bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo imaging system (IVIS) therapeutic assessment of tyrosine kinase inhibitor-loaded gold nanocarriers for acute myeloid leukemia: a pilot study
Authors: Munteanu Raluca-Andrada , Tigu Adrian Bogdan , Feder Richard , Tatar Andra-Sorina , Gulei Diana , Tomuleasa Ciprian , Boca Sanda
Published: May 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignancy in the myeloid lineage that is characterized by symptoms like fatigue, bleeding, infections, or anemia, and it can be fatal if untreated. In AML, mutations in tyrosine kinases (TKs) lead to enhanced tumor cell survival. The most frequent mutations in TKs are reported in Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), and KIT (tyrosine-protein kinase KIT), making these TKs potential targets for TK inhibitor (TKI) therapies in AML. With 30% of the mutations in TKs, mutated FLT3 is associated with poor overall survival and an increased chance of resistance to therapy. FLT3 inhibitors are used in FLT3-mutant AML, and the combination with hypomethylating agents displayed promising results. Midostaurin (MDS) is the first targeted therapy in FLT3-mutant AML, and its combination with chemotherapy showed good results. However, chemotherapies induce several side effects, and an alternative to chemotherapy might be the use of nanoparticles for better drug delivery, improved bioavailability, reduced drug resistance and induced toxicity. The herein study presents MDS-loaded gold nanoparticles and compares its efficacy with MDS alone, on both in vitro and in vivo models, using the FLT3-ITD-mutated AML cell line MV-4-11 Luc2 transfected to express luciferin. Our preclinical study suggests that MDS-loaded nanoparticles have a better tumor inhibitory effect than free drugs on in vivo models by controlling tumor growth in the first half of the treatment, while in the second part of the therapy, the tumor size was comparable to the cohort that was treatment-free.
Inflammation and cancer: friend or foe?
Authors: Turizo-Smith Andrés David , Córdoba-Hernandez Samantha , Mejía-Guarnizo Lidy Vannessa , Monroy-Camacho Paula Stefany , Rodríguez-García Josefa Antonia
Published: May 2024

Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of pathologies like neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer, since tumor development and chronic inflammation are linked, sharing common signaling pathways. At least 20% of breast and colorectal cancers are associated with chronic inflammation triggered by infections, irritants, or autoimmune diseases. Obesity, chronic inflammation, and cancer interconnection underscore the importance of population-based interventions in maintaining healthy body weight, to disrupt this axis. Given that the dietary inflammatory index is correlated with an increased risk of cancer, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet supplemented with nutraceuticals may be useful for cancer prevention. Natural products and their derivatives offer promising antitumor activity with favorable adverse effect profiles; however, the development of natural bioactive drugs is challenging due to their variability and complexity, requiring rigorous research processes. It has been shown that combining anti-inflammatory products, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and statins, with plant-derived products demonstrate clinical utility as accessible adjuvants to traditional therapeutic approaches, with known safety profiles. Pharmacological approaches targeting multiple proteins involved in inflammation and cancer pathogenesis emerge as a particularly promising option. Given the systemic and multifactorial nature of inflammation, comprehensive strategies are essential for long term success in cancer therapy. To gain insights into carcinogenic phenomena and discover diagnostic or clinically relevant biomarkers, is pivotal to understand genetic variability, environmental exposure, dietary habits, and TME composition, to establish therapeutic approaches based on molecular and genetic analysis. Furthermore, the use of endocannabinoid, cannabinoid, and prostamide-type compounds as potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers requires further investigation. This review aims to elucidate the role of specific etiological agents and mediators contributing to persistent inflammatory reactions in tumor development. It explores potential therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment, emphasizing the urgent need for cost-effective approaches to address cancer-associated inflammation.
Teriparatide: an innovative and promising strategy for protecting the blood-spinal cord barrier following spinal cord injury
Authors: Xiong Moliang , Feng Yun , Luo Caiguang , Guo Jia , Zeng Jihuan , Deng Liang , Xiao Qiang
Published: May 2024

Graphical Abstract

This figure was generated using Figdraw software.
Population pharmacokinetics, dosing optimization and clinical outcomes of biapenem in patients with sepsis
Authors: Chen Dayu , Wu Xuanyu , Zhang Haixia , Yao Huimin , Jin Lu , Luo Xuemei , Liu Jinchun , Wu Zejun , Li Yuanchen , Xu Wei , Ge Weihong , Chen Xingkai , Zhu Huaijun
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Biapenem is a carbapenem antibiotic widely used in Asia, can be used for the treatment of adults and children with infections due to susceptible bacteria. Although biapenem is utilized in the treatment of a diverse range of bacterial infections, current pharmacokinetic data in the context of septic populations remain limited. Consequently, our research aims to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of biapenem within a septic population to optimize biapenem therapy.

Methods: In this study, we characterized the pharmacokinetics of biapenem in septic patients using a population pharmacokinetic (PPK) approach. The clinical PK data to develop the PPK model were obtained from 317 septic patients admitted to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital between 2018 and 2022. All patients were randomized to the modeling and validation cohorts at a 3:1 ratio, with PPK modeling and validation performed utilizing the NONMEM software.

Results: The model found to best describe the available data was a two-compartment PPK model with first-order elimination characterized by the parameters clearance (CL), central volume (V1), peripheral volume (V2), and intercompartmental clearance (Q). A covariate analysis identified that creatinine clearance (CLCR) was a significant covariate influencing biapenem CL, while blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was a significant covariate influencing biapenem Q. Accoding to the clinical outcome analyses, 70% of the time that the free antimicrobial drug concentration exceeds the MIC (fT>MIC) is associated with favourable clinical outcomes. The PPK model was then used to perform Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the probability of attaining 70% fT>MIC.

Conclusions: A final PPK model of biapenem was established for patients with sepsis. The current daily dosage regimen of 1.2 g may insufficient to achieve 70% fT>MIC in septic patients. The dosage regimen of 600 mg every 6 h appears to be the optimal choice.
Fusion of full-field optical angiography images via gradient feature detection
Authors: Wang Gao , Li Jiangwei , Tan Haishu , Li Xiaosong
Published: May 2024

Full-field optical angiography (FFOA)—a real-time non-invasive imaging technique for extracting biological blood microcirculation information—contributes to an in-depth understanding of the functional and pathological changes of biological tissues. However, owing to the limitation of the depth-of-field (DOF) of optical lenses, existing FFOA imaging methods cannot capture an image containing every blood-flow information. To address this problem, this study develops a long-DOF full-field optical angiography imaging system and proposes a novel multi-focus image fusion scheme to expand the DOF. First, FFOA images with different focal lengths are acquired by the absorption intensity fluctuation modulation effect. Second, an image fusion scheme based on gradient feature detection in a nonsubsampled contourlet transform domain is developed to capture focus features from FFOA images and synthesize an all-focused image. Specifically, FFOA images are decomposed by NSCT into coefficients and low-frequency difference images; thereafter, two gradient feature detection-based fusion rules are used to select the pre-fused coefficients. The experimental results of both phantom and animal cases show that the proposed fusion method can effectively extend the DOF and address practical FFOA image defocusing problems. The fused FFOA image can provide a more comprehensive description of blood information than a single FFOA image.
Diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of the PHQ-2 and GAD-2: a comparison with long-format measures for depression and anxiety
Authors: Hlynsson Jón Ingi , Carlbring Per
Published: May 2024

Background

Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent and often comorbid mental disorders that are encompassed within the broad category of emotional disorders. The frequent comorbidity of anxiety and depression can pose challenges for accurate diagnosis and treatment which, in turn, highlights the need for reliable measurements that are simultaneously responsive to change and prevent non-response bias. Brief measures of anxiety and depression can potentially increase response rates due to their brevity and ease of administration. This study evaluates the psychometric characteristics, discriminative accuracy, and sensitivity to change of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item scale (GAD-2) and the Patient Health Questionnaire 2-item scale (PHQ-2) within a clinical population.

Method

The sample comprised treatment-seeking participants (n = 3,411), screened (n = 2,477) to receive an internet-based psychotherapeutic intervention (cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, or waitlist).

Results

Brief measures can effectively detect individuals who may be eligible for a diagnosis of depression and anxiety, not only prior to but also during and following the completion of psychological treatment. The discriminative ability of the GAD-2 was significantly greater during active treatment and at post-assessment compared with pre-treatment screening, although no such differences were found for the PHQ-2. Finally, endorsing the most severe response option on the GAD-2 and PHQ-2 was associated with a high probability of presenting with clinically relevant anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Brief measures of anxiety and depression are viable instruments to screen for and monitor anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05016843.
Research on the development of the concept of death in children and its influencing factors
Authors: Jingjing Liu , Fuyan Liu
Published: May 2024

In this study, 114 Chinese children aged 5–6 years old in Henan Province and 114 mothers were selected as research subjects, 59 boys, 55 girls, and 114 mothers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with children to test the development of the concept of death in children. At the same time, a questionnaire survey was conducted among the children’s mothers to analyze the influencing factors of the development of children’s concept of death. The results of the study showed that children aged 5–6 years had the concept of death, and the sub-components were acquired in a certain order, but the development was not balanced, the overall level of development of the concept of death is slightly higher in girls than in boys; “Whether or not the family talked openly about the topic of death” had a significant effect on the sub-component of the children’s concept of death, “Universality of death” (β = −0.301, t = −2.007, p < 0.05) and “causality of death” (β = 0.315, t = 2.582, p < 0.05); and “whether or not there was the experience of exposure to death-related events” had a significant effect on “Irreversibility of death” (β = −0.326, t = −2.36, p < 0.05); Mothers’ natural acceptance of death (β = −0.293, t = −2.209, p < 0.05) and convergence-orientated acceptance (β = 0.415, t = 2.315, p < 0.05) had significant effects on the “inorganicity of death” of children’s concept of death.
Older adults coping with critical life events - results of the revised demoralization scale in a representative sample of older adulthood
Authors: Ramm Markus , Jedamzik Johanna , Lenz Philipp , Jürgens Lara , Heuft Gereon , Conrad Rupert
Published: May 2024

Background

High suicide rates in older adults are a relevant public health concern. Social isolation or widowhood as well as physical decline play a crucial role for suicidality in older adulthood. Previous evidence suggested that demoralization is an important risk factor for suicide. Whether demoralization is a relevant phenomenon in older adulthood which possibly could account for high suicide rates remains unclear.

Methods

Demoralization Scale II (DS-II) scores assessed in a survey of the German general population were investigated with respect to older adults (aged ≥ 65 years). DS-II scores were compared between older (≥ 65 years) and younger (< 65 years) adulthood and between young-old (65–74y), middle-old (75–84y), and old-old (85+y) individuals. We tested the impact of sociodemographic factors on DS-II scores within older adults.

Results

The sample comprised N = 545 adults ≥ 65 years and N = 1922 adults < 65 years. DS-II scores increased in older compared to younger adults (F(1,2465) = 6.1; p = 0.013; d = 0.09) and further from young-old to old-old (Mdiff = 2.7; 95% CI 0.45, 5.46; p = 0.034). One-fourth of individuals ≥ 65 years and almost half of old-old individuals reported DS-II scores above the cut-off > 5. Living with a partner protected from demoralization in old-old individuals.

Discussion

This study provides first evidence for an increased rate of demoralization in very old adults, in particular women, which is partly related to partnership status. We suggest that demoralization is considered as a crucial entity in older adulthood which can be missed by standard psychological screenings.
The influence of water safety knowledge on adolescents’ drowning risk behaviors: a framework of risk-protect integrated and KAP theory
Authors: Luo Shi , Luo Shulai , Ren Zhongyu , Zhang Hui , Li Xinyu , Liu Lian
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Although previous research has examined the risk factors for drowning behavior among adolescents, it is unclear whether this association is influenced by water safety knowledge. This study aimed to examine whether water safety knowledge is associated with adolescents’ drowning risk behaviors and whether drowning risk perceptions and attitudes could have a chain mediating role in the association between water safety knowledge and adolescents’ drowning risk behaviors.

Methods

This study included 7,485 adolescents from five Chinese provinces and cities. We used the Drowning Risk Behaviors Scales (DRBS) to evaluate the risk of drowning behaviors. The Water Safety Knowledge Scale (WSKS) was used to evaluate the competence level of water safety knowledge. The Drowning Risk Perceptions Scale (DRPS) was used to evaluate the risk level of perceptions, and the Drowning Risk Attitudes Scale (DRAS) was used to evaluate the risk level of attitudes.

Results

The results of the mediating effect test showed that water safety knowledge (WSK) affected drowning risk behaviors (DRB) through three indirect paths. Drowning risk perceptions (DRP) and attitudes (DRA) have significantly mediated the association between WSK and DRB. In conclusion, DRP and DRA can act as mediators between WSK and DRB, not only individually, but also as chain mediators, where the direct effect is-0.301, the total indirect effect is-0.214, and the total mediated indirect effect is 41.5%.

Discussion

Water safety knowledge negatively predicts adolescents’ drowning risk behaviors; water safety knowledge has an inhibitory effect on drowning risk perceptions. Water safety knowledge can directly influence adolescents’ drowning risk perceptions and indirectly affect drowning risk behaviors through the mediation of drowning risk perceptions and attitudes comprising three paths: (1) the drowning risk perceptions mediation path, (2) the drowning risk attitudes mediation path, and (3) the drowning risk perceptions and attitudes mediation paths.
Effectiveness of hierarchical medical system and economic growth: based on China’s urban vs. rural health perspectives
Authors: Zhao Yongze , Qiao Qingyu , Xu Xian , Bian Ying
Published: May 2024

Background

The hierarchical medical system is an important measure to promote equitable healthcare and sustain economic development. As the population’s consumption level rises, the demand for healthcare services also increases. Based on urban and rural perspectives in China, this study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the hierarchical medical system and its relationship with economic development in China.

Materials and methods

The study analyses panel data collected from Chinese government authorities, covering the period from 2009 to 2022. According to China’s regional development policy, China is divided into the following regions: Eastern, Middle, Western, and Northeastern. Urban and rural component factors were downscaled using principal component analysis (PCA). The factor score formula combined with Urban–rural disparity rate (ΔD) were utilized to construct models for evaluating the effectiveness of the hierarchical medical system from an urban–rural perspective. A Vector Autoregression model is then constructed to analyze the dynamic relationship between the effects of the hierarchical medical system and economic growth, and to predict potential future changes.

Results

Three principal factors were extracted. The contributions of the three principal factors were 38.132, 27.662, and 23.028%. In 2021, the hierarchical medical systems worked well in Henan (F = 47245.887), Shandong (F = 45999.640), and Guangdong (F = 42856.163). The Northeast (ΔDmax = 18.77%) and Eastern region (ΔDmax = 26.04%) had smaller disparities than the Middle (ΔDmax = 49.25%) and Western region (ΔDmax = 56.70%). Vector autoregression model reveals a long-term cointegration relationship between economic development and the healthcare burden for both urban and rural residents (βurban = 3.09, βrural = 3.66), as well as the number of individuals receiving health education (β = −0.3492). Both the Granger causality test and impulse response analysis validate the existence of a substantial time lag between the impact of the hierarchical medical system and economic growth.

Conclusion

Residents in urban areas are more affected by economic factors, while those in rural areas are more influenced by time considerations. The urban rural disparity in the hierarchical medical system is associated with the level of economic development of the region. When formulating policies for economically relevant hierarchical medical systems, it is important to consider the impact of longer lags.
Technical efficiency and its convergence among village clinics in rural China: evidence from Shanxi Province
Authors: Ye Yun , Evans Richard , Huang Xiaojun , Xu Wei , Lu Wei
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Village clinics (VCs) are the foundation of the three-tiered health service system in China, delivering basic and routine outpatient services to citizens in rural China. VC technical efficiency and its convergence play a critical role in policy decisions regarding the distribution of health service resources in rural China.

Methods

This study measured VC technical efficiency (using the slacks-based measure model), its convergence (using the convergence model), and the factors that influence the convergence in Shanxi Province, China. Data were obtained from the Shanxi Rural Health Institute 2014–2018 Health Statistics Report, which involved 3,543 VCs.

Results

The results showed that VC technical efficiency was low and differed by region. There was no α convergence in VC technical efficiency, but evidence of β convergence was found in Shanxi. The main factors that influence convergence were the building area of each VC (BA), proportion of government subsidies (PGS), and ratio of total expenditure to total income of each VC (RTETI).

Conclusion

The government should increase investments in VCs and improve VC technical efficiency. Meanwhile, the government should be aware of and take measures to curb the inequity in VC technical efficiency among different regions and take suitable measures to curb this disparity.
Crizanlizumab in adult patients with sickle cell disease: a retrospective German analysis
Authors: Poppenborg Friederike , Röth Alexander , Yamamoto Raina , Reinhardt Hans Christian , Alashkar Ferras
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The marketing authorization for crizanlizumab (Adakveo®), indicated for the prevention of recurrent vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) in sickle cell patients (pts) aged ≥16, was revoked by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as the STAND study did not demonstrate a significant difference between crizanlizumab and placebo in annualized rates of VOCs.

Methods

This is a retrospective, monocentric analysis of adult pts with sickle cell disease (SCD) (age (median) 29 years, range 19-42, annual VOC rate 3, range 1-5, homozygous SCD (HbS/S) 50.0% (4/8)) receiving crizanlizumab as monotherapy at the University Hospital of Essen between Dec 2020 to May 2023 (observation time (median) 17.5 months, range 4.8-27.3). The results were compared to hydroxycarbamide (HC)-treated pts at maximum tolerated dose (MTD).

Results

At 6, 9, and 12 months, mean VOC rate was 1.5 (range 0-3; N=6), 1.8 (range 0-3; N=5) and 4.0 (range 3-5; N=3), indicating a time-dependent increase in VOCs in crizanlizumab-treated pts (6-9 months: p=0.039; 6-12 months: p=0.008) (mean VOC rate in HC-treated pts: 6 months: 0.38, range 0-1 (N=8); 9 months: 0.50, range 0-2 (N=8); 12 months: 0.63, range 0-3 (N=8)). Serious adverse events were mandatory in 7 pts, resulting in 12 inpatient-admissions (acute chest syndrome (N=2), VOC-related pain crisis (N=9), infusion-related VOC (N=1)).

Conclusion

These findings, together with the high economic burden of crizanlizumab in contrast to HC, do further support the revocation of crizanlizumab in Europe in our opinion. Physicians should consider the potential risks when making a therapeutic decision regarding the use of crizanlizumab outside of Europe.
To err is human but to persist is diabolical: Toward a theory of interactional policing
Authors: Stivers Tanya , Chalfoun Andrew , Rossi Giovanni
Published: May 2024

Social interaction is organized around norms and preferences that guide our construction of actions and our interpretation of those of others, creating a reflexive moral order. Sociological theory suggests two possibilities for the type of moral order that underlies the policing of interactional norm and preference violations: a morality that focuses on the nature of violations themselves and a morality that focuses on the positioning of actors as they maintain their conduct's comprehensibility, even when they depart from norms and preferences. We find that actors are more likely to reproach interactional violations for which an account is not provided by the transgressor, and that actors weakly reproach or let pass first offenses while more strongly policing violators who persist in bad behavior. Based on these findings, we outline a theory of interactional policing that rests not on the nature of the violation but rather on actors' moral positioning.
Sperm long non-coding RNAs as markers for ram fertility
Authors: Hitit Mustafa , Kaya Abdullah , Memili Erdogan
Published: May 2024

It is critical in sheep farming to accurately estimate ram fertility for maintaining reproductive effectiveness and for production profitability. However, there is currently a lack of reliable biomarkers to estimate semen quality and ram fertility, which is hindering advances in animal science and technology. The objective of this study was to uncover long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in sperm from rams with distinct fertility phenotypes. Mature rams were allocated into two groups: high and low fertility (HF; n = 31; 94.5 ± 2.8%, LF; n = 25; 83.1 ± 5.73%; P = 0.028) according to the pregnancy rates sired by the rams (average pregnancy rate; 89.4 ± 7.2%). Total RNAs were isolated from sperm of the highest- and lowest-fertility rams (n = 4, pregnancy rate; 99.2 ± 1.6%, and 73.6 ± 4.4%, respectively) followed by next-generation sequencing of the transcripts. We uncovered 11,209 lncRNAs from the sperm of rams with HF and LF. In comparison to each other, there were 93 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs in sperm from the two distinct fertility phenotypes. Of these, 141 mRNAs were upregulated and 134 were downregulated between HF and LF, respectively. Genes commonly enriched for 9 + 2 motile cilium and sperm flagellum were ABHD2, AK1, CABS1, ROPN1, SEPTIN2, SLIRP, and TEKT3. Moreover, CABS1, CCDC39, CFAP97D1, ROPN1, SLIRP, TEKT3, and TTC12 were commonly enriched in flagellated sperm motility and sperm motility. Differentially expressed mRNAs were enriched in the top 16 KEGG pathways. Targets of the differentially expressed lncRNAs elucidate functions in cis and trans manner using the genetic context of the lncRNA locus, and lncRNA sequences revealed 471 mRNAs targets of 10 lncRNAs. This study illustrates the existence of potential lncRNA biomarkers that can be implemented in analyzing the quality of ram sperm and determining the sperm fertility and is used in breeding soundness exams for precision livestock farming to ensure food security on a global scale.
Risk Factors, Incidence, and Outcomes Associated With Clinically Significant Airway Ischemia
Authors: Li Gloria , Liu Zejian , Salan-Gomez Marcelo , Keeney Emma , D’Silva Ethan , Mankidy Babith , Leon Andres , Mattar Aladdein , Elsennousi Abdusallam , Coster Jennalee , Kumar Anupam , Rodrigues Bruno , Li Meng , Shafii Alexis , Garcha Puneet , Loor Gabriel
Published: May 2024

Airway complications following lung transplantation remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality. We aimed to identify the incidence, risk factors and outcomes associated with clinically significant airway ischemia (CSAI) in our center. We reviewed 217 lung transplants (386 airway anastomoses) performed at our institution between February 2016 and December 2020. Airway images were graded using the 2018 ISHLT grading guidelines modified slightly for retrospective analysis. Airways were considered to have CSAI if they developed ischemia severity >B2, stenosis >50%, and/or any degree of dehiscence within 6-months of transplant. Regression analyses were used to evaluate outcomes and risk factors for CSAI. Eighty-two patients (37.8%) met criteria for CSAI. Of these, twenty-six (32%) developed stenosis and/or dehiscence, and 17 (21%) required interventions. Patients with CSAI had lower one-year (80.5% vs. 91.9%, p = 0.05) and three-year (67.1% vs. 77.8%, p = 0.08) survival than patients without CSAI. Factors associated with CSAI included younger recipient age, recipient diabetes, single running suture technique, performance of the left anastomosis first, lower venous oxygen saturation within 48-h, and takeback for major bleeding. Our single-center analysis suggests that airway ischemia remains a major obstacle in contemporary lung transplantation. Improving the local healing milieu of the airway anastomosis could potentially mitigate this risk.
Análisis bibliométrico de la producción científica sobre Lago de Datos
Authors: López-Sevilla Galo Mauricio , Medina-Chicaiza Ricardo Patricio
Published: May 2024

El presente trabajo desarrolla un análisis bibliométrico de la producción científica que contextualiza la corriente sobre Lago de Datos. En ese sentido, lago de datos son infraestructuras de almacenamiento y gestión de grandes volúmenes de datos provenientes de diversas fuentes, con la intensión de facilitar su acceso, análisis y compartición. El objetivo de este artículo es mostrar una visión cuantitativa de la producción científica del tema entre los años 2018 y 2022, para así comprender el estado actual de la investigación, identificar tendencias y áreas de investigación emergentes, evaluar el impacto y promover la colaboración entre investigadores. La metodología permitió llevar a cabo una revisión sistemática de la literatura mediante un análisis retrospectivo descriptivo, usándose como fuente de información la base de datos Scopus, misma que reflejó 73 artículos clave. En ese contexto, los resultados resaltan el interés sobre Lago de Datos desde el número de publicaciones de artículos por año hasta el top de principales autores, palabras clave y revistas respecto a producción científica. De manera que, denotan la importancia y las preferencias en la investigación sobre esta temática relevante para diversos ámbitos o áreas.
Aula invertida, una metodología activa para el desarrollo de la destreza del habla del inglés como lengua extranjera
Authors: Lalvay-Llivigañay Tania Maribel , González-Cabrera Johanna Karina
Published: May 2024

El propósito de la investigación fue demostrar la pertinencia en el uso de la metodología de aula invertida (Flipped Classroom) en el desarrollo de la macro destreza del habla en inglés de los estudiantes de los séptimos de Básica de la Unidad Educativa Fiscomisional Sor Teresa Valsé, ubicada en la ciudad de Cuenca, Provincia del Azuay, durante el año lectivo 2023 – 2024. Para lograr el cometido se llevó a cabo una investigación cuantitativa, de campo. El grupo de estudio fueron 34 estudiantes ecuatorianas. La técnica de recolección de datos fue mediante el testeo (pre y post test). El instrumento utilizado fue un test validado por el instituto Cambridge. Entre el pre y post test se utilizó la metodología de clase invertida. Para analizar los datos recabados por el test, se utilizó el programa Jamovi. Los resultados arrojaron que se aprecia un nivel bajo en la preprueba que sube en la posprueba. Además, se expresa la correlación biseriada de rangos la cual es igual a la unidad, por lo cual se deduce que la diferencia entre la preprueba y la posprueba es grande. En síntesis, se demostró que el método Flipped Classroom ha sido eficaz para desarrollar la destreza del habla del inglés en las estudiantes ya que ha tenido un efecto favorable en el nivel de producción lingüística oral de los estudiantes al igual que en vocabulario y gramática, interacción y pronunciación.
Liderazgo sostenible en el desarrollo de Comportamiento Proambientales en empresas de Servicios Turísticos
Authors: Manosalvas-Vaca Carlos Anibal , Fernández-Rodríguez Sheyla Israela , Manosalvas-Vaca Luis
Published: May 2024

Los desafíos ambientales actuales, crean una presión significativa sobre las organizaciones para que sean más sostenibles desde el punto de vista ambiental, llevando a que un número creciente de estas, comiencen a adoptar políticas y prácticas ecológicas para mejorar los beneficios económicos y, obtener al mismo tiempo, un mejor desempeño ambiental. Bajo este contexto, este estudio analiza la relación del Liderazgo Sostenible en los Comportamientos Ambientales, con una muestra de 150 empleados que laboran en empresas de servicios turísticos. A través de la aplicación de modelos de ecuaciones estructurales con cuadrados mínimos parciales (PLS-SEM), los resultados evidencian que el Liderazgo Sostenible tiene una influencia positiva y significativa en los Comportamientos Proambientales. Los hallazgos evidencian la importancia de incluir componentes ecológicos en la gestión empresarial para promover un desarrollo empresarial acorde a las necesidades del contexto actual.
Liderazgo ético y responsabilidad social en las empresas bananeras del Ecuador, provincia de El Oro
Authors: Lalangui-Balcázar Margot Isabel , Meleán-Romero Rosana Alejandra , Acuña-Ortigoza Marianela
Published: May 2024

La producción bananera en el Ecuador es relevante por su contribución a la economía, por los niveles de empleo y por contribuir al ingreso familiar. La provincia de El Oro es la tercera provincia de mayor producción bananera. Por ello, que se plantea en esta investigación caracterizar el liderazgo ético y la responsabilidad social de las empresas bananeras de la provincia de El Oro, para determinar la práctica decisional que los líderes asumen desde la responsabilidad social de las empresas. La investigación se apoya en la revisión de trabajos publicados en revista de índices especializados, de fuente primaria y secundaria que permitan sustentar la investigación. Las pequeñas y medianas empresas aportan con la encuesta información, que desde un enfoque mixto, de carácter descriptivo y deductivo, se expone en los resultados sobre el liderazgo ético, el cual está alineado con la conducta personal e interpersonal de los individuos que gerencian las unidades de producción bananeras y la forma bidireccional en la que apoyan la toma de decisiones. La responsabilidad social se evidencia en el ejercicio de buenas prácticas agrícolas, que se alinean en la generación de certificaciones impuestas por la ley o por las negociaciones realizadas, sin embargo, los líderes enfatizan como parte de su gestión, la dimensión económica dentro de la responsabilidad social, centrando la atención en estos aspectos económicos internos. Se resta importancia a la dimensión social al aspecto ambiental. Esto limita el evolucionar hacia una responsabilidad social integral, demostrando la falta de actuación desde un liderazgo responsable.
Design and Parameter Optimization of Rotary Double-Insertion Device for Small Arched Insertion Machine
Authors: Hu Jianling , Gong Yan , Chen Xiao
Published: May 2024

China’s small arched shed-building machinery suffers from a low degree of mechanization, building efficiency, and qualification rate for frame insertion. Therefore, we designed a rotary double-insertion device and established the equation for its motion trajectory. The analysis shows that in the rotary insertion process, a better point of entry into the soil exists. A simulation model was constructed in ADAMS, and the static and dynamic trajectories were analyzed. Additionally, the optimal planting and insertion speed ratios were determined. Considering the qualified rate of the insertion frame as the evaluation index to establish a regression model, we adopted a three-factor three-level experimental design and established the planting speed ratio, center distance of the planting arm, and length of the pressing rod arm as the main influencing factors. We used Design-Expert 13 to perform the analysis of variance and determined the optimal parameter combinations. The experimental results show that the planting speed ratio was 0.7, the center distance of the planting arm group was 554 mm, the length of the pressing rod arm was 923 mm, and the qualification rate of trellis planting at this time was 98.05%. The bench was adjusted and tested based on the optimal parameter combination. The average value of the measured trellis qualification rate was 96.73%, and the relative error between the test value and the theoretical optimization value was 1.32%, thereby verifying the reliability of the optimal parameter combination. Field verification test results show that the rotary double-insertion device had a planting speed ratio of 0.7 and a trellis qualified rate of 95.74% compared with the theoretical optimization value of 2.31%. Conforming to the design requirements of small arch shed-building machinery, the prototype operation performance was stable.
Hourly Feeding Regime of Modern Genetics Lactating Sows: Enhancing Productive Performance, Welfare, and Piglet Growth in Smart Farm-Based Systems
Authors: Ampode Keiven Mark B. , Mun Hong-Seok , Lagua Eddiemar B. , Chem Veasna , Park Hae-Rang , Kim Young-Hwa , Sharifuzzaman Md , Hasan Md Kamrul , Yang Chul-Ju
Published: May 2024

Effective management of lactating sows significantly influences various aspects of swine production. This study compared the impact of an hourly feeding regime and a five-times-daily feeding regime on the productive performance, body condition, and welfare of lactating sows, as well as on the growth performance of their offspring. Twenty-eight lactating sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were divided into two groups: Group 1 was fed five times a day, and Group 2 was fed according to an hourly regime. The data were analyzed using independent-samples T-tests and the Mann–Whitney U test using Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2011, Version 9.3) software. An hourly feeding regime positively affected (p < 0.05) sows’ feed intake and body condition, significantly reducing the days from the weaning-to-estrus interval. Group 1 exhibited significantly higher (p < 0.05) reductions in backfat thickness (BFT) and body condition score (BCS) during the weaning period compared to Group 2. Additionally, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in regard to sow body weight loss, feed intake, piglet livability and mortality rate at weaning, sow index, and calculated milk yield. Feeding sows according to an hourly regime positively impacted their productive performance compared to those fed five times daily. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were recorded in regard to the total number of piglets born, live births, mummified piglets, stillbirths, piglet mortality, litter size at weaning, and sow feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, the number of piglets weaned per sow per year (PSY) was numerically higher in Group 2 (p > 0.05). The piglets from Group 2 had significantly higher (p < 0.05) weaning weights and exhibited lower feed intake, greater weight gain, improved average daily gain, and greater litter size weight gain than those from Group 1. Statistically, sows from Group 2 exhibited a higher frequency of standing (p < 0.05), which potentially contributed to the reduction in shoulder skin lesions in sows (p > 0.05). In conclusion, an hourly feeding regime could optimize sow productive performance, body condition, milk yield, welfare, and piglet growth in swine production.
Phosphate-Solubilizing Microorganisms Stimulate Physiological Responses of Perennial Ryegrass to Phosphorus Deficiency with Assistance of Straw Compost
Authors: Li Chunkai , Zheng Zhaojuan , Zhao Yexin , Wang Hongxin , Li Peng , Xu Jingjing , Jiao Jiaguo , Xu Li , Hu Feng , Li Huixin
Published: May 2024

Biofertilizers with phosphate-solubilizing microorganism (PSM) inoculations have been suggested to diminish the limitation of phosphorus (P) deficiency in plants. However, their applications in agriculture are restricted due to the inconstant effects of various PSMs. Proper carriers for the inoculations may overcome this shortcoming and improve PSMs’ effectiveness. The objective of this study was to investigate whether straw compost, a type of organic material, can act as a carrier for improving the efficiencies of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and fungi named Acinetobacter sp. and Aspergillus niger, respectively, in soils. We monitored the growth and cellular physiological responses of one type of model plants, named perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), under four soil treatments, including non-fertilization, PSM inoculation alone, straw compost addition alone, and the combined applications of both PSMs and straw compost. We found the combined treatments significantly improved the growth by 14.7% for shoot height and 79.7% for shoot weight, respectively, on average. P and potassium (K) uptakes of ryegrass were also increased by 102.5% and 65.3%, respectively, after the application of both PSMs and straw compost. Furthermore, physiological properties, such as photosynthetic efficiency and P-transportation capacity, of ryegrass were also significantly improved under combined treatments when compared to other treatments, regardless of the types of PSM included. The piecewise structural equation model further indicated that PSM inoculation and straw compost input are synergistically contributing to the nutrient uptake of ryegrass through many direct and indirect ways. We propose that straw compost is a good carrier material for PSMs’ survival and would improve their plant growth promotion ability in soil. Our results provide valuable insights into the exploitation and utilization of P-biofertilizers in agriculture.
Development of Noninvasive Method for the Automated Analysis of Nine Steroid Hormones in Human Saliva by Online Coupling of In-Tube Solid-Phase Microextraction with Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Hitomi Takashi , Kataoka Hiroyuki
Published: May 2024

Accurate measurement of steroid hormones is crucial to elucidate new mechanisms of action and diagnose steroid metabolism-related diseases. This study presents a simple, sensitive, and automated analytical method for nine representative steroid hormones. The method involves on-line coupling of in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The steroid hormones were extracted and enriched on a Supel-Q PLOT capillary column using IT-SPME. Subsequently, they were separated and detected within 6 min using a Discovery HS F5-3 column and positive ion mode multiple reaction monitoring system via LC–MS/MS. Calibration curves of these compounds using each stable isotope-labeled internal standard (IS) showed linearity with correlation coefficients greater than 0.9990 in the range of 0.01–40 ng/mL, with limits of detection (S/N = 3) of 0.7–21 pg/mL. Moreover, intra- and inter-day variations were lower than 8.1 and 15% (n = 6), respectively. The recoveries of these compounds from saliva samples were in the range of 82–114%. The developed IT-SPME/LC–MS/MS method of steroid hormones is a highly sensitive, specific, and non-invasive analytical method that allows extraction and enrichment with no organic solvents, and enables direct automated online analysis by simply ultrafiltrating a small sample of saliva.
Evolution of Antimicrobial Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae over 3 Years (2019–2021) in a Tertiary Hospital in Bucharest, Romania
Authors: Cireșă Alexandra , Tălăpan Daniela , Vasile Carmen-Cristina , Popescu Cristina , Popescu Gabriel-Adrian
Published: May 2024

Background: The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of Klebsiella pneumoniae recorded a steep upward trend over the last two decades, among which carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) is one of the most concerning strains considering the development and spread of AMR. The aim of this study was to analyze the evolution of AMR for Klebsiella pneumoniae and to describe the risk factors of AMR for Klebsiella pneumoniae, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on Klebsiella pneumoniae non-duplicative isolates collected from patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in Bucharest, Romania, from January 2019 to December 2021. We evaluated AMR changes by comparing resistance between 2019 and the mean of 2020–2021. Results: The rates of AMR increased for third-generation cephalosporins, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and colistin and decreased for trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), 45.7% in 2019 vs. 28.3% in 2021. A longer length of hospital stay (ꭓ2 = 49.68, p < 0.01); recent antibiotic consumption, RR = 1.38, 95% CI [1.21, 1.57]; and recent contact with hospital settings, RR = 1.54, 95% CI [1.32, 1.8] were risk factors for multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusions: The AMR of Klebsiella pneumoniae increased during 2020–2021 for most of the potential active antibiotics; only TMP/SMX resistance decreased, and it may represent a treatment option for CRKP or MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae infections. Decreasing the excessive use of antibiotics and the implementation of prevention and control measures in healthcare settings are mandatory for avoiding further increases in the AMR rate of Klebsiella pneumoniae.
A Difficult Case of Ventriculitis in a 40-Year-Old Woman with Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Rubino Raffaella , Trizzino Marcello , Pipitò Luca , Sucato Giuseppe , Santoro Marco , Maugeri Rosario , Iacopino Domenico Gerardo , Giammanco Giovanni Maurizio , Siragusa Sergio , Cascio Antonio
Published: May 2024

Ventriculitis and nosocomial meningitis caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative and vancomycin-resistant Gram-positive bacteria represent a growing treatment challenge. A case of ventriculitis and bacteremia caused by carbapenem-resistant, KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium in a young woman with acute leukemia who was successfully treated with meropenem/vaborbactam (MVB), rifampicin, and linezolid is described in this paper. This case report emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary strategy, including infectious focus control, for the treatment of device-associated central nervous system (CNS) infections from multidrug-resistant bacteria. Considering the novel resistance patterns, more research on drug penetration into the central nervous system, as well as on the necessity of association therapies, is needed.
Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) as a Potential Source of Interference in Research Related to Sulfur Metabolism—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kaczor-Kamińska Marta , Kaszuba Kinga , Bilska-Wilkosz Anna , Iciek Małgorzata , Wróbel Maria , Kamiński Kamil
Published: May 2024

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), an organosulfur compound, is widely used as the gold standard solvent in biological research. It is used in cell culture experiments and as a component of formulations in in vivo studies. Unfortunately, parameters related to sulfur metabolism are often not taken into account when using DMSO. Therefore, in this work we aim to show that the addition of DMSO to the culture medium (even in amounts commonly considered acceptable) alters some parameters of sulfur metabolism. For this study, we used three cell lines: a commercially available Caco-2 line (HTB-37, ATCC) and two lines created as part of our early studies (likewise previously described in the literature) to investigate the anomalies of sulfur metabolism in mucopolysaccharidosis. As the negative effects of DMSO on the cell membrane are well known, additional experiments with the partial loading of DMSO into polymerosomes (poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether-block-poly(lactide-co-glycolide), PEG-PLGA) were performed to eliminate these potentially disruptive effects. The results show that DMSO is a source of interference in studies related to sulfur metabolism and that there are not just simple effects that can be corrected in the final result by subtracting control values, since complex synergisms are also observed.
Radical Oxygen Species, Oxidized Low-Density Lipoproteins, and Lectin-like Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor 1: A Vicious Circle in Atherosclerotic Process
Authors: Munno Marco , Mallia Alice , Greco Arianna , Modafferi Gloria , Banfi Cristina , Eligini Sonia
Published: May 2024

Atherosclerosis is a complex condition that involves the accumulation of lipids and subsequent plaque formation in the arterial intima. There are various stimuli, cellular receptors, and pathways involved in this process, but oxidative modifications of low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) are particularly important in the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. Ox-LDLs promote foam-cell formation, activate proinflammatory pathways, and induce smooth-muscle-cell migration, apoptosis, and cell death. One of the major receptors for ox-LDL is LOX-1, which is upregulated in several cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis. LOX-1 activation in endothelial cells promotes endothelial dysfunction and induces pro-atherogenic signaling, leading to plaque formation. The binding of ox-LDLs to LOX-1 increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can induce LOX-1 expression and oxidize LDLs, contributing to ox-LDL generation and further upregulating LOX-1 expression. This creates a vicious circle that is amplified in pathological conditions characterized by high plasma levels of LDLs. Although LOX-1 has harmful effects, the clinical significance of inhibiting this protein remains unclear. Further studies both in vitro and in vivo are needed to determine whether LOX-1 inhibition could be a potential therapeutic target to counteract the atherosclerotic process.