bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Um estudo sobre valores e hierarquias: Estratégias argumentativas retóricas empregadas, no Instagram, por bares, durante a pandemia, visando a captação e fidelização do público
Authors: Souza Fabiano Luiz Alves de , Ferreira Isadora Viana , Soares Edna Aparecida Lisboa , Costa Carolina Figueira da
Published: August 2023

Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar as estratégias retóricas argumentativas adotadas por bares de Belo Horizonte, capital de Minas Gerais, durante a pandemia de COVID-19 no Instagram, visando compreender os valores e hierarquias adotados para atrair e fidelizar o público. A pesquisa adotou uma abordagem qualitativa, utilizando a análise de conteúdo das mensagens veiculadas pelos bares selecionados. Foram escolhidos dois bares  da cidade os quais mantiveram-se ativos no Instagram durante a pandemia. Todas as publicações selecionadas ocorreram entre março e agosto de 2022 e foram analisadas e categorizadas com base nos recursos retóricos utilizados, mais especificamente, nos objetos de acordo (premissas), dentre os quais se destacam os valores e as hierarquias. A análise dos dados envolveu técnicas qualitativas, como análise temática de conteúdo e codificação, e baseou-se nas teorias da argumentação retórica e da comunicação persuasiva. Os resultados revelaram que os bares utilizaram estratégias de comunicação que destacaram valores humanitários, afetivos e solidários, buscando estabelecer uma ligação emocional com o público. Valores como família, amizade, solidariedade, respeito, acolhimento e confiabilidade foram os mais utilizados, os quais contribuem para a compreensão das estratégias de comunicação adotadas pelos bares em momentos de crise e incerteza. Compreender os valores e as hierarquias utilizados pelos bares durante a pandemia pode fornecer informações valiosas para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de comunicação que estabeleçam uma conexão emocional com o público e promovam uma imagem positiva da empresa. Além disso, essas abordagens podem ser aplicadas em outros setores, proporcionando uma compreensão mais ampla das estratégias de comunicação utilizadas em momentos difíceis.
Os benefícios dos fios de PDO no rejuvenescimento facial
Authors: Machado Sarai Andrade de Souza Leite , Muknicka Daniella Pilon
Published: August 2023

A harmonização orofacial (HOF) abrange técnicas especializadas para promover a estética e saúde facial, realçando a beleza natural e corrigindo imperfeições de forma não invasiva. Os benefícios incluem aumento da autoestima, uma aparência rejuvenescida e simétrica, e melhora na função dos músculos faciais. Uma técnica inovadora nesse campo é o uso de fios de polidiaxanona (PDO), que são inseridos sob a pele, proporcionando um efeito lifting imediato e estimulando a produção de colágeno. Esses fios são seguros e biocompatíveis, oferecendo uma alternativa confiável para melhorar a firmeza e sustentação da pele, reduzir rugas e linhas de expressão sem a necessidade de cirurgia. Podem ser aplicados em diversas áreas do rosto, resultando em uma aparência rejuvenescida e natural, com resultados duradouros e tempo de recuperação reduzido. Dessa forma, o objetivo dessa revisão narrativa da literatura é explorar abrangente e detalhadamente as técnicas de HOF, com foco especial nos benefícios e resultados impressionantes proporcionados pela utilização dos fios de PDO.
Infecção da corrente sanguínea associada ao cateter venoso central na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva
Authors: Silva Monique Evelyn Alves da , Nascimento Andresa Sobral Silva do , Silva Natacha Ingrid Almeida da , Gomes Thamara Ferreira , Cavalcanti Luma Agra , Lima Amanda Vitória Costa , Marques Maria Fernanda Silva
Published: August 2023

Objetivo: Este trabalho tem como objetivo geral entender as formas de prevenção da infecção da corrente sanguínea associada ao cateter venoso central, e como objetivo específico entender como ela ocorre na UTI, conhecer as causas, identificar os principais agentes etiológicos relacionados a esse tipo de infecção, investigar o uso do catéter venoso central e principais infecções associadas, e contribuir para a comunidade científica em pesquisas relacionadas ao assunto. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura, onde foram realizadas buscas nas seguintes bases de dados: Lilacs (Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), Medline (National Library of Medicine) e Scielo (Scientific Electronic Library Online). Os artigos foram selecionados por ano, idioma, estudos na íntegra e que abordassem o tema da infecção da corrente sanguínea associada ao cateter venoso central. Resultados: O estudo mostrou que os profissionais de saúde não têm muito conhecimento sobre as dunble e não realizam a prevenção das infecções de forma adequada, também se evidenciou que a lavagem das mãos não é realizada de forma adequada e eficiente. Conclusão: Se faz necessário que as instituições busquem fornecer o conhecimento sobre protocolos de prevenção e educação de forma continuada e que os profissionais busquem realizar as dunble e higienização das mãos para que essa prevenção seja realizada de forma eficaz, evitando assim as infecções da corrente sanguínea associada ao cateter venoso central.
Análise da tendência temporal e dos fatores associados às lesões osteomusculares causadas por acidentes de trânsito no Brasil
Authors: Oliveira Bianca Gabriella de , Oliveira Felipe Francelino de , Quintella Kelvim Barbosa , Piccinin Gabriele Elisete , Metzger Filho Alfredo Renato , Silva Laís Cristina Pereira da
Published: August 2023

Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência e mortalidade das internações por lesões osteomusculares por acidente de trânsito no Brasil. Métodos: Consiste em uma investigação clínica retrospectiva, através de estudo epidemiológico quantitativo descritivo, cujos dados foram obtidos por meio de consultas nas bases de dados Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). A amostra do estudo foram pacientes internados vítimas de acidentes de trânsito envolvendo lesões osteomusculares no Brasil durante os anos de 2018 a 2022. Resultados: Foram registrados 1.118.984 casos de lesões osteomusculares por acidentes de trânsito durante o período de 2018-2022 no Brasil. A faixa etária mais envolvida foi a dos 20 - 40 anos (48,7%), crianças e adolescentes compreenderam grande parte desta população (14,8%). Foram registrados 142.130 óbitos. Conclusão: As lesões osteomusculares por acidente de trânsito repercutem em impactos socioeconômicos significativos, sendo essencial a inserção de políticas sociais direcionadas à fiscalização e redução de riscos.
A agricultura familiar no Brasil e seus riscos laborais: Uma abordagem prevencionista
Authors: Bentes Flavio Maldonado , Teixeira Emerson Moraes , Colucci Antonio Lincoln
Published: August 2023

A agricultura exerce um papel fundamental na economia do Brasil, sendo responsável pelo abastecimento do mercado interno e externo. Com relação às exportações, este setor se conecta com vários países ao redor do mundo. O setor é primordial, sendo responsável por grande parte da alimentação do país e no mundo. Dados do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística - IBGE (2017), em seu último censo agropecuário, apontaram que o equivalente à 3,9 milhões de propriedades agrícolas estão nos padrões de classificação de agricultura familiar, o que representa 76,8% de um total de 5,073 milhões de estabelecimentos agrícolas. Pode-se dizer que a necessidade do cultivo de diferentes culturas representa um desafio para os que estão envolvidos direta ou indiretamente na atividade produtiva. Este trabalho tem por finalidade estudar um segmento específico da agricultura, denominado agricultura familiar, nos aspectos relacionados à prevenção de acidentes, bem como à exposição aos principais agentes nocivos (riscos ambientais) deste segmento.
Síndrome do ovário policístico e suas possíveis abordagens terapêuticas: Uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Zanin Giulia Dakhil Moyzes , Forster Eloise Capucho , Requeijo Márcio José Rosa
Published: August 2023

A síndrome dos ovários policísticos é uma doença caracterizada por múltiplos cistos nos ovários que geram alterações heterogêneas em diversos aspectos da vida da paciente. Sendo exemplos destes, as alterações nos níveis hormonais, ciclos menstruais irregulares e manifestações de ganho de peso, acne, dificuldades reprodutivas e hirsutismo. Com isso, seu diagnóstico e tratamento se tornam multi facetados, uma vez visto a complexidade da síndrome. O presente estudo tem o objetivo de abordar as implicações psicossociais na vida da paciente e analisar as opções de manejo terapêutico disponíveis atualmente descritas. Trata-se de uma revisão de literatura, do tipo Integrativas, baseada em produções científicas das bases de dados: National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS), Google Scholar e Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e terminologias cadastradas nos Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (DeCs), publicados do anos de 2013 a 2023. Através dos significativos impactos causados na vida das pacientes portadoras de SOP, concluiu-se que as opções de manejo terapêutico no mercado são heterogêneas, assim como toda a síndrome dos ovários policísticos.
MERDEKA CURRICULUM FOR HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH LEARNING IN THE DIGITAL ERA
Authors: Rohimajaya Nur Azmi , Hamer Welliam
Published: August 2023

The digital era is a digital education environment where technical resources support teaching and learning. To determine educational performance, the curriculum must be adaptive to all contemporary concerns and changes. Following several curriculum reforms, the Merdeka Curriculum is currently being implemented in Indonesia. The Indonesian government has fully changed the curriculum possible to complete the educational goals anticipated in this digital era. This study compares the 2013 curriculum to the Merdeka curriculum for learning English at the senior high school level in terms of the basic framework, targeted competencies, curriculum structure, learning, assessment, teaching materials, and curriculum tools. The research design used in this study is a qualitative approach with content analysis. Based on the basic framework, targeted competencies, curriculum structure, learning process, assessment, teaching resources, and curriculum tool, this study shows similarities and differences between the 2013 and Merdeka curriculum.
PICTIONARY GAME FOR VOCABULARY MASTERY: BEST PRACTICE FROM A RURAL SCHOOL CONTEXT
Authors: Odang Aurelia Stefania , Uran Stefanus Igolois Grenga , Janggo Wendelinus Oscar
Published: August 2023

While online gamification in education settings has spread worldwide in this digital era, its application gets confronted with massive opposition, especially in rural contexts. Several technologically inaccessible schools may find it unfavourable to apply such a model in learning.  This study looks at redefining a simple application of particular Pictionary games to boost students’ English vocabulary learning in a predominantly rural, private school setting. It aims at improving students’ vocabulary mastery through the plain-sailing Pictionary game technique and re-establishing the teacher’s best practices to apply. Two-cycle classroom action research was applied by collecting data through observation, questionnaires, interviews, and tests. The qualitative data analysis shows better-changing activities, attitudes, perceptions, and learning experiences leading to the positive outcomes of the game application. Quantitative data on students’ vocabulary tests in two-prioritized skills (reading and listening) also show a remarkable improvement from cycle one to cycle two, with the class percentage passing the success criterion for reading and listening vocabulary mastery being 83.33% and 75%, respectively. In addition, the teacher’s reflection on each cycle shapes profound insights into several contextual best practices: goal-oriented teaching, progressiveness, shift gears, differentiated learning, pace and variety, and encouragement.
Analisis Potensi Ekstrak Belimbing Wuluh (Averrhoa Bilimbi L.) terhadap Kematian Larva Aedes Albopictus Di Laboratorium Balai Litbangkes Tanah Bumbu
Authors: Mahfiroh Siti , Norfai Norfai , Hadi Zuhrupal
Published: August 2023

DHF is an endemic disease that occurs throughout the year. Efforts to control DHF still using chemical insecticides that can cause resistance and have negative. The use of vegetable insecticides from plants can be an alternative to natural larvicides, one of which is starfruit (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) which has the potential as an insecticide due to the presence of toxic substances. The purpose of this study was to analyze mortality, the difference in the average mortality of Aedes Albopictus larvae and to determine the Lethal Time and Lethal Concentration. This type of research is a quantitative research with the True Experimental Design method with Posttest Only Group Design. The results showed that 100% larval death was the fastest at a concentration of 8% after 4 hours of measurement. The results of the Kruskall Wallis test showed that there was no significant difference (>0.05) in the average mortality of larvae. The results of the Lethal Time probit test showed that it took 2,029 hours to kill 50% of larvae and 4,551 hours to kill 99% of larvae with a concentration of 8% while the Lethal Concentration showed that a concentration of 2.647% was needed to kill 50% of larvae and 7.854% to kill 99%. larvae. Further research is needed to develop starfruit extract (Averrhoa bilimbi L.) which, when applied to water, is colorless and tasteless, but does not remove the compounds present in starfruit extract.
Tinjauan Kualitas Sistem, Kualitas Informasi dan Kualitas Layanan Pendaftaran Rawat Jalan dari Perspektif Admisi di Puskesmas Guntung Manggis
Authors: NISA KHAIRUN , Widya Wati Ni Wayan Kurnia
Published: August 2023

The quality of services based on outpatient registration applications has been implemented by the Guntung Manggis Health Center since 2019 and this is a technological innovation developed to facilitate health services. However, it’s known that the number of outpatient visits that have decreased in 2021-2022 is ? 47 visitors or ? 30-39%. So that Guntung Manggis Public Health Center patient satisfaction with service quality has regressed from the target (80%) which is 78.53%. The purpose of this study is to find out more in-depth about the quality of the information quality system and the quality of outpatient registration services from the perspective of admissions at the Guntung Manggis Health Center. This research’s a descriptive research with a qualitative approach. The number of samples is 6 people consisting of the Head of Record Medical and Outpatient Admissions Staff. The results of the study are the quality of the outpatient registration system from an admissions perspective including the category of "Good System Quality" at the Guntung Manggis Health Center, the quality of outpatient registration information from an admissions perspective including the category of "Good Information Quality" at the Guntung Manggis Health Center and the Quality of outpatient registration services from an admissions perspective including the category of "Good Service Quality" at the Guntung Manggis Health Center. In conclusion, the quality of the system, the quality of information and the quality of outpatient registration services from the perspective of admissions have been well fulfilled at the Guntung Manggis Health Center.
Perancangan Aplikasi Perhitungan Kebutuhan SDM Dengan ABK Kes di Unit Kerja Rekam Medis
Authors: Rahmadiliyani Nina
Published: August 2023

The Health Workload Analysis Method (ABK Kes) is a method of calculating the needs of Health Human Resources (HRD) based on the workload carried out by each type of SDMK in each health service facility in accordance with their main tasks and functions. The ABK Kes method is used for HRK planning in accordance with the capabilities of health service workers. There are 6 steps in the ABK Kes Method, including establishing Fayankes and types of SDMK, determining available work time (WKT), establishing workload components and time norms, calculating workload standards (SBK), calculating supporting task standards (STP) and supporting task factors ( FTP), and calculate the need for health human resources (HRK). The aim of the research is to design an application for calculating HR needs with ABK Kess in the medical record work unit. Computer-based workload calculation activities using Microsoft Access. Microsoft Access is an application program from Microsoft that is useful for creating, processing, and managing databases (databases).
Competing Liberal Approaches to Problematic Speech: South Korea
Authors: Yi Joseph
Published: August 2023

In South Korea, speech suppressions are robustly bipartisan. Politically right-leaning actors target ‘pro-communist’ (North Korea) and ‘pro-homosexual’ (LGBT) speech. Left-leaning actors target racist slurs, and especially ‘far-right’ speech that supports Japanese colonial (1910-45) or anti-communist (1948-1987) regimes. Significantly, both right- and left-leaning censors claim to protect democracy and individual rights, specifically victim-rights. To explain, proponents of liberal-democratic values (‘liberals’) diverge on procedural and substantive rights and norms (PRN and SRN). Each PRN restriction is countered by a mix of partisan opponents, who would similarly restrict their enemies, and principled, procedural-rights-norms liberals. Toleration of controversial speakers is also more likely among persons with prior ties (contacts). Korea exemplifies the polarization, backsliding (Haggard and Kaufman 2021), and regime instability (Levitsky and Way 2022) threatening mature democracies; and how shifting coalitions, led by PR liberals, push back against such polarization and corrosion of civil liberties.
The Enemy from the Inside:‎ Measurement and Analysis of ‎Delegitimization Discourse in the ‎Political Sphere ‎
Authors: Rivlin-Angert Naama , Mor-Lan Guy
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the manifestations and dynamics of delegitimization ‎discourse within the political sphere. Focusing on the Israeli political context, ‎the study employs a novel computational algorithm to identify and measure ‎political delegitimization from over two million Hebrew mass-media articles ‎and politicians’ social media posts. The findings reveal the presence of ‎political delegitimization discourse across the entire political spectrum, with ‎increased occurrences preceding elections and events related to Netanyahu’s ‎trial events. The study highlights the involvement of party leaders in such ‎discourse and identifies the act of joining coalitions as a significant factor ‎influencing its decline. The paper contributes to literature by expanding our ‎understanding of delegitimization discourse within the political sphere, ‎providing a methodological framework for its empirical investigation, and ‎raising important questions about its implications. The paper concludes with ‎suggestions for further research and emphasizes the fundamental danger that ‎delegitimization discourse poses to democratic debate.‎
PERBANDINGAN METODE EXTREME GRADIENT BOOSTING DAN METODE DECISION TREE UNTUK KLASIFIKASI GENRE MUSIK
Authors: LUTFIANI SALLY , Saragih Triando Hamonangan , Abadi Friska , Faisal Mohammad Reza , Kartini Dwi
Published: August 2023

Musik merupakan sebuah “bahasa” yang mampu dimengerti dan dipahami oleh semua orang. Dalam  musik  sendiri,  terdapat  banyak  genre musik yang berkembang yang dipengaruhi oleh  budaya  dari  daerah-daerah yang berbeda-beda, seperti musik jazz, reggae, pop, rock, punk, dan masih banyak lagi genre musik yang ada seperti musik tradisional. Bertambahnya jumlah musik dalam bentuk digital secara pesat menyebabkan pemberian label genre secara manual menjadi tidak efektif. Pemberian label genre secara otomatis dapat dilakukan dengan menerapkan algoritma kecerdasan buatan yaitu salah satunya klasifikasi yang dapat mengelompokkan jenis musik berdasarkan genre dengan menggunakan fitur-fitur musik. Salah satu metode klasifikasi yang cukup sering digunakan adalah metode Extreme Gradient Boosting. Metode ini seringkali digunakan karena kecepatan, efisiensi dan skalabilitasnya untuk memecahkan beragam masalah klasifikasi ataupun regresi. Selain itu ada juga metode yang sering digunakan dalam melakukan klasifikasi yaitu metode Decision Tree yang merupakan metode pohon keputusan mengubah fakta yang sangat besar menjadi pohon keputusan yang merepresentasikan aturan dan juga berguna untuk mengekplorasi data, menemukan hubungan tersembunyi antara sejumlah calon variabel input dengan sebuah variabel target. Karena kedua metode ini termasuk dalam rumpun keluarga pohon atau ensemble learning, maka dilakukan perbandingan antara kedua metode tersebut. Pada penelitian ini melakukan perbandingan tingkat akurasi metode klasifikasi Extreme Gradient Boosting dan metode klasifikasi Decision Tree dengan melakukan pengujian parameter menggunakan nilai parameter terbaik yang didapatkan. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian metode klasifikasi Extreme Gradient Boosting dengan pengujian parameter menggunakan nilai parameter terbaik yang didapatkan menghasilkan kinerja akurasi yang lebih baik dibandingkan dengan metode klasifikasi Decision Tree yaitu sebesar 72% karena pada metode Extreme Gradient Bossting ini mampu meminimalisir eror dengan menggunakan data residu atau kesalahan prediksi pada model sebelumnya sehingga bisa mendapatkan dan mengoptimalkan hasil akurasi terbaik, yang membuktikan bahwa metode klasifikasi Extreme Gradient Boosting lebih baik dibandingkan dengan metode klasifikasi Decision Tree dengan pengujian parameter.
SISTEM INFORMASI PENCATATAN TRANSAKSI PENJUALAN DAN PEMBELIAN PRODUK BERBASIS WEBSITE DI TOKO SEMBAKO PUTRASENA SUKOHARJO
Authors: Arista Lidya Putri , Nugroho Yusuf Sulistyo
Published: August 2023

Toko Sembako Putrasena merupakan sebuah usaha di Kabupaten Sukoharjo yang bergerak di bidang jual beli produk sembako seperti beras, minyak goreng, gula pasir, gula jawa, dan telur. Toko ini melakukan transaksi seperti pembelian produk pada penyuplai dan penjualan kembali produk tersebut kepada konsumen. Namun, dalam melakukan pencatatan transaksi baik pembelian maupun penjualan toko ini masih menggunakan cara konvensional, yaitu dengan menuliskan transaksi tersebut ke dalam buku tulis. Hal ini dapat mengakibatkan hilangnya dokumen dan menyulitkan pemilik toko untuk melakukan perhitungan keuangan. Oleh karena itu, untuk membantu pengelolaan data penjualan di toko tersebut, perlu dikembangkan sistem informasi pencatatan transaksi penjualan dan pembelian, dan membantu pengelolaan laporan keuangan. Sistem informasi ini dibangun berbasis website yang terdiri dari 3 jenis pengguna, yaitu admin, pegawai toko, dan pemilik toko. Sistem informasi dikembangkan dengan mengikuti metode waterfall yang terdiri dari analisis kebutuhan, desain sistem, pengkodean, pengujian, dan pemeliharaan sistem. Pengujian sistem informasi menggunakan metode Black Box dan System Usability Scale. Hasil yang penelitian ini adalah sebuah sistem informasi pencatatan transaksi penjualan dan pembelian berbasis website yang dapat membantu pegawai dan pemilik toko untuk melakukan pencatatan data-data penjualan dan juga pembuatan laporan transaksi penjualan dan pembelian.
In vitro antiviral activity of abietane diterpenoids isolated from Torreya nucifera against rotavirus infection
Authors: Park Ji Sun , Bae Jaehoon , Jung Jinseok , Kim Joong-Sun , Park Su-Jin
Published: August 2023

Although vaccines have been developed for rotavirus infections, there is currently no effective therapeutic treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 18-hydroxyferruginol (1) and 18-oxoferruginol (2) isolated from Torreya nucifera (T. nucifera) against bovine G8P[7] and porcine G5P[7] rotaviruses using two different assay strategies: 1) reduction of viral infectivity by neutralizing the virus (virucidal assay) and 2) inhibition of viral replication after infection (post-treatment assay). In the post-treatment assay, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited strong anti-rotavirus activity, with 50% effective concentration values of 24.7 μM (selectivity index; SI= 2.52) and 23.2 μM (SI= 1.75) against bovine G8P[7], 21.1 μM (SI= 2.95) and 22.6 μM (SI= 1.80) against porcine G5P[7], respectively. During viral replication, the two compounds demonstrated stronger inhibition of viral RNA synthesis in the late stages (18 h) than in the early stages (6 h). Compounds 1 and 2 also inhibited the synthesis of viral proteins such as VP6, as determined by immunofluorescence assay. Thus, it appears that compounds 1 and 2 isolated from T. nucifera possess strong antiviral activity against rotaviruses, inhibit viral replication, and may be developed into potential plant-derived therapeutic candidates against rotavirus infection.
Analysis of the geometrical influence of ring-opening samples on arterial circumferential residual stress reconstruction
Authors: Inostroza Matías , Utrera Andrés , García-Herrera Claudio M. , Rivera Eugenio , Celentano Diego J. , Herrera Emilio A.
Published: August 2023

This work consists of analyzing the impact of geometrical features (thickness and curvature) on the estimation of circumferential residual stresses in arteries. For this purpose, a specific sample of lamb abdominal artery is chosen for analysis and, through computational tools based on Python libraries, the stress-free geometry is captured after the ring opening test. Numerical simulations are then used to reconstruct the sample in order to estimate the circumferential residual stresses. Then, four stress-free geometry models are analyzed: an ideal geometry, i.e., constant curvature and thickness; a constant curvature and variable thickness geometry; a variable curvature and constant thickness geometry; and a variable curvature and thickness geometry. The numerical results show that models perform well from a geometric point of view, where the most different feature was the closed outer perimeter that differs about 14% from the closed real sample. As far as residual stress is concerned, differences up to 198% were found in more realistic models taking a constant curvature and thickness model as reference. Thus, the analysis of a realistic geometry with highly variable curvature and thickness can introduce, compared to an idealized geometry, significant differences in the estimation of residual stresses. This could indicate that the characterization of arterial residual stresses is not sufficient when considering only the opening angle and, therefore, it is also necessary to incorporate more geometrical variables.
Dragon blood resin ameliorates steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head through osteoclastic pathways
Authors: Liu Yuhao , Mo Liang , Lu Hongduo , Wei Yangwenxiang , Zhang Jiahao , Bennett Samuel , Xu Jiake , Zhou Chi , Fang Bin , Chen Zhenqiu
Published: August 2023

Objective: Dragon’s Blood resin (DBR) is a traditional medicinal substance renowned for its diverse pharmacological effects, which consists of potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and angiogenic properties. This study aimed to elucidate its therapeutic mechanism in alleviating steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SIONFH).

Methods: Techniques such as SPR and LC-MS were employed to identify and analyze the target proteins of DBR in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). In vitro, BMMs were treated with RANKL and DBR, and TRAcP staining and actin belt staining were utilized to assess osteoclast activity. The inhibitory effects and underlying mechanisms of DBR on osteoclastogenesis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were determined using real-time PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. An in vivo SIONFH rat model was set up to assess the curative impacts of DBR using micro-CT scanning and pathological staining.

Results: Bioinformatic tools revealed a pivotal role of osteoclast differentiation in SIONFH. Proteomic analysis identified 164 proteins binding in BMMs. In vitro assessments demonstrated that DBR hindered osteoclastogenesis by modulating the expression of specific genes and proteins, along with antioxidant proteins including TRX1 and Glutathione Reductase. Notably, the resin effectively inhibited the expression of crucial proteins, such as the phosphorylation of JNK and the nuclear localization of p65 within the TRAF6/JNK and NFκB signaling pathways. In vivo experiments further confirmed that DBR mitigated the onset of SIONFH in rats by curbing osteoclast and ROS activities.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the potential of Dragon’s Blood as an effective administration for early-stage SIONFH, shedding light on its therapeutic influence on ROS-mediated osteoclastic signaling pathways.
Efficacy and safety of visually guided laser balloon versus cryoballoon ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ye Wenyi , Chen Qian , Fan Guangci , Zhou Xinbin , Wang Xiao , Mao Wei , Li JuanJuan
Published: August 2023

Background

Newly developed catheter ablation (CA) techniques, such as laser balloon ablation (LBA) and cryoballoon ablation (CBA), have been introduced in recent years and emerged as valuable alternatives to conventional radiofrequency CA strategies for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) patients. However, evidence comparing LBA and CBA remain controversial. Thus, we conducted this meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety between these two techniques.

Methods

Scientific databases (PubMed, Embase) and relevant websites (the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov) were systematically searched from inception to March 2023. The primary outcomes of interest were the AF recurrence and the procedure-related complications. Secondary outcomes included procedural time, fluoroscopy time, and left atrial (LA) dwell time.

Results

Seven clinical trials with a total of 637 patients were finally enrolled. No significant differences were found between LBA and CBA in terms of AF recurrence [16.3% vs. 22.7%, odds ratio (OR) = 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.42–1.05, p = 0.078] or total procedural-related complications (8.4% vs. 6.4%, OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.71–2.51, p = 0.371). LBA had a significantly longer procedural time [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 38.03 min, 95% CI: 13.48–62.58 min, p = 0.002] and LA dwell time (WMD = 46.67 min, 95% CI: 14.63–78.72 min, p = 0.004) than CBA, but tended to have shorter fluoroscopy time.

Conclusions

LBA and CBA treatment have comparable efficacy and safety for PAF patients. LBA was associated with longer procedural and LA dwell times compared with CBA. Further large-scale studies are warranted to compare these two techniques with the newest generations.

Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=426513, identifier (CRD42023426513).
Case report: Therapeutic potential of Flourishing-Life-Of-Wish Virtual Reality Therapy on Relaxation (FLOW-VRT-Relaxation)—a novel personalized relaxation in palliative care
Authors: Woo Olive K. L. , Lee Antoinette M.
Published: August 2023

In view of the global aging population and growing need of palliative care, innovative intervention for effective symptom management is of urgent need. Flourishing-Life-Of-Wish Virtual Reality Therapy (FLOW-VRT) is a brief, structured, manualized, and personalized psychological intervention with theoretical foundations based on stress coping theory, self-determination theory, flow theory, and attention restoration theory. With a specific focus on relaxation, FLOW-VRT-Relaxation intends to facilitate adaptive end-of-life coping through delivering personalized relaxation. This paper reports a case study of the application of FLOW-VRT-Relaxation, and discusses its therapeutic potential as a cost-effective method for reducing palliative symptoms by addressing patient's unmet needs. The case study is a 51-year-old Chinese female, diagnosed with advanced cervix cancer, and presented with unmet psychological (i.e., unfulfilled wishes) and physical needs (i.e., pain and fatigue) before FLOW-VRT-Relaxation. To address her unmet needs, FLOW-VRT-Relaxation was delivered by a registered clinical psychologist specialized in palliative care. Need assessment was first conducted, followed by a 10-min VR travel of Japan as her own choice. Relaxation was verbally coached during VR. Right after VR, consolidation with psychological components including psychoeducation, cognitive and emotional processing, and reminiscence intervention were delivered. The patient showed improvement in physical and psychological symptoms, lower sense of loneliness and engulfment, as well as enhanced peace after FLOW-VRT-Relaxation. The current findings provide encouraging initial support for the feasibility, acceptability, and therapeutic potential of using FLOW-VRT-Relaxation as a cost-effective, scalable and personalized VR relaxation for patients under palliative care. It is hoped that with its optimal use, FLOW-VRT-Relaxation can serve as an alternative therapeutic tool that effectively improves the end-on-life care.
The mutational analysis of mitochondrial DNA in maternal inheritance of polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Bibi Shaheen , Abbas Ghulam , Khan Muhammad Zahoor , Nawaz Tanzeela , Ullah Qudrat , Uddin Aziz , Khan Muhammad Fiaz , Ghafoor Sajid Ul , Nadeem Muhammad Shahid , Tabassum Sadia , Zahoor Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a globally prevalent condition that leads to infertility in women. While environmental factors contribute to PCOS, maternal genetics also play a significant role. Currently, there is no definitive test for identifying predisposition to PCOS. Hence, our objective is to discover novel maternal genetic risk factors for PCOS by investigating the genomes of patients from Pakistan.

Methods

We utilized Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to sequence the complete mitochondrial DNA of three PCOS patients. Subsequently, we employed MitoTIP (Mitochondrial tRNA Informatics Predictor) and PON-mt-tRNA tools to identify variations in the mitochondrial DNA. Our analysis focused on the genes MT-RNR1, MT-RNR2, MT-ATP6, MT-TL2, and MT-CYTB, which displayed common variations in all three genomes. Additionally, we observed individual variations. The D-loop region exhibited the highest frequency of mutations, followed by the non-coding regions of RNR1 and RNR2 genes. Moreover, we detected frameshift mutations in the mitochondrially encoded NADH Dehydrogenase 2 (MT-ND2) and mitochondrially encoded NADH Dehydrogenase 5 (ND5) genes within individual genomes.

Results

Our analysis unveiled six regions with common variations in the mitochondrial DNA of all three PCOS patients. Notably, the MT-RNR1, MT-RNR2, MT-ATP6, MT-TL2, and MT-CYTB genes exhibited these variations. Additionally, we identified individual variations in the mitochondrial DNA. The D-loop region displayed the highest mutation frequency, followed by the non-coding regions of RNR1 and RNR2 genes. Furthermore, frameshift mutations were detected in the MT-ND2 and ND5 genes within individual genomes.

Conclusion

Through our study, we have identified variations in mitochondrial DNA that may be associated with the development of PCOS and have the potential to serve as predisposition tests. Our findings highlight the presence of novel mutations in the MT-RNR1, MT-RNR2, MT-ATP6, MT-TL2, and MT-CYTB genes, as well as frameshift mutations in the MT-ND2 and ND5 genes. Pathogenicity analysis indicated that most variants were likely to result in benign cysts. However, the frameshift mutations in the ND2 gene were associated with a high risk of complications and pathogenicity in PCOS. This is the first report identifying these mutations and their association with PCOS, contributing to our understanding of the genetic factors underlying the condition.
Lifestyle interventions to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes in women at high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xu Jiawei , Lin Xuan , Fang Ying , Cui Jing , Li Zhi , Yu Fang , Tian Libin , Guo Hongyan , Lu Xinyan , Ding Jiahao , Ke Lu , Wu Jiahui
Published: August 2023

Objective

To examine the effects of lifestyle interventions, including dietary guidance, health education and weight management, on pregnancy outcomes in women at high risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

Our study included 251 women at high risk of GDM and 128 randomized to lifestyle interventions (dietary guidance, health education, and weight management); One hundred and twenty-three people were randomly assigned to a control group (regular pregnancy check-ups). Counts between groups were compared using either chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test.

Results

Compared with the control group, the risk of GDM was reduced by 46.9% (16.4% vs 30.9%, P = 0.007) and the risk of pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) was reduced by 74.2% (2.3% vs 8.9%, P = 0.034) in the intervention group. There were no significant differences in macrosomia, cesarean section, or preterm birth (P >0.05).

Conclusion

The lifestyle intervention in this study helped pregnant women to better understand knowledge related to pregnancy, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase intake of adequate prenatal nutrition. This intervention prevented metabolic abnormalities that may occur due to inadequate nutrient intake during pregnancy. In addition, it helped women to control weight gain, maintain appropriate weight gain during pregnancy, and reduce the risk of excessive or insufficient weight gain, ultimately lowering the incidence of GDM and PIH. This highlights the importance of early screening and intervention for high-risk pregnant women.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2300073766.
The landscape of non-coding RNAs in the immunopathogenesis of Endometriosis
Authors: Abbaszadeh Mohammad , Karimi Mohammadreza , Rajaei Samira
Published: August 2023

Endometriosis is a complex disorder that is characterized by the abnormal growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. It is associated with chronic inflammation, severe pelvic pain, infertility, and significantly reduced quality of life. Although the exact mechanism of endometriosis remains unknown, inflammation and altered immunity are considered key factors in the immunopathogenesis of the disorder. Disturbances of immune responses result in reduced clearance of regurgitated endometrial cells, which elicits oxidative stress and progression of inflammation. Proinflammatory mediators could affect immune cells’ recruitment, fate, and function. Reciprocally, the activation of immune cells can promote inflammation. Aberrant expression of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) in patient and animal lesions could be suggestive of their role in endometriosis establishment. The engagement of these RNAs in regulating diverse biological processes, including inflammatory responses and activation of inflammasomes, altered immunity, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis are widespread and far-reaching. Therefore, ncRNAs can be identified as a determining candidate regulating the inflammatory responses and immune system. This review aims in addition to predict the role of ncRNAs in the immunopathogenesis of endometriosis through regulating inflammation and altered immunity based on previous studies, it presents a comprehensive view of inflammation role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Arsenic exposure and lung fibrotic changes-evidence from a longitudinal cohort study and experimental models
Authors: Wang Chih-Wen , Chiou Hsin-Ying Clair , Chen Szu-Chia , Wu Da-Wei , Lin Hung-Hsun , Chen Huang-Chi , Liao Wei-Ting , Lin Ming-Hong , Hung Chih-Hsing , Kuo Chao-Hung
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Arsenic (As) exposure is associated with lung toxicity and we aim to investigate the effects of arsenic exposure on lung fibrotic changes.

Methods

Participants (n= 976) enrolled via a general health survey underwent chest low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), spirometry forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and urinary arsenic examination during 2016 and 2018. Lung fibrotic changes from LDCT were defined. AsLtoL, low arsenic levels in both 2016 and 2018; AsLtoH, low arsenic in 2016 but high levels in 2018; AsHtoL, high arsenic in 2016 but low levels in 2018; AsHtoH, high arsenic levels in both 2016 and 2018. Mice exposed to 0. 0.2mg/L, 2 mg/L, 50 mg/L of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) through drinking water for 12 weeks and 24 weeks were applied for histological analysis. Cultured lung epithelial cells were exposed to NaAsO2 and the mesenchymal changes were examined.

Results

AsHtoH increased the risk (OR= 1.65, 95% CI 1.10, 2.49) of Lung fibrotic positive to positive (reference: Lung fibrotic negative to negative) compared with AsLtoL. Moreover, the predicted mean of FVC and FEV1 in AsHtoH (−0.09 units, 95% CI: −0.27, −0.09; −0.09 units, 95% CI: −0.17, −0.01) and AsLtoH (−0.13 units, 95% CI: −0.30, −0.10; −0.13 units, 95% CI: −0.22, −0.04) was significantly lower than ASLtoL. Significant lung fibrotic changes including the increase of the alveolar septum thickness and collagen fiber deposition were observed upon 2 mg/L NaAsO2 treatment for 12 weeks, and the damage was dose- and time-dependent. In vitro, sodium arsenite treatment promotes the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like changes of the normal human bronchial epithelial cells, including upregulation of several fibrotic and mesenchymal markers (fibronectin, MMP-2, and Snail) and cell migration. Inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and MMP-2 impaired the arsenic-induced EMT changes. Administration of a flavonoid, apigenin, inhibited EMT in vitro and pulmonary damages in vivo with the reduction of mesenchymal markers.

Discussion

we demonstrated that continued exposure to arsenic causes lung fibrosis in humans and mice. Targeting lung epithelial cells EMT is effective on the development of therapeutic strategy. Apigenin is effective in the inhibition of arsenic-induced pulmonary fibrosis and EMT.
How can Cytokine-induced killer cells overcome CAR-T cell limits
Authors: Cappuzzello Elisa , Vigolo Emilia , D’Accardio Giulia , Astori Giuseppe , Rosato Antonio , Sommaggio Roberta
Published: August 2023

The successful treatment of patients affected by B-cell malignancies with Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cells represented a breakthrough in the field of adoptive cell therapy (ACT). However, CAR-T therapy is not an option for every patient, and several needs remain unmet. In particular, the production of CAR-T cells is expensive, labor-intensive and logistically challenging; additionally, the toxicities deriving from CAR-T cells infusion, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), have been documented extensively. Alternative cellular therapy products such as Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells have the potential to overcome some of these obstacles. CIK cells are a heterogeneous population of polyclonal CD3+CD56+ T cells with phenotypic and functional properties of NK cells. CIK cell cytotoxicity is exerted in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-unrestricted manner through the engagement of natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) molecules, against a wide range of hematological and solid tumors without the need for prior antigen exposure or priming. The foremost potential of CIK cells lies in the very limited ability to induce graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) reactions in the allogeneic setting. CIK cells are produced with a simple and extremely efficient expansion protocol, which leads to a massive expansion of effector cells and requires a lower financial commitment compared to CAR-T cells. Indeed, CAR-T manufacturing involves the engineering with expensive GMP-grade viral vectors in centralized manufacturing facilities, whereas CIK cell production is successfully performed in local academic GMP facilities, and CIK cell treatment is now licensed in many countries. Moreover, the toxicities observed for CAR-T cells are not present in CIK cell-treated patients, thus further reducing the costs associated with hospitalization and post-infusion monitoring of patients, and ultimately encouraging the delivery of cell therapies in the outpatient setting. This review aims to give an overview of the limitations of CAR-T cell therapy and outline how the use of CIK cells could overcome such drawbacks thanks to their unique features. We highlight the undeniable advantages of using CIK cells as a therapeutic product, underlying the opportunity for further research on the topic.
Combining different bacteria in vaccine formulations enhances the chance for antiviral cross-reactive immunity: a detailed in silico analysis for influenza A virus
Authors: Bodas-Pinedo Andrés , Lafuente Esther M. , Pelaez-Prestel Hector F. , Ras-Carmona Alvaro , Subiza Jose L. , Reche Pedro A.
Published: August 2023

Bacteria are well known to provide heterologous immunity against viral infections through various mechanisms including the induction of innate trained immunity and adaptive cross-reactive immunity. Cross-reactive immunity from bacteria to viruses is responsible for long-term protection and yet its role has been downplayed due the difficulty of determining antigen-specific responses. Here, we carried out a systematic evaluation of the potential cross-reactive immunity from selected bacteria known to induce heterologous immunity against various viruses causing recurrent respiratory infections. The bacteria selected in this work were Bacillus Calmette Guerin and those included in the poly-bacterial preparation MV130: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Branhamella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae. The virus included influenza A and B viruses, human rhinovirus A, B and C, respiratory syncytial virus A and B and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Through BLAST searches, we first identified the shared peptidome space (identity ≥ 80%, in at least 8 residues) between bacteria and viruses, and subsequently predicted T and B cell epitopes within shared peptides. Interestingly, the potential epitope spaces shared between bacteria in MV130 and viruses are non-overlapping. Hence, combining diverse bacteria can enhance cross-reactive immunity. We next analyzed in detail the cross-reactive T and B cell epitopes between MV130 and influenza A virus. We found that MV130 contains numerous cross-reactive T cell epitopes with high population protection coverage and potentially neutralizing B cell epitopes recognizing hemagglutinin and matrix protein 2. These results contribute to explain the immune enhancing properties of MV130 observed in the clinic against respiratory viral infections.