bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Composition of authors of advertising as an audiovisual work
Authors: Fedorova Nadiia
Published: November 2023

The article examines the composition of the authors of an advertising as an audiovisual work. Particular, theconcept of advertising is analyzed, it can be embodied in different forms — visual, sound, audiovisual. The main attention is to the analysis of audiovisual advertising. The legislation of other countries (USA, France, Germany) was analyzed, and it was concluded that the list of authors of audiovisual advertising in different countries is determined differently.It was noted that a distinctive feature of audiovisual works compared to other objects of copyright are created, mainly, by a large number of persons, among whom the authors of the work occupy a prominent place.The list of authors of the audiovisual work is given in accordance with the legislation of Ukraine. It is noted that the current Law of Ukraine «On Advertising» does not specify who is the author of the advertisement, but defines the concept of the producer of the advertisement.Attention is focused on the legal nature of an audiovisual work, as a form of advertising expression and an object that includes other objects-elements. Since this work is a complex object, the creation of an audiovisual work takes place in the mode of co-authorship. However, it is stated that the authors of the pre-xisting works included in the advertisement do not become co-authors of the audiovisual work, what included these preexisting works. Therefore, it is important to separate the legal regime of co-authorship and inclusion of a work in the composition of another work.The concept of «collective work» in the USA and France is considered. The term «collective work» does not exist in the legislation of Ukraine. Therefore, the following definition of a collective work is proposed: created as a result of the creative activity of two or more co-authors, which can structurally include a work or works of other persons who are not part of the collective of co-authors but united into a single whole.Taking into account the proposed definition of a collective work, the definition of advertising as a collective audiovisual work is formulated: it is the result of the creative activity of two or more co-authors, which structurally may include a work or works of other persons who are not part of the collective of co-authors but are united into a single whole by synchronization.
Pro bono patent program: foreign experience for Ukraine
Authors: Androshchuk Gennadiy , Doroshenko Oleksandr
Published: November 2023

The foreign practiceof providing free legal assistance in the field of intellectual property (IP), in particular patent law, in the USA, the EU, and the WIPO Inventors Assistance Program was studied. The economic and legal aspects of the organization of activities under the Patent Pro Bono program, its effectiveness, were considered, and recommendations were made for the introduction of this experience into the IP law system of Ukraine. The Patent Pro Bono Program is a nationwide network of independent regional programs coordinated by the US Patent and Trademark Office that pairs volunteer practitioners with inventors to securepatent protection. Together they cover the entire country. As part of the Patent Pro Bono program, more than 3,800 inventors have found a patent specialist. Since 2015, these lawyers have filed nearly 2,000 patent applications on behalf of their clients on a pro bono basis. The WIPO Inventors Assistance Program helps inventors and small businesses with limited resources turn their innovations into commercial assets. EUIPO's European pro bono program covers virtually all aspects and services of intellectual property, including assistance with applications for patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright, plant varieties, geographical indications, trade secrets and domain names, as well as licensing, enforcement, franchising , technical transfer of IP rights. It is necessary to create a nationwide network of independently managed Pro Bono programs - Patent Pro Bono Program, which is coordinated by the Ukrainian National Office of Intellectual Property and Innovation, a coordinating council, translate a special online course for inventors developed by WIPO, best practice guides, use the experience and opportunities of the Assistance Program WIPO inventors. This issue is particularly relevant in connection with the full-scale aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and the introduction of martial law, as well as the need to develop a strategy for Ukraine's post-war recovery. The war led to a burst of technical creativity of the creative part of Ukrainian society, as a result of which a large number of technical solutions were created aimed at improving samples of weapons and military equipment, means of protecting the civilian population, etc.
CIRC DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN PELAFALAN ALPHABET BAHASA INGGRIS PESERTA DIDIK SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Nuresa Sinta Ayu , Febriani Sya Mega , Muhdiyati Iyon
Published: November 2023

Model pembelajaran Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition (CIRC) merupakan model pembelajaran yang menunjang peserta didik dalam meningkatkan kemampuan pelafalan alphabet bahasa Inggris secara komprehenshif. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui dan menggali lebih lanjut pengaruh model pembelajaran CIRC terhadap pelafalan alphabet bahasa Inggris peserta didik kelas 1 Sekolah Dasar. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah kuantitatif eksperimen murni dengan menggunakan bentuk desain posttest only control design. Sampel pada penelitian ini adalah 50 peserta didik kelas 1 Sekolah Dasar di Kabupaten Bogor. Teknik sampling yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu menggunakan probability sampling dengan teknik sampel acak sistematis (systematic random sampling). Instrumen yang digunakan yaitu observasi dan tes. Cara analisis data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan analisis deskriptif dan analisis inferensial melalui uji prasyarat (uji normalitas, uji homogenitas dan uji hipotesis statistik). Data yang diambil merupakan hasil tes lisan dengan jumlah soal 10 pertanyaan isian singkat. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa terdapat pengaruh signifikan dalam penggunaan model CIRC terhadap pelafalan alphabet. Implikasinya CIRC dapat meningkatkan kemampuan pelafalan alphabet pada peserta didik dalam proses pembelajaran bahasa Inggris di kelas rendah Sekolah Dasar.
Airway management considerations in patients with vocal fold implants
Authors: Shehata Islam Mohammad , Masood Waniyah , Daebis Ahmad , Gamal Islam , Urits Ivan , Viswanath Omar , Cornett Elyse M. , Kaye Alan D.
Published: November 2023

Vocal fold implants (VFI) are used to manage glottis insufficiency, restore proper vocal cord functioning, and prevent aspiration. Implants with different physical properties are made from various materials. Patients with VFI present challenging airways. Perioperative physicians should recognize several considerations when confronting airway management in the setting of VFI. A preoperative assessment of patients with a VFI by a multidisciplinary team specialized in airway management is crucial. The best-fitting endotracheal tube and intubation technique can minimize the risk of implant displacement. The present investigation provides different options for airway management in the setting of VFI and describes solutions for special situations such as lung isolation and difficult intubation. An algorithm is presented as a visual tool to help anesthesiologists who encounter such patients for safe airway management while preserving the VFI.
Early incident and subsyndromal delirium in older patients undergoing elective surgical procedures: a randomized clinical trial of an avoid delirium protocol
Authors: Sachdev Alisha , Moges Yabtsega , Rubin Micah , Sremac Amanda C. , Arvanitakis Zoe , McCarthy Robert J.
Published: November 2023

Background

Pharmacological avoidance guidelines for preventing delirium have been suggested; however, there are limited pragmatic studies of these strategies. Early (<24 h) delirium can be observed in the postoperative care unit and is associated with an increased risk of subsequent delirium. We examined the effectiveness of an avoid delirium protocol (ADP) in older (>65 years) patients undergoing elective surgeries.

Methods

The randomized controlled trial assessed an ADP developed using the American Geriatric Society's Clinical Practice Guidelines for Postoperative Delirium in Older Adults, on early (<24 h) incident or subsyndromal delirium. Delirium was assessed using the confusion assessment method before surgery, in the post-anesthesia care unit, and on postoperative day 1. The primary outcome of early delirium was the combined incidence of incident or subsyndromal delirium.

Results

Early delirium was identified in 24/235 patients (10.2%) with a risk ratio of 1.27 (95% CI 0.59–2.73, P = 0.667) for patients randomized to the ADP. In cases with protocol adherence and no benzodiazepine use, early delirium was present in 10/73 (13.7%) compared to 14/148 (9.5%) in non-adherent cases [risk ratio 1.45 (95% CI 0.57–3.10, P = 0.362)]. Lower American Society of Anesthesiologists physical class [odds ratio 3.31 (95% CI 1.35–8.92, P = 0.008)] and an inpatient admission [odds ratio 2.67 (95% CI 1.55–4.87, P = 0.0002)] were associated with early delirium.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that pharmacological avoidance protocols limiting or avoiding the use of specific classes of medications are not effective in reducing early incident or subsyndromal delirium in older patients undergoing elective surgery.
SARS-CoV-2 particles promote airway epithelial differentiation and ciliation
Authors: Gonzalez-Rubio Julian , Le-Trilling Vu Thuy Khanh , Baumann Lea , Cheremkhina Maria , Kubiza Hannah , Luengen Anja E. , Reuter Sebastian , Taube Christian , Ruetten Stephan , Duarte Campos Daniela , Cornelissen Christian G. , Trilling Mirko , Thiebes Anja Lena
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, enters the human body via the epithelial cells of the airway tract. To trap and eject pathogens, the airway epithelium is composed of ciliated and secretory cells that produce mucus which is expelled through a process called mucociliary clearance.

Methods: This study examines the early stages of contact between SARS-CoV-2 particles and the respiratory epithelium, utilizing 3D airway tri-culture models exposed to ultraviolet light-irradiated virus particles. These cultures are composed of human endothelial cells and human tracheal mesenchymal cells in a fibrin hydrogel matrix covered by mucociliated human tracheal epithelial cells.

Results: We found that SARS-CoV-2 particles trigger a significant increase in ciliation on the epithelial surface instructed through a differentiation of club cells and basal stem cells. The contact with SARS-CoV-2 particles also provoked a loss of cell-cell tight junctions and impaired the barrier integrity. Further immunofluorescence analyses revealed an increase in FOXJ1 expression and PAK1/2 phosphorylation associated with particle-induced ciliation.

Discussion: An understanding of epithelial responses to virus particles may be instrumental to prevent or treat respiratory infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
Circulating exosomes decrease in size and increase in number between birth and age 7: relations to fetal growth and liver fat
Authors: Díaz Marta , Casano Paula , Quesada Tania , López-Bermejo Abel , de Zegher Francis , Villarroya Francesc , Ibáñez Lourdes
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Exosomes play a key role in cell-to-cell communication by transferring their cargo to target tissues. Little is known on the course of exosome size and number in infants and children.

Methods

Longitudinally, we assessed the size and number of circulating exosomes at birth and at ages 2 and 7 yr in 75 infants/children born appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA; n=40) or small-for-gestational-age (SGA; n=35 with spontaneous catch-up), and related those results to concomitantly assessed measures of endocrine-metabolic health (HOMA-IR; IGF-1), body composition (by DXA at ages 0 and 2) and abdominal fat partitioning (subcutaneous, visceral and hepatic fat by MRI at age 7).

Results

Circulating exosomes of AGAs decreased in size (on average by 4.2%) and increased in number (on average by 77%) between birth and age 7. Circulating exosomes of SGAs (as compared to those of AGAs) had a larger size at birth [146.8 vs 137.8 nm, respectively; p=0.02], and were in lower number at ages 2 [4.3x1011vs 5.6x1011 particles/mL, respectively; p=0.01] and 7 [6.3x1011vs 6.8x1011 particles/mL, respectively; p=0.006]. Longitudinal changes were thus more pronounced in SGAs for exosome size, and in AGAs for exosome number. At age 7, exosome size associated (P<0.0001) to liver fat in the whole study population.

Conclusion

Early-life changes in circulating exosomes include a minor decrease in size and a major increase in number, and these changes may be influenced by fetal growth. Exosome size may become one of the first circulating markers of liver fat in childhood.
Distributed clean energy opportunities for US oil refinery operations
Authors: Krah Kathleen , Ericson Sean , Li Xiangkun , Olawale Opeoluwa Wonuola , Castillo Ricardo , Newes Emily , Engel-Cox Jill
Published: November 2023

The oil and gas industry is increasingly seeking operational improvements to reduce costs and emissions while improving resilience. This study describes techno-economic analysis of opportunities for distributed energy resources that could be integrated to support oil and gas companies’ economic, environmental, and energy resiliency goals. Specifically, the analysis evaluates solar photovoltaics, wind turbines, battery energy storage, landfill gas, biomass, municipal solid waste-to-energy, solar steam for process heat, combined heat and power, and electrolyzers for hydrogen production at two hypothetical refineries, one located in Louisiana and the other in southern California. These technologies could reduce the sites’ consumption of grid electricity and/or natural gas and thus can help reduce emissions. This study employs the ReOPT tool and System Advisor Model to evaluate the techno-economic potential for clean energy technologies to support refineries in achieving energy goals, including energy cost savings, resiliency, and emissions reductions. Results indicate that the associated costs of emissions reductions via several distributed clean energy technologies are competitive with other emissions reduction strategies such as energy efficiency, reducing flaring, direct carbon capture and sequestration, and markets under certain conditions. There are also cost beneficial opportunities for the use of renewable energy for refining, especially for resilience, depending on local conditions such as resources and utility costs.
Short-term interval prediction of PV power based on quantile regression-stacking model and tree-structured parzen estimator optimization algorithm
Authors: Zhang Hongyang , Jia Rong , Du Haodong , Liang Yan , Li Jiangfeng
Published: November 2023

In recent years, the photovoltaic (PV) industry has grown rapidly and the scale of grid-connected PV continues to increase. The random and fluctuating nature of PV power output is beginning to threaten the safe and stable operation of the power system. PV power interval forecasting can provide more comprehensive information to power system decision makers and help to achieve risk control and risk decision. PV power interval forecasting is of great importance to power systems. Therefore, in this study, a Quantile Regression-Stacking (QR-Stacking) model is proposed to implement PV power interval prediction. This integrated model uses three models, extreme gradient boosting (Xgboost), light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) and categorical boosting (CatBoost), as the base learners and Quantile Regression-Long and Short Term Memory (QR-LSTM) model as the meta-learner. It is worth noting that in order to determine the hyperparameters of the three base learners and one meta-learner, the optimal hyperparameters of the model are searched using a Tree-structured Parzen Estimator (TPE) optimization algorithm based on Bayesian ideas. Meanwhile, the correlation coefficient is applied to determine the input characteristics of the model. Finally, the validity of the proposed model is verified using the actual data of a PV plant in China.
Soft switching modulation strategy based on bipolar (PSM) with improved efficiency in high-frequency link inverters
Authors: Ali Asif , Su Jianhui , Yang Gang , Ali Amjad , Hameed Shaikh Pervez
Published: November 2023

High Frequency-Link (HFL) Inverters have been employed to integrate renewable energy sources into utility grids and electric vehicles. The soft-switching range of High-Frequency Link Inverters (HFLI) is increased using auxiliary inductors and capacitors. The application of auxiliary components increases the conduction loss and the complexity of the circuit. The literature indicates that the existing soft-switching methods suffer from higher duty cycle loss, voltage spikes, and lower efficiency owing to the resonance between the parasitic capacitance of switches and the leakage inductance of the transformer. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a modulation strategy that can improve the efficiency of HFLI. In this context, the proposed study develops a cycloconverter-type High-Frequency Link Inverter (CHFLI) based on a Bipolar Phase Shift Modulation (BPSM) strategy without the use of auxiliary components. The proposed modulation strategy enables the semiconductor switches to operate under zero voltage switching. The full-bridge inverter and Full Bridge Active Clamper Circuit (FBAC) switches operate at the same gating signals with a constant duty cycle of 50%. The proposed topology uses built-in magnetizing inductance to achieve zero voltage switching and reduce the duty cycle loss. The leakage energy is recycled from the output filter inductor to the load side using the FBAC. The results indicate that the proposed modulation strategy achieves ZVS and simultaneously achieves an efficiency of 95%. The proposed modulation strategy is easy to implement and does not require complex circuitry.
A hierarchical model-based framework for evaluating probabilities of area-wide freedom from lymphatic filariasis infection based on sentinel site surveillance data
Authors: Smith Morgan E. , Newcomb Ken , Otano Yilian Alonso , Michael Edwin
Published: November 2023

The design of population surveys to substantiate the elimination of disease transmission across large implementation units (IUs) has become important as many parasite control efforts approach their final stages. This is especially true for the global program to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF), which has successfully reduced infection prevalence in many endemic countries, such that the focus has shifted to how best to determine that the area-wide elimination of this macroparasitic disease has been achieved. The WHO has recommended a two-stage lot quality assurance sampling (LQAS) framework based on sampling children from selected clusters within an IU, called the Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS), for supporting such decision-making, but questions have emerged regarding the reliability of this strategy for assessing if LF transmission is broken effectively everywhere within an area. In this study, we develop and describe an alternative probabilistic framework that combines infection status information from longitudinal parasitological surveys of whole communities carried out in sentinel sites, imperfect diagnostic tests, and locally-applicable extinction thresholds predicted by transmission models, to overcome the problems associated with TAS. We applied the framework to LF infection and intervention data from the country of Malawi, and demonstrated how our hierarchical coupled model-sentinel site survey tool can be used to estimate the probability that LF transmission has occurred at the individual survey, village, and countrywide scales. We also further demonstrated how the framework can be used in conjunction with zonal or areal design prevalences to estimate the number of sentinel sites and durations of interventions required to acquire sufficiently high confidence that an area is free from infection. Our results indicate that the application of the spatially driven model-data freedom-from-infection tool developed here to follow up data from high-risk sentinel sites in a region may offer a highly cost-effective framework for guiding the making of high-fiducial and defensible area-wide LF intervention stopping decisions.
Functional lightweight protective clothing shielding design for constant radiation shielding of flight attendants and Monte Carlo simulation verification
Authors: Kim Seon-Chil , Youn Sukwon
Published: November 2023

The use of easily accessible shielding suits for personal defense by flight attendants to reduce occupational cosmic radiation exposure is attracting increasing attention. However, to ensure activity in a limited area, the flexibility of the thin film must be considered. Although several process technologies to reduce the thickness of the shielding fabric are available, nanofiber production through electrospinning is the most effective, and it is attracting attention owing to its excellent reproducibility of the shielding performance. Therefore, in this study, a general sheet and a nanofiber shielding sheet were manufactured, and their shielding performance was compared. In addition, the shielding effect of the nanofiber shielding sheet was verified under aircraft conditions via Monte Carlo simulation. The shielding performance for neutrons and gamma rays, which are the most common sources of cosmic radiation, was 17.5% and 15.2%, respectively, with the Ba-133 and Cs-137 sources in the 0.3 mm shielding fabric. The absorbed dose change with the 5 mm shielding fabric was 7 μGy/d for neutrons and 4.3 μGy/d for protons. The shielding fabric developed in this study is expected to have an active shielding effect when used as personal protective equipment (clothing) by aircrew.
Depth-driven patterns in lytic viral diversity, auxiliary metabolic gene content, and productivity in offshore oligotrophic waters
Authors: Tsiola Anastasia , Michoud Grégoire , Daffonchio Daniele , Fodelianakis Stilianos , Giannakourou Antonia , Malliarakis Dimitris , Pavlidou Alexandra , Pitta Elli , Psarra Stella , Santi Ioulia , Zeri Christina , Pitta Paraskevi
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Marine viruses regulate microbial population dynamics and biogeochemical cycling in the oceans. The ability of viruses to manipulate hosts’ metabolism through the expression of viral auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) was recently highlighted, having important implications in energy production and flow in various aquatic environments. Up to now, the presence and diversity of viral AMGs is studied using -omics data, and rarely using quantitative measures of viral activity alongside.

Methods

In the present study, four depth layers (5, 50, 75, and 1,000 m) with discrete hydrographic features were sampled in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea; we studied lytic viral community composition and AMG content through metagenomics, and lytic production rates through the viral reduction approach in the ultra-oligotrophic Levantine basin where knowledge regarding viral actions is rather limited.

Results and Discussion

Our results demonstrate depth-dependent patterns in viral diversity and AMG content, related to differences in temperature, nutrients availability, and host bacterial productivity and abundance. Although lytic viral production rates were similar along the water column, the virus-to-bacteria ratio was higher and the particular set of AMGs was more diverse in the bathypelagic (1,000 m) than the shallow epipelagic (5, 50, and 75 m) layers, revealing that the quantitative effect of viruses on their hosts may be the same along the water column through the intervention of different AMGs. In the resource- and energy-limited bathypelagic waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, the detected AMGs could divert hosts’ metabolism toward energy production, through a boost in gluconeogenesis, fatty-acid and glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, and sulfur relay. Near the deep-chlorophyll maximum depth, an exceptionally high percentage of AMGs related to photosynthesis was noticed. Taken together our findings suggest that the roles of viruses in the deep sea might be even more important than previously thought as they seem to orchestrate energy acquisition and microbial community dynamics, and thus, biogeochemical turnover in the oceans.
The effect of balance and gait training on specific balance abilities of survivors with stroke: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Meng , Liang Zhide , Li Yali , Meng Jun , Jiang Xu , Xu Bichan , Li Haojie , Liu Tao
Published: November 2023

Background

Stroke, which is a common clinical cerebrovascular disease, causes approximately 83% of survivors to suffer from balance impairments. Balance and gait training (BGT) is widely used to restore balance in patients with stroke. However, its wide variety presents clinicians with a dilemma when selecting interventions. This study aimed to compare and rank BGT interventions by quantifying information based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods

We conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) of non-gait-trained controls and head-to-head RCTs and compared the effects of 12 BGT interventions. A total of nine literature databases, including Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, ClinicalTrials.gov, CNKI, and Chinese biomedical literature databases, were searched from their database inception to August 2023. Two authors independently selected studies and extracted data. The difference in outcomes, which were expressed as standardized mean differences and confidence intervals (CIs) of 95%, were explored in this meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 66 studies with 1,933 participants were included. Effect size estimates showed that not all BGT interventions were more effective than controls, with treadmill training as the least effective for balance test batteries (SMD = −0.41, 95% CI [−1.09, 0.27]) and proactive balance (SMD = −0.50, 95% CI [−1.14, 0.14]). Body-weight-supported treadmill training with external stimulation was most effective for proactive balance and dynamic steady-state balance (SMD = 1.57, 95% CI [−0.03, 3.16]); SMD = 1.18, 95% CI [0.67, 1.68]. Virtual reality gait training (SMD = 1.37, 95% CI [0.62, 2.11]) had the best effect on improving balance test batteries, while dual-task BGT (SMD = 1.64, 95% CI [0.50, 2.78]) had the best effect on static steady-state balance. After analyses for possible impact covariates, the findings through the outcomes did not change substantially. Confidence in the evidence was generally low or very low.

Conclusion

This NMA suggested that virtual reality gait training was the most effective BGT modality for improving balance test batteries. Body-weight support treadmill training with external stimulation was the most effective for improving active and dynamic balance. In addition, dual-task BGT was the best choice for improving static balance. However, balance is a multidimensional concept, and patients’ different needs should be considered when selecting BGT.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022316057, ID: CRD42022316057.
Comparison of treprostinil and oral sildenafil for the treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wei Enhuan , Chen Xiu-hua , Zhou Si-Jia
Published: November 2023

Background

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of treprostinil and oral sildenafil in managing persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborns (PPHN).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 42 neonates with PPHN treated with continuous intravenous treprostinil or oral sildenafil from January 2020 to October 2022 in China. Outcomes assessed included echocardiographic pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), shunt direction, and arterial blood gas measures.

Results

Treprostinil lowered PASP and improved oxygenation significantly better than sildenafil on days 1, 2, and 3 of treatment (P < 0.05). Treprostinil also corrected shunt direction faster than sildenafil (P < 0.05). The duration of mechanical ventilation, length of NICU stay, and overall hospital stay did not significantly differ between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Treprostinil effectively lowers pulmonary artery pressure and improves oxygenation in neonates with PPHN, without being associated with severe complications. It may serve as a beneficial adjunct therapy for neonates with PPHN.
Integrative metabolomic and network pharmacological analysis reveals potential mechanisms of Cardamine circaeoides Hook.f. & Thomson in alleviating potassium oxonate-induced asymptomatic hyperuricemia in rats
Authors: Zhu Yingli , Di Songrui , Li Yipeng , Liang Weican , Liu Jinlian , Nuermaimaiti Reyisai , Fei Wenting , Wang Chun , Wang Linyuan , Zhang Jianjun
Published: November 2023

Cardamine circaeoides Hook.f. & Thomson (CC), a herb of the genus Cardamine (family Brassicaceae), has a rich historical usage in China for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It is distinguished by its remarkable ability to hyperaccumulate selenium (Se). CC has demonstrated efficacy in the prevention of metabolic disorders. However, investigations into the effects of CC on asymptomatic hyperuricemia remain scarce. The objective of this study is to elucidate the mechanism by which CC aqueous extract (CCE) exerts its anti-hyperuricemic effects on asymptomatic hyperuricemic rats induced by potassium oxonate (PO) by integrating metabolomics and network pharmacological analysis. Asymptomatic hyperuricemia was induced by feeding rats with PO (1000 mg/kg) and CCE (0.75, 1.5, or 3 g/kg) once daily for 30 days. Various parameters, including body weight, uric acid (UA) levels, histopathology of renal tissue, and inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) were assessed. Subsequently, metabolomic analysis of kidney tissues was conducted to explore the effects of CCE on renal metabolites and the related pathways. Furthermore, network pharmacology was employed to explicate the mechanism of action of CCE components identified through UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis. Finally, metabolomic and network-pharmacology analyses were performed to predict crucial genes dysregulated in the disease model and rescued by CCE, which were then subjected to verification by RT-qPCR. The findings revealed that CCE significantly inhibited the UA levels from the 21st day to the 30th day. Moreover, CCE exhibited significant inhibition of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α levels in renal tissues. The dysregulation of 18 metabolites and the tyrosine, pyrimidine, cysteine, methionine, sphingolipid, and histidine metabolism pathways was prevented by CCE treatment. A joint analysis of targets predicted using the network pharmacology approach and the differential metabolites found in metabolics predicted 8 genes as potential targets of CCE, and 3 of them (PNP gene, JUN gene, and ADA gene) were verified at the mRNA level by RT-qPCR. We conclude that CCE has anti-hyperuricemia effects and alleviates renal inflammation in a rat model of hyperuricemia, and these efficacies are associated with the reversal of increased ADA, PNP, and JUN mRNA expression in renal tissues.
Identifiability of complex networks
Authors: Zanin M. , Buldú J. M.
Published: November 2023

We discuss the core principles underpinning the concept of identifiability, providing an overview of relevant literature concerning this phenomenon within the domain of complex networks. We delve into the potentialities and inherent constraints associated with the analysis of identifiability in real networked systems. Through this exploration, we establish a comprehensive classification scheme for network identifiability, distinguishing i) structural, ii) functional, and iii) meta-identifiability categories. We explain the principal conceptual distinctions characterising each category. Finally, we deliberate upon the contextual frameworks where system identifiability can be achieved, also highlighting the factors that impede structural, functional, and meta-identifiability.
Investigating Verticillium wilt occurrence in cotton and its risk management by the direct return of cotton plants infected with Verticillium dahliae to the field
Authors: Zhang Guangjie , Meng Zhuo , Ge Hao , Yuan Jiali , Qiang Song , Jiang Ping’an , Ma Deying
Published: November 2023

Verticillium wilt is one of the most crucial diseases caused by Verticillium dahliae that threatens the cotton industry. Statistical results showed that the return of cotton plants infected with V. dahliae to the field might be an essential cause of the continuous aggravation of cotton Verticillium wilt. The correlation among the cotton plants infected with V. dahliae returning to the field, the occurrence of Verticillium wilt, and the number of microsclerotia in rhizosphere soil need further investigation. A potted experiment was carried out to explore the effects of the direct return of cotton plants infected with Verticillium dahliae to the field on the subsequent growth and Verticillium wilt occurrence in cotton. As a risk response plan, we investigated the feasibility of returning dung-sand (i.e., insect excreta) to the field, the dung-sand was from the larvae of Protaetia brevitarsis (Coleoptera: Cetoniidea) that were fed with the V. dahliae–infected cotton plants. The results demonstrated that the return of the entire cotton plants to the field presented a promotional effect on the growth and development of cotton, whereas the return of a single root stubble or cotton stalks had an inhibitive effect. The return of cotton stalks and root stubble infected with V. dahliae increased the risk and degree of Verticillium wilt occurrence. The disease index of Verticillium wilt occurrence in cotton was positively correlated with the number of microsclerotia in the rhizosphere soil. The disease index increased by 20.00%, and the number of soil microsclerotia increased by 8.37 fold in the treatment of returning root stubble infected with V. dahliae to the field. No Verticillium wilt microsclerotia were detected in the feed prepared from cotton stalks and root stubble fermented for more than 5 days or in the transformed dung-sand. There was no risk of inoculation with Verticillium wilt microsclerotia when the dung-sand was returned to the field. The indirect return of cotton plants infected with V. dahliae to the field by microorganism–insect systems is worthy of further exploration plan of the green prevention and control for Verticillium wilt and the sustainable development of the cotton industry.
An analysis of the influencing factors of depression in older adults under the home care model
Authors: You Yanjie , Huang Lei , Peng Xiao , Liao Lulu , Zhang Fengjian , Feng Mingjiao , Chen Yuqin , Chang Hongwei , Mo Beirong , Liu Yilan
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To explore and analyze the influencing factors of depression in older adults living at home, so as to propose suggestions for improving the quality of older adults living at home.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 498 older adults living at home based on questionnaire survey on the general information, daily living ability, health status, and care perception (including self-care, care for cohabitants, and care for non-cohabitants) of older adults living at home, as well as their willingness to help each other, and analyzed the influencing factors of depression among older adults living at home.

Results

The results showed a willingness to help older adults, self-care, and total activities of daily living (ADL), health status was an influential factor for depression in older adults (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

It aims to take targeted measures, such as encouraging older adults at home to actively participate in mutual assistance activities for older adults and care for themselves, so as to prevent and reduce the occurrence of depression in older adults.
HIV case reporting and HIV treatment outcomes in Qatar
Authors: Farag Elmoubashar , Bozicevic Ivana , Tartour Angham Ibrahim , Nasreldin Hiba , Daghfal Joanne , Himatt Sayed , Sallam Mohamed A. , Ismail Ahmed , Al Shamali Maha , Coyle Peter V. , Abdelmajid Alaaeldin , Al Mawlawi Naema , Al Thani Mohammed Hamad , Al-Romaihi Hamad Eid , Al Soub Hussam Abdel Rahman , Al Maslamani Muna , Al Khal Abdullatif
Published: November 2023

Aim

The aim of the paper is to provide an overview of available HIV case reporting and treatment data for in Qatar for the period 2015–2020.

Methods

HIV case reporting data were analyzed by sex and mode of transmission. To construct HIV care continuum from the data available, we obtained information on the total number of HIV diagnosed patients on antiretroviral treatment (ART) between January 1st 2015 and December 31st 2020, number of patients on ART who had an HIV viral load test and the number who were virally suppressed (defined as having the viral load of less than 1,000 copies/mL).

Results

A total of 515 HIV cases were reported to the Ministry of Public Health since beginning of reporting in 1986, and that included Qatari nationals and expatriate residents diagnosed in Qatar. There was an increase in the annual number of newly reported HIV cases from 16 cases in 2015 (of these, 14 were males) to 58 cases in 2020 (of these, 54 were males). The total number of HIV diagnosed people on ART increased from 99 in 2015 to 213 in 2020. During 2020 the overall viral load testing coverage and viral load suppression among those tested for viral load in men were 72.5% and 93.1%, respectively, while in women these values were 60.4% and 84.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

Due to increase in newly reported HIV cases, there is a need to develop an effective HIV strategic information system in Qatar and data-driven and targeted national HIV response.
Public perceptions of the FDA’s marketing authorization of Vuse on Twitter/X
Authors: Lee Sarah , Xie Zidian , Xu Emily , Shao Yihan , Ossip Deborah J. , Li Dongmei
Published: November 2023

Introduction

On October 12, 2021, the FDA issued its first marketing granted orders for Vuse, the e-cigarette product by R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company. The public perceptions and reactions to the FDA’s Vuse authorization are prevalent on social media platforms such as Twitter/X. We aim to understand public perceptions of the FDA’s Vuse authorization in the US using Twitter/X data.

Methods

Through the Twitter/X streaming API (Application Programming Interface), 3,852 tweets between October 12, 2021, and October 23, 2021, were downloaded using the keyword of Vuse. With the elimination of retweets, irrelevant tweets, and tweets from other countries, the final dataset consisted of 523 relevant tweets from the US. Based on their attitudes toward the FDA authorization on Vuse, these tweets were coded into three major categories: positive, negative, and neutral. These tweets were further manually classified into different categories based on their contents.

Results

There was a large peak on Twitter/X mentioning FDA’s Vuse authorization on October 13, 2021, just after the authorization was announced. Of the 523 US tweets related to FDA’s Vuse authorization, 6.12% (n=32) were positive, 26.77% (n=140) were negative, and 67.11% (n=351) were neutral. In positive tweets, the dominant subcategory was Cessation Claims (n=18, 56.25%). In negative tweets, the topics Health Risk (n=43, 30.71%), Criticize Authorization (n=42, 30.00%), and Big Tobacco (n=40, 38.57%) were the major topics. News (n=271, 77.21%) was the most prevalent topic among neutral tweets. In addition, tweets with a positive attitude tend to have more likes.

Discussion

Public perceptions and discussions on Twitter/X regarding the FDA’s Vuse authorization in the US showed that Twitter/X users were more likely to show a negative than a positive attitude with a major concern about health risks.
The workload change and depression among emergency medical staff after the open policy during COVID-19: a cross-sectional survey in Shandong, China
Authors: Feng Baobao , Bian Hongjun , Zhang Ke , Meng Chong , Gong Xianwei , Ma Xueqiang , Su Chunhua , Zhou Mingxiang , Xu Jiarui , Zhang Wei , Zhang Xingguo , Zhou Yi , Shang Deya
Published: November 2023

Introduction

In the middle of December 2022, the Chinese government adjusted the lockdown policy on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a large number of infected patients flooded into the emergency department. The emergency medical staff encountered significant working and mental stress while fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to investigate the workload change, and the prevalence and associated factors for depression symptoms among emergency medical staff after the policy adjustment.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of emergency medical staff who fought against COVID-19 in Shandong Province during January 16 to 31, 2023. The respondents’ sociodemographic and work information were collected, and they were asked to complete the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) then. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to identify the potential associated factors for major depression.

Results

Nine hundred and sixteen emergency medical personnel from 108 hospitals responded to this survey. The respondents’ weekly working hours (53.65 ± 17.36 vs 49.68 ± 14.84) and monthly night shifts (7.25 ± 3.85 vs 6.80 ± 3.77) increased after the open policy. About 54.3% of the respondents scored more than 10 points on the PHQ-9 standardized test, which is associated with depressive symptoms. In univariate analysis, being doctors, living with family members aged ≤16 or ≥ 65 years old, COVID-19 infection and increased weekly working hours after the open policy were significantly associated with a PHQ-9 score ≥ 10 points. In the multivariate analysis, only increased weekly working hours showed significant association with scoring ≥10 points.

Conclusion

Emergency medical staff’ workload had increased after the open policy announcement, which was strongly associated with a higher PHQ-9 scores, indicating a very high risk for major depression. Emergency medical staff working as doctors or with an intermediate title from grade-A tertiary hospitals had higher PHQ-9 scores, while COVID-19 infection and weekly working hours of 60 or more after the open policy were associated with higher PHQ-9 scores for those from grade-B tertiary hospitals. Hospital administrators should reinforce the importance of targeted emergency medical staff support during future outbreaks.
Balance on social inclusion and environmental justice at the end of the 30 years of the drinking water service concession in the city of Aguascalientes, Mexico
Authors: Caldera Ortega Alex Ricardo , Tagle Zamora Daniel
Published: November 2023

After three decades since the concession for drinking water and sewerage services was granted to a private company, which eventually became part of the Veolia group in the city of Aguascalientes, Mexico, it is necessary to assess the situation. The local government chose not to renew the contract and, furthermore, opted to remunicipalize the system and its management. This document provides an evaluation from the perspective of political ecology, which focuses on two dimensions: social inclusion and environmental justice. The primary outcomes are within the framework of water commodification, where the service operation primarily views users as customers who must pay their fees promptly, while the city’s growth is seen as a business opportunity. The logic of market environmentalism also restricts the exploration of options to secure water resources for the region’s future. Currently, there is a failure to address the substantial overexploitation of groundwater sources that the drinking water service relies upon, which jeopardizes both the population’s fundamental right to water and the city’s sustainability. The case of Aguascalientes, Mexico, is significant because it represents not only the initial foray into private company involvement in providing drinking water services in this country but also stands as the first instance where the contractual term concluded. Consequently, local authorities opted for remunicipalizing the service to be administered by a public organization.
Playing With New Friends
Authors: Vallorani Alicia , Pérez-Edgar Koraly
Published: November 2023

Making friends is fun! But for some children, it is hard and even scary. Children who are shy (behaviorally inhibited) are nervous about meeting new people. Happy feelings help people make friends. Looking at people to talk to them also helps people make friends. We wanted to know more about what happens when children play together for the first time. We found that children mostly look at toys when they are playing with a new friend. But when children show happy feelings, they are more likely to look at a new friend! Sharing happy feelings helps children make friends. But children who are higher in behavioral inhibition are less likely to share happy feelings with new friends. Children can help friends who are nervous about meeting new friends by giving them time to get comfortable and even helping them meet new people.
Long COVID Explained: The Ultimate Guide For Kids!
Authors: Buonsenso Danilo , Nasif Susan
Published: November 2023

COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a virus that affects the upper and lower respiratory tracts. Most kids who get COVID-19 do not get sick at all, or only feel sick for a short time. But sometimes children who have had COVID-19 can feel unwell for several weeks or months after the infection. They continue to feel exhausted, have shortness of breath, and have trouble doing daily tasks. This is called long COVID, and doctors are trying to understand it and find ways to protect people. In this article, we will explain what can happen when kids get COVID-19, what long COVID is, and what might cause long COVID to happen in a number of infected people.