bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An ALS Assembly Modulator Signature in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: Implications for ALS Pathophysiology, Therapeutics, and Diagnostics
Authors: Yu Shao Feng , Michon Maya , Lingappa Anuradha F. , Paulvannan Kumar , Solas Dennis , Staats Kim , Ichida Justin , Dey Debendranath , Rosenfeld Jeffrey , Lingappa Vishwanath R.
Published: December 2024

Assembly modulators are a new class of allosteric site-targeted therapeutic small molecules, some of which are effective at restoring nuclear localization of TDP-43 in ALS cellular models, and display efficacy in a variety of ALS animal models. These compounds have been shown to bind selectively to a small subset of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), a protein implicated in ALS pathophysiology. The targeted subset of PDI resides within a novel, multi-protein complex that includes other important members of the ALS interactome, such as TDP-43, RanGTPase, and selective autophagy receptor p62/SQSTM1. We demonstrate here that a similar multi-protein complex drug target is present in PBMCs from ALS patients, as isolated by energy-dependent drug resin affinity chromatography (eDRAC), thereby extending earlier literature suggesting PBMC dysfunction in ALS. Signature alterations in the composition of the multi-protein complex in PBMCs from ALS patients compared to PBMCs from healthy individuals are identified. ALS-associated changes in the PBMC drug target include increased RanGTPase and MMP9, diminished p62/SQSTM1, and most distinctively, appearance of a 17kDa post-translationally modified form of RanGTPase. These changes are not readily apparent from analysis of whole cell extracts, as the multi-protein complex drug target comprises only a miniscule percentage of the total of the proteins, including RanGTPase, that are present in the extract. The targeted multi-protein complex appears to come together in a transient, energy-dependent fashion, to form the signature detected upon eDRAC enrichment. Furthermore, whole blood from ALS patients shows a distinctive degradation of RanGTPase not observed in blood from healthy individuals. This degradation appears to be rescued by treatment of whole blood from ALS patients with either of two structurally unrelated ALS-active assembly modulators. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that ALS is fundamentally a disorder of homeostasis, albeit manifest most notably in motor neurons, that can be detected early, prior to disability, in blood and restored to the healthy state, by treatment with small molecule protein assembly modulators.
The Association Between Timing of CT and Outcomes for Severe Trauma Patients: Analysis of a Nationwide Trauma Registry
Authors: Nishimura Takeshi , Taira Takuya , Suga Masafumi , Kikuta Shota , Ijuin Shinichi , Inoue Akihiko , Matsuyama Shigenari , Ishihara Satoshi
Published: December 2024

Purpose
With advances in technology, early CT scanning is advocated for trauma patients. However, the benefits of early CT scanning remain unclear. Thus, we examined whether elapsed time to CT acquisition is associated with the prognosis of severe trauma patients.
Methods
We utilized the Japan Trauma Data Bank, a nationwide database. Patients directly transferred from the trauma scene were included. Severe trauma patients, defined as those with Injury Severity Scores (ISS) greater than 15, were enrolled. We excluded patients with cardiac arrest on hospital arrival, ISS scores of 75, missing data on timing of CT, inappropriate CT time, and elapsed time from hospital arrival to CT scan longer than or equal to 60 minutes, as well as those who required damage control surgery and those who died within 24 hours. Patients were divided into six groups based on elapsed time to CT acquisition (0–9, 10–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59 min.). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality, and the secondary outcome was amount of transfusion, including red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, and platelets.
Results
Of the registered trauma cases, 13,802 cases were included in this study. The crude proportion of in-hospital mortality in the 0–9 min. group was the highest (15.4% [138/898]) compared to other groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that quick CT scanning (0–9 min.) did not contribute to improved in-hospital mortality compared to other groups, especially the lowest mortality group (40–49 min.) (10.0% [150/1,503], odds ratio 0.60, 95% confidence interval 0.47–0.79, p < 0.01). This trend was significant in patients with severe head trauma (defined as head Abbreviated Injury Scale score > 2) and with less severe trauma (ISS 16–25). Transfusion amounts did not differ between groups.
Conclusion
Early CT scanning after hospital arrival did not contribute to improved in-hospital mortality or reduce the transfusion amount for severe trauma patients.
WITHDRAWN: Appraisal of carbon emissions from logistic processes and prevented by initiatives in the local community
Authors: Snizhkovska Liliia , Sós Eszter , Wang Bohong
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates a novel methodology for measuring greenhouse gas emissions by re-evaluating the packaging and transport systems of local communities at a time when concerns about environmental sustainability and the fight against climate change are increasingly heightened. The research first presents CO2 emissions data associated with each logistical sub-process and the methodology used to calculate the CO2 emissions associated with the products. Then, the analysis of a local community-owned asset exchange is presented. Based on the packaging size and weight of the items, calculations are made of the CO2 impact of transporting a product from different distances. The results are also analyzed by investigating the activity of the local community with four different modes of transport and then comparing the amount of CO2 emitted to the population of a city. The study demonstrates that freight transport operations are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions and seeks to identify opportunities that could lead to significant carbon footprint reductions through community initiatives. The paper points out that even a local community exchange of goods could make a significant contribution to reducing global CO2 emissions. Therefore, in addition to measures to tackle greenhouse gas emissions, implementing a "Think globally, act locally" policy would contribute significantly to CO2 emissions reductions.
Unraveling the interplay between vitamin D deficiency, VDR polymorphisms, and polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Chakraborty Sanchari , Pal Randrita , Begum Farzana , Naskar Tapan Kumar , Das Nilansu , Basu Barnali Ray
Published: December 2024

Purpose:Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex and emerging heterogeneous disorder in reproductive-aged women and teenagers. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and genetic variations in the vitamin D receptor (VDR) pronouncedly influence its manifestations. The interplay between VDD and VDR polymorphisms has an umbrella effect on the endocrine and metabolic milieu of PCOS, underscoring the importance of VD in its management. This study tried to find out: How how VDD and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the VDR gene influence the pathophysiology of PCOS, and how do these associations vary across different ethnic groups?
Methods: A case-control study was conducted involving 80 PCOS women (ages 17–36 years) and 100 of their gender, and age-matched healthy controls (HC) belonging to the ethnicity of West Bengal, India. VDD and VDRpolymorphisms [BsmI (rs1544410) and FokI (rs2228570)] were estimated by biochemical assessment and PCR-RFLP, respectively. Bioelectrical impedance and structured questionnaires were used for evaluation of anthropometric indices, sunlight (UVB) exposure, and nutritional status, respectively.
Results: This study finds significant correlations between VDR variants and insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, inflammatory markers, and obesity indices. Mutant VDRgenotypes (BsmI-bb/Bb, FokI-ff/Ff) influence metabolic and cutaneous features, suggesting a genetic basis for VD-related disturbances in PCOS.
Conclusions:The study accentuates the need for personalised therapeutic strategies, particularly VD supplementation, based on genetic profiles to manage PCOS and its associated metabolic disturbances.
Key Message:VDD, a genetic predisposition related to VDR-SNPs, combined with limited sun exposure and poor dietary choices, exacerbates PCOS symptoms, impacting metabolic and endocrine homeostasis.
Can the haemoglobin-albumin-lymphocyte-platelet (HALP) index be used as a prognostic marker in patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis?
Authors: Akkurt Esma Sevil , Ensarioglu Kerem , Ozyurek Berna Akıncı , Özdemirel Tuğçe Şahin , Birben Ozlem Duvenci , Dolmuş Tunahan , Ozdag Ozlem
Published: December 2024

Introduction The HALP score is an indicator of systemic inflammation and can be used as a prognostic marker. It has been previously associated with many cancers, but its relationship with prognosis in patients diagnosed with IPF is unknown. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the usability of the HALP score as a prognostic marker in patients diagnosed with IPF.
Material and methods Our study included 224 IPF patients who were diagnosed and had follow-up visits in the chest-diseases clinic of our hospital between January 2021 and March 2023. The patients’ clinical information, comorbidities, laboratory values, PFT-DLCO parameters at the time of diagnosis, six-minute walk tests, body mass indices, prognosis information and death information were recorded.
Results A total of 224 patients were included in the study group. The average age of the patients was 66.27 years, and the majority of patients were male. The median duration of survival was 892 days. The mean of the calculated HALP score was 53.27. Patients were divided into two groups with a HALP score cut-off of 25. When survival duration was compared between the two groups, it was statistically different.
Conclusion To conclude, the HALP score is a reliable, simple, easily accessible and inexpensive index for predicting the prognosis of IPF. Although the HALP score has been studied primarily in patients with cancer or other inflammatory diseases, we hope that future researchers will investigate the combination of the HALP score with other scores to obtain more specific information about the prognosis of different diseases.
Endophytic bacterial communities associated with halophytic plants in southern Tunisia
Authors: Hamdene Ichrak , Bez Cristina , Bertani Iris , López-Menchero Jorge Rojas , Yahyaoui Anissa , Venturi Vittorio , Sadfi-Zouaoui Najla
Published: December 2024

In the arid regions of southern Tunisia, soil and irrigation water salinity are the main serious issues that threaten agriculture. The potential of endophytic bacteria in providing salt-tolerance has not been investigated. Twenty-two plants and their corresponding soils were collected from five sites in two governorates kebili and Gabes. Significant differences in soil physicochemical properties were observed between sampling sites. The soils are generally poorly developed, non-fertile (with very low organic matter and high CaCO3 levels), and highly saline, leading to limited cultivation potential. Molecular identification of plants revealed nine different families and 14 genera, with the Amaranthaceae family being the most prominent, including Atriplex spp. (2), Bassia spp. (2), Suaeda spp. (4), and Halocnemum spp. (1). Bacterial community studies were conducted of both culturable and non-culturable endophyte communities inhabiting the green and root compartments of different halotolerant plants. Endophytic microbiome compositions differed between above-ground and below-ground tissues within the same plant family. A higher prevalence of three phyla Proteobacteria (67.80%), Firmicutes (14.06%), and Actinobacteria (6.57%) was detected across all samples. At the genus level, Acinetobacter, Halomonas, Kushneria, Pseudomonas, Psychrobacter, Stenotrophomonas, and Streptomyces formed the common core microbiome. PICRUSt gene prediction highlighted multiple KEGG functional pathways, indicating the role of these bacteria in plant adaptability under extreme conditions. Leveraging the microbiome of halophilic plants with specific species could be a valuable tool for enhancing plant adaptation during salt-degraded soil restoration
The injury effect of osteopontin in sepsis-associated lung injury
Authors: Wang Qian , Yu Zhicai , Song Zhixing , Lu Xuexue , Li Zhu , Pi Dandan , Xu Feng , Li Jing
Published: December 2024

Background
Sepsis is a severe condition causing organ failure due to an abnormal immune reaction to infection, characterized by ongoing excessive inflammation and immune system issues. Osteopontin (OPN) is secreted by various cells and plays a crucial role in inflammatory responses and immune regulation. Nonetheless, the precise function of OPN in sepsis remains to be elucidated.
Methods
In the present study, we evaluated the levels of OPN in paediatric patients with sepsis and healthy individuals. We examined the impact of OPN on survival rates, systemic inflammation, and lung injury within an experimental sepsis model using cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Furthermore, the pro-inflammatory effects and potential mechanisms of OPN in sepsis were investigated through Mouse Hemophagocytic Synuclein (MH-S) cells.
Results
The OPN level was found to be elevated in patients with sepsis (243.5 ± 204.5 pg/ml) compared to children with common infections (101.6 ± 30.67 pg/ml) (P < 0.005) and healthy individuals (44.71 ± 23.82 pg/ml) (P < 0.0001).The serum OPN level on the first day ( 243.5 ± 204.3 pg/ml) was significantly higher than that on the sceond day (69.58 ± 58.70 pg/ml) (P < 0.005) and the third day (60.42 ± 55.15 pg/ml) (P < 0.005) in pediatric patient with sepsis admission to pediatric intensive care unit(PICU). Intravenous administration of OPN inhibitor into the tail vein decreased the mortality rate (HR = 0.2695, p = 0.0015), suppressed systemic inflammatory responses and mitigated lung tissue damage. The concentration of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in serum of CLP mice treated with OPN inhibitor decreased compared with CLP mice. Within the sepsis mouse model, there was a marked increase in OPN expression in the lungs tissues compared to the sham group mice. This surge was accompanied by a significant accumulation of alveolar macrophages and an upregulation of inflammasome expression. Mechanistic investigations in MH-s cells revealed that OPN-SiRNA suppressed the LPS-induced macrophage inflammatory response by inhibiting caspase1-dependent classical pyroptosis signaling pathway.
Conclusion
This study reveals that OPN has an adverse impact on the host's immune response to sepsis. Suppressing OPN expression holds potential therapeutic value for the treatment of sepsis.
Trial registration
Study on the diagnostic value of osteopontin in children with sepsis. MR5024001771. Registered 22 January 2024. https//www.medicalresearch.org.cn.
An evaluation of Scottish Green Health Prescriptions using the APEASE criteria
Authors: Howlett Neil , Freethy Imogen , Harding Sian , Wagner Adam P , Miners Lisa , Greco Honey-Anne , Lamming Laura , Lloyd Nigel , Brown Katherine E
Published: December 2024

Background
Time spent in green space such as parks and forests can have positive effects on physical and mental health. Green Health Partnerships were set up in Scotland to promote use of green space for health improvement. One of the main mechanisms to achieve this was the setup of Green Health Prescriptions (GHPr). This study evaluates three GHPrs in different localities across a range of feasibility elements, and the funding and resourcing associated with implementation.
Methods
Interviews were conducted across service user, referrer, link worker, and activity provider groups across Dundee, Highland, and North Ayrshire. Interviews were deductively analysed using the APEASE (Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Spillover effects, Equity) criteria. Data within each APEASE domain was then inductively coded producing more reflexive sub-themes. Data on funding and resources associated with delivering each programme was also collected to provide further context to the APEASE criteria.
Results
All stakeholder groups generally found the concept of using green spaces and the GHPr acceptable, and, although service users perceived that staff were often good communicators, there were times where awareness of and knowledge about the GHPr were lacking. There were reported improvements across a wide range of physical and mental health, and social outcomes for service users. The GHPr was also considered affordable in terms of the green health activity sessions. A key issue for staff across practicability, acceptability, and with monitoring equity, was the lack of underpinning IT infrastructure for referrals, communication with link workers, and data capture to reflect on service user progress. As implemented in Dundee, progression through the GHPr, after initial referral, took on average 195 minutes, at a cost of £64 per service user.
Conclusions
This evaluation highlighted the potential benefits for service users that can be realised through a GHPr. However, a lack of supportive systems to capture referral information, communicate between professionals, and document service user progress limits a more robust and extensive evaluation of the current GHPr model.
Evaluation registration:
Research Registry identifier: researchregistry9069, registration date: 25/04/23.
Chromatin accessibility and gene expression in the parasite Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Prat Agustina , Muñoz Daniela , Lizarraga Ayelen , Seifert-Gorzycki Julieta , Sanchez-Vazquez Estefania , Johnson Patrica , Mazzulla Pablo Hernan Strobl , de Miguel Natalia
Published: December 2024

Trichomonas vaginalis, the most common non-viral sexually transmitted parasite, causes more than 270 million infections annually. The infection's outcome varies greatly depending on different factors that include variation in human immune responses, the vaginal microbiome, and the inherent virulence of the strain. Although the pathogenicity of the different strains depends, at least partially, on differential gene expression of virulence genes; the regulatory mechanisms governing this transcriptional control remain incompletely understood. While many studies have reported a positive correlation between gene expression and chromatin accessibility in other cells, this relationship has not been analyzed in T. vaginalis. To address these questions, we selected two contrasting T. vaginalis strains based on their interactions with host cells: B7268 strain, a highly adherent one and resistant to metronidazole, and NYH209 strain, a poorly adherent one and sensitive to metronidazole. Next, we combined the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), to delve into the relationship between chromatin accessibility and gene expression in these distinct T. vaginalis strains. Our findings demonstrate a correlation between chromatin accessibility and gene expression across both strains. Moreover, we found that chromatin accessibility plays a pivotal role in modulating mRNA expression levels of several established genes linked to parasite pathogenesis and drug resistance. We also identified several open chromatin peaks residing at intergenic regions, revealing possible distal regulatory elements that may control gene expression. These results highlight the importance of chromatin accessibility in modulating gene expression in the parasite T. vaginalis, with possible consequences in pathogenesis and/or drug treatment.
Synergistic effect of calcium chloride as coagulant and (chitosan-graft- polyacrylamide) as flocculant for anionic dyes removal from wastewater
Authors: Ali Batoul , Ezzo Hussam Addin , Karam Sami , Said Majd , Atassi Yomen
Published: December 2024

In this study, the coagulation-flocculation technique was used to achieve high removal ratio of organic anionic pollutants (taking methyl orange (MO) dye as a model) from highly polluted wastewater, 1000ppm. To this end, chitosan grafted polyacrylamide (Ch-g-PAM) was synthesized using both radical initiator H2O2 and microwave (MW) irradiation to accomplish the grafting reaction. Ch-g-PAM was used as a flocculation agent, while calcium ions were used as a coagulation agent. The grafting ratio was 400%. The prepared Ch-g-PAM was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The effects of reaction parameters on graft polymerization were studied, which were chitosan/acrylamide ratio, MW power, time of polymerization, and chitosan molecular weight. The effects of coagulant and flocculant concentrations, pH of the medium, and the initial dye concentration on the dye removal ratio were studied. The results showed a correlation between dye removal ratio and dye concentration, which indicates that the coagulation-flocculation technique is an effective pretreatment technique to remediate wastewater. Contaminated water with a concentration of MO dye as high as 1000 ppm was treated, with a removal ratio of 87.26% (i.e., 1 g of flocculant removes about 47g of MO dye from its 1000 ppm solution).
Development and validation of a competency-based assessment tool for public health workers in Shanghai community health centers: a population-based study
Authors: Chang Ruijie , Zhang Meihui , Li Rui , Zhu Qianqian , Dong Yinqiao , Liu Yujie , Chen Yufei , Wang Zuxin , Huang Hong , Cai Yong
Published: December 2024

Background
The competence of public health workers is crucial for grassroots public health service capabilities. This study aimed to establish a competency model for public health workers and to test the reliability and validity of the model.
Methods
An evaluation indicators scale of competency of public health workers in Shanghai community health service centers (CHSCs) was constructed through a literature review, expert consultation, behavioral event interviews and questionnaire surveys. A questionnaire survey was carried out with 3809 public health workers from 249 Shanghai CHSCs to test the reliability and validity of the constructed scale.
Results
Exploratory factor analysis identified 5 common factors: comprehensive ability, professional spirit, professional knowledge, professional skills, research and development ability. The cumulative variance contribution rate was 62.241%. The factor load for each item ranged from 0.495 to 0.868. The overall Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the questionnaire was 0.985, for the five dimensions ranged from 0.916 to 0.969. The overall split-half reliability of the questionnaire was 0.842, and that of the five dimensions ranged from 0.913 to 0.952, with the Guttman split-half reliability coefficient ranging from 0.912 to 0.949. The correlation coefficients for all scale items with the total score ranged from 0.591 to 0.854 (P < 0.01). The correlation coefficients between each item and each dimension ranged from 0.434 to 0.925. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model had a good fitting effect (χ2/df = 2.288, TLI = 0.943, CFI = 0.957, IFI = 0.958, NFI = 0.928, RMSEA = 0.081). Using self-efficacy, self-esteem, work pressure, work motivation, and job satisfaction as benchmarks, all dimensions of the scale demonstrated significant positive correlations with the total scores of various benchmark questionnaires.
Conclusions
The constructed scale of competency of public health workers in Shanghai CHSCs has good reliability and validity and can be used as a tool to evaluate the competency level of public health workers.
Supercritical carbon-dioxide (SC-CO2) extraction of lipids and carotenoids from Rhodotorula toruloides CBS 14 in comparison with conventional extraction methods
Authors: Nagaraj Yashaswini Nagavara , Blomqvist Johanna , Sampels Sabine , Pickova Jana , Sandgren Mats , Gajdoš Peter , Čertík Milan , Passoth Volkmar
Published: December 2024

Background
We conducted extractions using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) and conventional solvent methods to extract lipids and carotenoids from R. toruloides CBS 14 cells grown on wheat straw hydrolysate. The lipid extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC), and the carotenoids were identified and quantified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC).
Results
Four main carotenoids in the extracts from both extraction methods were identified including β-carotene, γ-carotene, torularhodin, and torulene. Interestingly, torularhodin was the major carotenoid extracted using SC-CO2 extraction, followed by torulene. This was different from the conventional acetone extraction method, where β-carotene was the main carotenoid. After the conventional extraction, torularhodin and torulene underwent degradation due to the saponification step, which was necessary to remove lipids before UHPLC analysis. The total carotenoid concentration obtained from SC-CO2 extraction was 332.09 ± 27.32 μg/g dry weight compared to 19.9 ± 2.74 μg/g dry weight in acetone extraction. A small amount of carotenoids was observed to be lost into the lipid extract, but this loss was not as substantial as that seen with acetone extraction. Additionally, the total lipid content in samples extracted using SC-CO2 was significantly lower than that obtained using the conventional Folch method. GC analysis revealed that oleic acid was the major fatty acid in both lipid extracts, followed by palmitic acid and linoleic acid. Notably, the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids was higher in the extracts from the SC-CO2 method compared to the conventional method.
Conclusion
These findings indicate that the SC-CO2 extraction method outperformed conventional methods by preserving the integrity of unsaturated lipids and retaining an abundance of carotenoids, resulting in high-quality extracts.
Microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 2 potentiates host antiviral defenses by phosphorylating GEF-H1 at serine 645
Authors: Qi Xingmei
Published: December 2024

The innate immune system is essential for defending against pathogen invasions, effectively controlling infections, and triggering adaptive immune responses to eliminate infectious agents. This study unveils the pivotal role of Microtubule Affinity-Regulating Kinase 2 (MARK2) as a regulator of broad-spectrum antiviral immunity, specifically through its interaction with Guanine nucleotide exchange factor H1 (GEF-H1) and association with TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Crucially, the antiviral efficacy of MARK2 is dependent on its kinase activity, particularly its capability to phosphorylate GEF-H1 at serine 645. This phosphorylation event is a critical trigger for activating TBK1, leading to the induction of type I interferon (IFN-I) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Our results demonstrate that GEF-H1 is an ISG, and promoted by MARK2. These findings not only establish MARK2 as a kinase for GEF-H1 but also reveal a previously unrecognized mechanism by which MARK2 potentiates host antiviral defenses. By enhancing IFN-I signaling through strategic phosphorylation of GEF-H1, MARK2 significantly bolsters the antiviral immune response, offering new insights into the molecular orchestration of cellular defense mechanisms.
Nonlinear and Dispersive Effects on Dark Soliton Interaction in Photonic Crystal Fibre
Authors: AL-Taie Mohammed Salim Jasim
Published: December 2024

This study presents a numerical method for solving the GNLSE and analyzing soliton interaction phenomena in the context of MATLAB. With this method, one can precisely capture the dynamics of solitons and explore their interactions. analyses the impact of nonlinear influences on soliton dynamics, including self-phase modulation, Brillion and Raman effects, and beginning separation distance. It also focuses on how higher-order dispersion variables shape soliton interactions. Our findings demonstrate the accuracy with which the proposed numerical approach may be used to predict and analyze soliton interaction processes. Through the flexible and effective framework that the MATLAB technique offers, researchers may analyze complicated nonlinear optical systems, get insight into the behavior of solitons in various media, and create optimal communication systems. This work advances our knowledge of soliton dynamics and offers a useful method for examining soliton behavior in nonlinear and dispersive media. The numerical method utilizing MATLAB that is given offers new possibilities for nonlinear optics research and systems for fiber optic communication.
Molecular diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases reveals a high frequency of Neisseria gonorrhoae infection among male urethritis patients and highlights the usefulness of molecular testing for clinical diagnosis in Burkina Faso.
Authors: Gomgnimbou Michel Kiréopori , Da Azouman , Belem Louis Robert W. , Gnada Kobo , Yao Karlhis Raymond , Sanou Arnaud Quetin , Sanou Armel Moumouni , Sanou Soufiane , Kania Dramane
Published: December 2024

Sexually transmitted Diseases (STD) represent a public health problem due to their high prevalence worldwide and the emergence of multidrug resistance of responsible microorganisms. Medical laboratory diagnosis of sexually transmitted genital infections by traditional methods as culture remains extremely delicate, difficult or impossible (to find extremely fragile microorganisms that can be cultured). Thus, the use of molecular techniques constitutes an alternative to improve accurate diagnostic, personalized patients’ treatment and public health.
A total of 83 clinical samples including urethral discharge and urine samples from individual patients with symptoms of urethritis received were analyzed using traditional methods and a commercial real-time PCR (qPCR) method.
Out of 83 urethritis patients, n = 55 (66.26%) were positive to at least one of the STD pathogens detected by qPCR. qPCR assay was more sensitive (50/83, positive cases) compared to culture (15/83, positive cases) and light microscopy (28/83, positive cases). The most prevalent NTD pathogen in the suspected patients was N. gonorrhoeae with 60.24% (50/83) based on real-time PCR diagnosis. Among the positive cases to STD pathogens, Neisseria gonorrhoeae had the highest frequency 49/55 (89.01 %) followed low frequencies of Trichomonas vaginalis 4/55 (7.27%) and Chlamydia trachomatis 1/55 (1.82 %).
This highlights high prevalence of N. gonorrhoeae infection in urethritis male patients and a very important misdiagnosis using traditional routine methods in Burkina Faso by medical laboratories. Thus, this situation may impact negatively patients personalized treatment and care and public health with possible rapid emergence of multidrug resistant strains.
This study also highlights the urgent need to optimize culture for the diagnosis of NTD pathogens in Burkina Faso and the usefulness and the need for the introduction of molecular diagnostic methods in routine diagnosis for the detection of NTD pathogens in the medical laboratories in Burkina Faso.
Gyógynövények használata a sporttáplálkozásban
Authors: Pászk Norbert
Published: December 2024

A gyógynövények az élet minden területén megjelennek napjainkban, az emberek pedig egyre gyakrabban alkalmazzák őket különböző betegségek megelőzésére és kezelésére. Számos előnnyel rendelkeznek a gyógyhatású növények, többek között nagyrészük hasznos vitaminokat, ásványi anyagokat és egyéb hatóanyagokat tartalmaz, melyek kiegészíthetik a mindennapi táplálkozást és elősegíthetik az egészséges életmódot.
Hatóanyagaik miatt a gyógynövények a sporttáplálkozás területén is alkalmazhatók, hiszen segíthetnek antioxidáns, adaptogén hatásuknak köszönhetően; magas vitamin, ásványi anyag és festékanyag tartalmuk, valamint teljesítményfokozó hatásuk miatt.
Számos külföldi és hazai gyógynövény alkalmazható a sporttáplálkozásban, melyek közül a cikkben említésre kerülnek a legfontosabbak, leggyakrabban kutatottak.
Az analóg zenehallgatás reneszánsza Magyarországon
Authors: Tánczos Zoltán , Novák János , Magyar Márton
Published: December 2024

A 2010-es évektől egy különös otthoni zenehallgatási mánia bontakozott ki világszerte és hazánkban is. Újra népszerű az analóg zenehallgatás és a zenelejátszó eszközök (bakelitlemezjátszók, kazettás deckek). Ez visszarepíthet minket az 1980-as, 1990-es évekbe.Kutatásunk arra keresi a választ, vajon miért lehet élvezetesebb az analóg zenehallgatás a magyar fogyasztók körében? Milyen motivációk vezérlik a fogyasztókat az analóg zenei tartalmak fogyasztására? Milyen régóta hallgatják? Van-e gyűjtési szenvedély és a hanghordozók adás-vétele, cseréje? Társas vagy egyéni szellemi rekreációs tevékenység ez?Az eredmények közül kiemelendő az analóg hangzás: részletgazdagabbnak, természetesnek, szebbnek érzékelnek a digitális zenék művi hangzásához képest. Akik évtizedek óta használnak analóg hangrendszereket, számukra a nosztalgia is megjelenik pozitív érzelmi hatásként, ám ezt megelőzik az analóg hanghordozók fizikai mivoltához kötődő élmények. A magyar analóg zenefogyasztók közép- és idősebb korúak, kevésbé hallgatnak másokkal zenét. Az analóg zenei tartalmak vásárlási és csere helyszínei online és offline (lemezbörzék és szaküzletek) egyaránt.
Innováció az egészségturizmusban : avagy a strukturált víz a jövő SPA-ja?
Authors: Juhász Annamária , Papp Adrienn
Published: December 2024

A víz éltető erejét senki nem vonja kétségbe. Az egészséges életmódhoz hozzátartozik a vízfogyasztás, hiszen a dehidratáció következményeivel a legtöbben tisztában vannak. Ugyanakkor felerül a kérdés, hogy kellő információval rendelkezünk-e a vízről. A víz szerkezete, struktúrája ugyanis nagyban befolyásolja a szervezetünk működését. Jelen cikk célja, hogy bemutassa a strukturált, oldott oxigénben gazdag vizek hatásmechanizmusait, valamint elemezze annak potenciálját az egészségtudatos fogyasztók igényeire épülő szállodai szolgáltatások terén. Bemutatásra kerül egy, az egészségturizmusban alkalmazható innováció, amely versenyelőnyt tud képezni a SPA témakörben.
Understanding the Link between High-Speed Rail and Economic Growth
Authors: Yangailo Tryson
Published: December 2024

This study systematically reviews the literature on high-speed rail (HSR) and its impact on economic growth, revealing significant development potential, but with regional disparities. Larger cities often benefit more than smaller ones, highlighting the need for strategic policies to ensure inclusive growth. Initiatives such as supporting local innovation, retaining talent, and addressing accessibility gaps are essential. Current research uses quantitative methods and focuses on specific countries, suggesting broader qualitative approaches are needed. Effective implementation of HSR requires more than infrastructure; success depends on factors such as high population density, supportive land use regulations, and investment in education. Caution is advised for developing countries that lack national HSR policies or technological innovation. Tailored regulations and localized support are critical to optimize economic benefits and address uneven growth, as the viability of HSR depends on favorable geographical and economic conditions.
The Influence of Brand Orientation to Donation Intention with Attitude Toward Charity as Mediator
Authors: Ramayanti Ramayanti , Kurnia Pepey Riawati , Intan Anggun Pesona
Published: December 2024

This study aims to investigate the impact of brand orientation's dimensions (orchestration, interaction, and affect) on attitudes towards charity and donation intentions. Additionally, it explores whether attitudes towards charity mediate the relationship between orchestration, interaction, affect, and donation intentions. The sample consists of Indonesian residents who have interacted with and/or donated to non-profit organizations in Indonesia. Purposive sampling was used, resulting in a sample size of 282 participants. The data analysis method employed is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS) measurements. The research achieved a confidence level of 95%. Findings indicate that the Orchestration dimension has no direct or indirect influence on donation intentions through attitudes towards charity. However, both the Interaction and Affect dimensions directly and indirectly influence donation intentions, with attitudes towards charity serving as a mediator.
The mediation effect obtained is weak so that the mediation that occurs is partial mediation.
Plasticidade fenotípica e indicadores de produtividade de caprinos leiteiros em ambiente temperado phenotypic plasticity and productivity indicators of dairy goats in mild environmental
Authors:   , Silva Wallace Sostene Tavares da
Published: December 2024

O Arquipélago Canário é constituído por sete ilhas situadas a oeste do continente africano, mais precisamente na costa subsaariana. Devido a sua proximidade ao continente africano e influência dos ventos Açores, as ilhas possuem climas distintos criando diferentes tipos de fauna e flora. A partir dessa perspectiva climática surgiram raças de caprinos leiteiros em que se destacam devido aos seus bons índices produtivos, notável qualidade de seus derivados e excelente adaptação aos diferentes ambientes existentes no arquipélago. As duas raças consideradas mais expressivas na produção de leite, são a raça Majorera, que se originou na ilha de Fuerteventura, caracterizada por apresentar um clima árido e seco e a raça Palmera, evoluída em um clima mais temperado da ilha de La Palma. Partindo da hipótese que, esses animais possuem características relacionadas a adaptação em diferentes ambientes nos quais evoluíram, o estudo tem como objetivo principal, avaliar os efeitos das condições meteorológicas em cabras adultas em diferentes estações do ano, sobre as características adaptativas, associando-as com dados de produção de leite e qualidade físico química, em um mesmo ambiente térmico. As atividades serão realizadas no Instituto Canário de Investigación Agraria – ICIA, localizado no norte da ilha do Tenerife, em 30 cabras da raça Majorera e 20 cabras da raça Palmera, durante o período de lactação e seco, em sistema de produção intensivo, nos quais durante 18 meses, a cada 15 dias ao mês, foram avaliadas as características morfofisiológicas de adaptação, os mecanismos de transferência de calor, assim como dados de produção de leite. Espera-se estabelecer épocas críticas do ano, tanto no que se refere à capacidade de termorregulação, homeostase e produção, bem como quais características são mais usadas por esses animais e interferindo sobre os aspectos produtivos. Portanto, é necessário investigar a relação entre as características vinculadas à adaptação dos animais com os dados produtivos, na tentativa de ampliar os critérios de seleção dos animais
Estudo da variação da geometria da asa através de simulação computacional
Authors: Silva Jeremy Michael Venâncio da , Sena Maximilyano Gois , Couras Daut de Jesus Nogueira Peixoto
Published: December 2024

A competição SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) aerodesign tem como objetivo projetar uma aeronave radio controlada que deve levar a maior quantidade de massa possível com o mínimo de peso da aeronave. Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar diferentes geometrias de asas com o intuito de identificar qual delas faz com que a aeronave carregue a maior quantidade de carga possível, maximizando o MTOW (Maximum Take-Off Weight). Com isso, foi realizado um estudo para identificar, com o auxílio de simulações computacionais por CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), qual o melhor perfil e quais os parâmetros utilizados. Durante o estudo, foi possível encontrar os parâmetros, para que fosse analisado o comportamento das asas nas simulações de corrida e decolagem, seguindo as regras estabelecidas pelo regulamento da competição, a fim de identificar qual geometria apresenta o melhor desempenho. Ao final do trabalho foi concluído que uma asa 100% retangular consegue suportar a maior quantidade de carga, porém, isso não faz dela a melhor asa, já que é necessário analisar outros aspectos, como propagação de estol na asa, formação de vórtices nas pontas da asa, e manobrabilidade da aeronave
Manutenção avançada em forno rotativo w-01: um olhar aplicado
Authors: Souza Francisco de Assis Monteiro de
Published: December 2024

A indústria cimenteira no Brasil teve um grande crescimento, diante da implantação das políticas públicas nos últimos anos. Neste sentido, é necessário investir em otimizar seus processos produtivos, buscando novas tecnologias e priorizar as práticas de manutenção em seus equipamentos e principalmente em seus fornos, que corresponde a um dos principais equipamentos para a indústria do cimento. A presente pesquisa visou apresentar os processos de manutenção aplicados ao Forno da fábrica em uma empresa de cimento do município de Mossoró-RN. Tendo como objetivo principal, descrever os procedimentos de manutenção que são realizados no equipamento da empresa. Trata-se de um estudo de caso que tem como intenção proporcionar respostas aos problemas que são propostos. Optou-se por utilizar a abordagem qualitativa como procedimento metodológico. Os dados foram coletados por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental disponibilizados pela equipe técnica da empresa, desde que não a identificasse. O Forno utilizado é um Forno Rotativo W-01, com capacidade de produzir 1200 t/dia de clinquer, que funciona 24h. O fato da empresa em questão, adotar pilares baseados na manutenção em seu planejamento estratégico operacional, oportuniza a identificação de possíveis problemas e falhas, que podem ser previamente detectadas por protocolos baseados na manutenção preditiva. Evidenciou-se, que os princípios das manutenções: preditiva, proativa, preventiva, planejada e a autônoma são realizados a fim de manter os níveis adequados e consequentemente competitivos o equipamento em questão.
Safety Assessment of Cat’s Whiskers Flavonoid in Development Toxicity of Zebrafish Embryos
Authors: Das Rajat , Maji Himangshu Sekhar , Haldar Pallab Kanti , Bala Asis
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

The pharmacological significance of 5-hydroxy-3,7,4'-trimethoxy flavone
(5HTMF), a flavonoid isolated from Cleome gynandra L. (Capparidaceae), in mononuclear
lymphocytes of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) has been well-documented. In previous
studies, the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis activity of CWF was reported.

Method:

However, there is a lack of information on the toxicity of 5HTMF. This study aimed to
assess the embryonic toxicity of 5HTMF on zebrafish embryos, using dexamethasone as a standard
for liver toxicity. At 12 hours post fertilization (hpf), no significant toxicity from 5HTMF was
observed on allantoic membrane development.

Results:

By 24 hpf, 20% of embryos showed minor changes in tail development at a 100 μM
concentration of 5HTMF, while dexamethasone (10 μM) disrupted the allantoic membrane in
61.11% of embryos. In the liver toxicity assay, 5HTMF did not show any significant toxicity.

Conclusion:

At 48 hpf, dexamethasone exhibited substantial toxicity at a concentration of 10 μM.
In conclusion, the findings suggest that 5HTMF may be a safe and non-toxic dietary supplement
for treating chronic inflammatory conditions such as RA.
Inducing Neural Fate: The Impact of Phenylacetate and Calcium on Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiation
Authors: Ghiasi Mohsen , Hajipur Mohammad , Ghollasi Marzieh , Dayani Abdolreza , Moradi Mohammad-Taher , Salimi Ali
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) are considered a promising
source for cell replacement therapy in degenerative and traumatic conditions. This study explores
the effects of phenylacetate and calcium on the neural differentiation of hADSCs for regenerative
medicine. We assessed cell viability and cytotoxicity using the MTT assay, revealing that
treatment with 1μM phenylacetate significantly enhanced cell viability compared to control
groups over five days, while higher concentrations resulted in cytotoxic effects.

Method:

Additionally, qualitative analysis through Acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB)
staining indicated normal cellular characteristics at lower phenylacetate concentrations, whereas
higher doses led to observable cell death. A subsequent evaluation of intracellular calcium levels
demonstrated a significant increase when hADSCs were treated with both phenylacetate and calcium.

Results:

The neural differentiation potential was further assessed through the relative quantification
of neuronal-specific genes, showing marked upregulation of NSE, Oligo-2, β-tubulin III, and
MAP-2 in all treatment groups compared to controls. Immunohistochemistry confirmed elevated
protein expression of neural markers in cultures supplemented with phenylacetate and calcium.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that phenylacetate, particularly in conjunction with calcium,
enhances the neural differentiation of hADSCs, highlighting its potential utility in regenerative
medicine strategies targeting neurodegenerative conditions.
Predicting Distant Metastatic Sites in Cancer Using miRNA and mRNA Expression Data
Authors: Mamatkarimov Dostonjon , Kang Jiahui , Han Kyungsook
Published: December 2024

Background:

Cancer patients with metastasis face a much lower survival rate and a higher
risk of recurrence than those without metastasis. So far, several learning methods have been proposed
to predict cancer metastasis, but most of these methods are intended to predict lymph node
metastasis rather than distant metastasis. Distant metastasis is more difficult to predict than lymph
node metastasis because distant metastasis is detected after a comprehensive examination of the entire
body, and there are not enough publicly available tumor samples with distant metastasis that
can be used for training and learning methods. Predicting distant metastatic sites is even more challenging
than predicting whether distant metastasis will occur or not.

Methods:

The problem of predicting distant metastatic sites is a multi‐class and multi‐label classification
problem; there are more than two classes for distant metastatic sites (bone, brain, liver, lung,
and other organs), and a single sample can have multiple labels for multiple metastatic sites. We
transformed the multi‐label and multi‐class problem into multiple single‐label binary issues. For
each metastatic site, we built a random forest model that deals with binary classification and linked
the models along a chain.

Results:

Testing the model on miRNA and mRNA expression datasets of several cancer types
showed a high performance in all performance measures. In the comparison of our model with other
methods, our method outperformed the others.

Conclusion:

We developed a new method for predicting multiple metastatic sites using miRNA and
mRNA expression data. The technique will be useful in predicting distant metastatic sites before
distant metastasis occurs, which in turn will help clinicians determine treatment options for cancer
patients.