bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspective strategy of using molecular markers in breeding of Beta vulgaris L. (review)
Authors: Fedulova Tat'yana , Husseyn Ahmad Sadun , Nalbandyan Arpine
Published: March 2023

Abstract. Aim of the investigations is to study, summarize and analyze domestic and foreign literature concerning interaction of molecular genetics and classical sugar beet breeding for improvement of resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The problems are: 1) to analyze a current state of molecular-genetic investigations in domestic and foreign literature; 2) to study problems of marker-oriented breeding; 3) to estimate development prospects of sugar beet molecular research in Russian Federation. Methods. Analytical methods to inspect and handle information from international databases (PubMed, NCBI, and Academy Google) have been used to study modern strategy of molecular-genetic marking. Results. Use of DNA-technologies is an important part of modern breeding of agricultural crops. There have been discussed the research data permitting to get a more comprehensive idea of current state of sugar beet molecular genetics and breeding that is necessary to work out programs of their further development. There have been presented the results of foreign authors’ experiments and our own investigations on determining DNA-markers to study genetical polymorphism of sugar beet breeding material, select parent pairs for hybridization, identify genes of resistance to bolting, select breeding material with genes of resistance to biotic (Fusarium spp., nematodes, rhizomania) and abiotic stressors (salinization, drought, heavy metals). Now, wide-scale studies on using molecular-genetic markers in sugar beet breeding process have been carried out by Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “The A.L. Mazlumov All-Russian Research Institute of Sugar Beet and Sugar”. Use of molecular markers is one of the basic methods in plant breeding because of their general allocation throughout a genome and practical universality of application. In the article, advisability to use actual methods of sugar beet genome analysis employing DNA-markers in breeding process is considered. Scientific novelty involves estimation of the current state of Beta vulgaris L. molecular-genetic investigations in Russian Federation and abroad and their use in the crop breeding process.
Evolución de las actitudes hacia las matemáticas en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: García-Manrubia Belén , Méndez Inmaculada
Published: March 2023

Las matemáticas son una herramienta fundamental para superar los desafíos de la sociedad actual. Así, se hace esencial el estudio de su enseñanza y los aspectos que intervienen en este proceso. Este trabajo se centra en las actitudes hacia las matemáticas y los factores que conforman su dominio afectivo con el objetivo de comprobar cómo evolucionan cada uno de ellos a través de dos momentos del curso académico 2021/2022 en 81 estudiantes del Grado en Educación Primaria de una universidad situada en el sureste de España con una edad media de 20.37 años (19.8% estudiantes de género masculino y 80.2% de género femenino). Se emplea el cuestionario de Auzmendi (1992) para la recogida de información acerca de los factores de las actitudes: ansiedad, confianza, agrado, utilidad y motivación. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron valores medio-bajos para agrado y ansiedad, valores medios para utilidad y adecuados para confianza y motivación. En cuanto a la evolución, las dimensiones de las actitudes siguieron la misma tendencia en ambos momentos, salvo por un ligero incremento de la motivación. En conclusión, es crucial continuar trabajando para conseguir adecuadas valoraciones de las actitudes hacia las matemáticas en los docentes en formación dada la repercusión en cómo el estudiante transmitirá los conocimientos matemáticos en el futuro.
Educación virtual durante la pandemia: Un análisis de la realidad académica desde la perspectiva de alumnos de la Universidad Politécnica y Artística del Paraguay (UPAP)
Authors: Schröder José Enrique
Published: March 2023

La educación virtual fue la herramienta que el mundo académico universitario implementó para responder a los desafíos que trajo consigo la pandemia por COVID-19. La UPAP, al igual que todas las instituciones universitarias importantes del Paraguay, se ha adaptado y ha apostado por la plataforma CANVAS, con la que ha hecho posible que la formación académica profesional, en las distintas carreras de grado y en las diferentes regiones del país, sigan desarrollándose con cierta normalidad. La investigación tuvo como objetivo describir la experiencia del alumnado de dos años con clases presenciales y clases virtuales de las distintas carreras de grado en las diferentes regiones donde está instalada la universidad. Específicamente, se indagó con respecto al desarrollo pedagógico en la educación virtual y un posible retorno a la presencialidad ¿qué prefieren los alumnos? Se aplicó una encuesta a 415 alumnos de las carreras, tomando en cuenta 12 filiales de las 48 que posee la institución. Se discuten los resultados tomando en cuenta que se visibiliza una buena aceptación de la modalidad virtual, no obstante, la presencialidad es la más preferida seguida de la modalidad semipresencial.
Relics of Animism in the traditional beliefs of Kazakh and Tuvan people (the end of XIX century – the beginning of XX century): comparative analysis
Authors:   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Dosmurzinov R.
Published: March 2023

The article is devoted to the problems of studying of religious wordldview in the ethnography of Kazakh and Tuvan people. It is known that in the modern period Tuvans practices Buddhism, partly Christianity and traditional beliefs (also like several other South Siberian folks – Khakasses, Altayans, Shors), Kazakhs are Muslims of Sunni direction and the Khanafi school of thought. These peoples has common historical roots and traditional worldview, that is related with religious beliefs of ancient Turkic peoples. The religion and religious culture of ancient Turks is little-known to modern science. As is well known, new information can be obtained by different methods. That’s why the aim of this article is uncover the components of religious beliefs, existing of which is not caused by canonic Buddhism of Tuvans and Islam of Kazakhs, pre-Islamic elements in the traditional worldview of Kazakhs and pre-Buddhic relics in the beliefs of Tuvans. Theoretical and methodological basis of this are advances of ethnology in the modern emphirical and theoretical studies of religious beliefs and rites. The chronological framework of research includes the end of XIX century – the beginning of XX century. The author of article comes to conclusion that the religious beliefs of Kazakh and Tuvan peoples in the period of the end of XIX century – the beginning of XX century were syncretistic. This syncretism found explicit expression in the traditional ritualism.
Civil law contract as a document
Authors: Chalyi Yu. I.
Published: March 2023

Based on the analysis of current Ukrainian legislation, practice of its application, provisions of civil law doctrine and documentary studies, it has been identified the general features of civil law contracts as documents. The need to develop theoretical provisions on a contract as a document is caused by insufficient research of these issues in the science of civil law.

The definition of the features of a contract-document is based on the principle of “from the general to the special”: first, the constitutive features of documents as such are established, and then these features are extrapolated to contracts when the latter are considered as documents. An agreement, as well as any other document, is characterized by attributability, stability of material (tangible) form, structural integrity, semantic content, completeness of the message and functionality. The specific distinction of a contract as a document is most evident when considering the substantive information that this document records. Such information includes data on subjects of civil law who acquire legal roles of "parties to the contract" in the contractual process and are recognized in it by means of special identification techniques, as well as data on the type of bilateral or multilateral transaction performed by these parties. Establishing such information makes it possible to qualify the legal relationship that has arisen between the parties properly and determine an adequate legal regime for its regulation. Based on the features (properties) of a contract as a document discussed in the article, it has been formulated its definitional description: a contract-document is a written act whose main purpose is to record, preserve and transmit in time and space information about the agreement reached by two or more parties aimed at establishing, changing or terminating civil rights and obligations. The conclusions that have been drawn in this article can be used in the educational process and legal practice.
Pengembangan Media Diorama Sains Pada Materi Rantai Makanan Kelas V Sekolah Dasar Negeri Ellak Laok IV
Authors: Fardiana Nurin , Sari Tita Tanjung , Kadarisman
Published: March 2023

This study is developmental research that aims to determine how the use of science diorama media on food chain material Class V SDN Ellak Laok IV and find out how students respond to this research. Subjects in this study are students of Grade V SDN Ellak Laok IV with a total of 6 students. Data collection techniques in this study in the form of preliminary observations, and questionnaires/questionnaires. The procedures of this research are (1) potential and problems; (2) collecting information; (3) Product Design; (4) design validation; (5) design improvement; (6) product testing (7) product revision. The results of product validation include Media Design Validation with a percentage of assessment of 94% with criteria once and without revision, while the material validation with a percentage of assessment of 96% with criteria once and without revision. The results of the assessment of students ' response to the development of media diorama science categories were very good. This is evidenced by the value of the results of the student response questionnaire with an assessment of 95% and very good criteria. So that the development of Science diorama media is worthy of use as a learning medium. The results of data analysis in the form of Shiva's response to this development by 95%. So it can be concluded that the response of students to the development of science diorama media on food chain material of Class V SDN Ellak Laok IV is very good.
Strategi Guru Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Membaca Siswa Kelas IV Sekolah Dasar Negeri 15 Pagaruyung
Authors: Soniah  , Safrizal  , Herlina Elda
Published: March 2023

The historical past of this research is one of the trainer's strategies to improve simple college students' studying capabilities. This takes a look at ambitions to explain the trainer's approach to enhancing students' reading talents. This form of research is a qualitative description. The informants in this examination were school principals and teachers at faculty. the important thing instrument itself is the researcher himself when the implementation is assisted with the aid of interview publications, commentary sheets, and tape recorders. facts series is finished by way of interviews, observation, and documentation. records evaluation changed into carried out using the Miles and Huberman model along with facts discount, records show, and additionally conclusions. The validity of the facts with records triangulation techniques. The consequences of the research display that the strategies used to enhance studying abilities are by using studying literacy, spelling methods, and good-sized analyzing. therefore it could be concluded that this use can enhance analyzing abilities.
ГНУЧКІ ФОРМИ ЗАЙНЯТОСТІ ТА МОБІЛЬНІСТЬ РОБОЧОЇ СИЛИ В УМОВАХ ЕКОНОМІЧНОЇ НЕСТАБІЛЬНОСТІ
Authors: Гук Л. П. , Біліченко С. П.
Published: March 2023

Метою статті є дослідження трендів у світі праці, що забезпечать збереження конкурентоздатності економіки. Проаналізовано фактори, що формували конкурентоспроможність економіки України. Акцентовано увагу на збереженні людського капіталу як рушійної сили, що формує конкурентоспроможність. Визначено, що важливим інструментом підтримки конкурентоспроможності та адаптації до роботи в умовах нестабільності є використання гнучких форм зайнятості. Розкрито особливості дистанційної зайнятості українських фрілансерів на цифрових платформах. Запропоновано напрями удосконалення стратегічного управління у сфері зайнятості, що дозволить збалансувати економічну ситуацію, сформувати більш гнучку та мобільну робочу силу, здатну працювати в умовах нестабільності.
РОЛЬ ТАЙМ-МЕНЕДЖМЕНТУ В ПІДВИЩЕННІ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ УПРАВЛІННЯ ТУРИСТИЧНИМ ПІДПРИЄМСТВОМ ЯК СУБ’ЄКТОМ ІНДУСТРІЇ ГОСТИННОСТІ
Authors: Хитра О. В.
Published: March 2023

У статті запропонована авторська інтерпретація тайм-менеджменту та обґрунтовано його зв’язок з іншими складовими самоменеджменту, менеджменту гостинності і загальної системи управління туристичним підприємством. Розглянуто специфічні риси туристичного бізнес-середовища, що висувають підвищені вимоги до використання часового ресурсу. Охарактеризовані базові принципи застосування технологій індивідуального, корпоративного і соціального тайм-менеджменту в індустрії гостинності. Обґрунтована доцільність формування у працівників туристичного підприємства часової компетентності, що забезпечить успішну адаптацію людського чинника до просторово-часового континууму, в якому здійснюється купівля-продаж послуг гостинності. Виконана систематизація основних методів тайм-менеджменту за характером виконуваних управлінських завдань та розроблений алгоритм дій щодо формування оптимальної стратегії тайм-менеджменту. Наведене авторське визначення терміна «стратегія тайм-менеджменту туристичного підприємства».
Factors Related To Hypertension Control Behavior In Hypertension Patients
Authors: Mardhiati Retno , Nuryono Bunga Meilinda , Hamal Dian Kholika
Published: March 2023

The increasing prevalence of hypertension every year is a public health problem today, so it is necessary to be active in controlling hypertension to reduce the risk of complications. Therefore, this study aims to determine the factors associated with hypertension control behavior in hypertensive patients in Tegal Parang Village, South Jakarta in 2022. This research is a quantitative research using a cross sectional study design. The population of this study was 1,180 hypertensive patients. The sample in this study was 178 respondents using the Cluster Sampling technique. The analysis used in this research is univariate and bivariate analysis using Chi Square test. The study found that from 178 hypertensive patients, 121 (68%) hypertensive patients did not do routine control, while 57 (32%) hypertensive patients did routine control. Based on statistical tests, it was concluded that there was a relationship between age (P-value 0.000), gender (P-value 1.000), education (P-value 0.041), time of suffering from hypertension (P-value 0.005), knowledge (P-value 0.033), attitude (P-value 0.435), access to health services. (P-value 0.601), family support (P-value 0.000) and support from health workers (P-value 0.000) with hypertension control behavior.That there is a significant relationship between age, education, time of suffering from hypertension, knowledge, family support and support from health workers with hypertension control behavior.
Development of Dry Walnut Shell Edible Film Plasticized with Glycerol and/or Sorbitol and Incorporated with Aloe Vera Gel and Lemon Essential Oil
Authors: Girgin Berika , Tugrul Nurcan
Published: March 2023

Edible packaging films produced from biomaterials are environmentally friendly, promising alternatives against synthetic plastics films. The aim of this study was to produce a low-cost edible film from waste dry walnut shell by casting method. Effects of the plasticizer type and concentration, lemon essential oil (LEO) and aloe vera gel (AVG) addition on edible films properties were investigated. Produced edible films characterization analysis were realized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Moisture content, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), water solubility, swelling index, thicknesses and color parameters of the produced edible films were investigated. Moisture content of the films was decreased between 23.3–50.6% after LEO and AVG addition, except the moisture content of the film plasticized with 20% sorbitol was increased by 518%. WVTR of the films were increased between 8.7–72.3% after LEO and AVG addition due to the hydrophobic character of LEO. Glycerol plasticized edible films water solubility were decreased between 27.3–75.9%, sorbitol plasticized edible films water solubility were increased between 237.5–100.8% with LEO and AVG incorporation. The swelling index of C1 was reduced by 51.5%, C2 was reduced by 62.4%, C4 was reduced by 36.1%. The swelling index of the C3 was increased by 10.5%, C5 was increased by 21.5%. LEO and AVG addition increased to the film thickness maximum 79.2%. Total color changes (ΔE) of glycerol plasticized films were higher than sorbitol plasticized film. The edible film produced can be used in food packaging due to the appropriate physical and barrier properties.
ผลของการให้บริการฝึกพูดผ่านระบบการฝึกพูดออนไลน์
Authors: เอื้อวรคุณานันท์ ทิพยวารี , เดชเกตุ พิชญ์อาภา , โอภาสเสรีผดุง ทศพร , นิลสุวรรณโฆษิต เฉลิมชัย , ศิริชื่นวิจิตร ปรางทิพย์ , ชูเดชา ณัฐธิดา , ยลวงศ์ กุลวดี , ภัคโชค สุดารัตน์ , โชคบุญดี ณิชารีย์
Published: March 2023

บทนำ: การฝึกพูดออนไลน์เป็นระบบที่ยังไม่มีหน่วยงานใดในประเทศไทยศึกษามาก่อน ซึ่งการฝึกพูดจำเป็นต้องคำนึงถึงประสิทธิภาพการฝึกและความพึงพอใจของผู้ป่ วย เพื่อพัฒนาระบบฝึกพูดออนไลน์ให้มีประสิทธิผลและเป็นต้นแบบการบริการแก่ผู้ป่วยในสถานการณ์โรคระบาด
วัตถุประสงค์: เพื่อศึกษาจำนวนผู้ป่วยใหม่ที่เข้าถึงบริการฝึกพูดออนไลน์จำนวนผู้ป่วยเก่าที่ติดตามการฝึกพูดได้อย่างต่อเนื่องผ่านการฝึกพูดออนไลน์ และระดับความพึงพอใจของผู้ป่วยต่อระบบฝึกพูดออนไลน์
วิธีการศึกษา: การศึกษาข้อมูลย้อนหลังในผู้ป่วยที่รับการฝึกพูดออนไลน์ คลินิกฝึกพูด โรงพยาบาลรามาธิบดี ในปี พ.ศ. 2564 เก็บข้อมูลจากการสืบค้นเวชระเบียนและตัวตามรอยทางคลินิกของระบบฝึกพูดออนไลน์ โดยวิเคราะห์ด้วยสถิติเชิงพรรณนา
ผลการศึกษา: ผู้ป่วยจำนวนทั้งหมด 524 คน พบว่า ผู้ป่วยใหม่เข้าถึงบริการฝึกพูดออนไลน์และผู้ป่วยเก่าที่สามารถติดตามการฝึกพูดได้ต่อเนื่องผ่านระบบออนไลน์ คิดเป็นร้อยละ 29.19 และ 70.81 ตามลำดับ และผู้ป่วยมีความพึงพอใจต่อระบบฝึกพูดออนไลน์ในระดับพึงพอใจถึงพึงพอใจมาก คิดเป็นร้อยละ 97.52 ของผู้ป่วยที่รับบริการฝึกพูดออนไลน์ทั้งหมด
สรุป: การฝึกพูดออนไลน์เป็นระบบที่สามารถใช้ได้ในผู้ป่วยรายใหม่และรายเก่า และผู้ป่วยมีความพึงพอใจในการรับบริการฝึกพูดผ่านระบบออนไลน์
Age-related Hearing Loss and Aldosterone Treatment
Authors: Pichaitanaporn Jitpakorn , Dara Rada
Published: March 2023

Hearing loss is a common cause of disability in the global population. The prevalence of hearing loss is estimated to dramatically increase in the next decades with an increase in the number of older people. The fact that hearing loss correlates with aging suggests that age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) will be a critical issue and hearing care will be required. Untreated hearing loss has negative effects at multiple levels, such as hearing loss affecting the quality of life of hearing-impaired individuals, deteriorating family relationships, and interfering with economic growth. Unfortunately, treatments for hearing loss are limited to the use of hearing devices. Studies have shown that the number of hearing aid users is approximately 20% of all hearing-impaired individuals. Therefore, having alternative treatments is critical to reduce the number of people with hearing loss and to prevent a dramatic increase in the number of hearing-impaired individuals. In the future, a potential medication may be aldosterone (ALD). Studies have reported positive effects of ALD treatments on hearing loss in aged mice. ALD treatment in aged mice shows an improvement in hearing sensitivity and a healthier cochlear structure. Although higher ALD concentrations are associated with better hearing sensitivity and hearing in noise ability than lower concentrations, there is no clinical trial in ALD treatment in human has been reported.
Chronic endothelin receptor blockade reduces end-organ damage independently of blood pressure effects in salt-loaded heterozygous Ren-2 transgenic rats.
Authors: Opočenský M , Dvořák P , Malý J , Kramer HJ , Backer A , Kopkan L , Vernerová Z , Tesař V , Zima T , Bader M , Ganten D , Janda J , Vaněčková I
Published: March 2023

The present study was performed to evaluate the role of an interaction between the endothelin (ET) and the renin-angiotensin systems (RAS) in the development and maintenance of hypertension and in hypertension-associated end-organ damage in heterozygous male and female transgenic rats harboring the mouse Ren-2 renin gene (TGR). Twenty-eight days old heterozygous TGR and age-matched transgene-negative normotensive Hannover Sprague-Dawley rats (HanSD) were randomly assigned to groups with normal-salt (NS) or high-salt (HS) intake. Nonselective ET(A)/ET(B) receptor blockade was achieved with bosentan (100 mg.kg(-1).day(-1)). All male and female HanSD as well as heterozygous TGR on NS exhibited 100 % survival rate until 180 days of age (end of experiment). HS diet in heterozygous TGR induced a transition from benign to malignant phase hypertension. The survival rates in male and in female heterozygous TGR on the HS diet were 46 % and 80 %, respectively, and were significantly improved by administration of bosentan to 76 % and 97 %, respectively. Treatment with bosentan did not influence either the course of hypertension (measured by plethysmography in conscious animals) or the final levels of blood pressure (measured by a direct method in anesthetized rats) in any of the experimental groups of HanSD or TGR. Administration of bosentan in heterozygous TGR fed the HS diet markedly reduced proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis and attenuated the development of cardiac hypertrophy compared with untreated TGR. Our data show that the ET receptor blockade markedly improves the survival rate and ameliorates end-organ damage in heterozygous TGR exposed to HS diet. These findings indicate that the interaction between the RAS and ET systems plays an important role in the development of hypertension-associated end-organ damage in TGR exposed to salt-loading.
Myocardial infarct size-limiting effect of chronic hypoxia persists for five weeks of normoxic recovery.
Authors: Neckář J , Ošťádal B , Kolář F
Published: March 2023

We examined cardioprotective effect of chronic hypoxia and the time course of its recovery under normoxic conditions. Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (7000 m, 8 h/day, 35 exposures) and susceptibility of their hearts to ischemia-induced ventricular arrhythmias and myocardial infarction was evaluated in anesthetized open-chest animals subjected to 30-min coronary artery occlusion and 4-h reperfusion on the day after the last hypoxic exposure and at 7, 35 and 90 days of normoxic recovery. The infarct size was reduced from 69.2+/-1.7 % of the area at risk in normoxic controls to 48.0+/-2.2 % in the chronically hypoxic group and to 61.6+/-2.3 % in the group recovered for 7 days. This residual protection persisted for at least 35 days of normoxic recovery but it was absent after 90 days. In contrast to the infarct size-limitation, the antiarrhythmic protection disappeared already during the first week; the incidence of ventricular fibrillation was even significantly increased 7 and 90 days after the last hypoxic exposure. In conclusion, the duration of cardioprotection induced by chronic hypoxia differs markedly, depending on the end point of ischemia/reperfusion injury examined. Whereas the increased tolerance to lethal myocardial injury persists for at least 5 weeks after the termination of hypoxia, the antiarrhythmic protection rapidly vanishes, being replaced with transient proarrhythmic effect.
A Study on Parents Perception and Needs for Elementary School Oral Examination: For Parents in Some Areas of Busan
Authors:   The Korean Society of Oral Health Science, Kim Seul-Gi , Kim Bo-Ram , Kim Na-Yoon , Lee Min-Kyung
Published: March 2023

Objectives: The purpose is to investigate the perception and satisfaction of the current elementary school oral examination, identify improvements, and help present development directions.
Methods: From September 1 to October 31, 2022, it was conducted for parents who visited the hospital to conduct oral examinations in elementary schools.
Results: Parents' perception and satisfaction with oral examinations in elementary schools were high, but there were many cases where they hoped to include additional brushing education in oral examinations.
Conclusions: Institutional measures are needed to add a brushing education program to the oral examination of elementary schools so that it can be educated in the clinical field
The Theory of Everything | A Hypothesis
Authors: Sinha Arnab
Published: March 2023

Formulation of a single theory that connects and explains all aspects of the universe is one of the unsolved problems in physics. Though the mass-energy equivalence tends to connect mass and energy through a constant which is the square of the velocity of light, it fails to bring about an element that underlies both mass and energy. A theory of everything lies in the definition of this underlying element. This paper is a hypothesis wherein I have called this underlying element matter. I have defined matter from the perspective of an observer observing from outside the realm of matter, making mass and energy, the constituents of matter, an observed phenomenon. The hypothesis reveals that it is the same energy that shows up in the form of electromagnetic radiation under certain conditions and is stored in the form of potential and experienced as gravity in another.
Evaluation of the Incidental Prevalence of Soft Tissue Calcifications in the Neck Region with Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: İSPİR Nebiha Gözde , PEKER İlkay , TORAMAN ALKURT Meryem
Published: March 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the incidental prevalence of heterotopic soft tissue calcifications in the neck region, on Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images, and their relationship with age and sex.

Methods: A total of 6620 CBCT images were examined. CBCT images of 503 patients aged between 20 and 86 years were included in the study. Patients were grouped into five age groups: 20-30 (N = 132), 31-40 (N = 68), 41-50 (N = 92), 51-60 (N = 104), and 61 and above (N = 107). The images were assessed according to the presence of lymph node calcification, carotid artery calcification, thyroid cartilage, and triticeous cartilage calcification in the neck region. Descriptive statistics, crosstabs, and chi-square tests were used for data analysis. The significance level was set to 0.05

Results: At least one calcification was detected in 372 (73.9%) patients. The difference between the prevalence of each calcification according to age groups was statistically significant. A significant relationship was found between the presence of carotid artery calcification and the sex variable (p< .05). The presence of other calcifications did not show statistically significant differences associated with sex (p> .05).

Conclusion: The results of this study showed a significant amount of soft tissue calcification in the neck region. The most common calcifications were thyroid cartilage calcifications, and the least common calcification was lymph node calcification.
Obesity and the microbiome in atopic dermatitis: Therapeutic implications for PPAR-γ agonists
Authors: McAleer Jeremy P.
Published: March 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by epidermal barrier disruption, Th2 immune responses to skin allergens and microbial dysbiosis within affected lesions. Studies within the past decade have revealed genetic and environmental factors contributing to AD in children. Obesity is a metabolic disorder that often manifests early in life and is associated with reduced bacterial diversity, leading to skin colonization with lipophilic bacteria and intestinal colonization with pro-inflammatory species. These changes impair epithelial barriers and promote Th17 responses, which may worsen the severity of AD symptoms. While few studies have examined the contribution of microbiota in obesity-induced allergies, there is emerging evidence that PPAR-γ may be an effective therapeutic target. This review discusses the microbiome in pediatric AD, treatment with probiotics, how disease is altered by obesity and potential therapeutic effects of PPAR-γ agonists. While healthy skin contains diverse species adapted for specific niches, lesional skin is highly colonized with Staphylococcus aureus which perpetuates the inflammatory reaction. Treatments for AD should help to restore microbial diversity in the skin and intestine, as well as epithelial barrier function. Pre-clinical models have shown that PPAR-γ agonists can suppress Th17 responses, IgE production and mast cell function, while improving the epidermal barrier and microbial homeostasis. Overall, PPAR-γ agonists may be effective in a subset of patients with AD, and future studies should distinguish their metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects in order to inform the best therapies.
Identifying molecular and functional similarities and differences between human primary cardiac valve interstitial cells and ventricular fibroblasts
Authors: Floy Martha E. , Shabnam Fathima , Givens Sophie E. , Patil Vaidehi A. , Ding Yunfeng , Li Grace , Roy Sushmita , Raval Amish N. , Schmuck Eric G. , Masters Kristyn S. , Ogle Brenda M. , Palecek Sean P.
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells that predominantly produce and maintain the extracellular matrix (ECM) and are critical mediators of injury response. In the heart, valve interstitial cells (VICs) are a population of fibroblasts responsible for maintaining the structure and function of heart valves. These cells are regionally distinct from myocardial fibroblasts, including left ventricular cardiac fibroblasts (LVCFBs), which are located in the myocardium in close vicinity to cardiomyocytes. Here, we hypothesize these subpopulations of fibroblasts are transcriptionally and functionally distinct.

Methods: To compare these fibroblast subtypes, we collected patient-matched samples of human primary VICs and LVCFBs and performed bulk RNA sequencing, extracellular matrix profiling, and functional contraction and calcification assays.

Results: Here, we identified combined expression of SUSD2 on a protein-level, and MEOX2, EBF2 and RHOU at a transcript-level to be differentially expressed in VICs compared to LVCFBs and demonstrated that expression of these genes can be used to distinguish between the two subpopulations. We found both VICs and LVCFBs expressed similar activation and contraction potential in vitro, but VICs showed an increase in ALP activity when activated and higher expression in matricellular proteins, including cartilage oligomeric protein and alpha 2-Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein, both of which are reported to be linked to calcification, compared to LVCFBs.

Conclusion: These comparative transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional studies shed novel insight into the similarities and differences between valve interstitial cells and left ventricular cardiac fibroblasts and will aid in understanding region-specific cardiac pathologies, distinguishing between primary subpopulations of fibroblasts, and generating region-specific stem-cell derived cardiac fibroblasts.
Preliminary study of improving immune tolerance in vivo of bioprosthetic heart valves through a novel antigenic removal method
Authors: Song Mingzhe , Yi Liang , Tang Zhenjie , Xie Xinlong , Liu Yuhong , Qi XiaoKe , Jiang Zhenlin , Chen ZeGuo , Chen Chunyang , Wu QiYing , Wu ZhongShi
Published: March 2023

The durability of bioprosthetic heart valves is always compromised by the inherent antigenicity of biomaterials. Decellularization has been a promising approach to reducing the immunogenicity of biological valves. However, current methods are insufficient in eliminating all immunogenicity from the biomaterials, necessitating the exploration of novel techniques. In this study, we investigated using a novel detergent, fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether sodium sulfate (AES), to remove antigens from bovine pericardium. Our results demonstrated that AES treatment achieved a higher pericardial antigen removal rate than traditional detergent treatments while preserving the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the biomaterials. Moreover, we observed excellent immune tolerance in the in vivo rat model. Overall, our findings suggest that AES treatment is a promising method for preparing biological valves with ideal clinical application prospects.
Sensor technologies for the detection and monitoring of endocrine-disrupting chemicals
Authors: Shah Muhammad Musaddiq , Ahmad Khurshid , Boota Sonia , Jensen Tor , La Frano Michael R. , Irudayaraj Joseph
Published: March 2023

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are a class of man-made substances with potential to disrupt the standard function of the endocrine system. These EDCs include phthalates, perchlorates, phenols, some heavy metals, furans, dimethoate, aromatic hydrocarbons, some pesticides, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). EDCs are widespread in the environment given their frequent use in daily life. Their production, usage, and consumption have increased many-fold in recent years. Their ability to interact and mimic normal endocrine functions makes them a potential threat to human health, aquatics, and wild life. Detection of these toxins has predominantly been done by mass spectroscopy and/or chromatography-based methods and to a lesser extent by advanced sensing approaches such as electrochemical and/or colorimetric methods. Instrument-based analytical techniques are often not amenable for onsite detection due to the lab-based nature of these detecting systems. Alternatively, analytical approaches based on sensor/biosensor techniques are more attractive because they are rapid, portable, equally sensitive, and eco-friendly. Advanced sensing systems have been adopted to detect a range of EDCs in the environment and food production systems. This review will focus on advances and developments in portable sensing techniques for EDCs, encompassing electrochemical, colorimetric, optical, aptamer-based, and microbial sensing approaches. We have also delineated the advantages and limitations of some of these sensing techniques and discussed future developments in sensor technology for the environmental sensing of EDCs.
Nose-to-brain delivery of self-assembled curcumin-lactoferrin nanoparticles: Characterization, neuroprotective effect and in vivo pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Li Linghui , Tan Liwei , Zhang Qian , Cheng Yushan , Liu Yayuan , Li Rui , Hou Shuguang
Published: March 2023

Curcumin (CUR) is a natural polyphenol extract with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which indicates its great potential for neuroprotection. Lactoferrin (LF), a commonly used oral carrier and targeting ligand, has not been reported as a multifunctional nanocarrier for nose-to-brain delivery. This study aims to develop a nose-to-brain delivery system of curcumin-lactoferrin nanoparticles (CUR-LF NPs) and to further evaluate the neuroprotective effects in vitro and brain accumulation in vivo. Herein, CUR-LF NPs were prepared by the desolvation method with a particle size of 84.8 ± 6.5 nm and a zeta potential of +22.8 ± 4.3 mV. The permeability coefficient of CUR-LF NPs (4.36 ± 0.79 × 10−6 cm/s) was 50 times higher than that of CUR suspension (0.09 ± 0.04 × 10−6 cm/s) on MDCK monolayer, indicating that the nanoparticles could improve the absorption efficiency of CUR in the nasal cavity. Moreover, CUR-LF NPs showed excellent protection against Aβ25-35-induced nerve damage in PC12 cells. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed that the brain-targeting efficiency of CUR-LF NPs via IN administration was 248.1%, and the nose-to-brain direct transport percentage was 59.7%. Collectively, nose-to-brain delivery of CUR-LF NPs is capable of achieving superior brain enrichment and potential neuroprotective effects.
Cost-effectiveness and affordability evaluation of a residential prototype built with compressed earth bricks, hybrid roofs and palm midribs
Authors: Abdel Gelil Mohamed Nermine , Abo Eldardaa Mahmoud Islam
Published: March 2023

As a response to rising housing prices and the high cost of materials in the building and construction industry, a rural prototype house (the Ecofordable House) was built with alternative technologies. The house is located in the western desert zone of Giza, Egypt, and features enhanced vernacular technologies with local materials. Interlocking compressed stabilized earth brick walls, partially reinforced, jack arch and funicular shell roofs, and date palm midribs were employed in an attempt to reduce the usage of steel, fired bricks, cement, and imported wood. The present research evaluates the house’s construction cost-effectiveness and affordability through detailed real-world data and comparisons of material quantities, labor, and costs with those of conventional methods. The “price-to-income ratio” is used as an indicator of affordability. According to the findings, walls cut costs by half, roofs by a quarter, and midribs by two-thirds; the alternatives combined saved 45%, and the house saved a quarter of the cost after adding common expenses. Moreover, less than one-third of steel, fired bricks, and cement were utilized. In the Egyptian context of government-built houses, the prototype would be affordable for most Egyptian income brackets while the conventional house was expensive for the lowest three. The findings provide empirical support for the economic advantages of enhanced vernacular technologies as alternatives and address residential affordability in similar contexts.
Non-linear modeling parameters for new construction RC columns
Authors: Khodadadi Koodiani Hamid , Majlesi Arsalan , Shahriar Adnan , Matamoros Adolfo
Published: March 2023

Modeling parameters (MP) of reinforced concrete columns are a critical component of performance-based seismic assessment methodologies because in these approaches damage is estimated based on element deformations calculated using non-linear models. To ensure model fidelity and consistency of assessment results, performance-based seismic assessment methods in ASCE 41, ACI 369.1, and ACI 374.3R prescribe modeling parameters calibrated using experimental data. This paper introduces a new set of equations to calculate reinforced concrete column non-linear modeling parameters optimized for design verification of new buildings using response history analysis. Unlike modeling parameters provided in ACI 369.1 and ASCE 41, intended for columns of older non-ductile buildings, the equations for modeling parameters anl and bnl presented in this study were calibrated to simulate the load-deformation envelope of reinforced concrete columns that meet the detailing requirements of modern seismic design codes. Specifically, the proposed equations are intended for use with provisions in ACI 374.3R, Chapter 18 and Appendix A of ACI 318-19 and Chapter 16 of ASCE/SEI 7-16. The proposed equations were calibrated using the ACI Committee 369 column database, which includes column configuration parameters, material properties, and deformation capacity modeling parameters inferred from the measured response of columns under load reversals. Dimension reduction techniques were applied to visualize different clusters of data in 2D space using the negative log-likelihood score. This technique allowed decreasing the non-linearity of the problem by identifying a subset of columns with load-deformation behavior representative of new construction conforming to current codes requirements. A Neural Network model (NN) was calibrated and used to perform parametric variations to identify the most relevant input parameters and characterize their effect on modeling parameters, and to stablish the degree of non-linearity between each input variable and the model output. Developing equations for modeling parameters applicable to a wide range of columns is challenging, so this research considered subsets of the database representative of new construction columns to calibrate simple practical equations. Linear regression models including the most relevant features from the parametric study were calibrated for rectangular and circular columns. The proposed linear regression equations were found to provide better estimates of new construction column modeling parameters than the available tables in ACI 374.3R and ASCE 41-13, and the equations ASCE 41-17.
Gemological features of diaspore in sodra—Milas (mugla) region
Authors: Hikmet Kinaci Eyyüp , Ozturk Alican
Published: March 2023

Diaspore, is related to bauxite in terms of its formation mechanism. Diaspore is one of the gemstone quality stones used in jewelry and jewelry making. It is possible to come across gemstones in various regions of the world. In our country, there are gemstone deposits in all regions. In these deposits, diaspore crystals are considered very valuable. Within the scope of this study, it was aimed to determine the gemological features of the diaspore formations in Sodra (Milas-Mugla) and its surroundings, as well as to determine other minerals and their formation conditions. Main oxide, trace, and rare earth element analyses were performed on seven collected samples. The classification was made using the Al2O3-SiO2-Fe2O3 triangular variation and it was determined that bauxite samples were in the “ferric bauxite” and “bauxite” areas. SEM imaging and EDS analyzes were performed on the samples and according to this result, it was determined that the samples mainly contained O, Al, and Si. The data obtained as a result of Raman Spectroscopy were matched with the device’s own data library and it was determined that the samples taken from the Sodra region were diaspore. In addition, according to the results of the FTIR analysis performed on the faceted sample taken from the Sodra region, it was seen that the samples were compatible with the reference standards and it was scientifically proven to be a diaspore crystal with gemstone quality. During the field studies carried out in the study area, diaspore crystals were encountered in the Milas-Sodra region, together with chloritoid and muscovite, within the metabauxite formations and in the altered zones close to the metabauxite limestone contact. Rock were classified as “muscovitequartzschist,” “quartzschist” with grano-lepidoblastic texture, “micaquartzschist” with lepidoblastic texture, “phyllite” with lepidoblastic texture, and “chlorite-epidote fels” with nematoblastic texture as a result of petrographic analyzes performed on the country rock samples. It is predicted that these gemstone-quality diaspore crystals can be evaluated economically.
Changes in bone quality after switching from a TDF to a TAF based ART: A pilot randomized study
Authors: Soldado-Folgado Jade , Rins-Lozano Oriol , Arrieta-Aldea Itziar , Gonzále-Mena Alicia , Cañas-Ruano Esperanza , Knobel Hernando , Garcia-Giralt Natalia , Güerri-Fernández Robert
Published: March 2023

Background

The impact of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) antiretroviral (ART) regimens on bone health has been characterized mostly by bone mineral density (BMD), but recently also by bone quality (BQ). The aim of this pilot study is to assess the changes in BMD and BQ after switch from TDF to tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) ART.

Methods

HIV individuals receiving TDF-based ART were randomized to switch to Bictegravir-TAF-Emtricitabine or to remain in the same regimen. At baseline and 24-weeks after randomization, participants underwent bone mineral density (BMD) by DXA and BQ assessment using bone microindentation, a validated technique that measures bone tissue quality expressed as bone material strength index (BMSi). A panel of plasma bone turnover biomarkers were measured by ELISA at the same time-points. Values are expressed as median [interquartile range] and non-parametric tests were used where appropriate.

Results

A total of 24 HIV individuals were included in the study, 19 of which were men (80%). Median age at baseline was 43 years (IQR 38-54). Half of individuals were allocated in the TDF group while the other half changed to TAF treatment. No differences at baseline between both groups were detected in any parameter. Non-significant changes nor in lumbar or femoral BMD at week 24 was found in any regimen. In contrast, there was an increase in BMSi in the TAF arm at 24 weeks, and thus an improvement in BQ[81.6 (79-83) to 86 (80-88) (+5.1%);p=0.041], whereas the TDF arm remained stable from 82 (76-85) at baseline to 82 (73-83);p=0.812. Hence, at week 24 there were significant differences in BQ between arms (p=0.049). A reduction in bone formation markers was found at week 24 in both regimens: N-terminal propeptide of type-1 collagen decreased a 20% (-35 - -0.6); p=0.031 with TAF and -16% (-25 - -5); p=0.032 with TDF. Also a decrease in bone resorption marker C-telopeptide with TAF was detected [-10% (-19 - -5);p=0.028] but not with TDF (p=0.232), suggesting a less metabolically active bone after switching to TAF.

Conclusion

A bone quality improvement was found after switching from a TDF to a TAF based ART independently of BMD, suggesting that the bone health benefits of TAF may extend beyond BMD. Future research should be directed to confirm these findings and to identify the underlying mechanisms of ART related bone toxicity.
Relationship between serum iPTH and peritonitis episodes in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Zhao Zihao , Yan Qianqian , Li Duopin , Li Guangpu , Cai Jingjing , Pan Shaokang , Duan Jiayu , Liu Dongwei , Liu Zhangsuo
Published: March 2023

Background

Peritonitis is considered as one of the most serious complications that cause hospitalization in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). There is limited evidence on the impact of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) on the first peritoneal dialysis (PD)-associated peritonitis episode. We aimed to investigate the influence of serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) on peritonitis in patients undergoing PD.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients undergoing initial CAPD from a single center in China were enrolled. The baseline characteristics and clinical information were recorded. The primary outcome of interest was the occurrence of the first PD-associated peritonitis episode. Five Cox proportional hazard models were constructed in each group set. In group set 1, all participants were divided into three subgroups by tertiles of the serum concentration of iPTH; in group set 2, all participants were divided into three subgroups based on the serum concentration of iPTH with 150 pg/ml interval (<150, 150–300, and >300 pg/ml). Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each model. The multivariate linear regression analysis elimination procedure assessed the association between the clinical characteristics at baseline and the iPTH levels. Restricted cubic spline models were constructed, and stratified analyses were also conducted.

Results

A total of 582 patients undergoing initial PD (40% women; mean age, 45.1 ± 11.5 years) from a single center in China were recruited. The median follow-up duration was 25.3 months. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that, in the fully adjusted model, a higher serum iPTH level (tertile 3, iPTH >300 pg/ml) was significantly associated with a higher risk of PD-associated peritonitis at 3 years [tertile 3: hazard ratio (HR) = 1.53, 95%CI = 1.03–2.55, p = 0.03; iPTH > 300 pg/ml: HR = 1.57, 95%CI = 1.08–2.27, p = 0.02]. The hazard ratio for every 100 pg/ml increase in serum iPTH level was 1.12 (95%CI = 1.05–1.20, p < 0.01) in the total cohort when treating iPTH as a continuous variable.

Conclusions

An elevated iPTH level was significantly associated with an increased risk of peritonitis in patients undergoing CAPD.