bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An in-depth qualitative study of health care providers’ experiences of performance-based financing program as a nation-wide adopted policy in Cameroon: A principal-agent perspective
Authors: Nkangu Miriam , Little Julian , Deonandan Raywat , Pongou Roland , Yaya Sanni
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The study applies the principal-agent approach to explore providers’ experiences before and after the introduction of performance-based financing (PBF) in Cameroon, challenges and facilitators in the implementation process, and mechanisms in place to ensure sustainability.

Methods

The study was an in-depth qualitative study whose goal was to provide multiple descriptions of experiences and insights from a principal-agent analysis perspective. Purposive sampling was used to identify the key characteristics of the participants relevant to the study. A snowballing technique was used to further identify eligible participants. Only healthcare providers who were exposed to the previous system and could reflect on and provide meaningful data that captured the everyday experiences before and after the implementation of PBF were included. Data were collected from three districts in the Southwest region of Cameroon from May 2021 to August 2021. Data were transcribed and analyzed using MaxQDA.

Results

A total of 17 interviews and 3 focus group discussions (24 participants) were conducted with healthcare providers and key stakeholders involved in PBF. The respondents described a range of changes that they had experienced since the introduction of PBF. Each of these changes was categorized as either positive or negative. Positive changes were framed into 14 dominant categories: motivation, negotiations, innovation, resource allocation, autonomy, decentralization, transparency, improved quality of care, separation of function, performance, equity considerations, opportunity to recruit, participation in decision-making, and improved access to and utilization of maternal health services. The main challenges (negative experiences) reported were framed into nine categories: management of change, retention issues, conflict of interest, poor understanding of the PBF concept, resistance to change, verification challenges, delays in payment of PBF incentives, data entry and documentation, and challenges in meeting the equity considerations of the poor and vulnerable. Despite the challenges, providers preferred the decentralized approach to the centralized system.

Conclusion

PBF is a national strategy for achieving universal health coverage in Cameroon, and the experiences of providers provide a vital guide to refine national policy. The introduction of PBF has provided positive changes to providers’ quality of care when compared to the previous system. Addressing the delays in PBF payments will help to overcome the challenges to implementation and provide opportunities for health facilities to be more efficient and improve their performance. Despite the limitations of delay in payment, PBF helps to align the incentives of the health workers (agent) with those of the Ministry of Health (principal).
DNA and protein methyltransferases inhibition by adenosine dialdehyde reduces the proliferation and migration of breast and lung cancer cells by downregulating autophagy
Authors: Ghemrawi Rose , Al Qassem Aya , Ramadan Azza , Aldulaymi Raghad , Sammani Nour , K. Mousa Walaa , Khair Mostafa
Published: July 2023

Protein and DNA methylation is involved in various biological functions such as signal transmission, DNA repair, and gene expression. Abnormal regulation of methyltransferases has been linked to multiple types of cancer, but its link to autophagy and carcinogenesis in breast and lung cancer is not fully understood. We utilized UALCAN, a web tool, to investigate breast and lung cancer database from The Cancer Genome Atlas. We found that 17 methyltransferases are upregulated in breast and/or lung cancer. We investigated the effect of methylation inhibition on two breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7) and two lung cancer cell lines (H292 and A549) by treating them with the indirect methyltransferase inhibitor adenosine dialdehyde (AdOx). We found that the migration ability of all cell lines was decreased, and the growth rate of MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 and H292 was also decreased after AdOx treatment. These results were correlated with an inhibition of the autophagy in MDA-MB-231, MCF-7 and H292 cell lines, since AdOx treatment induced a decreased expression of ATG7, a reduced ratio LC3-II/LC3-I and an increased p62 level. These findings suggest that inhibiting cells’ methylation ability could be a potential target for breast and lung cancer treatment.
Gold Particle Analyser: Detection and quantitative assessment of electron microscopy gold probes
Authors: Burgoyne Thomas , Futter Clare E.
Published: July 2023

Gold particle probes are an essential electron microscopy tool to examine protein localisation, as well as protein trafficking. They can be introduced into living cells when conjugated to a protein that is endocytosed or to an antibody against a cell surface protein. Alternatively, gold particles can be introduced into fixed cells or tissue when conjugated to antibodies, immunoglobulin binding molecules or chemical probes applied to permeabilised samples or electron microscopy sections. Colloidal gold particles that have not been enlarged through chemical (gold or silver) enhancement are typically spherical and can be prepared in a range of specific sizes, allowing multiple proteins to be localised within a single sample. The typically homogeneous shape and size of the colloidal gold makes them ideal for computer assisted detection and analysis. Here we demonstrate a program developed to automatically identify two sizes of gold particle and perform a range of analyses that includes (i) distribution and cluster analysis; (ii) selection and analysis of gold particles allocated close to or either side of a membrane; (iii) measurement of organelle size; (iv) estimation of the number of gold particles within an aggregate and (v) the detection of chemically enhanced irregular sized and shaped gold particles. We show this easy-to-use program can greatly assist electron microscopists, to reliably and efficiently analyse gold particles within their images.
A comparative study to optimize experimental conditions of pentylenetetrazol and pilocarpine-induced epilepsy in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Szep David , Dittrich Bianka , Gorbe Aniko , Szentpeteri Jozsef L. , Aly Nour , Jin Meng , Budan Ferenc , Sik Attila
Published: July 2023

A common way to investigate epilepsy and the effect of antiepileptic pharmaceuticals is to analyze the movement patterns of zebrafish larvae treated with different convulsants like pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), pilocarpine, etc. Many articles have been written on this topic, but the research methods and exact settings are not sufficiently defined in most. Here we designed and executed a series of experiments to optimize and standardize the zebrafish epilepsy model. We found that during the light and the dark trials, the zebrafish larvae moved significantly more in the light, independent of the treatment, both in PTZ and pilocarpine-treated and the control groups. As expected, zebrafish larvae treated with convulsants moved significantly more than the ones in the control group, although this difference was higher between the individuals treated with PTZ than pilocarpine. When examining the optimal observation time, we divided the half-hour period into 5-minute time intervals, and between these, the first 5 minutes were found to be the most different from the others. There were fewer significant differences in the total movement of larvae between the other time intervals. We also performed a linear regression analysis with the cumulative values of the distance moved during the time intervals that fit the straight line. In conclusion, we recommend 30 minutes of drug pretreatment followed by a 10-minute test in light conditions with a 5-minute accommodation time. Our result paves the way toward improved experimental designs using zebrafish to develop novel pharmaceutical approaches to treat epilepsy.
Patterns of brain atrophy in recently-diagnosed relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Meijboom Rozanna , York Elizabeth N. , Kampaite Agniete , Harris Mathew A. , White Nicole , Valdés Hernández Maria del C. , Thrippleton Michael J. , MacDougall N. J. J. , Connick Peter , Hunt David P. J. , Chandran Siddharthan , Waldman Adam D. ,   on behalf of the FutureMS Consortium
Published: July 2023

Recurrent neuroinflammation in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is thought to lead to neurodegeneration, resulting in progressive disability. Repeated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain provides non-invasive measures of atrophy over time, a key marker of neurodegeneration. This study investigates regional neurodegeneration of the brain in recently-diagnosed RRMS using volumetry and voxel-based morphometry (VBM). RRMS patients (N = 354) underwent 3T structural MRI <6 months after diagnosis and 1-year follow-up, as part of the Scottish multicentre ‘FutureMS’ study. MRI data were processed using FreeSurfer to derive volumetrics, and FSL for VBM (grey matter (GM) only), to establish regional patterns of change in GM and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) over time throughout the brain. Volumetric analyses showed a decrease over time (q<0.05) in bilateral cortical GM and NAWM, cerebellar GM, brainstem, amygdala, basal ganglia, hippocampus, accumbens, thalamus and ventral diencephalon. Additionally, NAWM and GM volume decreased respectively in the following cortical regions, frontal: 14 out of 26 regions and 16/26; temporal: 18/18 and 15/18; parietal: 14/14 and 11/14; occipital: 7/8 and 8/8. Left GM and NAWM asymmetry was observed in the frontal lobe. GM VBM analysis showed three major clusters of decrease over time: 1) temporal and subcortical areas, 2) cerebellum, 3) anterior cingulum and supplementary motor cortex; and four smaller clusters within the occipital lobe. Widespread GM and NAWM atrophy was observed in this large recently-diagnosed RRMS cohort, particularly in the brainstem, cerebellar GM, and subcortical and occipital-temporal regions; indicative of neurodegeneration across tissue types, and in accord with limited previous studies in early disease. Volumetric and VBM results emphasise different features of longitudinal lobar and loco-regional change, however identify consistent atrophy patterns across individuals. Atrophy measures targeted to specific brain regions may provide improved markers of neurodegeneration, and potential future imaging stratifiers and endpoints for clinical decision making and therapeutic trials.
Effect of the oil from the fatty tissues of Crocodylus siamensis on gut microbiome diversity and metabolism in mice
Authors: Parunyakul Kongphop , Chuchoiy Aphisara , Kooltueon Sasiporn , Puttagamnerd Phiyaporn , Srisuksai Krittika , Santativongchai Pitchaya , Pongchairerk Urai , Tulayakul Phitsanu , E-kobon Teerasak , Fungfuang Wirasak
Published: July 2023

Dietary fat can alter host metabolism and gut microbial composition. Crocodile oil (CO) was extracted from the fatty tissues of Crocodylus siamensis. CO, rich in monounsaturated- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, has been reported to reduce inflammation, counter toxification, and improve energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CO on gut microbiota (GM) in laboratory mice as well as the accompanying metabolic changes in the animals. Forty-five C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into five groups and orally administrated either sterile water (control [C]); 1 or 3% (v/w) CO (CO-low [CO-L] and CO-high [CO-H], respectively); or 1 or 3% (v/w) palm oil (PO-low and PO-high, respectively) for 11 weeks. Body weight gain, food intake, energy intake, blood glucose levels, and blood lipid profiles were determined. Samples from colon tissue were collected and the 16S rRNA genes were pyrosequenced to clarify GM analyses. The results showed that there were no differences in body weight and blood glucose levels. Food intake by the mice in the CO-L and CO-H groups was statistically significantly less when compared to that by the animals in the C group. However, neither CO treatment had a statistically significant effect on calorie intake when compared to the controls. The CO-H exhibited a significant increase in serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein but showed a downward trend in triglyceride levels compared to the control. The GM analyses revealed that both CO treatments have no significant influence on bacterial diversity and relative abundance at the phylum level, whereas increases of Choa1 and abundance-based coverage estimator indexes, distinct β-diversity, and Proteobacteria abundance were observed in the PO-high group compared with the C group. Furthermore, the abundance of Azospirillum thiophilum and Romboutsia ilealis was significantly higher in the CO-L and CO-H groups which could be associated with energy metabolic activity. Thus, CO may be an alternative fat source for preserving host metabolism and gut flora.
A blend of medium-chain fatty acids, butyrate, organic acids, and a phenolic compound accelerates microbial maturation in newly weaned piglets
Authors: Diether Natalie E. , Hulshof Tetske G. , Willing Benjamin P. , van Kempen Theo A. T. G.
Published: July 2023

Inclusion of additive blends is a common dietary strategy to manage post-weaning diarrhea and performance in piglets. However, there is limited mechanistic data on how these additives improve outcomes during this period. To evaluate the effects of Presan FX (MCOA) on the intestinal microbiota and metabolome, diets with or without 0.2% MCOA were compared. Pigs fed MCOA showed improved whole-body metabolism 7 days post-weaning, with decreased (P < 0.05) creatine, creatinine and β-hydroxybutyrate. Alterations in bile-associated metabolites and cholic acid were also observed at the same time-point (P < 0.05), suggesting MCOA increased bile acid production and secretion. Increased cholic acid was accompanied by increased tryptophan metabolites including indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) in systemic circulation (P = 0.004). An accompanying tendency toward increased Lactobacillus sp. in the small intestine was observed (P = 0.05). Many lactobacilli have bile acid tolerance mechanisms and contribute to production of IPA, suggesting increased bile acid production resulted in increased abundance of lactobacilli capable of tryptophan fermentation. Tryptophan metabolism is associated with the mature pig microbiota and many tryptophan metabolites such as IPA are considered beneficial to gut barrier function. In conclusion, MCOA may help maintain tissue metabolism and aid in microbiota re-assembly through bile acid production and secretion.
Prevalence and predictors of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among healthcare workers in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kigongo Eustes , Kabunga Amir , Tumwesigye Raymond , Musinguzi Marvin , Izaruku Ronald , Acup Walter
Published: July 2023

Background

The COVID-19 vaccination is regarded as an effective intervention for controlling the pandemic. However, COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is hampering efforts geared towards reducing the burden of the pandemic. Therefore, examining COVID-19 hesitancy and its predictors among healthcare workers is essential to improving COVID-19 uptake. In sub-Saharan Africa, the pooled proportion of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is yet to be known.

Purpose

The present study was to estimate the pooled proportion of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its predictors among healthcare workers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

A systematic search of articles was conducted in PubMed, Science Direct, African Journal Online, and Google Scholar. Data was extracted with the help of Excel. Data analysis was conducted using STATA 17. Heterogeneity in the studies was assessed using Cochrane Q and 12 tests. A random effects model was used to examine the pooled estimates to determine if heterogeneity was exhibited.

Results

A total of 15 studies involving 7498 participants were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy among healthcare workers was 46%, 95% CI (0.38–0.54). The predictors of COVID-19 hesitancy were negative beliefs towards vaccine 14.0% (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.06), perceived low risk of COVID-19 infection 24.0% (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.28), and vaccine side effects 25.0% (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.24).

Conclusion

The data revealed generally high hesitancy of COVID-19 vaccine among health workers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Future COVID-19 adoption and uptake should be improved by national and individual level efforts. In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is crucial to address the myths and obstacles preventing healthcare professionals from accepting the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as feasible since their willingness to get the vaccine serves as an important example for the broader public.
Food & Fashion, Melissa Marra-Alvarez and Elizabeth Way (eds) (2022)
Authors: Becker Payton
Published: July 2023

Review of: Food & Fashion, Melissa Marra-Alvarez and Elizabeth Way (eds) (2022)

New York: Bloomsbury Visual Arts, 320 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-35016-434-5, h/bk, $45.00
La innovación de productos turísticos mediante sistemas adaptativos complejos para la generación de ventajas competitivas en Cuba
Authors: Carballo Cruz Edianny , Yera Toledo Raciel , Carballo Ramos Elme , Betancourt García María Elena
Published: July 2023

La innovación de productos turísticos ha marcado el desarrollo del turismo por su importancia como fuente de competitividad y adaptación del sector a escenarios cambiantes. No obstante, se evidencian carencias que muestran la limitada sistematización de la innovación y de su concepción como una actividad integral; cuyo orden e intensidad varía en dependencia de las necesidades y capacidades del contexto de aplicación; así como su escasa adaptabilidad y continuidad en distintos escenarios. El objetivo de esta investigación consiste en: implementar la sistematización de la innovación de productos turísticos, fundamentado en un modelo de innovación desde los sistemas complejos y en el procedimiento que lo implementa como sistema adaptativo complejo, para la generación de ventajas competitivas con los nuevos y mejorados productos en instalaciones hoteleras y la oferta complementaria. Para el diseño del modelo se utiliza el enfoque de sistemas complejos y para su implementación mediante el procedimiento propuesto, el de sistemas adaptativos complejos a través de las propiedades de emergencia, auto-organización y coevolución. Asimismo, se emplean técnicas de inteligencia computacional para la generación de secuencias adaptativas de la innovación y un conjunto de herramientas metodológicas para la generación de ventajas competitivas con los nuevos y mejorados productos. Como resultado se obtuvieron la secuenciación de la innovación basada en técnicas de inteligencia computacional para cada escenario estudiado, lo que sintetiza el proceso de sistematización; y la generación de productos turísticos hoteleros, excursiones, rutas y ventajas competitivas asociados a los mismos.
Riesgos y cuidados de jóvenes usuarios/as de sustancias psicoactivas. Una aproximación cuantitativa a sus prácticas en eventos nocturnos de la ciudad de Buenos Aires
Authors: Schmidt Vanina , Lo Giusto Ornella , Di Puglia Gabriela , Martucci Florencia , Alvarez Ituraín Analía , Bustamante Ayelén
Published: July 2023

Introducción. El presente estudio indaga los riesgos y cuidados de jóvenes usuarios/as de sustancias psicoactivas que asisten a eventos nocturnos de presencia masiva. Como objetivo adicional, se construyó y validó un instrumento para evaluar las prácticas que se desarrollan en tales escenarios. Método. Participantes: 115 sujetos usuarios/as de sustancias psicoactivas (65% mujeres y 35% varones) de 18 a 30 años que asistían a eventos nocturnos de presencia masiva de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires/Argentina. Instrumentos: Cuestionario sociodemográfico, Escala de Prácticas de Riesgo y Cuidados en Escenarios Nocturnos (EPEN) y Cuestionario de Identificación de los Trastornos Debidos al Consumo de Alcohol (AUDIT-C). Resultados: Las prácticas de cuidado predominan por sobre las prácticas de riesgo, en especial las prácticas de auto-cuidado (Mdna = 30) y los cuidados que provee el grupo (Mdna = 27) (diferencias significativas a nivel p < .001). No hubo diferencias entre géneros y grupos de edad. Respecto del instrumento para evaluar las prácticas en escenarios nocturnos, el estudio muestra una estructura de tres factores para evaluar prácticas de riesgo [χ2 = 168.99, gl = 161, p = .32, TLI = .90, CFI = .92 y RMSEA = .02] y tres factores para evaluar las prácticas de cuidado [χ2= 152.33, gl = 149, p = .41, TLI = .94, CFI = .95 y RMSEA = .01]. Estos tres factores se corresponden con tres niveles de análisis diferenciables: individual, grupal y del entorno. La confiabilidad de cada factor fue adecuada (Alpha = de .70 a .82) excepto para la subescala de Cuidado Grupal (Alpha = .55). Las asociaciones de los factores con variables relacionadas como consumo de alcohol (r = de .25 a .43; p < .05) y con la participación en encuentros previos a la asistencia del evento (U = 553; p < .01 para Riesgo Total y U = 561; p < .01 para Cuidado Total) aportaron evidencia adicional de validez convergente del instrumento de evaluación. Conclusión: Conocer la prevalencia de prácticas de riesgo y de cuidado con herramientas de rastrillaje válidas y confiables es fundamental para orientar políticas de prevención y promoción de la salud en grupos poblacionales específicos. Estudios futuros permitirán conocer otros indicadores de validez de la escala y su uso en diferentes contextos.
Representaciones virtuales de la gestación subrogada en clínicas y agencias privadas mexicanas
Authors: Rodríguez Otero Luis Manuel , Villa Rueda Alma Angélica
Published: July 2023

La gestación subrogada refiere al acuerdo por el cual una mujer realiza la gestación y da a luz un bebé por alguna familia o una persona. Se realizó una investigación cualitativa con el objetivo de analizar el discurso albergado en las webs de las agencias y clínicas privadas que operan en México en los procesos de gestación subrogada. Se utilizó un diseño etnográfico digital donde se analizaron las páginas web de 11 clínicas y agencias privadas que prestan el servicio de gestación subrogada. Se realizó un análisis de contenido textual de cada uno de los sitios web, a través de un proceso de categorización emergente a partir de las categorías axiales: sujetos, empresas, procesos/servicios y costos. Las categorías analíticas se construyeron a partir de las propuestas de diferentes estudios sobre las dimensiones de la gestación subrogada (filosófica, jurídica, personal, médica, histórica y social). A través de la presente investigación se ha comprobado que las clínicas y agencias de gestación subrogada que operan en el contexto mexicano socializan una representación de la gestación subrogada basada en: (1) la diferenciación del papel que tiene la mujer en los diferentes procesos de participación en el proceso reproductivo, (2) la visión mercantilista de la maternidad, (3) la perspectiva altruista de estas prácticas, (4) la visión emocional de la maternidad/paternidad y (4) el derecho a formar una familia. Asimismo, se ha constatado que la participación de agencias y clínicas privadas de gestación subrogada en México es una realidad. Las cuales utilizan diferentes discursos para promocionar este servicio y favorecer la representación social de México como un destino de turismo reproductivo. Estos hechos, sumados a las condiciones de justicia y desigualdad de México, son factores que favorecen la comercialización del cuerpo y la generación de empresas e intermediarios de la subrogación. Las cuales se presentan como entes de atención reproductiva transfronteriza de la cadena mundial del trabajo reproductivo.
Percepciones del amor en población adulta-joven madrileña
Authors: Gallego Granero Enrique
Published: July 2023

Este estudio exploratorio indaga en las percepciones que la población adulta-joven, entre 18-40 años, y residentes en la Comunidad de Madrid (España), tienen sobre el posible papel significador del amor romántico frente a otras alternativas afectivo-amorosas y de pareja existentes en la sociedad actual, así como en la posible influencia que variables como el uso de redes sociales y aplicaciones online, el feminismo y el colectivo LGTBIQ+ ejercen en ellas. Con dicha finalidad, la metodología utilizada fue eminentemente cualitativa, llevando a cabo 35 entrevistas y 3 grupos de discusión como principales herramientas de producción de datos. Los resultados muestran una coexistencia multifacética entre el mantenimiento del amor romántico, como referente hegemónico, y la desestigmatización de otras posibilidades de construcción y visibilización de nuevas realidades amorosas más igualitarias en cuestiones de género y orientación sexual, donde el sexo podría desligarse del aspecto emocional. Como conclusiones, se señala la existencia de una equidad entre el papel del amor romántico como eje explicativo tradicional de las actuales relaciones de pareja, y un proceso de cambio social, que trata de dirigirlo a una periferia referencial, influido por los idearios feministas y LGTBIQ+, y donde las redes sociales online actúan como inestimable instrumento mediador, a pesar de sus repercusiones en términos de peligrosidad e identidad. Se genera y reconfigura un amplio abanico de alternativas, pero todavía con ciertas resistencias al cambio fundamentadas en la complejidad y cuestiones éticas que implican dichas relaciones, ligadas al marcado carácter personalista y consumista de su construcción y descomposición.
El último convivium de Julio César como ejemplo del acercamiento de Sir Ronald Syme a la ficción histórica
Authors: Gago Gómez de Luna Mikel
Published: July 2023

El día 14 de marzo del 44 a.C., víspera de los idus en los que Julio César fue asesinado, el dictador cenó en casa de Marco Emilio Lépido, su magister equitum. Allí se debatió acerca de cuál era la muerte más preferible, y César abogó por un fallecimiento repentino e inesperado. Este trabajo versa sobre el tratamiento que Sir Ronald Syme (1903-1989), uno de los más destacados historiadores de la Antigüedad del siglo XX, llevó a cabo de este episodio. Tras presentar la escena, en función de las escasas fuentes antiguas que la refieren, y comentar sumariamente algunos aspectos relativos a los convivia en la Roma tardorrepublicana, el artículo se centrará en analizar las puntuales, aunque muy sugestivas, menciones que R. Syme llevó a cabo del suceso. Seguidamente, el escrito tratará de explicar y de poner en contexto la visión del historiador oxoniense en dichas menciones, en las que cobra especial importancia su acercamiento a la ficción histórica, reconocida característica de la etapa final de su carrera académica. Y finalmente, se apuntarán una serie de conclusiones que consideramos pueden extraerse.
Phage infection reinstates antibiotic sensitivity in MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Koderi Valappil Sarshad
Published: July 2023

The emergence of antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens is a significant public health threat affecting humans worldwide. In Europe, Pseudomonas aeruginosa contributes to almost 9% of overall multi-drug-resistant (MDR) infections. Alternative methods for controlling MDR pathogens have been explored for several decades. Bacteriophage therapy is one of the oldest and most efficient alternative solutions. The study described in this thesis began with the isolation and characterization of 25 MDR P. aeruginosa clinical strains and eigth novel lytic phages. The investigation disclosed the infection with two phage isolates, PIAS and PAPSZ1, led to the sequential appearance of phage-resistant colonies with two phenotypes (green and brown). We examined the evolutionary basis for the two types of mutants and uncovered phage mutants capable of infecting green mutants. Simultaneously we also learned that PIAS phage infected the host via the OrpM-MexXY system involved in drug efflux. Thus, the PIAS-resistant mutants decreased the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for several non-effective antibiotics. After this new insight into the evolutionary arms race between hosts and phages, we decided to use this window to comprehensively eradicate mutants by treating MDR strain with previously resistant antibiotics combined with PIAS phage. The in vitro study with PIAS phage-antibiotic combination completely prevented the formation and growth of mutants. We tested the same strategy in an in vivo rescue experiment in the mouse lung infection model, when combined with PIAS phage and fosfomycin. The combination therapy saved 75% of the animals. Later, we used PAPSZ1 phage to investigate whether phage mutants can suppress bacterial resistance. We isolated multiple PAPSZ1 mutants after a continuous infection cycle, which can block or suppress bacterial resistance and mutant formation and broaden the host specificity of the phages. Phages like PIAS and PAPSZ1 offer a unique window that can exploit to eradicate MDR bacteria. This study highlights the importance of preliminary and detailed examinations of phage-host bacterium interactions preceding the application of a given phage. The experimental data in this thesis shows that studying phage-host bacterium interactions and coevolution will help to utilize phage therapy’s full potential when treating MDR infections.
ФАКТОРЫ РИСКА ПОВТОРНЫХ ОПЕРАЦИЙ ПО ПОВОДУ ПЕРВИЧНОГО
ГИПЕРПАРАТИРЕОЗА В СРЕДНИЕ СРОКИ НАБЛЮДЕНИЯ
Authors: Бузанаков Д. М. , Слепцов И. В. , Черников Р. А. , Семенов А. А. , Новокшонов К. Ю. , Карелина Ю. В. , Макарьин В. А. , Успенская А. А. , Тимофеева Н. И. , Горская Н. А. , Алексеева С. А. , Чинчук И. К. , Малюгов Ю. Н. , Федоров Е. А. , Саблин И. В. , Герасимова К. А. , Пушкарук А. А. , Шихмагомедов Ш. Ш. , Реброва Д. В. , Золотухо А. В. , Любимов М. В. , Бубнов А. А.
Published: July 2023

ЦЕЛЬ: выявить особенности когорты пациентов с рецидивами первичного гиперпаратиреоза (ПГПТ),

выявить прогностические факторы возникновения рецидива и его сроков.

МАТЕРИАЛЫ И МЕТОДЫ: в ретроспективное исследование вошли 3818 уникальных пациентов, прооперированных в КВМТ им. Н.И. Пирогова СПбГУ с января 2011 по декабрь 2021 года по поводу ПГПТ.

Из исследования были исключены пациенты с диагнозом карциномы околощитовидной железы. Пациенты,

прооперированные повторно более, чем через 6 месяцев после первичной операции, классифицировались как пациенты с рецидивом ПГПТ. Пациенты, имевшие повторную операцию в течение 6 месяцев после

первой, классифицировались как случаи персистенции ПГПТ и в данном случае вторая операция расценивалась как первичная. Генетический статус пациентов на дооперационном этапе рутинно не исследовался.

РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ: всего в анализ включено 3716 пациентов. Всего выявлено 34 пациента с рецидивами

ПГПТ (0.9%). Время до повторной операции составило от 7 до 98 месяцев. Медиана – 18 месяцев. Группы

без рецидива и с рецидивом не различались по возрасту (медиана – 58 лет). 28 пациентов на момент первичного обращения имели клинические признаки синдрома МЭН 1 типа или доказанную мутацию в гене

MEN1. За наблюдаемый период только в трех случаях из 28 потребовалось выполнение повторной операции в период позднее 6 месяцев. При использовании логистической регрессии выявлено, что пол, возраст,

наличие известного синдрома МЭН 1, тип операции (с выполнением или без выполнения двусторонней

ревизии шеи) и количество удаленных при первой операции аденом не являются значимыми факторами,

влияющими на риск рецидива ПГПТ в течение исследуемого периода наблюдения. С использованием регрессионной модели Кокса произведена оценка влияния факторов на время до наступления рецидива,

выявлено что только факт выполнения двусторонней ревизии шеи при первичной операции имеет положительное влияние на уровне тенденции (p = 0.09).

ВЫВОДЫ: среди пациентов исследуемой когорты, большая часть пациентов, прооперированных по поводу рецидива ПГПТ после адекватного первичного хирургического лечения, имела рецидив в течение

2 лет после первой операции. Не выявлено факторов, значимо влияющих на риск рецидива ПГПТ и время

до наступления рецидива.
Caminhos possíveis
Authors: Guedes de Souza Bianca Mara
Published: July 2023

Neste artigo buscamos apresentar caminhos iniciais e possibilidades analíticas do casamento entre a abordagem da Linguística de Corpus com a teoria da Análise de Discurso Crítica. O texto procura demonstrar para analistas críticos do discurso as vantagens e desvantagens de empenhar programas computacionais de análise de corpus em suas pesquisas. Nesse sentido, detalhamos procedimentos metodológicos realizados em dois softwares - o primeiro é o Sketch Engine para análise lexical, e o segundo é o UAM Corpus Tool, um programa para etiquetagem de corpora. Como resultado compreendemos que a relação beneficia os analistas de discurso enormemente contra as críticas que normalmente enfrentam quanto ao viés dos pesquisadores influenciarem a pesquisa, quanto a verificação e quantificação de dados e triangulação dos dados pesquisados.
Analisis Faktor-Faktor Pengembangan Kualitas Keamanan dan Kenyamanan Trotoar di Kota Purwodadi (Studi Kasus: Koridor Jalan R Suprapto)
Authors: Priyono Ami , Pradoto Wisnu
Published: July 2023

Trotoar di Koridor Jalan R. Suprapto mengalami permasalahan fungsi. Trotoar selayaknya dimanfaatkan untuk berjalan kaki, namun terdapat kegiatan lain seperti parkir sepeda dan kendaraan bermotor, transit dan pembongkaran barang serta beberapa toko menggelar barang dagangannya. Kondisi tersebut mengakibatkan lebar ruang trotoar menjadi berkurang untuk pejalan kaki yang akan melintas. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk memberikan penilaian terhadap kualitas keamanan dan kenyamanan trotoar di koridor Jalan R. Suprapto. Metode penelitian ini adalah metode deskriptif dengan menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif. Pengumpulan data yang dilakukan melalui survey dan kuesioner. Analisis yang dilakukan yaitu analisis karakteristik dan aktivitas pejalan kaki, analisis kondisi trotoar yang didasarkan pada persepsi pedestrian menggunakan IPA dan analisis kualitas fisik trotoar menggunakan pendekatan PEQI. Hasil dari penelitian ini menjelaskan bahwa kondisi fisik trotoar di Koridor Jalan R. Suprapto sudah cukup baik dalam memberikan pelayanan keamanan untuk segmen barat dan timur, namun belum optimal dalam memberikan pelayanan kenyamanan bagi pejalan kaki. Tempat sampah adalah variabel yang begitu signifikan dan menjadi prioritas penting dalam rangka peningkatan kenyamanan trotoar di segmen barat, sedangkan keberadaan tempat sampah dan bollard juga menjadi variabel yang sangat signifikan dan menjadi prioritas penting dalam rangka peningkatan kenyamanan trotoar di segmen timur. Kualitas trotoar di segmen barat dan segmen timur memiliki kriteria sebagai trotoar yang bisa diterima oleh pedestrian.
Up-regulation of MiR-146b-5p Inhibits Fibrotic Lung Pericytes via Inactivation of the Notch1/PDGFRβ/ROCK1 Pathway
Authors: Shuai W. , Chen Q. , Zhou Xu
Published: July 2023

Lung fibrosis is a serious human pathology. MiR-146b-5p is down-regulated in idiopathic pul­monary fibrosis, and the Notch1/PDGFRβ/ROCK1 pathway is activated. However, the relation between miR-146b-5p and the Notch1/PDGFRβ/ROCK1 path­way in lung fibrosis remains unclear. To investigate the function of miR-146b-5p in lung fibrosis, anin vivomodel of lung fibrosis was established in mice by bleomycin. The fibrosis in lung tissues of mice was observed by HE, Masson and Sirius Red staining. Lung pericytes were isolated and identified by fluorescence microscopy. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot were used to investigate the expression of desmin, NG2, collagen I and α-SMA. CCK8 assay was used to assess the cell viability, and flow cytometry was performed to evaluate the cell cycle in pericytes. Furthermore, the correlation between miR-146b-5p and Notch1 was analysed by Spearman analysis. The mechanism by which miR-146b-5p affects pericytes and lung fibrosis via the Notch1/PDGFRβ/ROCK1 pathway was explored by RT-qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence staining and dual luciferase reporter gene assay. In bleomycin-treated mice, miR-146b-5p was down-regulated, while Notch1 was up-regulated. Up-regulation of miR-146b-5p significantly inhibited the viability and induced G1 phase arrest of lung pericytes. MiR-146b-5p mimics up-regulated miR-146b-5p, desmin, and NG2 and down-regulated α-SMA and collagen I in the lung pericytes. Additionally, miR-146b-5p was negatively correlated with Notch1, and miR-146b-5p interacted with Notch1. Over-expression of miR-146b-5p inactivated the Notch1/PDGFRβ/ROCK1 pathway. Our results indicate that up-regulation of miR-146b-5p inhibits fibrosis in lung pericytes via modulation of the Notch1/PDGFRβ/ROCK1 pathway. Thus, our study might provide a novel target against lung fibrosis.
Role of homobrassinolide, abscisic acid, and 6-benzylamino purine on delaying flower senescence in Gladiolus grandiflora
Authors: Singh Madhulika , Singh Sunil Kumar
Published: July 2023

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of homobrassinolide (HBL), abscisic acid (ABA) and 6-benzylamino purine (BAP) on the post-harvest life of 2 Gladiolus grandiflora cultivars, snow princess and nova lux. Different concentrations of HBL, ABA and BAP were applied to cut flowers. The experimental results showed that ABA and BAP treatments significantly increased post-harvest life in snow princess and nova lux cultivars compared to untreated flowers. However, HBL treatment was unsuccessful in delaying senescence in gladiolus. Furthermore, ABA and BAP treatments were more effective in delaying senescence in the nova lux cultivar than in the snow princess cultivar. Vase solutions containing BAP (500 M) and ABA (10 M) were the most efficient in extending the life of the cut floral spike of the nova lux variety (10 and 9 days respectively) followed by the snow princess variety (8 and 7 days respectively). Increasing fresh weight of flowers, vase solution uptake and membrane integrity along with a decrease in pH, malondialdehyde content, and lipoxygenase (LOX) activity prolonged flowers' post-harvest life. In terms of the post-harvest life of G. grandiflora, BAP outperformed ABA in improving the flower longevity of Gladiolus by maintaining higher physiological and biochemical stability in petals.
Bayesian methods in integrative structure modeling
Authors: Habeck Michael
Published: July 2023

There is a growing interest in characterizing the structure and dynamics of large biomolecular assemblies and their interactions within the cellular environment. A diverse array of experimental techniques allows us to study biomolecular systems on a variety of length and time scales. These techniques range from imaging with light, X-rays or electrons, to spectroscopic methods, cross-linking mass spectrometry and functional genomics approaches, and are complemented by AI-assisted protein structure prediction methods. A challenge is to integrate all of these data into a model of the system and its functional dynamics. This review focuses on Bayesian approaches to integrative structure modeling. We sketch the principles of Bayesian inference, highlight recent applications to integrative modeling and conclude with a discussion of current challenges and future perspectives.
Riesz idempotent, spectral mapping theorem and Weyl's theorem for (m,n)*-paranormal operators
Authors: Ram Sonu , Dharmarha Preeti
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we show that the spectral mapping theorem holds for

(
m
,
n
)

*

{(m,n)^{*}}

-paranormal operators. We also exhibit the self-adjointness of the Riesz idempotent

E
λ

{E_{\lambda}}

of

(
m
,
n
)

*

{(m,n)^{*}}

-paranormal operators concerning for each isolated point λ of

σ
⁢

(
T
)

{\sigma(T)}

.
Moreover, we show Weyl’s theorem for

(
m
,
n
)

*

{(m,n)^{*}}

-paranormal operators and

f
⁢

(
T
)

{f(T)}

for every

f
∈

ℋ
⁢

(

σ
⁢

(
T
)

)

{f\in\mathcal{H}(\sigma(T))}

. Furthermore, we investigate the class of totally

(
m
,
n
)

*

{(m,n)^{*}}

-paranormal operators and show that Weyl’s theorem holds for operators in this class.
Time Course of Proteolysis Biomarker Responses to Resistance, High-Intensity Interval, and Concurrent Exercise Bouts
Authors: Godwin Joshua S. , Telles Guilherme D. , Vechin Felipe C. , Conceição Miguel S. , Ugrinowitsch Carlos , Roberts Michael D. , Libardi Cleiton A.
Published: July 2023

Godwin, JS, Telles, GD, Vechin, FC, Conceição, MS, Ugrinowitsch, C, Roberts, MD, and Libardi, CA. Time course of proteolysis biomarker responses to resistance, high-intensity interval, and concurrent exercise bouts. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000–000, 2023—Concurrent exercise (CE) combines resistance exercise (RE) and high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) in the same training routine, eliciting hypertrophy, strength, and cardiovascular benefits over time. Some studies suggest that CE training may hamper muscle hypertrophy and strength adaptations compared with RE training alone. However, the underlying mechanisms related to protein breakdown are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to examine how a bout of RE, HIIE, or CE affected ubiquitin-proteasome and calpain activity and the expression of a few associated genes, markers of skeletal muscle proteolysis. Nine untrained male subjects completed 1 bout of RE (4 sets of 8–12 reps), HIIE (12 × 1 minute sprints at V̇o
2peak minimum velocity), and CE (RE followed by HIIE), in a crossover design, separated by 1-week washout periods. Muscle biopsies were obtained from the vastus lateralis before (Pre), immediately post, 4 hours (4 hours), and 8 hours (8 hours) after exercise. FBXO32 mRNA expression increased immediately after exercise (main time effect; p < 0.05), and RE and CE presented significant overall values compared with HIIE (p < 0.05). There was a marginal time effect for calpain-2 mRNA expression (p < 0.05), with no differences between time points (p > 0.05). No significant changes occurred in TRIM63/MuRF-1 and FOXO3 mRNA expression, or 20S proteasome or calpain activities (p > 0.05). In conclusion, our findings suggest that 1 bout of CE does not promote greater changes in markers of skeletal muscle proteolysis compared with 1 bout of RE or HIIE.
Effects of Tactical Periodization on Workload, Physical Fitness, and Well-Being in Professional Rugby Union Players During a Preseason Period
Authors: Hu Xiaopan , Boisbluche Simon , Philippe Kilian , Maurelli Olivier , Li Shichang , Xu Bo , Prioux Jacques
Published: July 2023

Hu, X, Boisbluche, S, Philippe, K, Maurelli, O, Li, S, Xu, B, and Prioux, J. Effects of tactical periodization on workload, physical fitness, and well-being in professional rugby union players during a preseason period. J Strength Cond Res 38(1): 105–115, 2024—Tactical periodization (TP) emerged approximately 30 years ago and has recently gained considerable attention in rugby union (RU). It aims to develop specific physical fitness components with 3 acquisition days (strength, endurance, and speed). However, no study has investigated the effects of TP on workload, physical fitness, and well-being across an RU preseason. This study aimed to determine how RU players' workload response to TP focusing on positional differences, observe the influence of a TP preseason training program on aerobic fitness and neuromuscular performance between positions, and analyze the variation of well-being reported by forwards and backs from the 3 acquisition days. Thirty-two male players completed a 6-week TP protocol. External and internal workload variables were recorded through global positioning systems and session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) separately. Fitness assessments included Bronco and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests. The sum of well-being indices was measured using the Hooper index. Kruskal-Wallis H tests revealed that the highest values of PlayerLoad slow, PlayerLoad slow percentage, and s-RPE were found on endurance day and the lowest on speed day. Mann-Whitney U tests showed that 15 external workload parameters were higher in backs than forwards for each acquisition day. Small improvements were observed on the Bronco test. No differences were observed in CMJ performance during the preseason period and well-being values between acquisition days. This study provides unique insights into external and internal workload variables during each acquisition day. Furthermore, it highlights TP as an efficient theoretical concept to use in an RU context.
The Effect of the Peristimulus α Phase on Visual Perception through Real-Time Phase-Locked Stimulus Presentation
Authors: Tseng Chih-Hsin , Chen Jyh-Horng , Hsu Shen-Mou
Published: July 2023

The α phase has been theorized to reflect fluctuations in cortical excitability and thereby impose a cyclic influence on visual perception. Despite its appeal, this notion is not fully substantiated, as both supporting and opposing evidence has been recently reported. In contrast to previous research, this study examined the effect of the peristimulus instead of prestimulus phase on visual detection through a real-time phase-locked stimulus presentation (PLSP) approach. Specifically, we monitored phase data from magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings over time, with a newly developed algorithm based on adaptive Kalman filtering (AKF). This information guided online presentations of masked stimuli that were phased-locked to different stages of the α cycle while healthy humans concurrently performed detection tasks. Behavioral evidence showed that the overall detection rate did not significantly vary according to the four predetermined peristimulus α phases. Nevertheless, the follow-up analyses highlighted that the phase at 90° relative to 180° likely enhanced detection. Corroborating neural parietal activity showed that early interaction between α phases and incoming stimuli orchestrated the neural representation of the hits and misses of the stimuli. This neural representation varied according to the phase and in turn shaped the behavioral outcomes. In addition to directly investigating to what extent fluctuations in perception can be ascribed to the α phases, this study suggests that phase-dependent perception is not as robust as previously presumed, and might also depend on how the stimuli are differentially processed as a result of a stimulus-phase interaction, in addition to reflecting alternations of the perceptual states between phases.