bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of the MAMCA Method in the Evaluation of Delivery Flows within City Centers: A Case Study of Rijeka
Authors: Jardas Mladen , Perić Hadžić Ana , Ogrizović Dario
Published: September 2024

The aim of this paper was to propose a model for the evaluation of the flow of goods delivered to urban centers based on a systematic approach, generating possible scenarios of delivery activities and selecting those criteria for evaluation that contributed to the development of delivery activities and their evaluation by individual stakeholders. The number of users of delivery services is increasing, which leads to an increase in the volume of goods in the city center, creating additional traffic congestion—so-called bottlenecks—which results in an increased noise level and the emission of harmful exhaust gases, increasing dissatisfaction with the quality of life of the city population. It is, therefore, necessary for decision-makers to make a decision that achieves the best consensus among stakeholders. A test was carried out in the city of Rijeka. Based on a review of the literature and the spatial planning of the city of Rijeka, this paper proposed the following possible scenarios for the delivery of goods within the city center: status quo, delivery from one consolidation center, delivery from two consolidation centers, delivery by environmentally friendly vehicles from one consolidation center and livability. The criteria were evaluated by relevant stakeholders to determine the weight of each criterion for the development of goods deliveries in the city center. This paper used a multi-actor multi-criteria analysis (MAMCA) based on the optimization and ranking of scenarios in accordance with the given objective, the research problem, the defined criteria and the interests of the stakeholders. The solution of the MAMCA analysis evaluated the scenario with two consolidation centers best in accordance with the specified optimization objective.
Putting a Kink in HIV-1 Particle Infectivity: Rocaglamide Inhibits HIV-1 Replication by Altering Gag-Genomic RNA Interaction
Authors: Rosenfeld Paul , Singh Gatikrushna , Paz Herrera Amanda , Ji Juan , Seufzer Bradley , Heng Xiao , Boris-Lawrie Kathleen , Cochrane Alan
Published: September 2024

Our examination of RNA helicases for effects on HIV-1 protein production and particle assembly identified Rocaglamide (RocA), a known modulator of eIF4A1 function, as an inhibitor of HIV-1 replication in primary CD4+ T cells and three cell systems. HIV-1 attenuation by low-nM RocA doses was associated with reduced viral particle formation without a marked decrease in Gag production. Rather, the co-localization of Gag and HIV-1 genomic RNA (gRNA) assemblies was impaired by RocA treatment in a reversible fashion. Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) immunoprecipitation studies recapitulated the loss of Gag-gRNA assemblies upon RocA treatment. Parallel biophysical studies determined that neither RocA nor eIF4A1 independently affected the ability of Gag to interact with viral RNA, but together, they distorted the structure of the HIV-1 RNP visualized by electron microscopy. Taken together, several lines of evidence indicate that RocA induces stable binding of eIF4A1 onto the viral RNA genome in a manner that interferes with the ordered assembly of Gag along Gag-gRNA assemblies required to generate infectious virions.
Methodological Validation and Inter-Laboratory Comparison of Microneutralization Assay for Detecting Anti-AAV9 Neutralizing Antibody in Human
Authors: Yu Shuangqing , Zhao Qian , Zhang Cengceng , Fu Diyi , Zhu Xueyang , Zhou Jianfang , Ma Wenhao , Dong Zheyue , Zhai Xiaoliang , Jiang Lijie , Han Xiaohong , Zhang Shuyang , Wu Xiaobing , Dong Xiaoyan
Published: September 2024

Anti-AAV neutralizing Abs (NAbs) titer is usually measured by cell-based microneutralization (MN) assay and is crucial for patient screening in AAV-based gene therapy clinical trials. However, achieving uniform operation and comparable results among different laboratories remains challenging. Here, we established a standardized MN assay for anti-AAV9 NAbs in human sera or plasma and transferred the method to the other two research teams. Then, we validated its parameters and tested a set of eight human samples in blind across all laboratories. The end-point titer, defined by a transduction inhibition of 50% (IC50), was calculated using curve-fit modelling. A mouse neutralizing monoclonal antibody in human negative serum was used for system quality control (QC), requiring inter-assay titer variation of <4-fold difference or geometric coefficient of variation (%GCV) of <50%. The assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 54 ng/mL and no cross-reactivity to 20 μg/mL anti-AAV8 MoAb. The intra-assay and inter-assay variation for the low positive QC were 7–35% and 22–41%, respectively. The titers of the blind samples showed excellent reproducibility within and among laboratories, with a %GCV of 18–59% and 23–46%, respectively. This study provides a commonly transferrable MN assay for evaluating anti-AAV9 NAbs in humans, supporting its application in clinical trials.
Varicella-Zoster Disease of the Central Nervous System in Immunocompetent Children: Case Series and a Scoping Review
Authors: Lewandowski Dawid , Toczylowski Kacper , Kowalska Malgorzata , Krasnodębska Milena , Krupienko Iryna , Nartowicz Karolina , Sulik Magdalena , Sulik Artur
Published: September 2024

Background: Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV) is characterized by its ability to enter a dormant state within the body. When the wild or vaccine virus reactivates, it can lead to herpes zoster (HZ), which infrequently manifests as a neuroinfection. Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical manifestations and outcomes associated with VZV reactivation in the CNS in immunocompetent children. Methods: We searched medical databases for case reports using the keywords “zoster”, “meningitis”, “encephalitis”, and “immunocompetent”. The inclusion criteria were age below 18 years, any gender, race, and ethnicity, no features or history of immunodeficiency, and confirmation of VZV reactivation through the detection of VZV DNA in the CSF. Patients were categorized into two groups: children experiencing the reactivation of the wild virus and children with the vaccine strain virus. Results: The cohort included six children hospitalized in our hospital and 49 children reported in the literature. In 37 (67%), a wild-type virus was detected, while in 18 (33%), an infection was caused by the vaccine strain. There were no differences in the clinical presentation between the two groups. A typical rash was observed in 32 (58%) children. Approximately 41 of the 55 children (75%) received antiviral treatment. Four patients experienced complications. Conclusions: Neither a history of VZV immunization nor the absence of a skin rash can definitively exclude VZV meningitis. It is important to note that any seemingly healthy child, regardless of recognized risk factors, could develop HZ meningitis.
Assessing the Relationship between proAKAP4 Level and Longevity of Sexed Sperm Quality after Thawing
Authors: Bastan İlktan , Korkmaz Fırat , Şahin Derya , Şimşek Seher , Kaya Ufuk
Published: September 2024

ProAKAP4 is a sperm structural protein that regulates motility through the PKA-dependent cAMP signaling pathway, which is synthesized as an X chromosome-linked member of the gene family. This study aims to determine the optimal level of proAKAP4 for evaluating sexed semen through investigating its relationship with the longevity of sperm quality in sexed Holstein bull sperm. A total of 30 sexed sperm samples (bearing X chromosomes) from 30 distinct Holstein bulls (n = 30) were analyzed. The frozen bull sperm samples were assessed for their proAKAP4 levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity (PMAI), and spermatozoa movement parameters at hours 0 and 3 after thawing. The proAKAP4 levels in the sexed sperm samples ranged from 16.35 to 72.10 ng/10 M spz, with an average of 37.18 ± 15.1 ng/10 M spz. A strong positive correlation was observed between proAKAP4 levels and total motility, progressive motility, PMAI, high mitochondrial membrane potential, VAP, and VCL values after 3 h of incubation, when compared to post-thaw analyses. The results also reveal that spermatozoa with proAKAP4 levels of ≥40 ng/10 M spz exhibit higher quality. In conclusion, the level of proAKAP4 in sexed sperm aligns with previous studies and shows potential as a biomarker for assessing the longevity of sexed sperm quality.
A Multiplex PCR Assay for Simultaneous Detection of Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Blastocystis spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Goats
Authors: Yu Xingang , Xu Hui , Mu Xuanru , Yuan Kaijian , Li Yilong , Xu Nuo , Li Qiaoyu , Zeng Wenjing , Chen Shengfeng , Hong Yang
Published: September 2024

Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium parvum, Blastocystis spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are four common zoonotic parasites associated with severe diarrhea and enteric diseases. In this study, we developed a multiplex PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of these four zoonotic protozoans in goat stool samples and assessed its detection efficiency. Specific primers were designed from conserved gene sequences retrieved from GenBank, and the PCR conditions were optimized. Genomic DNA from 130 samples was subjected to both single-target PCR and multiplex PCR. The multiplex PCR assay successfully amplified specific gene fragments (G. duodenalis, 1400 bp; C. parvum, 755 bp; Blastocystis spp., 573 bp; E. bieneusi, 314 bp). The assay sensitivity was ≥102 copies of pathogenic DNA clones with high specificity confirmed by negative results for other intestinal parasites. The detection rates were 23.08% (30/130) for G. duodenalis, 24.62% (32/130) for C. parvum, 41.54% (54/130) for Blastocystis spp., and 12.31% (16/130) for E. bieneusi, matching the single-target PCR results. The sensitivity and predictive values were 100.00%. This multiplex PCR provided a rapid, sensitive, specific, and cost-effective approach for detecting these four parasites. It also provided essential technical support for the rapid detection and epidemiological investigation of G. duodenalis, C. parvum, Blastocystis spp., and E. bieneusi infections in goat fecal samples.
Dog Blood Type DEA 1 in Two Municipalities of Luanda Province of Angola (Sub-Saharan Africa)
Authors: Silvestre-Ferreira Ana C. , Vilhena Hugo , Oliveira Ana C. , Mendoza José R. , Aura Maria Garcia , Pastor Josep
Published: September 2024

In dogs, the risk of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction at the first transfusion is negligible; however, mismatched transfusions may produce alloimmunization. To avoid fatal acute hemolytic reactions in subsequent blood transfusions, it is important to recognize blood groups and to blood type both the donor and the recipient. Prevalence of dog blood groups varies geographically and between breeds. Our aim was to determine DEA 1 prevalence in a canine population in Luanda (Angola) and to assess alloimmunization risk after a mismatched blood transfusion. Blood samples were typed using an immunochromatographic strip technique. Of the 112 dogs tested (59 males; 53 females), 52.68% were DEA 1 positive and 47.32% DEA 1 negative. Females tended to be DEA 1 positive, and males DEA 1 negative (p = 0.0085). In a first-time mismatched blood transfusion, the calculated probability of a dog becoming sensitized was 24.9% and the probability of an acute hemolytic reaction following a second incompatible blood transfusion was 6.21%. DEA 1 prevalence obtained was similar to that reported worldwide, but differs from other African countries. The risk of alloimmunization and acute hemolytic transfusion reactions in mismatched blood transfusions is higher than that in other African regions. Blood typing is recommended prior to transfusion.
A Systematic Review of Aphantasia: Concept, Measurement, Neural Basis, and Theory Development
Authors: Jin Feiyang , Hsu Shen-Mou , Li Yu
Published: September 2024

People with aphantasia exhibit the inability to voluntarily generate or form mental imagery in their minds. Since the term “aphantasia” was proposed to describe this, it has gained increasing attention from psychiatrists, neuroscientists, and clinicians. Previous studies have mainly focused on the definition, prevalence, and measurement of aphantasia, its impacts on individuals’ cognitive and emotional processing, and theoretical frameworks synthesizing existing findings, which have contributed greatly to our understanding of aphantasia. However, there are still some debates regarding the conclusions derived from existing research and the theories that were constructed from various sources of evidence. Building upon existing endeavors, this systematic review emphasizes that future research is much needed to refine the definition and diagnosis of aphantasia, strengthen empirical investigations at behavioral and neural levels, and, more importantly, develop or update theories. These multiple lines of efforts could lead to a deeper understanding of aphantasia and further guide researchers in future research directions.
Comparison between Different Visual Acuity Tests and Validation of a Digital Device
Authors: Montori Blanca , Pérez Roche Teresa , Vilella Maria , López Estela , Alejandre Adrián , Pan Xian , Ortín Marta , Lacort Marta , Pueyo Victoria
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To compare different visual acuity (VA) tests (printed and digital, symbols and letters) and to validate a new device for VA testing called DIVE (Devices for an Integral Visual Examination). Methods: VA was tested in a wide spectrum of adult people with printed tests (ETDRS and LEA Symbols) and with two implemented tests in DIVE (HOTV and DIVE Symbols). We measured agreement between the different VA tests using the intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman method. In addition, we measured the repeatability of all tests. Results: Right eyes from 51 adult participants were included in the study. Correlation between tests was high (ICC from 0.95 to 0.97). Bland–Altman analysis showed good agreement among the different tests, with differences within reasonable clinical limits. However, slightly better VA values were obtained with DIVE HOTV and ETDRS, followed by LEA and DIVE Symbols. ETDRS had the best repeatability. Conclusion: The four evaluated VA tests provide comparable outcomes. In an adult sample, letter optotypes obtained better VA values than symbol optotypes. DIVE VA tests are reliable and well-correlated with printed VA tests.
Evaluation of River Health and Human Well-Being in the Heihe River Basin Using the SMI-P Method: A Case Study of the Zhangye City
Authors: Wang Yucai , Li Mao , Zhao Jin , Yang Jin’e
Published: September 2024

Oasis cities are central to the economic and social development as well as ecological sustainability in the arid region in Northwest China. This study aims to explore the balance between river health and human well-being of local residents in the Hexi River oasis, while also enhancing the effectiveness of water resource management within the basin. Utilizing the SMI-P method, we construct a ‘Happy River’ evaluation system that integrates goals, criteria, and indicators. We analyze the evaluation index system for ‘Happy River’ construction in the study area, specifically the Zhangye City section of the Heihe River Basin, and derive a comprehensive evaluation value for the ‘Happy River’ initiative. Additionally, we assess the fit attribute of the evaluation system using the coupled coordination degree model and harmony degree theory, thereby enhancing the rationality of the evaluation method and ensuring a more thorough examination process. The results indicate that from 2017 to 2021, the urban wastewater treatment rate and the degree of water quality excellence in the Zhangye City section of the Black River Basin represent the highest and lowest weights, respectively, within the evaluation system. This suggests that improving the quality of the urban water environment has emerged as the primary factor influencing the assessment of the Happy River during the construction of the Happy River and Happy Lake. Moreover, ecological health is identified as the most significant criterion in the evaluation system, serving as the main factor affecting residents’ perceptions of happiness related to rivers and lakes. Over the five-year period, the happiness level in the study area improved from “relatively happy” to “very happy”, while the coupling coordination degree increased from 0.605 to 0.687, indicating a gradual progression toward coordinated development. Simultaneously, the harmony degree rose from 0.527 to 0.601, suggesting a tendency towards a condition of basic harmony. Additionally, the happiness index increased from 76.71 to 81.97, transitioning from a state of happiness to one of very high happiness. The composite index also improved, rising from 0.459 to 0.526, which demonstrates the preliminary success of the ‘Happy River’ construction efforts in the study area. The evaluation system and model of the ‘Happy River’, along with the final results of this study, can serve as theoretical references for the development of similar initiatives in typical characteristic rivers within the arid region of Northwest China.
Multi-Scale Variation in Surface Water Area in the Yellow River Basin (1991–2023) Based on Suspended Particulate Matter Concentration and Water Indexes
Authors: Zhang Zhiqiang , Guo Xinyu , Cao Lianhai , Lv Xizhi , Zhang Xiuyu , Yang Li , Zhang Hui , Xi Xu , Fang Yichen
Published: September 2024

Surface water is a crucial part of terrestrial ecosystems and is crucial to maintaining ecosystem health, ensuring social stability, and promoting high-quality regional economic development. The surface water in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) has a high sediment content and spatially heterogeneous sediment distribution, presenting a significant challenge for surface water extraction. In this study, we first analyze the applicability of nine water indexes in the YRB by using the Landsat series images (Landsat 5, 7, 8) and then examine the correlation between the accuracy of the water indexes and suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations. On this basis, we propose a surface water extraction method considering the SPM concentrations (SWE-CSPM). Finally, we examine the dynamic variations in the surface water in the YRB at four scales: the global scale, the secondary water resource zoning scale, the provincial scale, and the typical water scale. The results indicate that (1) among the nine water indexes, the MBWI has the highest water extraction accuracy, followed by the AWEInsh and WI2021, while the NDWI has the lowest. (2) Compared with the nine water indexes and the multi-index water extraction rule method (MIWER), the SWE-CSPM can effectively reduce the commission errors of surface water extraction, and the water extraction accuracy is the highest (overall accuracy 95.44%, kappa coefficient 90.62%). (3) At the global scale, the maximum water area of the YRB shows a decreasing trend, but the change amount is small. The permanent water area shows an uptrend, whereas the seasonal water area shows a downtrend year by year. The reason may be that the increase in surface runoff and the construction of reservoir projects have led to the transformation of some seasonal water into permanent water. (4) At the secondary water resource zoning scale, the permanent water area of other secondary water resource zonings shows an increasing trend in different degrees, except for the Interior Drainage Area. (5) At the provincial scale, the permanent water area of all provinces shows an uptrend, while the seasonal water areas show a fluctuating downtrend. The maximum water area of Shandong, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Qinghai increases slowly, while the other provinces show a decreasing trend. (6) At the typical water scale, there are significant differences in the water area variation process in Zhaling Lake, Eling Lake, Wuliangsuhai, Hongjiannao, and Dongping Lake, but the permanent water area and maximum water area of these waters have increased over the past decade. This study offers significant technical support for the dynamic monitoring of surface water and helps to deeply understand the spatiotemporal variations in surface water in the YRB.
Source and Origin of Subsurface Brine of the Kongquehe Sag Area in Western Lop Nur, China
Authors: Jiang Lei , Wang Ying , Guo Shuai , He Liang , Zeng Xize , Han Feng , Yang Zhen , Zu Bo
Published: September 2024

The Kongquehe Sag, located in the western Lop Nur, has abundant pore subsurface brine. In order to study the source and origin, we tested and analyzed the hydrochemical composition and stable isotopes of the subsurface brine. The findings reveal that the brine exhibits a moderate to low degree of mineralization, with values ranging from 50.50 g/L to 91.14 g/L. The stable isotope compositions of unconfined and confined waters are different, with the mean values of δD being −8.00‰ and −51.75‰ and the mean values of δ18O being 10.08‰ and −6.01‰. These values are indicative of an intense evaporative environment prevalent in the Kongquehe Sag area. Furthermore, the 87Sr/86Sr ratios vary between 0.710642 and 0.710837, and δ34S values range from 9.2 to 10.7. These data suggest the long-term evolution of sulfur substances, predominantly through dissolution and sedimentation processes, with minimal influence from redox reactions. The data garnered from this research not only offer a novel perspective of the insights gained into the hydrochemical characteristics and the stable isotope signatures of the brines in the Kongquehe Sag area but also enriches the theoretical framework concerning the source and origin of subsurface brines, potentially informing future exploration strategies.
Changes in the Characteristics of Zooplankton Communities in Response to Shifts in the Aquatic Environment in the Shallow Waters of Northern Liaodong Bay, China
Authors: Li Jiaxing , Zheng Wenjun , Cai Zhonglu , Ma Jin , Li Geng , Ma Bo , Zhao Jing , Li Zhonghong , Li Shuang , Chen Mingkang , Gao Chuang
Published: September 2024

The characteristics of zooplankton communities and the relationships with the aquatic environment in the shallow waters of northern Liaodong Bay were investigated. Spot sampling surveys were carried out in April, June, September, and November 2018 to assess zooplankton species composition and diversity, abundance, biomass, and dominant species, and the associated relationships with environmental factors. A total of 45 species of zooplankton were recorded in the survey, comprising 18 Copepoda, 2 Amphipoda, 1 Mysidacea, 1 Decapoda, 1 Chaetognatha, 7 Hydrozoa, 1 Tunicate, and 14 planktonic larvae. Overall, the most dominant species was Aidanosagitta crassa (Tokioka, 1938), with copepods and planktonic larvae also dominating the zooplankton community. However, there was a seasonal alternation of species dominance. A cluster analysis showed that the zooplankton community in spring differed from other seasons and was mostly influenced by suspended particulate matter. Bioenv analysis indicated the main environmental factor affecting the zooplankton community in spring was suspended particulate matter. In summer, the determining variables were temperature, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN), nitrate, and sediment pH. In autumn, temperature, DIN, and nitrate were determining variables, and dissolved oxygen (DO) and DIN in winter. Zooplankton abundance and biomass were influenced by salinity, suspended particulate matter, chemical oxygen demand (COD), chlorophyll, and water and sediment pH. In general, the shallow sea area north of Liaodong Bay is rich in zooplankton species and exhibits significant seasonal variations. Human activities have disturbed the biological community to a certain extent, and the environmental factors in this area are closely related to the diversity of zooplankton species.
Flooding Hazard Vulnerability Assessment Using Remote Sensing Data and Geospatial Techniques: A Case Study from Mekkah Province, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Bashir Bashar , Alsalman Abdullah
Published: September 2024

Flash floods are catastrophic phenomena that pose a serious risk to coastal infrastructures, towns, villages, and cities. This study assesses the risk of flash floods in the ungauged Mekkah province region based on specific and effective morphometric and topographic features characterizing the study region. Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data were employed to construct a digital elevation model (DEM) for a detailed analysis, and the geographical information systems software 10.4 (GIS) was utilized to assess the linear, area, and relief aspects of the morphometric parameters. The ArcHydro tool was used to prepare the primary parameters, including the watershed border, flow accumulation, flow direction, flow length, and stream ordering. The study region’s flash flood hazard degrees were assessed using several morphometric characteristics that were measured, computed, and connected. Two different and effective methods were used to independently develop two models of flood vulnerability behaviors. The integrated method analysis revealed that most of the eastern and western parts of the studied province provide high levels of flood vulnerability. Due to it being one of the most helpful topographic indices, the integrated flood vulnerability final map was overlayed with the topographic position index (TPI). The integrated results aided in understanding the link between the general basins’ morphometric characteristics and their topographical features for mapping the different flood susceptibility locations over the entire studied province. Thus, this can be applied to investigate a surface-specific reduction plan against the impacts of flood hazards in the studied landscape.
Stormwater Management in Urban Coastal Areas—A Review
Authors: Geraldes António , Piqueiro Francisco , Santos Cristina , Matos Cristina
Published: September 2024

Stormwater management in coastal urban cities, where drainage networks are influenced by marine dynamics and specific soil and altimetry conditions, has specific challenges that need to be addressed to ensure adequate management in such areas, which are also heavily affected by floods. Their location downstream of drainage basins and the interaction of network outfalls with current and tidal variability increases the vulnerability of populations and should therefore be the target of specific studies. This article presents a literature review, where publications that focus on stormwater management in coastal urban areas were identified and analyzed. The main objective was to present the key issues related to drainage in coastal areas, the most relevant challenges, the solutions and strategies that reveal the greater potential for application and the challenges for modeling this type of case. It is intended to provide a grounded basis for new ways of optimizing stormwater drainage in coastal areas and promote a sustainable urban water cycle. This review reveals the necessity to implement a multidisciplinary approach to minimize three main issues: urban flooding, stormwater pollution and groundwater salinization, including the adaptation of existing infrastructures, complementing them with control solutions at source, correct urban planning and the involvement of populations. For an effective management of urban stormwater drainage in coastal areas, this approach must be carried out on a watershed scale, duly supported by reliable decision support tools and monitoring systems.
CEREBRAL MICROVASCULATURE IN AN EXCLUSIVELY FAT DIET MODEL
Authors: Shuvalova Mariya Sergeevna , Shidakov Yusuf Khadzhi-Makhmudovich
Published: September 2024

The microcirculation system plays a major role in the process of food intake and assimilation by the body. It ensures the distribution of oxygen and nutrients among neurons, taking into account their functional activity. The capillaries of the villi in the choroid plexus of cerebral ventricles remain the main source of cerebrospinal fluid production, which determines most physiological functions of the body.
The aim of the study is to identify the peculiarities of remodeling of the microvasculature and vascular plexus of the third cerebral ventricle in rats kept exclusively on a fat diet.
Materials and Methods. The work was performed on 20 white mongrel male rats (200–250 g.), divided into control and experimental groups. Animals of the control group were on a regular diet. Rats of the experimental group were fed exclusively with fatty food (sheep tail fat). On the 15th and 30th days, the animals were withdrawn from the experiment. A study of biochemical blood parameters (cholesterol, glucose, and protein) was carried out. After decapitation, the brain was fixed in formalin, brain sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (Van Gieson stain). The authors conducted light microscopy and morphometry on an Olympus B×40 microscope (Japan).
Results. The animals showed a significant increase in the levels of cholesterol, glucose and albumin in the blood serum under an exclusively fat diet. By the 30th day of the experiment, the smooth muscles of the cerebral arteries undergo paresis, proteolysis, vacuolar dystrophy, hypoplasia with a sharp expansion of the vessel lumen. Signs of myoelastofibrosis are observed in the adventitia. Vein walls are thinned, the lumen is dilated, intravascular thrombi are observed. In the choroid plexus of the 3rd cerebral ventricle, a deficit of plasma flow through the sinusoidal capillaries with compensatory ependymocyte hyperfunction is noted.
Conclusion. An exclusively fat diet leads to remodeling of the cerebral microvasculature, including the capillaries of the villi of the choroid plexus of the 3rd ventricle. All changes are compensatory and adaptive in nature. However, by the 30th day of the experiment, some of them become irreversible.
CHRONIC HEART FAILURE EPIDEMIOLOGY IN KAZAKHSTAN AND OTHER COUNTRIES
Authors: Bashirov Ansar Umarovich
Published: September 2024

The article discusses the etiologic factors contributing to chronic heart failure (CHF) development, as well as CHF main causes. Statistics on CHF prevalence and mortality in Kazakhstan over the past decades is presented in brief. Clinical guidelines of the Kazakhstan Cardiology Society describe many risk factors for CHF in detail, including both underlying and concomitant diseases. According to statistics, 4.7 % of Kazakhstan population (approximately 320,000 people) suffer from CHF. The most common causes or concomitant diseases contributing to CHF development are arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, chronic kidney disease, atrial fibrillation, postinfarction cardiosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, obesity, malignant neoplasms, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic anemia.
The highest incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is observed in Almaty – 4 %. Mortality from circulatory system diseases in the Republic of Kazakhstan decreased from 207.4 cases per 100,000 people in 2012 to 178.92 cases in 2016.
Differences in approaches to CHF coding in the structure of clinical and pathological diagnosis significantly affect data accuracy on CHF prevalence and mortality. These differences are due to the fact that CHF is not an independent disease; it is rather a complication. When we speak about CHF as a disease, we usually consider it as a deuteropathy. Thus, CHF often does not have a code in the structure of the lifetime diagnosis and it is not considered as the primary cause of death in the case of fatality. As a result, we understand the significant impact of CHF on mortality, but do not have an accurate idea of the real scale of the problem.
MODERN MORPHOLOGICAL APPROACHES IN PROSTATE PATHOLOGY DETECTION
Authors: Pavlova Tat'yana Vasil'evna , Suchalkin Evgeniy Borisovich , Savishchenko Elena Anatol'evna , Savishchenko Anastasiya Vladimirovna
Published: September 2024

Prostate diseases are among the most common ones in men. Disease incidence is increasing both in the Russian Federation and all over the world.
Objective. The purpose of the study is to examine the morphological aspects of benign hyperplasia and cancer using scanning electron microscopy.
Materials and Methods. The authors analyzed morphological data of 30 patients with cancer (stage 1–3) and 10 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The samples were examined using FE1 Quanta 200 3D and FE1 Quanta 600 FEG microscopes. Statistical processing was performed calculating intensive and extensive parameters of the mean values. Statistical significance of the mean and relative quantitative values was determined by Student's t-test.
Results. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is characterized by stromal sclerosis, abnormal prostate glands with areas of glandular hyperplasia, including atypical conglomerates with loose cell-cell contacts. In addition, hemorrhages were observed in cancer. As the tumor progressed, cell polymorphism increased, and tumor emboli were formed.
Conclusion. Scanning electron microscopy can detect atypical cells. The detection of atypical cells in patients with benign hyperplasia is a poor prognostic sign, as it indicates possible tumor progression. Tumor emboli formation in cancer indicates stage 3 and is associated with a high risk of metastasis.
RATING SCALES AND INDICATORS OF DIFFUSION TENSOR IMAGING
IN PREDICTING MOTOR DEFICIT REGRESSION IN PATIENTS
WITH CEREBRAL STROKE
Authors: Gizatullin Rinat Raisovich , Akhmadeeva Leila Rinatovna , Baykov Denis Enverovich , Baykova Galina Vladimirovna
Published: September 2024

Stroke and subsequent movement disorders are a significant medical and social problem. In 2021, 500 thousand newly diagnosed strokes were registered in the Russian Federation. No more than 10 % of people return to work within the first year after a stroke, 30 % remain disabled for life. In this regard, it is the relevant to predict motor disease outcomes at different periods in patients with a cerebral stroke. The currently existing severity scales are mostly used to characterize early movement disorders, and long-term effects often remain unassessed. There are no methods for predicting the degree of movement disorders in patients with a cerebral stroke in the long term. Objectively, information on the ratio of the level of brain damage and the likelihood of subsequent motor deficit improvement in vivo can be obtained from neuroimaging images. Predicting the severity of movement disorders is potentially possible by analyzing the state of CNS conducting pathways, primarily the corticospinal tracts. This paper presents our vision on using a clinical neuroimaging method to predict the regression of motor consequences after a cerebral stroke using neurological rating scales and visual assessment of the corticospinal tracts during MRI based on the modern literature analysis.
According to the literature, clinical scales used in the acute period of acute cerebrovascular accident correlate with the assessment of corticospinal tract profile. Therefore, the combination of these methods is promising while assessing motor deficit regression.
Necessidades educacionais de indivíduos que vivem com diabetes em Minas Gerais: um estudo qualitativo
Authors: D’Ornellas Ana Carolina Silva , Bomtempo Ana Paula Delgado , Seixas Mariana Balbi , Cândido Gabriela do Nascimento , Nascimento Isabella de Oliveira , Loiola Ligia Cisneros , Silva Lilian Pinto da
Published: September 2024

Introdução: As necessidades educacionais podem ser influenciadas por fatores geográficos, culturais e sociais, nível socioeconômico e educacional, entre outros. Sendo assim, para garantir que um programa estruturado de educação para pessoas com diabetes seja efetivo, o conteúdo entregue deve atender às necessidades específicas da população que irá recebê-lo. Objetivo: Identificar e detalhar as necessidades educacionais de indivíduos com diabetes de duas cidades de Minas Gerais. Material e Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, descritivo-exploratório realizado em Juiz de Fora e Belo Horizonte, em que investiga, detalhadamente, os dados de grupos focais que foram conduzidos como parte do desenvolvimento de um programa estruturado de educação para brasileiros que vivem com diabetes. A amostra deste estudo foi de conveniência e composta por indivíduos que apresentavam alterações no metabolismo da glicose (diabetes tipo 1 ou tipo 2). Os dados coletados foram analisados pelo método de análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados: Foram conduzidos seis grupos focais envolvendo uma amostra total de 31 participantes (55,63 ± 16,23 anos), 14 mulheres e 17 homens, diagnosticados com diabetes tipo 1 (n= 9) ou diabetes tipo 2 (n= 22). A partir da análise dos dados coletados emergiram seis categorias de temas: fisiopatologia e complicações do diabetes; alimentação; medicação; exercício físico; relação entre sono e diabetes; e aspectos psicossociais de viver com diabetes. Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo podem guiar o desenvolvimento de programas educacionais focados nas lacunas de conhecimento identificadas entre indivíduos vivendo com diabetes. A abordagem desses temas em programas educacionais para pessoas que apresentam alterações no metabolismo da glicemia poderá contribuir para melhorar o controle e promover a prevenção do diabetes no estado de Minas Gerais.
Acidentes de trabalho com exposição a material biológico no âmbito nacional, estadual e de Governador Valadares
Authors: Guedes Bianca Paixão , Moreira Michel Rodrigues
Published: September 2024

Introdução: Acidentes com exposição a material biológico podem provocar danos à integridade física, mental e social da vítima. Objetivo: Avaliar a ocorrência de acidentes de trabalho com exposição a material biológico (ATEMB) no âmbito nacional, do estado de Minas Gerais (MG) e do município de Governador Valadares (GV), a partir de dados obtidos do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) – DATASUS. Material e Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, retrospectivo, a partir de dados do SINAN referentes ao período de janeiro/2006 a dezembro/2022. Resultados: Foram registrados 788.046 ATEMB no país, 108.428 em MG e 1.898 em GV, afetando predominantemente a faixa etária dos 20-29 anos no Brasil (BR) e MG e dos 30-39 anos em GV, em sua maioria do sexo feminino e com ensino médio completo. Empregados registrados foram os mais afetados. Os procedimentos cirúrgicos corresponderam à circunstância de acidente mais frequente no Brasil, o descarte inadequado de material potencialmente contaminante no chão foi a circunstância mais frequente em MG e, em GV, foi o descarte inadequado do lixo. A maioria dos indivíduos evoluiu com alta sem conversão sorológica (GV) ou em função do paciente fonte ter sido negativo (BR e MG). A emissão da comunicação de acidente de trabalho foi realizada para a maioria dos acidentes nas três esferas. Conclusão: Os resultados evidenciaram uma taxa importante de indivíduos que abandonaram o acompanhamento após acidente, a necessidade de capacitações profissionais voltadas para o preenchimento adequado e completo das fichas de notificação do SINAN e podem propiciar discussões acerca da corresponsabilidade do empregador no acompanhamento dos acidentes, das melhores estratégias a serem adotadas para a prevenção e o manejo dos mesmos e para o estabelecimento de ações educativas permanentes.
Social network X and mental health in Brazil in times of coronavirus
Authors: Nogueira Thallys da Silva , Sarte Laisa Marcorela Andreoli , Goliatt Priscila Vanessa Zabala Capriles
Published: September 2024

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a number of impacts on people's daily lives around the world. The radical change in people's daily routines has led to an increase in the use and consumption of social media content. The scenario of uncertainty during this period has been favorable to the increase in bouts of anxiety and depression, leading many people to post content about these topics on social media. Objective: Develop a tool that uses natural language processing techniques to analyze Brazilian posts on X, formerly Twitter, during the pandemic. Materials and Methods: We collected and analyzed X posts related to mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. We used sentiment analysis and topic identification methods to evaluate the content of the posts. Results: The results showed that the pandemic has had a negative psychological impact on the lives of Brazilians. The "News" broadcast and the "Symptoms/Disorders" produced caused significant emotional discomfort, with women being the most affected. The analysis revealed an increase in the number of publications related to mental health during the pandemic. Conclusion: This study has identified new information that can help in the construction of public policies to minimize the negative effects of the pandemic on the mental health of the Brazilian population. The analysis of social media posts (X only) can provide valuable insights to better understand people's needs and concerns during public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Neutropenia congênita grave: relato de caso
Authors: Pinto Patrícia Cristina Gomes , Grunewald Sabrine Teixeira Ferraz
Published: September 2024

Introdução: O termo neutropenia congênita pode ser usado para definir um grupo heterogêneo de doenças da mielopoiese, permanentes ou intermitentes, que podem ser caracterizadas por uma contagem de neutrófilos abaixo de 500 células/mm3 (neutropenia grave) ou entre 500 e 1500 células/mm3 (neutropenia leve). Pacientes com neutropenia congênita apresentam risco aumentado de infecções frequentes e graves, que podem levar a morbidade e mortalidade. Assim, seu diagnóstico precoce é essencial para início do tratamento em tempo hábil. Objetivo: Relatar um caso de neutropenia congênita grave diagnosticada no primeiro ano de vida, realizando revisão da literatura sobre o tema. Relato de Caso: Paciente de sexo masculino acompanhado em unidade hospitalar a partir do terceiro mês de vida por pneumonia, otite média, meningite e sepse, com história de internação prévia por pneumonia e otite, apresentando contagem de neutrófilos persistentemente abaixo de 200 células/mm3. Realizou mielograma e biópsia de medula óssea que revelaram parada de maturação de neutrófilos na fase de promielócitos. Recebeu tratamento com diversos esquemas de antibióticos de amplo espectro, e iniciou fator estimulante de colônia de granulócitos. Após a alta, abandonou o acompanhamento ambulatorial, e retornou para nova internação aos onze meses de vida, com novo diagnóstico de pneumonia, evoluindo para refratariedade ao tratamento e óbito. Conclusão: As neutropenias congênitas são doenças raras e com alto potencial de morbimortalidade. Sendo importante que profissionais de saúde estejam atentos a essa hipótese diagnóstica, garantindo um diagnóstico precoce e instituição do tratamento recomendado, o que está associado a diminuição importante da mortalidade.
A Flexible, Large-Scale Sensing Array with Low-Power In-Sensor Intelligence
Authors: Xu Zhangyu , Zhang Fan , Xie Erxuan , Hou Chao , Yin Liting , Liu Hanqing , Yin Mengfei , Yin Lang , Liu Xuejun , Huang YongAn
Published: September 2024

Artificial intelligence of things systems equipped with flexible sensors can autonomously and intelligently detect the condition of the surroundings. However, current intelligent monitoring systems always rely on an external computer with the capability of machine learning rather than integrating it into the sensing device. The computer-assisted intelligent system is hampered by energy inefficiencies, privacy issues, and bandwidth restrictions. Here, a flexible, large-scale sensing array with the capability of low-power in-sensor intelligence based on a compression hypervector encoder is proposed for real-time recognition. The system with in-sensor intelligence can accommodate different individuals and learn new postures without additional computer processing. Both the communication bandwidth requirement and energy consumption of this system are significantly reduced by 1,024 and 500 times, respectively. The capability for in-sensor inference and learning eliminates the necessity to transmit raw data externally, thereby effectively addressing privacy concerns. Furthermore, the system possesses a rapid recognition speed (a few hundred milliseconds) and a high recognition accuracy (about 99%), comparing with support vector machine and other hyperdimensional computing methods. The research holds marked potential for applications in the integration of artificial intelligence of things and flexible electronics.
An Integrated Dual-Layer Heterogeneous Polycaprolactone Scaffold Promotes Oral Mucosal Wound Healing through Inhibiting Bacterial Adhesion and Mediating HGF-1 Behavior
Authors: Hong Gaoying , Hu Zihe , Zhou Yanyan , Chen Mumian , Wu Haiyan , Lu Weiying , Jin Wenjing , Yao Ke , Xie Zhijian , Shi Jue
Published: September 2024

Recently, the high incidence of oral mucosal defects and the subsequent functional impairments have attracted widespread attention. Controlling scaffold geometry pattern has been proposed as a strategy to promote cell behavior and facilitate soft tissue repair. In this study, we innovatively construct an integrated dual-layer heterogeneous polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold using melt electrowriting (MEW) technology. The outer layer was disordered, while the inner layer featured oriented fiber patterns: parallel (P-par), rhombic (P-rhomb), and square (P-sq). Our findings revealed that the P-rhomb and P-sq scaffolds exhibited superior surface wettability, roughness, and tensile strength compared to the pure disordered PCL scaffolds (P) and P-par. Compared to the commercial collagen membranes, the outer layer of PCL can effectively inhibit bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Furthermore, the P-rhomb and P-sq groups demonstrated higher gene and protein expression levels related to cell adhesion and cell migration rates than did the P and P-par groups. Among them, P-sq plays an important role in inducing the differentiation of gingival fibroblasts into myofibroblasts rich in α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Additionally, P-sq could reduce inflammation, promote epithelial regeneration, and accelerate wound healing when used in full-thickness oral mucosal defects in rabbits. Overall, the integrated dual-layer heterogeneous PCL scaffold fabricated by MEW technology effectively inhibited bacterial adhesion and guided tissue regeneration, offering advantages for clinical translation and large-scale production. This promising material holds important potential for treating full-thickness mucosal defects in a bacteria-rich oral environments.
Adjustable Phase-Amplitude-Phase Acoustic Metasurface for the Implementation of Arbitrary Impedance Matrices
Authors: Tian Yu-Ze , Wei Zhuo-Run , Wang Yan-Feng , Laude Vincent , Wang Yue-Sheng
Published: September 2024

Impedance metasurfaces enable accurate regulation of acoustic fields. However, they can hardly supply a flexible response as such perfect operation is accompanied by stringent requirements on the design of unit cells. Actually, an arbitrary lossless and passive target impedance matrix requires the tuning of 3 independent real parameters. The set composed of a reflection phase, a transmission amplitude, and a transmission phase, enables the representation of an arbitrary impedance matrix, possibly possessing singular elements. In this paper, a mechanism of phase-amplitude-phase modulation (PAP modulation) is developed for the generic design of the unit cells of acoustic impedance metasurfaces. Adjustable acoustic impedance metasurfaces are further available under this framework. An impedance unit with 3 mobile parts is designed based on this idea. The assembled metasurface can handle different incidences for acoustic field manipulation at a given frequency. Beam steering and beam splitting are considered as demonstration examples and are verified by numerical simulation and experiment. PAP modulation enriches the design of acoustic impedance metasurfaces and extends the range of application of impedance theory.