bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of detecting atrophy relevant for disability and cognition in multiple sclerosis using 3D-FLAIR
Authors: Noteboom Samantha , van Nederpelt D. R. , Bajrami A. , Moraal B. , Caan M. W. A. , Barkhof F. , Calabrese M. , Vrenken H. , Strijbis E. M. M. , Steenwijk M. D. , Schoonheim M. M.
Published: July 2023

Background and objectives

Disability and cognitive impairment are known to be related to brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS), but 3D-T1 imaging required for brain volumetrics is often unavailable in clinical protocols, unlike 3D-FLAIR. Here our aim was to investigate whether brain volumes derived from 3D-FLAIR images result in similar associations with disability and cognition in MS as do those derived from 3D-T1 images.

Methods

3T-MRI scans of 329 MS patients and 76 healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study. Brain volumes were derived using FreeSurfer on 3D-T1 and compared with brain volumes derived with SynthSeg and SAMSEG on 3D-FLAIR. Relative agreement was evaluated by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of the 3D-T1 and 3D-FLAIR volumes. Consistency of relations with disability and average cognition was assessed using linear regression, while correcting for age and sex. The findings were corroborated in an independent validation cohort of 125 MS patients.

Results

The ICC between volume measured with FreeSurfer and those measured on 3D-FLAIR for brain, ventricle, cortex, total deep gray matter and thalamus was above 0.74 for SAMSEG and above 0.91 for SynthSeg. Worse disability and lower average cognition were similarly associated with brain (adj. R2 = 0.24–0.27, p < 0.01; adj. R2 = 0.26–0.29, p < 0.001) ventricle (adj. R2 = 0.27–0.28, p < 0.001; adj. R2 = 0.19–0.20, p < 0.001) and deep gray matter volumes (adj. R2 = 0.24–0.28, p < 0.001; adj. R2 = 0.27–0.28, p < 0.001) determined with all methods, except for cortical volumes derived from 3D-FLAIR.

Discussion

In this cross-sectional study, brain volumes derived from 3D-FLAIR and 3D-T1 show similar relationships to disability and cognitive dysfunction in MS, highlighting the potential of these techniques in clinical datasets.
eGFR slope as a surrogate endpoint for clinical study in early stage of chronic kidney disease: from The Japan Chronic Kidney Disease Database
Authors: Itano Seiji , Kanda Eiichiro , Nagasu Hajime , Nangaku Masaomi , Kashihara Naoki
Published: July 2023

Background

In clinical trials targeting early chronic kidney disease (CKD), eGFR slope has been proposed as a surrogate endpoint for predicting end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). However, it is unclear whether the eGFR slope serves as a surrogate endpoint for predicting long-term prognosis in Japanese early CKD populations.

Methods

The data source was the J-CKD-Database, which contains real-world data on patients with CKD in Japan. eGFR slope was calculated from the eGFR of each period, 1-year (1-year slope), 2-year (2-year slope), and 3-year (3-year slope), for participants with a baseline eGFR ≥ 30 ml/min/1.73 m2. The outcome was ESKD (defined as dialysis initiation or incidence of CKD stage G5). The relationship between eGFR slope and the sub-distribution hazard ratio (SHR) of ESKD with death as a competing event was investigated using a Fine-Gray proportional hazard regression model.

Results

The number of participants and mean observation periods were 7768/877 ± 491 days for 1-year slope, 6778/706 ± 346 days for 2-year slope, and 5219/495 ± 215 days for 3-year slope. As the eGFR slope decreased, a tendency toward a lower risk of ESKD was observed. Compared with the 1-year slope, there was a smaller variation in the slope values for the 2-year or 3-year slope and a greater decrease in the SHR; therefore, a calculation period of 2 or 3 years for the eGFR slope was considered appropriate.

Conclusion

Even in Japanese patients with early stage CKD, a slower eGFR slope calculated from eGFR values over 2–3 years was associated with a decreased risk of ESKD.
Diagnosis and management of complicated urogenital schistosomiasis: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Manciulli Tommaso , Marangoni Davide , Salas-Coronas Joaquin , Bocanegra Cristina , Richter Joachim , Gobbi Federico , Motta Leonardo , Minervini Andrea , Bartoloni Alessandro , Zammarchi Lorenzo ,   on behalf of TropNet Schisto Task Force
Published: July 2023

Background

Currently, there are no standardized guidelines for the diagnosis or management of the complications of urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS). This systematic review of the literature aims to investigate the state of the art in reference to diagnostic approaches and the clinical management of this condition.

Methods

A systematic review of literature published between January 1990 and January 2021 was conducted in the MEDLINE database, scoping for articles regarding diagnostic means or therapeutic options for the complications of UGS, namely obstructive uropathy, bladder cancer, abortion, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, kidney failure, urolithiasis and the need for invasive procedures. Relevant data were then extracted from the articles deemed eligible according to the inclusion criteria.

Main results

In total, 3052 articles were identified by the research query, of which 167 articles fulfilling inclusion criteria after title/abstract screening and full-text evaluation were included, 35% on both diagnostic and therapeutic aspects, and 51% on diagnosis and 14% on therapy. Ultrasound was the most frequently tool employed for the diagnosis of UGS complications showing a good performance. Concerning the management of hydronephrosis, the majority of available evidences came from community-based studies where universal treatment with praziquantel was used leading to decrease of prevalence of obstructive uropathy. Concerning studies on surgical procedures, laser endoureterotomy followed by stenting was mostly employed in adult patients leading to a crude cure rate of 60% (43 of 71 patients). In the case of severe hydronephrosis, surgery consisting of ureteral re-implantation showed excellent results with a crude cure rate of 98% (157 cured patients of 160 treated). Concerning bladder cancer, data on 93 patients with a clear diagnosis of UGS-related bladder were available reporting a variable and sometime combined approach based on disease stage. Available data on diagnosis and management of abortion, ectopic pregnancy, infertility, kidney failure, urolithiasis and the need for invasive procedures due to UGS are also presented.

Conclusions

The review produced a complete picture of the diagnostic and therapeutic options currently available for complicated UGS. These results can be useful both for guiding clinicians towards correct management and for tracing the direction of future research.
Technology overrule: pre-literate Akan orality and the musket
Authors: Wiredu Gamel O.
Published: July 2023

The history of the human–technology relation points to binary (positive and negative) evaluations of technology’s role. One reason for this binary is the limited view of technology in terms of physical and tangible devices. Another is an extreme global view of the relationship, which neglects global diversity. However, technology includes non-physical devices such as speech. Moreover, people hold different intellectual, historical and philological assumptions as the bases for their rule over technology. This article emphasizes the importance of language and global diversity as crucial dimensions of the human–technology relation. It is through language that humans are able to rule over technology, rather than being dominated by it. Taking language as a focal point, I expose the neglect of pre-literate orality as a way of engaging with technology and I espouse an orality perspective on our rule over technology. This perspective foregrounds human mindfulness as a basis for oral engagement with technology. It is developed based on analysis of historical data on oral language use by pre-literate Akan people of Ghana to rule over the musket. The article characterizes technology overrule according to a four-stage process: image recognition, technology reduction, technology reposition and image reproduction.
Early identification of autism spectrum disorder in children with CHD attending a Cardiac Developmental Outcomes Program
Authors: Serrano Faridis , Guffey Danielle , Shekerdemian Lara , Noll Lisa , Voigt Robert G. , Monteiro Sonia
Published: July 2023

Objective:

To determine the prevalence and timing of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in a cohort of congenital heart disease (CHD) patients receiving neurodevelopmental follow-up and identify associated risk factors.

Method:

Retrospective single-centre observational study of 361 children undergoing surgery for CHD during the first 6 months of life. Data abstracted included age at autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, child and maternal demographics, and medical history.

Results:

Autism spectrum disorder was present in 9.1% of children with CHD, with a median age at diagnosis of 34 months and 87.9% male. Prematurity, history of post-operative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and seizures were higher among those with autism (p = 0.013, p = 0.023, p = 0.001, respectively). Infants with autism spectrum disorder were older at the time of surgery (54 days vs 13.5 days, p = 0.002), and infants with surgery at ≥ 30 days of age had an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (OR 2.31; 95% CI =1.12, 4.77, p = 0.023). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, being male (OR 4.85, p = 0.005), surgery ≥ 30 days (OR 2.46, p = 0.025), extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (OR 4.91, p = 0.024), and seizures (OR 4.32, p = 0.003) remained associated with increased odds for autism spectrum disorder. Maternal age, race, ethnicity, and surgical complexity were not associated.

Conclusions:

Children with CHD in our cohort had more than three times the risk of autism spectrum disorder and were diagnosed at a much earlier age compared to the general population. Several factors (male, surgery at ≥ 30 days, post-operative extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and seizures) were associated with increased odds of autism. These findings support the importance of offering neurodevelopmental follow-up after cardiac surgery in infancy.
A Markov random field based method for removing invalid unwrapping phase points in 3D reconstruction
Authors: Gao Jinfeng , Wu Fengyuan , Cheng Cheng , Wu Chengbai , Zhou Yangfan
Published: July 2023

Fringe projection profilometry is widely used in 3D structured light due to its fast speed and accuracy. However, in the process of phase unwrapping, it is easy to cause invalid points in the edges and shadows of objects, which leads to error points in 3D reconstruction. To solve this problem, we propose an invalid points removal method based on Markov random fields. Specifically, the proposed method formulates unwrapped phase and mask maps as energy functions and uses iterative methods to minimize them. Furthermore, we validate the proposed method in a monocular structured light system and compare it with existing algorithms. Results show that the proposed method effectively identifies edges and shadows while preserving valid points, and has strong robustness and correctness.
Perspective on ‘Harm’ in Personalized Medicine
Authors: Sarvet Aaron L , Stensrud Mats J
Published: July 2023

Avoiding harm is an uncontroversial aim of personalized medicine and other epidemiologic initiatives. However, the precise mathematical translation of “harm” is disputable. Here we use a formal causal language to study common, but distinct, definitions of “harm”. We clarify that commitment to a definition of harm has important practical and philosophical implications for decision making. We relate our practical and philosophical considerations to ideas from medical ethics and legal practice.
Mycorrhizal colonization had little effect on growth of Carex thunbergii but inhibited its nitrogen uptake under deficit water supply
Authors: Huangfu Chaohe , Wang Beibei , Hu Wuqiong
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Plant nitrogen (N) acquisition via arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) serves as a dominant pathway in the N nutrition of many plants, but the functional impact of AMF in acquisition of N by wetland plants has not been well quantified. Subtropical lake–wetland ecosystems are characterized by seasonal changes in the water table and low N availability in soil. Yet, it is unclear whether and how AMF alters the N acquisition pattern of plants for various forms of N and how this process is influenced by soil water conditions.

Methods

We performed a pot study with Carex thunbergii that were either colonized by AMF or not colonized and also subjected to different water conditions. We used 15N labelling to track plant N uptake.

Key Results

Colonization by AMF had little effect on the biomass components of C. thunbergii but did significantly affect the plant functional traits and N acquisition in ways that were dependent on the soil water conditions. The N uptake rate of AMF-colonized plants was significantly lower than that of the non-colonized plants in conditions of low soil water. A decreased NO3− uptake rate in AMF-colonized plants reduced the N:P ratio of the plants. Although C. thunbergii predominantly took up N in the form of NO3−, higher water availability increased the proportion of N taken up as NH4+, irrespective of the inoculation status.

Conclusions

These results emphasize the importance of AMF colonization in controlling the N uptake strategies of plants and can improve predictions of N budget under the changing water table conditions in this subtropical wetland ecosystem.
Evaluating the sustainability and environmental impacts of trawling compared to other food production systems
Authors: Hilborn R , Amoroso R , Collie J , Hiddink J G , Kaiser M J , Mazor T , McConnaughey R A , Parma A M , Pitcher C R , Sciberras M , Suuronen P
Published: July 2023

Mobile bottom contact gear such as trawls is widely considered to have the highest environmental impact of commonly used fishing gears, with concern about impact on benthic communities, bycatch, and carbon footprint frequently highlighted as much higher than other forms of fishing. As a result, the use of such gears has been banned or severely restricted in some countries, and there are many proposals to implement such restrictions elsewhere. In this paper, we review the sustainability of bottom trawling with respect to target-species sustainability, impact on benthic communities, bycatch and discards, carbon footprint from fuel use, and impact on carbon sequestration. We compare the impact to other forms of fishing and other food production systems. We show that bottom-trawl and dredge fisheries have been sustained, and where well managed, stocks are increasing. Benthic sedimentary habitats remain in good condition where fishing pressure is well managed and where VME and species of concern can be protected by spatial management. Bycatch is intrinsically high because of the mixed-species nature of benthic communities. The carbon footprint is on average higher than chicken or pork, but much less than beef, and can be much lower than chicken or pork. The impact on carbon sequestration remains highly uncertain. Overall, the concerns about trawling impacts can be significantly mitigated when existing technical gear and management measures (e.g. gear design changes and spatial controls) are adopted by industry and regulatory bodies and the race-to-fish eliminated. When these management measures are implemented, it appears that bottom trawling would have a lower environmental impact than livestock or fed aquaculture, which would likely replace trawl-caught fish if trawling was banned. A total of 83 bottom-trawl fisheries are currently certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, which is the most widely accepted measure of overall sustainability.
The super-pangenome ofPopulusunveil genomic facets for adaptation and diversification in widespread forest trees
Authors: Shi Tingting , Zhang Xinxin , Hou Yukang , Jiang Yuanzhong , Jia Changfu , Lai Qiang , Dan Xuming , Feng Jiajun , Feng Jianju , Ma Tao , Wu Jiali , Liu Shuyu , Zhang Lei , Long Zhiqin , Zhang Yulin , Zhang Jiaqi , Chen Liyang , Street Nathaniel R. , Ingvarsson Pär K. , Liu Jianquan , Yin Tongming , Wang Jing
Published: July 2023

Understanding the underlying mechanisms between genome evolution and phenotypic and adaptive innovations is a key goal of evolutionary studies. Poplars are the world’s most widely distributed and cultivated trees, with extensive phenotypic diversity and environmental adaptability. Here we report a genus-level super-pangenome of 19Populusgenomes. After integrating pan-genomes with transcriptomes, methylomes and chromatin accessibility mapping, we reveal that the evolutionary fate of pan-genes and duplicated genes are largely associated with local genomic landscapes of regulatory and epigenetic architectures. Further comparative genomic analyses enabled to identify 142,202 structural variations (SVs) across species, which overlap with substantial genes and play key roles in both phenotypic and adaptive divergence. We experimentally validated a ∼180 bp presence/absence variant located in the promoter of theCUC2gene, which contributed critically to leaf serration divergence between species. Together, this first super-pangenome resource in forest trees will not only accelerate molecular functional studies and genetic breeding of this globally important tree genus, but also lays a foundation for our understanding of tree biology.
Artificial intelligence and the end of bounded rationality: a new era in organizational decision making
Authors: Shick Michael , Johnson Nathan , Fan Yang
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this viewpoint article is to serve as a discussion starting point regarding organizational leadership’s increasing reliance on AI – in particular, how the technology is used as a supplemental tool for supporting rational decision-making. Practical implications and directions for further research are presented.

Design/methodology/approach

With its inception in economics, the concept of rationality has a rich history across multiple research domains. Based on that literature, coupled with the recent advancements in AI, the paper asks: will AI afford organizational leadership the ability to move from making bounded rational decisions to making fully rational decisions? The paper only scratches the surface of such a large question; however, the goal is to start the discussion around the topic.

Findings

While bounded rationality supports efficient decision-making, a complete understanding of any given decision is typically limited, and as a result, neither accuracy nor effectiveness is guaranteed. As AI systems grow in speed and accuracy, they should provide positive support for organizational leaders to make fully rational decisions. AI’s ability to collect and organize data, analyze it, and offer decision alternatives may help close the gap between bounded and rational decision-making.

Originality/value

Although AI research is not new, the recent developments in natural language processing engines has rapidly brought about new possibilities for their use in rational decision-making in the business and organizational context. This is fertile ground for future research, particularly in the area of organizational decision-making.
A scientometric analysis of the structure and trends in corporate fraud research: a 66-year review
Authors: Owusu Godfred Matthew Yaw , Koomson Theodora Aba Abekah , Donkor George Nana Agyekum
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to review corporate fraud, as a concept, and the emerging research trends in corporate fraud research from 1957 to 2022 using bibliometric analysis techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 7,750 publications from the Scopus database were first assessed using performance analysis to explore the descriptive nature of the bibliographic data, and subsequently, citation, co-citation, co-occurrence and bibliographic coupling analyses were conducted using the VOSviewer software.

Findings

The results indicate there has been increasing growth in fraud research over the years, especially since the global corporate scandals of 2008. Although fraud is a global issue, the results suggest that most extant studies originate from developed economies, with a high level of collaboration amongst scholars in these countries. In addition, the co-occurrence analysis indicates that research into corporate fraud has largely focused on its determinants and corruption. The determinants identified are further clustered in the paper as individual, organizational and national-level factors.

Practical implications

The findings should inform practitioners and policymakers of the state of knowledge on corporate fraud which could be useful in developing strategies and policies to mitigate its occurrence.

Social implications

The study points to the need for research collaborations among scholars in developing economies to increase investigations into the occurrences of fraud.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to holistically assess the intellectual structure of corporate fraud studies from its inception and the trends over time.
Unveil the Redox Evolution of Ore‐forming Fluids using Sulfur Isotope: A Case Study of the Zhengguang Intermediate Sulfidation Epithermal Au‐Zn Deposit, NE China
Authors: WANG Le , GAO Shen , QIN Kezhang , SONG Guoxue , HAN Ri , SU Shiqiang , GUO Jihai , PANG Xuyong , LI Guangming
Published: July 2023

Oxygen fugacity (fO2) is a key intensity variable during the entire magmatic‐hydrothermal mineralization courses. The redox state and its variations between different stages of the ore‐forming fluids of intermediate sulfidation epithermal deposits are rarely deciphered due to the lack of appropriate approaches to determine fO2 of the fluids. Here, we reported the δ34S of the sulfides from three different stages (stage I, II, III) of Zhengguang, an Early Ordovician Au‐rich intermediate sulfidation (IS) epithermal deposit, to decipher the redox evolution of the ore‐forming fluids. The increasing δ34S values from stage I pyrite (py1, average –2.6‰) through py2 (average –1.9‰) to py3 (average –0.2‰) indicates a decrease of the oxygen fugacity of the ore‐forming fluids. A compilation of δ34S values of sulfides from two subtypes of IS deposits (Au‐rich and Ag‐rich) from NE China shows that the δ34S values of sulfides from Au‐rich IS deposits are systematically lighter than those of Ag‐rich IS Ag‐Pb‐Zn deposit, indicating the ore‐forming fluids of the former are more oxidized than the latter. We highlight that sulfur isotopic composition of hypogene sulfides is an efficacious proxy to fingerprint the oxygen fugacity fluctuations of epithermal deposits and could potentially be used to distinguish the subtypes of IS deposits.
Efficiency of Biobran/MGN‐3, an Arabinoxylan Rice Bran, in Attenuating Diabetes‐Induced Cognitive Impairment of the Hippocampus via Oxidative Stress and IR/Akt/NF‐κB in Rats
Authors: Abdou Heba M. , Hamaad Fatma A. , Abd Elmageed Ghada M. , Ghoneum Mamdooh H.
Published: July 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common metabolic disease accompanied by cognitive impairment, hippocampal malfunctioning, and inflammation. Biobran/MGN‐3, an arabinoxylan rice bran, has been shown to have an antidiabetic effect in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats. The present study investigates Biobran’s effect against diabetes‐induced cognitive impairment and synaptotoxicity in the hippocampus via oxidative stress and the IR/A/NF‐κB signaling pathway in rats. Diabetes was induced via i.p. injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (40 mg/kg BW); STZ‐treated rats were then administered Biobran (100 mg/kg BW) for 4 wks. Biobran supplementation improved motor coordination and muscular strength, as assessed by Kondziella’s inverted screen test. Biobran also improved concentration levels of glutathione (GSH), antioxidant enzymes, acetylcholine (ACh), dopamine, serotonin, insulin receptor (IR), and alpha serine‐threonine protein kinase (Akt); it protected against elevated levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, oxidative stress markers, TBARS, NO, AChE, and MAO; and it significantly decreased inflammatory cytokines levels of IL‐1β, NF‐κB, TNF‐α, and amyloid β1-42. Moreover, Biobran ameliorated hippocampal histological alterations. Immunohistochemical observations showed that Biobran reduced overexpression of hippocampal synaptophysin and Ki67 relative to untreated diabetic rats. Biobran may ameliorate hippocampal alterations in diabetic rats via its antidiabetic, antiproliferative, anti‐inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidant effects.
microRNA-125a-5p as a Tumor Suppressor in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): Inhibition of Proliferation and Induction of Apoptosis via P13K/AKT/MMP Signaling Pathway
Authors: Dong Bing , Liu Xiaowei , Wang Su , Chen Xiujun , Zhang Kun , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2023

To investigate the effects of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-125a-5p on the proliferation and apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and its possible mechanism. With NSCLC A549 cells as the experimental research objects, transfection reagent was employed to transfect miR-125a-5p
NC group, miR-125a-5p mimic group and miR-125a-5p siRNA group into A549 cells. qRT-PCR and cloning assays were conducted to detect the level of miR125a-5p in A549 cells and the effect of miR125a-5p on the proliferation of A549 cells. The effect of miR-125a-5p on apoptosis of A549 cells was
detected via FCM. Additionally, the effects of miR-125a-5p on the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K and AKT and the expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in A549 cells were determined through qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Compared with those in miR-125a-5p NC
group, the proliferation ability of A549 cells was improved, their apoptosis rate was significantly decreased, and the mRNA and protein levels of PI3K and AKT and the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in A549 cells were increased in miR-125a-5p siRNA group, whereas they showed totally opposite tendencies
in miR-125a-5p mimic group. miR-125a-5p overexpression can hinder A549 cell growth, boost apoptosis, and reduce MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels via the PI3K/AKT/MMP pathway.
Targeting the Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/AKT1 Signaling Pathway: Iphigenia indica Extracts Induce Apoptosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Song Xiaodong , Guo Shanshan , Wang Mei , Fan Rui , Li Yang , Yu Qiquan , Bao Qi , Wu Chunxiao , Zhang Zeliang , Zhang Kaiyao
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of Iphigenia indica extracts on lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells through the PI3K/AKT1 signaling pathway. The researchers treated A549 cells with different concentrations of Iphigenia indica extracts and conducted various
assays. The results showed that the viability of A549 cells decreased with increasing concentration of Iphigenia indica extracts. Iphigenia indica extracts and PI3K/AKT inhibitor had a higher inhibitory rate of cell proliferation and colony formation, reduced migration and invasion,
and induced apoptosis in A549 cells compared to the control group. Furthermore, Iphigenia indica extracts and PI3K/AKT inhibitor reduced the protein levels of Bcl-2, PI3K, and AKT1 and increased the level of Bax. The findings suggest that Iphigenia indica extracts may inhibit
malignant biological behaviors of lung adenocarcinoma cells through the PI3K/AKT1 signaling pathway by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation, migration and invasion, and regulating the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, PI3K, and AKT1. Overall, Iphigenia indica extracts may have potential
as a therapeutic agent for lung adenocarcinoma.
Therapeutic Potential of Meloxicam in Ameliorating Sepsis-Induced Renal Injury Through the PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Hu Jianyun , Qin Shiyuan , Xiang Yuanbing , He Yan , Hu Haifeng
Published: July 2023

Infectious ureteral stones often lead to sepsis. This study investigated the effect of meloxicam on renal injury caused by sepsis. A sepsis kidney injury model was established using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). HK-2 cells were divided into three groups: control, LPS, and LPS+Mel. The expression
of TNF-α, IL-6, Bcl-2, and Bax mRNA and protein were detected using PCR and Western blot. The inflammation of HK-2 cells was observed using IL-1β immunofluorescence. Apoptosis was investigated using LDH content, TUNEL staining, and flow cytometry. The viability of
HK-2 cells was detected using a CCK-8 assay. The protein expression of the PI3K/AKT pathway was examined to investigate the mechanism of action of Mel. LPS treatment increased TNF-α, IL-6, and Bax expression while decreasing Bcl-2 expression. However, Mel treatment reversed these
effects. Mel also decreased the number of TUNEL-positive cells and the apoptotic rate and LDH content in the LPS+Mel group. Additionally, Mel up-regulated the p-PI3K and p-AKT expression, indicating that Mel inhibits inflammation and apoptosis of HK-2 cells treated with LPS by activating the
PI3K/AKT pathway. In conclusion, Mel could inhibit inflammation and apoptosis of HK-2 cells treated with LPS via activation of PI3K/AKT pathway.
Self-interest or self-defeating? How the self-employed voted in the EU referendum
Authors: Clark Ken , Drinkwater Stephen
Published: July 2023

Given the anticipated negative impact of Brexit on the U.K. economy, it might be expected that self-employed individuals would have favoured remaining in the European Union. However, the self-employed are also more likely to have certain demographic characteristics that are associated with voting leave in the 2016 referendum. We investigate such potentially offsetting influences using nationally representative survey data and find that self-employed men were more, and women less, likely to be leave voters compared to the paid-employed. The differences were statistically significant for men but a Gelbach decomposition reveals that they can largely be explained by characteristics, specifically age and education. Our findings, especially for self-employed men, are discussed within the context of the important economic consequences that Brexit continues to have on small businesses in the United Kingdom as well as the need for further evidence on the voting behaviour of the self-employed.
Team psychological contracts: Effects of gender and social comparison orientation
Authors: O’Neill Bonnie S , Hassell Martin D
Published: July 2023

Understanding the psychological contract (PC) perceptions of college students is crucial for attracting and retaining them as early-career employees. We explore how gender and social comparison orientation (SCO) serve as antecedents and moderators of PC breach. Potential PC obligations were examined across 34 teams of full-time business students. Moderated relationships between SCO and gender were examined relative to PC development, breach, and commitment via a survey following a semester-long team project. Results showed that gender significantly influenced obligation perceptions, with females possessing stronger obligations of their team. Positive relationships existed between SCO and the strength of reported obligations and with breach perceptions. Breach was negatively related to affective commitment to the team. Gender moderated several relationships, with females generally showing stronger, significant associations, consistent with relational PC expectations ( Adams et al., 2014 ). Given the rise of the boundaryless career (Kost et al., 2020), results enhance our understanding of implicit obligations college students hold in applied learning projects that further career-readiness. Results suggest that professors and career services staff can reduce the gap between students’ perceptions of their soft skills and employer expectations (Stewart et al., 2016). This study also facilitates our understanding of factors influencing team commitment, composition and perceived obligations.
Universal displacements in inextensible fiber-reinforced linear elastic solids
Authors: Yavari Arash
Published: July 2023

For a given class of materials, universal displacements are those displacements that can be maintained for any member of the class by applying only boundary tractions. In this paper, we study universal displacements in compressible anisotropic linear elastic solids reinforced by a family of inextensible fibers. For each symmetry class and for a uniform distribution of straight fibers respecting the corresponding symmetry, we characterize the respective universal displacements. A goal of this paper is to investigate how an internal constraint affects the set of universal displacements. We have observed that other than the triclinic and cubic solids in the other five classes (a fiber-reinforced solid with straight fibers cannot be isotropic), the presence of inextensible fibers enlarges the set of universal displacements.
Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of the Tropical Red Alga Eucheuma spinosum: In Silico Study
Authors: Damongilala Lena J. , Dotulong Verly , Apriyanti Eti , Kurnia Dikdik
Published: July 2023

Recently, numerous studies have focused on characterizing the biochemical activities of new natural marine resources as functional foods. Eucheuma spinosum J. Agardh., family Solieraceae, is a potential functional food that is widely used as a natural food source and contains bioactive components. This study aims to identify the bioactivity, drug-likeness, and pharmacokinetics of 3-(3-methoxyphenyl) propanal isolated from E. spinosum, and to discover the molecular interactions between the ligand, 3-(3-methoxyphenyl) propanal, and various antioxidant and antibacterial receptors. The bioactivity of 3-(3-methoxyphenyl) propanal was analyzed using computational Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substance (PASS) analysis. The drug-likeness was examined based on Lipinski's rule and other parameters. The pharmacokinetics of 3-(3-methoxyphenyl) propanal were predicted, and the molecular interactions between the receptors governing the antioxidant and antibacterial activity and 3-(3-methoxyphenyl) propanal were determined using the molecular docking method and molecular dynamics simulation. Based on the PASS analysis, 3-(3-methoxyphenyl) propanal was predicted to inhibit JAK2 expression, which contributes to apoptosis, with a probability of a molecule to be active (Pa) values of 0.733 and 0.508. Additionally, 3-(3-methoxyphenyl) propanal is an oxygen scavenger (Pa 0.408) and antimutagenic (Pa 0.419). Based on the drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic analyses, 3-(3-methoxyphenyl) propanal meets the requirements for an oral drug. Molecular docking revealed that binding affinity of 3-(3-methoxyphenyl) propanal for superoxide dismutase, tyrosinase, glutathione peroxidase, UDP-N-acetylmuramate, and penicillin-binding protein was −5.5, −6.1, −4.2, −6.2, and −4.9 kcal mol −1, respectively. Moreover, according to molecular dynamics simulation, propanal 3-(3-methoxyphenyl) propanal has stronger interaction with tyrosinase than the positive control. Based on PASS analysis and molecular docking results, 3-(3-methoxyphenyl) propanal exhibited promising potential as an antioxidant.
Towards Normalization of Women’s Football in Spanish Sports Journalism: Analysis of 2021 UEFA Women’s Champions League Final Broadcasts
Authors: Martínez-Corcuera Raúl , Ginesta Xavier , Frigola-Reig Joan
Published: July 2023

This research focuses on the audiovisual broadcasts of the UEFA Women’s Champions League final won by FC Barcelona in 2021. The primary aim of this study is to analyze Spanish media discourses with three specific objectives: to determine the presence or absence of sexism; to identify alternative narratives that may emerge in the broadcasts; and to evaluate whether sports media normalizes these narratives or generates more subtle forms of sexism in the representation of women in football. Sports broadcasting often features sensationalist narratives that can escalate to sexist speech, configured as hate speech, inciting different degrees of aggression or violence. This condition diminishes the potential of sports as a space for coexistence. This article presents a qualitative and quantitative thematic analysis. Following Fuller (2006), Hesse-Biber (2017), and Martínez-Corcuera et al. (2022), we applied coding techniques to examine content related to the representation and participation of women in football. Conclusion reveals a minimal presence of discourses that belittle or marginalize female football players, although multiple alternative narratives that demand equality and recognition are also observed. These findings are consistent with numerous European studies that recognize women's football, although bias against female athletes compared to their male counterparts still persists.
Köppen climates and Scheffer index as indicators of timber risk in Europe (1901–2020)
Authors: Brimblecombe Peter , Richards Jenny
Published: July 2023

Timber heritage faces numerous risks, with the threat from insect and fungal attack particularly sensitive to climate. The Scheffer index estimates the deterioration of wood by combining average temperature and days of rain. We determined the Scheffer index from twenty sites in Europe across the 20th and early 21st century using meteorological observations, largely from the European Climate Assessment Dataset. Results showed that Scheffer indices across Europe loosely align with Köppen climate classes, which are also defined in terms of temperature and rainfall. However, within a given Köppen class, a wide range of Scheffer indices were found, thus representing very different threats to heritage. This suggests that specific heritage climate parameters, such as the Scheffer index, are needed. Trends in the Scheffer index provide a fairly robust guide to management strategy by identifying locations where the risk for timber is increasing. However, a simple index cannot necessarily describe the complex interactions between biological pests and climate; such complexity is better handled with well-constructed models. Nevertheless, the Scheffer index offers heritage managers an easily calculated estimate of the spatial distribution of risk to timber and the likely direction of future change.
Molecular detection and analysis of dengue virus genetic diversity in North Sulawesi, Indonesia during 2022
Authors: DATU ALFANI MARING , NATZIR ROSDIANA , YUSTISIA IKA , WAHID ISRA , SORAYA GITA VITA , KADIR SYAHRIJUITA
Published: July 2023

Abstract. Datu AM, Natzir R, Yustisia I, Wahid I, Soraya GV, Kadir S. 2023. Molecular detection and analysis of dengue virus genetic diversity in North Sulawesi, Indonesia during 2022. Biodiversitas 24: 3407-3413. Dengue is a highly infectious disease caused by the dengue virus, consisting of four serotypes (DENV1-DENV4). The existence of diverse serotypes and genotypes in an area significantly impacts the degree of virulence in humans, clinical manifestation, and the epidemiology of the disease. Studying virus diversity in an area is pivotal, especially in dengue-endemic areas such as North Sulawesi. This study was an explorative research analyzing dengue virus serotypes and sequencing on the C-PrM protein region to determine the genetic diversity. This study was conducted on children and adults in 3 health centers in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, in 2022. Of 137 sera samples from febrile patients with dengue-like symptoms, ten were confirmed positive for dengue virus. Out of the ten positive samples, DENV1 was the dominant serotype, which was 70%. This was followed by 20% DENV2 and 10% DENV4. The genotype of each serotype, DENV1, DENV2, and DENV4, was respectively classified into genotype I, cosmopolitan genotype, and genotype I as a new genotype of DENV4 reported in North Sulawesi. This study provides the latest data on the serotypes and genotypes of dengue viruses in North Sulawesi. Molecular surveillance of the dengue virus in North Sulawesi must be continuously conducted due to the circulation of multiple serotypes and genotypes in this province.
Physics of Complex Photonic Media and Metamaterials: feature issue introduction
Authors: Krasnok Alex , Babicheva Viktoriia , Rockstuhl Carsten
Published: July 2023

We introduce the Optical Materials Express feature issue on the Physics of Complex Photonic Media and Metamaterials. This issue comprises a collection of nine manuscripts on the development, characterization, control, and applications of complex photonic media and metamaterials, including but not limited to metagratings, chiral metamirrors, diamond nanopillars, rotating metamaterials, and networks of random lasers.
Communication Strategies in ELF Interactions
Authors: Myintzu Winn
Published: July 2023

Ez a disszertáció azt vizsgálta, hogy a Délkelet-ázsiai Nemzetek Szövetségének (ASEAN) angolul beszélő és az angolt lingua francaként (ELF) használó tagjai hogyan alkalmaznak kommunikációs stratégiákat (KS) interakcióikban, hogy közös megértésre jussanak. A részt vevő 20 nemzetközi diák az ASEAN kilenc tagországából került ki, akik magyar egyetemeken képzést folytattak a kutatás idején. Alcsoportokra lettek beosztva a tanulmány kutatási kérdései szerint. Az elemzett adatok főként spontán interakciókról készült videófelvételekből, valamint retrospektív interjúkból álltak. Az elemzés rámutatott arra, hogy az ASEAN ELF-beszélői különböző típusú KS-eket alkalmaztak, például kódváltás, felvilágosítás kérése, lexikális segítség, megerősítés kérése és nem nyelvi stratégiák. Ezek az eredmények összhangban vannak a korábbi kutatási eredményekkel, mint például Deterding (2013), Kaur (2010, 2011a, 2011b), Kirkpatrick (2007b), Mauranen (2006) és Pietikäinen (2018). A tanulmány azt mutatta, hogy az EFL alcsoport, az ESL alcsoport, valamint az EFL és az ESL vegyes csoport által használt KS-ek általában megegyeztek, és az egyes párok esetében a beszélők közötti közelség nem befolyásolta a stratégiák használatát. A gyakoriságot tekintve a nem nyelvi stratégiák voltak a leggyakrabban használt KS-ek, amelyek megkönnyítették a megértést. A nem nyelvi stratégiák közül a mutatás volt a leggyakoribb, és egyes esetekben a nem nyelvi stratégiák egy másik KS kiegészítéseként. A fentiek azt bizonyítják, hogy a KS-ek jól működnek az ELF-interakciókban, és segítik a beszélőket a közös megértés elérésében, ezért ezeket be kellene építeni az angol nyelvoktatásba. Az ELF-beszélők azt is kifejtették, hogy az érthetőség elérését helyezték előtérbe, nem pedig a magas szintű angol nyelvtudást. Ezek az eredmények összhangban vannak a korábbi irodalommal. A tanulmány célja, hogy hiányt pótoljon a jelenlegi ELF-kutatásban, különösen az ASEAN kontextusában.
Professores autores e livros didáticos: a definição de vida em compêndios de História Natural e Biologia (1930-1959) para o Ensino Secundário
Authors: Josephino Marcos Ferreira , Santos Maria Cristina Ferreira dos , Bastos Wagner Gonçalves
Published: July 2023

Neste estudo foi realizada uma análise da definição de vida e do estudo dos seres vivos em compêndios de História Natural e Biologia, compreendidos como a materialização das disciplinas escolares. O objetivo foi compreender como o conceito de vida foi abordado em nove livros didáticos de História Natural e de Biologia (1930 – 1959) de autoria de Candido Firmino de Mello-Leitão, Lafayette Rodrigues Pereira e Waldemiro Alves Potsch, professores catedráticos destas disciplinas no ensino secundário. A análise apontou que a definição de vida era considerada complexa no ensino da História Natural e Biologia e que a questão principal não era a definição de vida, mas como o processo da vida podia ser diferenciado dos processos físicos ou corpos brutos por meio de suas propriedades características. Não foram identificadas mudanças na definição de vida e no estudo dos seres vivos nos livros didáticos analisados das duas disciplinas escolares neste período.
The Discovery of an Unknown Holocaust Testimony: The DEGOB Protocol of a Spouse
Authors: Szabo Alexandra M.
Published: July 2023

This is the source publication of a yet undiscovered DEGOB protocol from 1945 taken by survivor and interviewer Erna Galosi, recording her husband Elemer Galosi’s testimony after returning from Bergen-Belsen to Budapest. The protocol was found in its original form by their great-granddaughter at home after decades of unvoicing the struggles and tragedy the family had survived. This testimony is first published here by Alexandra M. Szabo.
Investigation of machining characterization of solar material on WEDM process through response surface methodology
Authors: Kumar Anish , Singh Raminder , Sharma Renu
Published: July 2023

The photovoltaic sector needs a high-throughput slicing method that produces minimal waste to meet rising demand. Wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) has emerged as an alternative slicing method in recent research efforts. Polycrystalline silicon is sliced using the WEDM process with a zinc-coated electrode of Ø0.25 mm in diameter. Experiments were planned and conducted according to Box Behnken’s design of experiments. As inputs, seven different process parameters were used: pulse on time (PONT), pulse off time (POFFT), peak current (PC), spark gap voltage (SGV), wire feed (WF), wire tension (WT), and water pressure (WP). Response parameters measured were cutting speed (CS), surface roughness (SR), and kerf width (KW). Various process parameters have also been analyzed with ANOVA methods for predictive modeling. Based on experimental data, this study determines the appropriate optimal solutions via desirability functions. During the WEDM process, the PONT, POFFT, PC, and SGV significantly influence the discharge energy on the sliced surface. As a result of this study, CS of 0.78 mm2/min, SR of 2.87 μm, and KW of 0.70 mm were observed at the optimal settings of PONT of 119 μs, POFFT of 42 μs, PC of 38A, SGV of 36V, WF of 3 mm/min, WT of 2 kg and WP of 6 kg/cm2. Surface morphology was determined using scanning electron microscope and Energy dispersive X-ray to investigate the surface characteristics.
Level of Social Interest in Teachers Improving Their Professional Qualification
Authors: Koleva Nedelina
Published: July 2023

The article is devoted to the key concept of the creator of individual psychology A. Adler about social interest as a potential and predictor of socially useful personality activity. In the specific study, the form of manifestation of social interest is referred to as “lifelong learning”, ensuring and maintaining high qualification of the teachers. Establishing the level of social interest of qualifying teachers mainly within the limits of high, advanced and medium levels confirms the thesis of the increased social responsibility of educators in realizing the tasks of education and upbringing.
Izotóppal működő vérbesugarazó készülékek cseréje Rtg-sugárforrással működő eszközökre
Authors: Baróti-Tóth Klára , Nagy Sándor , Jenei Béla , Katovics Imre , Koknyáné Galaczi Katalin
Published: July 2023

Az Országos Vérellátó Szolgálat (OVSZ) 2020-ban csatlakozott a CIRP (Cesium Irradiator Replacement Project) amerikai projekthez, melynek célja alternatív technológia bevezetése azokon a terápiás területeken, ahol radioaktív sugárforrással (Cs137, Co60) működő eszközöket használnak. A program keretében a debreceni régióközpontunkban került telepítésre az első röntgen vérbesugárzó készülék. A technika alkalmazása előtt a vörösvérsejt-koncentrátumokat teszteltük. Az eredmények megfelelnek a jogszabályi igényeknek (hemolízisarány <0,8%), a készítmények biztonságosan kiadhatók a betegellátásra. Az évenkénti adatgyűjtésünkből kiderült, hogy a besugarazott vérkészítmények aránya (∼10%) szinte teljesen azonos a nemzetközi gyakorlattal. Az OVSZ adatbázisából lehívott adatokból megállapítottuk, hogy 2019–2022-ben hazánkban még mindig alacsonyabb a fehérvérsejt-mentesített (szűrt) vörösvérsejt-készítmények (22%) transzfúziós igénye más országokhoz képest, ahol ez az érték megközelíti a 100%-ot. A kiadott trombocitakészítmények esetében ez kedvezőbb transzfúziós gyakorlatot mutatott.