bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aβ1-42 stimulates an increase in autophagic activity through tunicamycin-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in HTR-8/SVneo cells and pre-eclampsia
Authors: Gao Qian , Cheng Kai , Cai Leiming , Duan Yuping , Liu Yan , Nie Zhiwen , Li Qian
Published: February 2024

Environmental changes can trigger endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and misfolded protein accumulation, potentially leading to Pre-eclampsia (PE). Amyloid-β (Aβ) is a crucial misfolded protein that can overactivate autophagy. Our study assessed the expression of Aβ1−42 and autophagic activity in PE placental tissues and trophoblasts under ER stress. Placental tissues were surgically collected from normal pregnant women (NP) and pregnant women with PE delivering through cesarean section. The expression levels of Aβ1−42 were detected in both PE and NP placental tissues, as well as in tunicamycin (TM)-induced HTR-8/SVneo cells. Autophagy-related proteins, such as Beclin-1, the ratio of LC3-II to LC3-I, ATG5, and SQSTM1/p62 in the placental tissues and HTR-8/SVneo cells were measured by Western blot. The number and morphology of autophagosomes were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Potential targets associated with the unfolded protein response (UPR) in the placental tissues of NP and PE cases were screened using PCR Arrays. The misfolded protein was significantly upregulated in the PE group. In both Pre-eclampsia (PE) placental tissues and TM-induced HTR-8/SVneo cells, not only was Aβ1–42 upregulated, but also Beclin-1, ATG5, and LC3BII/I were significantly increased, accompanied by an increase in autophagosome count, while SQSTM1/P62 was downregulated. A total of 17 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with the UPR were identified, among which elevated calnexin (CANX) was validated in the placenta from both PE and TM-induced HTR-8/SVneo cells. Autophagy is significantly upregulated in PE cases due to ER stress-induced Aβ1−42 accumulation, likely mediated by autophagy-related proteins involved in the UPR.
Social Anxiety Profiles and Psychopathological Symptom Differences in Spanish Adolescents
Authors: Urbán Dori J. A. , García-Fernández José M. , Inglés Cándido J.
Published: February 2024

Research on social anxiety (SA) over the years has revealed its associations with different psychopathological symptoms. This study aims to characterize SA profiles among Spanish adolescents and explore their differences in psychopathological symptoms. Data from 1,288 Spanish students in the 15 to 18 age range (M = 16.30, SD = 0.97, 47.5% female) were collected using random cluster sampling. The Social Anxiety Scale for Adolescents (SAS-A) and the Symptom Assessment-45 Questionnaire (SA-45) were employed. Four SA profiles were revealed by the Latent Profile Analysis (LPA): extreme SA, high SA, moderate SA, and low SA. Statistically significant differences in psychopathological symptoms were revealed by the MANOVA (effect sizes from d = -2.13 to d = -0.37). The extreme SA profile exhibited the most severe psychopathological symptoms, whereas the low SA profile displayed the mildest manifestations. Proposed interventions aim to support adolescents with SA risk profiles.
Precipitation and temperature drive woody dynamics in the grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: D'Adamo Francesco , Spake Rebecca , Bullock James M. , Ogutu Booker , Dash Jadunandan , Eigenbrod Felix
Published: February 2024

Understanding the drivers of ecosystem dynamics, and how responses vary spatially and temporally, is a critical challenge in the face of global change. Here we used structural equation models and remote sensing datasets to understand the direct and indirect effects of climatic, environmental, and anthropogenic variables on woody vegetation dynamics across four grasslands regions (i.e., Sahel grasslands, Greater Karoo and Kalahari drylands, Southeast African subtropical grasslands, and Madagascar) of sub-Saharan Africa. We focus on African grasslands given their importance for biodiversity and ecosystem services, the lack of clarity on how they are likely to respond to changes in disturbances, and how such responses vary geographically. This is particularly the case of grass-dominated ecosystems – the focus of our study – rather than more mixed grass-tree regions (e.g., savannas). Rainfall (β = 0.148 [-0.111, 0.398]) and temperature (β = -0.109 [-0.387, 0.133]) showed consistently opposing effects on woody vegetation (average standardised regression coefficients and 95% confidence interval range during 1997–2016) across the four bioregions. Other variables showed overall negligible effects including, for instance, dry season rainfall, soil moisture and, notably, fire. Other relationships were more context-dependent. Only Greater Karoo and Kalahari drylands showed a negative relationship between woody vegetation and fire (β = -0.031 [-0.069, 0.021]). Similarly, in Madagascar we observed strong negative effects of temperature (β = -0.429 [-1.215, -0.259]) and population density (β = -0.354 [-0.651, -0.015]) on burned area, yet these did not result in any significant indirect effects on woody vegetation. Our results clarify the contribution of environmental and anthropogenic variables in controlling woody dynamics at broad spatiotemporal scales and reveal that the widely documented negative feedback between fire and woody vegetation does not necessarily apply across all African grasslands.
Real-time Road Anomaly Detection using Advanced Sensor Networks
Authors: Rahmani Ali , Al-Farsi Fatima , Chen Wei , Shen Zhou
Published: February 2024

Real-time road anomaly detection is a critical aspect of modern urban transportation systems, aiming to enhance road safety and traffic management. In this paper, we propose an innovative methodology that integrates advanced sensor networks and machine learning algorithms to achieve accurate and efficient anomaly detection. Our approach involves the fusion of visual data, LiDAR, and vehicular communication signals, providing a comprehensive understanding of the road environment. Key components include an adaptive weighting mechanism, spatial-temporal fusion through convolutional long short-term memory networks (ConvLSTM), and dynamic thresholding. Through a series of experiments, we benchmark our method against established approaches, demonstrating superior performance in terms of precision, recall, and F1-score metrics, coupled with significantly lower execution times. The adaptability, efficiency, and accuracy of our proposed method position it as a promising solution for real-time road anomaly detection in dynamic urban environments.
O desafio da construção e consolidação de um programa em rede: o caso da Rede Nordeste de Ensino
Authors: Wartha Edson José
Published: February 2024

Este ensaio apresenta um relato de experiência acerca do processo de concepção, planejamento e construção do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ensino na forma de associação em rede. O programa foi denominado de Rede Nordeste de Ensino – RENOEN – e foi encaminhado no APCN de 2019, aprovado pela CAPES em 2020 e implementado nas instituições associadas em agosto de 2021. Tendo a Universidade Federal de Sergipe como a coordenadora geral da proposta, a RENOEN tem como desafio a implementação de um programa de pós-graduação em nível de doutorado na forma associativa na região Nordeste. Entrando no seu quarto ano de funcionamento, com as primeiras teses sendo defendidas temos algumas reflexões que nos impelem a avaliar o caminho percorrido até este momento e traçar novos planos e metas para a consolidação da rede e avaliar seus possíveis impactos na região.
Palavras-chave: Pós-Graduação em Rede; Impactos regionais; Doutorado; Ensino.
Ensinar a docência: formar professores para a Educação Profissional e Tecnológica nos Institutos Federais
Authors: Barreiro Cristhianny Bento , Hernandes Maria Helena Padilha Bandeira Moraes
Published: February 2024

Formar professores para exercerem a docência na Educação Profissional e Tecnológica (EPT) é um desafio, já que historicamente as políticas educacionais com esta finalidade não conseguiram se consolidar. Com a expansão dos Institutos Federais e a crescente necessidade de professores habilitados, indaga-se na pesquisa quais iniciativas formativas estão sendo ofertadas com este fim e qual seria o papel do estágio nestas? Com o objetivo de identificar os cursos que visam a habilitação de docentes para EPT e analisar o papel dos estágios nestas formações, desenvolveu-se uma pesquisa documental tendo como base as páginas dos 38 Institutos e documentos nela localizados. Foram identificados 18 cursos com abertura de vagas durante o ano de 2023, sendo 7 de graduação e 11 de pós-graduação lato sensu. Destaca-se que os estágios supervisionados obrigatórios aparecem em apenas 4 dos 18 cursos, com carga-horária de 150h a 400h. Conclui-se uma predominância das ofertas a distância e do aproveitamento da experiência docente como substituta dos estágios, o que pode resultar numa ausência de articulação entre os conhecimentos específicos, didático-pedagógicos e experenciais proporcionados pela discussão e socialização de práticas planejadas no coletivo.
Impact of banking functions on online investment intention in India: Examining the mediating role of service experience
Authors: Paul Pinku , Bhattacharya Subhajit
Published: February 2024

The study aimed to determine the various antecedents of banking functions that may lead to consumers’ intention to use online banking channels for investment with the role of service experience in mediating the relationship between banking function, online investment intention, cost perception, and behavioral factors. Data were collected through an online survey to understand consumer perceptions and behavioral intentions among online banking users in India. The population of this study is Indian residents who are customers of banks providing online services. Purposive sampling and snowball sampling were used as sampling methods. The study used an online survey with a list-based sample frame using social media chat functions or messaging applications in which the Google forms link was shared. A total of 561 valid responses were successfully accumulated from 1,136 Google forms, indicating a response rate of 61.78%. The study employs SEM-PLS using PLS 2.0 software for data analysis. The results validated the direct effect of online investment intention through a bank on different components of banking channel function linkages: information and service awareness, transactional efficacy, trust, brand effect, convenience, and information technology support (p < 0.05). The findings also highlighted that customer service experience mediates the relationship between banking channel function and consumers’ investment intention through online banking channels, significantly impacting customers’ cost perception and behavioral factors (p < 0.05). The research implications are expected to improve the banking service experience of customers and might motivate them to use the online banking channel for investment.
Role of legal rules in cooperation and peaceful settlement of disputes in transboundary river basin: interaction theory of law revisited
Authors: Edum Chukwuebuka
Published: February 2024

This article interrogates the misunderstanding about the inability of legal rules to influence relations between states in transboundary river basins. Building on the interactional theory of law, the author formulates three analytical frameworks for understanding the role of legal rules in the processes of cooperation and peaceful settlement of disputes in transboundary river basins. The article ultimately argues that law offers broader utility than previously envisaged to these processes. In conclusion, it teases out five such utilities of legal rules as demonstrated by four case studies in a broader study.
Advance of Metformin in Liver Disease
Authors: Bao Jiaqi , Zhao Yudi , Xu Xiao , Ling Sunbin
Published: February 2024

Metformin is a first-line drug for the treatment of type 2 diabetes with a good
safety profile and relatively low cost. In recent years, many other effects of metformin
have been discovered. In this review, we provide the research advances in metformin in
liver disease. High-dose metformin can activate AMPK by inhibiting mitochondrial complex 1. In addition, low-dose metformin could activate lysosomal AMPK through PEN2.
Activated AMPK can reduce fatty acid synthesis, inhibit tumor proliferation and metastasis, and reshape the tumor microenvironment. In addition, metformin can reduce ROS
production by inhibiting mitochondrial complex 1, which can reduce liver damage.
Therefore, metformin has been found to alleviate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis, relieve liver damage, and reduce the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and
cholangiocarcinoma. This information suggests that metformin may represent a new possibility for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases
Analysis of Clinical Success and Molecular Mechanisms of Action of Novel Anti-glioblastoma Drugs: A Review
Authors: Abdullaeva Sabina , Chubarev Vladimir , Valeeva Anna , Preferanskaya Nina , Neganova Margarita , Smolyarchuk Elena , Liu Junqi , Sukocheva Olga , Samsonov Mikhail , Alyautdin Renad
Published: February 2024

Background:

Gliomas and glioblastomas (GBM) are common primary malignant brain tumors,
which are highly malignant and have a poor prognosis. The presence of cancer stem cells with unrestricted
proliferative capacity and ability to generate glial neoplastic cells, the diffuse nature of GBM,
and other specific factors of GBM contribute to poor results of drug therapy in patients with GBM. Despite
the worldwide efforts to improve the treatment, many novel anti-GBM drugs are active just in
vitro, in silico, and in preclinical trials, and they sometimes demonstrate poor or no activity in clinical
trials. In this paper, we have casually selected and analyzed the most promising evidence-based results
related to glioblastoma treatment at FDA and Clinical Trials.gov databases. It was observed that the
most prospective trend in the development of anti-GBM drugs is combination therapy vs.. monotherapy.
Our analysis of clinical trials has allowed us to predict that the most promising combination therapy that
has shown the best results in patient’s surveillance should include drugs that block different growth-promoting
signals in glioblastoma cells and that are activated by the V600E BRAF mutation. One drug
should inhibit signals from the BRAF protein, whereas the second drug in combination should inhibit
signals from the MEK protein

Methods:

The content of this review is based on information obtained from PubMed, ClinicalTrials.-
gov, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (https://www.fda.gov/). In ClinicalTrials.gov, we retrieved
studies published from January 1, 2015. In the data search, “Glioblastoma” was used as the keyword.
A study was deleted if it studied remedies for concomitant tumor diseases, as well as if it did not
include descriptions of treatment methods and/or if GBM was not mentioned. The analysis of the effectiveness
of treatment was carried out according to the increasing overall survival in GBM patients, compared
to the gold standard for this cancer.

Results:

GBM patients treated with novel immunotherapy agents and drugs acting on epigenetic factors
and receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors have shown encouraging potential for future development in clinic.
However, combinations of drugs have led to more significant improvements in the results and an increase
in life expectancy of patients. For example, the combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab
showed a 72% increase in life expectancy compared to using nivolumab alone (9.8 vs.. 16.85).

Conclusion:

Combining anti-GBM drugs appears to be a key direction for increasing treatment effectiveness
and overall survival. Radiotherapy of GBM can increase the effect of combination drug therapy.
3D Printing of Microfluidic-assisted Liposomes Production for Drug Delivery and Nanobiomedicine: A Review
Authors: Mohammad-Jafari Kave , Naghib Seyed Morteza
Published: February 2024

Numerous techniques exist for the production of liposomes; however, these
methods need to be revised due to their incapacity to achieve precise management of the
dimensions and uniformity of liposomes and their inefficient utilization of reagents and
resources. One particular challenge lies in replicating accurate form and size control
seen in biological cells, as accomplishing this level of precision through macroscale approaches
proves exceptionally arduous. The advent of microfluidic technology tackles
this problem by lowering liposome synthesis to a centimeter-level chip, drastically cutting
related costs, and enhancing liposome manufacturing efficiency and mobility. Although
various microfluidic technologies for micro or nanoparticle preparation have
been established, manufacturing microfluidic devices poses challenges due to their high
cost and time-consuming nature. However, a promising and cost-effective solution lies
in additive production, commonly guided by 3D printing. This innovative technique has
demonstrated significant potential and has been successfully applied to create microfluidic
chips. Here, we will explore using 3D printing to produce microfluidic devices
specifically designed for liposome production. Moreover, the biomedical applications
of the liposomes produced by 3D printing-fabricated chips will be fully discussed.
Investigating the Effect of Vitamin A on Orthodontic Tooth Movement: An Experimental Study
Authors: Shi Pengxiang , Zhao Jing , Wang Feng
Published: February 2024

Background:

Vitamin A is essential not only for bone metabolism and development
but also for the normal functioning of many physiological processes in the body. Despite vitamin
A's important involvement in bone metabolism, its effect on orthodontic tooth movement is not
entirely known.

Aim:

Previous studies on animals have suggested that vitamin A may influence alveolar bone
remodelling and tooth movement, but the effect of various doses of vitamin A on these processes
remains poorly understood. This experiment was designed to examine the effect of vitamin A on
the orthodontic tooth movement of male rats.

Methods:

Eighty male rats weighing 200-250 grams were divided into eight equal parallel
groups. An initial orthodontic force was applied to all groups with a specific appliance, and six
different doses of vitamin A were administered (250-2500 IU/Kg intraperitoneally). Two control
groups were also considered. Orthodontic tooth movement was measured at the beginning and
end of the study period (day 14), and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level was evaluated. The
maxillary sections were also evaluated by histological examination.

Results:

Although there was a dose-dependent increase in tooth movement observed with vitamin
A administration, the differences were not statistically significant. There was no significant
difference in the number of osteoclasts or the presence of lacunae on the root surface between
the study groups. Root resorption was observed in different areas of the root and was not related
to different doses of vitamin A. The serum ALP level did not show any significant difference between
the groups treated with different doses of vitamin A.

Conclusion:

Despite the known effects of vitamin A on bone metabolism, the results of this
study suggest that vitamin A did not increase alveolar bone remodeling and orthodontic tooth
movement in male rats.
Understanding the Molecular Mechanisms of H2's Regulatory Effect on miR-29s for Brain Protection during Deep Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest
Authors: Li Hongmei , Shen Li , Ge Junwen , Li Hongyun , Chen Feng , Chen Xiaolong , Hong Haifa
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Research regarding post-operative brain protection after deep hypothermic
circulatory arrest (DHCA) has gained attracted significant attention. We previously
demonstrated that hydrogen can significantly reverse DHCA-induced brain damage.

Method:

In the current research, we have established the DHCA model successfully using a
modified four-vessel occlusion method and injected miR-29s compounds into the hippocampal
tissue of rats.

Result:

We were surprised to find hydrogen increased miR-29s expression in the hippocampal
tissue of a DHCA rat model. The administration of agomiR-29s counteracted DHCA-induced
hippocampal tissue injury, while the antamiR-29s had the opposite effects.

Conclusion:

Based on the above facts, the brain protection mechanism of hydrogen in DHCAtreated
rats may be related to the upregulation of miR-29s, which can exert its beneficial effects
by alleviating apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidation.
Emerging Phytochemical Formulations for Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
Authors: Pimple Prachi , Shah Jenny , Singh Prabha
Published: February 2024

:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a T-cell-mediated chronic inflammatory disorder affecting
0.5-1% of the global population. The disease with unknown etiology causes slow destruction of
joints, advancing to significant deterioration of an individual’s quality of life. The present treatment
strategy comprises the use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) coupled with or
without nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or glucocorticoids. Additionally, involves co-therapy
of injectable biological DMARDs in case of persistent or recurrent arthritis. The availability of biological
DMARDs and the implementation of the treat-to-target approach have significantly improved
the outcomes for patients suffering from RA. Nevertheless, RA requires continuous attention due to
inadequate response of patients, development of tolerance and severe side effects associated with
long-term use of available treatment regimens. An estimated 60-90% of patients use alternative
methods of treatment, such as herbal therapies, for the management of RA symptoms. Over the past
few decades, researchers have exploring natural phytochemicals to alleviate RA and associated
symptoms. Enormous plant-origin phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids
and polyphenols have shown anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity against RA. However,
phytochemicals have certain limitations, such as high molecular weight, poor water solubility,
poor permeability, poor stability and extensive first-pass metabolism, limiting absorption and bioavailability.
The use of nanotechnology has aided to extensively improve the pharmacokinetic profile
and stability of encapsulated drugs. The current review provides detailed information on the therapeutic
potential of phytochemicals. Furthermore, the review focuses on developed phytochemical
formulations for RA, with emphasis on clinical trials, regulatory aspects, present challenges, and
future prospects.
Nanotechnology-based Herbal Drug Formulation in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Bhadouria Namrata , Alam Aftab , Kaur Awaneet
Published: February 2024

:

The utilization of nanotechnology-based herbal medication delivery systems is gaining
attention as a novel approach to treating diabetes mellitus. The incorporation of nanotechnology
into herbal medicine provides benefits such as enhanced Stability, solubility, and bioavailability
of herbal medications. The purpose of this paper is to summarise the present status of research
on herbal medicine delivery systems based on nanotechnology for the treatment of diabetic
patients. The paper evaluates the various nanocarriers and herbal drugs used, the challenges
and opportunities in the development of these systems, and their potential efficacy and safety.
Additionally, the paper highlights the need for further research to optimize the formulation and
delivery of these systems. This review's overarching objective is to provide a complete understanding
of the possibilities of herbal medication delivery systems based on nanotechnology in
diabetes mellitus treatment.
The Role of Prebiotic, Probiotic, and Synbiotic in Gut Microbiota and Gut
Permeability in Children Affected by Air Pollution
Authors: Darma Andy , Dewi Dian Kusuma , Chandra Dian Novita , Basrowi Ray Wagiu , Khoe Levina Chandra , Pratiwi Dessy , Sundjaya Tonny
Published: February 2024

Background:

Air pollution has been linked with gut microbiota dysbiosis. Ingested environmental pollutants may alter gut microbiota compositions by changing the environment of the
gut. Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been observed in children with asthma, linking the possible role
of gut microbiota with systemic immune response and asthma.

Methods:

This paper aims to identify current science on how prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics
can improve gut microbiota dysbiosis.

Results:

We reviewed the existing literature related to the role of pre-, pro-, and synbiotics in
child health, and the evidence mapping method was chosen as the rapid review to identify gaps in
knowledge and future research needs.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the current evidence on the role of prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics on child health, while limited, showed promising results on the allergy and immunology pathway, including infection prevention for the gastrointestinal and respiratory tract.
Impact of Clinical Pharmacist-conducted Medication Reconciliation at Admission and Discharge on Medication Safety in Patients Hospitalized with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Rangchian Maryam , Makhdoumi Mana , Zamanirafe Maryam , Parvaneh Erfan , Eshraghi Azadeh , Entezari-Maleki Taher , Mehrpooya Maryam
Published: February 2024

Background:

Most studies have focused on the impact of medication reconciliation
on one of the points of hospital admission or discharge. In this study, we aimed to investigate the
impact of medication reconciliation on medication safety in patients hospitalized with acute decompensated
heart failure at both admission and discharge.

Methods:

This was a prospective, single-center, cohort study conducted in a tertiary care cardiovascular
hospital from December 2022 to May 2023 on patients hospitalized with acute decompensated
heart failure. Patients were considered eligible if they were taking at least five chronic medications
prior to hospital admission. Medication reconciliation was carried out for the study patients
by a clinical pharmacy team both at admission and discharge. Additionally, the study patients also
received comprehensive discharge counseling as well as post-discharge follow-up and monitoring.

Results:

Medication reconciliation was applied for 129 patients at admission and 118 at discharge.
The mean time needed for medication reconciliation presses was 32 min per patient at admission
and 22 min at discharge. Unintentional medication discrepancies were relatively common at both
admission and discharge, but compared to admission, discrepancies were less frequent at discharge
(178 versus 72). Based on the consensus review, about 30% of identified errors detected at both
admission and discharge were judged to have the potential to cause moderate to severe harm to the
patient. Most of the clinical pharmacists’ recommendations on unintended discrepancies were accepted
by physicians and resulted in changes in medication orders (more than 80%). Further, the
majority of the participants were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with the clinical pharmacy services
provided to them during hospitalization and after hospital discharge (89.90%).

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrated the vulnerability of heart failure patients to medication discrepancies
at both admission and discharge. Thus, implementing a comprehensive medication reconciliation
by clinical pharmacists could be beneficial for enhancing medication safety in these patients.
Genetic Polymorphisms of GP1BA, PEAR1, and PAI-1 may be Associated
with Serum sIgE and Blood Eosinophil Levels in Chinese Patients with
Allergic Diseases
Authors: Tang Rui , Lyu Xiaohong , Sun Jinlyu , Li Hong
Published: February 2024

Background:

It has been suggested that genetic factors may be substantially linked to
allergy disorders.

Objective:

This study aims to investigate the relationship between the serum specific Immunoglobulin
E (sIgE), blood eosinophil, and the polymorphisms of glycoprotein Ib alpha gene
(GP1BA) rs6065, platelet endothelial aggregation receptor 1 gene (PEAR1) rs12041331, and
plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 gene (PAI-1) rs1799762.

Methods:

From the Peking Union Medical College Hospital, this study enrolled 60 healthy participants
and 283 participants with allergic diseases. TaqMan-minor groove binder (MGB)
quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to examine the gene polymorphisms in
each group.

Results:

The TaqMan-MGB qPCR results were completely consistent with the DNA sequencing
results, according to other studies in this medical center (Kappa =1, p < 0.001). The GP1BA
rs6065, PEAR1 rs12041331, and PAI-1 rs1799762 polymorphisms did not show different distribution
between allergy patients and healthy individuals. Concerning allergy patients, the CT
(n=33) genotype of GP1BA rs6065 had higher blood eosinophil level than the CC (n=250)
genotype (0.59, IQR 0.32-0.72 vs 0.31, IQR 0.15-0.61, *109/L, p =0.005). The serum sIgE of
AA (n=46) genotype of PEAR1 rs12041331 was lower (median 3.7, interquartile quartiles
(IQR) 0.2-16.8, kU/L) than the GA (n=136) and GG (n=101) genotypes (GA median 16.3, IQR
3.1-46.3, kU/L, p = 0.002; GG median 12.9, IQR 3.0-46.9, kU/L, p =0.003). The GA genotypes
of PEAR1 rs12041331were with higher blood eosinophil levels (median 0.42, IQR 0.17-0.74
*109/L) than the AA genotype (median 0.25, IQR 0.15-0.41*109/L, p =0.012). The sIgE of the
5G5G (n=44) genotype of PAI-1 rs1799762 was lower (median 5.0, IQR 0.1-22.8, kU/L) than
the 4G5G (n=144) (median 17.3, IQR 3.7-46.0, kU/L, p = 0.012).

Conclusion:

The GP1BA rs6065, PEAR1 rs12041331, and PAI-1 rs1799762 polymorphisms
may be associated with the genetic susceptibility of serum sIgE or blood eosinophil in Chinese
allergic disease patients.
Evaluation of Serum Levels of Vitamin D3 and IgE in Patients with Chronic and Allergic Sinusitis: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bagheri Payman , Nouri Majid , Eskandarzadeh Hesam , Darvishi Mohammad
Published: February 2024

Background:

Chronic rhinosinusitis is known as a common problem with inflammatory
and allergic causes. Several factors are associated with developing chronic rhinosinusitis,
including immunoglobulin E (IgE) production and vitamin D deficiency.

Objective:

In this study, we investigated the role of IgE and Vitamin D deficiency and differences
between patients with chronic, allergic sinusitis and controls.

Methods:

A total of 90 subjects were included in 3 groups (n=30) in this cross-sectional, correlational
descriptive study. The subjects were divided into three groups, including control
(healthy subjects), chronic sinusitis patients, and allergy patients. A checklist was used to collect
the necessary data, including age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). To evaluate serum
levels of vitamin D3 and IgE, ELISA kits were used.

Results:

The mean vitamin D was 22 g/ml. Fifty-four participants (60%) out of all included
people had insufficient vitamin D, 13% had a deficiency, and the high deficiency and insufficiency
were in the group of allergic sinusitis. Our results indicated that gender (female) was
significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency (p =0.01). Thirty-nine participants (43.3%)
out of all studied subjects had high IgE, and the highest level of abnormality of IgE was in the
allergic sinusitis group. Furthermore, it was found that gender and IgE were not significantly
related. However, IgE was significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency in the allergic sinusitis
group.

Conclusion:

Our findings highlighted that most of the patients with chronic and allergic sinusitis
had insufficient vitamin D. A possible association was also found between low vitamin D
and IgE levels and the prevalence of allergic sinusitis. This study showed that patients with allergic
sinusitis may be more vulnerable to lower serum levels of vitamin D. Therefore, vitamin
D supplementation as an adjunctive therapy may be considered in these patients.
Implementation of Business Trade Licensing Service (Study on Investment Agency and One-Door Integrated Service of Tulungagung Regency)
Authors: Rohmah Laily Miftahur
Published: February 2024

Public service is a public bureaucracy product accepted by society widely. One kind of public bureaucracy product is the Business Trade License, which has a certain quality as one of the supporting factors that motivates the creation of economic growth through better trade and service business. This study aims to find out and describe the implementation of a door-integrated service in Tulungagung. The Investment Agency and One-Door Integrated Service (DPM and PTSP) of Tulungagung Regency are necessary to improve business trade licensing services. The research method used in this research was qualitative. Based on the Regulation of Tulungagung Regency, the Regent carried out the principles: Coordination meant coordination among the organization members so that cooperation was created in giving business trade licensing service to the society. Synchronization in the implementation of business trade licensing service at DPM and PTSP of Tulungagung Regency was realized through the clear task division in the organization based on each field. Good integration among the organization's members would achieve the purpose of the organization. Security and Certainty meant that implementing business trade licensing service had to be based on the rule of law that, was the Regulation of Tulungagung Regency Regent No 76/2014. On the other hand, Certainty meant Certainty related to the procedure and the implementation of business trade licensing service.
The Effect of PAD and SiLPA on Opportunistic Behavior and Impact on Economic Growth
Authors: Andini Mutiara Labiba
Published: February 2024

In implementing regional autonomy, the Regional Government is disposed to have the authority to take care of finances within one budget period. However, in budgeting, opportunistic behavior in budgeting is often found. It can be seen through determining PAD where the legislature increases targets for personal gain and does not consider the time and duration of APBD allocations which will cause SiLPA in the following year. This research will focus on the Regency/City of South Sumatra in 2017-2021. In addition, the population also influences economic growth. Where if the population is getting more significant, it is expected that economic growth will increase. Therefore the aim of this research is to find out the effect of PAD and SiLPA on opportunistic behavior and economic growth in the Regency/City of South Sumatra in 2017-2021. The research methodology uses Partial Least Square. The study found that PAD and SiLPA positively and significantly affected opportunistic budgeting. Furthermore, opportunistic budgeting and population have a positive but insignificant impact on economic growth.
The Influence of Transformational Leadership and Transactional Leadership on Employee Performance with Work Motivation as an Intervening Variable
Authors: Lishandy Nabila Putri
Published: February 2024

Leadership serves as the reason for high work motivation and performance of individuals in their work. A leader's role significantly influences subordinates, determining an organization's progress. This research aims to explain and analyze the influence of transformational and transactional leadership on employee performance, with work motivation as an intervening variable. This study is an explanatory research conducted at pt. Sreeya sewu indonesia tbk-sidoarjo. The population for this research consists of 267 employees, with a sample of 160 employees using proportional stratified random sampling. The analysis method employed in this study is path analysis. This research indicates that transformational and transactional leadership impact performance, and the motivation variable can mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and performance. This research provides practical implications to assist organizations in achieving better effectiveness and efficiency through a more focused leadership approach and empowering employees with solid motivation.
Young Consumers’ Intention to Engage in The Sustainable Consumption through Sharing Economy: A Sociotechnical Approach
Authors: Qamarani Syabibah Yusrina
Published: February 2024

The paper seeks to investigate the influences of sociotechnical aspects on young Indonesian consumers' intentions "to engage in sustainable consumption through the sharing economy." A self-reported online survey on ridesharing use among young customers in Indonesia was undertaken. "A total of 251 valid responses" were obtained. "Structural equation modeling" was used to test the research model empirically. The findings revealed that users' intentions "to engage in sustainable consumption through the sharing economy" were significantly predicted by economic benefit, knowledge, technology fit, information quality, and social aspects. This research fills "gaps in the sharing economy literature" by investigating the effects of sociotechnical factors on young Indonesian consumers' "intention to engage in sustainable consumption through the sharing economy." The findings gave practitioners insights into increasing Indonesian young consumers' propensity to engage in sustainable consumption provided by the sharing economy.
An integrated approach to the analysis of NRSA for translation. Mansfield Park in Spanish and German
Authors: Espunya Anna
Published: February 2024

In Jane Austen’s novels conversation provides internal evidence of the “moral and social nature of characters” (Morini, 2009, p. 9). Among the interplay of speech presentation forms (Page, 1972/2011), Narrative Report of Speech Acts (Leech & Short, 2007) has drawn less scholarly attention than others, for example Free Indirect Speech. However, NRSA condenses information about two communicative acts and therefore two addressers, namely the reporting narrator and the reported speaker (the character). Investigating this superposition of voices requires an integrative approach combining a speech-act theory analysis of the character’s speech with an analysis of both the character’s and the narrator’s dialogic stance, here set in the system of Engagement in Martin and White (2005). This paper aims to present this approach and to apply it to the description of Mansfield Park and its translations into Spanish and German. A sample of instances of NRSA and their translation solutions is analysed. While the most frequent type is literal translation, with both layers of meaning successfully reproduced, instances of translation shifts have been identified involving illocutionary force (addition, elimination or change of illocutionary features) and/or engagement value, combined with changes in certain cooccurring distancing devices. Such shifts suggest possible distortions to characterization cues.
Virtual Reality for Developing Patient-Facing Communication Skills in Medical and Graduate Education: Protocol for a Scoping Review
Authors: Khodabakhshian Nairy , Gaeul Lee Kyla , Marawi Tulip , Sorkhou Maryam , Vyravanathan Sobiga , Harnett Nicole
Published: February 2024

Background

Clinician-patient communication is an integral component in providing quality medical care. However, research on clinician-patient communication has shown overall patient discontent with provider communication skills. While virtual reality (VR) is readily used for procedural-based learning in medical education, its potential for teaching patient-facing communication skills remains unexplored. This scoping review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of VR applications used for patient-facing communication skills development in medical education.

Objective

The primary objective is to synthesize and evaluate the effectiveness of available VR tools and applications used for patient-facing communication skills development in medical education. The secondary objectives are to (1) assess the feasibility of adapting VR applications to develop patient-facing communication skills in medical education and (2) provide an overview of the challenges associated with adapting VR applications to develop patient-facing communication skills in medical education.

Methods

A total of 4 electronic databases (ERIC, Embase, PubMed, and MEDLINE) were searched for primary peer-reviewed articles published through April 11, 2023. Articles evaluating the implementation of non-, semi-, and fully immersive VR training for patient- or caregiver-facing communication skills training provided to graduate, medical, or other allied health care professions students were included. Studies that assessed augmented reality, mixed reality, artificial intelligence, or VR for non–communication-based training were excluded. Study selection will include a title, abstract, and full-text screening by 4 authors. Data from eligible studies will be extracted and entered into a database and presented in tabular format. Findings will be reported according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines for scoping reviews.

Results

As of April 11, 2023, the search strategy has been confirmed and the search has been completed. We are currently at the title and abstract screening stage. Once complete, the articles will undergo full-text screening according to eligibility criteria as described in the methods.

Conclusions

The findings of this review will inform the development of a graduate-level clinical skills research course within the Institute of Medical Science graduate department at the University of Toronto. It is also expected that these findings will be of interest to other health care–specific faculties inside and beyond our institution. Further, our scoping review will summarize the limited field of literature on VR use in medical communications training and identify areas for future inquiry.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/53901
Multicriteria Decision-Making in Diabetes Management and Decision Support: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Aldaghi Tahmineh , Muzik Jan
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus prevalence is increasing among adults and children around the world. Diabetes care is complex; examining the diet, type of medication, diabetes recognition, and willingness to use self-management tools are just a few of the challenges faced by diabetes clinicians who should make decisions about them. Making the appropriate decisions will reduce the cost of treatment, decrease the mortality rate of diabetes, and improve the life quality of patients with diabetes. Effective decision-making is within the realm of multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques.

OBJECTIVE

The central objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of MCDM methods and then introduce a novel categorization framework for their use in this field.

METHODS

The literature search was focused on publications from 2003 to 2023. Finally, by applying the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method, 63 articles were selected and examined.

RESULTS

The findings reveal that the use of MCDM methods in diabetes research can be categorized into 6 distinct groups: the selection of diabetes medications (19 publications), diabetes diagnosis (12 publications), meal recommendations (8 publications), diabetes management (14 publications), diabetes complication (7 publications), and estimation of diabetes prevalence (3 publications).

CONCLUSIONS

Our review showed a significant portion of the MCDM literature on diabetes. The research highlights the benefits of using MCDM techniques, which are practical and effective for a variety of diabetes challenges.
Predictive Factors of Quality of Life for Informal Caregivers of People with Acquired Neurological Disorders (Preprint)
Authors: Figueiredo do Carmo Santos Tâmara , Barroso Guedes Granzotti , Raphaela , Nicásio Gomes Fontes Gabriela Eduarda , Hernandez Alves Ribeiro Cesar Carla Patricia , da Silva Kelly , Bezerra Oliveira Nascimento Gerlane Karla
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

The impact of an acquired neurological injury extends beyond the affected individual and may affect the quality-of-life of their caregivers as well. Understanding the protective factors of these aspects is useful to aid in developing health promotion and prevention actions focused on this population.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to check the predictive factors of the quality-of-life of informal caregivers of people with acquired neurological disorders.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional and quantitative observational research. Data collection was conducted using an online survey, including questions about the sociodemographic and health data of caregivers, a quality-of-life questionnaire (WHOQOL-Bref), and the Zarit burden scale. The participants were caregivers of individuals with acquired neurological conditions, of any gender and over 18 years of age, who were one of the main caregivers of the ailing person for at least 6 months. The caregivers over 60 years of age, paid, and previously diagnosed with neurological diseases were excluded. A multiple linear regression was modeled for statistical analysis, and a significance level of 5% was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The study involved 144 informal caregivers, mostly women with an average age of 43.7 years. 51.3% were children, with completed higher education and paid employment. 42.36% of the caregivers experienced mild to moderate burden. The predictors of the quality-of-life included the level of burden, sleep difficulties, diagnosis of depression or anxiety, duration of caregiving, patient's use of a feeding tube, and the caregiver's education level.

CONCLUSIONS

The quality-of-life of primary caregivers is related to the level of burden, sleep difficulties, the use of feeding tubes, and other diagnoses regarding the cared-for patient.