bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis in Pregnancy
Authors: Levina Jessica , Ocviyanti Dwiana , Adawiyah Robiatul
Published: May 2024

Pregnancy is a risk factor for vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). The most common cause of VVC in pregnancy is Candida albicans. During pregnancy, physiological changes occur, such as increased levels of estrogen, lower vaginal pH, increased production of vaginal mucosal glycogen and immunological changes so that Candida colonization in the vagina increases. Increased colonization can be symptomatic or asymptomatic. When symptoms and signs of vulvar pruritus, pain, swelling, redness, burning, dyspareunia, dysuria, vulvar edema, fissures, excoriation and vaginal discharge are found, it is necessary to perform microscopic examination and/or fungal culture to establish the diagnosis of VVC. Topical intravaginal antifungal therapy such as clotrimazole and nystatin, are the recommended treatment for VVC in pregnancy that has been shown its safety. Treatment with oral antifungal is not recommended because of the risk of causing congenital abnormalities in the fetus. Prophylactic administration in the last trimester of pregnancy in asymptomatic VVC cases provides good pregnancy and neonatal outcomes but is still being debated. In severe, prolonged or recurrent cases of VVC, other co-infections may be sought which may also need to be managed. Administration of probiotics for VVC therapy still requires further research.
Цивільне право: теорія та практика : навч.-метод. посіб. Освітня програма підготовки здобувачів вищої освіти ступеня бакалавр на факультеті прокуратури та слідства (кримінальної юстиції) Національного університету «Одеська юридична академія», галузь знань – 08 «Право», спеціальність – 081 «Право»
Authors:   Національний університет «Одеська юридична академія», Сафончик Оксана Іванівна
Published: May 2024

У навчально-методичному посібнику містяться матеріали, що відповідають вимогам навчальної дисципліни «Цивільне право: теорія та практика», які розроблені відповідно до навчальної програми для підготовки здобувачів вищої освіти ступеня бакалавр за спеціальністю 081 «Право». Посібник містить програму навчальної дисципліни з методичними вказівками по кожній темі, плани практичних занять, питання для самостійної роботи здобувачів вищої освіти. У посібнику наведено перелік рекомендованої літератури, яка може бути використана при підготовці до практичних занять, заліку. Розрахований на здобувачів юридичної освіти та науково-педагогічних працівників юридичних навчальних закладів.
NGHIÊN CỨU GIẢI PHẪU ỨNG DỤNG THẦN KINH TRÊN VAI VÀ NHÁNH XA THẦN KINH PHỤ
Authors: Đào Duy An Duy , Phạm Quang Vinh , Trương Trọng Tín , Tăng Ngọc Đạt
Published: May 2024

Đặt vấn đề: Phẫu thuật chuyển thần kinh phụ sang thần kinh trên vai được xem là phẫu thuật thường quy với mục đích cứu vãn một phần chức năng khớp vai trong tổn thương đám rối thần kinh cánh tay không hồi phục. Để thực hiện tốt phẫu thuật này, cần hiểu rõ giải phẫu

Mục tiêu: Xác định vị trí, đường kính, sự phân nhánh của thần kinh trên vai và nhánh xa thần kinh phụ, tương quan với các mốc giải phẫu.

Đối tượng–Phương pháp nghiên cứu: Nghiên cứu mô tả hàng loạt ca từ 30 mẫu lưng vai thuộc 15 xác tươi.

Kết quả: Thần kinh trên vai tại khuyết trên vai có đường kính 1,45 ± 0,14 mm, đa số phân chia 1 – 2 nhánh vận động cho cơ trên gai và 2 nhánh vận động cơ dưới gai. Các nhánh này đều có đường kính <1 mm. Tại khuyết trên vai, có tỉ lệ nhỏ 6,67% dây chằng vôi hóa tạo thành lỗ trên vai. Thần kinh phụ khi đi xuống dọc theo cơ thang có đường kinh giảm dần, từ 1,28 ± 0,09 mm đến 0,42 ± 0,1 mm, chiều dài 17,2 ± 2 cm và phân chia đa số 3 – 4 nhánh bên. Đoạn thần kinh phụ bên dưới cơ thang có thể ghép nối đến thần kinh trên vai tại khuyết trên vai.

Kết luận: Nghiên cứu về thần kinh phụ và thần kinh trên vai tại vị trí vùng lưng vai mang lại các kiến thức về giải phẫu nhằm ứng dụng trong phẫu thuật chuyển thần kinh phụ sang thần kinh trên vai trong điều trị tổn thương đám rối thần kinh cánh tay không hồi phục.
IUCN Red List of Ecosystems, Mangroves of the Eastern Coral Triangle
Authors: M. Alongi Daniel , C. Duke Norman , C. Ellison Joanna , Tahu Mary , Suarez Ena
Published: May 2024

Mangroves of the Eastern Coral Triangle are a regional ecosystem subgroup (level 4 unit of the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology). It includes the marine ecoregions of the Bismarck Sea, Solomon Archipelago, Solomon Sea, and Southeast Papua New Guinea. The mapped extent of mangroves in this province in 2020 was 2128.9 km2, representing 1.4% of the global mangrove area. The Eastern Coral Triangle is home to 46 true mangrove species and seven mangrove plant associates. Three mangrove species are on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Avicennia rumphiana (VU = vulnerable), Sonneratia ovata (NT = near threatened), and Bruguiera hainesii (CR = critically endangered). Of 242 animal species associated with mangroves, five species are near threatened, four are endangered, and three are critically endangered. The province’s mangroves inhabit a variety of sediment types, including carbonate deposits, with many fringing mangrove patches on the many hundreds of islands in the Eastern Coral Triangle. Mangroves are threatened by illegal logging, conversion for agriculture and aquaculture, various types of urban development, including land reclamation, and mining. Climate change, especially sea-level rise, is a potent threat as is increasingly more frequent and stronger cyclones and tropical storms. Today, the Eastern Coral Triangle mangroves cover approximately 15% less than our estimate for 1970 based on national studies. However, the mangrove net area change has been –0.36% since 1996. If this trend continues, an overall change of –1.0% is projected over the next 50 years. However, under a high sea-level rise scenario (IPCC RCP8.5), roughly –61.5% of the Eastern Coral Sea mangroves will be submerged by 2060. Moreover, 1.3% of the province’s mangrove ecosystems are undergoing degradation, with the potential to increase to 4% within a 50-year period, based on a vegetation index decay analysis. Overall, the mangrove ecosystems in the Eastern Coral Triangle are assessed as Endangered (EN).
Evaluation of relative efficiency of oocyte collection techniques from abattoir-derived goat ovaries
Authors: Ratul Md. Abdur Raihan , Khan Md. Roknuzzaman , Hossain Md. Lokman , Harun-Or- Rashid Md. , Islam Muhammad Rakibul
Published: May 2024

Background: This study aimed to compare different parameters between right and left ovaries, ovaries with corpus luteum, and without corpus luteum, and to determine the most effective oocyte collection technique.
Methods: The experiment was conducted at the Department of Animal Nutrition, Genetics, and Breeding at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka- 1207, from January 2019 to December 2019. A total of 431 ovaries were collected from different abattoirs in Dhaka. Oocytes were harvested through different oocyte collection techniques like aspiration, slicing, and puncture. Data on parameters like weight, length, width, total number of visible follicles, number of follicles aspirated, collected grade A, grade B, grade C, and grade D cumulus-oocyte- complexes (COCs) per ovary, total number of COCS were recorded following standard procedures.
Results: The length (cm) of the right ovaries (1.31±0.04) was found to be significantly (p<0.05) greater than that of the left ovaries (1.18±0.04). The number of normal COCs (Grade A and Grade B) was significantly (p<0.01) higher in left ovaries (2.14±0.08 and 1.65±0.08) compared to right ovaries (0.36±0.08 and 0.23±0.08), respectively. Additionally, ovaries without a corpus luteum (CL) had a significantly (p<0.01) higher number of normal COCs (Grade A and Grade B) (1.21±0.07 and 0.90±0.07) compared to those with a CL (0.32±0.09 and 0.29±0.09), respectively. The number of normal COCs (Grade A and Grade B) was significantly (p<0.05) higher using aspiration (3.80±0.60 and 3.33±0.42) compared to slicing (3.67±0.78 and 3.20±0.54) and puncture (2.20±0.60 and 1.40±0.42), respectively.
Conclusion: The highest yield of normal COCs was obtained through aspiration, followed by slicing and puncture. Left ovaries contained more normal COCs and a higher number of follicles compared to right ovaries. Additionally, ovaries without a corpus luteum had a higher number of follicles and normal COCs than those with a corpus luteum. Therefore, it can be concluded that left ovaries, ovaries without a corpus luteum, and the aspiration technique are optimal for obtaining quality COCs.
Prevalence, duration of illness, and mortality of lumpy skin disease at Chuadanga Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh
Authors: Nobel Md. Farhan Labib , Antora Faria Haque , Mim Mst. Moriom Akhter , Nasrin Morsheda , Rahman A. K. M. Anisur , Siddiqi Md. Nazmul Hasan
Published: May 2024

Background: Lumpy skin disease (LSD) has emerged as a significant threat to cattle production in Chuadanga Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence, mortality, and demographic distribution of LSD in the study area.
Materials and Methods: A total of 634 cattle were observed during the study period. Data were collected using a well-prepared questionnaire through face-to-face interviews conducted in Chuadanga Sadar Upazila, Bangladesh, from August 7, 2022, to October 6, 2022.
Results: The prevalence of LSD was 22.24% with variations observed between indigenous (51.77%) and cross-bred cattle (48.23%). The overall LSD mortality was 7%. Cross-breed male cattle showed a higher prevalence of LSD (57.35%) in comparison to cross-breed female-cattle (42.65%). The LSD prevalence was relatively higher in age-group > 6 months than other age groups. The average duration of illness varied among indigenous and cross-bred cattle. Indigenous cattle showed a longer average illness duration (6.79 days) compared to cross-breed cattle (5.5 days). The highest prevalence was observed in cattle aged up to 30 days (4.4%), with indigenous cattle accounting for 43% and cross-bred cattle for 57%.
Conclusion: The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the prevalence, mortality, and demographic distribution of LSD in cattle at Chuadanga Sadar Upazila. The results offer a foundation for developing targeted interventions to control and manage LSD, thereby safeguarding cattle production in the region. Specifically, to optimize LSD vaccination strategies, it is recommended to prioritize indigenous cattle and male cross-bred due to their elevated susceptibility. Furthermore, particular emphasis should be placed on cattle aged below one month, with a specific focus on prioritizing treatment for male cross-bred to effectively mitigate the risk of fatalities.
КОМУНІКАТИВНІ БАР’ЄРИ ПІДЛІТКІВ ІЗ ТЯЖКИМИ ПОРУШЕННЯМИ МОВЛЕННЯ: ТЕОРЕТИЧНИЙ ВИМІР ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ
Authors: Балинська Марина
Published: May 2024

В статті проаналізовано наукові та теоретичні джерела щодо проблеми спілкування, підліткового віку, особливостей спілкування у підлітковому віці, труднощів, що можуть виникати в процесі спілкування, бар’єрів та освітніх труднощів у підлітків із тяжкими порушеннями мовлення.
Обґрунтовано, що спілкування є важливим процесом, що пронизує усі сфери життя людини. Виокремлено підходи до вивчення психології спілкування та міжособистісних стосунків у підлітковому віці. Адже саме у цьому віковому періоді спілкування набуває особливого значення. Розглянуто проблему комунікативних бар’єрів в процесі міжособистісного спілкування підлітків, як певних перепон, що перешкоджають чи не дозволяють відбутися ефективній комунікативній дії. Проаналізовано особливості прояву, функції, види комунікативних бар’єрів та чинники, що на них впливають. Теоретично обґрунтовано типологію комунікативних бар’єрів у підлітків із тяжкими порушеннями мовлення: мотиваційно-ціннісні, емоційні, мовленнєві та соціально-поведінкові.
Проблему подолання бар’єрів розглянуто через призму політики безбар’єрності, що є національною стратегією зі створення безбар’єрного простору в Україні. Головною ідеєю є створення середовища, в якому буде комфортно всім, у тому числі учасникам освітнього процесу з особливими освітніми потребами.
Особливості бар’єрів у підлітків із тяжкими порушеннями мовлення, як категорії осіб з особливими освітніми потребами, розглянуто в ключі освітніх труднощів, що можуть виникати під час освітнього процесу та заважати успішному опануванню знань, взаємодії та комунікації.
ПІДГОТОВКА ЗДОБУВАЧІВ ДО ВИКОРИСТАННЯ АРТТЕРАПЕВТИЧНИХ ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ ЯК РЕСУРСУ ІННОВАЦІЙНОЇ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ЛОГОПЕДА
Authors: Каплієнко Анастасія
Published: May 2024

У статті розкривається важливість використання арттерапії в роботі фахівця спеціальної освіти. Мета статті полягає в окресленні деяких аспектів підготовки майбутніх логопедів до інноваційної діяльності шляхом їхнього навчання арттерапевтичних технологій. Інноваційна діяльність логопеда трактується як складова частина професійної діяльності логопеда, спрямована на впровадження нових педагогічних ідей, передового освітнього досвіду інноваційного характеру у власну практичну діяльність. Серед методів дослідження виділено теоретичні (аналіз науково-теоретичної літератури, узагальнення) та емпіричні (метод case-study, метод проєктів, порівняння та узагальнення практичного досвіду, спостереження, систематизація). Зважаючи на важливість інтеграції арттерапевтичних технологій у підготовку майбутніх логопедів, у статті досліджено ефективні методи навчання та форми організації занять з дисципліни «Арттерапія в логопедичній роботі». Запропоновано інтерактивні методи та прийоми («Перехрестя ідей», «Педагогічні симулякри», «Калейдоскоп ідей», «Мікрофон» та ін.), тренінгові та проєктні форми навчання, які сприяють активному засвоєнню знань і розвитку творчих здібностей студентів. Крім того, стаття висвітлює різноманітні педагогічні завдання, які можуть бути вирішені за допомогою арттерапії, а саме: виховні (орієнтованість на засвоєння дитиною моральних норм, цінностей, правил етичної поведінки), діагностичні (дослідження мовленнєвого розвитку та індивідуальних особливостей дитини), корекційні (здійснення корекційного впливу за допомогою широкого арттерапевтичного інструментарію), психотерапевтичні (встановлення доброзичливої атмосфери, позитивного мікроклімату під час групових та індивідуальних занять), розвивальні (стимулювання розвитку та особистісного зростання дитини). На основі цього аналізу висуваються пропозиції щодо підготовки майбутніх логопедів до використання арттерапевтичних технологій як ресурсу інноваційної діяльності, включаючи інтеграцію теорії з практикою, організацію продуктивної науково-дослідної діяльності здобувачів, створення інноваційного освітнього середовища. Підготовка здобувачів базується на активній участі кожного студента, постійному обміні думками з викладачем, опорі на особистість здобувача освіти. Результати цього дослідження мають потенціал для подальших розвідок у сфері підготовки фахівців з логопедії та розвитку арттерапевтичних підходів у практиці.
ДО ПРОБЛЕМИ ФОРМУВАННЯ ІННОВАЦІЙНОГО СТИЛЮ УПРАВЛІННЯ ЗАКЛАДОМ ДОШКІЛЬНОЇ ОСВІТИ В УМОВАХ ІНКЛЮЗІЇ У ПСИХОЛОГО-ПЕДАГОГІЧНІЙ ЛІТЕРАТУРІ
Authors: Кузьміна Світлана
Published: May 2024

Проаналізовано теоретичні підходи до проблеми формування стилю управління закладом дошкільної освіти в умовах інклюзії. Теоретично проаналізовано сутність поняття «стиль управління», його функції; розглянуто передумови формування інноваційного стилю управління в закладі дошкільної освіти, розглянуто чинники, які впливають на покращення функціонування закладу освіти в умовах інклюзії завдяки інноваційному стилю управління керівника.
Констатовано, що стрімкий розвиток та модернізація суспільства змушує до розвитку сучасного менеджменту освіти. У цьому контексті надзвичайно гостро постає проблема розробки методології та практики інноваційного управління освітніми закладами, зокрема, закладами дошкільної освіти (далі – ЗДО) в умовах інклюзії. Складність, багатоаспектність та взаємозалежність управлінських проблем в умовах постійних змін, конкуренції, викликів та ризиків нової соціально-економічної реальності потребують нових ідей і підходів, розвивають перспективи пошуку оптимальних інновацій управлінської діяльності, формування інноваційного стилю управління сучасного керівника.
Обгрунтовано, що важливим аспектом управління закладом дошкільної освіти є управлінська діяльність керівника щодо забезпечення розвитку та функціонування закладу, його стиль управління задля покращення освітнього процесу.
У підсумку зроблено висновок, що формування інноваційного стилю в управлінні закладом дошкільної освіти буде ефективно впливати на створення належних умов функціонування закладу дошкільної освіти в умовах інклюзії, покращення якості освітніх послуг, розвитку організації в цілому.
Доведено, що використання інноваційного стилю управління керівником закладу дошкільної освіти є запорукою успішної управлінської діяльності в умовах інклюзії.
ПСИХОКОРЕКЦІЯ МОВЛЕННЄВИХ ПОРУШЕНЬ У ДІТЕЙ З ПОСТТРАВМАТИЧНИМ СТРЕСОВИМ РОЗЛАДОМ: ВИКЛИКИ ТА МОЖЛИВОСТІ
Authors: Мамічева Олена , Немерюк Юлія
Published: May 2024

У статті представлено дані щодо впливу військових подій на здоров’я дітей. Відзначено, що посттравматичний стресовий розлад (надалі – ПТСР) є одним із найпоширеніших розладів в популяціях, які зазнали впливу війни. Означені основні діагностичні критерії ПТСР. Наголошено, що травмівна подія може бути підґрунтям для формування мовленнєвого порушення.
В умовах значної психологічної травматизації дитячого населення України через військові події в країні існує необхідність поглибленого вивчення питання психокорекції мовленнєвих порушень у нормотипових дітей з ПТСР, що обумовило мету дослідження – визначення специфіки психокорекційної діяльності з нормотиповими дітьми, що мають мовленнєві порушення внаслідок ПТСР, під час воєнного стану в Україні.
Автори відмічають, що для провадження ефективної психокорекційної роботи з дітьми, що мають мовленнєві порушення внаслідок ПТСР, важливо залучати різних спеціалістів – психологів, логопедів, дефектологів, які мають володіти достатнім рівнем теоретичних знань з питань походження, розгортання, специфіки проживання ПТСР дітьми, вміти працювати з психотравмою, використовувати для цього необхідні інструменти, які будуть ефективними в роботі з такою категорією дітей.
Для реалізації мети статті охарактеризовано етапи проживання травматичної події дітьми, заходи впливу та найбільш сприятливі етапи для роботи з мовленнєвими порушеннями у дітей.
Відзначено взаємозв’язок мовленнєвих порушень і психологічного стану дітей та на підставі наявної літератури наведено дані про виявлені мовленнєві порушення, які є наслідком психотравми та наголошено на необхідності враховувати цей досвід під час психокорекції.
Схарактеризовано особливості планування та проведення психокорекційних заходів з дітьми з мовленнєвими порушеннями внаслідок ПТСР.
Визначено перспективні напрями подальших досліджень – розробка програм психокорекційних заходів для різних вікових категорій дітей з мовленнєвими порушеннями і ПТСР, зокрема і з використанням дистанційних форм роботи; визнання дітей з ПТСР окремою категорією дітей з особливими освітніми потребами, розробка та впровадження в роботу фахівців, що працюють з дітьми, програм психокорекції станів зазначеної категорії дітей.
Neural style transfer of weak lensing mass maps
Authors: Shirasaki Masato , Ikeda Shiro
Published: May 2024

We propose a new generative model of projected cosmic mass density maps inferred from weak gravitational lensing observations of distant galaxies (weak lensing mass maps). We construct the model based on a neural style transfer so that it can transform Gaussian weak lensing mass maps into deeply non-Gaussian counterparts as predicted in ray-tracing lensing simulations. We develop an unpaired image-to-image translation method with Cycle-Consistent Generative Adversarial Networks (Cycle GAN), which learn efficient mapping from an input domain to a target domain. Our model is designed to enjoy important advantages; it is trainable with no need for paired simulation data, flexible to make the input domain visually meaningful, and expandable to rapidly-produce a map with a larger sky coverage than training data without additional learning. Using 10,000 lensing simulations, we find that appropriate labeling of training data based on field variance allows the model to reproduce a correct scatter in summary statistics for weak lensing mass maps. Compared with a popular log-normal model, our model improves in predicting the statistical natures of three-point correlations and local properties of rare high-density regions. We also demonstrate that our model enables us to produce a continuous map with a sky coverage of ∼166deg2 but similar non-Gaussian features to training data covering ∼12deg2 in a GPU minute. Hence, our model can be beneficial to massive productions of synthetic weak lensing mass maps, which is of great importance in future precise real-world analyses.
Doll therapy en personas con demencia
Authors: Espín López Valeria Isabel
Published: May 2024

Introducción: La demencia afecta a millones de personas en todo el mundo y se espera que la cifra continúe aumentan a medida que la población envejece. La terapia con muñecas es una estrategia de manejo no farmacológico emergente para pacientes con demencia avanzada, especialmente en pacientes con conductas desafiantes. Objetivo: Describir los beneficios de la Doll therapy en personas con demencia. Metodología: Esta revisión empleó la declaración PRISMA. Las búsquedas se realizaron en las bases de datos: Scopus, Cochrane, PubMed y Web of Science. Resultados: En este artículo se identificaron y discutieron 9 estudios publicados (principalmente estudios de cohortes y observacionales). En la mayoría de los casos, se aliviaron los síntomas cognitivos, conductuales y emocionales y el bienestar general mejoró con la terapia con muñecas, y se descubrió que los pacientes con demencia podían relacionarse mejor con su entorno externo. Conclusión: A pesar de la relativa escasez de datos empíricos y dieciséis preocupaciones éticas, opinamos que la terapia con muñecas es eficaz para el cuidado de la demencia y está bien alineada con el espíritu de la atención centrada en la persona y debe aplicarse en el tratamiento de pacientes con demencia. Área de estudio general: Medicina. Área de estudio específica: salud y bienestar. Tipo de estudio:  Artículos originales.
PROMISING DIRECTIONS IN THE PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING OF FOOD POTATOES OF REGIONAL IMPORTANCE
Authors: Chepik Ol'ga , Platonova Ol'ga , Chepik Sergej
Published: May 2024

The article reveals the problems in the organization of potato production and processing based on statistical data. The objects of scientific research were agricultural and processing enterprises of the region, regime facilities of the penal system. A comprehensive analysis of the main indicators related to the production and processing of this agricultural crop has been carried out. The purpose of the study is to identify trends, patterns and bottlenecks in the organization of potato production. Potato production and processing is evaluated and analyzed by administrative districts of the region and advanced enterprises. As a result of the research, an economic justification has been prepared for certain promising areas for the organization of potato production and processing in agricultural enterprises of the region and at high-security facilities of the penal enforcement system.
SOCIO-POLITICAL PSYCHOLOGY: THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL ASPECT
Authors: SUKHOV ANATOLY
Published: May 2024

The article reveals the relevance of the study of socio-political psychology, examines the essence of the socio-psychological approach to its understanding. The problems of defining the concept, subject, and structure of socio-political psychology are analyzed.
Early Eco-Literacy for Regenerative Futures
Authors: Cantadori Camilla , Yulita Sharlene , Mogas Soldevila Laia
Published: May 2024

Rethinking design and manufacturing for a regenerative future necessitates a radical change in societal demeanor (UNESCO 2020; Kopnina 2020; Harwood 2020). By recognizing architecture’s power to influence behavior, this early eco-literacy project grows biodesigners today as stewards of eco-attuned futures tomorrow. Architects, biologists, behavior analysts, and educators delve here into biodesign as an educational tool for children, by emphasizing bio-materiality as a driving factor influencing regenerative design decisions and eco-heroism. Our work weaves together 20's Marinetti’s tactile theory (Marinetti 1921), 50's Reggio Emilia’s approach of the environment as third teacher (Edwards 2011), 60's Bauhaus’s hand-mind pedagogy (Yanaş 2019), and 90's Theory of Change evaluation tools (Weiss 2011; Ajzen 1991), as well as recent biodesign practices and biomaterials discovery (Mogas-Soldevila 2019-2023). This child-led approach to biodesign and bio-supportive behavior, fosters ecological literacy and combats eco-phobia by seeding mindsets and providing tools for change during children’s formative years. Methods and tools channel ecological literacy and engage in eco-tactilism and include principles of regeneration, encompassing adaptation, resilience, growth, reuse, and decay. These are introduced via bio-sensory activities: exploring biomaterials from vernacular sources as well as current science advances; mapping local ecosystems, making bio-composites from everyday compounds, building bio-architectures out of found natural matter, and culminating in reflective bio-art. Ecological aspects are highlighted during the mentioned explorations and emphasize distinction between biomaterials that support nature and synthetic materials that deplete it. This unique tactile and empowering curriculum helps children approach, with affirmative attitude, current and future climate change issues in their community and worldwide.
Effect of pH on the thermostability and redox properties of cytochrome c552 from Wolinella succinogenes
Authors: Mordido Vitor H. , Carepo Marta S. P. , Cordas Cristina M. , Paul Navendu , Simon Jörg , Moura Isabel , Pauleta Sofia R.
Published: May 2024

Cytochrome c552 from Wolinella succinogenes is one of the few examples of a low reduction potential class I c-type cytochrome with a mixture of high/low spin state populations observed in its visible spectrum. Analysis of its structural model suggests that the heme is Met/His coordinated and highly solvent-exposed. This supports the hypothesis that it is the solvent accessibility of the propionate groups that controls the reduction potential of this small c-type cytochrome. The visible spectra obtained at different pH values reveal the presence of a protonable group with a pKa of 7.3, which also influences the reduction potential of this small cytochrome c552 (Em0’ of 97 ± 5 mV, pH 7.0) and can be either an H2O/OH− group distantly coordinating the heme iron, or one of the propionate groups. The thermostability of cytochrome c552 was studied by circular dichroism and differential scanning calorimetry, indicating a highly stable protein at pH 5–7 (90°C to 77°C).
Hydrogel microrobots for biomedical applications
Authors: Song Wenping , Li Leike , Liu Xuejia , Zhu Yanhe , Yu Shimin , Wang Haocheng , Wang Lin
Published: May 2024

Recent years have witnessed a surge in the application of microrobots within the medical sector, with hydrogel microrobots standing out due to their distinctive advantages. These microrobots, characterized by their exceptional biocompatibility, adjustable physico-mechanical attributes, and acute sensitivity to biological environments, have emerged as pivotal tools in advancing medical applications such as targeted drug delivery, wound healing enhancement, bio-imaging, and precise surgical interventions. The capability of hydrogel microrobots to navigate and perform tasks within complex biological systems significantly enhances the precision, efficiency, and safety of therapeutic procedures. Firstly, this paper delves into the material classification and properties of hydrogel microrobots and compares the advantages of different hydrogel materials. Furthermore, it offers a comprehensive review of the principal categories and recent innovations in the synthesis, actuation mechanisms, and biomedical application of hydrogel-based microrobots. Finally, the manuscript identifies prevailing obstacles and future directions in hydrogel microrobot research, aiming to furnish insights that could propel advancements in this field.
Genetic liability of gut microbiota for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung function: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ren Yuan , Zhang Yao , Cheng Yanan , Qin Hao , Zhao Hui
Published: May 2024

Background

The microbiota-gut-lung axis has elucidated a potential association between gut microbiota and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, there is a paucity of population-level studies with providing robust evidence for establishing causality. This two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis aimed to investigate the causal relationship between the gut microbiota and IPF as well as lung function.

Materials and methods

Adhering to Mendel’s principle of inheritance, this MR analysis utilized summary-level data from respective genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involving 211 gut microbial taxa, IPF, and lung function indicators such as FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC. A bidirectional two-sample MR design was employed, utilizing multiple MR analysis methods, including inverse variance-weighted (IVW), weighted median, MR-Egger, and weighted mode. Multivariable MR (MVMR) was used to uncover mediating factors connecting the exposure and outcome. Additionally, comprehensive sensitivity analyses were conducted to ensure the robustness of the results.

Results

The MR results confirmed four taxa were found causally associated with the risk of IPF. Order Bifidobacteriales (OR=0.773, 95% CI: 0.610–0.979, p=0.033), Family Bifidobacteriaceae (OR=0.773, 95% CI: 0.610–0.979, p=0.033), and Genus RuminococcaceaeUCG009 (OR=0.793, 95% CI: 0.652–0.965, p=0.020) exerted protective effects on IPF, while Genus Coprococcus2 (OR=1.349, 95% CI: 1.021–1.783, p=0.035) promote the development of IPF. Several taxa were causally associated with lung function, with those in Class Deltaproteobacteria, Order Desulfovibrionales, Family Desulfovibrionaceae, Class Verrucomicrobiae, Order Verrucomicrobiales and Family Verrucomicrobiaceae being the most prominent beneficial microbiota, while those in Family Lachnospiraceae, Genus Oscillospira, and Genus Parasutterella were associated with impaired lung function. As for the reverse analysis, MR results confirmed the effects of FEV1 and FVC on the increased abundance of six taxa (Phylum Actinobacteria, Class Actinobacteria, Order Bifidobacteriales, Family Bifidobacteriaceae, Genus Bifidobacterium, and Genus Ruminiclostridium9) with a boosted level of evidence. MVMR suggested monounsaturated fatty acids, total fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, and ratio of omega-6 fatty acids to total fatty acids as potential mediating factors in the genetic association between gut microbiota and IPF.

Conclusion

The current study suggested the casual effects of the specific gut microbes on the risk of IPF and lung function. In turn, lung function also exerted a positive role in some gut microbes. A reasonable dietary intake of lipid substances has a certain protective effect against the occurrence and progression of IPF. This study provides novel insights into the potential role of gut microbiota in IPF and indicates a possible gut microbiota-mediated mechanism for the prevention of IPF.
Coxiella burnetii-containing vacuoles interact with host recycling endosomal proteins Rab11a and Rab35 for vacuolar expansion and bacterial growth
Authors: Hall Brooke A. , Senior Kristen E. , Ocampo Nicolle T. , Samanta Dhritiman
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Coxiella burnetii is a gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium and a zoonotic pathogen that causes human Q fever. The lack of effective antibiotics and a licensed vaccine for Coxiella in the U.S. warrants further research into Coxiella pathogenesis. Within the host cells, Coxiella replicates in an acidic phagolysosome-like vacuole termed Coxiella-containing vacuole (CCV). Previously, we have shown that the CCV pH is critical for Coxiella survival and that the Coxiella Type 4B secretion system regulates CCV pH by inhibiting the host endosomal maturation pathway. However, the trafficking pattern of the ‘immature’ endosomes in Coxiella- infected cells remained unclear.

Methods

We transfected HeLa cells with GFP-tagged Rab proteins and subsequently infected them with mCherry-Coxiella to visualize Rab protein localization. Infected cells were immunostained with anti-Rab antibodies to confirm the Rab localization to the CCV, to quantitate Rab11a and Rab35- positive CCVs, and to quantitate total recycling endosome content of infected cells. A dual-hit siRNA mediated knockdown combined with either immunofluorescent assay or an agarose-based colony-forming unit assay were used to measure the effects of Rab11a and Rab35 knockdown on CCV area and Coxiella intracellular growth.

Results

The CCV localization screen with host Rab proteins revealed that recycling endosome-associated proteins Rab11a and Rab35 localize to the CCV during infection, suggesting that CCV interacts with host recycling endosomes during maturation. Interestingly, only a subset of CCVs were Rab11a or Rab35-positive at any given time point. Quantitation of Rab11a/Rab35-positive CCVs revealed that while Rab11a interacts with the CCV more at 3 dpi, Rab35 is significantly more prevalent at CCVs at 6 dpi, suggesting that the CCV preferentially interacts with Rab11a and Rab35 depending on the stage of infection. Furthermore, we observed a significant increase in Rab11a and Rab35 fluorescent intensity in Coxiella-infected cells compared to mock, suggesting that Coxiella increases the recycling endosome content in infected cells. Finally, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Rab11a and Rab35 resulted in significantly smaller CCVs and reduced Coxiella intracellular growth, suggesting that recycling endosomal Rab proteins are essential for CCV expansion and bacterial multiplication.

Discussion

Our data, for the first time, show that the CCV dynamically interacts with host recycling endosomes for Coxiella intracellular survival and potentially uncovers novel host cell factors essential for Coxiella pathogenesis.
Low expression of Notch1 may be associated with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Qing , Meng Heyu , Wang Xue , Chen Yanqiu , Yan Zhaohan , Ruan Jianjun , Meng Fanbo
Published: May 2024

Background

The transmembrane protein Notch1 is associated with cell growth, development, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, and the epithelial mesenchymal transition. Proteomics, as a research method, uses a series of sequencing techniques to study the composition, expression levels, and modifications of proteins. Here, the association between Notch1 and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was investigated using proteomics, to assess the possibility of using Notch1 as a biomarker for the disease.

Methods

Fifty-five eligible patients with AMI and 74 with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) were enrolled, representing the experimental and control groups, respectively. The mRNA levels were assessed using RT-qPCR and proteins were measured using ELISA, and the results were compared and analyzed.

Results

Notch1 mRNA levels were 0.52 times higher in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of the AMI group relative to the CCS group (p < 0.05) while Notch1 protein levels were 0.63 times higher in peripheral blood plasma in AMI patients (p < 0.05). Notch1 levels were not associated with older age, hypertension, smoking, high abdominal-blood glucose, high total cholesterol, and high LDL in AMI. Logistic regression indicated associations between AMI and reduced Notch1 expression, hypertension, smoking, and high fasting glucose.

Conclusions

Notch1 expression was reduced in the peripheral blood of patients with AMI relative to those with CCS. The low expression of Notch1 was found to be an independent risk factor for AMI and may thus be an indicator of the disease.
Exploring the self-efficacy of patients with diabetes: its role as a predictor of diabetes management and well-being
Authors: Alshaikh Ayoub Ali , Al-Qahtani Faisal Saeed , Alqahtani Saif Aboud M. , AlFarhan Ahmad Ali , Al Nuwayhidh Ali Mushabbab , Madkhali Ayman Mohammed , AlQahtani Riyad Saeed , AlAsmari Ali Fayez , Alserhani Abdulaziz Saeed , Alqubaisi Hatim Ahmed , Saeed Aldawh Ziyad Saad , Al Bin Ahmad Abdulmalik Khalid , Ghazy Ramy Mohamed
Published: May 2024

Background

Self-efficacy is a popular psychological concept that refers to an individual’s perception or belief in his ability to perform specific actions. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of self-efficacy, measured using the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-Item Scale (SEM6S) questionnaire, for diabetes management and overall well-being in patients with diabetes.

Subject and methods

An anonymous online cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the self-efficacy of diabetic patients in the Asser region of Saudi Arabia. The participants were requested to upload their most recent glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) measurements taken in the last three months, which helped in the accurate categorization of their diabetes as either controlled or uncontrolled. We used the valid Arabic version of the SEM6S and WHO-5 well-being questionnaires to assess patient self-efficacy and well-being.

Results

A cohort of 342 patients was enrolled in the study, 67.25% were married, their mean age was 43.17 ± 17.61 years, and 52.69% had university-level or higher education. Among the participants, 46.0% exhibited well-being, while 24.9% reported poor well-being, including 9.4% who were identified as experiencing depression. The mean scores of self-efficacy and well-being were significantly higher among those with controlled diabetes versus uncontrolled diabetes (40.86 ± 13.26 vs. 36.48 ± 13.26) and (67.35 ± 21.22 vs. 60.93 ± 25.05), respectively. The predictors of glycemic control were self-efficacy [Odds ratio (OR)=1.03 (95%CI, 1.01-1.06, P=0.002], having other chronic diseases [OR=3.25 (95%CI), P<0.001], having type 1 diabetes [OR=7.16, 95%CI, P=0.005], being Saudi [OR=7.67, (95%CI, P=0.027], working in a public sector [OR=0.15, (95%CI, 0.05-0.44), P=0.005], being unemployed [OR=0.19, (95%CI, 0.06-0.59), P=0.005], being a smoker [OR=0.44, 95%CI, 0.19-0.98, P=0.048], and duration of diabetes between 6-10 years [OR= 0.33, 95%CI, 0.11-0.95), P=0.043] or more than 10 years OR=0.32, 95%CI, 0.12-0.86), P=0.026]. The main determinants of well-being were having self-efficacy [OR=1.07 (95%CI, 1.04-1.09), P = 0.0001], having public health insurance [OR=4.36 (95%CI, P=0.015], and education level (read and write) [OR=0.13 (95%CI,.02-.70), P=0.021].

Conclusions

The study reveals that non-modifiable and modifiable factors, including self-efficacy, play a crucial role in diabetes control. The study recommends providing targeted educational interventions, using different social media platforms, psychosocial support programs, and inclusive healthcare policies to improve diabetes control and mental well-being among diabetic patients.
Case report: Strong GAD antibody positivity and type 1 diabetes-HLA-susceptible haplotype-DRB1*04:05-DQB1*04:01 in a Japanese patient with immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced type 1 diabetes
Authors: Yabuki Shunya , Hirai Hiroyuki , Moriya Chihiro , Kusano Yoshiro , Hasegawa Takeo
Published: May 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely used in cancer treatment; however, they can lead to immune-related adverse events, including immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (ICI-T1DM). While fulminant T1DM is common in East Asia, ICI-T1DM has predominantly been reported in Western countries. In this report, we present the case of a 66-year-old Japanese man with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing dialysis for diabetic nephropathy. The patient was diagnosed with left upper lobe lung cancer, and treatment with nivolumab and ipilimumab was initiated. After 48 days, the patient experienced impaired consciousness and difficulty moving. His blood glucose levels were 815 mg/dL, and metabolic acidosis was detected, leading to a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis. The patient was subsequently treated with continuous intravenous insulin. However, his C-peptide levels rapidly depleted, and new-onset ICI-T1DM was diagnosed. Although most Japanese patients with ICI-T1DM test negative for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies, this case exhibited a strong positivity. Thus, we reviewed the literature on 15 similar Japanese cases, revealing a mean HbA1c level at onset of 8.7% and a mean time from ICI administration to onset of 9.7 weeks, which was shorter than that in GAD-negative cases. Moreover, human leukocyte antigen typing revealed five cases of DRB1*04:05-DQB1*04:01, including the present case, and one case of DRB1*09:01-DQB1*03:03, both of which were susceptible to T1DM haplotypes. These findings suggest that GAD antibody positivity may be associated with acute onset and disease progression in some cases of Japanese patients with ICI-T1DM. Given that the prediction of new-onset ICI-T1DM is challenging, monitoring GAD antibody levels might be useful. However, further studies with large sample sizes and validation across different racial and ethnic populations are warranted.
Survival rates and causes of death in Tengmalm’s owl offspring during the post-fledging dependence period in Central and North Europe
Authors: Kouba Marek , Bartoš Luděk , Tulis Filip , Stehlíková Sovadinová Simona , Korpimäki Erkki
Published: May 2024

Offspring survival rates in altricial birds during the post-fledging period are an essential factor in determining the fitness of parents and have a significant impact on general population dynamics. However, our current knowledge of post-fledging mortality and its causes remains fragmentary in most bird species, and even less information is available on the mortality of individuals of the same species in different environments. In order to address this gap in our knowledge, we studied fledgling mortality and its causes in Tengmalm’s owls (Aegolius funereus) during six breeding seasons in Central and North Europe using radio-telemetry. A total of 80 nestlings from 18 nests in Czechia (2010–2012, 2015) and 60 nestlings from 24 nests in Finland (2019, 2021) were radio-tracked during the post-fledging dependence period. The overall survival rate was much higher in Czechia (83%) than in Finland (53%), with predation identified as the primary cause of mortality in both areas. Avian predation was far higher in Finland, but mammalian predation was equivalent at both study sites. Pine martens (Martes martes) and goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) were the most common predators in Czechia and Finland, respectively. Starvation and disease, or mostly a combination of both, formed the second most common cause of death in both areas but were much more frequent in Finland than in Czechia. Offspring survival in both study sites was considerably higher in years of food abundance than in those of food scarcity. We suggest that the interactive effects of infections and poor body condition due to scarcity of main prey species induced higher mortality rates in offspring, particularly in the more challenging environment of North Europe. In contrast, fledgling owls were found to be able to fight off infections more successfully during rich food seasons. Finally, we encourage researchers to pay greater attention to the mutual influences of parasites and their definitive hosts and stress the importance of using radio or satellite tracking for mortality studies to identify causes of death more accurately.
Restoring understory and riparian areas in oil palm plantations does not increase greenhouse gas fluxes
Authors: Drewer Julia , Tarigan Ribka Sionita , Banin Lindsay F. , White Stella , Raine Elizabeth , Luke Sarah H. , Turner Edgar C. , Skiba Ute , Cowan Nicholas J. , Dewi Jassica Prajna , Advento Andreas Dwi , Aryawan Anak Agung Ketut , Caliman Jean-Pierre , Pujianto
Published: May 2024

Oil palm (OP) plantations have replaced large areas of forest in the tropical landscape of Southeast Asia and are major emitters of greenhouse gases (GHGs). To move towards more environmentally friendly plantation management, a hopeful approach is to implement strategies to increase vegetation complexity. These options include relaxed management of understory vegetation to increase complexity in productive plantations, passive restoration of forest areas around rivers by leaving mature oil palm during replanting, and active forest restoration along river margins with planting of forest trees. These practices have the potential to deliver a range of benefits such as soil protection, reduced erosion and sedimentation in rivers, pest control and support for biodiversity, but little is known about their impact on greenhouse gas fluxes. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of improved understory growth management and the use of riparian forestry on GHG fluxes in OP plantations, making use of two long-term experiments (the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function in Tropical Agriculture Understory Vegetation (BEFTA UV) Project; the Riparian Ecosystem Restoration in Tropical Agriculture (RERTA) Project) in Riau Province, Sumatra, Indonesia. We measured nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and ecosystem respiration (CO2) from mature OP sites with different levels of understory vegetation and different riparian buffer restoration treatments using the static chamber method. We used linear mixed effects models to test for treatment effects, whilst accounting for soil moisture and experimental design factors (time and space). The understory vegetation treatments (normal, reduced and enhanced complexity of understory) had no effect on N2O and CH4 flux. Regarding differences in ecosystem respiration, effects attributable to the understory vegetation treatments were not strong. For the riparian restoration treatments, the fixed effects variables in the models explained little variation in the fluxes of all GHGs. Therefore, given the proven benefits of more complex understory vegetation for supporting biodiversity and healthy ecosystem functioning, plus the potential for restored riparian buffers to support biodiversity and services and to reduce GHG emissions over time, our findings reinforce the concept that these features bring environmental benefits in OP landscapes, with no measurable effects on GHG emissions.
Integrating gene expression and splicing dynamics across dose-response oxidative modulators
Authors: Barutcu A. Rasim , Black Michael B. , Samuel Raymond , Slattery Scott , McMullen Patrick D. , Nong Andy
Published: May 2024

Toxicological risk assessment increasingly utilizes transcriptomics to derive point of departure (POD) and modes of action (MOA) for chemicals. One essential biological process that allows a single gene to generate several different RNA isoforms is called alternative splicing. To comprehensively assess the role of splicing dysregulation in toxicological evaluation and elucidate its potential as a complementary endpoint, we performed RNA-seq on A549 cells treated with five oxidative stress modulators across a wide dose range. Differential gene expression (DGE) showed limited pathway enrichment except at high concentrations. However, alternative splicing analysis revealed variable intron retention events affecting diverse pathways for all chemicals in the absence of significant expression changes. For instance, diazinon elicited negligible gene expression changes but progressive increase in the number of intron retention events, suggesting splicing alterations precede expression responses. Benchmark dose modeling of intron retention data highlighted relevant pathways overlooked by expression analysis. Systematic integration of splicing datasets should be a useful addition to the toxicogenomic toolkit. Combining both modalities paint a more complete picture of transcriptomic dose-responses. Overall, evaluating intron retention dynamics afforded by toxicogenomics may provide biomarkers that can enhance chemical risk assessment and regulatory decision making. This work highlights splicing-aware toxicogenomics as a possible additional tool for examining cellular responses.