bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring compliance to topical therapy in children and young people with uveitis
Authors: Green Elspeth , McGrath Orlaith , Steeples Laura , Ashworth Jane
Published: April 2023

Background/Objectives: Uveitis in children and young people is a rare but potentially debilitating condition. Steroid eye drops are the first step in treatment and poor compliance may result in vision-threatening complications. This study aims to measure compliance with prescribed eye drops prospectively, evaluate techniques for assessing compliance and investigate reasons for non-compliance in a child-specific manner.
Subjects/Methods: 50 patients aged 0-18 years attending a tertiary paediatric uveitis clinic using steroid drops were recruited. Both the child or young person, and parent completed questionnaires about compliance. A subgroup had bottles of Prednisolone 1% drops dispensed and weighed at the first appointment and reweighed at follow-up. The weight reduction was compared with expected weight change over the interval.
Results: The study was completed by 42 patients. Drop errors for all eye drops were reported more than “once a week” by 13 children and young people (33.3% of respondents), and 3 parents (9.7% of respondents). A large proportion of parents could not recall the frequency of drops prescribed (n=13, 40.6% of respondents). Insufficient bottle weight reduction was found in 9 (75% of returned bottles). Within the eye drop weighing subgroup three participants (25% of returned bottles) used <50% the expected weight of drops.
Conclusions: This study demonstrated poor eye drop compliance by all the study outcomes in children and young people with uveitis. Self-reported compliance was unreliable in this population. Worryingly, some patients miss more than 50% of drops and may suffer sub-optimal disease control and a higher risk of uveitis associated complications.
Laboratory indices of hospitalized Sickle Cell Disease Patients, Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of pathogenic bacterial isolates at MRCG Ward in the Gambia
Authors: Dibbasey Mustapha , Dahaba Mamudou , Sarfo Francess , Jallow-Manneh Ida , Umukoro Solomon , Ceesay Buntung , Diop Muhamadou Fadel , Amambua-Ngwa Alfred
Published: April 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of invasive bacterial infections and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients admitted at the Medical Research Council the Gambia (MRCG) Ward in the era of PCV and Hib vaccination in the Gambia.
Methods and Results: This study was conducted in the clinical laboratory department of MRCG. We retrospectively generated haematological, and blood culture data from our electronic medical records from 2015 to 2022 of SCD patients admitted to MRCG Ward. Of 380 sickle cell disease patients, blood culture was requested only for 159. Of the 159 admitted SCD, 11 (6.9%) patients had qualified positive blood cultures. Five different types of pathogens were isolated from these positive blood cultures: 4 Staphylococcus aureus(36.4 %), 3 Streptococcus pneumoniae(27.2%), 2 Salmonella species(18.2%), 1 Enterococcus species(9%), and 1 Shigella boydii(9%). No episode of bacteremia caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b was identified and one patient was serologed as positive for hepatitis B. The molecular serotyping of the Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates revealed non-vaccine serotypes 10A, 12F and 12F. Penicillin resistance was recorded in two of the three Streptococcus pneumoniae and all the Staphylococcus aureus pathogens isolated in blood cultures. However, all isolated pathogens were sensitive to chloramphenicol, cloxacillin and vancomycin.
Conclusion: Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus were the most common cause of bacteremia in these admitted SCD patients. Penicillin resistance should be considered during penicillin prophylaxis and empirical treatment regimens for SCD patients and future SCD management policies in the Gambia.
Personal sustained cooperation based on Networked Evolutionary Game Theory
Authors: Yan Jun
Published: April 2023

Evolutionary game theory on complex networks provides an effective theoretical tool to explain the emergence of sustained cooperative behavior. Human society has formed various organizational networks. The network structure and individual behavior take on a variety of forms. This diversity provides the basis for choice, so it is crucial for the emergence of cooperation. This article provides a dynamic algorithm for individual network evolution, and calculates the importance of different nodes in the network evolution process. In the dynamic evolution simulation, the probability of the cooperation strategy and betrayal strategy is described. In the individual interaction network, cooperative behavior will promote the continuous evolution of individual relationships and form a better aggregative interpersonal network. The interpersonal network of betrayal has been in a relatively loose state, and its continuity must rely on the participation of new nodes, but there will be certain "weak links" in the existing nodes of the network.
Behavioural intervention to promote the uptake of planned care in urgent dental care attenders: a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Harris Rebecca , Lowers Victoria , Best Ashley , Burnside Girvan , Clarkson Janet , Hulme Claire
Published: April 2023

Background
Urgent dental care may be the only place where many people, especially vulnerable groups, access care. This presents an opportunity for delivery of a behavioural intervention promoting planned dental visiting, which may help address one of the factors contributing to a socio-economic gradient in oral health. Although we know that cueing events such as having a cancer diagnosis may create a ‘teachable moment’ stimulating positive changes in health behaviour, we do not know whether delivering an opportunistic intervention in urgent dental care is feasible and acceptable to patients.
Methods
The feasibility study aimed to recruit 60 patients in a Dental Hospital and dental practices delivering urgent care within and outside working hours. Follow-up was by telephone, e mail and post over 4 months.
Results
Although the recruitment window was shortened because of COVID-19, of 47 patients assessed for eligibility, 28 were enrolled (70.1% of screened patients provided consent). A relatively high proportion were from disadvantaged backgrounds (46.4%, 13/28 receiving State benefits). Retention was 82.1% (23/28), which was also the rate of completion of the Oral Health Impact Profile co-primary outcome. The other primary outcome involved linking participant details at recruitment, with centrally-held data on services provided, with 84.6% (22/26) records partly or fully successfully matched. All intervention participants received at least some of the intervention, although we identified aspects of dental nurse training which would improve intervention fidelity.
Conclusions
Despite recruitment being impacted by the pandemic, when the majority of clinical trials experienced reduced rates of recruitment, we found a high recruitment and consenting rate, even though patients were approached opportunistically to be enrolled in the trial and potentially receive an intervention. Retention rates were also high even though a relatively high proportion had a low socio-economic background. Therefore, even though patients may be in pain, and have not anticipated involvement before their urgent care visit, the study indicated that this was a feasible and acceptable setting in which to position an opportunistic intervention. This has the potential to harness the potential of the ‘teachable moment’ in people’s lives, and provide support to help address health inequalities.
Trial registration:
ISRCTN 10853330 07/10/2019
Differences and commonalities in risk factors for dynapenia and sarcopenia in elderly patients as shown by higher body mass index and bioelectrical impedance-derived phase angle in dynapenia and predominance of osteoporosis in sarcopenia: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Tsuru Risa , Fujihara Yuya , Akehi Yuko , Iwaya Chikayo , Asakawa Hideko , Kitajima Yuichi , Harada Shunsuke , Takashi Yuichi , Kawanami Daiji , Yanase Toshihiko , Muta Kazuo
Published: April 2023

Background:
Decreased physical function is divided into two categories: dynapenia with retained muscle mass and sarcopenia with loss of muscle mass. The differences in the characteristics of dynapenia and sarcopenia remain unclear. This study was performed to clarify the characteristics and risk factors of dynapenia and sarcopenia in elderly patients.
Methods:
This study involved 267 patients aged ≥ 65 years (111 men, 156 women). All patients underwent measurement of the (a) skeletal muscle index by bioelectrical impedance, (b) grip strength (index of muscle strength), and (c) walking speed (index of physical ability). Based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria, the patients were categorized into three groups: the control (C) group (n = 77), who had normal (b) and (c) regardless of (a); the dynapenia (D) group (n = 61), who had normal (a) with decreased (b) and/or (c); and the sarcopenia (S) group (n = 129), who had decreased (a) with decreased (b) and/or (c). The characteristics and risk factors in the C, D, and S groups were statistically analyzed.
Results:
The logistic analysis adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) showed that the complication of diabetes, a stroke history, and a fracture history were significant risk factors in both the D and S groups compared with the C group. An osteoporosis-equivalent BMD of the femoral neck or lumbar spine (i.e., BMD of < 70% of the young adult mean) was a risk factor only in the S group, but not in the D group. In the three-group comparison by the Kruskal–Wallis test, the BMI was significantly higher in the D group than in the S group. The phase angle as measured by bioelectrical impedance was higher in the D group than in the S group.
Conclusion:
The complication of diabetes, a history of stroke, and a history of fracture are common risk factors for dynapenia and sarcopenia. The higher BMI and phase angle in the D group and the predominance of osteoporosis diagnosed by BMD < 70% in the S group suggest qualitative differences between dynapenia and sarcopenia.
Preparation and application of a new polyhydroxy ammonium shale hydration inhibitor
Authors: Wang Quande , Jia Jun , Chen Lei , Jing Yuntian , Du Weichao , Slaný Michal , Gang Chen
Published: April 2023

In this paper was study the wellbore instability caused by hydration of shale formation during drilling is a major problem in drilling engineering. A polyhydroxy-alkanolamine was synthesized, and the shale inhibition performance was evaluated by anti-swelling test, linear swelling test, wash-durable test and bentonite hydration and dispersion experiment. The shale inhibition mechanism of polyhydroxy-alkanolamine was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), particle size distribution, Zeta potential, Thermal analysis and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The main results show that the use of polyhydroxy-alkanolamine (EGP-2) can result in a relatively lower linear swelling rate of bentonite, and the linear swelling rate of 0.3% EGP-2 was 26.98%, which is stronger compared with 4% KCl. The anti-swelling rate of 0.3% EGP-2 was 43.54%, the shrinkage swelling rate of 0.3% EGP-2 was 34.62%. Results show that EGP-2 may permeate and adsorb on the bentonite surface. The rolling recovery rate of easily hydrated shale was high as 79.36%, which greatly reduces the dispersion ability of water to easily hydrated shale. The results of this study can be used to maintain the stability of the wellbore, which is conducive to related research.
Iron oxide nanozymes stabilize stannous fluoride for targeted biofilm killing and synergistic oral disease prevention
Authors: Huang Yue , Liu Yuan , Pandey Nil , Shah Shrey , Simon-Soro Aurea , Hsu Jessica , Ren Zhi , Xiang Zhenting , Kim Dongyeop , Ito Tatsuro , Oh Min Jun , Buckley Christine , Alawi Faizan , Li Yong , Smeets Paul , Boyer Sarah , Zhao Xingchen , Joester Derk , Zero Domenick , Cormode David , Koo Hyun
Published: April 2023

Dental caries (tooth decay) is the most prevalent human disease caused by oral biofilms, affecting nearly half of the global population despite increased use of fluoride, the mainstay anticaries (tooth-enamel protective) agent. Recently, an FDA-approved iron oxide nanozyme formulation (ferumoxytol, Fer) has been shown to disrupt caries-causing biofilms with high specificity via catalytic activation of hydrogen peroxide, but it is incapable of interfering with enamel acid demineralization. Here, we find notable synergy when Fer is combined with stannous fluoride (SnF2), markedly inhibiting both biofilm accumulation and enamel damage more effectively than either alone. Unexpectedly, our data show that SnF2 enhances the catalytic activity of Fer, significantly increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and antibiofilm activity. We discover that the stability of SnF2 (unstable in water) is markedly enhanced when mixed with Fer in aqueous solutions without any additives. Further analyses reveal that Sn2+ is bound by carboxylate groups in the carboxymethyl-dextran coating of Fer, thus stabilizing SnF2 and boosting the catalytic activity. Notably, Fer in combination with SnF2 is exceptionally effective in controlling dental caries in vivo, preventing enamel demineralization and cavitation altogether without adverse effects on the host tissues or causing changes in the oral microbiome diversity. The efficacy of SnF2 is also enhanced when combined with Fer, showing comparable therapeutic effects at four times lower fluoride concentration. Enamel ultrastructure examination shows that fluoride, iron, and tin are detected in the outer layers of the enamel forming a polyion-rich film, indicating co-delivery onto the tooth surface. Overall, our results reveal a unique therapeutic synergism using approved agents that target complementary biological and physicochemical traits, while providing facile SnF2 stabilization, to prevent a widespread oral disease more effectively with reduced fluoride exposure.
Qualitative, Lineation and Depth Evaluation of Potential Field Signatures in the Abeokuta Region, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Layade Gideon Oluyinka , Edunjobi Hazeez Owolabi , Ajayi Kehinde Daniel , Anifowoshe Motunrayo Morenike
Published: April 2023

Ground gravity and magnetic geophysical surveys are proven veritable tool in the imagery of the subsurface through the analyses of their responses (potential field data). This research attempts to delineate subsurface linear structures that are possible conduits for mineral accumulation at a 2,500 square metres active exploration site of FUNAAB, Abeokuta region. Abeokuta is embayed in the Dahomey Basin comprising of magmatic older granites of Precambarian age to early Palaeozoic age. The qualitative interpretation technique employed by visualizing the grids reveals variations in density contrasts and susceptibilities which connote the lithological distribution of the basement. Areas of high gravity and magnetic values directly correspond to areas of high density bodies and magnetically susceptible mineral contents respectively. While the lows and steep discontinuities of both gravity and magnetic maps predict possible entrapments of mineral accumulation in the study area. The depth evaluation techniques employed are Peter’s Half Slope Method (PHSM) and 3D Euler deconvolution, showing the magnetic depths to basement range as 3.18 m to 5.88 m for PHSM and 1.00 m to 4.43 m for 3D Euler deconvolution. The gravity depth to basement reveals 7.03 m to 14.72 m for PHSM and 0.96 m to 4.13 m for 3D Euler deconvolution. The average depth results obtained clearly show that the study location is composed of shallow depth intrusive sources.
Cognitive Mapping and Episodic Memory Emerge From Simple Associative Learning Rules
Authors: Gribkova Ekaterina , Gillette Rhanor , Chowdhary Girish
Published: April 2023

Episodic memory is characteristic of many actively foraging animals that exploit definable territories, enabling them to map contexts and environmental features in space and time. Memories are stored as episodic sequences of associative experiences, whose recall allows cognitive mapping of territories and social networks, predictive outcomes of imagined situations, and synthetic creativity in niche modification. These abilities are underused in artificial intelligence (AI) as most existing models are unwieldy in their need for computational power, and they lack the goal-directed motivation of animals. Here we show how simple associative learning rules are expansible for efficient episodic memory in an agent-based foraging simulation with a novel computational module, the Feature Association Matrix (FAM). The FAM enables highly efficient foraging and spatial navigation. It reproduces how higher-order conditioning mechanisms give rise to spatial cognitive mapping by chaining pair-wise associations and encoding them with additional contexts, similar to function of the vertebrate hippocampus. The dynamics are a biologically inspired, bottom-up enhancement of AI for higher-order cognition. This computationally light module provides a framework to create more complex memory systems to enable more adaptive and dynamic behaviors in autonomous agents. By mediating learning of spatiotemporal sequences and spatial mapping, the FAM offers significant potential for developing generalized cognitive mapping for more abstract thought.
Assessing Attentional Biases in Children with the Seven-item Attention to Positive and Negative Information Scale during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Zhang Qiaochu , Ho Samuel M.Y.
Published: April 2023

Background. Attention to Positive and Negative Information Scale (APNIS) is a commonly used scale to measure attentional biases in adults. However, no research has validated the use of APNIS in primary school children and investigated the association between attentional biases and fear of COVID-19 among them.
Method. Two samples of early adolescents were involved in the current research. The first sample consisted of 122 children from a primary school who completed the Chinese version of the APNIS (CAPNIS) in the classrooms. Sample two included 321 children who completed the CAPNIS, Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), Attentional Control Scale (ACS), and Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCS) in the classrooms at the first assessment. They completed FCS again after 6 months at the second assessment.
Results.The study revealed a CAPNIS with acceptable to good psychometric properties. Higher negative attentional bias, but not positive attentional bias predicted higher fear of COVID-19 after 6 months, controlling for fear of COVID-19, anxiety, and depression symptoms at the first assessment.
Conclusions. The findings supported that the CAPNIS might be used to predict the development of fear related to the pandemic.
Evidence of the change in ploidy levels in the plantlets established from endosperm culture of Persian Shallot (Allium hirtifolium)
Authors: Jahanian Amin , Motallebi-Azar Alireza , Panahandeh Jaber , Dadpour Mohammadreza
Published: April 2023

Allium hirtifolium (Amaryllidaceae), called “Mooseer” in Iran, is a bulbous plant with high medicinal values. It is native and endemic to the North West to central and South West of Iran. In the present study, regeneration plants with chromosomal changes are produced through in vitro mature and immature endosperm culture. In our study, both cultured endosperms formed yellow- green calli induced in the MS medium supplemented with (1.5 or 2 mg·L-1) 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4- D), (0.5 or 1 mg·L-1) α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) plus (0.5 or 1 mg·L-1) 6-furfurylamino purine (Kin) and 6-benyzlaminopurine (BAP). The highest callus induction in mature (87.62) and immature (62.49) endosperms was achieved on a medium with 1 mg·L-1 NAA and 1 mg·L-1 BAP. Regenerated shoots were transferred for bulblet growth to investigate their potential for bulblet production. Regeneration of plantlets from endosperm tissue shows high chromosome variations and polyploidy. Flow cytometry analysis and chromosome observation confirmed that diploid (2n= 2x= 16), triploid (2n= 3x= 24), tetraploid (2n= 4x= 32) and aneuploid plantlets were achieved in these regenerated plants. The comparison of stomatal density and size in complete plantlets has revealed that with the increase in ploidy level, stomatal density decreased because of enlargement in stomatal length.
Functional characterization of acid-sensing ion channels in the cerebellum-originating medulloblastoma cell line DAOY and in cerebellar granule neurons
Authors: Pissas Karolos-Philippos , Schilling Maria , Tian Yuemin , Gründer Stefan
Published: April 2023

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are Na+channels that are almost ubiquitously expressed in neurons of the brain. Functional ASIC1a is also expressed in glioblastoma stem cells, where it might sense the acidic tumor microenvironment. Prolonged acidosis induces cell death in neurons and reduces tumor sphere formation in glioblastoma via activation of ASIC1a. It is currently unknown whether ASICs are expressed and involved in acid-induced cell death in other types of brain tumors. In this study, we investigated ASICs in medulloblastoma, using two established cell lines, DAOY and UW228, as in vitro models. In addition, for the first time we characterized ASICs in the most numerous neuron of the brain, the cerebellar granule cell, which shares the progenitor cell with some forms of medulloblastoma. We report compelling evidence using RT-qPCR, western blot and whole-cell patch clamp that DAOY and cerebellar granule cells, but not UW228 cells, functionally express homomeric ASIC1a. Additionally, Ca2+-imaging revealed that extracellular acidification elevated intracellular Ca2+-levels in DAOY cells independently of ASICs. Finally, we show that overexpression of RIPK3, a key component of the necroptosis pathway, renders DAOY cells susceptible to acid-induced cell death via activation of ASIC1a. Our data supports the idea that ASIC1a is an important acid sensor in brain tumors and that its activation has potential to induce cell death in tumor cells.
Ecological risk assessment and mobility of arsenic and heavy metals in soils and mine tailings from the Carmina mine site (Asturias, NW Spain)
Authors: Fernandez-Martinez Rodolfo , Corrochano Noelia , Álvarez-Quintana Jessica , Ordóñez Almudena , Álvarez Rodrigo , Rucandio Isabel
Published: April 2023

An evaluation of the pollution, distribution, and mobility of arsenic and heavy metals in spoil heaps and the soils surrounding the abandoned Carmina Pb–Zn mine (Asturias, Northern Spain), is carried out. Fractionation of As was performed by means of an As-specific sequential extraction method while heavy metals fractionations were assessed using the Bureau Community of Reference (BCR) protocol. As appeared predominantly associated with amorphous iron oxyhydroxides. Among the heavy metals, Pb and Zn showed high mobility since significant amounts were extracted in the non-residual fractions, whereas Cr, Cu and Ni showed very low mobility indicating its lithogenic origin. Results show that the extractability of heavy metals in soils is influenced mainly by the presence of Fe and Mn oxides as well as by pH and Eh. Multiple pollution indices were used to assess the soil pollution extent: Enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), ecological risk index (Er) and potential ecological risk index (PERI). All of them showed that Pb was the key factor to cause the pollution and ecological risk in the studied area with significant contribution of Cu, Zn and As. Remarkably, the sites at higher risk coincided with those with higher mobility of As and heavy metals. This study provides an integrative approach as a powerful tool to evaluate the pollution status and potential threat to the local environment in abandoned mining areas which results useful for management decisions in these areas.
Health Equity in the Built Environment: Piloting a Walkability Index in San Francisco
Authors: Townsend Benjamin C. , Parvin Suraiya , Holmes Louisa M
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study is to develop and test a local measure of walkability in San Francisco County and evaluate walkability by race, ethnicity, and educational attainment at the census block group level. We used data collected as part of the 2019–2020 Bay Area Young Adult Health Study, wherein we conducted audits of 1525 randomly selected census blocks to assess domains, such as aesthetics, access to amenities, street safety, and topography, which we then imputed to the remaining blocks in the city for overall coverage. We linked the walkability index to 2015–2019 American Community Survey Data aggregating walkability to the block group level. We performed a geographically weighted regression to measure associations between walkability, race/ethnicity, and educational attainment and found significant negative associations between walkability and the percentage of non-Hispanic Black residents in specific neighborhoods and non-Hispanic Asian residents in all neighborhoods. We also found significant positive associations between the percentage of residents with a bachelor’s or higher degree and walkability. Inequities in walkability across neighborhoods in San Francisco County largely mirrored sociodemographic inequities. Our approach to constructing a walkability index points to a relatively efficient means of estimating fine-scale neighborhood characteristics in urban areas, and our findings suggest that investments in neighborhood infrastructure may positively impact walkability and address broader inequity concerns.
The role of Procyanidins in delaying the Premature Ovarian Insufficiency through regulatory Sirt1-p53-p21 signaling Pathway in Female Germline Stem Cells
Authors: Fu Xinxin , Ling Shuyi , Dai Yuqing , Hu Chuan , Zhong Zhisheng , Yang Shanzheng , Deng Shengjiang , Li Jia , Du Xuelian , Zheng Yuehui
Published: April 2023

As women age, their ovarian follicle pool naturally declines. However, female germline stem cells (FGSCs) possess a unique ability to differentiate into oocytes and continuously self-renew, providing an effective means of delaying ovarian aging by replenishing the primordial follicle pool. Therefore, activating FGSCs is critical in reshaping and safeguarding ovarian function. In this study, we investigated the biological activity of proanthocyanidins (PACs), natural antioxidants that exhibit anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties beneficial for both male and female reproduction. Our in vivo and in vitro experiments demonstrate that PACs promote FGSCs proliferation while delaying ovarian aging. Specifically, PACs increase the number of primordial follicles, primary follicles, corpus luteum while reducing cystic follicles, and elevate estradiol(E2) levels along with anti-mullerian hormone(AMH) concentration levels in mice. Additionally, PACs significantly boost FGSC proliferation time- and dose-dependently by upregulating mRNA & protein expressions for FGSC-specific markers such as Mvh and Oct-4 while downregulating p53/p21 via activation of Sirt1 signaling pathway. The effects of PACS on FGCS were found to be impeded by the Sirt1 inhibitor EX527.Overall, this research provides strong evidence suggesting that PACS delay premature ovarian failure through regulating the Sirt1-p53-p21 signaling pathway involving female germline stem cells.
Symptomatic Presentation Influences Outcomes in Pediatric Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Lorenzo Melissa , Lynch Aine , Ashkanase Jenna , Fazari Linda , George Kristen , Arathoon Katelyn , Minn Eric , Jeewa Aamir , Jean-St-Michel Emilie
Published: April 2023

Children with restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) traditionally have a poor prognosis, with most patients either dying or requiring heart transplantation within 2 years of diagnosis. The development of symptoms in RCM suggests advanced disease, however no study has directly compared outcomes of these patients based on symptoms at time of diagnosis. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to compare children with RCM presenting with symptoms to those presenting without symptoms. Times to transplantation, death, and a composite outcome of adverse cardiac events (CPR, cardioversion, inotropic support, mechanical ventilation, mechanical support, or heart transplant) were outcomes of interest for statistical analysis. In total 25 patients with RCM were included. At 2 years following diagnosis, asymptomatic patients had a significantly better transplant-free survival at 57% compared to 17% for symptomatic patients (p = 0.03). Asymptomatic patients also had significantly improved cardiac event-free survival at 71% compared to symptomatic patients at 25% (p = 0.01). In multivariable analysis, cardiac symptoms at presentation remained an independent risk factor for heart-transplant or death (hazard ratio 5.17 (1.28–20.85), p = 0.02). In conclusion, the development of cardiac symptoms in pediatric RCM patients may be associated with a worse transplant-free survival.
Topometric Design of Reticulated Nanofiber Composites for Lithium-Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Kotov Nicholas , Wang Mingqiang , Whishant Kody , Cecen Volcan , Zhao Lei , Zhong Zhengxiang , Liu Li , Huang Yudong
Published: April 2023

Large local stresses, heterogeneous deformation states, low cathode conductivity, and rapid polysulfide diffusion create multiple fundamental barriers for lithium-sulfur batteries1 to attain Coulombic efficiency, discharge rate, and cyclability performance comparable to Li ion cells 2–4. Here we show that sulfur cathodes structured as reticulated nanofiber composites (RNCs) address these problems and provide a general pathway to design materials for different battery chemistries using topometric descriptors that combine parameters from topological and Euclidian spaces. Specifically, high nodal degree and volumetric nodal density combined with low Ohm centrality and high Freundlich nodal density of networks from carbon nanotubes grown on top of carbonized aramid nanofibers5 engender composites with failure-resilient deformations, stress-adaptable charge transport, minimal dead volume, and high affinity to lithium polysulfides. The lithium-sulfur batteries with obtained cathodes exhibit charge-discharge rates as high as 10C, specific/areal capacity as high as 17.0 mAh/cm2, and cycle life > 2500 cycles. The electrochemical parameters exceed leading batteries with metal oxide cathodes by 300-500% and DOE targets for electric vehicle batteries by 300% 6. Topometric design can be extended to other materials with complex architectures needed to satisfy mutually restrictive stress, mass, and charge transport requirements for energy, biomedical and water technologies.
Mapping of Sargassum meadow for estimation biomass by side scan sonar
Authors: Okawa Hajime , Hayashizaki Ken-ichi
Published: April 2023

Sargassum meadows play important roles in coastal ecosystems, CO2 fixing, and others. Estimation of their biomass helps conservation of meadows and estimation of the amount of fixed CO2 for blue carbon projects. Most sonars are inefficient in shallow waters because their swaths are limited by water depth. Side scan sonar (SSS) creates a detailed image of the bottom efficiently, even in shallow waters transmitting wide beams. We towed SSS from the ship’s side and scanned the meadow of Sargassum horneri at a small beach in Otsuchi Bay on the Sanriku Coast of Japan during the growing season of 2022. For the truthing, we surveyed with the underwater camera and Single beam echo sounder (SBES) to compare with SSS data. SSS scanned the sea floor of the beach to detect seaweed echoes. The beach consists of a sandy area and a rocky shore. The seaweeds were discriminated from the sand and rocks by their acoustic shadows, and we pinpointed their locations, although the background reflectance strength and pattern were different between the two areas. To estimate the canopy heights, we measured the acoustic shadow lengths of the seaweeds. However, the shadows of the seaweeds, which are located very near to the sonar, are too short to measure. Therefore, we developed a new method to measure their heights from acoustic reflections instead. Our study demonstrated the effectiveness of side scan sonar for mapping Sargassum meadows in shallow waters and estimating their canopy heights with a novel method, which leads to precise biomass estimation.
IL-17 mildly rescued the impaired cell proliferation of HPAEpiCs induced by LCN2 overexpression
Authors: Lv Tingting , Wang Jingxiang , Hou Ziliang , Yang Kaiyuan
Published: April 2023

The impaired proliferative capacity of alveolar epithelial cells after injury is often an important factor causing epithelial repair dysfunction, leading to the occurrence of lung diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) participates in multiple processes regulating the pathological process of alveolar epithelial cells, but the mechanisms involved are still unclear. We used bleomycin (BLM)-treated mouse model to characterize the expression of LCN2 in the lung fibrosis regions and analyzed the location of LCN2 in alveolar epithelial cells. LCN2 was increased in the alveolar epithelium post-BLM injury, and highly expressed LCN2 was mainly concentrated on alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells in BLM-injured lungs. Moreover, human pulmonary alveolar epithelial cells (HPAEpiCs) were transfected with the LCN2 overexpression plasmid vector in vitro, LCN2-overexpressing HPAEpiCs showed impaired cell viability and cell growth. Recombinant human interleukin 17 (IL-17) protein (rhIL-17) at different concentrations was administered to intervene HPAEpiCs and observe cell viability and cell growth state and to analyze the concentration-dependent effect of IL-17. HPAEpiC intervention with rhIL-17 mildly rescued the impaired cell proliferation induced by LCN2 overexpression, and the effect of IL-17 intervention was partially concentration dependent. The target cells regulated by this process were Pro-surfactant protein C (Prospc) positive alveolar epithelial cells. The results revealed the reversed effect of IL-17 on the impaired proliferative capacity of the alveolar epithelium induced by LCN2 overexpression, providing new clues for the treatment of lung injury diseases.
Readiness for Self-Directed Learning Among Undergraduate Students at Asia Metropolitan University in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Authors:   Faculty of Medicine, University of Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia, Win Myat Thida , Ahmad Amaluddin ,   Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: April 2023

Self-directed learning (SDL) plays a pivotal role in facilitating adult learning, especially in developing an individual’s education and upgrading his/her learning skills independently. SDL can have farreaching implications on the students’ lifelong learning skills. In particular, SDL readiness (SDLR) can assist in developing a well-structured student-centered curriculum. The study aims to assess the level of readiness for SDL among undergraduate students of the Asia Metropolitan University (AMU). This descriptive, cross-sectional study surveyed the level of readiness using the SDLR scale comprised of 40 questions. A total of 320 AMU undergraduate students from various academic programmes, including MBBS, Nursing, Foundation in Science, Diploma in Health Care Management, andBusiness were enrolled through convenience sampling. The total mean scores for SDLR was 157.9 ± 20.5, whereas mean scores for self-management, desire for learning, and self-control were 57.6 ± 7.9, 48.5 ± 6.4, and 51.9 ± 7.8, respectively. About two-thirds of both age groups (≤ 20 and > 20) and females were found to be ready for SDL methods. Although there was no statistically significant difference between the different age groups, genders, and programmes, logistic regressions revealed that females > 20 years of age group were more receptive and ready for SDL. The majority of the AMU undergraduate students were ready for SDL, with female and older age groups being more receptive and ready for SDL. This reflects that SDL is directly related to maturity and is also influenced by gender, although it was not proven to be statistically significant.
Surviving the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learnt and Experience of a Private Medical School in Malaysia
Authors:   Oriental Melaka Straits Medical Centre, Melaka, Malaysia, Chua Jon Yul Chun , Koh Kwee Choy ,   International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Nagandla Kavitha ,   International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Venkateswaran Sunil Pazhayanur ,   International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Win Thin Thin ,   International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Ganeson Malanashita ,   International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Santiago Carolina ,   International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Lee Lydia Sze Teng ,   International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Agarwal Puneet ,   International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: April 2023

As a small group of academicians in a private medical university in Malaysia, we observed, in 2020, how the COVID-19 pandemic, changed our lives and the lives of our students. We would like to share our experiences in this commentary. It describes the contingency plans taken by the School of Medicine at International Medical University (IMU) to ensure that the delivery of the medical curriculum and its assessments has the best possible outcome in these tumultuous times, with plans to improve the delivery of teaching and learning, with an emphasis on technology-enhanced learning (TEL). We hope that this commentary is beneficial to those reading and that the contingency plans developed by IMU will help other institutions in the country and in this region navigate safely through the COVID-19 storm.
Várandós nők párkapcsolati minősége és annak szociodemográfiai jellemzőkkel mutatott összefüggései
Authors: Šindýlková Zsófia , Kopcsó Krisztina
Published: April 2023

A gyermekvállalás hatást gyakorol a szülők párkapcsolatának dinamikájára és annak minőségére. Jelen elemzés célja a várandós nők párkapcsolati minőségének jellemzése és szociodemográfiai változókkal mutatott összefüggéseinek vizsgálata. Az elemzés a Kohorsz ’18 Magyar Születési Kohorszvizsgálat első szakaszának adatain történt (n = 8103). A vizsgálat során a várandósok párkapcsolati elégedettségét, elköteleződését és a partnereikkel megtapasztalt pozitív interakciók és konfliktusok gyakoriságát mértük fel, valamint válási szándékukat. A négy skála típusú párkapcsolati mutató elkülönítését konfirmatív faktorelemzéssel támasztottuk alá. Azonosítottuk a várandósok két klaszterét: az átlagos és az alacsony minőségű kapcsolatban (25,3%) élőket. Az alacsony minőségű csoportba tartozás aránya magas volt azon nők körében, akik harmadik vagy ennél többedik gyermeküket várták, élettársi kapcsolatban éltek házasodási szándék nélkül vagy nem éltek együtt partnerükkel, saját vagy partnerük iskolai végzettsége a maximum 8 osztályt érte el, nem rendelkeztek munkaviszonnyal, családjuk jövedelme az alsó ötödhöz tartozott és a várandósságot nem tervezték vagy bizonytalanok voltak ennek kapcsán. Az, hogy az anya első vagy többedik gyermekét várta, kismértékben módosította a szociodemográfiai változókkal megfigyelt összefüggéseket. Az eredmények informálhatják a gyermeket váró párokat támogató programok tervezését.
Tárgyszavak: párkapcsolati minőség, várandósság, szociodemográfiai tényezők,gyermekvállalás
Cooperação internacional técnica educacional do Brasil com países africanos e a interculturalidade
Authors: Pereira Gonzaga Kátia Valéria
Published: April 2023

Esse artigo socializa parte dos resultados do desenvolvimento da pesquisa bibliográfica conceitual e pesquisa aplicada da minha tese de doutoramento, intitulada de “Curso de Pedagogia em EaD, do Programa UAB-Moçambique, no Contexto de uma Cooperação Internacional Sul-Sul: Pressupostos para a Construção do Currículo de Formação”, defendida na PUC-SP, no Programa de Pós Graduação Educação: Currículo, em 2017. Conceitualiza e contextualiza a Cooperação Internacional Sul-Sul entre o Brasil e particularmente as educacionais com os países do PALOP, indicando a partir de experiências vivenciadas pela autora, alguns pressupostos para o sucesso desse tipo de cooperação.
A produção acadêmica suscita adoecimento? Revisão sistemática integrativa sobre a saúde discente na pós-graduação stricto sensu
Authors: Peixoto Maria Tatiana , Mesquita Soares Themis Cristina , Firmino Bezerra Sara Taciana
Published: April 2023

A pesquisa teve como objetivo conhecer e analisar os estudos científicos que discorrem sobre a saúde e o adoecimento de mestrandos e doutorandos. Para tanto, utilizou-se como procedimento metodológico a revisão sistemática integrativa de literatura, com abordagem quanti-qualitativa. Obteve-se como resultado que os pós-graduandos são acometidos principalmente por estresse, ansiedade e depressão. Os sintomas predominantes são de ordem psicológica: mal-estar psicológico, angústia, preocupação intensa, tensão, e distúrbios relacionados ao sono. Nesse contexto, foram relatados como principais fatores contributivos para o adoecimento discente: exigência de grande dedicação à atividade de pesquisa, publicações, relação com o orientador ou orientação, dificuldades com o tema escolhido ou na condução da pesquisa, múltiplas tarefas simultâneas, os fatores tempo, horas e prazos, recursos financeiros, desempenho, e as dúvidas quanto à inserção profissional. Por fim, pode-se concluir com base na literatura estudada, que a pós-graduação, nos moldes atuais, pode resultar em adoecimento discente. Por isso, é necessário fornecer atendimento, principalmente psicológico especializado aos estudantes no âmbito das universidades e programas de pós-graduação, além de promover o debate sobre o assunto no ambiente acadêmico.
A Study on Plans to Develop Media Literacy Educational Contents for Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities : With a focus on an in-depth interview with adolescents with developmental disabilities and experts
Authors:   The Korean Publishing Science Society, Kang Jin Suk , Kim Ji Yeon , Yoo Sook , Kim Kyeong Eun
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this study is to search for measures to promote the media literacy competence of adolescents with developmental disabilities and facilitate their active and creative media activities. Therefore, a literature study and a qualitative study was conducted targeting adolescents with developmental disabilities, special education teachers, and disability advocates who participated in media literacy education. The first finding of the study revealed that adolescents primarily use smartphones and YouTube, and issues related to digital divide and unbalanced use of media were identified. The second finding indicated that media education was conducted during regular class hours or integrated into daily life, and emphasized the development of necessary media competencies such as access and utilization of media, as well as communication skills. The third finding suggested policy recommendations for government and schools, including the development of customized contents based on disability level, institutionalization of media education as a compulsory subject, establishment of systematic teacher training programs, and responsibility of public broadcasters. This study proposes solutions for developing customized educational contents based on core competencies, such as easy-to-read materials tailored to disability characteristics, visual materials using pictograms, and infrastructure support according to digital environments. It is hoped that these solutions will contribute to creating an inclusive digital world that can be shared by all.
A study on the development plan of local small libraries as a publishing ecosystem: Focusing on Chungcheongnamdo
Authors:   The Korean Publishing Science Society, Lee Mun Hag
Published: April 2023

This study tried to derive a development plan by identifying the operating conditions of small libraries in Chungcheongnam-do. From January 10 to February 15, 2023, an expert group interview was conducted for a total of 27 small libraries. The results of the study are as follows. First, respondents tried to contribute to the improvement of local reading culture through small libraries, although there were practical difficulties in the establishment process. Second, satisfaction with operation was mostly positive, but they responded that support budget and operating manpower were insufficient. Third, the respondents thought that the harmony of local residents and the formation of community culture were the biggest functions of small libraries. And they were practicing various cultural and educational programs in the field. Fourth, collections received the most support from the central and local governments. And what was most needed for the continuous operation and development of small libraries was the expansion of the local government's support budget. Therefore, this study proposes the development plan of small libraries as follows. First, it should serve as a base space for the local community. Second, it should actively contribute to narrowing the knowledge and information gap of local residents. Third, the provision of reading-related programs should be strengthened. Fourth, local governments need full support and continuous interest in small libraries.
In vitro and Molecular Docking Analysis of Quercetin as an Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant
Authors: Bastin Alireza , Teimouri Maryam , Faramarz Sanaz , Shabani Maryam , Doustimotlagh Amir Hossein , Sadeghi Asie
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

Quercetin (3,3′,4′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone) is a dietary flavonoid with good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aims to determine these effects in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) evoked by lipopolysaccharides (LPS).

Aims:

The present study aims to determine these effects in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) evoked by lipopolysaccharides (LPS).

Methods:

The mRNA expression and protein secretion of inflammatory mediators were evaluated by enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. Western blotting was utilized for assessing p65-NF-κB phosphorylation. Ransod kits evaluated the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the cell lysates. Ultimately, the molecular docking approach was performed to investigate the biological activity of Quercetin against NF-κB pathway proteins and antioxidant enzymes.

Results:

The findings revealed that quercetin significantly attenuated the expression and secretion of inflammatory mediators and p65-NF-κB phosphorylation in LPS-induced PBMCs. Additionally, quercetin dose-dependently improved the activities of SOD and GPx enzymes and decreased LPS-mediated oxidative stress in PBMCs. Moreover, quercetin has a considerable binding affinity to IκKb, the core element of the NF-κB pathway and the antioxidant enzyme SOD.

Conclusion:

The data show that quercetin plays a vital role in ameliorating inflammation and oxidative stress caused by LPS in PBMCs.