bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The changing epidemiology of human leishmaniasis in the non-endemic country of Austria between 2000 to 2021, including a congenital case
Authors: Riebenbauer Katharina , Czerny Stefan , Egg Maximilian , Urban Nikolaus , Kinaciyan Tamar , Hampel Amélie , Fidelsberger Luise , Karlhofer Franz , Porkert Stefanie , Walochnik Julia , Handisurya Alessandra
Published: January 2024

Background

Leishmaniasis is caused by infection with intracellular protozoans of the genusLeishmania. Transmission occurs predominantly by the bite of phlebotomine sandflies, other routes, including congenital transmission, are rare. The disease manifests as either cutaneous, visceral or mucosal/mucocutaneous leishmaniasis. In recent years, changes in the epidemiological pattern have been reported from Europe.

Principal findings

A total of 311 new and 29 published leishmaniasis cases occurring between 01/01/2000 and 12/31/2021 in Austria were collected and analyzed. These encompassed 146 cutaneous (CL), 14 visceral (VL), 4 mucosal, and 3 cases with concurrent VL and CL. In addition, asymptomatic infections, comprising 11 unspecified cases withLeishmaniaDNA detectable only in the blood and 162 cases with anti-Leishmaniaantibodies were reported. Particularly since 2016, the incidence of leishmaniasis has steadily risen, mainly attributable to increasing numbers of CL and cases with positive serology againstLeishmaniaspecies, whereas the incidence of VL has slowly decreased. Analysis revealed that a shift in the causative species spectrum had occurred and that a substantial number of CL cases were caused by members of theLeishmania donovani/infantumcomplex. Simultaneous occurrence of VL and CL was identified in immunocompromised individuals, but also in a not yet reported case of an immunocompetent child after vertical transmission.

Conclusions

The incidence of leishmaniasis has risen in the recent years. The numbers are anticipated to keep rising due to increasing human mobility, including travel and forced migration, growing reservoir host populations as well as expansion and dispersal of vector species caused by climate and habitat changes, urbanization and globalization. Hence, elevated awareness for the disease, including possible transmission in previously non-endemic regions and non-vector transmission modes, support of sandfly surveillance efforts and implementation and establishment of public health interventions in a One Health approach are pivotal in the global efforts to control and reduce leishmaniasis.
Predicting the global potential distribution of two major vectors of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever under conditions of global climate change
Authors: Ji Haoqiang , Wei Xiaohui , Ma Delong , Wang Xiaoxu , Liu Qiyong
Published: January 2024

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a tick-borne disease that is highly dangerous but often overlooked by the public. To prevent the spread of the disease, it is important to understand the distribution patterns of its vectors’ suitable areas. This study aims to explore the potential global suitability of areas for the vectors of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, including Dermacentor variabilis and Amblyomma cajennense under both historical and future climate scenarios. The study also seeks to investigate the impact of climatic factors on the distribution patterns of these vectors. Data on species distribution were downloaded from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility, Web of Science and PubMed database. The climatic variables were downloaded from WorldClim Global Climate Database. The Maximum Entropy Model was used to evaluate the contribution of monthly precipitation, monthly maximum temperature, monthly minimum temperature, elevation, and nineteen other climatic variables to vector survival, as well as to predict the suitable area for the vectors. We found that D. variabilis is distributed in North America, while A. cajennense is mainly distributed in South America, but all other continents except Antarctica have a suitable distribution. D. variabilis is more likely to survive in temperate regions, and A. cajennense is more likely to survive in tropical zones. D. variabilis is more sensitive to temperature, whereas A. cajennense is sensitive to both temperature and precipitation, and A. cajennense prefers tropical regions with hot and humid characteristics. The high suitable areas of both vectors were almost expanded in the ssp5-8.5 scenario, but not so much in the ssp1-2.6 scenario. Highly suitable areas with vectors survival should be strengthened with additional testing to prevent related diseases from occurring, and other highly suitable areas should be alert for entry and exit monitoring to prevent invasion and colonization of vectors.
Do it yourself: 3D-printed miniature CDC trap for adult mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) surveillance
Authors: Bibbs Christopher S. , Reissen Nadja , Dewsnup M. Andrew , Sorensen R. Bradley , Faraji Ary , White Gregory S.
Published: January 2024

The central component of mosquito and vector surveillance programs globally is the adult mosquito trap, which is intended to collect host-seeking mosquitoes. The miniature CDC trap is a widely distributed trap style in part due to its relative affordability and compact nature. Despite already being a simple trap, in-house production methods, such as 3D printing, could improve the accessibility of the CDC trap by eliminating some of the supply chain variables. We present here several trials with the Salt Lake City (SLC) trap, a three-dimensional (3D) printed trap design. Functional assessments were made on secondary components and found no statistically significant differences when comparing CO2 line height (above vs. below fan), battery types (sealed lead acid vs. USB battery pack), and trap body collection shape (funnel body vs. simple/straight body). The SLC trap was compared directly to a commercial equivalent, the ABC trap, with comparative assessment on species diversity and evenness in collections and found to be statistically equivalent on all metrics. Methods also detail an accompanying optional transport system for a pressurized CO2/regulator set-up, should a practitioner elect not to use dry ice. Our final design is presented here with the publicly published stereolithography (STL) files and a detailed outline of the transport container system. Alternative models are available for in-house manufacture of mosquito traps, and we contribute these designs in an effort to stimulate further growth in vector surveillance.
White plague among the “forgotten people” from the Barbaricum of the Carpathian Basin–Cases with tuberculosis from the Sarmatian-period (3rd–4th centuries CE) archaeological site of Hódmezővásárhely–Kenyere-ér, Bereczki-tanya (Hungary)
Authors: Spekker Olga , Kiss P. Attila , Kis Luca , Király Kitty , Varga Sándor , Marcsik Antónia , Schütz Oszkár , Török Tibor , Hunt David R. , Tihanyi Balázs
Published: January 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that is well-known in the palaeopathological record because it can affect the skeleton and consequently leaves readily identifiable macroscopic alterations. Palaeopathological case studies provide invaluable information about the spatio-temporal distribution of TB in the past. This is true for those archaeological periods and geographical regions from when and where no or very few TB cases have been published until now–as in the Sarmatian period (1st–5thcenturies CE) in the Barbaricum of the Carpathian Basin. The aim of our paper is to discuss five newly discovered TB cases (HK199,HK201,HK225,HK253, andHK309) from the Sarmatian-period archaeological site of Hódmezővásárhely–Kenyere-ér, Bereczki-tanya (Csongrád-Csanád county, Hungary). Detailed macromorphological evaluation of the skeletons focused on the detection of bony changes likely associated with different forms of TB. In all five cases, the presence of endocranial alterations (especially TB-specific granular impressions) suggests that these individuals suffered from TB meningitis. Furthermore, the skeletal lesions observed in the spine and both hip joints ofHK225indicate that this juvenile also had multifocal osteoarticular TB. Thanks to the discovery ofHK199,HK201,HK225,HK253, andHK309, the number of TB cases known from the Sarmatian-period Carpathian Basin doubled, implying that the disease was likely more frequent in the Barbaricum than previously thought. Without the application of granular impressions, the diagnosis of TB could not have been established in these five cases. Thus, the identification of TB in these individuals highlights the importance of diagnostics development, especially the refinement of diagnostic criteria. Based on the above, the systematic macromorphological (re-)evaluation of osteoarchaeological series from the Sarmatian-period Carpathian Basin would be advantageous to provide a more accurate picture of how TB may have impacted the ancestral human communities of the Barbaricum.
Towards system redesign: An exploratory analysis of neurodivergent traits in a childhood population referred for autism assessment
Authors: Lang Jason , Wylie Georgia , Haig Caroline , Gillberg Christopher , Minnis Helen
Published: January 2024

Background

Children’s health services in many countries are moving from single condition diagnostic silo assessments to considering neurodevelopment in a more holistic sense. There has been increasing recognition of the importance of clinical overlap and co-occurrence of different neurotypes when assessing neurodivergent children. Using a cross-sectional service evaluation design, we investigated the overlap of neurodivergences in a cohort of children referred for autism assessment, focusing on motor, learning, and attention/activity level domains. We aimed to determine what proportion of children in a cohort referred for an autism assessment showed traits of additional neurodivergences, and what proportion were further investigated.

Methods

We evaluated anonymised medical records of children aged between two and 17 years referred for autism assessment. We used validated questionnaires to assess for neurodivergent traits. A weighted scoring system was developed to determine traits in each neurodevelopmental domain and a score above the median was considered to indicate a neurodivergent trait. Evidence of further investigations were recorded. We then examined the relationships between autism traits and traits of additional neurodivergence.

Results

114 participants were included for evaluation. 62.3% (n = 71) had completed questionnaires for analysis. Of these, 71.8% (n = 51) scored greater than the median for at least one additional neurotype, indicating the presence of other neurodivergent traits, and 88.7% (n = 64) attracted a diagnosis of autism. Only 26.3% of children with evidence of additional neurotypes were further investigated beyond their autism assessment.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the extensive overlap between additional neurodivergent traits in a population of children referred with suspected autism and show that only a small proportion were further investigated. The use of standardised questionnaires to uncover additional neurodivergences may have utility in improving the holistic nature of neurodevelopmental assessments.
Individual and environmental variables related to outdoor walking among older adults: Verifying a model to guide the design of interventions targeting outdoor walking
Authors: Liu Yixiu , Salbach Nancy M. , Webber Sandra C. , Barclay Ruth
Published: January 2024

Objective

To estimate the relationships between individual and environmental variables and outdoor walking (OW) in older adults with OW limitations through verifying a conceptual model.

Methods

Baseline data from 205 older adults participating in a randomized trial of a park-based OW program were analyzed using structural equation modeling. We evaluated a three latent factor model: OW (accelerometry and self-report); individual factors (balance; leg strength; walking self-confidence, speed and endurance; mental health; education; income; car access); and environmental factors (neighbourhood walkability components).

Results

Mean age was 75 years; 73% were women. Individual factors was significantly associated with OW (β = 0.39,p< .01). Environmental factors was not directly associated with OW but was indirectly linked to OW through its significant covariance with the individual factors (β = 0.22,p< .01). The standardized factor loadings from the individual factors on walking self-confidence and walking capacity measures exceeded 0.65.

Conclusions

Better walking capacity and more confidence in the ability to walk outdoors are associated with higher OW in older adults. Better neighbourhood walkability is indirectly associated with more OW. The conceptual model demonstrates an individual and environment association; if the capacity of the individual is increased (potentially through walking interventions), they may be able to better navigate environmental challenges.
Efficacy of early cardiac rehabilitation after acute myocardial infarction: Randomized clinical trial protocol
Authors: Schon Caroline , Felismino Amanda , de Sá Joceline , Corte Renata , Ribeiro Tatiana , Bruno Selma
Published: January 2024

The acute myocardial infarction (AMI) present high mortality rate that may be reduced with cardiac rehabilitation. Despite its good establishment in outpatient care, few studies analyzed cardiac rehabilitation during hospitalization. Thus, this study aims to clarify the safety and efficacy of early cardiac rehabilitation after AMI. This will be a clinical, controlled, randomized trial with blind outcome evaluation and a superiority hypothesis. Twenty-four patients with AMI will be divided into two groups (1:1 allocation ratio). The intervention group will receive an individualized exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation protocol during hospitalization and a semi-supervised protocol after hospital discharge; the control group will receive conventional care. The primary outcomes will be the cardiac remodeling assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, functional capacity assessed by maximal oxygen consumption, and cardiac autonomic balance examined via heart rate variability. Secondary outcomes will include safety and the total exercise dose provided during the protocol. Statistical analysis will consider the intent-to-treat analysis.

Trial registration. Trial registration number: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) (RBR- 9nyx8hb).
Cross-sectional study of attitudes toward online continuing dental education in Libya during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Elemam Ranya F. , El Swiah Jamal M. , Durda Abduallah O. , Hegazy Nagwa N.
Published: January 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many educational institutions switched to e-learning educational platforms. This approach was essential but raised challenges, particularly in training practitioners for medical emergencies. This approach not only led to global challenges and a need for rapid adaptation, but also raised inequities across countries, with some facing far more technical challenges than others. In Libya, low investment in education technology and unpredictable internet connectivity limited its integration into schools and universities even before the pandemic. The current study reports feedback from an online continuing dental education (CDE) course for dental practitioners that was developed emergently during the pandemic and aimed to address the challenges posed by Libya’s internet environment. Participants were recruited through social media and received an 8-hour online CDE course consisting of three modules. Participants were invited to complete a pre-course demographic/informational survey on a Google form. After passing all modules, students were prompted to complete a post-course survey consisting of 23, five-point Likert scale questions. Respondents included 43 females (74.1%) and 15 males (25.9%). For ~50% of the cohort (n = 32), this was their first online clinical course. 87.9% of post-course participants rated the course as a positive learning experience, while 90.9% agreed their learning outcomes had been achieved. Most participants (97%) agreed the course instructor explained all concepts clearly. In total, 81.8% agreed that the technology effectively supported their learning. Most agreed that a clear demarcation between each course module existed and that the language and depth of the material were adequate. Some students reported technical difficulties, and 33.3% saw repetitions in the modules. However, all post-course respondents said they would recommend the online course to colleagues. Libyan dental practitioners showed high satisfaction levels towards the e-learning process, course content, instructors’ attitudes, and overall e-learning experience despite the inherent e-learning challenges posed in this country.
La «quaestio» retórica en Ruy Páez de Ribera: el poema «En un deleitoso vergel espaçiado»
Authors: Azaustre Lago Antonio
Published: January 2024

La teoría argumentativa de origen judicial basada en la noción de quaestio supone un excelente marco teórico para el comentario filológico de la poesía de cancionero, cuyas composiciones emplean en numerosas ocasiones el enfrentamiento dialéctico como marco poético, un escenario paralelo al del litigio. Este es el caso de «En un deleitoso vergel espaçiado» (PN1 288-ID0541), una de las muestras más importantes de la aplicación de la argumentatio retórica a la poesía cancioneril que se conserva en el Cancionero de Baena. Ruy Páez de Ribera recrea el conflicto sobre la legitimidad del ascenso al trono de Enrique II a través de un pleito ficticio entre la Soberbia y la Mesura, un marco alegórico que promueve el empleo de toda una serie de recursos argumentativos además de términos jurídicos estrechamente relacionados con esta parte del ars rhetorica.
Problemas de edición de un cancionero de poesía tradicional: el Ms. Corsini 625
Authors: Botta Patrizia
Published: January 2024

Se ilustran los problemas de edición que plantean los textos de tipo tradicional cuando son copiados por un músico, como ocurre en un cancionero musical copilado en Roma entre 1605 y 1613 y conservado en la Accademia dei Lincei, el Ms. Corsini 625, que recoge precisamente poesía española cantada y de veta tradicional, sea compuesta en Italia sea procedente de España. En este cancionero el punto de vista de la copia es constantemente el musical, en prejuicio del aspecto métrico y literario de los textos que ha de ser reestablecido por el filólogo a la hora de editar la colectánea. Se brindan ejemplos de desaliño métrico (cuartetas copiadas como si fueran octavas, o dísticos como sextetos, o seguidillas como tiradas monorrimas), y asimismo de versos de arte mayor y zejelescos o de versos paralelísticos alternantes que resultan tardíos y exóticos en un contexto barroco y romano.
Entre mito y realidad: el motivo del príncipe amado en la poesía de Cariteo
Authors: Segarra Añón Maria Isabel
Published: January 2024

El artículo propone nuevas reflexiones sobre la presencia de Ferrante II de Nápoles en la poesía de Cariteo (Benet Garret, 1450-1514). Por una parte se estudia la imagen ideal del rey transmitida por el poeta con relación al pensamiento humanístico del Quattrocento. Por otra se analizan las implicaciones interpretativas y estilísticas que supone la figura del soberano en el marco del pretrarquismo del cancionero Endimione de Cariteo. En este sentido se determina y se estudia el motivo del príncipe amado creado por Garret como tema funcional en el cancionero y en el conjunto de su obra. Se relaciona dicho tema con la vertiente política de su producción y el desarrollo de la misma atendiendo al contexto histórico. Nuestro trabajo aporta novedades a la literatura crítica sobre el autor, que hasta hoy únicamente se había ocupado de Ferrante II en la obra de Cariteo de manera general junto a los demás reyes de la dinastía aragonesa de Nápoles y solo en relación a su poesía encomiástica.
Inquietudes Contemporâneas na Educação
Authors: Santos Ivonete Aparecida dos , Alberti Adriano
Published: January 2024

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar sobre inquietudes da educação e valorização da educação infantil enquanto ensino e aprendizagem. A Educação Infantil constituiu-se como um espaço de aprendizagens e de ludicidade, respeitando a criança, auxiliando-a no desenvolvimento de suas capacidades e construção do conhecimento A metodologia utilizada foi de caráter bibliográfico, foram pesquisados trabalhos e artigos publicados que viessem de encontro com a temática em estudo, sendo possível indagar sobre a Infância e Educação e Valorização da educação infantil enquanto ensino e aprendizagem e Inquietudes da Educação. Concluindo, é preciso efetuar uma imersão por dentro dos muros da escola, para melhor compreender o que é educação e como deve ser a educação infantil. É necessário debruçar-se no processo de ensino-aprendizagem, considerando o conhecimento da criança como parte do processo de acolher, aceitando e respeitando a sua totalidade.
As Empresas Juniores e suas principais contribuições em serviços de Consultoria para as Micro e Pequenas Empresas
Authors: Oliveira Júnior Paulo Sérgio Natal de , Silva Rogerio Sales
Published: January 2024

Este trabalho acadêmico discutiu a importância das empresas juniores para as micros e pequenas empresas (MPEs) no contexto brasileiro, ressaltando seu papel na prestação de serviços de consultoria acessíveis, soluções inovadoras e desenvolvimento de talentos. A abordagem da pesquisa em questão deu-se através da pesquisa qualitativa devido a problemática enfatizada em questão, sendo que a sua execução ocorreu através de pesquisa bibliográfica, por meio de revisão de literatura. A análise crítica da literatura demonstrou a relevância da pesquisa bibliográfica como método de investigação. Pela complexidade do tema, considera-se a continuidade da pesquisa para explorar mais a fundo os benefícios das empresas juniores, bem como os desafios de sua parceria com as micro e pequenas empresas, levando em consideração as suas implicações em um ambiente empresarial em constante evolução. Por fim, identificou-se que essa relação simbiótica beneficia tanto as MPEs quanto as empresas juniores, fortalecendo o empreendedorismo, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento regional e promovendo a formação de jovens empreendedores.
Práticas de Leitura e Escrita na Educação Infantil
Authors: Souza Neto Maria Gabriela de , Oliveira Débora Benício Alves
Published: January 2024

O presente trabalho apresenta uma discussão acerca da importância da leitura e escrita na educação infantil para o desenvolvimento das capacidades intelectuais, cognitivas e emocionais das crianças dentro do meio escolar. Para tanto, o objetivo é analisar como se dá a leitura e escrita dos alunos por meio das atividades abordadas pelo educador e como estão trabalhando suas metodologias para desenvolver no aluno a escrita e o hábito pela leitura. A fundamentação teórica está alicerçada em autores como Brasil (2017), Cagliari (2001), Freire (1996), Libâneo (2000), Martins (2001), Martinelli (2008), Oliveira (2007), Perreiras (2009), Solé (1998), Souza (2009), Vieira (2004), e Zilberman (1999), que tratam sobre a importância da leitura e escrita para o desenvolvimento social de suas habilidades dentro do ato de ler e escrever. Onde ressaltam que o meio familiar é bastante importante para o aluno, pois é por meio da leitura e escrita que a criança consegue estabelecer uma melhor comunicação e socialização no ambiente escolar e familiar para, assim construir sua visão com base na realidade. Vale acrescentar que a maioria dos professores se encontra em adaptação de um novo modelo de ensino, pois à inovação tem poder para contribuir melhor nos ensinamentos dos alunos de acordo com sua necessidade. Nesse processo, a comunidade educativa da escola, sobretudo deve estar sempre procurando meios para fazer uma educação de qualidade e equidade, devendo abordar conteúdos de acordo com as necessidades de cada aluno. Diante do exposto, a leitura e a escrita devem ser encaradas como processo de desenvolvimento cultural e intelectual de alunos da educação básica, especialmente, anos iniciais.
Power Imbalances Among Intimate Partners in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area
Authors: Chinoye Amadi Jennifer
Published: January 2024

People tend to believe that power imbalance that women and men experience in an intimate relationship is natural, the way it should be and of course, something that should not be debated. The problem with this argument and/or generalisation is that it usually suggests that hegemonic masculinity should not be interrogated. In Africa, power imbalances are one of the challenges that have limited women in society. This practice is influenced by culture, religion, traditional practices and laws which influence perceptions, and expectations of people in intimate relationships. This study, Power imbalances among intimate partners in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area encapsulate the dynamics of gender power relations that exist in intimate, heterosexual relationships in four communities. This study seeks to examine intimate partners’ perception of decision making, the extent of its social acceptability and relevance of their socio-economic circumstances towards power imbalances. The population for this study was twenty-seven thousand three hundred and fifty-five. Sample size was calculated using the Taro Yamame determination technique which stood at three hundred and ninety-four. The study employed a survey research design which consisted of twenty-two items on a four-point Likert scale of (Agree, Strongly Agree, Disagree, and Strongly Disagree). Simple percentage (%) and frequency table was used to analyze the data. The study found that partners socio-economic circumstances did not reflect a significant degree of influence on power imbalances. This study therefore, recommend for responsive gender equality programmes that support and empower both partners.
Can a constructivist, community-based intervention increase student motivation to study history? A case study from Ghana
Authors: Getz Trevor , Ayirah Fredrick Kofi , Yeboah Tony , Kertsman Stacey , Getz Benjamin , Bakare Fara , Kertsman Ariana , Getz Kaela , Mintah Tryphena Ebu
Published: January 2024

Student interest in studying history is in decline in Ghana, as it is in secondary schools in many other parts of the world. Can student interest be stimulated, and can they be better served, by a curriculum that includes a focus on community, belonging and co-creation? This article details a preliminary intervention of just such a learning unit in a high school in Central Region, Ghana. Using a framework aligned with the historically responsive literacy approach, this programme supported student-directed research into aspects of local and personal history. The evidence from this study suggests that student motivation did increase, justifying an expanded future study of greater length, with additional participants, and building on the lessons from this preliminary effort.
Chemical and Physical Characterization of Swift Guano in Quartzitic Karst Landscape in Brazil
Authors: Reis André Luiz Miranda , Clemente Nicolo , Faria André Luiz Lopes de , Bernardes Rodrigo Cupertino , Costa Liovando Marciano da
Published: January 2024

The Private Reserve of Natural Patrimony (RPPN) of the Santuário of Caraça is found in a mountain region within the Quadrilátero Ferrífero geological province in the State of Minas Gerais. In this region, intense metamorphic processes shaped their siliciclastic rocks, enabling the formation of fractures and diaclasis, the favourite routes of weathering during the development of karst landscapes. The natural cavities thus formed, mainly in the RPPN sector called “Pico do Inficionado”, provide shelter for countless swifts of the species Streptoprocne zonaris and S. biscutata, responsible for the accumulation of guano on the floor. However, guano is a substance rich in nutrients, mainly phosphates and nitrates, and this is the main nutrient supply in permanently dry caves. This work studied the physical (density) and chemical (organic carbon, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, calcium, magnesium, aluminium and pH) characteristics of 21 guanos layers, correlating their contents with the depth of seven deposits and separating the results into factors. Considering that, knowing that the guano deposits contain crucial elements such as Ca, Mg, and especially P and N, which act as an energy source for many chemotrophic organisms, the subdivision of the studied elements allowed us to defer three factors: the first one features the concentrations of Al, P, K, Na and CO, the second one was determined for N, pH and density. Finally, the third factor was based on Ca and Mg. The quartzitic material influences the chemical and physical composition of the deepest guano. As the rock changes, elements like Al and K are released and enrich the deeper layers, as well as increasing density due to the presence of sand in the material.
Effects of Leukaemia Inhibitory Factor Receptor on the Early Stage of Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Cells
Authors: Wang Tao , Yan R. Q. , Xu X. Y. , Cao L. L. , Liu J. Y. , Zheng Meirong , Li Weidong
Published: January 2024

Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has a wide variety of biological activities. While recent studies have focused on the role of LIF in osteoblast differentiation, the exact role of LIFR during the early stage of osteogenic differentiation remains unclear. We observed that LIFR expression gradually decreased during the early stage of osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. To evaluate how LIFR regulates osteogenic differentiation in greater depth, we transfected hMSCs with LIFR overexpression and siRNA lentiviral plasmids. Cells were divided into four groups: a negative overexpression control group, a LIFR overexpression group, a negative siRNA control group, and a LIFR siRNA group. On different days (0, 3, and 6) of the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was assayed with an ALP staining and activity assay kit. Cells were harvested to assess the mRNA and protein expression of LIF, LIFR, and osteogenesis-related factors (ALP; RUNX2; osteonectin) by qRT-PCR and western blot analyses, respectively. In addition, culture supernatants were tested for the LIF content by ELISA. Our results showed that overexpression of LIFR significantly suppressed the osteoblast differentiation of hMSCs. In contrast, LIFR siRNA markedly improved this osteoblast differentiation as determined by ALP staining and activity measurements. Moreover, RUNX2, ALP, and ONN expression was also significantly changed by altering LIFR expression. We further analysed the expression of LIF and LIFR, revealing consistent LIF and LIFR trends during the osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. Together, these results suggested that LIFR may be a novel negative regulator during the early stage of hMSC osteogenic differentiation.
IN SILICO SCREENING OF PHYTOCONSTITUENTS OF CISSUS QUADRANGULARIS AND CHROMOLAENA ODORATA AGAINST PROTEINS OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND WOUND HEALING
Authors: S. Sivapria Aparna , Kariyil Bibu John , Menon K. Priyanka , Sankar V J Hari
Published: January 2024

In silico screening is a methodological approach, which is invaluable for rational drug design and the identification of potential therapeutic agents. In the context of antibiotic-resistant infectious wounds, molecular docking can provide a deeper understanding of how phytocompounds might interfere with bacterial virulence and antibiotic resistance. In this study, proteins involved in antimicrobial resistance and wound healing were docked against major phytoconstituents of ethyl acetate extract of Cissus quadrangularis (EACQ) and ethanol extract of Chromolaena odorata (EECO), two medicinal plants that have been traditionally used. Receptor structures for interleukin 6 (PDB id: 1n26) of human and mice, IL6 (Uniprot id p 20607) of rat, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFR, PDB id: 2ctw) for human, mice, rat and penicillin binding protein 2a (PBP2a, PDB id: 1vqq) of S. aureus were downloaded from the database of the RCSB protein data bank. The ligand structures were downloaded from PubChem compound database in structure data file (.SDF) format. The docking studies were conducted using Autodock4. and the results of the docking analysis were visualised using Discovery Studio Visualizer. The docking log (dlg) file, featuring an RMSD table, provides binding energy values in Kcal/mol for each molecule at its optimal docked postures, offering insights into structural accuracy and ligand-receptor interaction strength in molecular docking simulations. In silico analysis of ligands showed that squalene of EACQ and epilupeol of EECO had the least binding energy towards proteins of antimicrobial resistance and wound healing. Thus, these compounds could emerge as promising lead molecules against infectious wounds.
Osady aromańskie w górach południowego Pirynu. Odtwarzanie dawnego dziedzictwa kulturowego pasterskiej społeczności (II)
Authors: Kocój Ewa , Kocój Łukasz
Published: January 2024

Dziedzictwo kulturowe aromańskich (wołoskich) pasterzy w Bułgarii jest wciąż niedostatecznie zbadanym tematem w dziedzinie współczesnej heritologii i studiów nad pamięcią. Aromani osiedlili się tam po latach dotkliwych prześladowań ze strony Turków i Albańczyków pod koniec XVIII wieku. Przez prawie dwa stulecia Bułgaria była przestrzenią, w której stworzyli swój własny świat, z domami, gospodarstwami i miejscami kultu religijnego. Stworzyli sieć szlaków pasterskich i handlowych prowadzących do różnych regionów Bałkanów i Europy. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest zbadanie pozostałych śladów dziedzictwa kulturowego pasterzy aromańskich, które można znaleźć w osadach południowego Pirinu w Bułgarii. Przedstawiono w nim główne górskie wioski aromańskie, dawne szlaki pasterskie i zachowane dziedzictwo kulturowe. Badania opierają się na metodologii jakościowej, obejmującej obserwacje uczestniczące w wioskach Pirinu i wywiady z mieszkańcami bułgarskich wiosek górskich. Badania wykazały, że dzisiejsza nieliczna społeczność aromańska zamieszkująca bułgarskie góry Pirin zachowała pamięć o swoich korzeniach, a także niewielką liczbę zaniedbanych miejsc dziedzictwa kulturowego. Niewątpliwie miejsca i nie-miejsca tej społeczności wymagają opisu, dokumentacji i rewitalizacji.
The Byzantine chronicles of Symeon the Magister and the Logothete (10th cent.) and Joannes Zonaras (12th cent.). Lesser known sources of knowledge on the Balkan and Eastern Europe Slavs (review of research)
Authors: Leszka Mirosław , Brzozowska Zofia
Published: January 2024

The article deals with two Byzantine chronicles that were translated into Old Church Slavic in the Middle Ages on the Balkan Peninsula and were subsequently adapted in Rus’, where they served as the base and source of inspiration for indigenous East Slavic historical studies in universal history. It is about the works of Symeon Magister and Logothete, who probably wrote between the reign of Romanus I Lecapenus and the beginning of the reign of Basil II, and the Epitome historiarum of John Zonaras, covering history from the creation of the world to 1118, which is the most comprehensive Byzantine historical work and which, possibly, was completed ca. 1145. The aim of the article is to establish the chronology of the creation of the Old Church Slavic translations of both chronicles and the history of their dissemination in the Slavia Orthodoxa area (with a review of the state of research). The editions of the translations and unpublished manuscript material were examined (its excerpt is presented in the appendix). We were able to establish that the complete translation of the work of Symeon Magister and Logothete is preserved only in the Moldavian historiographical compilation of 1637, while the text of John Zonaras was translated by the Slavs several times and functioned in their literatures in many versions, none of which, however, is complete.
KRİPTO PARA PİYASASINDA SÜRÜ DAVRANIŞI: COINLERDE VE TOKENLARDA PİYASA YÖNÜNDE SÜRÜ DAVRANIŞININ ANALİZİ
Authors: HANCI Aylin , ALTAY Erdinç
Published: January 2024

Çalışmada Chang, Cheng ve Khorana (2000) ve Hwang ve Salmon’un (2004) yöntemleri kullanılarak kripto para piyasalarında sürü davranışının varlığı analiz edilmiştir. Coinmarketcap (2023) sitesi üzerinde 01.01.2023 tarihi itibarıyla piyasa değeri en yüksek ilk 200 kripto para 01.01.2019-31.12.2022 döneminde örnekleme dahil edilmiş ve kripto paralar token ve coin olarak iki grupta analiz edilmiştir. Piyasa yönünde sürü davranışının bu iki tür kripto para piyasasında analiz edilmesi için S&P Bitcoin Index, S&P Cryptocurrency Broad Digital Market Index, S&P Cryptocurrency Mega Cap Index ile The Royalton Crix Index piyasa göstergeleri olarak kullanılmıştır. Bu çalışmada literatürdeki diğer çalışmalardan farklı olarak sürü davranışı kripto paralarda coinlerde ve tokenlarda karşılaştırmalı olarak incelenmiştir. Elde edilen bulgular, coin ve tokenlarda genel olarak sürü davranışının bulunduğu ancak piyasa getirileriyle ilişkisinin doğrusal olmayan bir yapıda olduğu yönündedir. Ayrıca coinlerde ve tokenlarda sürü davranışının ortaya çıktığı ve ortadan kaybolduğu dönemlerde farklılıklar bulunduğuna dair sonuçlar elde edilmiştir.
Monotonicity of entire solutions to reaction-diffusion equations involving fractional p-Laplacian
Authors: Guo Qing
Published: January 2024

We obtain the one-dimensional symmetry and monotonicity of the entire positive solutions to some reaction-diffusion equations involving fractional p-Laplacian by virtue of the sliding method.
More precisely, we consider the following problem

{

∂
⁡
u

∂
⁡
t

⁢

(
x
,
t
)

+

(

-
Δ

)

p
s

⁢
u
⁢

(
x
,
t
)

=

f
⁢

(
t
,

u
⁢

(
x
,
t
)

)

,

(
x
,
t
)

∈

Ω
×
ℝ

,

u
⁢

(
x
,
t
)

>
0

,

(
x
,
t
)

∈

Ω
×
ℝ

,

u
⁢

(
x
,
t
)

=
0

,

(
x
,
t
)

∈

Ω
c

×
ℝ

,

\left\{\begin{aligned} \displaystyle{}\frac{\partial u}{\partial t}(x,t)+(-%
\Delta)_{p}^{s}u(x,t)&\displaystyle=f(t,u(x,t)),&\hskip 10.0pt(x,t)&%
\displaystyle\in\Omega\times\mathbb{R},\\
\displaystyle u(x,t)&\displaystyle>0,&\hskip 10.0pt(x,t)&\displaystyle\in%
\Omega\times\mathbb{R},\\
\displaystyle u(x,t)&\displaystyle=0,&\hskip 10.0pt(x,t)&\displaystyle\in%
\Omega^{c}\times\mathbb{R},\end{aligned}\right.

where

s
∈

(
0
,
1
)

{s\in(0,1)}

,

p
≥
2

{p\geq 2}

,

(

-
Δ

)

p
s

{(-\Delta)_{p}^{s}}

is the fractional p-Laplacian,

f
⁢

(
t
,
u
)

{f(t,u)}

is some continuous function, the domain

Ω
⊂

ℝ
n

{\Omega\subset\mathbb{R}^{n}}

is unbounded and

Ω
c

=

ℝ
n

∖
Ω

{\Omega^{c}=\mathbb{R}^{n}\setminus\Omega}

. Firstly, we establish a maximum principle involving the parabolic p-Laplacian operator. Then, under certain conditions of f, we prove the asymptotic behavior of solutions far away from the boundary uniformly in

t
∈
ℝ

{t\in\mathbb{R}}

. Finally, the sliding method is implemented to derive the monotonicity and uniqueness of the bounded positive entire solutions.
To our best knowledge, there has not been any results on the symmetry and monotonicity properties of solutions to the parabolic fractional p-Laplacian equations before.
Asymptotic analysis of single-slip crystal plasticity in the limit of vanishing thickness and rigid elasticity
Authors: Engl Dominik , Krömer Stefan , Kružík Martin
Published: January 2024

We perform via Γ-convergence a 2d-1d dimension reduction analysis of a single-slip elastoplastic body in large deformations. Rigid plastic and elastoplastic regimes are considered. In particular, we show that limit deformations can essentially freely bend even if subjected to the most restrictive constraints corresponding to the elastically rigid single-slip regime.
The primary challenge arises in the upper bound where the differential constraints render any bending without incurring an additional energy cost particularly difficult.
We overcome this obstacle with suitable non-smooth constructions and prove that a Lavrentiev phenomenon occurs if we artificially restrict our model to smooth deformations.
This issue is absent if the differential constraints are appropriately softened.
Consequences of an infinite Fourier cosine transform-based Ramanujan integral
Authors: Dar Showkat Ahmad , Kamarujjama Mohammad , Shah W. M. , Daud
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we express a generalization of the Ramanujan integral

I
⁢

(
α
)

{I(\alpha)}

with the analytical solutions, using the Laplace transform technique and some algebraic relation or the Pochhammer symbol. Moreover, we evaluate some consequences of a generalized definite integral

ϕ
*

⁢

(
υ
,
β
,
a
)

{\phi^{*}(\upsilon,\beta,a)}

.
The well-known special cases appeared, whose solutions are possible by Cauchy’s residue theorem, and many known applications of the integral

I
⁢

(
a
,
β
,
υ
)

{I(a,\beta,\upsilon)}

are discussed by the Leibniz rule for differentiation under the sign of integration.
Further, one closed-form evaluation of the infinite series of the

F
0

1

⁢

(
⋅
)

{{}_{1}F_{0}(\,\cdot\,)}

function is deduced.
In addition, we establish some integral expressions in terms of the Euler numbers, which are not available in the
tables of the book of Gradshteyn and Ryzhik.
Fractional integral inequalities for the s-(κ,H)-convex function
Authors: Gajera Jeet B. , Jana Ranjan Kumar
Published: January 2024

Establishing a new integral inequality for the Riemann–Liouville fractional integral operator is the main objective of this paper. For twice differentiable s-

(
κ
,
H
)

{(\kappa,H)}

-convex functions, we present a number of new inequalities that are connected to the Hermite–Hadamard integral inequality.
Unmanned vehicles on the rise: a review on projects of cooperating robot teams
Authors: Schweim Anne , Zager Marvin , Schweim Marie , Fay Alexander , Horn Joachim
Published: January 2024

Teams consisting of cooperating mobile robots are able to carry out tasks faster and more effectively than individual robots. Previous research projects have focused on teams of homogeneous robots in particular, whereas heterogeneous robots are becoming increasingly important. In this paper, the fundamentals of both homogeneous and heterogeneous robot teams are examined. In this context, not only key fundamentals are distinguished from each other, but also potential applications and advantages of multi-robot systems (MRS) are shown. The rapid development of autonomous MRS is shown by means of exemplarily selected research projects, whereby the individual approaches of these projects are systematically compared and evaluated. Finally, an outlook on remaining challenges in the field of autonomous heterogeneous MRS is given.
Chondrus retortus (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) in Hawai‘i: a taxonomic and biogeographic puzzle
Authors: Kittle Ronald P. , Veillet Anne , Schmidt William E. , Fredericq Suzanne , McDermid Karla J.
Published: January 2024

Members of the genus Chondrus are well-known from temperate and cold waters. Chondrus ocellatus Holmes was reported from Hawai‘i Island (19° N latitude) in 1999 as a new record based on vegetative and tetrasporangial characteristics. The first specimens were collected by Setchell in 1900 in Hilo, HI. The presence of a Chondrus species in the subtropics has been a phycological enigma for over 100 years. We addressed the question of species identity and biogeographic affinities of the Hawaiian Chondrus with fresh cystocarpic material, DNA samples, and phylogenetic analyses. Analysis and comparison of five genes (nuclear: EF2; plastid: psbA, rbcL, and 23S/UPA; mitochondrial: COI) from Hawaiian Chondrus and holotype and topotype material of 10 of the 11 accepted Chondrus species indicate that Hawaiian specimens are C. retortus Matsumoto et Shimada. However, unlike type material, the Hawaiian specimens are commonly pinnulate, vary significantly in secondary medullary filament density, and have mature cystocarps filling the entire medullary space. This study shows the value of using multi-gene loci and comparing multiple sequences of several species to confirm taxonomic conclusions. Our findings suggest that C. retortus may have immigrated via rafting on natural floating material or on ships’ hulls. Solving this old puzzle adds new insight into Hawaiian phytogeography.
A study on a type of degenerate poly-Dedekind sums
Authors: Ma Yuankui , Luo Lingling , Kim Taekyun , Li Hongze , Zhang Wenpeng
Published: January 2024

Dedekind sums and their generalizations are defined in terms of Bernoulli functions and their generalizations. As a new generalization of the Dedekind sums, the degenerate poly-Dedekind sums, which are obtained from the Dedekind sums by replacing Bernoulli functions by degenerate poly-Bernoulli functions of arbitrary indices are introduced in this article and are shown to satisfy a reciprocity relation.
On the p-fractional Schrödinger-Kirchhoff equations with electromagnetic fields and the Hardy-Littlewood-Sobolev nonlinearity
Authors: Zhao Min , Song Yueqiang , Repovš Dušan D.
Published: January 2024

In this article, we deal with the following

p

p

-fractional Schrödinger-Kirchhoff equations with electromagnetic fields and the Hardy-Littlewood-Sobolev nonlinearity:

M

(

[

u

]

s
,
A

p

)

(

−
Δ

)

p
,
A

s

u
+
V

(

x

)

∣
u
∣

p
−
2

u
=
λ

∫

R

N

∣
u
∣

p

μ
,
s

*

∣
x
−
y
∣

μ

d
y

∣
u
∣

p

μ
,
s

*

−
2

u
+
k

∣
u
∣

q
−
2

u
,

x
∈

R

N

,

M({\left[u]}_{s,A}^{p}){\left(-\Delta )}_{p,A}^{s}u+V\left(x){| u| }^{p-2}u=\lambda \left(\mathop{\int }\limits_{{{\mathbb{R}}}^{N}}\frac{{| u| }^{{p}_{\mu ,s}^{* }}}{{| x-y| }^{\mu }}{\rm{d}}y\right){| u| }^{{p}_{\mu ,s}^{* }-2}u+k{| u| }^{q-2}u,\hspace{1em}x\in {{\mathbb{R}}}^{N},

where

0
<
s
<
1
<
p

0\lt s\lt 1\lt p

,

p
s
<
N

ps\lt N

,

p
<
q
<
2

p

s
,
μ

*

p\lt q\lt 2{p}_{s,\mu }^{* }

,

0
<
μ
<
N

0\lt \mu \lt N

,

λ

\lambda

, and

k

k

are some positive parameters,

p

s
,
μ

*

=

p
N
−
p

μ

2

N
−
p
s

{p}_{s,\mu }^{* }=\frac{pN-p\frac{\mu }{2}}{N-ps}

is the critical exponent with respect to the Hardy-Littlewood-Sobolev inequality, and functions

V

V

and

M

M

satisfy the suitable conditions. By proving the compactness results using the fractional version of concentration compactness principle, we establish the existence of nontrivial solutions to this problem.
On the representation of solution for the perturbed quasi-linear controlled neutral functional-differential equation with the discontinuous initial condition
Authors: Nachaoui Abdeljalil , Shavadze Tea , Tadumadze Tamaz
Published: January 2024

The analytic relation
between solutions of the original Cauchy problem and a corresponding perturbed problem is established.
In the representation formula of solution, the effects of the discontinuous initial condition and perturbation of the initial data are revealed.
Lie symmetry, exact solutions and conservation laws of time fractional Black–Scholes equation derived by the fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Yu Jicheng
Published: January 2024

The Black–Scholes equation is an important analytical tool for option pricing in finance.
This paper discusses the Lie symmetry analysis of the time fractional Black–Scholes equation derived
by the fractional Brownian motion.
Some exact solutions are obtained, the figures of which are presented to illustrate the characteristics with different values of the parameters. In addition, a new conservation theorem and a generalization of the Noether operators are developed to construct the conservation laws for the time fractional Black–Scholes equation.