bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the gene expression networks regulated by TBX18 in vascular smooth muscle cells to maintain aortic homeostasis
Authors:   , Mukherjee Debanjan
Published: November 2024

Background: Aortic aneurysms are a frequent pathology responsible for a significant proportion of deaths in developed societies. Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are central elements in aneurysm development, but little is known as to mechanisms safekeeping normal gene expression profiles in these cells.T-Box transcription 18 (TBX18) is a transcription factor of the large T-box family of transcription factors and is robustly expressed in the SMCs of the vascular wall.
However, the role of TBX18 in SMCs and in context of vascular disease remains elusive. Therefore, this study will address to assess the gene expression networks regulated by TBX18 in vascular smooth muscle cells in homeostasis and disease progression.
Methods: To determine the role of Tbx18 in aneurysm formation, we used transgenic mouse strains to promote ablation of Tbx18 in SMCs from early embryogenesis or in adulthood, the latter in presence or absence of a Marfancausing mutation. An ultrasound and histological time course was complemented with mechanistic analyses at the transcriptome and translatome levels. To enable detection of direct TBX18 targets, ChIP-seq was performed in primary human aortic SMCs. Potential involvement of TBX18 modulation in human aneurysm progression was assessed via transcriptomic analyses in a cohort of aneurysms and ruptured aneurysms. Results: Early ablation of TBX18 resulted in severe aortic malformations and lethality, whereas adult ablation resulted in milder phenotypes. However, when adult ablation was combined with a Marfan-causing mutation, it promoted exacerbated degradation of aortic ultrastructure and aortic root dilation. Transcriptomics and translatomics analyses revealed early gene expression alterations taking place in aneurysm-predisposed aortae, which included downregulation of genes involved in muscle contraction and upregulation of immediate early genes encoding critical transcription factors involved in assembling a cellular response to external stimuli.
ChIP-seq revealed genome-wide patterns of TBX18 binding in aortic SMCs, showing that TBX18 directly targets multiple of the genes misexpressedin mutant aortae.
TBX18 expression was downregulated in human aneurysms and the degree of downregulation correlated with the severity of the lesion.
Conclusions: These results show that transcriptional control by TBX18 in aortic SMCs is indispensable for normal aortic development, but also necessary to prevent gene expression programs associated with adverse remodeling in the adult aorta.
These findings improve our understanding of the functioning of this transcription factor and of molecular mechanisms underlying aneurysm development.
БУДДИЙСКАЯ ЭТИКА И «ДУХ КАПИТАЛИЗМА»(о роли буддизма в социально-экономическом развитии и модернизации Японии)
Authors: М.С. Уланов , В.Н. Бадмаев
Published: November 2024

Статья посвящена анализу роли буддизма в социально-экономическом развитии и модернизации Японии. Буддизм оказал значительное влияние на формирование хозяйственной культуры и деловой этики в Японии. В силу своеобразного историко-культурного развития в рамках японской буддийской традиции сформировалась трудовая этика, которая в значительной степени напоминала протестантскую. Такие «протестантские» ценности, как трудолюбие, бережливость, дисциплина, самоограничение и т.д., были характерны и для японского буддизма. Именно они способствовали формированию в Японии хорошо организованного и готового к модернизации общества с эффективной трудовой этикой и высокой социальной дисциплиной. «Буддийский капитализм», тесно связанный с монастырскими рынками, заложил надежную институциональную основу для формирования светского капитализма. Исторический пример развития японского буддизма подтверждает идею об автохтонных истоках местного капитализма и свидетельствует об экономическом и модернизационном потенциале буддийской культуры. Отражением особенностей национальной религиозной традиции Японии является современная японская деловая этика и корпоративная культура, имеющие буддийские истоки.

The article focuses on the role of Buddhism in the socio-economic development and the modernization of Japan. The authors note that Buddhism has had a significant impact on the formation of economic culture and business ethics in Japan. Historical and cultural development in the Japanese Buddhist tradition influenced on the formation of the work ethics, which greatly resembled Protestantism. The “protestant” values, such as hard work, thrift, discipline, self-restraint, etc., were largely typical for Japanese Buddhism. They effected on the establishment in Japan well organized and ready for modernization society with the efficient work ethics of high social discipline. Japanese Buddhism contributed to the development of the capitalist relations here and socio-economic modernization of the country. «Buddhist capitalism», closely associated with monastic markets laid a solid institutional basis for the formation of secular capitalism here. Historical example of the development of Japanese Buddhism, of course, supports the idea of the autochthonous origins of local capitalism and demonstrates the economic potential and the modernization of Buddhist culture. Reflection of the peculiarities of the national religious tradition of Japan is the modern Japanese business ethics and corporate culture with Buddhist origins.
«Она привела меня к баптистам, а я ее к пятидесятникам».СПЕЦИФИКА КОММУНИКАТИВНЫХ ПРАКТИКЕВАНГЕЛЬСКИХ ОБЩИН В ПОЗДНЕМ СССР
Authors: Н.А. Белякова , В.П. Клюева
Published: November 2024

В статье рассматриваются особенности коммуникативных практик внутри евангельского сообщества в позднем СССР. Специфика советского евангельского сообщества заключается в том, что в одном пространстве должны были сосуществовать деноминации с разными теологическими и обрядовыми основаниями. Коммуникативные практики имели разнонаправленный характер, наиболее яркой была деструктивная практика эскалации конфликта, завершающаяся выходом из официальной общины части верующих. Источниковая база включает в себя устные нарративы и эго-документы (письма и воспоминания) советских верующих.

The article analyzes the communication practices within the Evangelical community in the late USSR. A specificity of the Soviet Evangelical community was the fact that it consisted of denominations with different theological basis and ritual practice. Communication practices were different. The most notable of them was the destructive practice of escalation of the conflict. Some of the believers left the official community to end the conflict. The main sources for the analysis are letters and memoirs, as well as interviews conducted according to Oral history method.
Interactive Theatre: An Alternative Method of Teaching and Learning for Rural Young Children in Sekolah Kebangsaan Pekan Ranau, Sabah
Authors: Marlenny Deenerwan
Published: November 2024

Compared with children in urban areas, children living in rural areas experience a severe lack of exposure to alternative teaching and learning activities to enhance their self-potential. This development affects their opportunity to explore knowledge comprehensively. The Education Development Master Plan by the Ministry of Education identified five education gaps in the Malaysian education system. Among them are the urban and rural gaps and the gap between student achievement levels. In Malaysia, most districts that recorded the lowest performance in Ujian Penilaian Sekolah Rendah are in Sabah and Sarawak. This fact is the foundation factor to justify the implementation of this study in Sekolah Kebangsaan Pekan Ranau, located in the rural district of Ranau in Sabah. A total of 60 level one students were involved in the research, which took place from 2017 until 2019. In other developments, the inclusion of theatre as part of the school curriculum in most urban areas in Malaysia has indicated a formal acceptance of the value of theatre as an educational tool. Therefore, this research focuses on using interactive theatre to develop teaching and learning strategies for young children in rural areas. Interactive theatre is a performance that engages the audience and makes them active participants in the show. It brings the audience into the same playing space as the actors and breaks the walls separating them from the actors’ world. Through practice-led research, the researcher conducted a workshop session that led to a live interactive theatre production. While the significant reference of this study is Dorothy Heathcote’s Mantle of the Expert, Piaget and Dewey’s concept of active learning was utilised to observe and analyse the research findings. This research indicates that interactive theatre activities successfully turn passive children into active participants. By getting the children involved in this performance, they shared the stage setting, became characters in the performance, and had the opportunity to change the direction of the play. As they immersed themselves in the performance, they unconsciously explored their ability to improvise the situation and articulate their opinion critically and creatively.
Innovative Strategies for Improving the Engagement of Online Music-Ensemble Classes Through Flipped Teaching
Authors: Yi-Li Chang  , Mohd Nasir Hashim
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted educators to design online-teaching methods to conduct class activities. However, not all subjects are suitable for online delivery, especially if they require practical activities. One example is music-ensemble classes. Online music-ensemble classes have long faced the problem of poor audio latency and sound quality. Furthermore, being unable to play musical instruments together can easily disrupt students’ concentration. A virtual strings workshop with 60 secondary school students was held to examine the effectiveness of learning processes in this context. Flipped teaching was employed to compare with traditional, lecture-based teaching in music-ensemble classes. A survey and interviews were used, followed by critical analysis and discussion. The study aimed to attract the attention of music-ensemble instructors to a new teaching strategy—flipped teaching—to obtain greater interaction and engagement, and better learning results. The findings show that the flipped teaching approach benefitted students’ learning outcomes and mindsets and reduced the problems of poor audio latency and distraction. Furthermore, flipped teaching inspired and improved learning motivation. This article provides the teaching concept, details of the process, and suggestions for a new teaching method. Innovative delivery methods, such as podcasts and virtual concerts, can also enhance students’ learning environments and positive educational outcomes.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SEVERITY OF TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES AND CERVICAL SPINE INJURIES
Authors: P.K Aravind , B.S Ganesha , C.N Dileep , S.S Narendra , Reddy B. Jyothi
Published: November 2024

Cervical spine injury can cause significant morbidity to the patient if it is associated with neurological impairment and is one of the challenging conditions to manage in the emergency room. Traumatic brain injuries and multisystem trauma can be associated with cervical spine injury. This studycompared the severity of traumatic brain injury to the incidence of cervical spine injury detected on CT scan among TBI patients who presented to a tertiary care hospital. Results among the 180 patients showedthat there was no statistically significant association between the severity of traumatic brain injury and incidence of cervical spine injury. The causation of cervical spine injury can be multifactorial and not just limited to the severity of traumatic brain injury alone.
RETHINKING THE ROLE OF PREDATORY JOURNALS AND PAPER MILLS IN ACADEMIC PUBLISHING: A RESPONSE TO SYSTEMIC PRESSURES
Authors: Tom Joseph Chrison , D. Akanksha , Treesa Antony Sonu , Aditya G. Abhilash , S. Appanavar Vinaykumar
Published: November 2024

This paper examines both the negative and unexpected positive impacts associated with the rise of predatory journals and paper mills, considering the complex structural pressures that have cultivated a publishing ecosystem where fraudulent research thrives. Despite their unethical practices, these entities address critical issues facing academia, including financial barriers, publication delays, and a high-stakes emphasis on publishing quantity over quality. This paper argues that predatory journals and paper mills have proliferated due to a demand created by institutional requirements, financial hurdles posed by major journals, and the monopolistic tendencies of high-impact journals. In examining these issues, this paper calls for rethinking the current publishing framework and advocates for reform to reduce the demand for predatory practices and create a more inclusive research environment.
APPLICATION OF MRI- MRI-DIFFUSION-WEIGHTED IMAGING ANDADC VALUES IN ONCOLOGY
Authors:   MD DMRD, Professor and HOD, KMCT Medical College, Manassery, Kozhikode 673602, Kerala, India., Rajendran V.R , Rajendran Nimisha ,   MBBS, Resident Medical Officer, Kozhikode District Cooperative Hospital, Kerala, India., Faiz Juvaina ,   MD DNB, Addl. Professor Government Medical College Idukki, Kerala, India., Surendran Simi ,   MBBS, Junior Resident, KMCT Medical College, Manassery, Kozhikode 673602, Kerala, India.
Published: November 2024

DWI, or diffusion-weighted imaging, uses water protons to deliver microscopic information that conventional MRI cannot. DWI quantifies the extracellular, intracellular, and transcellular Brownian motions of water molecules.(1). Quantitative and qualitative measure of DWI that represents the diffusion movements of water molecules in different tissues is the apparent diffusion coefficient, or ADC. ADC is a quantitative measure derived from DWI that integrates the effects of water diffusion and capillary perfusion(2). Compared to benign lesions, malignant tumours typically exhibited diffusion restriction, which is reflected in bright images with high signal intensity and lower ADC values, which are reflected in images with low signal intensity. Therefore, the ADC value aids in distinguishing between benign and malignant tumours. Typically, benign lesions have high ADC values and malignant lesions have low ADC values.These days, diffusion-weighted imaging is used much more often in oncology. DWI has several benefits, including being non-invasive and not requiring a contrast agent. It is a rapid method that yields both qualitative and quantitative data regarding the type of tumour in a matter of minutes. Both the prognosis and the response to treatment can be evaluated. It is possible to distinguish between lesions that recur or persistent fibrosis following chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Additionally, it aids in distinguishing between neoplastic and hyperplastic lymph nodes. Therefore, distinguishing between benign and malignant tumours is the primary function of the DWI/ADC value.
Atık Sulardan Ağır Metal Giderimi
Authors: Atasoy Nurhayat
Published: November 2024

Ağır metaller, toksisiteleri, atmosferde uzun ömürleri ve biyokonsantrasyon yoluyla insan vücudunda birikebilmeleri nedeniyle iyi bilinen çevre kirleticilerdir. Ağır metallerin çoğu doğal olarak oluşur, ancak bazıları antropojenik kaynaklardan elde edilir. Ağır metaller büyük atom ağırlıklarına sahiptir ve canlı organizmalar için oldukça toksiktir. Birçok ağır metal çevre ve hava kirliliğine neden olabilir ve insanlar için ölümcül olabilir. Ağır metaller su, toprak ve hava gibi çeşitli çevresel unsurlarla karıştığında oldukça zehirlidir ve insanlar ve diğer organizmalar besin zinciri yoluyla ağır metallere maruz kalabilir. Birikim sonucu, canlıların bünyesinde yoğunlaşan bu metaller, tiroit, nörolojik, otizm ve kısırlık gibi hastalıklara neden olabilirler. Temiz bir çevre ve insan sağlığı açısından ağır metal iyonlarının atık sulardan uzaklaştırılması büyük önem taşımaktadır. Sanayileşme, iklim değişikliği ve kentleşme nedeniyle su ortamındaki ağır metal kirliliği artıyor. Kirlilik kaynakları arasında madencilik atıkları, çöp sızıntıları, belediye ve endüstriyel atık sular, kentsel akıntılar ve volkanik patlamalar, hava koşulları ve kaya aşınması gibi doğal olaylar yer alır. Ağır metal iyonları toksiktir, potansiyel olarak kanserojendir ve biyolojik sistemlerde biyolojik olarak birikebilir. Çeşitli atık su kaynaklarından ağır metal iyonlarının uzaklaştırılması için farklı yöntemler vardır. Bu yöntemler adsorpsiyon, kimyasal, elektrokimyasal ayırma işlemleri, iyon değişimi, çökeltme, nanofiltrasyon, ultrafiltrasyon, ters ozmoz vb. işlemler olarak sınıflandırılabilir. Genel olarak son yıllardaki çalışmaların çoğunun adsorpsiyon teknikleri üzerine yoğunlaştığı görülmektedir. Kimyasal ve membran yöntemleri pratik olmasına rağmen, büyük hacimli çamur oluşumu ve arıtma sonrası gereksinimler, kimyasal teknikler için çözülmesi gereken hayati konulardır. Gelecekteki araştırma çalışmaları çevre dostu olmalı, uygun maliyetli ve sürdürülebilir malzeme ve yöntemlere odaklanmalıdır. Bu derleme, ağır metallerin uzaklaştırılması için su arıtımına ilişkin multidisipliner araştırmalar dikkate alınarak, ağır metallerin uzaklaştırılması için kullanılan ana teknolojiler ve malzemeler hakkında, ağır metallerin atık sulardan nasıl giderildiğini incelenmeyi amaçlamıştır.
El proceso contencioso-administrativo como primer nivel de protección de los derechos fundamentales
Authors: Huamán Ordóñez Luis
Published: November 2024

El autor del presente ensayo analiza el papel actual del proceso contencioso-administrativo en la tutela del ciudadano entendiendo que la jurisprudencia reconoce que este medio de protección jurisdiccional del particular ha ido transitado, aunque de manera pausada, desde un enfoque enteramente revisor o anulatorio a otro de plena jurisdicción en donde, en cuanto a este último, se le atribuyen al juez diversas competencias en función al mandamiento constitucional de juzgar y hacer ejecutar lo juzgado sobre el sustento del control jurídico de las anomalías de la administración. Es así que, sobre la base de una frondosa línea jurisprudencial del Tribunal Constitucional a lo que se aúna la de la Corte Suprema de Justicia de la República y de las Cortes Superiores, indaga sobre dicha transformación y su incidencia en la eficacia vertical de los derechos fundamentales y el equilibrio de poderes llegando a establecer que el control jurisdiccional de la administración se realiza para asegurar la sana interacción entre los poderes públicos sin que ello implique transgredir las atribuciones de cada órgano de poder estatal descartando, de plano, la idea de una intromisión judicial al respecto. Con el uso de las técnicas hermenéutica, sociológica e histórica, llega a la conclusión de que la lectura de la plena jurisdicción, así como el asumirse que el proceso contencioso-administrativo conlleva a asegurar la supremacía de la Constitución y la inserción de una tutela urgente no constitucional constituyen insumos de relevancia en la identificación de este proceso judicial como primer nivel de tutela de derechos fundamentales.
Desaparecimento e morte de abelhas no brasil, registrados no aplicativo bee alert
Authors:   , Castilhos Dayson
Published: November 2024

Dois grandes problemas apicultura atual são a morte massiva e o desaparecimento
ou CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder) das abelhas, que estão causando o declínio populacional
mundial dessas espécies. Em março de 2014, uma pesquisa online foi lançada na internet com
o objetivo de avaliar a evolução dessas ocorrências no Brasil. Os casos ocorridos entre 1º de
janeiro de 2013 até 31 de dezembro de 2016 puderam ser armazenados em um banco de dados
eletrônico hospedado no website , bem
como em aplicativos para smartphones e tablets, para que os colaboradores interessados
fizessem seus registros. Um total de 247 participantes qualificados, confirmados e validados
concluíram os questionários e foram aceitos para compor o banco de dados do aplicativo BEE
ALERT nesse período. Em visitas a esses apiários, 38 amostras de abelhas mortas puderam ser
coletadas para análises de resíduos de agrotóxicos por espectrometria de massas (UHPLCMS/
MS). As análises estatísticas mostraram que os agrotóxicos são reportados como os
principais responsáveis pelas mortes em massa e CCD no país. A perda total de colônias
calculada para o período (2013–2016) foi de 52,2% com (95% IC 48,3–56,0%) e perda média
de 62,0% com (95% IC 57,9–66,1%). Os neonicotinóides e o fipronil lideram a lista dos
agrotóxicos com 37,7% dos casos e o estado de São Paulo detém 47% dos registros de mortes
e desaparecimento de colônias de abelhas no Brasil. As análises químicas mostraram
contaminações múltiplas com maiores índices para o fipronil com frequência de 68,4% e
amplitude de (0,5–23.539,7 ng/g), tiametoxam 42,1% e (0,6–13,6 ng/g), dinotefuran 42,1% e
(0,6–205,0 ng/g), imidaclopride 28,9% e (2,4–16,2 ng/g), nitenpiram 5,3% e (3,8–7,4 ng/g),
acetamipride 5,3% e (1,3–2,1 ng/g) e tiaclopride 2,6% (1,6 ng/g). Os resíduos de
neonicotinóides e fipronil tiveram maiores frequências e amplitudes em abelhas coletadas
próximas a plantações de cana-de-açúcar e pomares de laranja no noroeste de São Paulo e
outras regiões agroindustriais do país. A abelha africanizada (Apis mellifera) e a abelha nativa
jataí (Tetragonisca angustula) são as espécies mais prejudicadas. Esses agrotóxicos
sistêmicos são os principais mecanismos de morte em massa e desaparecimento das abelhas
no Brasil, segundo esta pesquisa
Suplementação alimentar de abelhas africanizadas (apis mellifera l.) na região do semiárido
Authors:   , Sombra Daiana da Silva
Published: November 2024

A carência de pólen na natureza, durante o período de escassez no semiárido, afeta a
produtividade das colônias, sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver e testar
dietas artificiais proteicas para colônias de abelhas Apis mellifera, utilizando a leucena
(Leucena leucocephala) e a macroalga Gracilaria birdiae. Para os testes em laboratório,
abelhas em gaiolas de confinamento foram alimentadas por sete dias com diferentes dietas:
D1 (Beebread e candy (açúcar triturado com mel)), D2 (Megabee® - dieta comercial), D3
(xarope de sacarose 50% (v/v)), D4 e D5 (contendo farelo de milho, farelo de soja e leucena
como principais ingredientes, com diferentes concentrações), D6 (farelo de milho e farelo de
soja), D7 (farelo de milho e leucena), D8 (farelo de milho e açúcar cristal) e D9 (Promotor
L®). Coletas de amostras de hemolinfa de abelhas operárias foram realizadas para análise da
concentração proteica. No campo foram realizados dois experimentos: 1) teste das dietas
selecionadas pelo resultado da concentração de proteína na hemolinfa (D5, D6 e xarope de
sacarose 50% (v/v)); e 2) avaliação de dietas a base da macroalga G. birdiae (EA – extrato de
algas com xarope; M+S – farelo de soja, farelo de milho e xarope de sacarose 50% (v/v);
M+FA – farinha de algas, farelo de milho e xarope de sacarose 50% (v/v); Controle – xarope
de sacarose 50% (v/v)). Em ambos os experimentos realizados em campo foram mensurados
o consumo das dietas pastosas, o ganho de peso das colônias e o percentual de área ocupada
nos favos com postura, cria operculada e cria aberta, pólen, mel e néctar aberto. No
experimento 1 não houve diferença no consumo das dietas nem no ganho de peso das
colônias, mas ocorreu maior percentual de área ocupada com ovo nas colônias alimentadas
com a dieta D5, sendo estatisticamente superior à média do grupo que recebeu a dieta D6. A
dieta D5 também foi significativamente melhor para a área de cria operculada e cria aberta.
No experimento 2 o consumo da dieta M+FA foi superior à dieta M+S, porém não ocorreu
diferença no peso das colônias de nenhum tratamento. O percentual de área ocupada nos favos
apresentou diferença estatística apenas para a variável mel, onde a dieta M+FA foi superior ao
controle e EA, porém não diferindo de M+FA. Com base nesses resultados podemos sugerir
que a inclusão da leucena e da macroalga G. birdiae na dieta das abelhas, servem de substituto
de pólen. Por tratarem-se de produtos encontrados facilmente na região e de baixo custo,
sendo a macroalga encontrada em abundância no litoral do Nordeste Brasileiro, podem ser
considerados acessíveis para o apicultor, sendo, portanto, excelentes alternativas para
alimentação proteica das abelhas durante o período de escassez de alimento no semiárido
nordestino
Substituição da metionina pela betaína na dieta de Codornas de corte (coturnix coturnix coturnix)
Authors:   , Oliveira Vanessa Raquel de Morais
Published: November 2024

A betaína é um derivado do aminoácido glicina, encontrado na maioria dos
organismos. Devido sua função como doador de grupos metil e seu baixo custo, tem sido
utilizada como substituto parcial a metionina em rações de frangos de corte. Assim,
objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da suplementação de betaína em substituição parcial às
exigências de metionina+cistina, sobre o desempenho produtivo, rendimento de carcaça
e resposta imune de codornas europeias, bem como a viabilidade econômica da inclusão
da betaína nas rações. Foram utilizadas 920 codornas europeias, no período de 1 a 42 dias
de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos,
dez repetições e 23 aves por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro
rações experimentais, sendo o tratamento 1, uma ração controle a base de milho e farelo
de soja sem suplementação de betaína; tratamento 2, ração com redução de 5% da
exigência de metionina+cistina sem suplementação de betaína; tratamento 3, ração com
redução de 5% da exigência de metionina+cistina com suplementação de betaína e
tratamento 4, ração com redução de 10% da exigência de metionina+cistina com
suplementação de betaína. Para as variáveis estudadas observou-se efeito significativo
(P<0,05) dos tratamentos sobre o ganho de peso das codornas no período de 1 a 21 dias
de idade, sendo todos os tratamentos superiores ao tratamento controle. Aos 42 dias de
idade, observou-se que todos os tratamentos foram superiores ao tratamento controle para
peso ao abate e peso eviscerado. O peso de coxa+sobrecoxa apresentou resultado
satisfatório nos tratamentos com utilização de betaína, porém, não diferiram do
tratamento com redução de 5% de metionina + cistina sem suplementação de betaína. Não
houve efeito dos diferentes tratamentos para consumo de ração, ganho de peso e
conversão alimentar no período de 22 a 42 dias de idade. Da mesma forma, os tratamentos
não influenciaram (P>0,05) o peso dos órgãos linfoides, fígado e parâmetros sanguíneos
das codornas aos 42 dias de idade. No entanto, a análise econômica das rações mostrou
uma redução no preço por quilo de ração e melhor eficiência econômica com a
suplementação de betaína. Logo, a betaína pode substituir até 10% as exigências de
metionina+cistina de codornas europeias, sem comprometer o desempenho produtivo,
características da carcaça, qualidade física da carne e resposta imune das aves
Características morfofisiológicas, termorreguladoras e sanguíneas de ovelhas da raça morada nova em ambiente semiárido
Authors:   , Silva Wilma Emanuela da
Published: November 2024

É consensual o fato de que os animais da raça Morada Nova tem capacidade de resistir ao elevado estresse térmico, nutricional e de sanidade em qualquer época do ano. Estes atributos, citados como principais vantagens por quase todos os criadores, justificam a adoção desta raça em sistemas extensivos no ambiente semiárido brasileiro. A seleção para animais mais adaptados foi por muito tempo baseado apenas na manutenção da temperatura corporal, mas sabe-se que há varios fatores ligados a adaptação como parâmetros fisiológicos, sanguíneos e morfológicos. É importante saber quais características adaptativas podem ser indicativas de estresse térmico para que possam ser incluídas nos programas de melhoramento genético no intuito de obter melhores resultados na utilização desses animais no ambiente que vivem. Assim o presente trabalho, teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento e a magnitude das respostas morfosiológicas, termorreguladoras e parâmetros sanguíneos de ovelhas da raça Morada Nova, ao longo do ano, nas propriedades participantes do Núcleo de Melhoramento Genético Participativo. Animais de 4 rebanhos foram avaliados nos meses de Março, Junho, Setembro e Dezembro. A tese foi dividida em 2 capítulos, o primeiro teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento e a magnitude das respostas termorreguladoras de ovelhas da raça Morada Nova, ao longo do ano, e espera-se fornecer subsídios para indicar um marcador fenotípico de termotolerância, para que estes possam ser usados como critério de seleção nos programas de conservação e melhoramento genético de animais resistentes ao calor. O período chuvoso foi considerado o mais estressante para os animais no presente trabalho, pela utilização mais intensa de um conjunto de variáveis no intuito de se termorregularem e manter a homeotermia. O comportamento das características de pelame podem favorecer os animais durante todos os meses do ano quer seja para proteção física ou dissipação de calor, podendo assim ser indicadas como marcador fenotípico de termotolerância para possivelmente ser utilizado com critérios em programas de melhoramento e conservação genético de animais resistentes ao calor. O segundo capítulo teve como objetivo avaliar o comportamento dos parâmetros hematológicos e metabólitos sanguíneos de ovelhas Morada Nova, associando as condições ambientais do semiárido brasileiro em diferentes épocas do ano. Os parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos das ovelhas Morada Nova estiveram, em sua maioria, dentro dos níveis fisiológicos considerados normais para a espécie. As variações observadas nos parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos refletem a adaptabilidade e plasticidade de ovelhas Morada Nova diante das condições de manejo e ambiente a que foram submetidas
Modelagem ecossistêmica de reservatórios do semiárido brasileiro e determinação da capacidade suporte da criação de tilápia-do-nilo em tanques-rede
Authors:   , Moura Rodrigo Sávio Teixeira de
Published: November 2024

A modelagem matemática é uma ferramenta importante no entendimento da estrutura
e funcionamento de ambientes aquáticos, permitindo estimar e simular a magnitude dos
impactos que atividades como piscicultura tem sobre os ambientes aquáticos e a produção
pesqueira. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar os fluxos de energia nas teias tróficas dos
reservatórios Santa Cruz e Umari, simular os impactos da criação de tilápia-do-Nilo em
tanques-rede sobre as comunidades bióticas e suas interferências na atividade de pesca; além
de determinar a capacidade suporte para a piscicultura em ambos os reservatórios. Para tanto
foram utilizados dois modelos: um modelo de balanço de massa de fósforo para estimativa
das concentrações de fósforo na água dos reservatórios; um modelo Ecopath with Ecosim
para estimativa dos fluxos energéticos nas teias tróficas, propriedades ecossistêmicas e
simulação da influência dos tanques-rede na atividade de pesca dos reservatórios. Foram
feitas coletas durante três anos, de 2012 a 2014, em ambos os reservatórios, para o cálculo das
biomassas das comunidades aquáticas (plâncton, macrófitas, bentos, peixes), e para a
determinação das concentrações de nutrientes na água. Informações quantitativas sobre a
atividade de pesca e de piscicultura também foram coletadas. Os resultados indicam que
Umari possui uma maior capacidade suporte do que Santa Cruz, principalmente devido a
menor emissão de fósforo para o reservatório, de modo que Umari poderia receber uma maior
produção de tilápias em tanques-rede. As teias tróficas de ambos os reservatórios foram
baseadas em detritos, sendo a principal fonte de energia para as comunidades aquáticas.
Ambos os reservatórios foram considerados ambientes imaturos, com baixa estabilidade,
entretanto, o acúmulo de detritos nestes ambientes pode representar um estoque de energia a
ser usado durante perturbações. Nas simulações todas as comunidades aquáticas se
beneficiaram do aporte de nutrientes da piscicultura, aumentando suas populações. Com a
simulação do aumento da produção aquícola foi evidenciado o aumento das capturas por
pesca das principais espécies de interesse comercial
Is the Hyperdensity Areas of the CT Blend Sign Associated with the Fresh Bleeding in Intracerebral Hemorrhage?
Authors: Wu Qian , Che Wei , Chen Na , Wang Long , Ren Siying , Ye Fei , Zhao Xu , Wu Guofeng , Wang Likun
Published: November 2024

Background:

Controversies still exist regarding the mechanism formation of the blend sign, defined as hypodensity and hyperdensity regions, in Intracerebral
Hemorrhage (ICH), and which region associated with bleeding remains unknown. Spot sign is an independent predictor of hematoma expansion
(HE) and indicates persistent bleeding focus in the hematoma. Here, we sought to establish the relationship between the spot sign and the blend
sign to gain insights into the formation of the blend sign.

Methods:

Patients were categorized based on the spot sign location within the blend sign in patients with ICH from 2018 to 2023. subjects with a spot sign in
the hypodensity region of the blend sign (hypo-spot sign group); subjects with a spot sign in the hyperdensity region of the blend sign (hyper-spot
sign group). Subsequently, patients were stratified into two groups based on the presence or absence of HE. Also, we analyzed the relationship
between the spot sign and the blend sign, as well as the association between the blend sign and HE.

Results:

A total of 205 patients were included, including 190 patients (92.7%) who had the spot sign in the hyper-spot sign and 15 patients (7.3%) who had
the spot sign in the hypo-spot sign. HE was observed in 60 patients (29.3%), 59 (98.3%) of whom had the spot sign detected in the hyper-spot sign,
while only one (1.7%) had the spot sign in the hypo-spot sign. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the hyper-spot sign group
(6.305, 1.810–49.072; P < 0.05) was an independent predictor of HE.

Conclusion:

The hyperdensity area of the blend sign may represent fresh bleeding in ICH rather than the hypodensity area.
Artificial Neural Network Models for Predicting the Early Cracking Risk in Massive Monolithic Foundation Slabs
Authors: Chepurnenko Anton , Turina Vasilina , Akopyan Vladimir
Published: November 2024

Background

The problem of early cracking at the construction stage caused by the heat release of concrete and uneven heating is relevant for thick foundation slabs. The aim of this work is to develop models of artificial neural networks for predicting the level of temperature stresses that arise during the construction of massive monolithic foundation slabs.

Methods

Two models of artificial neural networks (ANN) for predicting the risk of early cracking during the construction of foundation slabs are proposed in this article. The first model predicts the maximum tensile stress level (the ratio of tensile stress to the current tensile strength) for the slab made from slow-hardening concrete. The second model does the same for quick-hardening concrete. The ANN models are implemented in the Neural Network Toolbox package of the MATLAB environment. The architecture of the models is a feed-forward neural network with two hidden layers. The input parameters of the models are the thickness of the foundation slab, the average ambient temperature, the heat transfer coefficient on the upper surface, the grade of concrete by compressive strength, and the thermophysical characteristics of the soil base. The models are trained on synthetic data obtained by 759,375 numerical experiments with varying input parameters.

Results

The theoretical model underlying the formation of the synthetic training dataset is preliminarily tested on experimental data. Trained models allow predicting the risk of early cracking for foundation slabs with a thickness of 0.7 to 3 m for all possible values of the heat transfer coefficient on the upper surface, ambient temperatures from +5 °C to +35 °C, concrete grade from B25 to B45 according to Russian standards. The developed ANNs are characterized by high forecasting quality in terms of the mean square error and the correlation coefficient between target and predicted values. The article also assesses the significance of input parameters using the trained neural networks.

Conclusion

An analysis using artificial intelligence showed that the most significant parameter influencing the risk of early cracking is the thickness of the foundation slab. Other significant parameters include ambient temperature, the heat transfer coefficient on the upper surface, and the concrete grade by compressive strength. The thermal properties of the soil base do not have a significant effect on the stress level.
Evaluating the Anti-inflammatory Efficacy of a Novel Bipyrazole Derivative in Alleviating Symptoms of Experimental Colitis
Authors: Bseiso Yousra , Gammoh Omar , Alqudah Mohammad , Altaber Sara , Qnais Esam , Wedyan Mohammed , Alqudah Abdelrahim , Alotaibi Badriyah S.
Published: November 2024

Aims:

This aims to assess the efficacy of 2', 3, 3, 5'-Tetramethyl-4'-nitro-2'H-1, 3'-bipyrazole (TMNB), a novel compound, in colitis treatment.

Background:

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract with limited effective treatments available. The
exploration of new therapeutic agents is critical for advancing treatment options.

Objective:

To assess the effect of TMNB in alleviating symptoms of experimental colitis in mice and to compare its effectiveness with that of sulfasalazine, a
standard treatment.

Methods:

Experimental colitis was induced in mice, which were subsequently treated with TMNB at dosages of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg. The outcomes were
evaluated based on colitis symptoms, Colon damage, Disease Activity Index (DAI) scores, and inflammation markers, including nitric oxide (NO)
and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels. Additional assessments included spleen cell proliferation, pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α,
IL-6, IL-1β), and inflammatory genes expression (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COX2, and iNOS).

Results:

TMNB treatment significantly alleviated colitis symptoms (100 and 150 mg/kg). These higher doses notably reduced colonic damage,
inflammation, hyperemia, edema, and ulceration (p<0.01). The treatment also effectively decreased Disease Activity Index (DAI) scores,
demonstrating a marked improvement in clinical signs of colitis (100 mg/kg, p<0.05; 150 mg/kg, p<0.01). Additionally, TMNB substantially
lowered myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels, indicating reduced neutrophil activity and inflammation (100 mg/kg, p<0.05; 150 mg/kg, p<0.01), and
nitric oxide (NO) levels, suggesting diminished oxidative stress (100 mg/kg, p<0.05; 150 mg/kg, p<0.01). The treatment also led to a significant
reduction in spleen cell proliferation (100 mg/kg, p<0.05; 150 mg/kg, p<0.01) and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, with TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6
all showing decreases comparable to those observed with sulfasalazine (p<0.01). Moreover, TMNB effectively downregulated IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α,
COX2, and iNOS (p<0.01), affirming its broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.

Conclusion:

TMNB exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, suggesting that TMNB could be a new therapeutic agent for managing
inflammatory bowel disease. This study supports the need for further clinical trials to explore TMNB's efficacy and safety in human subjects.
The Influence of Electronic Health Education Media on Enhancing Self-Management Among Individuals Afflicted with Gout Arthritis: A Comprehensive Scoping Review
Authors: Sandehang Cornelia Fransiska
Published: November 2024

Monosodium urate crystals accumulate in Gout Arthritis, resulting in joint inflammation, significant pain, and potential joint damage, which can impair mobility and lead to disability. Additionally, uncontrolled hyperuricemia may result in the formation of kidney stones and diminished kidney function. Therefore, implementing effective management and treatment strategies is crucial for enhancing self-management in individuals diagnosed with Gout Arthritis. This scoping review seeks to provide an overview of the effectiveness of various electronic health education media in improving the self-management of individuals suffering from Gout Arthritis. The study followed the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews and involved a comprehensive literature search across ProQuest, Science Direct, Wiley, and Google Scholar, focusing on publications from 2016 to 2022. Ten articles that met the predetermined inclusion criteria were synthesized for this review. The findings suggest that using electronic health education media can significantly enhance self-management practices and medication adherence among Gout Arthritis patients and facilitate favourable changes in uric acid levels. These insights may serve as valuable contributions to managing Gout Arthritis cases
La literatura como ventana hacia la realidad colombiana: protagonistas y dinámicas de violencia en Leopardo al Sol, de Laura Restrepo
Authors: Lázaro Montes Julián Andrés , Salcedo Díaz Laura
Published: November 2024

Introducción: Este artículo analiza la representación de la violencia en la novela Leopardo al Sol de Laura Restrepo, enfocándose en cómo se presentan los itinerarios y repertorios de actores violentos en el norte de Colombia durante las últimas décadas del siglo XX. Elobjetivo: es desentrañar los elementos socioeconómicos que subyacen en el discurso de Restrepo y que reflejan problemas como la corrupción, la ausencia del Estado, el comercio ilegal y la violencia privada. Metodología: A través de un análisis del discurso, se identifican fases clave en la evolución de la violencia en Colombia, destacando factores que han moldeado el contexto actual. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos indican que la obra no solo retrata la violencia de manera descriptiva, sino que también ofrece un recurso analítico que permite comprender su transformación a lo largo del tiempo, enfatizando su complejidad y persistencia en la sociedad colombiana
Gamified Digital Mental Health Interventions for Young People: Scoping Review of Ethical Aspects During Development and Implementation
Authors: Spahl Wanda , Motta Valeria , Woodcock Kate , Rubeis Giovanni
Published: November 2024

Background

Young people are particularly at risk of developing mental health problems, a challenge exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital tools such as apps and chatbots show promise in providing accessible, cost-effective, and less stigmatized ways of strengthening their mental health. However, while these interventions offer benefits, they extend mental health measures beyond traditional therapeutic settings and relationships, which raises ethical concerns due to the absence of established guidelines and regulations. This is particularly notable for technologies incorporating serious gaming elements. In addition, adolescents are in a sensitive and at times vulnerable phase, which shows great potential for the effective use of preventive and sensitizing mental health measures. Considering the lack of an integration into existing mental health structures among many young users, ethical considerations become crucial.

Objective

This scoping review aims to build a knowledge base on the ethical aspects of developing and implementing gamified digital mental health interventions for young people.

Methods

We conducted a search on research articles and conference papers from 2015 to 2023 in English, German, and Spanish. We identified 1815 studies using a unique combination of keywords in the databases Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO. After removing duplicates (741/1816, 40.8%), we included a total of 38 publications in this review following a double screening process.

Results

This review found that ethically relevant aspects were discussed with regard to (1) research ethics, (2) ethical principles (including privacy, accessibility, empowerment and autonomy, cultural and social sensitivity, and co-design), (3) vulnerable groups, and (4) social implications (including implementation using facilitators in specific social contexts, relationship with other therapeutic options, economic aspects, and social embeddedness of technologies).

Conclusions

This scoping review identified a prevailing limited interpretation of “ethics” as research ethics across the included publications. It also shows a lack of discussion on the social embeddedness of technologies and that co-design is frequently viewed in instrumental terms and vulnerability is mostly addressed pragmatically. Through providing concrete examples of how mental health researchers and game designers thus far have addressed and mitigated ethical challenges in specific interventions, this review illustrates how ethical issues do or do not prompt diverse reflections, mitigation strategies, and actions. It advocates for ethics to be integrated as an ongoing practice throughout all stages of developing and implementing serious game elements in mental health interventions for young people.
The Impact of Voice on Perceptions of Empathy: An Experimental Study Using Conversational Agent Prototypes in the Context of Mental Healthcare. (Preprint)
Authors: Sanjeewa Ruvini , Iyer Ravi , Apputhurai Pragalathan , Wickramasinghe Nilmini , Meyer Denny
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Empathy is a critical component of effective mental health care communication. Positive perceptions of empathy in conversational agents (CAs) operating in the healthcare domain are needed to enhance the quality of care provided by these emerging technologies.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates how demographic characteristics of individual users affect their perception of empathy in a mental health helpline service context. The impact of vocal cues engineered within nine CA prototypes is the focus of this study.

METHODS

A group of psychology students (n=306) were presented with several CA prototypes, and their perceptions of empathy were evaluated via an online survey. Perceptions of empathy were rated using the Perceived Emotional Intelligence (PEI) Scale and the Rater Scale (RS10).

RESULTS

A linear mixed model for PEI showed significantly higher ratings for high than low engineered empathy levels (t(8)=-2.34, p=0.048), and for participants of Asian and the Other category rather than Oceanic ethnicities (t(285)=2.54, p=0.01 and t(286)=2.25, p=0.03 respectively). RS10 ratings were also significantly higher for high rather than low engineered empathy levels (t(8)=-2.45, p=0.04) and for participants of the Other category rather than Oceanic ethnicities (t(284)=2.24, p=0.03). Women also showed significantly higher RS10 ratings than men (t(283) =1.94, p=0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Recognising empathy levels in CA prototypes proved challenging, highlighting possible complexities involved with voice-based empathy detection. The perception of empathy may also be affected by different ethnic and gender-based factors.
The study findings emphasise the importance of personalised empathic communication by CAs with users based on their ethnicity and gender in the context of mental health helpline service provision