bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interferon-stimulated gene PVRL4 broadly suppresses viral entry by inhibiting viral-cellular membrane fusion
Authors: Cai Qiaomei , Sun Nina , Zhang Yurui , Wang Jingfeng , Pan Chaohu , Chen Yu , Li Lili , Li Xiaorong , Liu Wancheng , Aliyari Saba R. , Yang Heng , Cheng Genhong
Published: February 2024

Background

Viral infection elicits the type I interferon (IFN-I) response in host cells and subsequently inhibits viral infection through inducing hundreds of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) that counteract many steps in the virus life cycle. However, most of ISGs have unclear functions and mechanisms in viral infection. Thus, more work is required to elucidate the role and mechanisms of individual ISGs against different types of viruses.

Results

Herein, we demonstrate that poliovirus receptor-like protein4 (PVRL4) is an ISG strongly induced by IFN-I stimulation and various viral infections. Overexpression of PVRL4 protein broadly restricts growth of enveloped RNA and DNA viruses, including vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), influenza A virus (IAV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) whereas deletion of PVRL4 in host cells increases viral infections. Mechanistically, it suppresses viral entry by blocking viral-cellular membrane fusion through inhibiting endosomal acidification. The vivo studies demonstrate that Pvrl4-deficient mice were more susceptible to the infection of VSV and IAV.

Conclusion

Overall, our studies not only identify PVRL4 as an intrinsic broad-spectrum antiviral ISG, but also provide a candidate host-directed target for antiviral therapy against various viruses including SARS-CoV-2 and its variants in the future.
Single nuclear RNA sequencing of terminal ileum in patients with cirrhosis demonstrates multi-faceted alterations in the intestinal barrier
Authors: Jiang Xixian , Xu Ying , Fagan Andrew , Patel Bhaumik , Zhou Huiping , Bajaj Jasmohan S.
Published: February 2024

Patients with cirrhosis have intestinal barrier dysfunction but the role of the individual cell types in human small intestine is unclear. We performed single-nuclear RNA sequencing (snRNAseq) in the pinch biopsies of terminal ileum of four age-matched men [56 years, healthy control, compensated, early (ascites and lactulose use) and advanced decompensated cirrhosis (ascites and rifaximin use)]. Cell type proportions, differential gene expressions, cell-type specific pathway analysis using IPA, and cellular crosstalk dynamics were compared. Stem cells, enterocytes and Paneth cells were lowest in advanced decompensation. Immune cells like naive CD4 + T cells were lowest while ITGAE + cells were highest in advanced decompensation patients. MECOM had lowest expression in stem cells in advanced decompensation. Defensin and mucin sulfation gene (PAPSS2) which can stabilize the mucus barrier expression were lowest while IL1, IL6 and TNF-related genes were significantly upregulated in the enterocytes, goblet, and Paneth cells in decompensated subjects. IPA analysis showed higher inflammatory pathways in enterocytes, stem, goblet, and Paneth cells in decompensated patients. Cellular crosstalk analysis showed that desmosome, protease-activated receptors, and cadherin-catenin complex interactions were most perturbed in decompensated patients. In summary, the snRNAseq of the human terminal ileum in 4 subjects (1 control and three cirrhosis) identified multidimensional alteration in the intestinal barrier with lower stem cells and altered gene expression focused on inflammation, mucin sulfation and cell–cell interactions with cirrhosis decompensation.
Enhancing tube feeding method for neurosurgery: the application of improved PICC technique
Authors: Wu Huiwen , Qiu Yuru , Wang Yucui , Li Jiarong , Qiu Yihong
Published: February 2024

Background and purpose

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) used in neurosurgical patients requires changes in patients' head positions. However, such changes can worsen pressure on the brain tissue, lead to sudden acute brain herniation and respiratory arrest, resulting in a higher chance of patient death. This paper addresses the aforementioned problems by introducing a new PICC catheterization method.

Method

In a retrospective study, the records of patients with PICC from April 2020 to April 2023 were reviewed, and they were divided into three groups based on the methods employed. The first group as the conventional group, involved changing patients’ body positions during catheterization. The second group, as the intracavitary electrocardiographic (IECG) group, utilized intracavitary electrocardiographic monitoring and involved changing patients’ body positions during catheterization. The third group as the intracavitary electrocardiographic with improved body positioning (IECG-IBP) group, catheterization was performed with guidance from intracavitary electrocardiographs and without changing the patients’ body positions. The ECG changes among patients undergoing different catheter delivery methods were then compared, as well as the rate of catheter tip misplacement.

Result

The study encompassed a total of 354 cases. Our findings reveal distinct P wave amplitude percentages among the groups: 0% in the conventional group, 88.46% in the IECG group, and 91.78% in the IECG-IBP group. Furthermore, the following catheter tip misplacement rates were recorded: 11.54% for the conventional group, 5.39% for the IECG group, and 5.47% for the IECG-IBP group. Significantly notable differences were observed in these two key indicators between the conventional group and the IECG-IBP group. Notably, the IECG-IBP group demonstrated a more favorable outcome compared to the IECG group.

Conclusion

In patients with neurosurgical diseases, especially those with tracheostomy and nuchal stiffness, the IECG-IBP PICC catheter insertion method can effectively reduce the patient's neck resistance, does not increase the patient's headache and dizziness symptoms, and does not reduce the success of one-time catheterization. Rate and does not increase the incidence of jugular venous ectopia.
Depressive inclinations mediate the association between personality (neuroticism/conscientiousness) and TikTok Use Disorder tendencies
Authors: Montag Christian , Markett Sebastian
Published: February 2024

Background

We introduce a novel measure for assessing TikTok overuse, called the TikTok Use Disorder-Questionnaire (TTUD-Q). As part of ongoing investigations into the suitability of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework for diagnosing Gaming Disorder in the context of social media overuse, we developed this questionnaire by adapting the WHO framework, replacing the term “gaming” with “TikTok use”.

Methods

In order to address this question, we investigated the psychometric properties of the newly designed TTUD-Q and assessed its associations with the BFI-10 (assessing the Big Five of Personality) and the PHQ-8 (assessing depressive tendencies).

Results

In this study, involving a final sample of 378 participants, we observed that higher levels of neuroticism were linked to greater tendencies toward TikTok Use Disorder (TTUD). Furthermore, we identified that this association was mediated by depressive tendencies. Similar trends emerged when investigating the relationship between lower levels of conscientiousness and higher TTUD tendencies, with depressive tendencies once again serving as a mediator.

Discussion

Our research sets the foundation for future studies that should delve deeper into examining individual differences in TTUD using the WHO framework originally designed for Gaming Disorder.
Fostering resilience and well-being in emerging adults with adverse childhood experiences: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the FACE self-help app
Authors: Brodbeck Jeannette , Bötschi Salome I.R. , Vetsch Neela , Stallmann Lina , Löchner Johanna , Berger Thomas , Schmidt Stefanie J. , Marmet Simon
Published: February 2024

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are linked to an increased risk of psychological disorders and lower psychosocial functioning throughout life. This study aims to evaluate the FACE self-help app, designed to promote resilience and well-being in emerging adults with a history of ACE. The app is based on cognitive-behavioural principles and consists of two thematic components: (1) self- and emotion regulation (SER) and (2) social skills and biases in social information processing (SSIP).

Methods

The efficacy of the app will be tested through a single-centre, two-arm randomized controlled trial, comparing an active intervention group against a waiting list control group. The active group is divided into two subgroups, in which the two components are delivered in a different order to investigate differential effects in a crossover design. Up to 250 emerging adults aged 18 to 25 years with a history of ACE from a general population cohort study will be recruited. The primary objective is to test the efficacy of the app in improving resilience (primary outcome) and well-being (co-primary outcome) compared to a waiting list control group and to examine the stability of these effects. The secondary objectives include testing the efficacy of the app in improving the secondary outcomes, i.e., self-efficacy in managing emotions, problem solving, fear of evaluation, social avoidance, and self-esteem; examining the differential effects of the two components; and assessing the effect of the app on real-life data on resilience, affective states, distress in social interactions and coping strategies. Furthermore, the study will investigate potential moderators (e.g. ACE severity) and mediators of intervention outcomes (e.g. self-efficacy in managing emotions).

Discussion

The results will provide insights into the efficacy of the self-help intervention as well as mediators and moderators of outcomes. Furthermore, results will extend the existing knowledge by testing the differential effects of the SER and SSIP component on the outcomes. Findings can inform improvements to the FACE app and the development of other interventions for this target group and assess its potential as a scalable, low-threshold intervention to support emerging adults with a history of ACE in their transition to adulthood. Trial registration number: NCT05824182.
KolamNetV2: efficient attention-based deep learning network for tamil heritage art-kolam classification
Authors: Sasithradevi A. , Sabarinathan  , Shoba S. , Roomi S. Mohamed Mansoor , Prakash P.
Published: February 2024

In India, kolam, commonly referred to as rangoli, is a traditional style of art. It involves using rice flour, chalk, or coloured powders to create elaborate patterns and motifs on the ground. Kolam is a common daily ritual in many regions of India, especially in South India, where it is seen as a significant cultural tradition and a means to greet visitors. Unfortunately, as a result of people’s hectic lives nowadays, the habit of drawing kolam on a regular basis is dwindling. The art of making kolam patterns is in danger of disappearing as so many individuals no longer have the time or space to do it on a regular basis. Therefore, it is imperative that ancient art be conserved and digitally documented in order to enlighten our next generation about kolam and its classifications. Deep learning has become a powerful technique because of its ability to learn from raw image data without the aid of a feature engineering process. In this article, we attempted to understand the types of Kolam images using the proposed deep architecture called KolamNetV2. KolamNetV2 comprises EfficientNet and attention layers, ensuring high accuracy with minimal training data and parameters. We evaluated KolamNetV2 to reveal its ability to learn the various types in our challenging Kolam dataset. The experimental findings show that the proposed network achieves fine enhancement in performance metrics viz, precision-0.7954, recall-0.7846, F1score-0.7854 and accuracy-81%. We compared our results with state-of-the-art deep learning methodologies, proving the astounding capability.

Graphical Abstract
A comparative analysis of student, educator, and simulated parent ratings of video-recorded medical student consultations in pediatrics
Authors: Sullivan Clare C. , O’Leary Daire M. , Boland Fiona M. , Condron Claire M. , Mulhall Claire M. , Eppich Walter J.
Published: February 2024

Background

Simulation-based education (SBE) affords learners opportunities to develop communication skills, including those related to pediatrics. Feedback is an integral part of SBE, and while much research into feedback from multiple sources exists, the findings are mixed. The aim of this comparative study was to replicate some of this work in a novel area, pediatric medical education, to better understand how multisource feedback (self, educator, and simulated parent) may inform learning and curriculum design.

Methods

During their pediatric rotation, medical students participated in a consultation with a simulated parent, engaged in video-assisted self-reflection, and received feedback from both an educator and the simulated parent through an e-learning platform. The Pediatric Consultation Skills Assessment Tool (PCAT) was used for self-assessment and educator feedback, and the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) measure was used for simulated parent feedback.

Results

Our results showed that high-performing students underrated their performance, and low-performing students overrated their performance. Feedback from multiple sources helps to identify both areas of weakness in student performance and areas of weakness in student self-appraisal. Overall, general areas of weakness identified for the learners related to making contingency plans and providing easy-to-understand explanations for simulated parents. Some simulated parent feedback did not align with educator and student ratings, highlighting the value of including the simulated parent perspective. Our findings question whether a third party can reliably judge the simulated parent’s level of understanding.

Conclusion

Multisource feedback allows students to develop layered insights into their performance and supports self-appraisal. Aggregating feedback through an e-learning platform allows educators to gain greater insights into the strengths and weakness of students and design a more tailored teaching plan to support student needs.
Psychometric validation of the Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ) into Arabic
Authors: Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Hallit Rabih , Azzi Vanessa , Malaeb Diana , Sakr Fouad , Dabbous Mariam , Rashid Tabassum , Sawma Toni , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil
Published: February 2024

Background

Research on dysmorphic concerns (DC) in Arabic-speaking contexts is hampered by the lack of validated tools. Because DC are culturally dependent, psychometrically sound measures are needed at the national level to closely and accurately investigate the construct in specific societies and populations. The purpose of the current research was to investigate the psychometric properties of Dysmorphic Concern Questionnaire (DCQ) in its Arabic translation in Lebanese adults.

Methods

The study involved 515 participants (69.9% females, mean age of 27.55 ± 10.92 years) who completed a self-report, web-based questionnaire.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis indicated excellent construct validity, as the one-factor structure of the Arabic DCQ fits well with the data. McDonald’s omega was 0.89 in our sample, evidencing an excellent level of internal consistency. Furthermore, the results from the multigroup analysis showed that the DCQ holds similar structural model between genders at the metric, configural, and scalar levels. Finally, DC levels correlated inversely with body appreciation and self-esteem and positively with disordered eating symptoms, thus supporting the concurrent and convergent validity of the Arabic DCQ.

Conclusion

The DCQ translated into Arabic appears to have a valid self-assessment measure to capture the presence of DC manifestations. It is anticipated that the Arabic DCQ will be advantageous for healthcare professionals and researchers working with Arabic-speaking people around the world.
Noise suppression of airborne transient electromagnetic data with minimum curvature
Authors: Wang Hao , Xiong Shengqing , Li Fei , Wang Wanyin , Feng Bin , Zhang Jifeng , Yang Min
Published: February 2024

The airborne transient electromagnetic (ATEM) method is a geophysical exploration technique that offers several advantages, including rapid exploration, minimal interference from complex terrains, dense data sampling, and environmental friendliness. However, the full-frequency time-domain secondary field signal acquisition of the ATEM data is susceptible to various electromagnetic interferences, resulting in noise in the collected data. This noise complicates subsequent processing and interpretation. To address this issue, we have developed a 1D minimum-curvature difference equation with unequal spacing based on minimum-curvature differential equations. Through research, we develop an ATEM noise-suppression method based on multiple single-step and multiple superposition-step implicit iterative formats. In addition, we have investigated the convergence of explicit and implicit iterative schemes via Fourier spectrum analysis and proven that the implicit iterative schemes converge. This method effectively suppresses noise in synthetic and real ATEM data during processing. Our results show that the minimum-curvature method is particularly effective in suppressing sferic and Gaussian noises in ATEM data. As a result, our method provides high-quality and reliable ATEM data for further data processing and interpretation. Moreover, the minimum-curvature method is also capable of suppressing noise in ground and ground-space transient electromagnetic data, as well as magnetotelluric data noise. Therefore, this method exhibits a wide range of potential applications.
Approach to the Patient With Type 2 Diabetes Requiring Add-On Medication
Authors: Baum Howard B A
Published: February 2024

In the last 20 years, the number of approved agents and agent classes for management of type 2 diabetes has expanded significantly. This more robust armamentarium affords us the opportunity to utilize drugs with complementary modes of action to address progressive hyperglycemia as insulin secretion declines over time. Furthermore, some of these agents provide additional benefits, such as weight loss, prevention of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and protection against declining renal function. This dramatic increase of treatment options has led to complex published treatment advice which may be challenging for the busy clinician. A critical element in medication selection is awareness of the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)-lowering potency of the agent being considered, and the distance of the patient's HbA1c level from the individualized goal. Other important factors in choosing medication as diabetes progresses include the recognition that there is a diminishing return of glucose-lowering efficacy as add-on agents are introduced, and that the extent of benefit for cardiac and renal protection is not fully understood. In addition, the availability of newer non-insulin agents may distract the clinician from utilizing insulin, the most potent agent available. The goal of this article is to provide a straightforward approach to add-on medication in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, recognizing the limits of polypharmacy and the importance of employing agents best suited to achieving treatment targets. Proposed is a practical tool which provides stepwise guidance, utilizing available data on medication efficacy, while allowing flexibility based on clinician and patient preference.
Anesthetic Management of Middle Aortic Syndrome in an Adult: A Case Report
Authors: Senozan Sean K. , Clarke Amelia , Abraham Abey S. , Skubas Nikolaos J. , Maldonado Yasdet
Published: February 2024

Middle aortic syndrome (MAS) is a rare disorder characterized by narrowing of the aorta. Depending on the location and extent of aortic narrowing, surgical management may be necessary to prevent long-term sequelae, such as stroke and congestive heart failure. We report a case of MAS and discuss the unique intraoperative anesthetic considerations including hemodynamic monitoring proximal and distal to the aortic narrowing, minimizing the risk of spinal cord ischemia, and utilization of intraoperative dobutamine stress testing to guide surgical management.
Oncological Safety of Skipping Axillary Lymph Node Dissection in Patients with Clinical N0, Sentinel Node-Positive Breast Cancer Undergoing Total Mastectomy
Authors: Chun Jung Whan , Kang Eunhye , Kim Hong-Kyu , Lee Han-Byoel , Moon Hyeong-Gon , Lee Jong Won , Han Wonshik
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aimed to determine whether sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) alone could afford oncological outcomes comparable with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in patients with early breast cancer without palpable lymphadenopathy who underwent total mastectomy (TM) and were SLN-positive.

Methods

This study analyzed clinical data of 6747 patients with breast cancer who underwent TM between 2014 and 2018 in two tertiary hospitals in Korea. Overall, 643 clinical stage T1-3 N0 patients who did not receive neoadjuvant therapy and had one to two metastatic SLNs at the time of surgery were included. Propensity score matching was performed between the SLNB alone and ALND groups, adjusting for clinical T stage and number of metastatic SLNs. In total, 237 patients were allocated to each group.

Results

Mean number of metastatic SLNs was 1.2 for the SLNB group and 1.6 for the ALND group. With a median follow-up of 65.0 months, 5 year disease-free survival was 90.8% for the SLNB group and 93.9% for the ALND group (hazard ratio [HR] 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70–2.58; p = 0.36). 5 year ipsilateral locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) was not significantly different between the two groups (95.1% and 98.3% for the SLNB and ALND groups, respectively) [HR 1.86, 95% CI 0.69–5.04; p = 0.21]. In the SLNB group, patients who received radiation therapy (RT) showed superior 5 year LRRFS than patients who did not receive RT (100% vs. 92.9%; p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings suggest that SLNB could afford comparable outcomes to ALND in patients with early breast cancer and one to two metastatic SLNs who underwent TM. Importantly, RT could decrease locoregional recurrence in patients who underwent SLNB alone.
Cybersecurity governance
Authors: Δρίβας Γεώργιος-Φράγκος
Published: February 2024

Ο Ψηφιακός μετασχηματισμός, που έχει πλέον κάνει αισθητή την αναγκαιότητα εφαρμογής του στον τρόπο παροχής υπηρεσιών, απαιτεί την εγκαθίδρυση ενός κλίματος εμπιστοσύνης στον ψηφιακό κόσμο. Η πρόοδος του τομέα της κυβερνοασφάλειας αποτελεί βασική συνιστώσα για την επίτευξη αυτού του στόχου. Σε μια προσπάθεια να προωθήσει τις εξελίξεις προς αυτή την κατεύθυνση, η Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση (ΕΕ) έχει εκδώσει πληθώρα νομικών και κανονιστικών υποχρεώσεων. Ωστόσο, οι υποχρεώσεις αυτές δεν μπορούν να αποφέρουν τα επιθυμητά αποτελέσματα από μόνες τους, εάν δεν ενσωματωθούν σε ένα ολιστικό πλαίσιο διακυβέρνησης που να καλύπτει τόσο στρατηγικά όσο και επιχειρησιακά ζητήματα. Η παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία διερευνά νομικές και πολιτικές πρωτοβουλίες που σχετίζονται με την κυβερνοασφάλεια και έχουν υλοποιηθεί ή αναπτύσσονται επί του παρόντος στην Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση (ΕΕ), με κύρια έμφαση στην Οδηγία για την ασφάλεια συστημάτων δικτύου και πληροφοριών (Οδηγία NIS). Η διατριβή παρέχει έναν ενδεικτικό οδικό χάρτη για την εφαρμογή της Οδηγίας NIS στην Ελλάδα ως μελέτη περίπτωσης, αναδεικνύοντας τις προκλήσεις και τις προτεινόμενες λύσεις. Καθώς οι κρίσιμες εθνικές υποδομές καθίστανται ολοένα και πιο ευάλωτες σε κυβερνοεπιθέσεις, τα κράτη μέλη της ΕΕ πρέπει να δώσουν προτεραιότητα στην άμυνά τους επιβάλλοντας μέτρα ασφάλειας δικτύων και συστημάτων πληροφοριών. Οι εθνικές αρμόδιες αρχές πρέπει να αξιολογούν τη συμμόρφωση με αυτές τις αρμοδιότητες. Η διατριβή περιλαμβάνει μελέτη των σημαντικότερων κυβερνητικών υποδομών ΤΠΕ της Ελλάδας, αξιολογώντας τις σημαντικότερες απειλές, τις προτεραιότητες και τα υπάρχοντα μέτρα προστασίας και αντιμετώπισης. Προτείνει επίσης τη χρήση ενός πλαισίου αξιολόγησης ωριμότητας στον τομέα της κυβερνοασφάλειας (CMAF) ως εργαλείου αυτοαξιολόγησης για τις κρίσιμες εθνικές υποδομές ή ως εργαλείου ελέγχου για τις εθνικές αρμόδιες αρχές. Επιπλέον, η διατριβή περιγράφει τα βασικά ορόσημα της Ελλάδας για την ασφάλεια στον κυβερνοχώρο από την ίδρυση της Ελληνικής Εθνικής Αρμόδιας Αρχής για την κυβερνοσφάλεια, η οποία λειτουργεί ως εθνικός φορέας συντονισμού και χάραξης πολιτικής. Η επίτευξη αυτών των ορόσημων είχε ως αποτέλεσμα την ανάπτυξη ενός εθνικού πλαισίου κυβερνοασφάλειας, το οποίο βελτίωσε σημαντικά τη θέση της Ελλάδας στους διεθνείς δείκτες κυβερνοασφάλειας.
Outward investment of Portuguese small and medium enterprises in the Central and Eastern European countries: motivations and challenges
Authors: Santos Eleonora , Moreira Jacinta
Published: February 2024

Background This paper identifies the determinant factors of Portuguese investment in Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. We assume that investment abroad is motivated by business opportunities, and the quality-price ratio of the workforce. Methods To this end, we used a qualitative methodology composed of 6 case studies, based on interviews and surveys with the managers of the Portuguese firms investing in those three economies. Results Despite the business opportunities, Portuguese investment directed towards these economies is negligible, due, in part, to the geographic and cultural distance. However, the economic and political stability, combined with market size and growth potential are undeniable attraction factors for Portuguese investors. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), due to their flexible conditions that allow changes in the activity, and the strong trend towards outsourcing, to the detriment of the manufacturing industry, are the primary focus of international investment. This trend, although common to several sectors, has shown greater dynamism in the banking and financial sector. Conclusions The results suggest market-oriented investments aiming at growth and expansion. The vast Polish market is the one that most attracted Portuguese investors. The hybrid feature of some strategies can align with the cautious attitude towards the investment translated into cooperation agreements with financial institutions for funding, the market learning process, and the training of the personnel. The anticipation of the installation over potential competitors, the experience in production and international markets, the price-quality ratio, the capacity of product adaptation and the design were considered important sources of competitive advantage that motivated the investment. The greatest difficulties during this process were language and the complexity of legislation.
The open field assay is influenced by room temperature and by drugs that affect core body temperature
Authors: Jimenez Jessica A. , McCoy Eric S. , Lee David F. , Zylka Mark J.
Published: February 2024

Background The open field assay is used to study anxiety-related traits and anxiolytic drugs in rodents. This assay entails measuring locomotor activity and time spent in the center of a chamber that is maintained at ambient room temperature. However, the ambient temperature in most laboratories varies daily and seasonally and can differ between buildings. We sought to evaluate how varying ambient temperature and core body temperature (CBT) affected open field locomotor activity and center time of male wild-type (WT, C57BL/6) and Transient Receptor Potential Subfamily M Member 8 (Trpm8) knock-out (Trpm8-/- ) mice. TRPM8 is an ion channel that detects cool temperatures and is activated by icilin. Methods Mice were placed in the open field at 4°C and 23°C for 30 minutes. Distance traveled and time spent in the center were measured. Mice were injected with icilin, M8-B, diazepam, or saline, and changes in activity level were recorded. Results The cooling agent icilin increased CBT and profoundly reduced distance traveled and center time of WT mice relative to controls. Likewise, cooling the ambient temperature to 4°C reduced distance traveled and center time of WT mice relative to Trpm8-/- mice. Conversely, the TRPM8 antagonist (M8-B) reduced CBT and increased distance traveled and center time of WT mice when tested at 4°C. The TRPM8 antagonist (M8-B) had no effect on CBT or open field behavior of Trpm8-/- mice. The anxiolytic diazepam reduced CBT in WT and Trpm8-/- mice. When tested at 4°C, diazepam increased distance traveled and center time in WT mice but did not alter open field behavior of Trpm8-/- mice. Conclusions Environmental temperature and drugs that affect CBT can influence locomotor behavior and center time in the open field assay, highlighting temperature (ambient and core) as sources of environmental and physiologic variability in this commonly used behavioral assay.
Essential growth factor receptors for fibroblast homeostasis and activation
Authors: Cheng Maye F. , Abdullah Faizah S. , Buechler Matthew B.
Published: February 2024

Fibroblasts are cells of mesenchymal origin that are found throughout the body. While these cells have several functions, their integral roles include maintaining tissue architecture through the production of key extracellular matrix components, and participation in wound healing after injury. Fibroblasts are also key mediators in disease progression during fibrosis, cancer, and other inflammatory diseases. Under these perturbed states, fibroblasts can activate into inflammatory fibroblasts or contractile myofibroblasts. Fibroblasts require various growth factors and mitogenic molecules for survival, proliferation, and differentiation. While the activity of mitogenic growth factors on fibroblasts in vitro was characterized as early as the 1970s, the proliferation and differentiation effects of growth factors on these cells in vivo are unclear. Moreover, recent work exploring the heterogeneity of fibroblasts raises questions as to whether all fibroblast cell states exhibit the same growth factor requirements. Here, we will examine and review existing growth factors known to influence fibroblast homeostasis to begin unpacking the potential growth factors that may influence in vivo fibroblast cell states.
Eye-gesture control of computer systems via artificial intelligence
Authors: Mohamed Nachaat
Published: February 2024

Background Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly enhance human-computer interactions. This paper introduces a cutting-edge method for computer control using eye-gesture recognition. Methods Our system employs a sophisticated algorithm to accurately interpret eye movements, converting them into actionable commands. This technology not only improves accessibility for individuals with physical impairments, but also offers a more intuitive interaction mode for the general user base. Results We tested our method using a comprehensive dataset and achieved a remarkable accuracy rate of over 99.6283% in translating eye gestures into functional commands. Our system utilizes a variety of tools, including PyCharm, OpenCV, mediapipe, and pyautogui, to achieve these results. Conclusions We discuss potential applications of our technology, such as in the emerging field of gesture-controlled weaponry, which could have significant implications for military and rescue operations. Overall, our work represents a substantial step forward in integrating AI with human-computer interaction, enhancing accessibility, improving user engagement, and unlocking innovative applications for critical industries.
Exploring Breastfeeding Mothers’ and Lactation Consultants’ Experiences of Lactation Consultancy Throughout the Restrictions Put in Place Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Connolly Anna , Matthews Anne
Published: February 2024

Background Breastfeeding rates in Ireland are among the lowest in the world. Lactation consultancy provides mothers with support and information on how to cope with any challenges they encounter. There is emerging evidence that COVID-19 restrictions impacted access to and the quality of breastfeeding support. The aim of this study was to explore breastfeeding mothers’ and lactation consultants’ experiences of breastfeeding support throughout the COVID-19 restrictions in Ireland. It also aimed to explore what adaptations had to be made to the delivery of lactation consultancy and how these changes impacted mothers’ experiences of breastfeeding support. Methods A qualitative research design was chosen. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants, three breastfeeding mothers and five lactation consultants. Interviews were conducted online via Zoom, audio-recorded and transcribed. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Five key themes were identified: ‘Lack of Support’, ‘Adapting to COVID-19 Restrictions’, Emotional Response to COVID-19 and Restrictions’, Vaccination as a Barrier to and Facilitator of Support’ and Inconsistency of Lactation Support Across Ireland’. Both lactation consultants and mothers identified similar issues however, slight variations within lactation consultants' perceptions of mothers’ and mothers’ attitudes towards online services were seen. An unanticipated finding was the lack of support in hospitals pre-COVID-19. Conclusions Both mothers’ and lactation consultants’ experiences of lactation consultancy were impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions. Although exacerbated by COVID-19, the lack of support in hospitals existed before COVID-19. Provision of better breastfeeding support is required. Increased availability of lactation consultants and the implementation of breastfeeding rooms within hospitals is required in addition to debrief counselling sessions for lactation consultants. Further research is required to understand the unavailability of lactation consultants in hospital settings and to identify how to manage breastfeeding support in future emergency situations.
The genome sequence of the Pale Pinion, Lithophane socia (Hufnagel, 1766)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Holland Peter W.H. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Lithophane socia (the Pale Pinion; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 489.3 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.39 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 18,342 protein coding genes.
Interregional Cooperation As a Tool for Creating Favorable Conditions for the Development of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and the Implementation of Business Projects
Authors: Gomaskova A.
Published: February 2024

The object of research in the article is interregional cooperation between authorities and business, and the subject of analysis is the forms, directions and tools for the development of interregional cooperation, stimulating the growth of the number of business projects in various territories and the development of new technologies, exchange of experience and ensuring increased competitiveness and promotion of companies in the market.

The research methodology was based on the analysis of statistical data, legal documentation, descriptive-comparative method, grouping of criteria and typology of forms and directions of interregional connections, content analysis.

The result of the analysis was the formation of recommendations for identifying new forms and directions of interregional cooperation that stimulate attracting business to the regions and increasing the efficiency of implementation of business projects.

The generated results can be used by regional authorities to establish interregional contacts, establish interaction with domestic companies, attract them to the regions and stimulate their advancement into new markets through various support tools.
Turmeric: A Spice Modulating Immune Response and Combatting Cancer – literature overview
Authors: Greguła Anna , Mazur Bartosz , Stachyrak Karol , Mika Dawid , Kłos Aleksandra , Turek Kamila , Lambach Maciej , Pawlicki Mateusz , Mazurek Aleksandra , Wilanowska Wiktoria
Published: February 2024

Introduction
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is gaining increasing attention due to its potential health benefits, especially in the context of its immunomodulatory and anticancer properties.
Aim of the study
The aim of this review was to discuss recent findings regarding the impact of curcumin on the immune system and its potential applications in anticancer therapy.
Materials and methods
The paper was created based on the Pubmed and Scholar database. The literature was reviewed using the keywords: „curcumin”, „immunomodulatory effects”, „cytokines”, „anticancer”, „apoptosis”, „cell proliferation”, „radiosensitizing”.
Results
Studies have confirmed that curcumin, especially in the form of nanocurcumin, exhibits significant immunomodulatory effects. It reduces the number of Th17 cells, increases Treg cells, and regulates the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which is crucial in controlling autoimmune reactions. Furthermore, it demonstrates anticancer activity by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, stimulating apoptosis, and enhancing the effectiveness of anticancer therapy.
Conclusions
Despite promising results, further research on the safety of curcumin therapy, particularly in the long term, is essential. Limitations associated with bioavailability and pharmacokinetics suggest the need for the development of formulations with increased bioavailability to maximize the potential benefits of curcumin in the treatment of various disorders.
Effects of red wine on cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Ramian Jan , Bator Piotr , Razik Michał , Rozwadowska Patrycja , Rybak Jakub , Magiera Barbara , Magiera Karol , Razik Wiktor
Published: February 2024

Introduction and purpose: The purpose of this scientific paper is to review the current knowledge of the effects of red wine on human health, particularly with regard to cardiovascular disease. 

State of Knowledge: Since the 1990s, red wine has gained its status as a health-promoting alcohol through the French Paradox - when drunk in moderate amounts, it protects against cardiovascular disease. The authors have collected scientific papers on the health effects of alcohol, red wine and resveratrol-a polyphenol that is the main component with health-promoting effects of wine. On their basis, they analyzed the assumptions of the positive effects of wine reaching inconclusive conclusions. 

Summary: Despite the fact that both ethanol and resveratrol have a positive effect in in vitro studies, in population studies their effect is much less significant, either because the negative behavioral-health effects in the case of ethanol are omitted or the actual effective doses of resveratrol are omitted.
Storytelling is Research; Indigenous Ways of Knowing
Authors: Henning Denise
Published: February 2024

Many aspects of Appreciative Inquiry support and encapsulate the culture of many different groups. For me, as an Indigenous woman, educator, scholar and professor, Appreciative Inquiry resonated with the stories and storytellers from my communities, where the Elders teach as the knowledge-keepers, and the ways of knowing and sharing this through stories. Storytelling is research, and the stories in AI inform us of our strengths and the best of who we are.
Dispersion of Beliefs Bounds: Sentimental Recovery
Authors: Pazarbaşı Altan , Schneider Paul , Vilkov Grigory
Published: February 2024

We present a nonparametric method to recover a bound on ex ante dispersion of beliefs (DBB) from asset prices with minimal assumptions. DBB constrains the dispersion among all possible distributions in an economy, consistent with observed prices and subject to a good-deal bound. In model-based economies, DBB effectively tracks belief heterogeneity and serves as a diagnostic tool for evaluating model calibrations. Empirically, DBB relates to common proxies of belief dispersion, offering a real-time, market-implied disagreement measure. Our versatile approach applies to both complete and incomplete markets represented by any asset class.

This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01587 .
Da redenção à reparação:
Authors: Campos Leonardo Lacerda , Tebet Gabriela Guarnieri
Published: February 2024

Este artigo visa analisar a trajetória dos estudos sobre o povo negro, por meio de uma análise histórica do processo de colonização, sobretudo na elaboração de estereótipos que foram utilizados para justificar o processo desumanizador da escravização ancorado nas Teorias Raciais e no racismo científico. Buscamos, ainda, compreender a maneira pela qual alguns iluministas contribuíram para solidificar o processo de invisibilidade do continente africano e dos povos africanos. Discutimos a ideologia da democracia racial brasileira e a maneira como essa narrativa legitimou a marginalização do afro-brasileiro. Para subsidiar esse estudo, realizamos pesquisa bibliográfica, acionando pensadores/as que versam sobre a temática, a saber: Munanga (2000; 2008), Silva (2007), Hernandes (2008), Hall (2006), Guimarães (2001; 2004), Azevedo (1996), Freyre (2005), Fernandes (2008), Ki-Zerbo (2010), dentre outros. Os resultados apontam para a maneira pela qual o racismo foi utilizado como base ideológica da dominação, tanto no colonialismo, quanto no neocolonialismo. No Brasil, essa narrativa, construída a partir da marginalização dos afro-brasileiros, legitimou e inviabilizou a inserção do negro na sociedade brasileira, sobretudo após a abolição, que consideramos malsucedida. Nesse sentido, o racismo operacionalizado no Brasil, de maneira escamoteada, estabeleceu um conjunto de estratégias que foram capazes de promover uma inversão no tocante à promoção da imagem do país como uma democracia racial.
Política Nacional de Proteção dos Direitos da Pessoa com Transtorno do Espectro Autista:
Authors: Molina Lina Maria Moreno , Francisco Marcos Vinicius , Shimazaki Elsa Midori
Published: February 2024

Por meio deste artigo objetivou-se analisar a proposta de formação de curso de pedagogia de universidade pública do interior do estado de São Paulo e as intersecções com a Política Nacional de Proteção dos Direitos da Pessoa com Transtorno do Espectro Autista. Na pesquisa do tipo estudo de caso, utilizou-se o recurso metodológico da análise documental alicerçada na teoria histórico-cultural. Analisou-se a legislação relativa à Política Nacional de Proteção dos Direitos da Pessoa com Transtorno do Espectro Autista, bem como o Projeto Político-Pedagógico (PPP) e o Plano de Desenvolvimento Institucional (PDI) da universidade à qual o curso de pedagogia encontra-se vinculado. Os resultados revelaram uma lacuna na abordagem da educação especial e inclusiva quando se refere à visibilidade da inclusão das pessoas com TEA nos documentos analisados, de modo que, anualmente, os futuros professores poderão estar no mercado de trabalho sem qualificação suficiente para a atuação na educação especial.
A pesquisa como princípio pedagógico, juventudes e pluralidades:
Authors: Kuhn Martin , Almeida Diego Orgel Dal Bosco
Published: February 2024

O objetivo deste artigo é compreender como, afinal, a pesquisa como princípio pedagógico, a partir das relações entre juventudes e pluralidades, pode ser compreendida atualmente como contraponto das tentativas de padronização curricular. Para tal empreendimento, a reflexão segue três momentos. No primeiro, dirigimos nosso olhar para a emergência da categoria juventude(s). No segundo momento do artigo, problematizamos a pesquisa como princípio pedagógico destacando que, além da crítica aos modelos transmissivos, deve-se incorporar a esse princípio uma crítica às tentativas de padronização curricular. No terceiro momento, analisamos o teor de dois documentos oficiais do currículo, as Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais do Ensino Médio (DCNEM/2012) e da Base Nacional Comum Curricular do Ensino Médio (BNCC/2018), tendo como foco compreender quais as concepções de pesquisa que constam nesses documentos. A proposta desta reflexão se insere em um contexto de ampliação das discussões públicas acerca do currículo, especialmente do chamado Novo Ensino Médio. Refletindo junto às teorias críticas, entendemos que este estudo contribui para a constituição de um material elaborado em um momento no qual se vislumbram possibilidades para o surgimento de um currículo emergente que pode ser dirigido à criação de possibilidades de emancipação.
Itinerâncias metodológicas da pesquisa e da formação:
Authors: Amaral Mirian , Velloso da Silva Seixas Luciana
Published: February 2024

Diariamente, buscamos dar ‘sentidossignificações’ ao mundo em que nos inserimos. Desse modo, e compreendendo a indissociabilidade entre as atividades de pesquisa e o processo formativo, objetivamos, neste artigo, apresentar um relato reflexivo (Lourau, 1975) da obra de Roberto Sidnei Macedo, intitulada A pesquisa como heurística, ato de currículo e formação universitária: experiências transingulares com o método em ciências da educação, publicada em 2020, aproximando suas ideias/pensamentos às de interlocutores diversos que dão sustentação aos estudos/pesquisas que desenvolvemos, junto a nossos orientandos da pós-graduação stricto sensu, no grupo de pesquisa em que atuamos. Com base em nossas itinerâncias curriculares e nas experiências como docentes-formadoras implicadas, corroboramos o pensamento do autor, reafirmando nossa compreensão do ato de pesquisar como um processo coletivo, multirreferencial, dialógico e interativo.
Empowering, sharing and inclusion: New Zealand Gastroenterology Conference 2023
Authors: Livett Helen , Powell Sharon
Published: February 2024

Helen Livett and Sharon Powell share their experience at the New Zealand Gastroenterology Conference, discussing the many opportunities for collaboration and support
The role of gut microbiota on obesity management: a review of the evidence
Authors: Soleimani Roya Abedi , Milani Payam Gonbari , Rad Aziz Homayouni
Published: February 2024

In the last 40 years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people who are overweight, obese and experience combined metabolic disorders. Gut microbiota has been shown to influence energy metabolism and is therefore a significant factor in the development of obesity. A person's diet, in particular, the nutritional value of that diet, is a crucial connection between gut microbiota composition and metabolism. This review explores the role of normal colonic microbiota and the gut environment. These mechanisms connect microbiota with obesity, the presence of gut microbiota in obese individuals and the impact of bioactive compounds in dairy products on gut microbiota. Research shows that gut microbiota play a crucial role in regulating energy metabolism and influencing the development of obesity. Changes in diet can alter the composition and levels of gut microbiota, and consuming bioactive components can help reshape the metabolic profile of obese individuals.
Artificial intelligence: implications for nursing education
Authors: Harrison Penny
Published: February 2024

Can artificial intelligence be successfully integrated into nursing education? Penny Harrison discuses the current research examining this question