bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prolonged administration of total glucosides of paeony improves intestinal immune imbalance and epithelial barrier damage in collagen-induced arthritis rats based on metabolomics-network pharmacology integrated analysis
Authors: Xu Rui , Peng Jine , Ma Zhe , Xie Kaili , Li Meijing , Wang Qi , Guo Xiaomeng , Nan Nan , Wang Sihui , Li Jing , Xu Jingjing , Gong Muxin
Published: November 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by synovial inflammation and joint damage with complex pathological mechanisms. In recent years, many studies have shown that the dysregulation of intestinal mucosal immunity and the damage of the epithelial barrier are closely related to the occurrence of RA. Total glucosides of paeony (TGP) have been used clinically for the treatment of RA in China for decades, while the pharmacological mechanism is still uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulatory effect and mechanism of TGP on intestinal immunity and epithelial barrier in RA model rats. The results showed that TGP alleviated immune hyperfunction by regulating the ratio of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ in different lymphocyte synthesis sites of the small intestine, including Peyer’s patches (PPs), intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), and lamina propria lymphocytes (LPLs). Specially, TGP first exhibited immunomodulatory effects on sites close to the intestinal lumen (IELs and LPLs), and then on PPs far away from the intestinal lumen as the administration time prolonged. Meanwhile, TGP restores the intestinal epithelial barrier by upregulating the ratio of villi height (V)/crypt depth (C) and expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin). Finally, the integrated analysis of metabolomics-network pharmacology was also used to explore the possible regulation mechanism of TGP on the intestinal tract. Metabolomics analysis revealed that TGP reversed the intestinal metabolic profile disturbance in CIA rats, and identified 32 biomarkers and 163 corresponding targets; network pharmacology analysis identified 111 potential targets for TGP to treat RA. By intersecting the results of the two, three key targets such as ADA, PNP and TYR were determined. Pharmacological verification experiments showed that the levels of ADA and PNP in the small intestine of CIA rats were significantly increased, while TGP significantly decreased their ADA and PNP levels. In conclusion, purine metabolism may play an important role in the process of TGP improving RA-induced intestinal immune imbalance and impaired epithelial barrier.
Reversal of mitochondrial permeability transition pore and pancreas degeneration by chloroform fraction of Ocimum gratissimum (L.) leaf extract in type 2 diabetic rat model
Authors: Salemcity A. J. , Olanlokun John Oludele , Olowofolahan A. O. , Olojo F. O. , Adegoke Ayodeji Mathias , Olorunsogo O. O.
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Unmanaged Diabetes Mellitus (DM) usually results to tissue wastage because of mitochondrial dysfunction. Adverse effects of some drugs used in the management of DM necessitates the search for alternative therapy from plant origin with less or no side effects. Ocimum gratissimum (L.) (OG) has been folklorically used in the management of DM. However, the mechanism used by this plant is not fully understood. This study was designed to investigate the effects of chloroform fraction of OG leaf (CFOG) in the reversal of tissue wastage in DM via inhibition of mitochondrial-mediated cell death in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats.

Methods: Air-dried OG leaves were extracted with methanol and partitioned successively between n-hexane, chloroform, ethylacetate and methanol to obtain their fractions while CFOG was further used because of its activity. Diabetes was induced in fifteen male Wistar rats, previously fed with high fat diet (28 days), via a single intraperitoneal administration of STZ (35 mg/kg). Diabetes was confirmed after 72 h. Another five fed rats were used as the normal control, treated with corn oil (group 1). The diabetic animals were grouped (n = 5) and treated for 28 days as follows: group 2 (diabetic control: DC) received corn oil (10 mL/kg), groups 3 and 4 were administered 400 mg/kg CFOG and 5 mg/kg glibenclamide, respectively. Body weight and Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) were determined while Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta cell (HOMA-β), and pancreatic tissue regenerating potential by CFOG were assessed. Activity-guided purification and characterization of the most active principle in CFOG was done using chromatographic and NMR techniques. The animals were sacrificed after 28 days, blood samples were collected and serum was obtained. Liver mitochondria were isolated and mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) was investigated by spectrophotometry.

Results: CFOG reversed diabetic-induced mPT pore opening, inhibited ATPase activity and lipid peroxidation. CFOG reduced HOMA-IR but enhanced HOMA-β and caused regeneration of pancreatic cells relative to DC. Lupanol was a major metabolite of CFOG.

Discussion: Normoglycemic effect of CFOG, coupled with reversal of mPT, reduced HOMA-IR and improved HOMA-β showed the probable antidiabetic mechanism and tissue regenerating potentials of OG.
Intraoperative parameters and postoperative follow-up of foam-based intraperitoneal chemotherapy (FBIC)
Authors: Khosrawipour Carolina , Nicpoń Jakub , Kiełbowicz Zdzisław , Prządka Przemysław , Liszka Bartłomiej , Al-Jundi Said , Khosrawipour Veria , Li Shiri , Lau Hien , Kulas Joanna , Diakun Agata , Kielan Wojciech , Chabowski Mariusz , Mikolajczyk-Martinez Agata
Published: November 2023

Background: For decades, intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) has been delivered into the abdominal cavity as a liquid solution. Recently the concept of foam as a carrier-solution for IPC was suggested. This in-vivo swine study aims to evaluate the safety, intraoperative parameters, limitations and postoperative complications of foam-based intraperitoneal chemotherapy (FBIC).

Methods: Three 65-day-old swine received FBIC with doxorubicin in a laparoscopy setting. Intraoperative parameters were monitored throughout the procedure and an extensive postoperative laboratory monitoring was conducted for 7 days. At day seven an autopsy was performed for further evaluation.

Results: The insufflation of FBIC caused a temporary rise in blood pressure and a simultaneous drop in heart rate. Capnography detected a continuous increase in end-tital CO2 levels. A temporary drop of intraabdominal temperature was noted. Postoperative blood and serum laboratory results did not indicate any organ failure. No indication of intraperitoneal infections was noted and no structural tissue changes were visible in the autopsy.

Discussion: The application of FBIC appears to be a feasible approach regarding intraoperative anesthesiology and postoperative surgical management. A lack of postoperative structural changes on the seventh day were a promising sign of safety and biocompatibility. Surgical reintervention would have been possible. To discuss a possible clinical application, further studies are required to investigate long-term safety, pharmacodynamics and the antitumoral potential of FBIC.
Role of emotional creativity and achievement motivation on trauma symptoms among university students
Authors: Bulathwatta Asanka , Lakshika Rekhani
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to understand the levels of trauma symptoms and the mediating role of achievement motivation, along with emotional creativity, among university students. Many students from various faculties exhibit diverse levels of academic motivation due to their program structures. However, the traumatic experiences faced by students and the subsequent post-traumatic symptoms can lead to various psychosocial and emotional consequences, potentially impacting their emotional creativity and achievement motivation. The present study employed a quantitative approach, utilizing measures to assess emotional creativity, achievement motivation, and trauma symptoms within the sample. The sample under investigation comprised 337 undergraduates from nine different faculties at the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. The study’s results indicated a significant correlation between emotional creativity and achievement motivation. While emotional novelty did not display a significant correlation with achievement motivation, emotional effectiveness and authenticity did show such a correlation. Notably, hyperarousal, as a trauma symptom, exhibited a negative correlation with achievement motivation. The study identified both direct and indirect impacts of emotional creativity on achievement motivation. The findings from the regression analysis suggested that the impact of emotional creativity on achievement motivation falls between higher and lower levels. Furthermore, the study concluded that trauma symptoms mediate the relationship between emotional creativity and achievement motivation among undergraduates.
Integrated laboratory classes to learn physiology in a psychology degree: impact on student learning and experience
Authors: Sánchez Judit , Navarro-Galve Beatriz , Lesmes Marta , Rubio Margarita , Gal Beatriz
Published: November 2023

Physiology is a fundamental discipline to be studied in most Health Science studies including Psychology. Physiology content is perceived by students as rather difficult, who may lack vision on how to relate it with their professional training. Therefore, identifying novel active and more engaging pedagogical strategies for teaching physiology to psychology students may help to fill this gap. In this pilot study, we used the PBL methodology developed around a clinical case to evaluate psychology students’ experience and learning in two laboratory classes modalities. The aim of this study was to compare the undergraduates’ preference for laboratory classes taught either independently (cohort 1, n = 87 students) or integrated into the PBL-oriented clinical case (cohort 2, n = 92 students) for which laboratory classes were transformed into Integrated Laboratory Classes (ILCs). The students’ academic performance was also evaluated to look for quantitative differences between cohorts. We found similar overall academic scores for the Physiology course between cohorts. Interestingly, when we compared the academic scores obtained in the theoretical content from each cohort, we found a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in cohort 2 where the students achieved better results as compared to cohort 1. A subset of students was asked to fill a questionnaire assessment on their experience and found that 78.9% of them preferred integrated laboratory classes over laboratory classes alone. They consistently reported a better understanding of the theoretical content and the value they gave to ILCs for learning. In conclusion, our pilot study suggests that integrating laboratory classes into PBL-oriented clinical contexts help to retain core physiology contents and it can be considered as an engaging learning activity worth implementing in Psychology teaching.
Psychological constraint on unethical behavior in team-based competition
Authors: Zhu Yi , Zheng Lijing , Hu Yu
Published: November 2023

A growing body of research contributes to our knowledge about unethical behavior. However, very little is known about how group-based competition shape members’ unethical behavior. Building on social learning theory, we conducted three studies to reveal how group-based competition may affect individual’s unethical behavior for their team. Study 1 and 2 are laboratory experiments in which participants were randomly assigned into groups of three members and engaged in group-based competition (or engaged in individual-based competition in an individual context) with monetary incentives. Different from individual-based competition where mean number of unethical behaviors for the self in the losing condition was larger than that in the winning condition, in group-based competition mean number of unethical behaviors in favor of group between the winning and the losing condition was not significantly different. Both studies also showed that there are less unethical behaviors in the group-based competition than in the individual-based competition. Study 2 further revealed that collective efficacy negatively associated with mean number of unethical behaviors in group-based competition. Study 3 was a field study with employees from bank subsidiaries working as teams, and results from their self-reported data confirm the relationship between collective efficacy and unethical behaviors observed in Study 2. Together, these results suggest that collective efficacy has the effect of curbing unethical behavior in group-based competition, thus contributing to the understanding of group-based experience on unethical behaviors.
Trends in the numbers of SARS-CoV-2 infections among students: a prospective cohort study comparing students in sports boarding schools with students in day schools during early COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Barsch Friedrich , Peters Vera , Morath Oliver , Krumnau Oliver , Maier Philipp , Huzly Daniela , Prettin Stephan , Deibert Peter
Published: November 2023

Introduction

During the first months of the COVID pandemic it emerged that facilities where people gather or live together in cohorts, such as nursing homes or schools, were particularly at high risk for becoming hotspots of virus transmission. German political and health institutions responded with far-reaching interventions and preventive strategies to protect the population from infection with SARS-CoV-2. In this context, it remains unclear whether boarding schools for sports particularly pose a risk of infection to their residents.

Methods

In a single-center prospective cohort study, numbers of SARS-CoV-2 infections of students in sports boarding schools (n = 11) vs. students attending regular day schools (n = 22) in the region Freiburg/Hochschwarzwald in Germany were investigated over a period from October 2020 to January 2021 via regular virus and antibody screening (German Clinical Trials Register; Study ID: DRKS00021909). In addition, individual and behavioral risk factors for infection were stratified via questionnaire, which provide an indication of cohort specific risk factors for infection and the success of the implementation of hygiene concepts, as well as other infection prevention strategies, within the respective facilities.

Results

Regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection numbers, the screening detected no significant group difference between sports boarding schools vs. day schools.

Discussion

The study results provide indications that sports boarding schools did not pose an increased risk of infection, assuming that the facilities prevent virus transmissions with appropriate preventive strategies and hygiene measures. In future pandemic scenarios larger-scale and multicenter studies are necessary to achieve more comprehensive epidemiological data in this field.
Seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgG in children: very early exposure in young children in a hyperendemic region
Authors: Capai Lisandru , Masse Shirley , Hozé Nathanaël , Decarreaux Dorine , Canarelli Jean , Simeoni Marie-Hélène , de Lamballerie Xavier , Falchi Alessandra , Charrel Rémi
Published: November 2023

Background and objectives

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can be considered an emerging zoonotic pathogen and is an important cause of acute viral hepatitis in high-income countries. Corsica has been identified as a hyperendemic region for HEV. We aimed to characterize the prevalence of IgG among children and estimate the annual force of infection of HEV.

Methods

From April 2020 to June 2021, we collected 856 “residual sera” in 13 medical biology laboratories. Sera were tested using the Wantaï HEV IgG assay. Data were weighted according to the distribution by sex and age of the real Corsican population. Serocatalytic models were applied to assess the annual force of infection of HEV.

Results

The weighted seroprevalence was 30.33% [27.15–34.0]. The seroprevalence was only associated with increasing age (7.25–40.52%; p < 0.001). The annual probability of infection was 5.4% for adults and children above 10-year-old and 2.2% for children under 10 yo.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that in the hyperendemic island of Corsica, (i) exposure of the population to HEV is homogeneous at the spatial level with no difference between genders; (ii) HEV exposure occurs from birth, resulting in 7.4% seropositivity at the age of 4 years; and (iii) super exposure is observed after the age of 9 years. Accordingly, specific studies should be conducted to determine the breadth of the situation identified in our study. The role of the environment and its contamination by domestic or wild swine excreta should be investigated using a One Health approach.
Shared decision making: audiology student perspectives
Authors: Hussain S. , Wilkes C. , Dhanda N.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Shared decision making is a concept in healthcare that actively involves patients in the management of their condition. The process of shared decision making is taught in clinical training programmes, including Audiology, where there are several options for the management of hearing loss. This study sought to explore the perception of Healthcare Science (Audiology) student views on shared decision making.

Methods

Twelve students across all years of the BSc Healthcare Science degree took part in three semi-structured focus groups. Four students were work-based learners, and eight students were enrolled on the standard pathway. Data were analysed using Thematic Analysis.

Results

Students’ definition and understanding of shared decision making was influenced by three key factors that were based on using a range of resources, implementation of a decision aid, and recognising Ida Institute as a pinnacle of shared decision making. Students also identified their roles as the future of healthcare workforce and the importance of disseminating best practice.

Conclusion

Shared decision making is valued by students in their roles as healthcare trainees. This study data will enhance teaching practices for healthcare science students in audiology training. Future research involving patient views in clinical training is vital.
Metalloproteinases in Restorative Dentistry: An In Silico Study toward an Ideal Animal Model
Authors: de Oliveira Simone Gomes , Kotowski Nelson , Sampaio-Filho Helio Rodrigues , Aguiar Flávio Henrique Baggio , Dávila Alberto Martín Rivera , Jardim Rodrigo
Published: November 2023

In dentistry, various animal models are used to evaluate adhesive systems, dental caries and periodontal diseases. Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that degrade collagen in the dentin matrix and are categorized in over 20 different classes. Collagenases and gelatinases are intrinsic constituents of the human dentin organic matrix fibrillar network and are the most abundant MMPs in this tissue. Understanding such enzymes’ action on dentin is important in the development of approaches that could reduce dentin degradation and provide restorative procedures with extended longevity. This in silico study is based on dentistry’s most used animal models and intends to search for the most suitable, evolutionarily close to Homo sapiens. We were able to retrieve 176,077 mammalian MMP sequences from the UniProt database. These sequences were manually curated through a three-step process. After such, the remaining 3178 sequences were aligned in a multifasta file and phylogenetically reconstructed using the maximum likelihood method. Our study inferred that the animal models most evolutionarily related to Homo sapiens were Orcytolagus cuniculus (MMP-1 and MMP-8), Canis lupus (MMP-13), Rattus norvegicus (MMP-2) and Orcytolagus cuniculus (MMP-9). Further research will be needed for the biological validation of our findings.
CD39+CD55− Fb Subset Exhibits Myofibroblast-Like Phenotype and Is Associated with Pain in Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Authors: Tsuchiya Maho , Ohashi Yoshihisa , Kodera Yoshio , Satoh Masashi , Matsui Takashi , Fukushima Kensuke , Iwase Dai , Aikawa Jun , Mukai Manabu , Inoue Gen , Takaso Masashi , Uchida Kentaro
Published: November 2023

Recent studies utilizing single-cell analysis have unveiled the presence of various fibroblast (Fb) subsets within the synovium under inflammatory conditions in osteoarthritis (OA), distinguishing them from those in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Moreover, it has been reported that pain in knee OA patients is linked to specific fibroblast subsets. Single-cell expression profiling methods offer an incredibly detailed view of the molecular states of individual cells. However, one limitation of these methods is that they require the destruction of cells during the analysis process, rendering it impossible to directly assess cell function. In our study, we employ flow cytometric analysis, utilizing cell surface markers CD39 and CD55, in an attempt to isolate fibroblast subsets and investigate their relationship with OA pathology. Synovial tissues were obtained from 25 knee OA (KOA) patients. Of these, six samples were analyzed by RNA-seq (n = 3) and LC/MS analysis (n = 3). All 25 samples were analyzed to estimate the proportion of Fb (CD45−CD31−CD90+) subset by flow cytometry. The proportion of Fb subsets (CD39+CD55− and CD39−CD55+) and their association with osteoarthritis pathology were evaluated. CD39+CD55− Fb highly expressed myogenic markers such as CNN1, IGFBP7, MYH11, and TPM1 compared to CD39−CD55+ Fb. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CD39+CD55− Fb identified the Apelin pathway and cGMP-PKC-signaling pathway as possibly contributing to pain. LC/MS analysis indicated that proteins encoded by myogenic marker genes, including CNN1, IGFBP7, and MYH11, were also significantly higher than in CD39−CD55+ Fb. CD39−CD55+ Fb highly expressed PRG4 genes and proteins. Upregulated DEGs were enriched for pathways associated with proinflammatory states (‘RA’, ‘TNF signaling pathway’, ‘IL-17 signaling pathway’). The proportion of CD39+CD55− Fb in synovium significantly correlated with both resting and active pain levels in knee OA (KOA) patients (resting pain, ρ = 0.513, p = 0.009; active pain, ρ = 0.483, p = 0.015). There was no correlation between joint space width (JSW) and the proportion of CD39+CD55− Fb. In contrast, there was no correlation between the proportion of CD39−CD55+ Fb and resting pain, active pain, or JSW. In conclusion, CD39+CD55− cells exhibit a myofibroblast phenotype, and its proportion is associated with KOA pain. Our study sheds light on the potential significance of CD39+CD55− synovial fibroblasts in osteoarthritis, their myofibroblast-like phenotype, and their association with joint pain. These findings provide a foundation for further research into the mechanisms underlying fibrosis, the impact of altered gene expression on osteoarthritic joints, and potential therapeutic strategies.
Risk Factors and Cellular Differences in Heart Failure: The Key Role of Sex Hormones
Authors: Delcuratolo Elvira , Palazzuoli Alberto , Coppi Francesca , Mattioli Anna Vittoria , Severino Paolo , Tramonte Francesco , Fedele Francesco
Published: November 2023

Patients with heart failure are conventionally stratified into phenotypic groups based on their ejection fraction. The aim of this stratification is to improve disease management with a more targeted therapeutic approach. A further subdivision based on patient gender is justified. It is recognized that women are underrepresented in randomized controlled clinical trials, resulting in limited clinical and molecular differentiation between males and females. However, many observational studies show that the onset, development, and clinical course of the disease may substantially differ between the two sexes. According to the emerging concept of precision medicine, investigators should further explore the mechanisms responsible for the onset of heart failure due to sex differences. Indeed, the synergistic or opposing effects of sex hormones on the cardiovascular system and underlying heart failure mechanisms have not yet been clarified. Sex hormones, risk factors impact, and cardiovascular adaptations may be relevant for a better understanding of the intrinsic pathophysiological mechanisms in the two sexes. Despite the differences, treatment for HF is similar across the whole population, regardless of sex and gender. In our review, we describe the main differences in terms of cardiovascular dysfunction, risk factors, and cellular signaling modifications related to the hormonal pattern.
Coenzyme Q10-Loaded Albumin Nanoparticles Protect against Redox Imbalance and Inflammatory, Apoptotic, and Histopathological Alterations in Mercuric Chloride-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Rats
Authors: Ramadan Shimaa S. , El Zaiat Farah A. , Habashy Engy A. , Montaser Mostafa M. , Hassan Habeba E. , Tharwat Shahinaz S. , El-khadragy Manal , Abdel Moneim Ahmed E. , Elshopakey Gehad E. , Akabawy Ahmed M. A.
Published: November 2023

Exposure to mercuric chloride (HgCl2), either accidental or occupational, induces substantial liver and kidney damage. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a natural antioxidant that also has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. Herein, our study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of CoQ10 alone or loaded with albumin nanoparticles (CoQ10NPs) against HgCl2-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats. Experimental animals received CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/oral) or CoQ10NPs (10 mg/kg/oral) and were injected intraperitoneally with HgCl2 (5 mg/kg; three times/week) for two weeks. The results indicated that CoQ10NP pretreatment caused a significant decrease in serum liver and kidney function markers. Moreover, lowered MDA and NO levels were associated with an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GPx, GR, and CAT), along with higher GSH contents, in both the liver and kidneys of intoxicated rats treated with CoQ10NPs. Moreover, HgCl2-intoxicated rats that received CoQ10NPs revealed a significant reduction in the hepatorenal levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB, and TGF-β, as well as an increase in the hepatic level of the fibrotic marker (α-SMA). Notably, CoQ10NPs counteracted hepatorenal apoptosis by diminishing the levels of Bax and caspase-3 and boosting the level of Bcl-2. The hepatic and renal histopathological findings supported the abovementioned changes. In conclusion, these data suggest that CoQ10, alone or loaded with albumin nanoparticles, has great power in reversing the hepatic and renal tissue impairment induced by HgCl2 via the modulation of hepatorenal oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis. Therefore, this study provides a valuable therapeutic agent (CoQ10NPs) for preventing and treating several HgCl2-induced hepatorenal disorders.
Brain Endothelial Cells Activate Neuroinflammatory Pathways in Response to Early Cerebral Small Vessel Disease (CSVD) Patients’ Plasma
Authors: Cifù Adriana , Janes Francesco , Mio Catia , Domenis Rossana , Pessa Maria Elena , Garbo Riccardo , Curcio Francesco , Valente Mariarosaria , Fabris Martina
Published: November 2023

The pathogenesis of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is largely unknown. Endothelial disfunction has been suggested as the turning point in CSVD development. In this study, we tested the effect of plasma from CSVD patients on human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells with the aim of describing the pattern of endothelial activation. Plasma samples from three groups of young subjects have been tested: PTs (subjects affected by early stage CSVD); CTRLs (control subjects without abnormalities at MRI scanning); BDs (blood donors). Human Brain Endothelial Cells 5i (HBEC5i) were treated with plasma and total RNA was extracted. RNAs were pooled to reduce gene expression-based variability and NGS analysis was performed. Differentially expressed genes were highlighted comparing PTs, CTRLs and BDs with HBEC5i untreated cells. No significantly altered pathway was evaluated in BD-related treatment. Regulation of p38 MAPK cascade (GO:1900744) was the only pathway altered in CTRL-related treatment. Indeed, 36 different biological processes turned out to be deregulated after PT treatment of HBEC5i, i.e., the cytokine-mediated signaling pathway (GO:0019221). Endothelial cells activate inflammatory pathways in response to stimuli from CSVD patients’ plasma, suggesting the pathogenetic role of neuroinflammation from the early asymptomatic phases of cerebrovascular disease.
Optimizing PCL/PLGA Scaffold Biocompatibility Using Gelatin from Bovine, Porcine, and Fish Origin
Authors: Ghafouri Azar Mina , Wiesnerova Lucie , Dvorakova Jana , Chocholata Petra , Moztarzadeh Omid , Dejmek Jiri , Babuska Vaclav
Published: November 2023

This research introduces a novel approach by incorporating various types of gelatins, including bovine, porcine, and fish skin, into polycaprolactone and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) using a solvent casting method. The films are evaluated for morphology, mechanical properties, thermal stability, biodegradability, hemocompatibility, cell adhesion, proliferation, and cytotoxicity. The results show that the incorporation of gelatins into the films alters their mechanical properties, with a decrease in tensile strength but an increase in elongation at break. This indicates that the films become more flexible with the addition of gelatin. Gelatin incorporation has a limited effect on the thermal stability of the films. The composites with the gelatin show higher biodegradability with the highest weight loss in the case of fish gelatin. The films exhibit high hemocompatibility with minimal hemolysis observed. The gelatin has a dynamic effect on cell behavior and promotes long-term cell proliferation. In addition, all composite films reveal exceptionally low levels of cytotoxicity. The combination of the evaluated parameters shows the appropriate level of biocompatibility for gelatin-based samples. These findings provide valuable insights for future studies involving gelatin incorporation in tissue engineering applications.
Nurses’ Work–Family Strategies during COVID-19 Lockdown and Their Association with Individual Health and Family Relations
Authors: Zhao Jia-Lin , Shen Li , Shields John , Wang Ya-Xuan , Wu Yu-Jia , Yu Zhan , Li Yi-Xin
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 lockdown forced people to stay at home and address their family duties more equally. However, since nurses themselves were involved in the closed-loop management in hospitals and unable to return home, there was also an increased likelihood of non-traditional work-family strategies emerging. To ascertain the extant and implications of this phenomenon, this cross-sectional study explores work–family management strategies among nurses during the COVID-19 lockdown and their association with nurses’ individual health, family relationships, and job performance. Survey data were collected from 287 nurses who were involved in the closed-loop management in Shanghai hospitals from March to June 2022. Latent Class Analysis of seven categorical variables of nurses’ work–family status (e.g., the division of childcare labor) produced a best-fit solution of five strategies (BLRT (p) < 0.001, LMR (p) = 0.79, AIC = 5611.34, BIC = 6302.39, SSA-BIC = 5703.65, Entropy = 0.938): (1) fully outsourcing to grandparents, (2) partially outsourcing to grandparents, with the husband filling in the gap, (3) the husband does it all, (4) egalitarian remote workers, and (5) a neo-traditional strategy. Nurses who applied the egalitarian strategy had less psychological distress and relationship tension and better performance than those who applied the neo-traditional strategy and performed most of the childcare. The “husband does it all” strategy and the outsourcing strategies seem to have double-edged effects, with better job performance and family relations but also more distress and fewer sleeping hours among nurses. Overall, with a view to future risk mitigation, policymakers and practitioners should be aware of the diversity of the work–family strategies among nurse families during the lockdown period, and their association with individual and family outcomes, and provide tailored support.
Novel Insights into Phytoplasma Effectors
Authors: Carreón-Anguiano Karla Gisel , Vila-Luna Sara Elena , Sáenz-Carbonell Luis , Canto-Canché Blondy
Published: November 2023

Effectoromics has become integral to the identification of pathogen targets and/or host-resistant proteins for the genetic improvement of plants in agriculture and horticulture. Phytoplasmas are the causal agents of more than 100 plant diseases in economically important crops such as vegetables, spices, medicinal plants, ornamentals, palms, fruit trees, etc. To date, around 20 effectors in phytoplasmas have been experimentally validated but the list of putative effectors comprises hundreds of different proteins. Very few families (tribes) have been identified based on homology, such as the SAP05-like, SAP11-like, SAP54-like and TENGU-like families. The lack of conservation in amino acid sequences slows the progress of effectoromics in phytoplasmas since many effectors must be studied individually. Here, 717 phytoplasma effector candidates and 21 validated effectors were characterized in silico to identify common features. We identified functional domains in 153 effectors, while 585 had no known domains. The most frequently identified domain was the sequence-variable mosaic domain (SVM domain), widely distributed in 87 phytoplasma effectors. Searching for de novo amino acid motifs, 50 were found in the phytoplasma effector dataset; 696 amino acid sequences of effectors had at least 1 motif while 42 had no motif at all. These data allowed us to organize effectors into 15 tribes, uncovering, for the first time, evolutionary relationships largely masked by lack of sequence conservation among effectors. We also identified 42 eukaryotic linear motifs (ELMs) in phytoplasma effector sequences. Since the motifs are related to common functions, this novel organization of phytoplasma effectors may help further advance effectoromics research to combat phytoplasma infection in agriculture and horticulture.
Recoverability of Microcystis aeruginosa and Pseudanabaena foetida Exposed to a Year-Long Dark Treatment
Authors: Yan Hongyu , Jayasanka Senavirathna Mudalige Don Hiranya
Published: November 2023

Cyanobacteria are a significant primary producer and pioneer species that play a vital role in ecological reconstruction, especially in aquatic environments. Cyanobacteria have excellent recovery capacity from significant stress exposure and are thus suggested as bioreserves, even for space colonization programs. Few studies have been conducted on the recovery capacity after experiencing stress. Long-duration darkness or insufficient light is stressful for photosynthetic species, including cyanobacteria, and can cause chlorosis. Cyanobacterial recovery after extensive exposure to darkness has not yet been studied. In this experiment, Microcystis aeruginosa and Pseudanabaena foetida were subjected to a year-long darkness treatment, and the change in recovery capacity was measured in monthly samples. Cyanobacterial growth, chlorophyll-a concentration, oxidative stress, and photosynthetic capacity were evaluated. It was found that the rapid recovery capacity of the two species remained even after one year of darkness treatment. However, the H2O2 content of recovered samples of both M. aeruginosa and P. foetida experienced significant changes at six–seven months, although the photosynthetic capacity of both cyanobacteria species was maintained within the healthy range. The chlorophyll-a and carotenoid content of the recovered samples also changed with increasing darkness. The results showed that long-term dark treatment had time-dependent effects but different effects on M. aeruginosa and P. foetida. However, both cyanobacteria species can recover rapidly after one year of dark treatment.
Contamination of Plant Foods with Bacillus cereus in a Province and Analysis of Its Traceability
Authors: Lin Yingting , Cha Xiaoyan , Brennan Charles , Cao Jianxin , Shang Ying
Published: November 2023

Bacillus cereus is an important zoonotic foodborne conditional pathogen. It is found in vegetables, dairy products, rice, and other foods, thereby greatly endangering human health. Investigations on B. cereus contamination in China primarily focus on raw milk, dairy products, meat, and others, and limited research has been conducted on plant-based foodstuffs. The rapid development of sequencing technology and the application of bioinformatics-related techniques means that analysis based on whole-genome sequencing has become an important tool for the molecular-epidemiology investigation of B. cereus. In this study, we investigated the contamination of B. cereus in six types of commercially available plant foods from eight regions of a province. The molecular epidemiology of the isolated B. cereus was analyzed by whole-genome sequencing. We aimed to provide fundamental data for the surveillance and epidemiology analysis of B. cereus in food products in China. The rapid traceability system of B. cereus established in this study can provide a basis for rapid molecular epidemiology analysis of B. cereus, as well as for the prevention and surveillance of B. cereus. Moreover, it can also be expanded to monitoring and rapid tracing of more foodborne pathogens.
Effects of Vachellia mearnsii Tannin Extract as an Additive on Fermentation Quality, Aerobic Stability, and Microbial Modulation of Maize Silage
Authors: Mpanza Thamsanqa Doctor Empire , Mani Sinalo
Published: November 2023

Maize silage is produced to alleviate the effects of forage shortages on ruminant animals, particularly during the dry season. Microorganisms play a significant role in silage fermentation and thus, to a large extent, determine the silage quality. The modulation of silage microorganisms may help to inhibit undesirable bacteria and improve the silage quality. Therefore, condensed tannin extract from Vachellia mearnsii bark was used as an additive in maize silage during ensiling. Hence, this study evaluated the effects of a tannin extract (condensed tannin) additive on the fermentative quality, aerobic stability, and bacterial composition of maize silage. A mini-silo experiment on maize with five treatments was conducted for 75 days. The silage treatments were as follows: (T1) maize forage with no inoculation (negative control); (T2) maize forage inoculated with LAB and 1% tannin extract; (T3) maize forage inoculated with LAB only (positive control); (T4) and maize forage inoculated with LAB and 2% tannin extract; (T5) maize forage inoculated with LAB and 3% tannin extract. The results showed that the additives modulated the silage microorganism composition. However, this was without affecting the silage’s fermentative quality and aerobic stability. All the silages recorded a pH below 4.2, which indicated well-fermented silage. The tannin extract suppressed the growth of undesirable bacteria, such as Dysgonomonas, Gluconacetobacter and Clostridium genera, while promoting desirable bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and Weissella genera, which were attributed to the silage quality. It is thus concluded that tannins can be strategically used as silage additives to modulate the microbial composition of silage and improve the silage quality by promoting the dominance of the desirable bacteria in the silage.
Relational-separable models of monitoring processes at variable and unclear observation intervals
Authors: Vladyslav Skalozub , Vadim Horiachkin , Oleg Murashov
Published: November 2023

The article is devoted to the development of combined models, methods and tools designed to solve the current problems of modeling and analysis of monitoring process data, which are repre-sented by time series and differ in variable or fuzzy observation intervals (CHRPNI). In the article, a new relational separable model (RSM) and a combined quantile algorithm are proposed to in-crease the accuracy and efficiency of modeling and analysis of the processes of CHRPNI. The rela-tional model is defined by a system of fuzzy relational relations of the first and second order ob-tained on the basis of the original sequence of data. In the combined algorithm, the results of calcu-lations obtained by SPM and models of fuzzy relational relationships were generalized with the op-timal selection of weighting factors for individual components. As a result of the conducted research by means of numerical modeling, it was established that the introduction of combined process models in the case of PNEU is rational and effective. Exam-ples of data analysis of monitoring processes of rehabilitation of diabetic patients showed certain possibilities of ensuring the accuracy of the results of the analysis of indicators and their short-term forecasting.
Review of mathematical models and information technologies for business analysis of the big web data
Authors: Stanislav Maliienko , Tatyana Selivorstova
Published: November 2023

The article provides a comprehensive review of mathematical models and information technologies used for analyzing large amounts of data in web applications. The latest re-search and publications in the field are analyzed, including a comparative analysis of ma-chine learning methods, text, image, video analysis, social network analysis, and graph algo-rithms. The goal of this research is to analyze the effectiveness and applicability of mathe-matical models and information technologies in business analysis of large web data. The arti-cle presents the results of the research and a comparative analysis of the efficiency of meth-ods, which will help business analysts choose the optimal tools for processing and analyzing large amounts of data in web applications. The article begins with an overview of the problem and the latest research and publica-tions in the field. The article provides a detailed description of various mathematical models and information technologies, including their strengths and weaknesses. A comparative analysis of these methods is presented, with a focus on their effectiveness and applicability in business analysis. The article also provides a detailed description of the applications of mathematical models and information technologies in various industries, such as e-commerce and supply chain management. The article analyzes the challenges and opportunities associated with the use of these technologies in business analysis and provides recommendations for businesses that want to take advantage of these technologies. Overall, the article provides a comprehensive overview of mathematical models and in-formation technologies used in business analysis of large web data. The article is a valuable resource for business analysts, data scientists, and researchers who want to learn more about the latest developments in this field.
Development of a software module for the identification of the emotional state of the user
Authors: Iryna Dmytriieva , Dmytro Bimalov
Published: November 2023

A huge number of spheres of human activity leads to the emergence of information re-sources that reflect social communication. The study of the identification of emotions in text communication is an actual direction of research in the field of natural language processing and machine learning. The main goal of the work is to develop a software module that implements algorithms and models that can automatically determine a person's emotional state based on text messages. This work is de-voted to the review of some models and an algorithm for improving data processing in the middle of text communication of users. One of the methods used in the work is the filtering method. The filtering method deter-mines the discussions of the text, which it records in the form of a hierarchical tree-like struc-ture. Discourse greatly simplifies the work and allows you to more accurately determine the emotion in the text. It also builds a semantic model, the data of which is obtained from the text communica-tion of users. Using the described structures, the filtering method finds emotional words re-corded in the database. The search is based on keywords. In turn, keywords are defined by case. The work deals with the issue of finding emotions in text messages and the development of a software module for its implementation. Two algorithms for determining emotions are considered - vector and Boolean. During the research, it was determined that the Boolean algorithm is most suitable for searching for emotional words. In the work, emotional words were found by identifying and analyzing the semantics of the sentence.
Alternative to mean and least squares methods used in processing the results of scientific and technical experiments
Authors: Valery Ignatkin , Volodymyr Dudnikov , Taras Luchyshyn , Serhii Alekseenko , Oleh Yushkevich , Tetyana Karpova , Tetyana Khokhlova , Yuriy Khomosh , Vasyl Tikhonov
Published: November 2023

Increasing the complexity and size of systems of various nature requires constant improvement of modeling and verification of the obtained results by experiment. It is possible to clearly conduct each experiment, objectively evaluate the summaries of the researched process, and spread the material obtained in one study to a series of other studies only if they are correctly set up and processed. On the basis of experimental data, algebraic expressions are selected, which are called empirical formulas, which are used if the analytical expression of some function is complex or does not exist at this stage of the description of the object, system or phenomenon. When selecting empirical formulas, polynomials of the form: у = А0 + А1х+ А2х2+ А3х3+…+ Аnхn are widely used, which can be used to approximate any measurement results if they are expressed as continuous functions. It is especially valuable that even if the exact expression of the solution (polynomial) is unknown, it is possible to determine the value of the coefficients An using the methods of mean and least squares. But in the method of least squares, there is a shift in estimates when the noise in the data is increased, as it is affected by the noise of the previous stages of information processing. Therefore, for real-time information processing procedures, a pseudo-reverse operation is proposed, which is performed using recurrent formulas. This procedure is a procedure of successive updating (with a shift) along the columns of the matrix of given sizes and pseudo-reversal at each step of information change. This approach is straightforward and takes advantage of the bounding method. With pseudo-inversion, it is possible to control the correctness of calculations at each step, using Penrose conditions. The need for pseudo-inversion may arise during optimization, forecasting of certain parameters and characteristics of systems of various purposes, in various problems of linear algebra, statistics, presentation of the structure of the obtained solutions, to understand the content of the incorrectness of the resulting solution, in the sense of Adomar-Tikhonov, and to see the ways of regularization of such solutions.