bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANTIBACTERIAL EFFICACY OF LEAF EXTRACTS DERIVED FROM FICUS ELASTICA ROXB. EX HORNEM. (MORACEAE) AND ITS CULTIVARS AGAINST AEROMONAS SOBRIA STRAIN
Authors: Kurhaluk Natalia , Tkachenko Halyna , Pękala-Safińska Agnieszka , Buyun Lyudmyla , Honcharenko Vitaliy , Prokopiv Andriy
Published: May 2023

The range of healing targets for particular Ficus species compiled from local medicines can be competitive with that of broad-spectrum traditional remedies. In the current study, we studied the antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extracts derived from the leaves of Ficus elastica Roxb. ex Hornem. and its cultivars (F. elastica 'Rubra', 'Robusta', 'Burgundy', 'Variegata') against Aeromonas sobria to evaluate the possible use of this plant in preventing infections caused by this fish pathogen in aquaculture. The current study was conducted as a part of an ongoing project between five universities undertaken in the frame of a cooperation program aimed at the assessment of medicinal properties of tropical and subtropical plants, cultivated in vitro. The leaves of F. elastica and its cultivars, cultivated under glasshouse conditions, were sampled at M. M. Gryshko National Botanic Garden (NBG), National Academy of Science of Ukraine. Specifically, the leaves of F. elastica and its cultivars, i.e. F. elastica 'Rubra', 'Robusta', 'Burgundy', 'Variegata' were sampled for our study. Aeromonas sobria (K825) strain, originated from freshwater fish species such as common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum), respectively, was isolated in the Department of Fish Diseases, The National Veterinary Research Institute in Pulawy (Poland). Antimicrobial susceptibility of the tested Aeromonas sobria was performed by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method (1966) according to the recommendations of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) (2014), with our some modifications. Our results of the antimicrobial screening revealed, that F. elastica and its cultivars possessed mild antibacterial properties against the A. sobria strain. The ethanolic extract obtained from leaves of F. elastica 'Variegata' exhibited the maximum antimicrobial activity against A. sobria. Thus, F. elastica and its cultivars (F. elastica 'Rubra', 'Robusta', 'Burgundy', 'Variegata') disclosed mild bioactivity, and this plant can be regarded as a potential source of antibacterial agents. The results of the current study provide a new perspective for the use of various species belonging to the Ficus genus as medicinal plants to improve the antibacterial responses in salmonid aquaculture.
Keywords: Ficus elastica Roxb. ex Hornem., extract, antimicrobial efficacy, Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique, fish pathogens, susceptibility, resistance.
PHOTOPERIOD-DEPENDENT ALTERATIONS IN OXIDATIVELY MODIFIED PROTEINS IN THE PLASMA OF SHETLAND PONY MARES AND STALLIONS INVOLVED IN RECREATIONAL HORSEBACK RIDING
Authors: Kurhaluk Natalia , Tkachenko Halyna , Tkachova Iryna , Lukash Oleksandr
Published: May 2023

This study focuses on the photoperiod-induced variability in the levels of oxidatively modified proteins in the plasma of Shetland pony mares and stallions before and after exercise. We have analyzed the effect of photoperiods and exercise on the levels of aldehydic (AD) and ketonic (KD) derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins (OMP) in the blood of Shetland pony mares and stallions involved in recreational horseback riding in the central Pomeranian region (Pomeranian Voivodeship, northern part of Poland). Twenty-one healthy adult Shetland ponies (11 mares and 10 stallions) aged 6.5 ± 1.4 years old were used in this study. All horses participated in recreational horseback riding. Training started at 10:00 AM, lasted 1 hour, and consisted of a ride of cross country by walking (5 min), trotting (15 min), walking (10 min), trotting (10 min), walking (5 min), galloping (5 min), and walking (10 min). Blood was drawn from the jugular veins of the animals in the morning, 90 minutes after feeding, while the horses were in the stables (between 8:30 and 10 AM), and immediately after the exercise test (between 11 AM and 12 AM). Blood samples were taken once per season for one year: summer and winter. The level of oxidatively modified proteins (OMP) was evaluated by the content of protein carbonyl derivatives in the reaction with 2,4-dinitro-phenylhydrazine (DNFH). There was a statistically significant reduction in the levels of aldehydic derivatives of OMP in the plasma of ponies during the winter photoperiods only after exercise in both sexes. A decrease in the levels of ketonic derivatives of OMP in the summer photoperiod was observed. These changes were observed independently of the sex and only after exercise. Levels of aldehydic and ketonic derivatives of OMP varied depending on the photoperiod and exercise session in our studies. These changes were dependent on the baseline levels of the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems in the ponies, which differed between the mares and the stallions (statistically significant differences in the winter period) both before and after exercise (winter).
Keywords: oxidatively modified proteins, plasma, exercise, seasonal alterations, photoperiods, Shetland ponies, mares and stallions.
The Viability of Creating Cost-Effective Coaching Video Delay Devices for Sports
Authors: Chan Alexander
Published: May 2023

In the world of sports, video training has become more commonplace for helping coaches and athletes elevate themselves to a higher-performing level. As athletes progress to higher levels in their sports, more and more athletes are turning to video recording as a means to amplify their performance levels. Currently, video recording and playback devices available to the sports world can be cost-prohibitive. This creates a performance-divide, preventing athletes from progressing to their next level of performance and allowing other athletes to progress faster. This research is designed to identify a solution that is low cost and effective as a training aid. The goal of this research is to determine whether it is financially viable to create and produce a low-cost playback device that helps close the performance-divide gap.
Vocational Congruence for Esports and Gaming Video Content in Post-Secondary Education
Authors: Grambart Stefan
Published: May 2023

The video gaming industry has grown reliably year-over-year since its inception in the 1970s. In 2018, video game revenue worldwide peaked at 43.8 billion USD (Shieber, 2019), surpassing the film industry’s 41.1B (McClintock, 2019) by a healthy margin. As gaming’s relevance is cemented and its legitimacy becomes less of a debate, it continues to permeate other areas of the media, including competitive sports and traditional video content. Esports has seen an immense global market growth over the last five years, and as gaming video content continues to establish a strong foothold in streaming media, its influence on a wide range of careers is becoming more and more apparent—most noticeably in the television and film entertainment sector.

This research examines and interrogates how the rise of esports and gaming video content (GVC) is poised to change the landscapes of both sports entertainment and streaming video, necessitating the need for integrative content production training, and a shift in emphasis from the traditional application of broadcast media in education. Through ​The Armoury project—which includes a framework for curriculum change and the introduction of GVC production facilities—it is the aim of this research to provide the necessary insights to inform vocational congruence within university course offerings to better serve students headed towards careers in the field of games and esports media.
The Pathogen Isolates in Chronic Wound Infections in Poland
Authors: Malka Marcin , Krakowiecki Arkadiusz , Chojak Magdalena , Pławski Marek , Wądołek Mariusz , Wołowicz Agnieszka , Dyczewska Aleksandra , Paź Aleksandra , Pawlik Katarzyna , Grzela Tomasz
Published: May 2023

Chronic wound infection is one of the factors that hinder or prevent its healing. The incidence of infection may vary depending on the type of wound. It is estimated that clinically significant infection in diabetic foot syndrome occurs in up to 30% of patients. Accurate diagnosis of infection features and proper microbiological tests are crucial for introducing of appropriate local and often systemic treatment. The aim of the study was a comparative analysis of the microbiota found in infected chronic wounds in patients from Poland, consulted on an outpatient basis at a wound care center in 2013–2021. The indication for microbiology culture tests was the detection of local signs of infection, and sampling was preceded by appropriate wound debridement. The standard culture technique was a deep-tissue biopsy. Material for the study was collected from 1,199 patients. Overall, 3,917 results of microbiological tests were subjected to retrospective analysis. The paper presents the results in the form of the number of cultured microorganisms and their relative incidence as percentages, considering the division into the types of wounds from which the material was obtained. The most frequently isolated microorganisms in the analyzed group were Staphylococcus aureus (14.3% of this group were MRSA – methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and Enterococcus faecalis (2.4% of this group were VRE – vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus).

Further analysis of such an extensive database, especially regarding drug susceptibility of isolated microorganisms, seems crucial to elaborate new recommendations for empirical antibacterial treatment of infected chronic wounds.
SELF CARE ASSISTANCE TOWARDS THE FAMILIES IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ELDERLY WITH DISABILITIES
Authors: Sutriyanti Yanti , Almaini Almaini , Utario Yossy
Published: May 2023

The big role of the family as a person who is very close to the client is to be able to take good care of and even make the elderly with disabilities become independent and prosperous in the their old age. The quality of life of the elderly has 4 domains in their life, namely physical health, psychological health, social relations, and environmental aspects where these four needs must be fulfilled. If these needs are not met, problems will arise in the life of the elderly which can reduce their quality of life. The purpose of this study was to apply the Self Care Assistance  for Families in Improving the Quality of Life of the Elderly in Rejang Lebong Regency. The research design used a Quasy Experiment using a Pretest-Postest with Control Group. The population of this study was elderly with disabilities, the sample was 20 people in the intervention group and 20 people in the control group. The results showed that there were differences in the application of self-care assistance by families in the intervention group and control group before and after being given assistance (p value 0.001) and there was an effect of assistance in the application of self-care assistance by families on the Quality of Life of the Elderly  in Rejang Lebong district ( p value.0.001). Based on qualitative data after being given assistance to their families, elderly people with disabilities feel happy to be close to their families, their bodies feel cleaner and more comfortable, and they feel cared for. The conclusion is the self-care assistance can improve the quality of life for elderly people with disabilities.
Satisfação no trabalho de professores do ensino básico, técnico e tecnológico
Authors: Nascimento Iracema Mirella Alves Lima , Hartmann Júnior José Antônio Spencer , Nascimento Mirtson Aécio dos Reis , Garcia Sônia Maria da Silva , Pereira Juliana de Castro Nunes , Silva Judicléia Marinho da , Lima Angélica de Godoy Torres
Published: May 2023

Introdução: Satisfação profissional dos professores é um sentimento e uma forma de estar positivo perante a profissão, originados por fatores contextuais e/ou exteriorizados pela dedicação, defesa e mesmo felicidade face à mesma. Objetivo: Analisar o nível de satisfação no trabalho entre docentes do ensino básico, técnico e tecnológico, considerando os aspectos intrínsecos, ambiente físico e relações hierárquicas em associação com os aspectos pessoais, profissionais e de saúde desses professores. Métodos: Estudo transversal com dados coletados entre julho e agosto de 2020, por meio do Google forms, em uma instituição pública de educação em Pernambuco. Teve como amostra 82 professores. O instrumento de coleta de dados foi um questionário sobre características pessoais, profissionais e de saúde e a escala de satisfação no trabalho. Os dados foram analisados no software SPSS. Resultados: Evidenciou-se que 59,8% dos professores estavam satisfeitos com o trabalho de uma maneira geral. Houve correlações significativas entre a satisfação no trabalho e os fatores possuir religião, número de turmas em que o professor leciona e grau de escolaridade do professor. Conclusão: As respostas possivelmente foram influenciadas pela pandemia COVID-19, sugere-se a realização de pesquisas no contexto pós-pandêmico, para constituir um contraponto acerca do diagnóstico apresentado.
H. G. Porthan und die ungarische Sprache
Authors: Weöres Gyula
Published: May 2023

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Ung. fagyal 'Ligustrum vulgare L.'
Authors: Fabricius-Kovács Ferenc
Published: May 2023

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László Papp Nyelvjárástörténet és nyelvi statisztika
Authors: Büky Béla
Published: May 2023

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Zur paläosibirischen Linguistik in der Sowjetunion
Authors: Angere Johannes
Published: May 2023

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Sarıseki-Dörtyol Bölgesinde yer alan toprakların bazı besin element içeriklerinin yersel dağılımımın jeoistatistiksel yöntemlerle modellenmesi ve haritalanması
Authors: AĞCA Necat , KARAKAYA Yunus
Published: May 2023

Toprak özelliklerinin bilinmesi, hem tarımın sürdürülebilirliği hem de çevre koruma açısından son derece önemlidir. Bu çalışmada, Sarıseki-Dörtyol (Hatay) arasında kalan tarım arazilerdeki toprakların bazı besin elementi içeriklerinin belirlenmesi ve dağılımlarının modellenerek haritalarının oluşturulması amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla, araştırma alanındaki toprakları temsil edecek şekilde rastgele örnekleme yöntemine göre 0-30 cm derinlikten toplam 42 adet bozulmuş toprak örneği alınmıştır. Toprak örneklerinin alındığı noktaların coğrafi koordinatları küresel konumlama cihazı (GPS) kullanılarak kayıt edilmiştir. Toprak örneklerinde, ekstrakte edilebilir sodyum (Na), potasyum (K), magnezyum (Mg), kalsiyum (Ca), alınabilir fosfor (P), demir (Fe), bakır (Cu), mangan (Mn) ve çinko (Zn) analizleri yapılmıştır. Toprakların besin element içeriklerinin yersel dağılımının belirlenmesi ve haritalanmasında jeoistatistiksel yöntemler kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre çalışma alanındaki toprakların verimlilik ile ilgili özelliklerinin dağılımlarının oldukça farklı sınırlar içinde değiştiği belirlenmiştir. Toprakların en düşük-en yüksek Na, K, Mg, Ca, P, Fe, Cu, Mg ve Zn içerikleri sırasıyla, 12.50 - 145.56, 43.65 - 587.44, 1403.53 - 6578.25, 314.09 - 2514.97, 0.20-170.36, 3.27 – 50.33, 0.56 – 37.62, 9.89 – 93.35 ve 1.53 – 74.16 mg kg-1 arasında değişmiştir. Besin elementleri içerisinde en düşük varyasyon katsayısı (VK) Mg içeriklerinde (%35.7), en yüksek VK değeri ise fosfor değerlerinde (%133.3) belirlenmiştir. En uygun yarıvariyogram modeli; K, Cu ve Zn için küresel; Na, Ca, Mg, P ve Mn için Gaussian, Fe için ise üssel olarak belirlenmiştir. Demir (Fe) dışında diğer tüm mikro besin elementlerinin toprakta yeterli düzeyde olduğu görülmüştür. Yine, makro besin elementlerinden Ca ve Mg içeriklerinin çalışma alanındaki tüm topraklarda yeterli düzeyde olduğu belirlenmiştir.
Tratamiento del embarazo ectópico cervical mediante cerclaje tipo Shirodka modificada. Una serie de casos
Authors: Carpio-Guzmán Luis Alberto
Published: May 2023

Introducción. El embarazo ectópico cervical es un desafío tanto en el diagnóstico como en su tratamiento. La histerectomía ha dejado de ser el tratamiento más usado siendo los tratamientos médicos y mínimamente invasivos los más utilizados. Objetivo. Describir la eficacia del cerclaje cervical tipo Shirodkar en el manejo del embarazo cervical. El estudio. Se presenta una serie de casos tratados en el Instituto Nacional Materno Perinatal en gestantes atendidas entre el 2015 al 2021. Se realizó la técnica modificada de cerclaje cervical de Shirodkar con fines hemostáticos, para que nos permita realizar la aspiración del saco gestacional contenido en el canal cervical, evitando la hemorragia. Hallazgo. Fueron tratados 6 casos de embarazo ectópico cervical con la técnica de Shirodkar modificada todos con éxito, toda vez que se evacuó el tejido embrionario contenido en el canal cervical controlando el sangrado post-evacuación, no requiriéndose tratamientos adicionales ni histerectomía. Conclusión. La evaluación de esta serie de casos permite concluir que la técnica de cerclaje cervical tipo Shirodkar modificado, en el tratamiento del embarazo ectópico cervical, es efectiva al controlar el sangrado potencial que se puede producir luego de la evacuación del tejido embrionario ubicado en el canal cervical, evitando tratamientos adicionales o la histerectomía.
ADOLESCENCE AND MANIFESTATION EMOTIONS IN THE FAMILY
Authors: MIČKOVÁ ZUZANA
Published: May 2023

We have studied the expressiveness of the family in connection with expressing real emotions. We are interested in gender differences in positive and negative emotional expressiveness of adolescents. The research sample consists of high school students (N = 110, M = 46, F = 64, AM 19.3). We have used the Family Environment Scale (Hargašová, Kollárik, 1986), the scale of expressivity (Barchard, 2001). We have found that the low family expressiveness is associated with emotional expression outside the family, which means the lower degree of expressiveness in the family, the higher level of negative expressivity in an individual. Gender differences have shown that women perceive the possibility of expressing their emotion in the family more positive than men, but men reached a higher score for expressing emotions.
Changes in Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 17-4PH Stainless Steel according to the Application of Laser Rotation in the Powder Bed Fusion(PBF) Process
Authors: Lee Seung-Ho , Yoon Jong-Cheon , Eo Du-rim , Yeon Si-Mo , Choi Kyun-Suk
Published: May 2023

17-4 precipitation hardened stainless steel (17-4PH SS) has been reported to have excellent mechanical properties and excellent corrosion resistance, and is one of the materials used and studied with the powder bed fusion (PBF) method. Powder bed fusion (PBF) is a new manufacturing technology that has recently attracted attention in automotive, aerospace and other industries because of its ability to produce complex geometries for high-strength and lightweight applications. In the PBF process, each layer has a different laser scan length resulting from the application of laser rotation. The laser rotation could affect the laser scan length, which causes a difference in the peak temperature and cooling rate of the deposited layer, resulting in microstructure changes. This work aims to investigate how varying the laser scan pattern in the PBF process affects the microstructure and mechanical properties of 17-4PH SS. A decrease in cooling rate was observed after applying laser scan rotation, resulting in a higher austenite phase fraction. It was confirmed that a transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) phenomenon affects mechanical characteristics. These results could be suggested for fabricating thin wall shaped such as tire blow mold parts in the powder bed fusion process using the 17-4PH SS.
Influence of Heat-Treatment on Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of CuCrFeMnNi High-Entropy Alloy
Authors: Song Hoseop , Song Sung Ho , Cho Jaiyoung , Song Gian
Published: May 2023

High entropy alloys (HEAs) are defined as a multi-element alloy including more than 4 elements with near equi-atomic percentage. In general, the configurational entropy of the HEAs is known to be sufficient to stabilize a single solid solution, such as body-centered cubic (BCC), face-centered cubic (FCC) and hexagonal-closed pack (HCP). Compared to BCC single-phase alloys, FCC single-phase alloys draw extensive attention because they are advantageous in manufacturing and processing. FCC-based HEAs show excellent ductility but limited strength, so many research on improving strength has been conducted. Outstanding mechanical properties with a balance of strength and ductility are rarely achieved in single-phase FCC-based HEAs. This is why most alloys for structural applications exhibit a multi-phase microstructure. In this study, we aimed to develop multi-phase FCC-based HEA with superior mechanical properties than single-phase CoCrFeMnNi HEA, via Co substitution in CoCrFeMnNi HEA by Cu, which has a high mixing enthalpy. It was found that the CuCrFeMnNi HEA is composed of two FCC phases and one BCC phase. The CuCrFeMnNi HEA was cold-rolled, and subsequently aged at 500, 700, 900oC for 1 hour. As the annealing temperature increased, the volume fraction of the FCC phase (FCC1 + FCC2) increased and the residual stress was gradually relieved by recrystallization. Furthermore, small amount of sigma phase was formed at 900oC. The effect of the microstructural evolution on the mechanical properties, such as hardness and tensile properties at room temperature, will be discussed.
"Mary Wears What She Wants": Nurturing Gender Expression in Primary School Children
Authors: Wei Samantha , Peng Lance
Published: May 2023

Utilising her extensive teaching experience at Taipei Private Zhongshan Elementary School, Samantha Wei developed a teaching plan for first-grade students that incorporates the picture book "Mary Wears What She Wants" by Keith Negley, aiming to foster awareness of gender expression. This plan underwent further refinement and was transformed into an academic poster by Lance Peng, a PhD candidate, and subsequently presented at a seminar hosted by the Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge. The primary objective was to initiate scholarly discussions within broader academic communities concerning the utilisation of picture books in addressing gender expression among children. The core of this teaching session revolve around critical analysis, self-reflection and expression, as well as cultural understanding and empathy. Furthermore, this picture book teaching plan possesses the potential to be expanded to encompass transgender issues. Moreover, by incorporating aesthetic education, it enables students to explore their own distinctive sartorial style.
Proposições para uma formação docente no ensino de ciências: o ví­rus zika e a epidemia de Microcefalia
Authors: Karat Marinilde Tadeu , Busko Paula Simone , Giraldi Patricia Montanari
Published: May 2023

Quando surgem novas controvérsias cientí­ficas como a relação entre ví­rus zika e microcefalia, que a ciência não tem condições de fornecer respostas em curto prazo, o clima de incertezas acaba favorecendo o medo e a insegurança na população, dando margem ao aparecimento de fake news. Diante do exposto, objetiva-se discutir como as controvérsias cientí­ficas colaboraram para um clima de incerteza dando margem ao surgimento das fake news. Ao final, considerar uma proposta de um roteiro didático como metodologia para o desenvolvimento de uma oficina pedagógica voltada à formação de professores no ensino de ciências. A formação de professores para o ensino médio também deve incorporar tecnologias e novas linguagens. Dependendo da configuração proposta pelo sistema de ensino e do professor em sala de aula, o roteiro didático proposto pode indicar possibilidades para a construção de novos caminhos para o ensino de ciências como o caso da autoria desenvolvida pelos alunos.
O centro cirúrgico na ótica do profissional da enfermagem: um estudo qualitativo
Authors: Uberaja Daiane dos Anjos , Moraes Kelen Cristiane de Souza , Souza Rebeca Rosa de
Published: May 2023

Objetivo: Apreender os sentimentos da equipe de enfermagem atuantes do centro cirúrgico, frente ao ambiente de trabalho. Método: Estudo descritivo-exploratório, de natureza qualitativa, realizado com 19 profissionais da equipe de enfermagem de um centro cirúrgico localizado na região sul do Brasil. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre fevereiro a abril de 2021, foram áudio gravadas e submetidas à análise de conteúdo modalidade temática. Resultados: Emergiu-se uma categoria: “Percebendo a ambiência intrínseca do centro cirúrgico, a relação interpessoal e a organização do processo de trabalho como fatores influenciadores da insatisfação e adoecimento profissional. Considerações finais: a ambivalência das vivências e os sentimentos dos profissionais de enfermagem do centro cirúrgico estão atrelados ao (des)contentamento laboral, estando, intrinsecamente relacionadas a aspectos materiais como a estrutura organizacional; à ambiência e seus fatores estressantes; e a aspectos subjetivos como relações interpessoais conflitantes; sobrecarga de trabalho; reflexos nos ambientes familiares e acometimento físico e psicossocial.
Reabsorção radicular apical externa no tratamento ortodôntico com aparelhos fixos e alinhadores: Revisão Integrativa
Authors: Shibayama Patricia da Costa
Published: May 2023

Objetivo: Realizar por meio de revisão descrição do fenômeno reabsorção radicular apical externa, em incisivos superiores e inferiores, quando tratado com alinhadores e aparelho fixo convencional. Métodos: A busca se deu na base de dados Pubmed de estudos clínicos randomizados e controlados, e revisões sistemáticas. Os critérios de inclusão foram desenvolvimento radicular deveria estar completo antes do início do estudo e as medidas deveriam ser realizadas somente nos incisivos inferiores, mas não havia restrições quanto à oclusão, sexo, idade ou duração do tratamento. Resultados: De forma geral a prevalência e severidade de reabsorção radicular apical externa no grupo de alinhadores se apresentou menor ou igual do que no grupo de aparelhos fixos, porém mais estudos randomizados avaliando este grupo de dentes são necessários, pois a maioria dos artigos verificados apresentaram baixo nível de evidência, com falhas metodológicas mais comuns relacionadas à ausência de grupo controle, estratégia de randomização inadequada e exames impróprios. Conclusão/Considerações finais: Não foram encontradas diferenças significantes de reabsorção radicular apical externa na avaliação entre as duas formas de tratamento
Bayesian networks and imaging-derived phenotypes highlight the role of fat deposition in COVID-19 hospitalisation risk
Authors: Waddell T. , Namburete A. I. L. , Duckworth P. , Eichert N. , Thomaides-Brears H. , Cuthbertson D. J. , Despres J. P. , Brady M.
Published: May 2023

Objective: Obesity is a significant risk factor for adverse outcomes following coronavirus infection (COVID-19). However, BMI fails to capture differences in the body fat distribution, the critical driver of metabolic health. Conventional statistical methodologies lack functionality to investigate the causality between fat distribution and disease outcomes.

Methods: We applied Bayesian network (BN) modelling to explore the mechanistic link between body fat deposition and hospitalisation risk in 459 participants with COVID-19 (395 non-hospitalised and 64 hospitalised). MRI-derived measures of visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and liver fat were included. Conditional probability queries were performed to estimate the probability of hospitalisation after fixing the value of specific network variables.

Results: The probability of hospitalisation was 18% higher in people living with obesity than those with normal weight, with elevated VAT being the primary determinant of obesity-related risk. Across all BMI categories, elevated VAT and liver fat (>10%) were associated with a 39% mean increase in the probability of hospitalisation. Among those with normal weight, reducing liver fat content from >10% to <5% reduced hospitalisation risk by 29%.

Conclusion: Body fat distribution is a critical determinant of COVID-19 hospitalisation risk. BN modelling and probabilistic inferences assist our understanding of the mechanistic associations between imaging-derived phenotypes and COVID-19 hospitalisation risk.
Network medicine: facilitating a new view on complex diseases
Authors: Cvijovic Marija , Polster Annikka
Published: May 2023

Complex diseases are prevalent medical conditions which are characterized by inter-patient heterogeneity with regards to symptom profiles, disease trajectory, comorbidities, and treatment response. Their pathophysiology involves a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychosocial factors. The intricacies of complex diseases, encompassing different levels of biological organization in the context of environmental and psychosocial factors, makes them difficult to study, understand, prevent, and treat. The field of network medicine has progressed our understanding of these complex mechanisms and highlighted mechanistic overlap between diagnoses as well as patterns of symptom co-occurrence. These observations call into question the traditional conception of complex diseases, where diagnoses are treated as distinct entities, and prompts us to reconceptualize our nosological models. Thus, this manuscript presents a novel model, in which the individual disease burden is determined as a function of molecular, physiological, and pathological factors simultaneously, and represented as a state vector. In this conceptualization the focus shifts from identifying the underlying pathophysiology of diagnosis cohorts towards identifying symptom-determining traits in individual patients. This conceptualization facilitates a multidimensional approach to understanding human physiology and pathophysiology in the context of complex diseases. This may provide a useful concept to address both the significant interindividual heterogeneity of diagnose cohorts as well as the lack of clear distinction between diagnoses, health, and disease, thus facilitating the progression towards personalized medicine.
Association of genetic polymorphisms in the C19orf66 gene and biochemical indices of HBV infected individuals in Yunnan
Authors: Liu Ni , Liu Min , Yang Jun , Dong Shuwei , Yue Ming , Huang Peng , Xia Xueshan , Zhang A-Mei
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes serious liver diseases and is a healthy problem worldwide. Although vaccines are administered to infants after birth, there is no effective medicine for HBV infection. The interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) are important factors in the host that can aid in restraining the virus, and the C19orf66 gene has a wide-antiviral spectrum.

Methods

In this study, three SNPs in the C19orf66 gene were sequenced and genotyped, and their potential function were predicted and further verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

Although no significant difference of genotype and allele frequency was observed between HBV patients and the controls, the genotype and allele frequency showed significant difference between HBV patients with HBsAg-positive and HBV patients with HBsAg-negative or controls. Genotype AA (P= 0.009) and AT (P= 0.019) of rs77076061 showed higher and lower frequency in HBV patients with HBsAg-positive than in patients with HBsAg-negative, respectively. Genotype AG of rs1979262 played a risk role in HBV patients with HBsAg-positive (13.22%) than in patients with HBsAg-negative (7.53%, P= 0.036) or controls (8.48%, P= 0.033). The frequency of allele A of rs1979262 was higher in patients with HBsAg-positive (6.61%) than in patients with HBsAg-negative (3.77%, P= 0.042), while it was the opposite for the allele G. Moreover, the associations between genotypes of SNPs in the C19orf66 gene and the ALT, AST, and DBIL level were also identified. The functional assay suggested that the SNPs might influence the C19orf66 expression by changing the connection of transcriptional factors.

Conclusion

In summary, the association between genetic polymorphisms in the C19orf66 gene and HBV infection/biochemical indices of patients was firstly identified in Yunnan Province.
Mechanistic inhibition of Monkeypox and Marburg virus infection by O-rhamnosides and Kaempferol-o-rhamnosides derivatives: a new-fangled computational approach
Authors: Al Mashud Md. Abdullah , Kumer Ajoy , Mukerjee Nobendu , Chandro Akhel , Maitra Swastika , Chakma Unesco , Dey Abhijit , Akash Shopnil , Alexiou Athanasiosis , Khan Azmat Ali , Alanazi Amer M. , Ghosh Arabinda , Chen Kow-Tong , Sharma Rohit
Published: May 2023

The increasing incidence of Monkeypox virus (Mpox) and Marburg virus (MARV) infections worldwide presents a significant challenge to global health, as limited treatment options are currently available. This study investigates the potential of several O-rhamnosides and Kaempferol-O-rhamnosides as Mpox and MARV inhibitors using molecular modeling methods, including ADMET, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics/MD simulation. The effectiveness of these compounds against the viruses was assessed using the Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) prediction. The study’s primary focus is molecular docking prediction, which demonstrated that ligands (L07, L08, and L09) bind to Mpox (PDB ID: 4QWO) and MARV (PDB ID: 4OR8) with binding affinities ranging from -8.00 kcal/mol to -9.5 kcal/mol. HOMO-LUMO based quantum calculations were employed to determine the HOMO-LUMO gap of frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) and to estimate chemical potential, electronegativity, hardness, and softness. Drug similarity and ADMET prediction assessments of pharmacokinetic properties revealed that the compounds were likely non-carcinogenic, non-hepatotoxic, and rapidly soluble. Molecular dynamic (MD) modeling was used to identify the most favorable docked complexes involving bioactive chemicals. MD simulations indicate that varying types of kaempferol-O-rhamnoside are necessary for successful docking validation and maintaining the stability of the docked complex. These findings could facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic agents for treating illnesses caused by the Mpox and MARV viruses.
Lipoprotein(a) induces caspase-1 activation and IL-1 signaling in human macrophages
Authors: Lorey Martina B. , Youssef Amer , Äikäs Lauri , Borrelli Matthew , Hermansson Martin , Assini Julia M. , Kemppainen Aapeli , Ruhanen Hanna , Ruuth Maija , Matikainen Sampsa , Kovanen Petri T. , Käkelä Reijo , Boffa Michael B. , Koschinsky Marlys L. , Öörni Katariina
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an LDL-like particle with an additional apolipoprotein (apo)(a) covalently attached. Elevated levels of circulating Lp(a) are a risk factor for atherosclerosis. A proinflammatory role for Lp(a) has been proposed, but its molecular details are incompletely defined.

Methods and results

To explore the effect of Lp(a) on human macrophages we performed RNA sequencing on THP-1 macrophages treated with Lp(a) or recombinant apo(a), which showed that especially Lp(a) induces potent inflammatory responses. Thus, we stimulated THP-1 macrophages with serum containing various Lp(a) levels to investigate their correlations with cytokines highlighted by the RNAseq, showing significant correlations with caspase-1 activity and secretion of IL-1β and IL-18. We further isolated both Lp(a) and LDL particles from three donors and then compared their atheroinflammatory potentials together with recombinant apo(a) in primary and THP-1 derived macrophages. Compared with LDL, Lp(a) induced a robust and dose-dependent caspase-1 activation and release of IL-1β and IL-18 in both macrophage types. Recombinant apo(a) strongly induced caspase-1 activation and IL-1β release in THP-1 macrophages but yielded weak responses in primary macrophages. Structural analysis of these particles revealed that the Lp(a) proteome was enriched in proteins associated with complement activation and coagulation, and its lipidome was relatively deficient in polyunsaturated fatty acids and had a high n-6/n-3 ratio promoting inflammation.

Discussion

Our data show that Lp(a) particles induce the expression of inflammatory genes, and Lp(a) and to a lesser extent apo(a) induce caspase-1 activation and IL-1 signaling. Major differences in the molecular profiles between Lp(a) and LDL contribute to Lp(a) being more atheroinflammatory.
Case report: Torsade de pointes induced by the bigeminy result from retrograde ventriculoatrial activation in VVI pacing and resolved by intentional atrial pacing
Authors: Chu Song-Yun , Sheng Qin-Hui , Shi Qiu-Ping , Qiu Lin , Wu Lin , Zhou Jing
Published: May 2023

Introduction

While pacing has been used for long QT syndrome (LQTs), the optimal pacing modality is controversial.

Case

We report a woman with bradycardia and a recently implanted single-chamber pacemaker experienced multiple syncope. No device dysfunction was found. Multiple Torsade de Pointes (TdP) induced by the bigeminy result from retrograde ventriculoatrial (VA) activation in VVI pacing were demonstrated in the scenario of previously unidentified LQTs. Replacement for a dual-chamber ICD and intentional atrial pacing eliminated the VA conduction and symptoms.

Conclusion

Pacing without atrioventricular sequence might be catastrophic in LQTs. Atrial pacing and atrioventricular synchrony should be highlighted.
Analysis of Japanese consumers' attitudes toward the digital transformation of OTC medicine purchase behavior and eHealth literacy: an online survey for digital experience design
Authors: Tang Guyue , Izumi Kairi , Izumisawa Megumi , Koyama Shinichi
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Since the enactment of the revised Pharmaceutical Affairs Act in Japan in 2009, self-medication practices have increased in the country. However, studies report that consumers pay little attention to the medication facts and risks indicated on the packages of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, which could be a potential risk. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the digital transformation of purchasing OTC medicines has progressed. As an appropriate design for the digital transformation is likely to improve consumers' literacy and them obtaining medical information, this study systematically examines Japanese consumers' attitudes toward the digital transformation of OTC medicine purchase behavior and its correlation to eHealth literacy, exploring an appropriate digital experience design in purchasing OTC medicine.

Methods

Participants from the Greater Tokyo Area of Japan participated in an online survey. Consumers' current behavior and preferences in accessing OTC medicine, receiving medication guidance, and obtaining medical information were examined. eHealth literacy was assessed using the J-eHEALS. Descriptive statistics, text mining, and thematic analysis were conducted to answer research questions.

Results

Over 89% of the respondents who had experience in purchasing OTC medicines preferred local pharmacies or stores rather than online purchasing, p < 0.001. Obtaining medicine guidance in pharmacies or stores was the main preference over other approaches, p < 0.001. Furthermore, most of the participants accepted selecting medicine on shelves and digital screens in-store. However, they were accustomed to using smartphones to obtain additional information at the pharmacy or drug store, p < 0.001; this behavior was positively correlated with eHealth literacy, p < 0.001.

Conclusions

Japanese consumers are seeking a combination of conventional and digital behaviors for purchasing OTC medicine rather than opting for a particular method. Most consumers prefer purchasing and receiving instructions in-store while searching for additional decision-making information online. eHealth literacy is positively associated with digital behaviors of OTC medicine information acquisition but less associated with medicine purchases and selections. The hybrid digital experience design may enhance the OTC medicine purchase experience and reduce potential risks by providing appropriate information.
The critical thinking-oriented adaptations of problem-based learning models: a systematic review
Authors: Yu Ling , Zin Zuhana Mohamed
Published: May 2023

Critical thinking is a significant twenty-first century skill that is prioritized by higher education. Problem-based learning is becoming widely accepted as an effective way to enhance critical thinking. However, as the results of studies that use PBL to develop CT have had mixed success, PBL models need to be modified to guarantee positive outcomes. This study is a systematic review that analyzed how studies have adapted Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to become more Critical Thinking (CT)-oriented, evaluated the effectiveness of these adaptations, and determined why certain adaptations were successful. The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) by searching the scientific databases Scopus and Web of Science. Twenty journal articles were chosen based on their adherence to the inclusion criteria established by PICo (Population, Phenomenon of Interest, and Context). In these studies, PBL adaptations were categorized into five classifications, with activities centered on CT development being the most prevalent approach. Researchers utilized a variety of analytical methodologies to assess the effectiveness of these adaptations and derive significant insights and formulate valid conclusions. An analysis of all selected studies revealed positive outcomes, indicating that incorporating CT elements into PBL was effective in enhancing students' CT. These findings were categorized into nine factors that contribute to the successful adaptation of PBL to be CT-oriented.
Two web-based dynamic prediction models for the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer with bone metastases: evidence from the SEER database
Authors: Liu Bo , Li Kangpeng , Ma Rui , Zhang Qiang
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Our aim was to identify the clinical characteristics and develop and validate diagnostic and prognostic web-based dynamic prediction models for gastric cancer (GC) with bone metastasis (BM) using the SEER database.

Method

Our study retrospectively analyzed and extracted the clinical data of patients aged 18-85 years who were diagnosed with gastric cancer between 2010 and 2015 in the SEER database. We randomly divided all patients into a training set and a validation set according to the ratio of 7 to 3. Independent factors were identified using logistic regression and Cox regression analyses. Furthermore, we developed and validated two web-based clinical prediction models. We evaluated the prediction models using the C-index, ROC, calibration curve, and DCA.

Result

A total of 23,156 patients with gastric cancer were included in this study, of whom 975 developed bone metastases. Age, site, grade, T stage, N stage, brain metastasis, liver metastasis, and lung metastasis were identified as independent risk factors for the development of BM in GC patients. T stage, surgery, and chemotherapy were identified as independent prognostic factors for GC with BM. The AUCs of the diagnostic nomogram were 0.79 and 0.81 in the training and test sets, respectively. The AUCs of the prognostic nomogram at 6, 9, and 12 months were 0.93, 0.86, 0.78, and 0.65, 0.69, 0.70 in the training and test sets, respectively. The calibration curve and DCA showed good performance of the nomogram.

Conclusions

We established two web-based dynamic prediction models in our study. It could be used to predict the risk score and overall survival time of developing bone metastasis in patients with gastric cancer. In addition, we also hope that these two web-based applications will help physicians comprehensively manage gastric cancer patients with bone metastases.
Impact of short and long exposure to cafeteria diet on food intake and white adipose tissue lipolysis mediated by glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor
Authors: Mattar Pamela , Jaque Cristian , Teske Jennifer A. , Morselli Eugenia , Kerr Bredford , Cortés Víctor , Baudrand Rene , Perez-Leighton Claudio E.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The modern food environment facilitates excessive calorie intake, a major driver of obesity. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) is a neuroendocrine peptide that has been the basis for developing new pharmacotherapies against obesity. The GLP1 receptor (GLP1R) is expressed in central and peripheral tissues, and activation of GLP1R reduces food intake, increases the expression of thermogenic proteins in brown adipose tissue (BAT), and enhances lipolysis in white adipose tissue (WAT). Obesity decreases the efficiency of GLP1R agonists in reducing food intake and body weight. Still, whether palatable food intake before or during the early development of obesity reduces the effects of GLP1R agonists on food intake and adipose tissue metabolism remains undetermined. Further, whether GLP1R expressed in WAT contributes to these effects is unclear.

Methods

Food intake, expression of thermogenic BAT proteins, and WAT lipolysis were measured after central or peripheral administration of Exendin-4 (EX4), a GLP1R agonist, to mice under intermittent-short exposure to CAF diet (3 h/d for 8 days) or a longer-continuous exposure to CAF diet (24 h/d for 15 days). Ex-vivo lipolysis was measured after EX4 exposure to WAT samples from mice fed CAF or control diet for 12 weeks. .

Results

During intermittent-short exposure to CAF diet (3 h/d for 8 days), third ventricle injection (ICV) and intra-peritoneal administration of EX4 reduced palatable food intake. Yet, during a longer-continuous exposure to CAF diet (24 h/d for 15 days), only ICV EX4 administration reduced food intake and body weight. However, this exposure to CAF diet blocked the increase in uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) caused by ICV EX4 administration in mice fed control diet. Finally, GLP1R expression in WAT was minimal, and EX4 failed to increase lipolysis ex-vivo in WAT tissue samples from mice fed CAF or control diet for 12 weeks. .

Discussion

Exposure to a CAF diet during the early stages of obesity reduces the effects of peripheral and central GLP1R agonists, and WAT does not express a functional GLP1 receptor. These data support that exposure to the obesogenic food environment, without the development or manifestation of obesity, can alter the response to GLP1R agonists. .
Bone morphogenetic protein-7 attenuates pancreatic damage under diabetic conditions and prevents progression to diabetic nephropathy via inhibition of ferroptosis
Authors: Song Sang Hyun , Han Dawool , Park Kyeonghui , Um Jo Eun , Kim Seonghun , Ku Minhee , Yang Jaemoon , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Yook Jong In , Kim Nam Hee , Kim Hyun Sil
Published: May 2023

Background

Approximately 30% of diabetic patients develop diabetic nephropathy, a representative microvascular complication. Although the etiological mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated, renal tubular damage by hyperglycemia-induced expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is known to be involved. Recently, a new type of cell death by iron metabolism called ferroptosis was reported to be involved in kidney damage in animal models of diabetic nephropathy, which could be induced by TGF-β. Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP7) is a well-known antagonist of TGF-β inhibiting TGF-β-induced fibrosis in many organs. Further, BMP7 has been reported to play a role in the regeneration of pancreatic beta cells in diabetic animal models.

Methods

We used protein transduction domain (PTD)-fused BMP7 in micelles (mPTD-BMP7) for long-lasting in vivo effects and effective in vitro transduction and secretion.

Results

mPTD-BMP7 successfully accelerated the regeneration of diabetic pancreas and impeded progression to diabetic nephropathy. With the administration of mPTD-BMP7, clinical parameters and representative markers of pancreatic damage were alleviated in a mouse model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. It not only inhibited the downstream genes of TGF-β but also attenuated ferroptosis in the kidney of the diabetic mouse and TGF-β-stimulated rat kidney tubular cells.

Conclusion

BMP7 impedes the progression of diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting the canonical TGF-β pathway, attenuating ferroptosis, and helping regenerate diabetic pancreas.