bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relación entre el virus herpes simple y la periodontitis estadio IV: Una revisión sistemática de literatura
Authors: Rebolledo Cobos Martha Leonor , Viaña Bermúdez Fernando , Erazo Coronado Lucy , Erazo Coronado Ana María , Ramos Llanes Miurika , Contreras Nieto Diana
Published: March 2024

Objetivo: El presente trabajo tiene como propósito determinar, mediante una revisión sistemática de literatura, la relación entre el Virus del Herpes Simple (VHS) y la periodontitis estadio IV, con el fin de orientar la terapéutica para el tratamiento de esta entidad. Materiales y Métodos: Revisión sistemática de literatura en las bases de datos PubMed, Elsevier, Science Direct y Scielo, empleando la lista de comprobación PRISMA. Se incluyeron revisiones sistemáticas y meta análisis sobre diseños de estudios experimentales, estudios de biología molecular y estudios in vivo humanos acerca de la relación del herpes virus simple tipo 1 y la periodontitis estadio IV, publicados entre el 2017 y 2022, en español e inglés, en una búsqueda que se realizó entre el 8 y el 22 de abril del 2022. Tres artículos resultaron elegibles, aplicando los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, de un total inicial de 1.797. Resultados: Las revisiones examinadas comprueban una relación más convincente del virus del herpes humano, aumentada por su presencia y asociación con la enfermedad periodontal en estadios avanzados, como la periodontitis estadio IV, en comparación con pacientes sanos y con gingivitis. Conclusiones: El manejo farmacológico coadyuvante de la terapia periodontal en pacientes con periodontitis estadio IV, acompañado de terapia antibiótica y antiviral, puede reducir o erradicar el herpes simple en sitios con enfermedad periodontal.
Relación productividad académica - categoría de investigador Minciencias en el programa de psicología de una universidad colombiana
Authors: Obispo Salazar Kelly Johana , Wilches Visbal Jorge Homero
Published: March 2024

Objetivo: Determinar si existe relación entre cantidad de publicaciones científicas y categoría de investigador Minciencias en docentes del programa de psicología de una universidad pública del caribe colombiano. Materiales y métodos: Se utilizó el coeficiente de Spearman (rs) para estimar la correlación entre las variables publicaciones y categoría de investigador, tanto en docentes ocasionales como de planta. Se tuvo en cuenta la cantidad de publicaciones y categoría a diciembre de 2022. Resultados: La producción media fue levemente mayor en ocasionales (17) que en planta (13). Se observó la existencia de correlación buena y significativa (rs > 0,8 y p < 0,05) en ambos tipos de vinculación docente, aunque ligeramente superior en ocasionales. No obstante, la productividad en ocasionales está fuertemente concentrada en 1 investigador. Conclusión: Poseer una profusa producción científica contribuye positivamente a categorizarse como investigador Minciencias. Con todo, es imprescindible poseer productos de formación de recurso humano, sobre todo, a nivel de maestrías y doctorados, a fin de alcanzar las categorías asociado y senior. Una perspectiva es contemplar la influencia de variables como la titulación, años de experiencia y cantidad de trabajos de grado y posgrado.
Molecular Diagnostics of Copper-Transporting Protein Mutations Allows Early Onset Individual Therapy of Menkes Disease
Authors: Králík L. , Flachsová E. , Hansíková H. , Saudek V. , Zeman J. , Martásek Pavel
Published: March 2024

Menkes disease is a severe X-linked recessive disorder caused by a defect in the ATP7A gene, which encodes a membrane copper-transporting ATPase. Deficient activity of the ATP7A protein results in decreased intestinal absorption of copper, low copper level in serum and defective distribution of copper in tissues. The clinical symptoms are caused by decreased activities of copper-dependent enzymes and include neurodegeneration, connective tissue disorders, arterial changes and hair abnormalities. Without therapy, the disease is fatal in early infancy. Rapid diagnosis of Menkes disease and early start of copper therapy is critical for the effectiveness of treatment. We report a molecular biology-based strategy that allows early diagnosis of copper transport defects and implementation of individual therapies before the full development of pathological symptoms. Low serum copper and decreased activity of copperdependent mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase in isolated platelets found in three patients indicated a possibility of functional defects in copper-transporting proteins, especially in the ATPA7 protein, a copper-transporting P-type ATPase. Rapid mutational screening of the ATP7A gene using high-resolution melting analysis of DNA indicated presence of mutations in the patients. Molecular investigation for mutations in the ATP7A gene revealed three nonsense mutations: c.2170C>T (p.Gln724Ter); c.3745G>T (p.Glu1249Ter); and c.3862C>T (p.Gln1288Ter). The mutation c.3745G>T (p.Glu1249Ter) has not been identified previously. Molecular analysis of the ATOX1 gene as a possible modulating factor of Menkes disease did not reveal presence of pathogenic mutations. Molecular diagnostics allowed early onset of individual therapies, adequate genetic counselling and prenatal diagnosis in the affected families.
Cytokine Network & NETs
Authors: Garley Marzena , Jabłońska E. , Surażyński A. , Grubczak K. , Ratajczak-Wrona W. , Iwaniuk A. , Dąbrowska D. , Pałka J. A. , Moniuszko M.
Published: March 2024

The process of forming and releasing neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) can be regulated by exogenous and endogenous factors, including cytokines. The study aimed to assess the impact of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-15, IL-17, IL-18, and anti-inflammatory IL-10 on the formation of NETs, all in comparison to IL-8 and pathogenic factors: LPS, fMLP. Also, the expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO), one of the main elements of neutrophil traps, was evaluated. After isolating the neutrophils with Polymorphprep™, the cells were sorted using CD16 MACS® microbeads and incubated with selected factors. The formation of NETs was registered using a BD Pathway 855 microscope system and the expression of MPO was evaluated using flow cytometry. The amounts of circulating DNA in cell supernatants was fluorescently quantified. Microscopic photographs indicated that rhIL-15, rhIL-17, rhIL-18 and fMLP induce formation and release of NETs at a similar timespan, while in the presence of rhIL-10, the formation of the traps was delayed. The presence of the studied cytokines indicated two populations of neutrophils displaying differing MPO expression (MPOlow and MPOhigh). Moreover, stimulation of neutrophils with LPS and fMLP revealed two populations of these cells that differed not only in the expression of MPO, but also in size.
The Effect of Stress on the Galaninergic System in the Rat Adenohypophysis: mRNA Expression and Immunohistochemistry of Galanin Receptors
Authors: Kramáriková I. , Šípková J. , Šída P. , Hynie S. , Klenerová Věra
Published: March 2024

The neuropeptide galanin is a widely distributed neurotransmitter/neuromodulator that regulates a variety of physiological processes and also participates in the regulation of stress responses. The effect of stress is dependent on the activity of the hypothalamic- adenohypophyseal-adrenal axis. Although the adenohypophysis is a crucial part of this axis, galanin peptides and their receptors have not yet been identified in this part of the pituitary after activation of the stress response. Since there are many controversies about the occurrence of individual galanin receptor subtypes in the adenohypophysis under basal conditions, we decided to verify their presence immunohistochemically, and we clearly demonstrated that the adenohypophysis expresses neuropeptides galanin, galanin-like peptide, and subtypes of galanin receptors GalR1, GalR2 and GalR3. The specificity of the reactions was confirmed by Western blots for galanin receptors. Using real-time qPCR we also demonstrated the presence of three GalR subtypes, with the highest expression of GalR2. In addition, we tested the effect of stress. We found that acute stress did not induce any changes in the GalR2 expression, but increased expression of GalR1 and decreased that of GalR3. We confirmed the involvement of the galanin system in the stress regulation in the adenohypophysis.
Effect of Goal Setting on Psychological State and Swimming Performance in Competitive Swimming
Authors: Aouani Hajer , Amara Sofiene
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to study the effect of setting a personal goal to achieve on psychological parameters (cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence) and on the chronometric performance of 50m butterfly in young swimmers. aged between 12 and 13 years old during the 2019/2020 sports season. The population was divided into three groups, the first group1 (G1) underwent competition preparation without a set goal (method1), the second group2 (G2) was oriented towards a vague goal “Do your best” (method2) , whereas, the third group was asked to respond to a difficult-to-achieve goal according to a goal-setting interval (GBI) (method3). The results indicate that method 1 and method 3 increased the level of cognitive and somatic anxiety in swimmers in these two groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the self-confidence score was low in group 1 compared to the other two groups. Our results also show that chronometric performance was improved (p < 0.05) better by method 3 than by method 2, while performance remained unchanged in group 1. The difficult goal setting by IFB improved the chronometric performance, but at the same time increased the values of cognitive and somatic anxiety, for this reason the mental trainers and the technical staff were invited to develop associated mental preparation models to this method of goal setting to help swimmers psychologically.
Comparative Study of the Work Engagement of Interns and Secondary School Teachers
Authors: Aouani Hajer , Amara Sofiene
Published: March 2024

Background: Professional engagement is a complex process and likely varies depending on the individual's personality and characteristics such as years of experience. There are conflicting results regarding the effect of professional engagement and its impact on work performance among physical education teachers and interns. Our study aims to examine the relationship between work engagement among physical education teachers and interns. Objectives: In this study, we compared work engagement between interns and physical education teachers. Methods: Two hundred fifty individuals (130 young interns, 120 qualified teachers) participated in this study. The teachers were classified based on their years of experience (1-2 years and 2-5 years). All participants completed the questionnaire translated and adapted by Loadhal and Kejner (1965), readapted by Alem, Bujold, et Bertrand, 2003 to evaluate the parameters of engagement. Results: Interns had significantly higher values in all dimensions of work engagement overall (all P < 0.001). Interns are more involved and motivated in their work, leading to better professional engagement overall. Comparison based on years of experience revealed that as the number of years increases, work engagement decreases among physical education teachers. Conclusions: Based on the results from our current study, we conclude that teacher's professional commitment decreases over time.
Social Change and Mutations in the Human Sciences Applied to Physical and Sporting Activities in Tunisia
Authors: Nasri Bechir , Souid Ines
Published: March 2024

This research focuses on the relationship that exists between scientific transformations in human sciences applied to physical and sporting activities during social change in Tunisia after the revolution. The main objective of our study is to identify the link between studies published in the sociology of sport in relation to the major social changes in Tunisia after the revolution. The data was collected through the analysis of research and studies published by teacher-researchers in sociology of sport at the higher institutes of sport and physical education of Tunisia in various international journals. The main results of this article show that the research carried out during this period is not directly linked to the changes that have arisen from the world of Tunisian physical education, but it aims to position it according to Western sporting social phenomena. In addition, the existence of certain studies which take into account the training process and the conceptions of learning physical education in contemporary Tunisian schools.
Cocoa Producers’ Decision on Fermenting Beans in Jembrana Regency, Bali Province, Indonesia
Authors: Ambarawati I Gusti Agung Ayu , Esterina Ni Puspa Ayu
Published: March 2024

Cocoa bean has an important role in the agricultural economy of Indonesia for its foreign earnings. Demand for high quality of cocoa beans is increasing fast due to the expansion of global cocoa and chocolate market. Bali Province also plays an important role in Indonesia’s cocoa production and export where the main cocoa plantation lies in Jembrana Regency cultivated by small-scale farmers. Chocolate industry requests for high quality cocoa beans from fermented cocoa for high prices, however farmers are still reluctant to do fermentation. This study aims at analyzing probability of farmer’s decision to ferment cocoa beans at Jembrana Regency, Bali Province, Indonesia. Logit regression was utilized where the dependent variable is in binary, which is  the change in probability of a cocoa producer choosing to ferment their cocoa beans, given the independent variables included farm size, production and other occupation of farmers. The result from the average marginal effect shows that only production variable is significant to increase the probability of the cocoa farmers to ferment their cocoa beans. Result from the analysis indicates that  on average for one kilogram increase in cocoa production per month, the probability of observing increases fermentation by approximately 0.26 percentage point. In other words, higher production volume increases the probability of the cocoa producers to ferment their cocoa beans. It is suggested to multi stakehonders in cocoa industry to further improve production through the implementation of good agricultural practices (GAP) and  extending training for cocoa farmers.
On subsolutions and concavity for fully nonlinear elliptic equations
Authors: Guan Bo
Published: March 2024

Subsolutions and concavity play critical roles in classical solvability, especially a priori estimates, of fully nonlinear elliptic equations. Our first primary goal in this paper is to explore the possibility to weaken the concavity condition. The second is to clarify relations between weak notions of subsolution introduced by Székelyhidi and the author, respectively, in attempt to treat equations on closed manifolds. More precisely, we show that these weak notions of subsolutions are equivalent for equations defined on convex cones of type 1 in the sense defined by Caffarelli, Nirenberg and Spruck.
Secondary students’ L2 writing motivation and engagement: the impact of teachers’ instructional approaches and feedback practices
Authors: Yu Shulin , Zhou Nan , Jiang Lianjiang
Published: March 2024

Although there has been a great deal of research on L2 writing in higher education over the past few decades, limited attention has been given to secondary students’ writing motivation and engagement in L2 writing contexts. The present study aims to examine the association between writing instructional approaches and student writing motivation and engagement in the Chinese EFL context, and investigate the mediating role of writing feedback in this relationship. 2,169 students from 35 secondary schools in mainland China participated in this study. Results showed that product-oriented teaching approach related positively to the three indicators of maladaptive motivation (i.e., anxiety, failure avoidance, and uncertain control) and process-oriented teaching approach related positively to the two indicators of adaptive engagement (i.e., task management, persistence). While genre-oriented teaching approach related positively to adaptive motivation and engagement, and related negatively to maladaptive motivation and engagement, cooperative multimedia writing teaching approach related negatively to adaptive motivation and one factor of adaptive engagement (i.e., task management), and related positively to two factors of maladaptive motivation (i.e., anxiety, failure avoidance) and maladaptive engagement. This study also identified the mediating role of four feedback practices (i.e., learning-oriented feedback, expressive feedback, computer-mediated feedback, and peer and self feedback) in the associations between writing instructional approaches and student writing motivation and engagement. This study provides insights into our understanding of the complex relationship among teachers’ instruction, classroom feedback practices, and student writing motivation and engagement in L2 school contexts.
Spiel, Minne, Schwur und Markt
Authors: Meyer Adrian
Published: March 2024

Hartmann von Aue’s ›Ereck‹ and ›Iwein‹, Wolfram von Eschenbach’s ›Parzival‹ and Heinrich von dem Türlin’s ›Crône‹ all include fighting scenes that link mutual physical exhaustion and elaborate metaphors to a spectrum of outcomes between winning and losing. The metaphors derive from quotidian social contexts of a courtly audience: games, love, oaths and markets connote constellations of equality or superiority. While the metaphors illuminate the hierarchy of the two fighters, I argue, they also mirror the cause of the fight on the discursive level. The scenes thus form an intertextual group featuring a poetological connection between exhaustion and the metaphorical visibility of the cause of the fight.
Evaluation of reclaimed asphalt mixtures rejuvenated with waste engine oil to resist rutting deformation
Authors: Abd Ali Nadia S. , Joni Hasan H. , Al-Rubaee Rasha H. A.
Published: March 2024

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is a sustainable and cost-effective way to reduce the need for virgin asphalt in road construction and rehabilitation. However, RAP is often hard and brittle, leading to performance problems. Rejuvenators can be used to restore RAP's physical and rheological properties, but many conventional rejuvenators are petroleum-based and have environmental drawbacks. The objective of this study is to assess the rutting and moisture resistance characteristics of reclaimed asphalt mixtures rejuvenated with waste engine oil (WEO), with a particular focus on regions characterized by hot climates, such as Iraq. This study investigated WEO as a rejuvenator for RAP and oxidized asphalt grade 30–40. WEO is a waste product that can be recycled and reused, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly rejuvenator. The study found that asphalt mixes containing RAP rejuvenated with WEO had improved mechanical performance compared to conventional asphalt mixes. Marshall stability increased by up to 30%, indirect tensile strength increased by up to 29%, moisture resistance improved by up to 19%, resilience to stripping increased by up to 97%, and rutting resistance increased by up to 64.5%. The study findings suggest that asphalt mixtures containing RAP rejuvenated with WEO are a promising new technology for sustainable road construction and rehabilitation. WEO is a waste product that can be recycled, reused, and used to produce asphalt mixes with improved mechanical performance. The novelty of this study is the use of WEO as a rejuvenator for RAP. WEO is a waste product that can be regenerated and reused, making it a sustainable and environmentally friendly rejuvenator. The study also investigated the optimal WEO concentration for rejuvenating RAP asphalt mixes, which is important for producing asphalt mixes with the desired performance characteristics.
A hybrid step-up converter for PV integration with wide input variation acceptability: comprehensive performance and reliability assessment
Authors: Kishor Yugal , Patel Ramnarayan , Sahu Lalit Kumar
Published: March 2024

A high-step-up DC–DC converter (DDC) is commonly used in micro-grids, renewable energy source (RES) integration, uninterruptible power supplies, hybrid vehicles, and other applications to deal with intermittency in power sources. Solar photovoltaic (SPV) is a prominent RES due to its many benefits, but its output voltage must be enhanced for high-voltage (HV) applications; hence, various topologies are suggested for desirable gain in the literature. Nevertheless, contemporary topologies exhibit restricted gain, higher device stress, analysis on restricted performance metrics, constrained handling capacity for input variations, relatively lower reliability, and suboptimal device utilization. This work investigates a new Z-source with switched-capacitor (HZSSC)-based hybrid step-up converter to solve the aforementioned restrictions and adapt PV voltage dynamics. Additionally, this paper presents MIL-HDBK-217F-based methodology for evaluating converter-level reliability, assessing the implications of device parametric variation on overall reliability, conducting a detailed analysis of figure of merits, performing thermal modeling, and executing small-signal-modeling to demonstrate operational efficacy. In-depth mathematical analysis of both continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) are conducted. The detailed comparison analysis shows that the suggested converter outperforms traditional converters in voltage-gain, voltage-stress, device-utilization, and reliability. Additionally, a 400 W, 220 V laboratory-scaled prototype shows 68 % reliability after 20 years. The hardware test outcomes validate the accuracy of both the mathematical investigation and simulation findings.
Spintronic terahertz emitters with integrated metallic terahertz cavities
Authors: Mičica Martin , Wright Adrien , Koleják Pierre , Lezier Geoffrey , Postava Kamil , Hawecker Jacques , De Vetter Anna , Tignon Jerome , Mangeney Juliette , Jaffres Henri , Lebrun Romain , Tiercelin Nicolas , Vanwolleghem Mathias , Dhillon Sukhdeep
Published: March 2024

Spintronic terahertz emitters (STEs), based on optical excitation of nanometer thick ferromagnetic/heavy metal (FM/HM) heterojunctions, have become important sources for the generation of terahertz (THz) pulses. However, the efficiency of the optical-to-THz conversion remains limited. Although optical techniques have been developed to enhance the optical absorption, no investigations have studied the application of THz cavities. Here, to enhance the THz efficiency of STEs in a selected THz spectral range, FM/HM structures are realized on ultra-thin sapphire layers with metallic mirrors to create λ/4 THz resonant cavities. THz emission time domain spectroscopy of these STE/sapphire/mirror heterostructures, with sapphire thicknesses ranging from 110 µm to 25 µm, shows enhancement of the emitted THz field that fits the λ/4 cavity resonance with up to a doubling of the field in the spectrum, and in agreement with temporal simulations of the emitted THz pulse. By taking advantage of birefringent materials, we further show the potential of control of the polarization state of the emitted THz pulse. This work shows the potential of enhancing and engineering THz emission from STEs using THz cavities that can be controlled over a broad spectral range, which can be easily combined with optical cavities.
Ozone-initiated degradation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene over ceria-supported manganese, nickel, vanadium and iron catalysts
Authors: Mkhize Nomthandazo , Rajasekhar Pullabhotla Viswandha Srirama
Published: March 2024

Oxidative degradation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene using different loadings of metal (Mn, Ni, V, and Fe) supported on CeO2 was studied. All metal (Mn, Ni, V, and Fe) loaded CeO2 catalysts were synthesized using the method called wet impregnation and the as-synthesized catalyst materials were characterized using different analytical instruments such as FT-IR, SEM-EDX, XRD, BET, ICP-OES, and TEM methods. The oxidation reactions of 1,2-dichlorobenzene were studied by bubbling substrate (1,2-dichlorobenzene) with ozone (0.0794 mg/L) into a glass reactor via a porous bubbler of porosity 2 over a period of 24 h. A 2.5 % Fe/CeO2 catalyst was found to be the most active catalyst with a percentage conversion of 62 % within 24 h of ozonation. The oxidation products were identified using GC-MS and FT-IR spectroscopy was used to study the functional groups present in the ozonation product. The ozonation products that were identified are mucochloric acid and 3,4-dichloro-2,5-furandione. All the V loaded on CeO2 catalysts produced 100 % mucohloric acid at the end of ozonation (24 h).
Peptides for therapeutic applications – challenges and chances
Authors: Ruggirello Chiara , Mörl Karin , Beck-Sickinger Annette G.
Published: March 2024

Peptides have beneficial properties for therapeutic applications due to their excellent target specificity, high affinity and activity, low toxicity and predictable metabolism. Thus, they became an important tool for research and medical purpose. However, peptides are fragile molecules, therefore, in order to be used as therapeutic agents they need to be stabilised by non-peptidic modifications. Required improvements of these peptide properties include longer half-life, higher bioavailability, increased potency and efficiency. Strategies to achieve these goals have been identified in the last years, with synthetic strategies to obtain sufficient amounts becoming increasingly important. In this review, peptides are discussed with respect to their therapeutic applications. Examples from glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists are shown. Peptides are compared to small molecules and antibodies with respect to advantages and disadvantages in therapeutic applications.
A survey of Polish ASR speech datasets
Authors: Junczyk Michał
Published: March 2024

Access to speech datasets is essential for the effective use of modern ASR systems in low-resource languages like Polish. However, the lack of centralized information and metadata describing available datasets poses a significant challenge to researchers and practitioners. In this paper, we address this issue by presenting the most comprehensive survey of Polish ASR speech datasets to date. We manually curated information on 53 publicly available datasets and annotated them with 61 attributes, providing a comprehensive catalog of these resources. The catalog facilitates the discovery and evaluation of available datasets, enabling researchers to identify datasets that suit their specific needs. It also enables the identification of gaps in the existing datasets, which may inform future research directions. The catalog is open and community-driven, which means that new data sets can be added and issues can be reported, ensuring its continued relevance and usefulness to the ASR community. Our work contributes to improving the accessibility and usability of ASR systems in low-resource languages such as Polish.
MAPEAMENTO DO FLUXO DE VALOR COMO PROPULSOR DA INOVAÇÃO EM PROCESSOS
Authors: De Almeida Ferreira Rafael , Bonato Samuel , De Campos Junges Vanessa , Santos Salomão Catherine
Published: March 2024

Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar o fluxo de operações de um terminal logístico de distribuição de combustíveis. Para tanto, foi desenvolvida uma pesquisa qualitativa com base em um estudo de caso, no qual foi realizado o mapeamento das distâncias percorridas pelos motoristas durante seus deslocamentos, desde sua entrada no terminal até o momento de sua saída, após o carregamento. O uso da ferramenta permitiu obter redução de lead time de 39%, redução drástica de distâncias percorridas a pé pelos motoristas, e a identificar a etapa que mais contribui para o tempo total de pré-carregamento. Enquanto sugestões para estudos futuros, com base no avanço da redução dos desperdícios e na ênfase à geração de valor, destaca-se a relevância de se realizar uma avaliação de forma integral do processo de carregamento, dos procedimentos realizados em outros terminais da mesma natureza, além de estudos aprofundados nos conceitos lean, fluxo de valor e na utilização da ferramenta do mapeamento do fluxo de valor, ressaltando os pontos positivos da implementação de para aprofundar a eficiência e eficácia dos colaboradores.
Adenosinergic Modulation of Layer 6 Microcircuitry in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Is Specific to Presynaptic Cell Type
Authors: Ding Chao , Yang Danqing , Feldmeyer Dirk
Published: March 2024

Adenosinergic modulation in the PFC is recognized for its involvement in various behavioral aspects including sleep homoeostasis, decision-making, spatial working memory and anxiety. While the principal cells of layer 6 (L6) exhibit a significant morphological diversity, the detailed cell-specific regulatory mechanisms of adenosine in L6 remain unexplored. Here, we quantitatively analyzed the morphological and electrophysiological parameters of L6 neurons in the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) using whole-cell recordings combined with morphological reconstructions. We were able to identify two different morphological categories of excitatory neurons in the mPFC of both juvenile and young adult rats with both sexes. These categories were characterized by a leading dendrite that was oriented either upright (toward the pial surface) or inverted (toward the white matter). These two excitatory neuron subtypes exhibited different electrophysiological and synaptic properties. Adenosine at a concentration of 30 µM indiscriminately suppressed connections with either an upright or an inverted presynaptic excitatory neuron. However, using lower concentrations of adenosine (10 µM) revealed that synapses originating from L6 upright neurons have a higher sensitivity to adenosine-induced inhibition of synaptic release. Adenosine receptor activation causes a reduction in the probability of presynaptic neurotransmitter release that could be abolished by specifically blocking A1adenosine receptors (A1ARs) using 8-cyclopentyltheophylline (CPT). Our results demonstrate a differential expression level of A1ARs at presynaptic sites of two functionally and morphologically distinct subpopulations of L6 principal neurons, suggesting the intricate functional role of adenosine in neuronal signaling in the brain.
NUGGET ÜRETİMİNDE FARKLI ORANLARDA BEYAZ ŞERİT PROBLEMLİ TAVUK GÖĞÜS ETİNİN KULLANIMI
Authors: Özünlü Orhan , Yüksel Fazilet Ceyda , Ergezer Haluk
Published: March 2024

Bu çalışmada, orta dereceli beyaz şerit problemine sahip tavuk göğüs etlerinin nugget üretiminde kullanılabilme potansiyeli araştırılmış ve depolama boyunca (-18ºC, 90 gün) farklı oranlarda (%0, 20, 40, 80 ve 100) beyaz şerit problemli et ilavesiyle üretilen tavuk nuggetların fizikokimyasal özelliklerinde (pH, renk, TBARS ve tekstür profili) meydana gelen değişiklikler incelenmiştir. Nuggetların üretiminde kullanılan beyaz şeritli problemli et miktarının artışıyla örneklerdeki nem, protein ve kül miktarının azaldığı yağ miktarının ise arttığı gözlenmiştir. En yüksek kaplama yüzdesine 100N kodlu örneğin (%46.33) sahip olduğu ve 100N ile 20BŞ kodlu örnekler arasında anlamlı bir farklılığın olmadığı tespit edilmiştir (P >0.05). Beyaz şeritli et miktarının artışıyla örneklerdeki pişirme kayıpları ve pişirme verimi sonuçlarında bir dalgalanmanın olduğu görülmüştür. Depolamanın başlangıcında en düşük pH değerine 100N kodlu örneğin (5.83) sahip olduğu ve gruplar arasında önemli farklılıkların olduğu gözlenmiştir (P <0.05). Depolama boyunca (-18ºC, 90 gün) genellikle tüm örneklerin elastikiyet, adezif yapışkanlık ve çiğnenebilirlik, sarılık ve TBARS değerlerinde bir artışın sertlik, parlaklık ve kırmızılık değerlerinde ise önemli düşüşler saptanmıştır.
Socialism and the Modernization Hypothesis
Authors: Kratz Fabian
Published: March 2024

In Europe, people from post-Soviet countries tend to hold more negative attitudes toward immigration than people from Western societies. This pattern is also evident in the former East and West Germany. In line with the modernization hypothesis, previous research shows that worldviews have become more liberal across generations in Western societies over the last century. This study examines whether such processes of liberalization have taken place at a different pace in Western societies and in post-Soviet societies. To this end, I assess whether changes in attitudes toward immigration across birth cohorts differ between residents of post-Soviet countries and inhabitants of other types of welfare states. Using data from the European Social Survey, the German Socio-Economic Panel Study, and the German General Social Survey, this study shows that the pattern of later-born cohorts holding more liberal attitudes toward immigration is less pronounced in post-Soviet states than in other types of welfare states. These findings have implications for research on attitude change over time and the long-term persistence of communist practices, behaviors, values, and norms.
Thích Nhất Hạnh’s Early Critiques of Enlightenment Rationality and Academic Buddhism, 1956–1961
Authors: Gadkar-Wilcox Wynn
Published: March 2024

This article examines Thích Nhất Hạnh’s articles published in the journals Phật-Giáo Việt-Nam [Vietnamese Buddhism] and Liên-Hoa Nguyệt-San [Lotus Monthly] between 1956 and 1961. These articles reveal how Thích Nhất Hạnh developed a critique of the excess rationality of Western civilization through a reading of criticisms of the Enlightenment from philosophical and new-age Buddhist sources that were themselves European. When writing to an exclusively Buddhist audience, Thích Nhất Hạnh emphasizes the need for rational, ecumenical, and empirical discourse on Buddhism, whereas when writing to a non-Buddhist audience, he stresses the insufficiency of rational calculations and the need for a proper understanding of Buddhism to be derived from personal experience. These articles show the deep early influence of the Buddhist reform movement, international Buddhist political developments, and contemporary European philosophy on Thích Nhất Hạnh’s thinking.
Undiagnosed adrenal insufficiency as a cause of premature death in glucocorticoid users
Authors: Einarsdottir Margret J , Trimpou Penelope , Johannsson Gudmundur , Ragnarsson Oskar
Published: March 2024

Objective

It is unknown whether glucocorticoid (GC)-induced adrenal insufficiency may cause premature mortality in GC users. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to investigate if undiagnosed and undertreated GC-induced adrenal insufficiency is a contributor to premature death in GC users.

Methods

Information on dispensed prescriptions in West Sweden from 2007 to 2014 was obtained from the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Cause of death was collected from the Swedish Cause of Death Register. Of 223,211 patients who received oral GC prescriptions, 665 died from sepsis within 6 months of their last prescription. Three hundred of these patients who had died in hospital were randomly selected for further investigation. Medical records were initially reviewed by one investigator. Furthermore, two additional investigators reviewed the medical records of patients whose deaths were suspected to be caused by GC-induced adrenal insufficiency.

Results

Of 300 patients (121 females, 40%), 212 (75%) were prescribed GC treatment at admission. The mean age was 76 ± 11 years (range 30–99). Undiagnosed or undertreated GC-induced adrenal insufficiency was considered a probable contributor to death by at least two investigators in 11 (3.7%) patients. In five of these 11 cases, long-term GC therapy was abruptly discontinued during hospitalization. Undiagnosed or undertreated GC-induced adrenal insufficiency was considered a possible contributing factor to death in a further 36 (12%) patients.

Conclusion

GC-induced adrenal insufficiency is an important contributor to premature death in GC users. Awareness of the disorder during intercurrent illness and following cessation of GC treatment is essential.
Atherosclerosis: an overview of mouse models and a detailed methodology to quantify lesions in the aortic root
Authors: van der Vaart Jamie I , van Eenige Robin , Rensen Patrick C N , Kooijman Sander
Published: March 2024

Cardiovascular disease, the primary cause of human mortality globally, is predominantly caused by a progressive disorder known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis refers to the process of accumulation of cholesterol-enriched lipoproteins and the concomitant initiation of inflammatory processes in the arterial wall, including the recruitment of immune cells. This leads to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, initially causing a thickening of the arterial wall and narrowing of arteries. However, as plaque formation progresses, atherosclerotic plaques may become unstable and rupture, leading to a blood clot that blocks the affected artery or travels through the blood to block blood flow elsewhere. In the early 1990s, emerging gene editing methods enabled the development of apolipoprotein E knockout (Apoe−/−
) and low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (Ldlr−/−
) mice. These mice have been instrumental in unraveling the complex pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Around the same time, human APOE*3-Leiden transgenic mice were generated, which were more recently cross-bred with human cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) transgenic mice to generate APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mice. This model appears to closely mimic human lipoprotein metabolism and responds to classic lipid-lowering interventions due to an intact ApoE–LDLR pathway of lipoprotein remnant clearance. In this review, we describe the role of lipid metabolism and inflammation in atherosclerosis development and highlight the characteristics of the frequently used animal models to study atherosclerosis, with a focus on mouse models, discussing their advantages and limitations. Moreover, we present a detailed methodology to quantify atherosclerotic lesion area within the aortic root region of the murine heart, as well as details required for scoring atherosclerotic lesion severity based on guidelines of the American Heart Association adapted for mice.
Opportunities and Challenges in Digital Transformation of Education
Authors: Qu Liaojian
Published: March 2024

The World is facing a fast and radical change due to the expedited development of digital technologies. Advances in digital technology are constantly driving the digital transformation of society as a whole. The concept of “digital transformation” first emerged in 1968 and became distinctive in the research literature after the year of 2014 (Reis et al, 2018). In its broad sense, digital transformation refers to the process that new digital technologies are integrated into all sectors of human activity, fundamentally changing all aspects of human life. This leads to a world that is increasingly experienced with, through, and by information technology (Stolterman & Fors, 2004).
Digital Transformation of Education in China: A Review Against the Backdrop of the 2024 World Digital Education Conference
Authors: Ding Lang , Wu Shanshan
Published: March 2024

The flourishing digital technologies are impacting intensively on all facets of education development. How to promote the digital transformation of education by leveraging emerging digital technologies has become a highly concerning topic among educational researchers throughout the world. The Chinese government organized the 2024 World Digital Education Conference in Shanghai on January 30-31 to advance the digital transformation in education. The conference summarized China’s achievements in digital education and laid out a vision for building an international exchange and cooperation platform for global digital education development. This article is a review of China’s explorations and experiments in the digital transformation of education.
Geoconservation of underground ecosystems in Santander (Colombia) from geotourism and geoeducation strategies
Authors: Otero Diego Zafra- , Gélvez-Chaparro Jorge Enrique , Barajas-Rangel Daniel Sebastián , Ríos-Reyes Carlos Alberto , Castellanos-Alarcón Oscar Mauricio
Published: March 2024

Colombia is characterized by presenting numerous resources in underground ecosystems, which are sensitive sites with special features within karstic landscapes. Santander is located in the central northern part of Colombia and contains not extensive explored extensive network of underground systems associated with highly fossiliferous carbonate rocks of the Cretaceous Rosablanca Formation, which is characterized by a very rich geodiversity exokarst and endokarst geoforms and biodiversity. Unfortunately, there is no environmental awareness in the community or action plans oriented to conservation and use of these underground systems.
Cerebrospinal fluid cytokine profile in autoimmune encephalitis related to covid-19 vaccination
Authors: VG Petrova , KG Prinova
Published: March 2024

Encephalitis is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system most usually caused by a viral infection. Autoimmune encephalitis is also common. The mechanism of action of various vaccines aim to elicit immune response. Major neurological complications indicative of vaccination-related autoimmune encephalitis and acute encephalitis after the first dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines have been reported. We present a 59-year-old female patient with subtle initiation of cognitive and behavioral deterioration two months after the second dose of SARSCoV-2 vaccine. Diagnostic work-up was suggestive of encephalitis. The findings fulfilled the criteria for possible autoimmune encephalitis related to prior vaccination with detected cytokine elevation.
Sustainable construction materials under ESG: a literature review and synthesis
Authors: Kong Yap Chee , Seng Leow Chee , Goh Barry
Published: March 2024

This paper aims to review the literature on ‘Sustainable Construction Materials (SCMs)’ based on the Scopus database and synthesise the review. Three advantages of embracing ESG in sustainable construction materials are identified based on the literature reviewed. Firstly, this can significantly reduce the environmental impact of buildings and contribute to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Secondly, by taking a comprehensive approach, decision-makers and practitioners can ensure that their choices align with environmental and financial sustainability and foster social well-being and equity. Thirdly, this can create healthier and more energy-efficient built environments for future generations. Fourthly, this will enable construction practitioners to make informed decisions that consider the holistic impacts of SCMs throughout their life cycle and promote greater transparency and accountability in their selection and use. On the challenge side, the triple bottom line of sustainability encompassing social, economic, and environmental aspects should be rigorously evaluated when considering sustainable construction materials. This integrated perspective is crucial for upholding the construction industry's commitment to UNSDGs and promoting a more responsible and green environment. Decision-makers and practitioners must prioritize implementing SCMs to positively impact the environment, society, and economy.
Causal Mediation of Neighborhood-Level Pediatric Hospitalization Inequities
Authors: Brokamp Cole , Jones Margaret N. , Duan Qing , Rasnick Manning Erika , Ray Sarah , Corley Alexandra M.S. , Michael Joseph , Taylor Stuart , Unaka Ndidi , Beck Andrew F. ,   RISEUP RESEARCH TEAM
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Population-wide racial inequities in child health outcomes are well documented. Less is known about causal pathways linking inequities and social, economic, and environmental exposures. Here, we sought to estimate the total inequities in population-level hospitalization rates and determine how much is mediated by place-based exposures and community characteristics.

METHODS

We employed a population-wide, neighborhood-level study that included youth <18 years hospitalized between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2022. We defined a causal directed acyclic graph a priori to estimate the mediating pathways by which marginalized population composition causes census tract-level hospitalization rates. We used negative binomial regression models to estimate hospitalization rate inequities and how much of these inequities were mediated indirectly through place-based social, economic, and environmental exposures.

RESULTS

We analyzed 50 719 hospitalizations experienced by 28 390 patients. We calculated census tract-level hospitalization rates per 1000 children, which ranged from 10.9 to 143.0 (median 45.1; interquartile range 34.5 to 60.1) across included tracts. For every 10% increase in the marginalized population, the tract-level hospitalization rate increased by 6.2% (95% confidence interval: 4.5 to 8.0). After adjustment for tract-level community material deprivation, crime risk, English usage, housing tenure, family composition, hospital access, greenspace, traffic-related air pollution, and housing conditions, no inequity remained (0.2%, 95% confidence interval: −2.2 to 2.7). Results differed when considering subsets of asthma, type 1 diabetes, sickle cell anemia, and psychiatric disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide additional evidence supporting structural racism as a significant root cause of inequities in child health outcomes, including outcomes at the population level.
Optimisation of methods of diagnosis and correction of heel foot in children with cerebral palsy
Authors:   Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine, Kyiv, Danylov O.A. , Shulha O.V. ,   Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine, Kyiv
Published: March 2024

The main cause of heel foot is muscle imbalance due to dysfunction of the triceps femoris muscle. Literature data indicate the need to study issues related to changes in the anatomy and function of the foot flexor muscles and calcaneus and to determine indications for optimal methods of correction of heel foot. Purpose - to study the anatomical and functional changes in the calf muscle and bones in children with heel foot to determine the optimal methods of diagnosis and correction of deformity. Materials and methods. We analysed the results obtained during the treatment of 14 patients (28 cases) aged 11 to 17 years with cerebral palsy complicated by calcaneal foot formation. Two groups were formed: the main group of 6 patients (12 cases), in which posterior calcaneal osteotomy with Achilles tendon plasty and transposition of the tibialis anterior tendon was performed; the comparison group of 8 patients (16 cases), in which only soft tissue surgery was performed. The comparative group was divided into 2 subgroups, which differed in radiological parameters of Bohler and Kite Danilov angles: the subgroup A - 3 patients (6 cases), the subgroup B - 5 patients (10 cases). Clinical and radiological methods were used to examine patients. Results. The structure and shape of the calcaneus change in the presence of heel foot, which leads to changes in the Danilov angle and the angles between the trabecular lines. Correction of the shape of the calcaneus is a prerequisite for creating optimal biomechanical gait conditions. Transplantation of the tibialis anterior tendon eliminates the pathological effect of its retraction; achilloplasty eliminates the functional deficiency of the triceps tendon. Conclusions. The results of surgical correction on soft tissues showed effectiveness at Bohler, Kite <35⁰, Danilov <40⁰ angles. At higher values, it is necessary to supplement the intervention with a posterior calcaneal osteotomy. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the local ethics committees of all institutions participating in the study. Informed consent was obtained from the patients. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.