bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecoformação nos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental: a produção científica entre 2005 e 2021
Authors: Capano Giuliana , Saheb Pedroso Daniele , Jordão Machado Michelle
Published: March 2023

Este artigo apresenta um estudo acerca de como o campo científico discute a ecoformação nos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental. Para tanto, tem-se como objetivo geral analisar a produção científica sobre a ecoformação nos iniciais do ensino fundamental no período de 2005 a 2021. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa do tipo Estado da Arte, na qual, inicialmente, a partir do mapeamento realizado na BTDT e na CAPES, foram localizados 63 trabalhos utilizando o descritor “ecoformação”, entretanto, após análise, apenas 6 abarcavam o tema pesquisado. Como referencial teórico, foram utilizados: Morin (2000, 2017), Moraes (2015, 2021) e Pineau (2000). Os resultados das pesquisas apontam que a prática docente, na visão da ecoformação, à luz da complexidade e transdisciplinaridade, desenvolve o protagonismo dos estudantes, o que contribui para uma mudança de postura frente às questões socioambientais, para que se possa estar atento e cuidar dos problemas ambientais do nosso planeta, defender todas as formas de vida, defender o interesse dos povos, respeitar as suas tradições e a diversidade cultural. Tendo em vista que os estudantes desta faixa etária estão no início do desenvolvimento do pensamento crítico, ressalta-se a necessidade de produções científicas sobre práticas pedagógicas que abordem a ecoformação, ou seja, as experiências de convivência social e ambiental, cultural, que sustentem a vida no planeta Terra.
Práticas pedagógicas em tempos de pandemia da Covid-19: potencial criativo em uma escola municipal
Authors: Da Cruz Queiroz Marina Carla , José de Pinho Maria
Published: March 2023

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar as práticas pedagógicas dos professores em uma Escola Municipal, a partir dos indicadores do Instrumento de Identificação do Desenvolvimento Criativo de Instituições de Ensino (Vadecrie) em contexto de pandemia da Covid-19. A pesquisa apoiou-se noestudo de caso de caráter exploratório, com abordagem qualitativa, na coleta de dados, e na aplicação do questionário Vadecrie. Além disso, foi complementada com a observação, entrevista semiestruturada, e a análise documental do Projeto Político Pedagógico e do Plano de aula para atender às demandas do ensino remoto emergencial. Os dados revelam que o desafio do professor não esteve somente no ensino remoto emergencial, mas em romper com a linearidade e fragmentação do conhecimento no momento de desenvolver a prática pedagógica. Concluindo que mesmo com os desafios e incertezas do contexto pandêmico a pandemia não impediu que práticas criativas fossem, estimuladas e vivenciadas, pois onde há um ambiente favorável a tolerância, coletividade, e a diversidade, há um ambiente propício a criatividade.
Desafios e possibilidades do Novo Ensino Médio: uma revisão sistemática de literatura
Authors: Carvalho da Silva Diovana Aparecida , Mariani Pasqual Franciele , Elizabel Blaszko Caroline
Published: March 2023

O Novo Ensino Médio (NEM) foi instituído pela Lei nº 13.415/2017 e estabeleceu determinadas reformulações, como aumento de carga horária e alterações curriculares, gerando inquietações, desafios e incertezas no meio escolar. Assim, o objetivo da pesquisa é identificar as abordagens sobre o Novo Ensino Médio em trabalhos publicados entre os anos de 2017 e 2022. A pesquisa apresenta caráter qualitativo, do tipo revisão sistemática de literatura, sendo utilizada aScientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), o Portal de Periódicos da CAPES (CAPES) e o Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da CAPES, como bases de dados, foram selecionadas pesquisas através do descritor Novo Ensino Médio e considerando o período de 2017 a 2022. A estrutura do artigo é dividida em três momentos, sendo no primeiro apresentadas as conceituações sobre o NEM, no segundo a metodologia empregada na pesquisa caracterizada como qualitativa e do tipo revisão sistemática de literatura, e o último expõe os resultados e as discussões. Conclui-se por meio do estudo que com a implementação do NEM surgiram desafios, incertezas e fragilidades com relação à infraestrutura das escolas, e com o preparo e formação dos professores para a referida etapa do processo de escolarização.Além disso, evidencia-se o caráter de formação técnica e o viés de empreendedorismo, o esvaziamento curricular e a tendência de privatização desta etapa de ensino, bem como sinaliza-se que as reformulações foram propostas e estabelecidas sem a efetiva participação dos profissionais da educação. Por fim, desvela-se a importância do desenvolvimento de futuras pesquisas que debatam e reflitam sobre o NEM, visto que é etapa fundamental da Educação Básica e carrega preceitos importantíssimos para a formação dos estudantes e cidadãos do país.
Степное право и степная демократия: исторический опыт, современность, перспективы /
STEPPE LAW AND STEPPE DEMOCRACY: HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE, MODERNITY AND PROSPECTS
Authors: Sitnyansky G. Yu.
Published: March 2023

Исследования по вопросам политической культуры евразийских степных народов привели автора к убеждению, что изначальная, «дочингисхановская» политическая культура евразийских кочевников (восстановленная после распада империи Чингизидов) ближе к европейской, чем к восточной, что у степных скотоводов сложилась своеобразная степная демократия, тоже восстановленная в постчингизидскую эпоху. Одним из проявлений этой степной демократии является наличие у некоторых степных народов суда, аналогичного европейскому суду присяжных; у казахов это суд биев. Бием, как и присяжным, мог быть любой уважаемый и знающий основы обычного права казах, который выбирался на каждый данный судебный процесс. Простые дела решались одним бием, для разбора дел более сложных подбиралась коллегия биев, иногда до 24 человек. При этом изначальной целью введения такого суда был поиск альтернативы суду султанов, как и в Европе суд присяжных пришёл на смену суду сеньоров.
К сожалению, после присоединения казахских степей к России непродуманная политика российской администрации привела к тому, что бии стали хотя и выборными, но постоянно действующими судьями. Это свело на нет положительный опыт бийского суда. Тем не менее, есть основания считать, что традиция последнего ещё может оказаться полезной при проведении демократических реформ в современной судебной системе.

Research on the political culture of the Eurasian steppe peoples led the author to believe that the original, “pre‑Genghis Khan” political culture of the Eurasian nomads (restored after the collapse of the Genghisid Empire) is closer to European than to Eastern, that steppe pastoralists have developed a kind of steppe democracy, also restored in the post‑Genghisid era. One of the manifestations of this steppe democracy is that some steppe peoples have a court similar to the European jury; thus, Kazakhs have a biy court. Any respected Kazakh who knew the basics of customary law, could be chosen as a biy or a jury for a given trial. Simple cases were solved with one biy, a board of biys, sometimes up to 24 people, was selected for complex cases. At the same time, the original purpose of introducing such a court was to find an alternative to the court of sultans, just as in Europe the jury court replaced the court of lords.
Unfortunately, after the Kazakh steppes became part of the Russian Empire, as a result of the ill‑conceived policy of the Russian administration the biy became permanent judges, although they still were elected. This completely negated the positive experience of the biy court. Nevertheless, there is reason to believe that the tradition of the latter may still be useful in carrying out democratic reforms in the modern judicial system.
Кубинский обряд cambio de vida: заместительная жертва и магические методы лечения в XXI веке /
THE CUBAN RITE “CAMBIO DE VIDA”: THE SUBSTITUTE VICTIMS AND MAGICAL TREATMENT METHODS IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Authors: Manichkin N. A.
Published: March 2023

Статья посвящена ритуальной практике cambio de vida, существующей в афро‑карибских религиозно‑магических традициях, в частности, в сантерии, ифа и пало монте. Автор показывает структуру и логику обряда, ранее в научной литературе подробно не освещавшегося. Отдельное внимание уделяется осуществлению этой практики в условиях современной городской и медицинской инфраструктуры, в том числе в стационаре. Колдовство стало частью своеобразного социокультурного бриколажа на Кубе. В индивидуальных пациентских историях оно нередко дополняет смесь из биомедицинской терапии и неконвенциональных лечебных практик. В статье демонстрируется, как колдовское заместительное жертвоприношение может способствовать росту напряженности и недоверия. Опросы информантов говорят о том, что ритуальная практика cambio de vida порождает и интенсифицирует логику недоверия, а те нарративы, которые вокруг нее складываются, соответствуют социальной напряженности и конкурентной озабоченности населения. Отмечается моральная сомнительность и амбивалентность описываемой магической практики. Основным материалом для статьи служат полевые исследования автора 2013 и 2019 гг. Привлекая научную литературу, касающаяся затронутых вопросов, он стремится к комплексному описанию современного бытования cambio de vida на Кубе.

The article is devoted to the ritual practice “cambio de vida” which exists in the Afro‑Caribbean religious and magical traditions, in particular, in Santeria, Ifa and Palo Monte. The author shows the structure and logic of the rite which have not been detailed in the scientific literature. Particular attention is paid to the implementation of this practice in the context of the modern urban and medical infrastructure including inpatient care. Witchcraft has become a part of socio‑cultural bricolage in Cuba. In the individual patient histories, it often complements a mixture of biomedical therapies and non‑conventional healing practices. It is shown that witchcraft substitute sacrifice may contribute to the tensions and mistrust. Conversations with informants suggest that the ritual practice of “cambio de vida” generates and intensifies the logic of distrust, and the narratives that are formed around it correspond to social tension and competitive concerns of the population. The moral dubiousness and ambivalence of the described magical practice is noted. The article is based on the author’s field research in 2013 and 2019. Using the scientific literature related to the issues raised the author aims for a complete description of the cambio de vida current existence in Cuba.
Zoledronic acid affects the process of Porphyromonas gingivalis infecting oral mucosal epithelial barrier: An in-vivo and in-vitro study
Authors: Sun Hanyu , Li Pugeng , Kong Qingci , Deng Feilong , Yu Xiaolin
Published: March 2023

Zoledronic acid (ZA), one of the commonly used bisphosphonates, is mainly used for bone-metabolic diseases. Studies proved that ZA has adverse effects on oral soft tissues. As the first line of innate immunity, the gingival epithelium could be infected by periodontal pathogens, which is a key process of the initiation of periodontal diseases. Yet, how ZA affects the periodontal pathogens infecting the epithelial barrier remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the influences of ZA on the process of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) infecting the gingival epithelial barrier via in-vitro and in-vivo experiments. In the in-vitro experiments, under the condition of different concentrations of ZA (0, 1, 10, and 100 μM), P. gingivalis was used to infect human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs). The infections were detected by transmission electron microscope and confocal laser scanning microscope. Besides, the internalization assay was applied to quantify the P. gingivalis, which infected the HGECs, in the different groups. To evaluate the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, by infected HGECs, real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions were applied. In the in-vivo experiments, rats were given ZA solution (ZA group) or saline (control group) by tail intravenous injection for 8 weeks. Subsequently, we put ligatures around the maxillary second molars of all the rats and inoculated P. gingivalis to the gingiva every other day from day 1 to day 13. The rats were sacrificed on days 3, 7, and 14 for micro-CT and histological analyses. The in-vitro results manifested that the quantity of P. gingivalis that had infected HGECs increased with the ZA concentrations. Pro-inflammatory cytokines expression by HGECs were significantly increased by 100 μM ZA. In the in-vivo study, compared to the control group, more P. gingivalis was detected in the superficial layer of gingival epithelium in the ZA group. Besides, ZA significantly increased the expression level of IL-1β on day 14 and IL-6 on days 7 and 14 in gingival tissues. These findings suggest that the oral epithelial tissues of patients who receive high-dose ZA treatment may be more susceptible to periodontal infections, resulting in severe inflammatory conditions.
Roles of viable but non-culturable state in the survival of Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Santos Leticia Silva , Rossi Daise Aparecida , Braz Raquelline Figueiredo , Fonseca Belchiolina Beatriz , Guidotti–Takeuchi Micaela , Alves Rosiane Nascimento , Beletti Marcelo Emílio , Almeida-Souza Hebreia Oliveira , Maia Larissa Prado , Santos Paula de Souza , de Souza Jéssica Brito , Melo Roberta Torres de
Published: March 2023

Despite being considered fragile and fastidious, Campylobacter jejuni is the most prevalent cause of foodborne bacterial gastroenteritis, and chicken meat is considered the main vehicle of transmission to humans. This agent can survive adverse conditions in the form of biofilms, but extreme stress (nutritional, oxidative and thermal) promotes the acquisition of a state called viable but not culturable (VBNC). The emergence of this pathogen worldwide and the recent international requirements in its control instigated us to qualitatively and quantitatively estimate the time required for the acquisition of the VBNC form in 27 strains of C. jejuni, characterize morphological aspects, determine its adaptive and invasive potential and perform comparative metabolomic evaluation. Extreme stress promoted the complete acquisition of the VBNC form in a mean time of 26 days. Starting from an average initial count of 7.8 log CFU/mL, the first four days determined the greatest average reduction of the culturable form of 3.2 log CFU/mL. The scanning and transmission image analyses showed a transition from the typical viable form (VT) to the VBNC form, with initial acquisition of the straight rod shape, followed by loss of the flagella and subdivision into two to 11 imperfect cocci arranged in a chain and rich in cellular content, until their individual release. RT-PCR identified the presence of ciaB and p19 transcripts in the 27 cultivable C. jejuni strains, a character maintained in the VBNC form only for p19 and in 59.3% (16/27) of the VBNC strains for the ciaB gene. The average inoculation of 1.8 log CFU/mL of C. jejuni VBNC into primary chicken embryo hepatocyte cells promoted the occurrence of apoptosis processes significantly after 24 hours of contact by one of the strains tested. In C. jejuni VBNC, we detected higher expression of metabolites linked to protective and adaptation mechanisms and of volatile organic precursor compounds indicative of metabolism interruption. The oscillations in the time of acquisition of the VBNC form together with the presence of transcripts for ciaB and p19, the identification of cell lysis and metabolites that ensure the maintenance of the pathogen alert to the fact that C. jejuni VBNC remains virulent and adapted to stress, which makes evident the potential danger of this latent form, which is not detectable by official methodologies.
Application background and mechanism of short-chain fatty acids in sepsis-associated encephalopathy
Authors: Zhang Qiulei , Lu Chang , Fan Weixuan , Zhang Jingxiao , Yin Yongjie
Published: March 2023

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a frequent brain dysfunction found in sepsis patients, manifesting as delirium, cognitive impairment, and abnormal behaviors. The gut microbiome and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are particularly associated with neuroinflammation in patients with SAE, thus noticeably attracting scholars’ attention. The association of brain function with the gut-microbiota-brain axis was frequently reported. Although the occurrence, development, and therapeutic strategies of SAE have been extensively studied, SAE remains a critical factor in determining the long-term prognosis of sepsis and is typically associated with high mortality. This review concentrated on the interaction of SCFAs with microglia in the central nervous system and discussed the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of SCFAs by binding to free fatty acid receptors or acting as histone deacetylase inhibitors. Finally, the prospects of dietary intervention using SCFAs as dietary nutrients in improving the prognosis of SAE were reviewed.
The history and mystery of sacubitril/valsartan: From clinical trial to the real world
Authors: Zhang Mingsong , Zou Yifei , Li Yangxue , Wang He , Sun Wei , Liu Bin
Published: March 2023

Heart failure is a serious threat to human health, with morbidity and mortality rates increasing despite the existence of multiple treatment options. Therefore, it is necessary to identify new therapeutic targets for this disease. Sacubitril/valsartan is a supramolecular sodium salt complex of the enkephalinase inhibitor prodrug sacubitril and the angiotensin receptor blocker valsartan. Its combined action increases endogenous natriuretic peptides while inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and exerting cardioprotective effects. Clinical evidence suggests that sacubitril/valsartan is superior to conventional renin-angiotensin-aldosterone inhibitor therapy for patients with reduced ejection fraction heart failure who can tolerate angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. The therapy reduces the risk of heart failure hospitalization, cardiovascular mortality, and all-cause mortality and has a better safety and tolerability record. This review describes the potential pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiomyocyte injury amelioration by sacubitril/valsartan. We explore the protective effects of sacubitril/valsartan and outline the therapeutic value in patients with heart failure by summarizing the results of recent large clinical trials. Furthermore, a preliminary outlook shows that sacubitril/valsartan may be effective at treating other diseases, and provides some exploratory observations that lay the foundation for future studies on this drug.
Adventitial adaptive immune cells are associated with ascending aortic dilatation in patients with a bicuspid aortic valve
Authors: Staal Alexander H. J. , Cortenbach Kimberley R. G. , Gorris Mark A. J. , van der Woude Lieke L. , Srinivas Mangala , Heijmen Robin H. , Geuzebroek Guillaume S. C. , Grewal Nimrat , Hebeda Konnie M. , de Vries I. Jolanda M. , DeRuiter Marco C. , van Kimmenade Roland R. J.
Published: March 2023

Background

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is associated with ascending aorta aneurysms and dissections. Presently, genetic factors and pathological flow patterns are considered responsible for aneurysm formation in BAV while the exact role of inflammatory processes remains unknown.

Methods

In order to objectify inflammation, we employ a highly sensitive, quantitative immunohistochemistry approach. Whole slides of dissected, dilated and non-dilated ascending aortas from BAV patients were quantitatively analyzed.

Results

Dilated aortas show a 4-fold increase of lymphocytes and a 25-fold increase in B lymphocytes in the adventitia compared to non-dilated aortas. Tertiary lymphoid structures with B cell follicles and helper T cell expansion were identified in dilated and dissected aortas. Dilated aortas were associated with an increase in M1-like macrophages in the aorta media, in contrast the number of M2-like macrophages did not change significantly.

Conclusion

This study finds unexpected large numbers of immune cells in dilating aortas of BAV patients. These findings raise the question whether immune cells in BAV aortopathy are innocent bystanders or contribute to the deterioration of the aortic wall.
Mechanism of leptin-NPY on the onset of puberty in male offspring rats after androgen intervention during pregnancy
Authors: Liu Jingqi , Yuan Yongting , Peng Xingwang , Wang Yuanyuan , Cao Ruiyao , Zhang Yun , Fu Lianguo
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The time of onset of puberty has been increasingly earlier, but its mechanism is still unclear. This study aimed to reveal the mechanism of leptin and NPY in the onset of puberty in male offspring rats after androgen intervention during pregnancy.

Methods

Eight-week-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) healthy male Sprague−Dawley (SD) rats and 16 female SD rats were selected and caged at 1:2. The pregnant rats were randomly divided into the olive oil control group (OOG) and testosterone intervention group (TG), with 8 rats in each group. Olive oil and testosterone were injected from the 15th day of pregnancy, for a total of 4 injections (15th, 17th, 19th, 21st day). After the onset of puberty, the male offspring rats were anesthetized with 2% pentobarbital sodium to collect blood by ventral aorta puncture and decapitated to peel off the hypothalamus and abdominal fat. Serum testosterone (T), free testosterone (FT), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and leptin were detected by ELISA, and then the free androgen index (FAI) was calculated. The mRNA levels of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor α (ERα), NPY, leptinR, and NPY2R in the hypothalamus and abdominal fat were detected by RT−PCR. Protein expression levels of AR, ERα, NPY, leptinR, and NPY2R in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus were detected by immunohistochemistry.

Results

The time of onset of puberty was significantly earlier in the TG than in the OOG (P< 0.05) and was positively correlated with body weight, body length, abdominal fat, and leptinR mRNA levels in adipose tissue in the OOG (P< 0.05), while it was positively correlated with serum DHT and DHEA concentrations and FAI and AR mRNA levels in the hypothalamus in the TG (P< 0.05). The NPY2R mRNA level and protein expression levels of ERα, NPY2R, and leptinR in the TG were significantly higher than those in the OOG, while the protein expression levels of AR and NPY in the TG were significantly lower than those in the OOG (P< 0.05).

Conclusions

Testosterone intervention during pregnancy led to an earlier onset of puberty in male offspring rats, which may render the male offspring rats more sensitive to androgens, leptin, and NPY at the onset of puberty.
Prediction of return on equity of the energy industry based on equity characteristics
Authors: Yang Yuqi , Wang Zhenqing
Published: March 2023

We take the return on equity of energy enterprises as the research object to predict it. Our research adopts a new framework to solve multivariable time series problems. Compared to a single regression model, this model focuses more on the results of the regression equation rather than the coefficients of each indicator. Compared to the single machine learning regression method, this model can use the two-way encoder representation of the Transformers model to embed text data into the data, and then use the XGBoost model for regression model processing after PCA dimensionality reduction processing, thereby improving the accuracy of model prediction. Comparative experiments have verified that the method we use has advantages in terms of prediction accuracy.
Diverse portfolios: Investing in tributaries for restoration of large river fishes in the Anthropocene
Authors: Bouska Kristen L. , Healy Brian D. , Moore Michael J. , Dunn Corey G. , Spurgeon Jonathan J. , Paukert Craig P.
Published: March 2023

Rehabilitation of large Anthropocene rivers requires engagement of diverse stakeholders across a broad range of sociopolitical boundaries. Competing objectives often constrain options for ecological restoration of large rivers whereas fewer competing objectives may exist in a subset of tributaries. Further, tributaries contribute toward building a “portfolio” of river ecosystem assets through physical and biological processes that may present opportunities to enhance the resilience of large river fishes. Our goal is to review roles of tributaries in enhancing mainstem large river fish populations. We present case histories from two greatly altered and distinct large-river tributary systems that highlight how tributaries contribute four portfolio assets to support large-river fish populations: 1) habitat diversity, 2) connectivity, 3) ecological asynchrony, and 4) density-dependent processes. Finally, we identify future research directions to advance our understanding of tributary roles and inform conservation actions. In the Missouri River United States, we focus on conservation efforts for the state endangered lake sturgeon, which inhabits large rivers and tributaries in the Midwest and Eastern United States. In the Colorado River, Grand Canyon United States, we focus on conservation efforts for recovery of the federally threatened humpback chub. In the Missouri River, habitat diversity focused on physical habitats such as substrate for reproduction, and deep-water habitats for refuge, whereas augmenting habitat diversity for Colorado River fishes focused on managing populations in tributaries with minimally impaired thermal and flow regimes. Connectivity enhancements in the Missouri River focused on increasing habitat accessibility that may require removal of physical structures like low-head dams; whereas in the Colorado River, the lack of connectivity may benefit native fishes as the disconnection provides refuge from non-native fish predation. Hydrologic variability among tributaries was present in both systems, likely underscoring ecological asynchrony. These case studies also described density dependent processes that could influence success of restoration actions. Although actions to restore populations varied by river system, these examples show that these four portfolio assets can help guide restoration activities across a diverse range of mainstem rivers and their tributaries. Using these assets as a guide, we suggest these can be transferable to other large river-tributary systems.
Effects of different land use patterns on soil properties and N2O emissions on a semi-arid Loess Plateau of Central Gansu
Authors: Du Mengyin , Yuan Jianyu , Zhuo Macao , Sadiq Mahran , Wu Jiangqi , Xu Guorong , Liu Shuainan , Li Jie , Li Guang , Yan Lijuan
Published: March 2023

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is one of the significant greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Different land use patterns are the sink or source of N2O, which plays a vigorous role in controlling N2O emissions. Yet, how different land use patterns affect soil N2O emissions in the Loess Plateau of Central Gansu is still not clear. Therefore; in order to fill this gap, six different land use patterns, including Picea asperata (PA), Hippophae rhamnoides (HR), Medicago sativa (MS), No-tillage wheat field (NT) and Conventional tillage wheat field (T) were studied. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of different land use patterns on soil properties and N2O emission flux. Our results showed that compared with other treatments, Picea asperata woodland increased the soil bulk density, organic matter and soil water content, total nitrogen accumulation and microbial biomass nitrogen whilst reduced the soil pH. The wheat field is more favorable to accumulating soil nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen. Moreover, soil N2O emission rates followed the trend of T>NT>HR>GL>MS>PA. In addition, soil physicochemical properties were closely related to N2O emission flux and soil temperature was the most significant factor affecting N2O emission. General, Picea asperata woodland could significantly increased soil nutrient and reduce N2O emissions. We suggest that more forest land should be selected as the optimal site for nitrogen fixation and emission reduction for sustainable development of the terrestrial ecosystem on the Loess Plateau in Central Gansu.
Case Report: Potential role of selective venous sampling for liquid biopsy in complex clinical settings: Three case presentations
Authors: Tichà Vladimira , Patelli Gianluigi , Basso Gianpaolo , Prino Aurelio , Repetti Elena , Grugni Maria , Damascelli Bruno
Published: March 2023

Tumor mutation profiling from a blood sample, known as liquid biopsy, is a reality that has already been approved for some cancers. This molecular diagnostic method complements tissue biopsy but is less invasive and therefore more easily applied, especially during tumor evolution. Its use should allow detection of residual disease, evaluation of treatment response or resistance, and selection of targeted treatments. However, implementation of liquid biopsy in routine clinical practice is hindered by unsolved issues, one of which is the scarcity of circulating tumor DNA in blood samples drawn from peripheral veins. To address this problem, we propose minimally invasive selective venous sampling from the region of interest, as used for some hormonal studies and for mapping of endocrine tumors. Intuitively, selective sampling should improve the sensitivity of liquid biopsy by avoiding the dilution of tumor biomarkers that occurs in the peripheral circulation. We report three cases that illustrate the potential utility of selective liquid biopsy in complex clinical settings, providing implications for diagnosis and treatment as well as for monitoring over time, disease localization, identification of drug resistance, and differential diagnosis.
Numerical study of magnetized Powell–Eyring hybrid nanomaterial flow with variable heat transfer in the presence of artificial bacteria: Applications for tumor removal and cancer cell destruction
Authors: Tang Tao-Qian , Rooman Muhammad , Shah Zahir , Khan Saima , Vrinceanu Narcisa , Alshehri Ahmed , Racheriu Mihaela
Published: March 2023

This investigation determined the effectiveness of an exterior magnetic field on bacteria enclosed by thousands of magnetite nanoparticles. Variable thermal conductivity and Joule heating were used in the interstitial nano liquid in which artificial bacteria were swimming in a biotic cell. The unsteady motions of a Powell–Eyring fluid in two dimensions were assumed. The porous extending wall was used as a bent surface shape. To convert the governing non-linear PDEs into non-linear ODEs, suitable transformations were exploited. The homotopy analysis technique (HAM) was utilized to resolve the semi-analytical results of non-linear ODEs. Plots were utilized to investigate the impact of significant parameters of velocity distribution, temperature profile, bacterial density field, nutrient concentration field, skin friction, Nusselt number, and nutrient concentration density. Clinical disease has shown that daring tumors have reduced blood flow. The results of this study showed that augmenting the values of unsteady parameters improved the blood velocity profile. The velocity distribution decreased for higher magnetite volume fraction values, as well as porosity and magnetic parameters. As the concentration of magnetite nanoparticles increased, so did the blood temperature distribution. As a result, the immersion of magnetite nanoparticles improved the physical characteristics of the blood. These findings also demonstrated that magnetic parameters and Eckert number play an essential role in increasing heat transfer rates.
Evaluating the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the physicians' psychological health: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Guraya Shaista S. , Menezes Prianna , Lawrence Isabell Nelson , Guraya Salman Yousuf , Rashid-Doubell Fiza
Published: March 2023

Background

COVID-19 has endangered healthcare systems at multiple levels worldwide. Published data suggests that moral dilemmas faced during these unprecedented times have placed physicians at the intersections of ethical and unethical considerations. This phenomenon has questioned the physicians' morality and how that has affected their conduct. The purpose of our review is to tap into the spectrum of the transforming optics of patient care during the pandemic and its impact on psychological wellbeing of physicians.

Methods

We adopted the Arksey and O'Malley's framework, defining research questions, identifying relevant studies, selecting the studies using agreed inclusion and exclusion criteria, charting the data, and summarizing and reporting results. Databases of PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, CINAHL, and PsycInfo were searched using a predefined search string. The retrieved titles and abstracts were reviewed. Later, a detailed full-text analysis of the studies which matched our inclusion criteria was performed.

Results

Our first search identified 875 titles and abstracts. After excluding duplicates, irrelevant, and incomplete titles, we selected 28 studies for further analysis. The sample size in 28 studies was 15,509 with an average size of 637 per study. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used, with cross-sectional surveys being utilized in all 16 quantitative studies. Using the data from semi-structured interviews, several discrete codes were generated, which led to the identification of five main themes; mental health, individual challenges, decision-making, change in patient care, and support services.

Conclusion

This scoping review reports an alarming rise in psychological distress, moral injury, cynicism, uncertainty, burnout, and grief among physicians during the pandemic. Decision-making and patient care were mostly regulated by rationing, triaging, age, gender, and life expectancy. Poor professional controls and institutional services potentially led to physicians' crumbling wellbeing. This research calls for the remediation of the deteriorating mental health and a restoration of medical profession's advocacy and equity.
Crosstalk between omega-6 oxylipins and the enteric nervous system: Implications for gut disorders?
Authors: Mantel Marine , Derkinderen Pascal , Bach-Ngohou Kalyane , Neunlist Michel , Rolli-Derkinderen Malvyne
Published: March 2023

The enteric nervous system (ENS) continues to dazzle scientists with its ability to integrate signals, from the outside as well as from the host, to accurately regulate digestive functions. Composed of neurons and enteric glial cells, the ENS interplays with numerous neighboring cells through the reception and/or the production of several types of mediators. In particular, ENS can produce and release n-6 oxylipins. These lipid mediators, derived from arachidonic acid, play a major role in inflammatory and allergic processes, but can also regulate immune and nervous system functions. As such, the study of these n-6 oxylipins on the digestive functions, their cross talk with the ENS and their implication in pathophysiological processes is in full expansion and will be discussed in this review.
Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens treatment with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors and baricitinib: A case report and literature review
Authors: Yu Yuanting , Ding Xiaojie , Guo Fei , Ze Kan , Sun Xiaoying , Li Xin
Published: March 2023

Rationale

Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens (PCAS), also known as dissecting cellulitis of the scalp (DCS), is a part of the “follicular occlusion tetrad” that also includes acne conglobate (AC), hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and pilonidal sinus, which share the same pathogenic mechanism, such as follicular occlusions, follicular ruptures, and follicular infections.

Patient concerns

A 15-year-old boy had multiple rashes on the scalp accompanied by pain.

Diagnosis

The patient was diagnosed with PCAS or DCS based on the clinical manifestations and laboratory examinations.

Interventions

The patient was initially administered adalimumab 40 mg biweekly and oral isotretinoin 30 mg daily for 5 months. Because the initial results were insufficient, the interval between adalimumab injections was extended to 4 weeks, and isotretinoin was changed to baricitinib 4 mg daily for 2 months. When the condition became more stable, adalimumab 40 mg and baricitinib 4 mg were administered every 20 and 3 days, respectively, for two more months until now.

Outcomes

After 9 months of treatment and follow-up, the original skin lesions of the patient were almost cured, and most inflammatory alopecia patches disappeared.

Conclusion

Our literature review did not find any previous reports on treating PCAS with TNF-α inhibitors and baricitinib. Accordingly, we presented the first successful treatment of PCAS with this regimen.
Skin diseases of the nipple and areola complex: A case series study from China
Authors: Wu Chao , Jia Qian-Nan , Fang Kai , Zeng Yue-Ping
Published: March 2023

Background

Skin diseases of the nipple and areola complex (NAC) are numerous and difficult to diagnose, which is a great challenge for clinicians. A better understanding of the clinical features of NAC skin diseases is of great value for the correct diagnosis.

Methods

To investigate the clinical characteristics of skin diseases of the NAC, we retrospectively analyzed the demographic data, disease constitution, rash characteristics, inconsistency between the clinical and pathological diagnosis from 260 patients with NAC lesions that were confirmed by histopathology at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, China from 2012 to 2022.

Results

The patients’ average age was 43.6 (8 to 82) years, and the ratio of females to males was 13.4:1. Out of the 260 patients biopsied, the most common diseases were eczema, Paget’s disease (PD), adenoma of the nipple (AN), seborrheic keratosis (SK), cutaneous metastasis of breast cancer, wart, soft fibroma, and hyperkeratosis of the nipple and areola. There were 77 (29.6%) patients with inconsistency between the clinical impressions and pathological diagnoses. AN was the most clinically misdiagnosed condition, most commonly presumed to be PD or eczema.

Conclusion

Eczema and PD are the most common biopsied NAC skin diseases. Late onset, unilateral involvement, and predilection for the nipple are several characteristics of PD, which are different from eczema. NAC skin diseases are easily misdiagnosed clinically, especially AN.
Multiple thread ligations versus stapled hemorrhoidopexy on operative outcomes of grade III hemorrhoids: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhou Xile , Liu Fanlong , Lin Caizhao , Chen Wenbin , Xu Jiahe
Published: March 2023

Object

Controversy remains regarding the safety and efficacy of hemorrhoid ligation and stapled hemorrhoidopexy (SH) in the treatment of hemorrhoids. The study was to explore the operative outcomes of patients underwent multiple thread ligations (MTL) with SH for the management of grade III hemorrhoids.

Methods

This cohort study included patients who underwent MTL (MTL group, 128 cases) or SH (SH group, 141 cases) for grade III hemorrhoids between June 2019 and May 2021. A total of 115 patients in MTL group and 115 patients in SH group were finally included by propensity score matching with a ratio of 1:1. The primary outcome was the recurrence of prolapse within 6 months. Secondary outcomes were operative time, post-operative pain scores, hospital stay, the incidence of complications, Wexner incontinence score, and quality of life of patients with constipation at 6 months post procedure.

Results

Multiple thread ligations and SH resulted in comparable recurrence within 6 months of follow-up, with five and seven cases of recurrence, respectively, (P = 0.352). The two groups had comparable outcomes in terms of post-operative pain, hospital stay, Wexner incontinence scores, and constipation-related quality of life (all P > 0.05). The median operative time was 16 min (15–18 min) in the MTL group versus 25 min (16–33 min) in the SH group (P < 0.01). Univariate analysis showed that the MTL technique had a lower risk of postoperative bleeding than that with the SH technique (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The study indicated that the MTL technique might achieve comparable operative outcomes compared with the SH technique for the management of grade III hemorrhoids, nevertheless, MTL seemed to be associated with less risk of surgical bleeding than SH.
Seasonal variations of soil bacterial and fungal communities in a subtropical Eucalyptus plantation and their responses to throughfall reduction
Authors: Lin Yubiao , Yang Ling , Chen Zetao , Gao Yaqian , Kong Jiejun , He Qian , Su Yan , Li Jiyue , Qiu Quan
Published: March 2023

Climatic change causes obvious seasonal meteorological drought in southern China, yet there is a lack of comprehensive in situ studies on the effects of drought in Eucalyptus plantations. Here, a 50% throughfall reduction (TR) experiment was conducted to investigate the seasonal variations of soil bacterial and fungal communities and functions in a subtropical Eucalyptus plantation and their responses to TR treatment. Soil samples were collected from control (CK) and TR plots in the dry and rainy seasons and were subjected to high-throughput sequencing analysis. Results showed that TR treatment significantly reduced soil water content (SWC) in the rainy season. In CK and TR treatments, fungal alpha-diversity decreased in the rainy season while bacterial alpha-diversity did not change significantly between dry and rainy seasons. Moreover, bacterial networks were more affected by seasonal variations compared with fungal networks. Redundancy analysis showed that alkali hydrolyzed nitrogen and SWC contributed the most to the bacterial and fungal communities, respectively. Functional prediction indicated that the expression of soil bacterial metabolic functions and symbiotic fungi decreased in the rainy season. In conclusion, seasonal variations have a stronger effect on soil microbial community composition, diversity, and function compared with TR treatment. These findings could be used to develop management practices for subtropical Eucalyptus plantations and help maintain soil microbial diversity to sustain long-term ecosystem function and services in response to future changes in precipitation patterns.
Patterns of within-host spread of Chlamydia trachomatis between vagina, endocervix and rectum revealed by comparative genomic analysis
Authors: Joseph Sandeep J. , Bommana Sankhya , Ziklo Noa , Kama Mike , Dean Deborah , Read Timothy D.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Chlamydia trachomatis, a gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium, commonly causes sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Little is known about C. trachomatis transmission within the host, which is important for understanding disease epidemiology and progression.

Methods

We used RNA-bait enrichment and whole-genome sequencing to compare rectal, vaginal and endocervical samples collected at the same time from 26 study participants who attended Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services clinics and tested positive for C. trachomatis at each anatomic site.

Results

The 78 C. trachomatis genomes from participants resolved into two major clades of the C. trachomatis phylogeny (the “prevalent urogenital and anorectal” clade and “non-prevalent urogenital and anorectal” clade). For 21 participants, genome sequences were almost identical in each anatomic site. For the other five participants, two distinct C. trachomatis strains were present in different sites; in two cases, the vaginal sample was a mixture of strains.

Discussion

The absence of large numbers of fixed SNPs between C. trachomatis genomes within many of the participants could indicate recent acquisition of infection prior to the clinic visit without sufficient time to accumulate significant genetic variation in different body sites. This model suggests that many C. trachomatis infections may be resolved relatively quickly in the Fijian population, possibly reflecting common prescription or over-the-counter antibiotics usage.
The progress of microenvironment-targeted therapies in brain metastases
Authors: Long Lifu , Yi Zhenjie , Zeng Yu , Liu Zhixiong
Published: March 2023

The incidence of brain metastases (BrM) has become a growing concern recently. It is a common and often fatal manifestation in the brain during the end-stage of many extracranial primary tumors. Increasing BrM diagnoses can be attributed to improvements in primary tumor treatments, which have extended patients’ lifetime, and allowed for earlier and more efficient detection of brain lesions. Currently, therapies for BrM encompass systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Systemic chemotherapy regimens are controversial due to their associated side effects and limited efficacy. Targeted and immunotherapies have garnered significant attention in the medical field: they target specific molecular sites and modulate specific cellular components. However, multiple difficulties such as drug resistance and low permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) remain significant challenges. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel therapies. Brain microenvironments consist of cellular components including immune cells, neurons, endothelial cells as well as molecular components like metal ions, nutrient molecules. Recent research indicates that malignant tumor cells can manipulate the brain microenvironment to change the anti-tumoral to a pro-tumoral microenvironment, both before, during, and after BrM. This review compares the characteristics of the brain microenvironment in BrM with those in other sites or primary tumors. Furthermore, it evaluates the preclinical and clinical studies of microenvironment-targeted therapies for BrM. These therapies, due to their diversity, are expected to overcome drug resistance or low permeability of the BBB with low side effects and high specificity. This will ultimately lead to improved outcomes for patients with secondary brain tumors.
Riboflavin kinase and pyridoxine 5′-phosphate oxidase complex formation envisages transient interactions for FMN cofactor delivery
Authors: Rivero Maribel , Boneta Sergio , Novo Nerea , Velázquez-Campoy Adrián , Polo Victor , Medina Milagros
Published: March 2023

Enzymes catalysing sequential reactions have developed different mechanisms to control the transport and flux of reactants and intermediates along metabolic pathways, which usually involve direct transfer of metabolites from an enzyme to the next one in a cascade reaction. Despite the fact that metabolite or substrate channelling has been widely studied for reactant molecules, such information is seldom available for cofactors in general, and for flavins in particular. Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and flavin mononucleotide (FMN) act as cofactors in flavoproteins and flavoenzymes involved in a wide range of physiologically relevant processes in all type of organisms. Homo sapiens riboflavin kinase (RFK) catalyses the biosynthesis of the flavin mononucleotide cofactor, and might directly interplay with its flavin client apo-proteins prior to the cofactor transfer. Non-etheless, none of such complexes has been characterized at molecular or atomic level so far. Here, we particularly evaluate the interaction of riboflavin kinase with one of its potential FMN clients, pyridoxine-5′-phosphate oxidase (PNPOx). The interaction capacity of both proteins is assessed by using isothermal titration calorimetry, a methodology that allows to determine dissociation constants for interaction in the micromolar range (in agreement with the expected transient nature of the interaction). Moreover, we show that; i) both proteins become thermally stabilized upon mutual interaction, ii) the tightly bound FMN product can be transferred from RFK to the apo-form of PNPOx producing an efficient enzyme, and iii) the presence of the apo-form of PNPOx slightly enhances RFK catalytic efficiency. Finally, we also show a computational study to predict likely RFK-PNPOx binding modes that can envisage coupling between the FMN binding cavities of both proteins for the potential transfer of FMN.