechanisms. Cell viability analysis showed that both FCSPs products, i.e., FSAR and FVES, decreased the proliferation of the melanoma cells in a dose-response fashion, with FSAR being more potent at lower dosages, and FVES being relatively more anti-proliferative than FSAR at higher dosages. Flow cytometric analysis by Annexin V staining of the melanoma cells exposed to the FCSPs products confirmed that both FSAR and FVES induced apoptosis. The FCSPs-induced apoptosis was evidenced by loss of plasma membrane asymmetry and translocation of the cell membrane phospholipids and was accompanied by the activation of caspase-3. The FCSPs bioactivity is proposed to be attributable to distinct structural features of the FCSPs, particularly the presence of sulfated galactofucans (notably in S. henslowianum) and sulfated fucans (notably in F. vesiculosus). This study thus indicates that unfractionated FCSPs may exert bioactive effects on skin cancer cells via induction of apoptosis through cascades of reactions that involve activation of caspase-3.
Membrane Compartment Occupied by Can1 (MCC) and Eisosome Subdomains of the Fungal Plasma Membrane
Authors: Douglas Lois M. , Wang Hong X. , Li Lifang , Konopka James B.
Published: December 2011

Studies on the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have revealed that fungal plasma membranes are organized into different subdomains. One new domain termed MCC/eisosomes consists of stable punctate patches that are distinct from lipid rafts. The MCC/eisosome domains correspond to furrows in the plasma membrane that are about 300 nm long and 50 nm deep. The MCC portion includes integral membrane proteins, such as the tetraspanners Sur7 and Nce102. The adjacent eisosome includes proteins that are peripherally associated with the membrane, including the BAR domains proteins Pil1 and Lsp1 that are thought to promote membrane curvature. Genetic analysis of the MCC/eisosome components indicates these domains broadly affect overall plasma membrane organization. The mechanisms regulating the formation of MCC/eisosomes in model organisms will be reviewed as well as the role of these plasma membrane domains in fungal pathogenesis and response to antifungal drugs.
Development of a Multisensor-Based Bio-Botanic Robot and Its Implementation Using a Self-Designed Embedded Board
Authors: Chang Chung-Liang , Sie Ming-Fong , Shie Jin-Long
Published: December 2011

This paper presents the design concept of a bio-botanic robot which demonstrates its behavior based on plant growth. Besides, it can reflect the different phases of plant growth depending on the proportional amounts of light, temperature and water. The mechanism design is made up of a processed aluminum base, spring, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and actuator to constitute the plant base and plant body. The control system consists of two micro-controllers and a self-designed embedded development board where the main controller transmits the values of the environmental sensing module within the embedded board to a sub-controller. The sub-controller determines the growth stage, growth height, and time and transmits its decision value to the main controller. Finally, based on the data transmitted by the sub-controller, the main controller controls the growth phase of the bio-botanic robot using a servo motor and leaf actuator. The research result not only helps children realize the variation of plant growth but also is entertainment-educational through its demonstration of the growth process of the bio-botanic robot in a short time.
Implications of Energy Return on Energy Invested on Future Total Energy Demand
Authors: Deng Shinuo , Tynan George R.
Published: December 2011

Human society is now at the beginning of a transition from fossil-fuel based primary energy sources to a mixture of renewable and nuclear based energy sources which have a lower Energy Return On Energy Invested (EROEI) than the older fossil based sources. This paper examines the evolution of total energy demand during this transition for a highly idealized energy economy. A simple model is introduced in which the net useful energy output required to operate an economy is assumed to remain fixed while the lower EROEI source gradually replaces the older higher EROEI primary energy source following a logistics substitution model. The results show that, for fixed net useful energy output, total energy demand increases as the ratio EROEInew/EROEIold decreases; total energy demand diverges as EROEInew approaches unity, indicating that the system must collapse in this limit.
Control of HBV Replication by Antiviral Micrornas Transferred by Lentiviral Vectors for Potential Cell and Gene Therapy Approaches
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Follenzi Antonia , Garforth Scott , Gupta Sanjeev
Published: December 2011

Background

Because molecular mechanisms regulating host cell and virus interactions are not fully understood, we further defined roles of antiviral microRNAs (miRNAs) in HBV replication.

Methods

We studied small interfering RNA sequences inserted into the miR-30 backbone in cell systems. Antiviral sequences were cloned into lentiviral vectors upstream of a green fluorescent protein reporter. Transduced cells included HepG2 or HepG2 2.2.15 cell lines and hTERT-FH-B fetal human liver cells. HBV replication was analysed by several assays.

Results

In 2.2.15 cells treated with constructs primarily targeting HBV polymerase and surface antigen or HBV polymerase and X open reading frames, HBV core protein, HBV DNA and HBV RNA expression decreased. This antiviral effect was more pronounced when the two constructs were expressed together. Similarly, antiviral constructs decreased HBV replication in HepG2 cells transduced with adenoviral vector to express HBV. Although antiviral sequences were expressed in hTERT-FH-B cells, these cells were non-permissive for HBV, possibly owing to expression of miRNAs reported to inhibit HBV replication, whereas these miRNAs were absent in HepG2 cells. Expression of antiviral miRNAs did not affect cell viability or proliferation and no deleterious changes were observed in expression of native cellular miRNAs. Moreover, expression of antiviral miRNA did not affect engraftment and survival of transplanted cells in mice.

Conclusions

Identification of effective antiviral miRNAs and transfer of suitable constructs by lentiviral vectors will be helpful for pathophysiological studies of host cell–virus interactions. Simultaneously, this will advance potential mechanisms for cell/gene therapy in those afflicted with chronic hepatitis and refractory liver disease.
Effects of an Intervention Plan on Nursing Student Success
Authors: Hadenfeldt Cynthia J.
Published: December 2011

Student attrition from nursing programs due to academic failure negatively affects students, nursing programs, and the health care industry. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the success of an intervention plan for practical nursing (PN) and associate degree nursing (ADN) students who were at risk for failure in coursework compared with outcomes from years without the plan. Records of 384 students were accessed. A 6% decrease in involuntary withdrawal due to academic failure with the intervention plans was noted. Sixty-four percent of the PN students and 86% of the ADN students with a plan completed the program. Ninety-six percent of the PN students and 84% of ADN students in intervention plans were successful on the NCLEX
®
on the first attempt. A statistically significant difference (
p
< 0.001) between traditional and nontraditional students in program completion existed prior to the intervention, which was eliminated with implementation of the intervention plans.
Parent–Nursing Student Communication Practice: Role-Play and Learning Outcomes
Authors: Fisher Mark J. , Taylor Erin A. , High Patricia L.
Published: December 2011

Parents accompanying their child’s hospitalization can experience stress associated with the child’s illness, treatments, and major alterations in family life. Nurses often serve as the primary communicator and cultural broker because of their constant presence at the child’s bedside. Nursing students may not have essential parent–nurse communication competencies. In an innovative method of teaching nursing students about communicating with parents, 64 undergraduate nursing students participated in a parent-led postconference with a nursing instructor. The parents provided background and led role-play activities and debriefing sessions with students. Feedback provided by students before and after the parent session included requests for additional parents’ experiences, appreciation and exceeded expectations of hands-on experience, recognized value of information provided, and the recommendation that all students attend. We demonstrate that empathy is a teachable skill, nursing students are apprehensive about communicating with parents, and nursing students do not understand how much families rely on nurses.
Contribution of Tactile and Kinesthetic Perceptions to Handwriting in Taiwanese Children in First and Second Grade
Authors: Yu Tzu-Ying , Hinojosa Jim , Howe Tsu-Hsin , Voelbel Gerald T.
Published: December 2011

This study examined the contribution of tactile and kinesthetic perceptions to handwriting legibility and speed of 177 Taiwanese children in first and second grade. Five standardized instruments assessed tactile and kinesthetic perceptions using handwriting legibility and speed as outcome measures. Fine motor coordination, mental processing speed, age, and gender were measured and served as covariates. Pearson correlations and regression analyses examined the relationship between handwriting and tactile and kinesthetic perceptions. Handwriting speed and legibility both significantly correlated with tactile perception, kinesthetic perception, and covariates. Results from the regression analysis supported tactile and kinesthetic perceptions as being significant predictors of both handwriting speed ( F (6,170) = 25.87, p < .001, R = .477) and legibility ( F (6,170) = 11.043, p < .001, R = .280). Tactile perception contributed more to handwriting speed and legibility than kinesthetic perception. Tactile and kinesthetic perception should be assessed when evaluating handwriting. When children have difficulty writing quickly or legibly, professionals should assess children's tactile and kinesthetic abilities.
SD-OCT Features of Laser Pointer Maculopathy Before and After Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy
Authors: Hossein Mohammad , Bonyadi Jabbarpour , Soheilian Roham , Soheilian Masoud , Peyman Gholam A.
Published: December 2011

The authors report spectral-domain optical coherence tomography findings of laser pointer–induced maculopathy in a 25-year-old man after accidental laser pointer exposure of less than 1 second. The Class 3R laser pointer (output wavelength 532 nm and output power 3.5 to 4.5 mW [continuous wave]) had U.S. Food and Drug Administration certification. One day after exposure, he had visual blurring and metamorphopsia of his right eye. He was treated with a systemic high-dose corticosteroid. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography disclosed a hyperreflective band in the foveal region. After 1 week of treatment, disappearance of hyperreflectivity was observed on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. At 6 months, residual disruption of the outer retinal layer at the fovea remained unchanged. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was a useful and sensitive tool for evaluating retinal damage and subsequent resolution after treatment.
Recubrimientos de materiales compuestos metal-cerámico obtenidos por nuevas tecnologías de proyección térmica: Proyección fría (CGS) y su resistencia al desgaste
Authors: Miguel J. M. , Vizcaíno S. , Dosta S. , Cinca N. , Lorenzana C. , Guilemany J. M.
Published: December 2011

En este artículo se utiliza la técnica de proyección fría (Cold Gas Spray -CGS-) para la obtención y caracterización de materiales compuestos constituidos por una matriz metálica de bronce de aluminio y una fase cerámica de alúmina con la intención de mejorar la resistencia al desgaste de los recubrimientos de bronce metálico puros. Se describen los diferentes procesos que ocurren durante la formación del recubrimiento (acritud de las partículas metálicas, rotura de las partículas cerámicas, efecto de granallado sobre el substrato metálico, entre otros) y se analizan cuáles son sus consecuencias sobre las propiedades del recubrimiento. Se han realizado ensayos de desgaste por fricción (ensayo Ball-on-Disk), abrasión (Rubber Wheel) y erosión, así como se ha determinado la microdureza y adherencia, y correlacionando los resultados obtenidos con el contenido de fase cerámica del recubrimiento. Se concluye que la fase cerámica reforzante incrementa sustancialmente las propiedades tribológicas con relación al bronce de partida. Finalmente se analizan los diferentes mecanismos de desgaste que tienen lugar durante los ensayos tribológicos.
Streptococcus pneumoniaeStimulates a STING- and IFN Regulatory Factor 3-Dependent Type I IFN Production in Macrophages, which Regulates RANTES Production in Macrophages, Cocultured Alveolar Epithelial Cells, and Mouse Lungs
Authors: Koppe Uwe , Högner Katrin , Doehn Jan-Moritz , Müller Holger C. , Witzenrath Martin , Gutbier Birgitt , Bauer Stefan , Pribyl Thomas , Hammerschmidt Sven , Lohmeyer Jürgen , Suttorp Norbert , Herold Susanne , Opitz Bastian
Published: December 2011

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia. In this study, we examine an innate immune recognition pathway that senses pneumococcal infection, triggers type I IFN production, and regulates RANTES production. We found that human and murine alveolar macrophages as well as murine bone marrow macrophages, but not alveolar epithelial cells, produced type I IFNs upon infection with S. pneumoniae. This response was dependent on the pore-forming toxin pneumolysin and appeared to be mediated by a cytosolic DNA-sensing pathway involving the adapter molecule STING and the transcription factor IFN regulatory factor 3. Indeed, DNA was present in the cytosol during pneumococcal infection as indicated by the activation of the AIM2 inflammasome, which is known to sense microbial DNA. Type I IFNs produced by S. pneumoniae-infected macrophages positively regulated gene expression and RANTES production in macrophages and cocultured alveolar epithelial cells in vitro. Moreover, type I IFNs controlled RANTES production during pneumococcal pneumonia in vivo. In conclusion, we identified an immune sensing pathway detecting S. pneumoniae that triggers a type I IFN response and positively regulates RANTES production.
Rapamycin Combined with TGF-β Converts Human Invariant NKT Cells into Suppressive Foxp3+ Regulatory Cells
Authors: Moreira-Teixeira Lúcia , Resende Mariana , Devergne Odile , Herbeuval Jean-Philippe , Hermine Olivier , Schneider Elke , Dy Michel , Cordeiro-da-Silva Anabela , Leite-de-Moraes Maria C.
Published: December 2011

Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells constitute a versatile T cell subset with important regulatory functions, which are thought to result essentially from their capacity to promptly produce cytokines that influence the Th1/Th2 balance. In this study, we report that these cells can also express Foxp3, an important transcriptional regulator associated with suppressive activity, once they have been exposed to TGF-β. Foxp3 was expressed by iNKT cells from both peripheral and cord blood. CD4+ iNKT cells acquired Foxp3 expression preferentially, although a lower proportion of their CD4− counterpart also became positive. All Foxp3+ iNKT cells displayed CD25 but not necessarily CTLA4 or GITR, regardless of the upregulation of these markers in the presence of TGF-β. Exposure to TGF-β decreased IL-4 and IFN-γ production while increasing IL-10, independently from Foxp3 expression. IL-17 was not detected. TGF-β induced high levels of Foxp3, but no suppressor activity, which emerged only in the presence of rapamycin. Peripheral and cord blood Foxp3+ iNKT cells suppressed the proliferation of conventional autologous and heterologous CD4+ T cells equally, in a cell contact-dependent and Ag-independent manner. Our findings demonstrate that human iNKT cells become suppressive in the presence of TGF-β plus rapamycin, thus adding a new facet to their complex functional properties.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease in a Child with Osteopetrosis
Authors: Sims Alex L. , Barwick Thomas W. , Montgomery Richard J.
Published: December 2011

Osteopetrosis is a rare inherited disorder of bone causing increased bone density. Legg- Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD), by contrast, is a more common idiopathic condition leading to variable avascular necrosis of the immature femoral head. We present a case of a 5-year-old boy presenting with these co-morbidities. We have found only one previous reference suggesting these two conditions can coexist in the literature. We discuss the basic principles of management of this interesting case.
Retrieval of three-dimensional wind fields from Doppler radar data using an efficient two-step approach
Authors: López Carrillo C. , Raymond D. J.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. In this work, we describe an efficient approach for wind retrieval from dual Doppler radar data. The approach produces a gridded field that not only satisfies the observations, but also satisfies the anelastic mass continuity equation. The method is based on the so-called three-dimensional variational approach to the retrieval of wind fields from radar data. The novelty consists in separating the task into steps that reduce the amount of data processed by the global minimization algorithm, while keeping the most relevant information from the radar observations. The method is flexible enough to incorporate observations from several radars, accommodate complex sampling geometries, and readily include dropsonde or sounding observations in the analysis. We demonstrate the usefulness of our method by analyzing a real case with data collected during the TPARC/TCS-08 field campaign.
Tracking climate variability in the western Mediterranean during the Late Holocene: a multiproxy approach
Authors: Nieto-Moreno V. , Martínez-Ruiz F. , Giralt S. , Jiménez-Espejo F. , Gallego-Torres D. , Rodrigo-Gámiz M. , García-Orellana J. , Ortega-Huertas M. , de Lange G. J.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Climate variability in the western Mediterranean is reconstructed for the last 4000 yr using marine sediments recovered in the west Algerian-Balearic Basin, near the Alboran Basin. Fluctuations in chemical and mineralogical sediment composition as well as grain size distribution are linked to fluvial-eolian oscillations, changes in redox conditions and paleocurrent intensity. Multivariate analyses allowed us to characterize three main groups of geochemical and mineralogical proxies determining the sedimentary record of this region. These three statistical groups were applied to reconstruct paleoclimate conditions at high resolution during the Late Holocene. An increase in riverine input (fluvial-derived elements – Rb/Al, Ba/Al, REE/Al, Si/Al, Ti/Al, Mg/Al and K/Al ratios), and a decrease in Saharan eolian input (Zr/Al ratio) depict the Roman Humid Period and the Little Ice Age, while drier environmental conditions are recognized during the Late Bronze Age-Iron Age, the Dark Ages and the Medieval Climate Anomaly. Additionally, faster bottom currents and more energetic hydrodynamic conditions for the former periods are evidenced by enhanced sortable silt (10-63 μm) and quartz content, and by better oxygenated bottom waters – as reflected by decreasing redox-sensitive elements (V/Al, Cr/Al, Ni/Al and Zn/Al ratios). In contrast, opposite paleoceanographic conditions are distinguished during the latter periods, i.e. the Late Bronze Age-Iron Age, the Dark Ages and the Medieval Climate Anomaly. Although no Ba excess was registered, other paleoproductivity indicators (total organic carbon content, Br/Al ratio, and organometallic ligands such as U and Cu) display the highest values during the Roman Humid Period, and together with increasing preservation of organic matter, this period exhibits by far the most intense productivity of the last 4000 yr. Fluctuations in detrital input into the basin as the main process managing deposition, reflected by the first eigenvector defined by the Principal Component Analyses, point to solar irradiance and the North Atlantic Oscillation variability as the main driving mechanisms behind natural climate variability over decadal to centennial time-scales for the last 4000 yr.
Trochanteroplasty to Treat Sequelae of Septic Arthritis of the Hip in Infancy. Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Ferrari Daniele , Libri Rolando , Donzelli Onofrio
Published: December 2011

The authors report a series of 11 patients treated surgically by trochanteroplasty for septic arthritis of the hip at our institution from 1974 to 2010.

Trochanteroplasty was indicated due to the absence of a valid alternative, and because it does not rule out the option of total hip arthroplasty at a later stage.
Pentraxin 3 Released from Neutrophils Increases Plasma Levels in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Inoue Kenji , Suwa Satoru , Okazaki Shinya , Itoh Seigo , Savchenko Alexander S. , Naito Makoto , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Daida Hiroyuki
Published: December 2011

Background. Our recently developed ELISA system for the detection of human pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in plasma has demonstrated that plasma PTX3 levels are increased in patients with unstable angina pectoris. However, the origin of the PTX3 from the ruptured plaque or a systemic process and which cells release PTX3 remain unclear.Methods. Blood samples were taken using an aspiration catheter from the site of the ruptured plaque and from the aorta during acute coronary interventions in 118 patients with acute coronary syndrome. These samples were analyzed for PTX3, and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was used as a control. Aspirated thrombi from patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (n= 32) were examined by histological staining.Results. Plasma PTX3 levels were higher in blood samples taken from the site of plaque rupture compared to samples taken from the aorta (5.61±1.91 ng/mL versus 4.72 ± 5.61 ng/mL,P<0.05). On the other hand, BNP levels, as reference, were not different between the samples (P= 0.45). PTX3-positive neutrophils accounted for 70.4% of cells in harvested thrombi, with the remaining cells consisting of mononuclear cells.Conclusions. Infiltrating neutrophils in thrombi at the plaque rupture site are a diagnostically important source of PTX3 in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
On the Geometry of Almost -Manifolds
Authors: Fitzpatrick Sean
Published: December 2011

An -structure on a manifold is an endomorphism field satisfying . We call an f-structure regular if the distribution is involutive and regular, in the sense of Palais. We show that when a regular f-structure on a compact manifold M is an almost -structure, it determines a torus fibration of M over a symplectic manifold. When rank , this result reduces to the Boothby-Wang theorem. Unlike similar results for manifolds with -structure or -structure, we do not assume that the f-structure is normal. We also show that given an almost -structure, we obtain an associated Jacobi structure, as well as a notion of symplectization.
Docking Applied to the Study of Inhibitors of c-Met Kinase
Authors: Gavernet Luciana , Palestro Pablo Hernan , Bruno-Blanch Luis
Published: December 2011

Quinoxaline derivatives were studied as inhibitors of c-Met kinase, a receptor associated with high tumor grade and poor prognosis in a number of human cancers. In this paper we used docking methodologies to predict the binding conformation of a set of quinoxalines and to explain the differences of biological activities previously reported.
On Strong Solutions of Regularized Model of a Viscoelastic Medium with Variable Boundary
Authors: Orlov Vladimir
Published: December 2011

We consider the initial-value problem for systems of equations describing the evolution
of a viscoelastic medium with variable boundary with memory along the trajectories of a
velocity field, which generalizes the Navier-Stokes system of equations. Nonlocal existence
and uniqueness theorem of strong solutions containing senior square-integrable derivatives in the planar case are established.
The Consequences of Legislative Regulation in Medicine
Authors: Ivey Richard Todd
Published: February 2025

This Viewpoint discusses the restriction of abortion access in Texas and other states, and that while government plays an important role in providing essential health care services, laws that ignore scientific evidence, the patient-physician relationship, and patient autonomy are inappropriate and negatively impact patient health and well-being.
Robust automated method of spatial resolution measurement in radiotherapy CT simulation images
Authors: Govyadinov Pavel , Layman Rick. R. , Netherton Tucker , Mumme Raymond , Jones Aaron. K. , Court Laurence. E. , Ahmad Moiz
Published: February 2025

Background

Variation in imaging protocol, patient positioning, and the presence of artifacts can vary image quality in CT images used for radiotherapy planning. Automated methods for spatial resolution (SR) estimation exist but require further investigation and validation for wider adoption.

Purpose

To validated previously existing algorithm for SR estimation and introduce improvements that make it robust to patient positioning, CT protocol, site, and artifacts.

Method

A reference algorithm based on the previous gold standard was recreated and modified to improve robustness. The algorithms were tested on three different datasets: (1) a cylindrical ACR CT QC phantom scanned using a Siemens SOMATOM Definition Edge scanner and reconstructed using 61 different kernels, (2) a set of anthropomorphic phantoms scanned with the presence of artifacts common to clinical acquisitions such as blankets and immobilization devices, and (3) a clinical patient dataset of head and neck (HN) CT scans (nine patients) and spine/pelvis (10 patients). The robustness of both algorithms was tested on the clinical patient data.

Results

Over the range of tested kernels, both algorithms were accurate when the ground truth MTF f50 was within the range 0.2–0.7 mm−1 in the cylindrical phantom datasets with an RMS error of 10.3% and 3.8% for the reference and modified versions of the algorithm, respectively, as compared to the ground truth. In the anthropomorphic phantom datasets the reference algorithm showed an 8.4% and 30.0% difference from ground truth for the Pelvic and HN phantoms, respectively, while the modified algorithm showed 4.9% and 3.9% percent difference from ground truth. In the clinical dataset the reference algorithm estimated a mean f50 value of 0.21 ± 0.03 mm−1 and 0.25 ± 0.03 mm−1 for pelvis/spine while the reference algorithm estimated mean of 0.28 ± 0.02 and 0.29 ± 0.01 mm−1 for HN and pelvis/spine, respectively, as compared to the ground truth found to be 0.28 mm−1 on the cylindrical phantom.

Conclusion

The SR algorithm was validated cylindrical/anthropomorphic phantoms and clinical CT scans. Further modifications were tested and showed improved accuracy in more challenging CT acquisitions.
The Fertile Ground Between Sustainability and Religious Education
Authors: Windsor Sally , Franck Olof
Published: February 2025

This chapter introduces the aims of this book and the chapter contributions that are contained within. It identifies a gap in the research that scrutinises the types of education that sit at the nexus of religious education and sustainability education and argues that the core of both of these forms of education should be to enhance the ‘ethical literacy’ of students for a sustainable future.
Concluding Remarks and Future Directions
Authors: Franck Olof , Windsor Sally
Published: February 2025

This chapter concludes the book Intersections of Religion, Education, and a Sustainable World. It discusses how the contributions to this book show a depth and breadth of engagement with the how religious education can address the critical sustainability issues of our time. It proposes three possible paths for future research.
Reframing the Human–Nature Relationship in Worldview Education: The Case of Finnish Lutheran and Orthodox Textbooks
Authors: Zilliacus Harriet , Wolff Lili-Ann , Mikander Pia , Kallioniemi Arto
Published: February 2025

To support new ways of thinking and acting that could create sustainable lifestyles and societies, it is necessary to consider how education attends to the human relationship with the non-human world. In this study, we investigated how the human–nature relationship introduced into Finnish worldview education in the initial comprehensive school years. Through discourse analysis grounded in Laclau and Mouffe, we examined textbooks in Lutheran and Orthodox religious education from 2015 to 2022. Our focus was on how textbooks support international policy and the curricular aims of sustainability in Finland. The results showed that the textbooks introduced the human–nature relationship through a distinct view of separation and dualism between humans and non-human nature. Discourses that might support a change in the human–nature relationship were not found. Given the policy and curricular aims, this raises the concern whether Finnish worldview education can encourage students to recognize the interconnectedness of all life and humans’ complete dependence on viable ecosystems. There is a substantial and pressing need for the development of textbooks to provide more opportunities to learn about various human–nature relationships and to re-imagine new ones, as well as to encourage student agency with respect to the sustainability crisis.
Indigenous Spirituality with a Focus on Maya Religion and Ritual Practices in Connection with Education on Sustainable Development in RE Classrooms
Authors: Liljefors Persson Bodil
Published: February 2025

This contribution has two purposes. It aims at grasping Indigenous religions with an emphasis on Maya religious discourse seen in long term perspective and aims to give examples of how teaching about ecology, sustainability and global ethics and values can benefit from connecting to Indigenous religious traditions rituals within Religious Education. Questions of powerful knowledge and religious literacy are also discussed in this context.

Central themes in Maya cosmology, mythology and rituals will be highlighted together with the viability of Maya view on nature, agriculture, ecology and thus sustainability. Local knowledge of agriculture and ethnobotany, as well as ritual healing ceremonies are handed down from ancient traditions and still visible in present everyday life. These ritual practices today still communicate meaning and spirituality in the Maya area.

Knowledge of Indigenous religions and spirituality, exemplified by the case of Maya cosmology and ritual practices, will deepen understanding of processes of change and permanence and thus of sustainability. The objective is to emphasise the importance of integrating questions of sustainability and ecology in RE classrooms and to encourage future teachers in RE to develop their knowledge on the relations between religion(s) and sustainability.
Comparative evaluation of the performance of orthodontic retainers using different surface protocols: an in vitro study
Authors: Kurnaz Merve , Nazan Ali Arslan , Eraydın Feyza
Published: February 2025

This study aims to assess the in vitro durability of Nitinol retainers, manufactured using computer-aided methods with hydrophilic or superhydrophilic surfaces to reduce debonding, alongside a commonly used composite adhesive. The 112 lower incisor teeth were embedded in blocks in pairs. Retainer wires were made up of 0.018 × 0.018 inch Nickel Titanium alloy(G4™ Nickel Titanium G&H Orthodontics, USA) by bending a robot arm. A total of 16 teeth(8 blocks) were used for each of the mentioned 7 groups Ni-Ti Retainer; Laser Textured Ni-Ti Retainer; Laser Texturing and Atmospheric Plasma Applicated Ni-Ti Retainer; Atmospheric Plasma Applicated Ni-Ti Retainer; Laser Texturing and Atmospheric Plasma Applicated Ni-Ti Retainer*2; Laser Texturing and Atmospheric Plasma Applicated Ni-Ti Retainer*3; SS-0.0018“(Morelli, Brazil). Transbond LR(3 M Unitek, California) was used. The shear bond strength tests were conducted. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was employed, pairwise comparisons followed by Dunn’s test with Bonferroni correction as a post-hoc analysis. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for maximum force and maximum stress(p > 0.05). However, a significant difference was found in maximum elongation (p:0.0023). Pairwise comparisons highlighted significantly higher elongation values in the SS-0.0018” group. The stainless-steel wire demonstrated higher elongation values, which may offer clinical advantages in cases with higher occlusal forces and periodontal problems due to its material flexibility. Laser Texturing and Atmospheric Plasma Applied Ni-Ti Retainers exhibited higher test performance. Surface treatments applied to CAD/CAM retainers can provide an advantage by enhancing bond strength, potentially reducing the risk of debonding. These findings underline the importance of material selection and surface treatments in optimizing fixed retention strategies for long-term clinical success.
Impact of pharmacist-physician collaboration on patient outcomes in Parkinson’s disease: a randomised controlled trial in tertiary care
Authors: Techa-angkoon Phanutgorn , Pitakpatapee Yuvadee , Saengphatrachai Weerawat , Srivanitchapoom Prachaya , Suansanae Thanarat
Published: February 2025

Background

Previous studies have shown that reducing drug-related problems (DRPs) may improve therapeutic outcomes in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Aim

To investigate the impact of pharmacist participation in Parkinson’s disease clinic on the number of DRPs, clinical outcomes, and the quality of life of PD patients.

Method

This single-blinded randomised controlled trial was conducted at the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Clinic. Patients aged ≥ 18 years, diagnosed with idiopathic PD for at least 3 years, and receiving antiparkinsonian drugs were randomly assigned (1:1) to the pharmacist-physician (PP) or usual care (UC) groups. The primary outcome was changes in the number of DRPs from baseline to 24 weeks between groups. Secondary outcomes included the Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) score, eight-item version of the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-8) score, and Patients’ Global Impression of Change (PGIC) score at week 24.

Results

A total of 80 patients were randomised, with 40 in each group. The mean number of DRPs reduced in both groups; however, the reduction was greater in the PP group compared to the UC group (− 7.2 ± 3.6 vs. − 3.0 ± 1.8, p < 0.001), especially non-adherence issues. The MDS-UPDRS and PDQ-8 scores showed significantly greater improvement in the PP group. A higher proportion of patients in the PP group achieved improvement in PGIC scales compared to those in the UC group.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that pharmacist-physician collaboration service in the PD clinic positively impacted patient outcomes.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05410210 (date 13 May 2022).
Measuring thymic output across the human lifespan: a critical challenge in laboratory medicine
Authors: Middelkamp Vera , Kekäläinen Eliisa
Published: February 2025

Age-associated thymic involution leads to a significant decline in thymic T cell output, a major contributor to immunosenescence in the elderly. Accurately measuring thymic output is therefore critical for understanding the mechanisms behind immune aging. Furthermore, robust quantification of thymic output is essential in various other clinical and research settings, including the diagnosis of immunodeficiencies and the monitoring of T cell reconstitution following therapeutic interventions like hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Current methodologies for measuring thymic output include T cell receptor excision circle (TREC) quantification via quantitative polymerase chain reaction and the enumeration of recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) using flow cytometry. However, TREC-based assays are inherently insensitive to subtle changes in thymic output, limiting their applicability beyond neonatal immunodeficiency screening. Similarly, RTE enumeration presents challenges; while surface markers exist for CD4⁺ RTEs, validated markers for CD8⁺ cytotoxic T lymphocytes are lacking. This represents a significant knowledge gap, particularly as aging has been shown to disproportionally affect the CD8 T cell pool. Moreover, while flow cytometry effectively measures mature naïve T cells, these cells do not accurately represent real-time thymic output, as they can persist in peripheral circulation for extended periods. These limitations highlight the pressing need for more accurate and sensitive methods to assess thymic output. Improved measurement techniques would not only enhance our understanding of thymic involution in the context of aging but also enable large-scale investigations into thymic function and the mechanisms driving its decline in both health and disease. In this review, we examine current methodologies for measuring thymic output in humans, critically evaluate their limitations, and discuss emerging approaches to address these gaps in the field.
Tellurium Oxides: Thermodynamics and Phase Relations in the Te–O System
Authors: Gossé S.
Published: February 2025

The Te–O phase diagram and the TeO2 thermodynamic properties are of interest for many industrial fields: nuclear applications, steel making industry and chalcogenide glass processes. Both, the thermodynamic properties and phase diagram of this relevant binary system were reviewed and assessed using the Calphad method. From this assessment, the standard Gibbs free energy and corresponding heat capacity of the binary oxides are calculated as:

$$\begin{gathered} \Delta_{{\text{f}}} {\text{G}}_{{{\text{TeO}}_{2} }}^{ \circ } \left( {{\text{KJ}} \cdot {\text{mol}}^{ - 1} } \right) = - 109.646 + 0.1034 \cdot T - 0.0064 \cdot T \cdot \ln (T) \hfill \\ {\text{C}}_{{{\text{p}}_{{{\text{TeO}}_{2} }} }} \left( {{\text{J}} \cdot {\text{K}} \cdot {\text{mol}}^{ - 1} } \right) = 19.59 + 0.0101 \cdot {\text{T}} - 1.6 \cdot 10 ^{- 6}.T^{2} - 186517 \cdot T^{ - 2} \hfill \\ \end{gathered}$$

Δ
f

G

TeO
2

∘

KJ
·

mol

-
1

=
-
109.646
+
0.1034
·
T
-
0.0064
·
T
·
ln

(
T
)

C

p

TeO
2

J
·
K
·

mol

-
1

=
19.59
+
0.0101
·
T
-
1.6
·

10

-
6

.

T
2

-
186517
·

T

-
2

$$\begin{gathered} \Delta_{{\text{f}}} {\text{G}}_{{{\text{Te}}_{2} {\text{O}}_{5} }}^{ \circ } \left( {{\text{KJ}} \cdot {\text{mol}}^{ - 1} } \right) = - 104.81 + 0.1175 \cdot T - 0.0077 \cdot T \cdot \ln (T) \hfill \\ {\text{C}}_{{{\text{p}}_{{{\text{Te}}_{2} {\text{O}}_{5} }} }} \left( {{\text{J}} \cdot {\text{K}}^{ - 1} \cdot {\text{mol}}^{ - 1} } \right) = 19.86 + 0.0091 \cdot T - 285181 \cdot T^{ - 2} \hfill \\ \end{gathered}$$

Δ
f

G

Te
2

O
5

∘

KJ
·

mol

-
1

=
-
104.81
+
0.1175
·
T
-
0.0077
·
T
·
ln

(
T
)

C

p

Te
2

O
5

J
·

K

-
1

·

mol

-
1

=
19.86
+
0.0091
·
T
-
285181
·

T

-
2

$$\begin{gathered} \Delta_{{\text{f}}} {\text{G}}_{{{\text{TeO}}_{3} }}^{ \circ } \left( {{\text{KJ}} \cdot {\text{mol}}^{ - 1} } \right) = - 92.79 + 0.111 \cdot T - 0.00776 \cdot T \cdot \ln (T) \hfill \\ {\text{C}}_{{{\text{PTeO}}_{3} }} \left( {{\text{J}} \cdot {\text{K}}^{ - 1} \cdot {\text{mol}}^{ - 1} } \right) = 17.475 + 0.013 \cdot {\text{T}} - 2.085 \cdot 10^{ - 6} \cdot T^{2} - 280000 \cdot T^{ - 2} \hfill \\ \end{gathered}$$

Δ
f

G

TeO
3

∘

KJ
·

mol

-
1

=
-
92.79
+
0.111
·
T
-
0.00776
·
T
·
ln

(
T
)

C

PTeO
3

J
·

K

-
1

·

mol

-
1

=
17.475
+
0.013
·
T
-
2.085
·

10

-
6

·

T
2

-
280000
·

T

-
2
Enhancing Societal Value of Early Warning Early Action and Anticipatory Action Frameworks Using NOAA’s Oceanic Niño Index
Authors: Glantz Michael H. , Ramírez Ivan J.
Published: February 2025

Given the contemporary increase in the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme anomalous hydromet hazards (droughts, floods, tropical storms, heatwaves), heightened attention of governments, scientists, media, and humanitarian organizations is being given to hydromet early warning systems. The focus of this article is multidisciplinary and multifaceted: it involves connecting an earliest warning indicator associated with the Oceanic Niño Index, one that complements the existing National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicator, with early warning early action and anticipatory action approaches for disaster risk reduction (DRR). This new indicator in theory at least could increase the lead time between the release of an official forecast of an El Niño and the first appearance of its adverse impacts, thereby serving as the earliest warning of an event. As such, this DRR research links new usable earliest warning information, providing additional time to initiate tactical actions to cope with El Niño-spawned hydromet hazards. Integrating an earliest indicator of the likely onset of an El Niño into early action frameworks would hasten humanitarian assistance by providing at-risk communities and humanitarian organizations with more time to consider a range of options for responding to El Niño’s impacts.
Synthetic aspects, structural insights and pharmacological potential of pyrazole derivatives: an overview
Authors: Menezes Rachel Alveera , Bhat K. Subrahmanya
Published: February 2025

There is an increase in infectious diseases every year. Heterocyclic compounds have been in use as drugs for a long time. Amongst many heterocyclic derivatives, the drugs containing the pyrazole core has been in limelight because of its relative ease of synthesis and excellent biological activities. Pyrazoles are aromatic compounds consisting of ring structure where two nitrogen atoms are adjacent to each other and contain three carbon atoms. Over the years pyrazoles have been explored for a variety of pharmacological applications. Herein, this review overviews the information related to industrially important pyrazoline scaffolds and their applications, recent literature on synthesizing the pyrazole derivatives, providing an explanation for their biological activity by focusing on their structural activity relationship and hence affording ideas to design the compounds containing pyrazole scaffolds.

Graphical abstract
Poets, Resistance, Translation, and Ethics in a Time of War
Authors: Sandler Stephanie
Published: February 2025

Poetry has proven a productive aesthetic discourse for those working in Russian and in Ukrainian, documented by a huge outpouring of verse and by both the articles in this forum. This viewpoint piece zeroes in on the ways in which poems have become a means of resistance, particularly for those writing in Russian, and on the roles played by translation as its own ethical act and as a form of further resistance. It ends with the example of Igor’ Bulatovskii's poetry and his broader actions as translator and editor.
Global Warming Is Likely Affecting Regional Drought Across Eurasia
Authors: Marvel Kate , Cook Benjamin I. , Cook Edward
Published: February 2025

While rising global temperatures have altered global drought risk and are projected to continue to change large‐scale hydroclimate, it has proved difficult to detect the influence of external factors on drought‐relevant variables at regional scales. In addition to the inherent difficulty in identifying signals in noisy data, detection and attribution studies generally rely on general circulation models, which may fail to accurately capture the characteristics of naturally forced and internal hydroclimate variability. Here, we use a long tree‐ring based paleoclimate record of drought to estimate pre‐industrial variability in the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI), a commonly used metric of drought risk. Using a Bayesian framework, we estimate the temporal and spatial characteristics of hydroclimate variability prior to 1850. We assess whether observed twenty‐first century PDSI is compatible with this pre‐industrial variability or is better explained by a forced response that scales with the global mean temperature. Our results suggest that global warming likely contributed to dry PDSI in Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Arctic Russia and to wet PDSI in Northern Europe, East‐central Asia, and Tibet.
Differences in natriuretic peptide response in self-identified white and black individuals: a physiological clinical trial
Authors: Shetty Naman S. , Gaonkar Mokshad , Patel Nirav , Vekariya Nehal , Yerabolu Krishin , Dhaliwal Jasninder S. , Buford Thomas W. , Gower Barbara , Li Peng , Wang Thomas J. , Arora Garima , Arora Pankaj
Published: February 2025

Black individuals have lower plasma natriuretic peptide (NP) concentrations than white individuals. However, race-based differences in the NP response to physiological perturbations are unknown. In this physiological trial (NCT#03070184), we measured the NP [mid-regional atrial NP (MR-proANP), N-terminal pro-B-type NP (NT-proBNP), and BNP] response to physiological perturbations among healthy, self-identified Black and white participants aged 18-40 years. The primary and secondary outcomes were the change in plasma NP concentrations at 6 weeks after metoprolol (initiated at 50 mg/day and doubled every 2 weeks) and standardized, aerobic exercise (70% of their maximal oxygen uptake on a salt-standardized background), respectively. Among 40 Black [median age: 27 (22, 32) years; 21 (52.5%) women] and 40 white [median age: 25 (20, 30) years; 19 (47.5%) women] participants, exercise increased MR-proANP (Black: 35%; white: 43%), NT-proBNP (Black: 11%; white: 23%), and BNP (Black: 59%; white: 61%) in both self-reported races. Exercise was associated with an increase in plasma MR-proANP (pinteraction: 0.25) and BNP (pinteraction: 0.87) concentrations which did not vary by self-reported race. However, the increase in plasma NT-proBNP concentrations were higher in white participants than in Black participants. (pinteraction: 0.04) Similarly, metoprolol therapy increased MR-proANP (Black: 18%; white: 16%), NT-proBNP (Black: 95%; white: 99%), and BNP (Black: 45%; white: 74%) in both self-reported races. The metoprolol-associated increase in plasma MR-proANP (pinteraction: 0.85), NT-proBNP (pinteraction: 0.94), and BNP (pinteraction: 0.21) concentrations were similar by self-reported race. In conclusion, the higher increase in plasma NT-proBNP concentrationsamong white patients after exercise suggests that exercise may induce significant physiological variations in NP levels. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03070184.