bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-marketing quality surveillance of selected antibacterial agents marketed in porous borders; the case of Ethiopia-Sudan-Eritrea border
Authors: Denekew Tewodros , Eticha Tadele , Teshome Yehualashet , Endeshaw Siyalkalem , Ashenef Ayenew
Published: August 2024

Background

The presence of poor-quality medicines is becoming a public health threat in many parts of the world, particularly in developing countries. Antibiotics are among the most common anti-infective medicines that are highly prone to this problem.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of selected antibacterials that are marketed in Setit Humera and West Gondar Zones, North West Ethiopia, which are located on the Ethiopian side of the Ethiopia-Sudan-Eritrea border.

Methods

Seventy-one samples of the four antibacterial medicines (Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Amoxycillin, and Amoxycillin clavullanate combination) were collected from six sites in Setit Humera and West Gondar Zones, North West Ethiopia. A mystery shopping system was used for sample collection. Visual inspections and confirmation of the registration status were carried out using the joint WHO/FIP/USP checklist and the Ethiopian Food and Drug Authority’s (EFDA’s) Electronic Regulatory Information System (eRIS), respectively. Then Pharmacopeial methods (USP, BP) were employed to assess the physicochemical quality parameters.

Results

During the period of our data collection, the application status for registration in the eRIS system was checked. From 71 samples, 25.35% (18/71) were not registered, and 15.49% (11/71) were registered, but the license period had expired. Some samples (12.06% (17/71)) did not meet the visual inspection criteria. The physicochemical evaluation showed that all the samples studied met the quality specifications for the identification and hardness tests. However, concerning assay, dissolution, uniformity of dosage units, disintegration, and friability test parameters, 27.49% (23/71), 16.9% (12/71), and 14.08% (10/71), 2.82% (2/71) and 8.57% (3/35) of samples were found to be substandard, respectively. Overall, 56.33% (40/71) of the samples tested were of poor quality, failing to meet any one or more of the assessed parameters in this study.

Conclusion

The study indicated that poor-quality antibacterial medicines are circulating in the study sites. Therefore, even if the area was affected by conflict at the time of the study, the regulatory bodies should focus on enforcing the necessary measures by collaborating with the regional and national regulatory medicine agencies to ensure that the antibacterial medicines available meet the required mandatory minimum standards.
Coupling of potential habitat models with particle tracking experiments to examine larval fish dispersal and connectivity in deep water regions
Authors: Daudén-Bengoa Gonzalo , Sheinbaum Julio , RodríguezOuterelo Javier , Herzka Sharon Z.
Published: August 2024

Computing Lagrangian trajectories with ocean circulation models is a powerful way to infer larval dispersal pathways and connectivity. Defining release areas and timing of particles to represent larval habitat realistically is critical to obtaining representative dispersal pathways. However, it is challenging due to spatial and temporal variability in larval density. Forward-tracking particle experiments were conducted to study larval connectivity of four species (neritic or mesopelagic) in the Gulf of Mexico’s (GoM) deep-water region. A seasonal climatology coupled with predicted potential larval habitat models based on generalized additive models was used to delimit the particle dispersal origin. Two contrasting mesoscale circulation patterns were examined: (1) high Loop Current (LC) intrusion, absence of recently detached LC anticyclonic eddies (LC-ACE), and no interaction between LC-ACEs and the semi-permanent cyclonic eddy (CE) in the Bay of Campeche (BoC), and (2) limited LC intrusion, a recently detached LC-ACE, and interaction between LC-ACEs and the BoC’s CE. To simulate larval transport, virtual larvae were randomly released in the potential habitats and advected for 30 days with the velocity fields of the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model with hourly-resolution assimilation. Potential habitat location and size played a major role in dispersal and connectivity. A greater percentage of particles were retained in potential habitats restricted to the southern BoC, suggesting lower connectivity with other GoM regions than those encompassing most of the BoC or the central Gulf. Mesoscale feature interactions in the western GoM and BoC led to greater dispersion along the western basin. By contrast, the absence of ACE-CE interaction in the BoC led to greater retention and less connectivity between the southern and northern GoM. Under high LC intrusion, particles seeded north of the Yucatan Shelf were advected through the Florida Straits and dispersed within the GoM. Coupling potential habitat models with particle experiments can help characterize the dispersal and connectivity of fish larvae in oceanic systems.
Recruiting transgender men in the Southeastern United States for genital microbiome research: Lessons learned
Authors: Van Gerwen Olivia T. , Sherman Z. Alex , Kay Emma Sophia , Wall Jay , Lewis Joy , Eastlund Isaac , Graves Keonte J. , Richter Saralyn , Pontius Angela , Aaron Kristal J. , Siwakoti Krishmita , Rogers Ben , Toh Evelyn , Elnaggar Jacob H. , Taylor Christopher M. , Van Wagoner Nicholas J. , Muzny Christina A.
Published: August 2024

Background

Transgender men (TGM) are underrepresented in genital microbiome research. Our prospective study in Birmingham, AL investigated genital microbiota changes over time in TGM initiating testosterone, including the development of incident bacterial vaginosis (iBV). Here, we present lessons learned from recruitment challenges encountered during the conduct of this study.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were assigned female sex at birth, TGM or non-binary identity, age ≥18 years, interested in injectable testosterone but willing to wait 7 days after enrollment before starting, and engaged with a testosterone-prescribing provider. Exclusion criteria were recent antibiotic use, HIV/STI infection, current vaginal infection, pregnancy, or past 6 months testosterone use. Recruitment initiatives included community advertisements via flyers, social media posts, and referrals from local gender health clinics.

Results

Between February 2022 and October 2023, 61 individuals contacted the study, 17 (27.9%) completed an in-person screening visit, and 10 (58.8%) of those screened were enrolled. The primary reasons for individuals failing study screening were having limited access to testosterone-prescribing providers, already being on testosterone, being unwilling to wait 7 days to initiate testosterone therapy, or desiring the use of topical testosterone. Engagement of non-White TGM was also minimal.

Conclusion

Despite robust study inquiry by TGM, screening and enrollment challenges were faced including engagement by TGM not yet in care and specific study eligibility criteria. Excitement among TGM for research representation should be leveraged in future work by engaging transgender community stakeholders at the inception of study development, particularly regarding feasibility of study inclusion and exclusion criteria, as well as recruitment of TGM of color. These results also highlight the need for more clinical resources for prescribing gender-affirming hormone therapy, especially in the Southeastern US.
Long noncoding RNA MALAT1 as a ceRNA drives mouse fibroblast activation via the miR-335-3p/P2ry2 axis
Authors: Chen Mengjie , Peng Jieying , Zhu Guanghao , Qian Cunhui , Xiao Zhi , Song Xianmin , Yu Haojun , Huang Rushi , Wang Wei , Zheng Hongliang , Yu Yafeng
Published: August 2024

Fibrosis is a complex pathological process that can lead to the permanent loss of biological function, with P2ry2 playing a crucial role in this process. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to play an critically important role in the fibrotic process. However, it remains unclear whether lncRNAs can regulate fibrosis through P2ry2. In this study, we detected the expression of the long non-coding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (lnc-MALAT1). We investigated the expression patterns of lnc-MALAT1 and P2ry2 in denervated skeletal muscle, a classical model of fibrosis. Additionally, we utilized a TGF-β-mediated fibrosis model in NIH/3T3 cells to examine the effects of lnc-MALAT1 and P2ry2 on fibroblast activation and the underlying regulatory mechanisms in vitro. Our results demonstrated that the expression levels of lnc-MALAT1 and P2ry2 were consistently elevated in denervated skeletal muscle, correlating with the degree of fibrosis. In vitro experiments confirmed the regulatory effect of lnc-MALAT1 on P2ry2. Furthermore, we identified miR-335-3p as a potential key molecule in the regulatory relationship of lnc-MALAT1/P2ry2. Dual luciferase reporter assays and AGO2-RIP verified the molecular sponging effect of lnc-MALAT1 on miR-335-3p. Additionally, we validated the regulation of the lnc-MALAT1/miR-335-3p/P2ry2 axis through experimental approaches. In conclusion, our study identified a crucial role of lnc-MALAT1/miR-335-3p/P2ry2 axis in fibroblast activation, providing a promising treatment option against the fibrosis.
Anti-Müllerian hormone and fertility in women after childhood cancer treatment: Association with current infertility risk classifications
Authors: Nyström Anna , Mörse Helena , Øra Ingrid , Henic Emir , Engellau Jacob , Wieslander Elinore , Tomaszewicz Andrzej , Elfving Maria
Published: August 2024

Background

To identify childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) at risk of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and impaired fertility is important given its impact on quality of life. The aim of this study was to assess ovarian markers and fertility outcomes in adult female CCSs. We used the Swedish and the PanCareLIFE classifications for infertility risk grouping.

Methods

167 CCSs, at median age 34.6 years (19.3–57.8) with a median follow-up time of 25.4 years (11.6–41.3), and 164 healthy matched controls were included in this cross-sectional study. We assessed anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, antral follicle count (AFC), ovarian volume (OV), and fertility outcomes. Based on gonadotoxic treatments given, CCSs were categorized into infertility risk groups.

Results

The median levels of AMH, AFC and OV were lower in CCSs (1.9 vs. 2.1 ng/ml, 12.0 vs. 13.0, 6.8 vs. 8.0 cm3) compared with controls, although statistically significant only for OV (p = 0.021). AMH levels in CCSs <40 years were lower for those classified as high-risk (p = 0.034) and very high-risk (p<0.001) for infertility, based on the Swedish risk classification. Similarly, AFC was reduced in the high-risk (p<0.001) and the very high-risk groups (p = 0.003). CCSs of all ages showed a trend towards impaired fertility, especially in the very high-risk group. POI was diagnosed in 22/167 CCSs, of whom 14 were in the high- and very high-risk groups. The results according to the PanCareLIFE classification were similar.

Conclusion

Both the Swedish and the PanCareLIFE infertility risk classifications are reliable tools for identifying those at risk of reduced ovarian markers and fertility, as well as POI. We recommend fertility preservation counselling for patients receiving highly gonadotoxic treatments (i.e., Cyclophosphamide Equivalent Dose ≥6 g/m2, radiotherapy exposure to ovaries or stem cell transplantation) with follow-up at a young reproductive age due to the risk of a shortened reproductive window.
High sugar diets can increase susceptibility to bacterial infection in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Darby Andrea M. , Okoro Destiny O. , Aredas Sophia , Frank Ashley M. , Pearson William H. , Dionne Marc S. , Lazzaro Brian P.
Published: August 2024

Overnutrition with dietary sugar can worsen infection outcomes in diverse organisms including insects and humans, through generally unknown mechanisms. In the present study, we show that adult Drosophila melanogaster fed high-sugar diets became more susceptible to infection by the Gram-negative bacteria Providencia rettgeri and Serratia marcescens. We found that P. rettgeri and S. marcescens proliferate more rapidly in D. melanogaster fed a high-sugar diet, resulting in increased probability of host death. D. melanogaster become hyperglycemic on the high-sugar diet, and we find evidence that the extra carbon availability may promote S. marcescens growth within the host. However, we found no evidence that increased carbon availability directly supports greater P. rettgeri growth. D. melanogaster on both diets fully induce transcription of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes in response to infection, but D. melanogaster provided with high-sugar diets show reduced production of AMP protein. Thus, overnutrition with dietary sugar may impair host immunity at the level of AMP translation. Our results demonstrate that dietary sugar can shape infection dynamics by impacting both host and pathogen, depending on the nutritional requirements of the pathogen and by altering the physiological capacity of the host to sustain an immune response.
BULLYING NO CONTEXTO ESCOLAR E OS ARTEFATOS CULTURAIS
Authors: Meneses Tuany Barbosa , Magalhães Joanalira Corpes
Published: August 2024

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar o filme “As aventuras de Peabody e Sherman” a fim de discutir a potencialidade desse artefato cultural para o debate sobre o bullying. Esse estudo se fundamenta teórico e metodologicamente a partir dos Estudos Culturais, pós-estruturalistas. Para tanto, a análise foi disposta em dois momentos: (1) análise das representações presentes no filme com relação ao bullying. Para esse objetivo, foram analisadas três cenas, em que ocorrem ações recorrentes dessa prática. (2) discussão da potencialidade do filme para o debate sobre o bullying na escola, mencionando os diferentes aspectos que fazem com que esse filme possibilite esse debate. Por fim, podemos constatar que o bullying é um comportamento que requer significativa atenção dos/as professores/as, por isso propor sua discussão a partir de um artefato cultural se torna potente para se repensar as inúmeras problemáticas imbricadas nesse fenômeno.
Variação lexical e fonológica na expressão dos conceitos ‘YouTube’ e ‘WhatsApp’ na libras
Authors: Arzua Gabriel Henrique , Xavier André Nogueira
Published: August 2024

Neste trabalho, focamos na variação lexical e fonológica observada na expressão de dois conceitos na libras: ‘WhatsApp’ e ‘YouTube’. Coletamos, através do WhatsApp, dados de 48 surdos, 29 homens e 19 mulheres, entre 19 e 35 anos e de seis estados: Paraná, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Pernambuco e Paraíba. Nossos resultados revelaram a existência de cinco variantes lexicais para ‘YouTube’ e três para ‘WhatsApp’. Somando-se a isso, observamos diferentes realizações de cada um desses oito sinais. Apesar da variabilidade fonológica, o presente trabalho evidencia também estabilidade na produção de alguns parâmetros nas diferentes produções de um mesmo sinal.
Evaluating alternatives: new approaches for decision making under certainty
Authors:   Voronezh State Technical University, Voronezh, Russia, Serebryakova E.A. , Barkalov S.A. ,   Voronezh State Technical University, Voronezh, Russia, Moiseev S.I. ,   Voronezh State Technical University, Voronezh, Russia
Published: August 2024

The decision-making process plays an important role in the development of society in general and the effective management of organizations in particular. In today's world, where the complexity of tasks and the competitive environment are constantly growing, making the right and informed decisions becomes a key element of success. Any person, group of people or organization is constantly faced with the need to choose between several possible courses of action, called alternatives, whether in the personal sphere or in the work of organizations. To effectively make complex decisions within the activities of organizations, models for making optimal decisions have been developed. The most popular of them is the model of decision-making under conditions of certainty, when the outcome of the decision is not influenced by random factors. All this confirms the relevance of scientific research in the field of decision making. Aim. The purpose of the study is to develop a methodology for assessing the degree of attractiveness of alternatives based on objective quantitative or subjective qualitative criteria, which will improve the quality of decisions made. The methodology is based on mathematical models for processing information containing the characteristics of alternatives according to evaluation criteria. Materials and methods. The methodology for evaluating alternatives presented in the work is based on mathematical models of information processing, which are based on methods of mathematical modeling, optimization methods, linear programming, theory of fuzzy sets, theory of latent variables, as well as methods of decision-making under conditions of uncertainty and methods of expert assessment. Results. The relevance of the development of a model for evalua¬ting construction projects according to quantitative criteria is shown, ways of solving the tasks are given and justified. A mathematical model has been developed that makes it possible to evaluate construction projects by objective indicators based on the theory of fuzzy sets and the Rush model for estimating latent variables. On the basis of numerical methods, the adequacy of the received estimates of construction projects is substantiated, the methodology for implementing computational procedures necessary for the practical implementation of evaluation models is described. Conclusion. The application of the given methodology in the decision-making procedure under conditions of certainty will improve the quality of decisions made and reduce the risks of their implementation.
Dynamic changes in proresolving lipid mediators and their receptors following acute vascular injury in male rats
Authors: Kagaya Hideo , Kim Alexander S. , Chen Mian , Lin Pei‐Yu , Yin Xuanzhi , Spite Matthew , Conte Michael S.
Published: August 2024

Acute vascular injury provokes an inflammatory response, resulting in neointimal hyperplasia (NIH) and downstream pathologies. The resolution of inflammation is an active process in which specialized proresolving lipid mediators (SPM) and their receptors play a central role. We sought to examine the acute phase response of SPM and their receptors in both circulating blood and the arterial wall in a rat angioplasty model. We found that the ratio of proresolving to pro‐inflammatory lipid mediators (LM) in plasma decreased sharply 1 day after vascular injury, then increased slightly by day 7, while that in arteries remained depressed. Granulocyte expression of SPM receptors ALX/FPR2 and DRV2/GPR18, and a leukotriene B4 receptor BLT1 increased postinjury, while ERV1/ChemR23 expression was reduced early and then recovered by day 7. Importantly, we show unique arterial expression patterns of SPM receptors in the acute setting, with generally low levels through day 7 that contrasted sharply with that of the pro‐inflammatory CCR2 receptor. Overall, these data document acute, time‐dependent changes of LM biosynthesis and SPM receptor expression in plasma, leukocytes, and artery walls following acute vascular injury. A biochemical imbalance between inflammation and resolution LM pathways appears persistent 7 days after angioplasty in this model. These findings may help guide therapeutic approaches to accelerate vascular healing and improve the outcomes of vascular interventions for patients with advanced atherosclerosis.
From the Syrian to Ukrainian refugee crisis: Tracing the changes in the Italian Twitter discussions through network analysis
Authors: Kiyak Sercan , De Coninck David , Mertens Stefan , d’Haenens Leen
Published: August 2024

This study examines the Italian Twitter landscape during the 2015 Syrian and 2022 Ukrainian refugee crises, with a focus on the evolution of anti-refugee discourse. Through the analysis of 400,000 tweets, we sought to identify attitudinal communities, track changes in user positions, and evaluate the trending potential of the communities. Our findings indicate a shift in opinion leaders within the anti-refugee community from 2015, alongside a persistent ability to influence public discourse. Additionally, while the pro-Ukrainian refugee community has grown, incorporating previously neutral users, it remains loosely connected. Finally, the shifts in attitudes of Italian populist leaders regarding Syrian and Ukrainian refugees are interpreted in light of the changes in user attitudes as observed in the communication networks. This research highlights the importance of computational communication methods for investigating fringe groups absent from mainstream discourse, and underscores the necessity of content moderation and proactive digital activism to counter anti-refugee sentiment online.
History-restricted marginal structural model and latent class growth analysis of treatment trajectories for a time-dependent outcome
Authors: Diop Awa , Sirois Caroline , Guertin Jason R. , Schnitzer Mireille E. , Brophy James M. , Blais Claudia , Talbot Denis
Published: August 2024

In previous work, we introduced a framework that combines latent class growth analysis (LCGA) with marginal structural models (LCGA-MSM). LCGA-MSM first summarizes the numerous time-varying treatment patterns into a few trajectory groups and then allows for a population-level causal interpretation of the group differences. However, the LCGA-MSM framework is not suitable when the outcome is time-dependent. In this study, we propose combining a nonparametric history-restricted marginal structural model (HRMSM) with LCGA. HRMSMs can be seen as an application of standard MSMs on multiple time intervals. To the best of our knowledge, we also present the first application of HRMSMs with a time-to-event outcome. It was previously noted that HRMSMs could pose interpretation problems in survival analysis when either targeting a hazard ratio or a survival curve. We propose a causal parameter that bypasses these interpretation challenges. We consider three different estimators of the parameters: inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), g-computation, and a pooled longitudinal targeted maximum likelihood estimator (pooled LTMLE). We conduct simulation studies to measure the performance of the proposed LCGA-HRMSM. For all scenarios, we obtain unbiased estimates when using either g-computation or pooled LTMLE. IPTW produced estimates with slightly larger bias in some scenarios. Overall, all approaches have good coverage of the 95 % confidence interval. We applied our approach to a population of older Quebecers composed of 57,211 statin initiators and found that a greater adherence to statins was associated with a lower combined risk of cardiovascular disease or all-cause mortality.
Pronounced neonatal breast enlargement beyond the first week of life and its regression correlates with serum prolactin levels – a case series
Authors: Bartos Hilda-Brigitta , Weise Linnéa , Schock Alexandra , Diez Sonja , Weiss Christel , Drommelschmidt Karla , Mahnken Andreas H. , Hummler Helmut , Müller Hanna
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Mild breast swelling is frequently observed in newborns during the first postnatal week. Breast enlargement is also observed in a minor proportion of infants beyond the first postnatal week, leading to discussions how to deal with it. Our objective was to review a case series of infants with prolonged breast swelling.

Case presentation

We examined five infants with pronounced breast enlargement beyond the first postnatal week and measured human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), estradiol (E2), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and progesterone (P4) in blood samples and analyzed breast volume by sonographic volume determination in all infants initially and across time. The regression of breast enlargement positively correlated with serum prolactin levels in infants with breast enlargement beyond the first week of life. Complete regression occurred after several weeks and was characterized by normalization of serum prolactin levels.

Conclusions

The present study emphasizes the role of prolactin in neonates with pronounced breast enlargement beyond the first week of life.
Using machine learning techniques for exploration and classification of laboratory data
Authors: Trulson Inga , Holdenrieder Stefan , Hoffmann Georg
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The study aims to acquaint readers with six widely used machine learning (ML) techniques (Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP), k-means, hierarchical clustering and the decision tree models (rpart and random forest)) that might be useful for the analysis of laboratory data.

Methods

Utilizing a recently validated data set from lung cancer diagnostics, we investigate how ML can support the search for a suitable tumor marker panel for the differentiation of small cell (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Results

The ML techniques used here effectively helped to gain a quick overview of the data structures and provide initial answers to the clinical questions. Dimensionality reduction techniques such as PCA and UMAP offered insightful visualization and impression of the data structure, suggesting the existence of two tumor groups with a large overlap of largely inconspicuous values. This impression was confirmed by a cluster analysis with the k-means algorithm, indicative of unsupervised learning. For supervised learning, decision tree models like rpart or random forest demonstrated their utility in differential diagnosis of the two tumor types. The rpart model, which constructs binary decision trees based on the recursive partitioning algorithm, suggests a tree involving four serum tumor markers (STMs), which were confirmed by the random forest approach. Both highlighted pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP), neuron specific enolase (NSE), cytokeratin-19 fragment (CYFRA 21-1) and cancer antigen (CA) 72-4 as key tumor markers, aligning with the outcomes of the initial statistical analysis. Cross-validation of the two proposals showed a higher area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.95 with a 95 % confidence interval (CI) of 0.92–0.97 for the random forest model compared to an AUROC curve of 0.88 (95 % CI: 0.83–0.93).

Conclusions

ML can provide a useful overview of inherent medical data structures and distinguish significant from less pertinent features. While by no means replacing human medical and statistical expertise, ML can significantly accelerate the evaluation of medical data, supporting a more informed diagnostic dialogue between physicians and statisticians.
Mechanical force modulates inflammation and immunomodulation in periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Chansaenroj Jira , Suwittayarak Ravipha , Egusa Hiroshi , Samaranayake Lakshman P. , Osathanon Thanaphum
Published: August 2024

Mechanical forces control a multitude of biological responses in various cells and tissues. The periodontal ligament, located between the tooth’s root and alveolar bone, is a major tissue compartment that is incessantly subjected to such mechanical stimulation through either normal or abnormal oral functionality. It is now known that mechanical stimulation activates periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) to modulate periodontal immunity and regulate inflammation – a basic feature of periodontal disease that affects virtually every human during their lifetime. For instance, shear stress induces the expression of immunomodulatory-related gene, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). IDO cleaves l-tryptophan, resulting in increased l-kynurenine levels that, in turn, further promote regulatory T-cell differentiation and inhibit T cell proliferation. These and other related data reinforce the notion that mechanical stimulation plays a crucial role in controlling inflammation and immunomodulation of periodontal tissues. Further investigations, however, are warranted to evaluate the immunomodulatory features of PDLSCs so as to understand the pathological basis of periodontal disease and translate these into clinical interventions.
Repetition in discourses across languages and genres
Authors: Abdullayev Kamal , Mammadov Azad , Mammadov Misgar , Huseynov Shaban
Published: August 2024

Despite the fact that various functions of repetition in discourse have been studied, we have decided to continue our exploration of the role of phonetic and lexical repetitions in the pragmatics and cognition of text and discourse focusing our attention on the epic texts and modern literary discourses across languages. The reason why we have decided to analyze both epic texts and modern literary discourses across languages is our intention to reveal the pragmatic nature of intersubjective behaviors regardless of time and place. In addition, phonetic and lexical repetitions play a crucial role in the cognition of these texts and discourses as they cause associations by stimulating knowledge in the human mind. Thus, our article’s goal is to analyze the ways why and how the sender uses these very important explicit linguistic devices to produce pragmatic and cognitive effects on the audience of the epic texts, as well as on the participants of modern fictional discourses in English, Azerbaijani, and Russian. Throughout the history, phonetic and lexical repetitions have gradually become key devices in producing pragmatic and cognitive effects in literary discourses across languages. The examples from Beowulf, The Book of Dede Korkut, as well as from modern fictional and poetic discourses in Azerbaijani and English clearly demonstrate this trend. We can draw a conclusion that as human’s life experience and his/her intellectual level gradually develops, the functions of these repetitions in discourse expand and gain a new meaning. Repetition is a choice made by the sender of any text, first of all, based on his/her subjective individual rather than social preferences. That is why the use of repetition in discourse motivates intersubjective behaviors regardless of time and place.
Efficient removal of Cr(VI) ions from industrial wastewater using carbon-based adsorbents functionalized with boronic acid
Authors: Dhokpande Sonali R. , Deshmukh Satyajit M. , Khandekar Ajinkya , Sankhe Amaya
Published: August 2024

The adsorption of potentially toxic element ions from contaminated water sources has garnered significant attention due to its critical role in environmental remediation and ensuring safe drinking water. Potentially toxic element ions can be removed from water using conventional adsorbents such as activated zeolites; however, these materials have low absorption and slow kinetics. To solve these issues, carbon-based adsorbents that exhibit easy synthesis, high porosity, designability, and stability have been proposed. In this study, a carbon-based adsorbent, named Magnetic Nitrogen-Doped Carbon (M-NC), and graphene oxide were developed for the selective removal of potentially toxic element ions. To increase the potential for HM immobilization, sulfide-modified biochar was created via a process called simultaneous carbon layer encapsulation. A theoretical physicochemical and thermodynamic investigation of the adsorption of potentially toxic elements s Zn2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, Ag2+, Pb2+ and Cu2+ on carbon-based adsorbents was performed with statistical physics fundaments. The biochar with large surface areas is used to remove potentially toxic element ions, one of the most important potentially toxic element pollutants, from aqueous solutions. The capacity of the adsorbent for removing potentially toxic element ions was studied using Langmuir adsorption isotherm under ultrasound-assisted conditions. The MNCs can be applied to the Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order kinetics. It is possible to use the Langmuir and second-order kinetic equations to accurately explain the adsorption method. Thermodynamic limitations were also envisioned because sorption is exothermic when it happens spontaneously. A homogeneous statistical physics adsorption model was used to describe and analyze the experimental potentially toxic element removal isotherms at 30 °C and pH5 utilizing adsorbents produced by pyrolysis of biomasses (broccoli stalks). The findings show the proposed adsorbent, with an efficiency of 98.7 % and even reaching 99.3 % in certain cases, making it a standout choice for potentially toxic element removal applications. This research holds significance in advancing the understanding of environmentally sustainable potentially toxic element removal processes, particularly in the context of biomass-derived adsorbents, offering potential solutions for water purification and environmental remediation.
Speaker judgments alone cannot diagnose syllable structure
Authors: Macaulay Benjamin
Published: August 2024

The ease and consistency with which speakers of many languages provide direct judgments about syllable structure has been taken by scholars as evidence that these judgments are accurate and sufficient argumentation for an analysis of syllable structure in descriptive works. This paper questions whether the results of direct elicitation tasks reliably indicate a prosodic domain that is meaningful in the language’s phonology and provides alternative forms of evidence for syllable structure from intonation. This is done through a case study of Budai Rukai, a Formosan language whose contact relationship with Sinitic languages affects how speakers respond to syllable judgment tasks.
Suburbanization in Multi-ethnic Area – Conflicts and Local Strategies
Authors:   Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Department for Urban Planning and Design, Balizs Dániel , Somogyi Kitti ,   University of Pécs, Department of English Linguistics
Published: August 2024

The effects of suburbanization can be examined from several aspects, but beyond the individual decisions that initiated it, the real estate market aspects, or the transformation of land use, the effects on local communities and their reactions are rarely highlighted in professional circles. In our work within the agglomeration of Bratislava, the Slovak capital, we researched individual and collective opinions on suburbanization, as well as the questions and potential conflict situations arising among members of the “host community.” A striking element of the study area is that migration also means a change in the linguistic environment, as the newcomers often arrive from a predominantly Slovakspeaking city to an area mostly inhabited by the Hungarian minority. This adds additional dimensions to suburbanization and the responses it generates. Experiences show that the municipalities affected by the process use independent, yet in certain respects similar, strategies to manage it, and as part of these strategies, the ethnic factor also appears prominently in some topics.
APRESENTAÇÃO
Authors: Spironello Rosangela Lurdes
Published: August 2024

Apresentação do Volume 06, Número 01 da Revista Geographia Meridionalis, dedicada ao XI COLÓQUIO DE CARTOGRAFIA PARA CRIANÇAS E ESCOLARES
Resenhas
Authors: Bugs Gonçalves Eduardo , Brasil Irala Valesca , Lazzarotto Cristiane
Published: August 2024

Esta seção contém resenhas de três livros.
O que raça/etnia tem a ver com o ensino de inglês como língua estrangeira?
Authors: Ferreira Aparecida de Jesus
Published: August 2024

Este artigo examina a forma que alguns professores de EFL (Inglês como língua estrangeira) em uma cidade da região Sul do Brasil entendem e consideram o tema pluralidade cultural como um tema transversal e o assunto acerca de raça/etnia. Pluralidade cultural é um assunto importante porque o Brasil é uma sociedade diversa com uma tradição do mito da democracia racial. Neste artigo, minha argumentação principal é que a menos que os professores tenham uma compreensão adequada de assuntos relacionados à raça/etnia, assuntos relacionados à pluralidade cultural serão implementados inadequadamente nas escolas. Este artigo tem como base uma abordagem qualitativa de pesquisa. De acordo com os meus resultados a orientação dos professores com relação à pluralidade cultural tem uma tendência a estar associada com a celebração da diversidade no Brasil, do que desafiar e desconstruir o racismo existente na sociedade brasileira.
Crenças sobre o ensino e aprendizagem de línguas na Lingüística Aplicada: um panorama histórico dos estudos realizados no contexto brasileiro
Authors: Aparecido da Silva Kleber
Published: August 2024

Este artigo apresenta uma revisão da literatura sobre o conceito crenças no ensino e aprendizagem de línguas dentro da Lingüística Aplicada. Para isso, dentro de um histórico, teço considerações sobre como esse conceito tem sido pesquisado no exterior e especialmente no contexto brasileiro. Concluo com as implicações desse conceito no ensino e aprendizagem de línguas e na formação de professores e com sugestões para futuras pesquisas a respeito das crenças sobre ensino e aprendizagem de línguas na Lingüística Aplicada.
Uma questão de estilo: investigando estilos de ensino de professores de L2 sob a perspectiva de estilos de aprendizagem
Authors: Guará Tavares Maria da Glória
Published: August 2024

Este estudo investiga quais estilos de aprendizagem tendem a ser mais favorecidos pelos professores de L2, a relação entre os estilos de ensino dos professores de L2 e seus próprios estilos de aprendizagem, as reações dos alunos quanto a discutir sobre seus estilos de aprendizagem e as dificuldades encontradas pelos professores ao tentarem acomodar diferentes alunos. Os participantes foram oito professores dos cursos Extracurriculares da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC). Os dados foram coletados através de observação de sala de aula, questionários, uma sessão reflexiva e uma entrevista. Os resultados indicam que alunos extrovertidos e sinestésicos estão entre os mais favorecidos, os professores tendem a ensinar de acordo com seus próprios estilos de aprendizagem, os alunos estão abertos para discutir sobre seus estilos de aprendizagem e os professores identificam a carência de tempo para planejar aulas como uma das dificuldades ao tentarem acomodar diferentes aprendizes em sala de aula.
Resenhas
Authors: Cláudia Pereira de Almeida Ana , Weiss Costa Gregory , Cardoso Brum Janaina , Contreras Matilde , Caetano Veridiana , Marchioro Stumpf Elisa , Carboni Garcia Simone
Published: August 2024

Esta seção contém resenhas de sete livros.
Resenhas
Authors: Einz Angela , Nayar Oliveira Lourenço Circi , Lazzarotto Cristiane , Rodrigues Moreira Dâni , Maria Morales Marins Ida , Bom Camillo Leila , Brasil Irala Valesca
Published: August 2024

Esta seção contém resenhas de sete livros.
Análise da orientação para produção de texto no livro didático como atividade de formação docente
Authors: Reinaldo Maria Augusta G. de M , San'ana Tatiana Fernandes
Published: August 2024

Este artigo pretende descrever o saber conceitual sobre produção de texto apresentado por professoras em formação inicial e verificar a associação desse saber à prática de análise de material didático. Os dados são avaliações escritas sobre atividades de produção presentes em livros didáticos, realizadas em uma disciplina do Curso de Pedagogia da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande. Os resultados da análise, com base no paradigma reflexivo, mostram que, apesar das dificuldades das professoras em formação quanto à aplicação do conceito de condições de produção de texto para avaliar atividades centradas na escrita como expressão do pensamento, é saliente o papel potencializador desse tipo de atividade para o desenvolvimento da competência de profissionais em formação.
Retextualização de uma história em quadrinhos por alunos de meios letrados
Authors: Peres de Oliveira Andrade Eliene , Dos Santos Silva Machado Gisélia , Ribeiro da Silva Sílvio
Published: August 2024

Neste artigo, apresentamos o resultado de uma pesquisa feita em uma sala de aula do Ensino Fundamental (rede pública municipal) no estado de Goiás. O foco central do trabalho recai sobre a retextualização de uma história em quadrinhos feita pelos alunos. Para a análise dos dados, buscamos apoio teórico em Marcuschi (2001). As questões centrais que buscamos responder são: como os alunos retextualizam uma história em quadrinhos do Chico Bento? Ao retextualizar as falas do personagem, que tratamento darão à variedade lingüística usada por ele? Pretendemos perceber, ainda, que dificuldades os alunos teriam na transformação do texto e como fariam para não interferir na coerência do mesmo depois de retextualizado.
Amyloid-β Causes NMDA Receptor Dysfunction and Dendritic Spine Loss through mGluR1 and AKAP150-Anchored Calcineurin Signaling
Authors: Prikhodko Olga , Freund Ronald K. , Sullivan Emily , Kennedy Matthew J. , Dell’Acqua Mark L.
Published: August 2024

Neuronal excitatory synapses are primarily located on small dendritic protrusions called spines. During synaptic plasticity underlying learning and memory, Ca2+influx through postsynaptic NMDA-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs) initiates signaling pathways that coordinate changes in dendritic spine structure and synaptic function. During long-term potentiation (LTP), high levels of NMDAR Ca2+influx promote increases in both synaptic strength and dendritic spine size through activation of Ca2+-dependent protein kinases. In contrast, during long-term depression (LTD), low levels of NMDAR Ca2+influx promote decreased synaptic strength and spine shrinkage and elimination through activation of the Ca2+-dependent protein phosphatase calcineurin (CaN), which is anchored at synapses via the scaffold protein A-kinase anchoring protein (AKAP)150. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), the pathological agent amyloid-β (Aβ) may impair learning and memory through biasing NMDAR Ca2+signaling pathways toward LTD and spine elimination. By employing AKAP150 knock-in mice of both sexes with a mutation that disrupts CaN anchoring to AKAP150, we revealed that local, postsynaptic AKAP–CaN–LTD signaling was required for Aβ-mediated impairment of NMDAR synaptic Ca2+influx, inhibition of LTP, and dendritic spine loss. Additionally, we found that Aβ acutely engages AKAP–CaN signaling through activation of G-protein-coupled metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) leading to dephosphorylation of NMDAR GluN2B subunits, which decreases Ca2+influx to favor LTD over LTP, and cofilin, which promotes F-actin severing to destabilize dendritic spines. These findings reveal a novel interplay between NMDAR and mGluR1 signaling that converges on AKAP-anchored CaN to coordinate dephosphorylation of postsynaptic substrates linked to multiple aspects of Aβ-mediated synaptic dysfunction.
Effects of Phasic Activation of Locus Ceruleus on Cortical Neural Activity and Auditory Discrimination Behavior
Authors: Wang Xuejiao , Li Zijie , Wang Xueru , Chen Jingyu , Guo Ziyu , Qiao Bingqing , Qin Ling
Published: August 2024

Although the locus ceruleus (LC) is recognized as a crucial modulator for attention and perception by releasing norepinephrine into various cortical regions, the impact of LC–noradrenergic (LC–NE) modulation on auditory discrimination behavior remains elusive. In this study, we firstly recorded local field potential and single-unit activity in multiple cortical regions associated with auditory–motor processing, including the auditory cortex, posterior parietal cortex, secondary motor cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, prefrontal cortex, and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), in response to optogenetic activation (40 Hz and 0.5 s) of the LC–NE neurons in awake mice (male). We found that phasic LC stimulation induced a persistent high gamma oscillation (50–80 Hz) in the OFC. Phasic activation of LC–NE neurons also resulted in a corresponding increase in norepinephrine levels in the OFC, accompanied by a pupillary dilation response. Furthermore, when mice were performing a go/no-go auditory discrimination task, we optogeneticaly activated the neural projections from LC to OFC and revealed a shortened latency in behavioral responses to sound stimuli and an increased false alarm rate. These impulsive behavioral responses may be associated with the gamma neural activity in the OFC. These findings have broadened our understanding of the neural mechanisms involved in the role of LC in auditory–motor processing.
All About China?
Authors: Alderman Petra , McCargo Duncan , Gerstl Alfred , Iocovozzi James
Published: August 2024

Combining international relations and critical geopolitics literature with a public opinion survey in Thailand that delves into some rarely explored and sensitive questions to understand respondents’ political views and attitudes, we examine the extent to which domestic political developments can be understood through a US–China great power lens. Are politically progressive Thais more likely to be pro-US, and more politically conservative Thais likely to favor China? While we find some relationship between liberal domestic political leanings and sympathy for the United States, we also show that conservative domestic political leanings do not automatically translate into support for China. To view election outcomes in a country such as Thailand as “wins” for one or other great power would be highly misleading.
Corporate Governance and Sustainability in Indonesia: The Moderating Role of Institutional Ownership
Authors: Tan Andreas - , Zarefar Arumega -
Published: August 2024

Purpose: This paper aims to empirically investigate the impact of corporate governance on sustainability disclosure in Indonesia and explore whether institutional ownership moderates the relationship between corporate governance and firm performance.Method: This study uses panel data and regression models to test the hypothesized relationships. This study covers 2014 to 2020 for 43 listed Indonesian firms in the consumer goods sector on Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX).Finding: The results revealed that corporate governance positively influences sustainability disclosure. However, institutional ownership is not moderate this relationship. Further, the robustness model confirmed the relationship between corporate governance and sustainability disclosure.Novelty:  This study is the first that exclusively chose institutional ownership to moderate the relationship between corporate governance and sustainability disclosure from the Indonesian perspective. Such new insights into this relationship provide helpful information to the government, academics, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
Management of advanced high grade gastro-enteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs): comprehensive review of the current literature
Authors: Mohamed Amr , Trybula Marcus , Asa Sylvia L. , Halfdanarson Thorvardur R , Sonbol Mohamad
Published: August 2024

The classification and management of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) arising in the tubular gastrointestinal (GI) tract and pancreas have significantly evolved over the last decades. In the latest WHO classification published in 2022, NEN are separated regardless of their primary origin into two main groups: well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). The substantial changes in grading system changed the definition of grade 3 to include high grade well differentiated NETs (G3-NETs), and poorly differentiated NECs (-NECs). Although, these two subgroups are considered high grades with Ki-67 >20%, they have different genomic profiles, prognosis and clinical behavior which critically influence their treatment strategies. The available clinical trial data to guide therapy of these high-grade subgroups are extremely limited which impact their management. In this review, we will summarize the current advances in the multidisciplinary approach for management of high grade GEP-NENs including G3-NETs and NECs.