bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penguatan Nilai-Nilai Ideologi Pancasila dan Nasionalisme Pada Generasi Muda Pedesaan di Desa Betteng Kecamatan Pamboang Kabupaten Majene
Authors: Ibnu Khaldun Riady , Antuli Rezky Ramadhan , Sajidin Muhammad , Winata Verry Candra , Anca Al
Published: June 2023

Pancasila adalah dasar untuk mewujudkan persatuan dan kesatuan Bangsa Indonesia yang juga sebagai ideologi bangsa memuat cita-cita berdasarkan apa yang telah disusun oleh para pendiri bangsa. Saat ini masih jarang dilaksanakan penguatan Pancasila khusunya di wilayah perdesaan, sehingga pemahaman masyarakat akan nilai-nilai pancasila masih kurang, Pelaksanaan pengabdian kepada masyarakat telah merujuk dari situasi yang terjadi didukung dengan hasil observasi yang bertujuan untuk menanamkan Nilai-Nilai Ideologi Pancasila dan Nasionalisme kepada para young generation atau generasi muda pedesaan di Desa Betteng Kecamatan Pamboang Kabupaten Majene,  Pengabdian ini melibatkan dosen dan mahasiswa universitas sulawesi barat, dengan tahapan 1) Persiapan; 2) Koordinasi dengan Pemerintah Desa; 3) Pembekalan mahasiswa; 4) Melaksanakan kegiatan penanaman nilai yang terkandung di dalam Pancasila dan penanaman semangat nasionalisme. Adapun hasil pelaksanaan kegiatan ini adalah mendorong peningkatan pemahaman Nilai-Nilai Pancasila dan sikap nasionalisme yang diaplikasikan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari oleh generasi muda pedesaan di Desa Betteng.
Economic burden of disease of uncontrolled acromegalic patients: the acromegaly Italian collaborative study group
Authors: Mennini Francesco S. , Viti Raffaella , Bini Chiara , Marcellusi Andrea , Palazzo Fabio
Published: June 2023

Background: Acromegaly is a rare, serious and disabling disease associated with increased mortality if not properly treated. The objective of this study was to estimate indirect and direct costs associated to uncontrolled acromegalic patients in Italy. Methods: a specific questionnaire was developed in order to obtain specific information from the patient perspective and administrated to subsequent patients treated in 17 Italian endocrinology centres. Indirect cost from patients and caregivers perspective were estimated considering the Human Capital Approach while direct cost were evaluated considering the patients perspective. assuming that our sample were representative of the general uncontrolled acromegalic patients. Results: 86 patients were enrolled in the study and complete the questionnaire. Of these 51.16% were employed, 23.26% were unemployed for reasons unrelated to the illness, 8,14% were unemployed due to the illness and 17.44% were inactive. The total costs per patient amounted to about € 3,832 per year, of which 5.1% are mobility costs, while the indirect costs come to € 7.7 million, of which 45.7% is due to illness-related to unemployment. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this study represents the first attempt to quantify the costs of uncontrolled acromegalic patients in Italy.
Estratégias e recomendações nutricionais de carboidratos para performance esportiva
Authors: Almeida Lyara Rios , Campbell Giovanni Rocha , Cruz Michele Ferro de Amorim
Published: June 2023

É amplamente reconhecido que os carboidratos constituem a principal fonte de energia no âmbito da prática esportiva, e o desempenho está relacionado à disponibilidade desses substratos no organismo. Este estudo visa analisar as recomendações nutricionais e estratégias de consumo de carboidratos para otimizar a performance esportiva. A presente revisão bibliográfica examinou estudos experimentais sobre o efeito do consumo de carboidratos em diferentes modalidades esportivas no desempenho dos atletas. Os resultados mostram a importância do consumo de carboidratos para otimizar as reservas de glicogênio, reduzir a percepção de esforço e otimizar o desempenho. A ingestão estratégica de carboidratos antes, durante ou após o exercício pode aumentar a disponibilidade de glicogênio, retardar a fadiga e melhorar a resistência. A quantidade indicada depende da duração do exercício, sendo benéfica a ingestão prévia em atividades de curta duração e a suplementação durante o exercício em modalidades de longa duração. Em suma, a pesquisa reforça que a utilização estratégica de carboidratos desempenha um papel fundamental na otimização da performance esportiva. A ingestão estratégica de carboidratos pode conferir benefícios significativos propiciando um melhor aproveitamento das reservas de energia, postergando a fadiga e maximizando a capacidade de rendimento atlético.
O ensino dos esportes não convencionais na escola sob uma perspectiva docente: um estudo de caso
Authors: Costa Alisson Vieira , Dias Marcela Fabiani Silva
Published: June 2023

Como objetivo o estudo se propôs a investigar a percepção de docentes sobre os esportes não convencionais nacionais em uma escola de Macapá-AP. No aspecto metodológico a pesquisa caracterizou-se como um estudo de caso de abordagem qualitativa. Organizaram-se as etapas da pesquisa em três momentos: assinatura do TCLE pelos docentes, assinatura do Termo de Anuência pela coordenação e a coleta de dados com os docentes. Selecionaram-se sete modalidades esportivas para a pesquisa de campo e a amostra foi composta por dois professores da etapa do Ensino Médio que responderam um questionário que versava sobre os esportes não convencionais brasileiros. Os resultados revelaram que os docentes conhecem alguns esportes criados no Brasil, mas ainda conhecem pouco sobre as sete modalidades selecionadas na pesquisa. O ensino dos esportes não convencionais na escola é uma possibilidade concreta, considerando que alguns esportes podem ser realizados em espaços pequenos, com materiais que podem ser confeccionados pelos professores e alguns possuem gestos técnicos de fácil execução. Assim, o estudo conclui que ensino dos esportes não convencionais na escola ainda é uma temática em expansão o que torna necessária a realização de mais estudos dentro do ambiente educacional.
O papel da assistência farmacêutica na oncologia pediátrica
Authors: Cardoso Mayra do Carmo , Marquez Carolinne Oliveira
Published: June 2023

No serviço de prestação de cuidados ao doente oncológico, o farmacêutico pratica um aconselhamento personalizado e supervisiona o tratamento. Desta formar, o objetivo do presente estudo foi discutir a atuação do profissional de farmácia em equipe multidisciplinar no tratamento dos pacientes oncológicos pediátricos. O presente estudo, trata-se de uma pesquisa de caráter qualitativo, explicativo e dedutivo a partir de revisão bibliográfica, do tipo narrativa, abordando o conhecimento dos profissionais farmacêuticos acerca do papel da assistência farmacêutica na oncologia pediátrica. O presente estudo, trata-se de uma pesquisa de caráter qualitativo, explicativo e dedutivo a partir de revisão bibliográfica, do tipo narrativa, abordando o conhecimento dos profissionais farmacêuticos acerca do papel da assistência farmacêutica na oncologia pediátrica. Para a eficácia do tratamento oncológico, além dos antineoplásicos, a terapia requer medicamentos como antieméticos, analgésicos, antimicrobianos, entre outros, os quais minimizam os efeitos adversos da quimioterapia e radioterapia, bem como os próprios sinais e sintomas provenientes da doença. A dispensação é um processo importante, pois nela é fornecido informações acerca do tratamento prescrito, permitindo que o paciente compreenda os medicamentos que utilizará, pois, a falta de orientação ao paciente pode causar má adesão, efeitos indesejáveis, falha terapêutica, efeitos adversos e interferir na evolução do paciente. Em síntese, a assistência farmacêutica é um pilar fundamental no campo da oncologia pediátrica. Os profissionais farmacêuticos especializados nessa área têm um papel multifacetado, atuando desde a seleção e preparação dos medicamentos até o suporte direto aos pacientes e suas famílias.
Importance of estuaries for the horse-eye jack Caranx latus in northeastern Brazil: a case study of underestimated connectivity at the land-sea interface
Authors: Gonzalez JG , Frédou T , Duarte-Neto PJ , Labonne M , Lira AS , Soares APC , Darnaude AM
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the importance of inshore estuarine habitats for the maintenance of offshore exploited stocks of the horse-eye jack Caranx latus, a marine tropical species of high economic value. Otoliths of 143 yearlings were used to develop a data set of multi-elemental fingerprints for different juvenile habitats of C. latus in northeastern Brazil, including 7 estuaries and the coastal zone. This data set was then compared to the signatures in the juvenile part of the otolith of 40 sub-adult and adult fish caught at sea to identify their origin. Although otolith multi-elemental concentrations overlapped for some of the estuaries investigated, the maximum overall discrimination accuracy between them was only 58%. However, grouping several estuaries according to their similarity in elemental signatures increased accuracy to 80%. In both cases, correct re-assignment rates for the coastal zone were above 94%, and strontium (Sr) was the most significant element in juvenile habitat discrimination. The remaining elements (B, Ba, Co, P, Rb, and Zn) allowed us to distinguish between 3 distinct groups of estuaries, for which correct re-assignment rates were 70-88%. Juvenile fingerprints in sub-adult and adult otoliths revealed that most of the fish in the local, exploited stock (75%) originate from an inshore estuarine habitat, particularly from larger estuaries under constant marine influence (32.5%). This biological connectivity between continental and coastal waters should be considered for the conservation of tropical marine coastal stocks in general, as it is likely to apply to other exploited marine species, in Brazil and elsewhere.
Испытания элементов железобетонных конструкций с петлевыми стыками арматуры
Authors: АВДЕЕВ Кирилл Владимирович , МАМИН Александр Николаевич , БОБРОВ Владимир Викторович , БАММАТОВ Арслан Асельдерович , КВАСНИКОВ Александр Анатольевич , МАРТЬЯНОВ Кирилл Владимирович , ПУГАЧЕВ Борис Александрович
Published: June 2023

В связи с внедрением в практику строительства новой разновидности петлевых стыков для повышения надежности зданий и сооружений необходимы дополнительные экспериментальные исследования несущей способности монолитных железобетонных конструкций с такими стыками. Проведены серии экспериментов с целью оценки напряженно-деформированного состояния и несущей способности стыков на действие циклически возрастающих нагрузок при изгибе и растяжении с учетом влияния таких параметров стыка, как диаметр ядра и расстояние между петлями встречного направления. В результате испытаний оценены прочность, жесткость и трещиностойкость образцов с различными геометрическими параметрами петлевых стыков, проведено сравнение опытного и теоретического разрушающего момента и момента трещинообразования. Экспериментально подтверждено влияние раздвижки петель на жесткость конструкций с петлевым стыком при изгибе, а также значительное снижение трещиностойкости таких конструкций при растяжении. Практическая значимость исследования заключается в получении новой информации о монолитных железобетонных конструкциях с петлевыми стыками, которая может быть использована при проектировании зданий и сооружений.
Finite element study of the biomechanical effects on the rotator cuff under load
Authors: Yang Zhengzhong , Xu Guangming , Yang Jiyong , Lin Xiaosheng
Published: June 2023

Rotator cuff injuries account for 50% of shoulder disorders that can cause shoulder pain and reduced mobility. The occurrence of rotator cuff injury is related to the variation in shoulder load, but the mechanical changes in the rotator cuff caused by load remain unclear. Therefore, the mechanical results of the rotator cuff tissue during glenohumeral abduction and adduction were analyzed based on a finite element shoulder model under non-load (0 kg) and load (7.5 kg) conditions. The results showed that the maximum von Mises stress on the supraspinatus muscle was larger than that on the subscapularis, infraspinatus, and teres minor muscles during glenohumeral abduction. Compared with the non-load condition, the maximum von Mises stress on the supraspinatus muscle increased by 75% under the load condition at 30° abduction. Under the load condition, the supraspinatus joint side exhibited an average stress that was 32% greater than that observed on the bursal side. The von Mises stress on the infraspinatus muscle was higher than that in other rotator cuff tissues during adduction. The stress on the infraspinatus muscle increased by 36% in the load condition compared to the non-load condition at 30° adduction. In summary, the increased load changed the mechanical distribution of rotator cuff tissue and increased the stress differential between the joint aspect and the bursal aspect of the supraspinatus tendon.
The application of nanomedicine in clinical settings
Authors: Zhao Qingsong , Cheng Nuo , Sun Xuyan , Yan Lijun , Li Wenlan
Published: June 2023

As nanotechnology develops in the fields of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, information and communication, and medical care, it has shown great promises. In recent years, medical nanorobots have made significant progress in terms of the selection of materials, fabrication methods, driving force sources, and clinical applications, such as nanomedicine. It involves bypassing biological tissues and delivering drugs directly to lesions and target cells using nanorobots, thus increasing concentration. It has also proved useful for monitoring disease progression, complementary diagnosis, and minimally invasive surgery. Also, we examine the development of nanomedicine and its applications in medicine, focusing on the use of nanomedicine in the treatment of various major diseases, including how they are generalized and how they are modified. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary and discussion of current research for the future development in nanomedicine.
Preliminary analysis of nonlinear site response at the S-net seafloor sites during three Mw 7 class earthquakes
Authors: Dhakal Yadab P. , Kunugi Takashi
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we investigated the characteristics of nonlinear site response (NLSR) at 23 S-net seafloor sites using strong-motion records obtained during three Mw 7 class earthquakes that occurred directly beneath the network. During the earthquakes, horizontal peak accelerations as large values as 1,400 and 1700 cm/s2 were recorded at the land (KiK-net) and S-net stations, respectively. The S-net is a large-scale inline-type seafloor observation network for earthquake and tsunami in the Japan Trench area. Characterization of NLSR is important because, in most common cases, it can cause a reduction of higher frequency components and a shift of predominant site frequency to lower one. Obtaining high-quality strong-motion records at seafloor sites is extremely difficult and expensive. Some of the records from the three earthquakes used in this study were contaminated by the rotations of the sensor houses, resulting in the ramps and offsets after the arrival of strong S-wave phases. We used a time window of 10 s starting from the S-wave onset, that avoided the ramps and offsets mostly. Using the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) technique, we found that the selected S-net sites might have experienced substantial degrees of NLSR during the three earthquakes with peak accelerations greater than about 60 cm/s2. To investigate that the obtained features of NLSR were realistic or not at the S-net sites, we examined the NLSR at nine KiK-net sites on land where high-quality strong-motion records were obtained. We found that the KiK-net sites experienced various degrees of NLSR during the three earthquakes, and the obtained characteristics of NLSR at the KiK-net and S-net sites were comparable. We found that the NLSR affected the ground motions at frequencies mainly higher than 1 Hz at both Kik-net and S-net sites. Despite these similarities, by analyzing the spectral ratios between two horizontal component records, we suspected that the induced rotations contributed to some extent in exaggerating the degree of NLSR at the S-net sites, primarily when the components perpendicular to the cable axes were used. We concluded that consideration of induced rotational effects is necessary to understand the NLSR at the S-net sites better.
The circadian rhythm: an influential soundtrack in the diabetes story
Authors: Hariri Amirali , Mirian Mina , Zarrabi Ali , Kohandel Mohammad , Amini-Pozveh Maryam , Aref Amir Reza , Tabatabaee Aliye , Prabhakar Pranav Kumar , Sivakumar Ponnurengam Malliappan
Published: June 2023

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has been the main category of metabolic diseases in recent years due to changes in lifestyle and environmental conditions such as diet and physical activity. On the other hand, the circadian rhythm is one of the most significant biological pathways in humans and other mammals, which is affected by light, sleep, and human activity. However, this cycle is controlled via complicated cellular pathways with feedback loops. It is widely known that changes in the circadian rhythm can alter some metabolic pathways of body cells and could affect the treatment process, particularly for metabolic diseases like T2DM. The aim of this study is to explore the importance of the circadian rhythm in the occurrence of T2DM via reviewing the metabolic pathways involved, their relationship with the circadian rhythm from two perspectives, lifestyle and molecular pathways, and their effect on T2DM pathophysiology. These impacts have been demonstrated in a variety of studies and led to the development of approaches such as time-restricted feeding, chronotherapy (time-specific therapies), and circadian molecule stabilizers.
Histaminergic regulation of food intake
Authors: Khouma Axelle , Moeini Moein Minbashi , Plamondon Julie , Richard Denis , Caron Alexandre , Michael Natalie Jane
Published: June 2023

Histamine is a biogenic amine that acts as a neuromodulator within the brain. In the hypothalamus, histaminergic signaling contributes to the regulation of numerous physiological and homeostatic processes, including the regulation of energy balance. Histaminergic neurons project extensively throughout the hypothalamus and two histamine receptors (H1R, H3R) are strongly expressed in key hypothalamic nuclei known to regulate energy homeostasis, including the paraventricular (PVH), ventromedial (VMH), dorsomedial (DMH), and arcuate (ARC) nuclei. The activation of different histamine receptors is associated with differential effects on neuronal activity, mediated by their different G protein-coupling. Consequently, activation of H1R has opposing effects on food intake to that of H3R: H1R activation suppresses food intake, while H3R activation mediates an orexigenic response. The central histaminergic system has been implicated in atypical antipsychotic-induced weight gain and has been proposed as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity. It has also been demonstrated to interact with other major regulators of energy homeostasis, including the central melanocortin system and the adipose-derived hormone leptin. However, the exact mechanisms by which the histaminergic system contributes to the modification of these satiety signals remain underexplored. The present review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the central histaminergic system’s role in regulating feeding and highlights unanswered questions remaining in our knowledge of the functionality of this system.
Asian elephants as ecological filters in Sundaic forests
Authors: Ong Lisa , Tan Wei Harn , Davenport Lisa C. , McConkey Kim R. , Mat Amin Mohamad Khairul Adha bin , Campos-Arceiz Ahimsa , Terborgh John W.
Published: June 2023

Megaherbivores exert strong top-down influence on the ecosystems they inhabit, yet little is known about the foraging impacts of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) on the structure of Southeast Asia’s rainforests. Our goal was to document Asian elephants’ dietary composition, selectivity, and foraging impacts in a Sundaic rainforest and test whether these differed between habitats. We conducted controlled direct observations of five wild-born captive elephants feeding on six plant types (bamboo, grass, monocot herbs, palms, lianas, and trees) of different age 2 in two habitats (mature vs. early successional forest) in Krau, Peninsular Malaysia. Palms, trees, and lianas formed the bulk of the elephants’ diet. In the mature forest, elephants showed a strong preference for monocots (preference ratio, PR = 5.1), particularly large palms (PR = 5.4), while trees were negatively selected (PR = 0.14). Conversely, in early successional habitats, large tree saplings were positively selected (PR = 1.6). Elephants uprooted (30%) and broke the main stem (30%) of the dicot trees, mainly large saplings, that they handled. Tree saplings broken by elephants had an average diameter of 1.7 ± 1.1 cm (up to 7 cm), with breaks happening at 1.1 ± 0.5 m of height. We estimated that, in a year, an elephant could damage (i.e., either uproot or break) around 39,000 tree saplings if it fed entirely in mature forest, and almost double the number (73,000) if it fed solely in early successional habitats. Assuming a density of 0.05–0.18 elephants/km2, elephant foraging could damage 0.2–0.6% of the tree sapling population per year. Slow growth rates of understory plants in mature forests could result in negative feedbacks, whereby elephants suppress palms, other monocots, and highly preferred tree species. Alternatively, elephants may initiate positive feedbacks by impeding succession along forest edges and in semi-open environments, thereby increasing the size of gaps and the availability of their preferred foodplants. Overall, our results show that Asian elephants act as ecological filters by suppressing the plants they prefer in Southeast Asia’s rainforests.
AI-based multi-PRS models outperform classical single-PRS models
Authors: Klau Jan Henric , Maj Carlo , Klinkhammer Hannah , Krawitz Peter M. , Mayr Andreas , Hillmer Axel M. , Schumacher Johannes , Heider Dominik
Published: June 2023

Polygenic risk scores (PRS) calculate the risk for a specific disease based on the weighted sum of associated alleles from different genetic loci in the germline estimated by regression models. Recent advances in genetics made it possible to create polygenic predictors of complex human traits, including risks for many important complex diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases, typically influenced by many genetic variants, each of which has a negligible effect on overall risk. In the current study, we analyzed whether adding additional PRS from other diseases to the prediction models and replacing the regressions with machine learning models can improve overall predictive performance. Results showed that multi-PRS models outperform single-PRS models significantly on different diseases. Moreover, replacing regression models with machine learning models, i.e., deep learning, can also improve overall accuracy.
Regulation of PD-L1 expression in non–small cell lung cancer by interleukin-1β
Authors: Hirayama Aiko , Tanaka Kentaro , Tsutsumi Hirono , Nakanishi Takayuki , Yamashita Sho , Mizusaki Shun , Ishii Yumiko , Ota Keiichi , Yoneshima Yasuto , Iwama Eiji , Okamoto Isamu
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Programmed cell death–ligand 1 (PD-L1) is a biomarker for prediction of the clinical efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in various cancer types. The role of cytokines in regulation of PD-L1 expression in tumor cells has not been fully characterized, however. Here we show that interleukin-1β (IL-1β) plays a key role in regulation of PD-L1 expression in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

We performed comprehensive screening of cytokine gene expression in NSCLC tissue using available single-cell RNA-Sequence data. Then we examined the role of IL-1β in vitro to elucidate its induction of PD-L1 on NSCLC cells.

Results

The IL-1β gene is highly expressed in the tumor microenvironment, particularly in macrophages. The combination of IL-1β and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) induced a synergistic increase in PD-L1 expression in NSCLC cell lines. IL-1β and IFN-γ also cooperatively activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and promoted the binding of downstream transcription factors to the PD-L1 gene promoter. Furthermore, inhibitors of MAPK signaling blocked upregulation of PD-L1 by IL-1β and IFN-γ.

Discussion

Our study reports high levels of IL-1β in the tumor microenvironment may cooperate with IFN-γ to induce maximal PD-L1 expression in tumor cells via activation of MAPK signaling, with the IL-1β–MAPK axis being a promising therapeutic target for attenuation of PD-L1–mediated suppression of antitumor immunity.
Growth rate estimation by 210Pb chronology in precious corals collected off the southern coast of Japan
Authors: Yamada Masatoshi , Suzuki Atsushi , Iwasaki Nozomu
Published: June 2023

The Lead 210 (210Pb) concentrations were determined to estimate the skeletal growth rates in the four species of precious corals including Japanese red coral (Corallium japonicum), pink coral (Pleurocorallium elatius), white coral (P. konojoi), and a deep-sea coral (Coralliidae sp.), and in a bamboo coral (Keratoisissp.). Colonies were collected from the southern coast of Japan, western North Pacific margin. The210Pb concentrations typically showed the exponential decrease with distance from the edge to the center of the skeleton axis in a cross section of main stem of colonies. The mean radial growth rates for colonies were estimated from the slopes of the best fit curves for exponential decrease in210Pb concentration along the multiple transects. The obtained mean and standard deviation of radial growth rates in the diameter (the number of transects, n) for three colonies ofC. japonicumwere 0.31 mm/y (n = 1), 0.21 ± 0.05 mm/y (n = 2), and 0.36 ± 0.13 mm/y (n = 2), respectively, which were broadly comparable to the previously reported growth rates obtained by growth ring counting. Those obtained for three white coral colonies were 0.52 mm/y (n = 1), 0.60 mm/y (n = 1), and 0.36 ± 0.25 mm/y (n = 2). The radial growth rate for the bamboo coral colony was 0.13 mm/y in radius. The linear growth of the main steam of some colonies was analyzed from several cross sections. The linear growth rates of colonies could be estimated from the slope of the best fit curve (1) for increasing mean210Pb concentration along the cross transects of the axis and (2) for increasing center210Pb concentration of the skeleton axis. The linear growth rates calculated from the mean and center concentrations for twoC. japonicumcolonies were 8.5 and 6.1 mm/y, and 1.8 and 1.4 mm/y, respectively. Those for aP. elatiuscolony were 4.7 and 3.4 mm/y. The difference between the two estimates may reflect the morphological structure of the skeleton. The growth rates measured for the radial increase and linear extension of the main stem of the colonies could provide basic information for the demographic study of these coral species thereby fostering a rational exploitation of their populations.
The role and safety of UVA and UVB in UV-induced skin erythema
Authors: Yang Jing-Wen , Fan Guo-Biao , Tan Fei , Kong Hai-Mei , Liu Qing , Zou Ying , Tan Yi-Mei
Published: June 2023

Background

Different wavelengths of ultraviolet (UV) light cause skin damage through different mechanisms. Minimal erythema dose (MED) is usually used to clinically evaluate skin sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation by inducing skin erythema using ultraviolet B (UVB) or ultraviolet A (UVA) + UVB.

Aims

In this study, we detected changes in the blood flow at the MED erythema caused by UVB and UVA + UVB radiation through optical coherence tomography (OCT) to explain the role of different bands of ultraviolet rays in erythema induction.

Methods

Two MED irradiation areas on the subjects' back were irradiated with UVB alone or UVA + UVB (UVA: UVB = 8:1). The absolute energy of UVB remained the same in UVB and UVA+UVB. At 24 h after the irradiation, the changes in the blood flow in the MED area were detected using OCT.

Results

Compared with the blank control, the maximum blood flow depth, blood flow peak, and total blood flow of UVB-MED and UVA+UVB-MED were significantly increased. Notably, the maximum blood flow depth and blood flow peak of UVB-MED were higher than UVA+UVB-MED. There was no significant difference in total blood perfusion between UVA+UVB-MED and UVB-MED. Under the same UVB energy, the skin erythema caused by UVA + UVB was weaker than UVB alone.

Conclusions

The analysis of local blood flow by OCT showed that the peak and maximum depth of local blood flow caused by UVB alone were significantly higher than UVA + UVB.
The impact of the use of immunosuppressive treatment after an embryo transfer in increasing the rate of live birth
Authors: Andreescu Mihaela
Published: June 2023

The tolerance of the immune system for the semi-allogeneic embryo is promoted by several factors and the cells involved in the immune system and factors in the mother during pregnancy. The dysregulation of the immune responses between the mother and fetus is a risk factor that raises the likelihood of rejection of the embryo and reproductive failure. To safeguard embryos and prevent immunological attacks, it is critical to suppress immunological rejection and encourage immunological tolerance. Based on current medical literature, it seems that immune cell management through immunosuppressive therapies can address reproductive failures. Immunosuppressive treatment has demonstrated encouraging results in terms of enhancing outcomes related to pregnancy and rates of live birth by regulating the immune responses of mothers and positively impacting the reproductive processes of humans. Currently, there is scarcity of high-quality data regarding the safety and efficacy of immunosuppressive therapies for children and mothers. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution while selecting use of any immunosuppressive therapy in pregnancy. This mini review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing literature regarding the impact of Calcineurin Inhibitors and anti-TNF treatment on improving the live birth rate following embryo transfer.
Is the internet a sufficient source of information on sarcoidosis?
Authors: Buschulte Katharina , Höger Philipp , Ganter Claudia , Wijsenbeek Marlies , Kahn Nicolas , Kriegsmann Katharina , Wilkens Finn M. , Fisher Jolene H. , Ryerson Christopher J. , Herth Felix J. F. , Kreuter Michael
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Many patients use the internet as a source of health information. Sarcoidosis is a complex disease, and internet resources have not yet been analyzed for reliability and content on sarcoidosis.

Aims

Our study aimed to investigate the content and the quality of information on sarcoidosis provided by internet resources.

Methods

Google, Yahoo, and Bing were searched for the term “sarcoidosis,” and the first 200 hits were saved in each case. Those websites that met the inclusion criteria (English language, no registration fees, and relevant to sarcoidosis) were then analyzed by two independent investigators for readability, quality (HON, JAMA, and DISCERN), and content (25 predefined key facts) of the provided information.

Results

The websites were most commonly scientific or governmental (n = 57, 46%), and the median time since the last update was 24 months. Quality was rated with a median JAMA score of 2 (1; 4) and a median overall DISCERN score of 2.4 (1.1; 4.1), both scores represent partially sufficient information. In total, 15% of websites had a HON certificate. Website content measured by the median key fact score was 19 (ranging from 2.5 to 25) with the lowest scores for acute vs. chronic course of the disease, screening for extrapulmonary disease, and diffuse body pain. Poor results were achieved in industry websites and blogs (p = 0.047) with significant differences regarding definition (p = 0.004) and evaluation (p = 0.021).

Discussion

Sarcoidosis-related content of internet resources is partially sufficient; however, several important aspects are frequently not addressed, and the quality of information is moderate. Future directions should focus on providing reliable and comprehensive information on sarcoidosis; physicians from different disciplines and patients including self-support groups should collaborate on achieving this.
Indigenously produced biochar retains fertility in sandy soil through unique microbial diversity sustenance: a step toward the circular economy
Authors: Khan Munawwar Ali , Salman Alsayeda Zahra , Khan Shams Tabrez
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Agricultural productivity in the arid hot desert climate of UAE is limited by the unavailability of water, high temperature, and salt stresses. Growing enough food under abiotic stresses and decreasing reliance on imports in an era of global warming are a challenge. Biochar with high water and nutrient retention capacity and acid neutralization activity is an attractive soil conditioner. This study investigates the microbial community in the arid soil of Dubai under shade house conditions irrigated with saline water and the shift in the microbial community, following 1 year of amendment with indigenously prepared biochar from date palm waste.

Methods

Amplicon sequencing was used to elucidate changes in bacterial, archaeal, and fungal community structures in response to long-term biochar amendment. Samples were collected from quinoa fields receiving standard NPK doses and from fields receiving 20 and 30 tons ha−1 of biochar, in addition to NPK for 1 year. Water holding capacity, pH, electrical conductivity, calcium, magnesium, chloride, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, total carbon, organic matter, and total nitrogen in the soil from biochar-treated and untreated controls were determined.

Results and discussion

The results show that soil amendment with biochar helps retain archaeal and bacterial diversity. Analysis of differentially abundant bacterial and fungal genera indicates enrichment of plant growth-promoting microorganisms. Interestingly, many of the abundant genera are known to tolerate salt stress, and some observed genera were of marine origin. Biochar application improved the mineral status and organic matter content of the soil. Various physicochemical properties of soil receiving 30 tons ha−1 of biochar improved significantly over the control soil. This study strongly suggests that biochar helps retain soil fertility through the enrichment of plant growth-promoting microorganisms.
Biocrusts intensify water redistribution and improve water availability to dryland vegetation: insights from a spatially-explicit ecohydrological model
Authors: Baldauf Selina , Cantón Yolanda , Tietjen Britta
Published: June 2023

Biocrusts are ecosystem engineers in drylands and structure the landscape through their ecohydrological effects. They regulate soil infiltration and evaporation but also surface water redistribution, providing important resources for vascular vegetation. Spatially-explicit ecohydrological models are useful tools to explore such ecohydrological mechanisms, but biocrusts have rarely been included in them. We contribute to closing this gap and assess how biocrusts shape spatio-temporal water fluxes and availability in a dryland landscape and how landscape hydrology is affected by climate-change induced shifts in the biocrust community. We extended the spatially-explicit, process-based ecohydrological dryland model EcoHyD by a biocrust layer which modifies water in- and outputs from the soil and affects surface runoff. The model was parameterized for a dryland hillslope in South-East Spain using field and literature data. We assessed the effect of biocrusts on landscape-scale soil moisture distribution, plant-available water and the hydrological processes behind it. To quantify the biocrust effects, we ran the model with and without biocrusts for a wet and dry year. Finally, we compared the effect of incipient and well-developed cyanobacteria- and lichen biocrusts on surface hydrology to evaluate possible paths forward if biocrust communities change due to climate change. Our model reproduced the runoff source-sink patterns typical of the landscape. The spatial differentiation of soil moisture in deeper layers matched the observed distribution of vascular vegetation. Biocrusts in the model led to higher water availability overall and in vegetated areas of the landscape and that this positive effect in part also held for a dry year. Compared to bare soil and incipient biocrusts, well-developed biocrusts protected the soil from evaporation thus preserving soil moisture despite lower infiltration while at the same time redistributing water toward downhill vegetation. Biocrust cover is vital for water redistribution and plant-available water but potential changes of biocrust composition and cover can reduce their ability of being a water source and sustaining dryland vegetation. The process-based model used in this study is a promising tool to further quantify and assess long-term scenarios of climate change and how it affects ecohydrological feedbacks that shape and stabilize dryland landscapes.
Treatment of high cervical arteriovenous fistulas in the craniocervical junction region
Authors: Su Han , Yu Jinlu
Published: June 2023

The craniocervical junction (CCJ) is a complex region. Rarely, arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) can occur in the CCJ region. Currently, it is accepted that CCJ AVFs should only refer to AVFs at the C1-C2 levels. It is reasonable to assume that high cervical CCJ AVFs are being referred to when discussing CCJ AVFs. High cervical CCJ AVFs can be divided into the following four types: dural AVF, radicular AVF, epidural AVF and perimedullary AVF. Until now, it was difficult to understand high cervical CCJ AVFs and provide a proper treatment for them. Therefore, an updated review of high cervical CCJ AVFs is necessary. In this review, the following issues are discussed: the definition of high cervical CCJ AVFs, vessel anatomy of the CCJ region, angioarchitecture of high cervical CCJ AVFs, treatment options, prognoses and complications. Based on the review and our experience, we found that the four types of high cervical CCJ AVFs share similar clinical and imaging characteristics. Patients may present with intracranial hemorrhage or congestive myelopathy. Treatment, including open surgery and endovascular treatment (EVT), can be used for symptomatic AVFs. Most high cervical CCJ AVFs can be effectively treated with open surgery. EVT remains challenging due to a high rate of incomplete obliteration and complications, and it can only be performed in superselective AVFs with simple angioarchitecture. Appropriate treatment can lead to a good prognosis.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant traditional Chinese Medicine in treatment and prevention of osteoporosis
Authors: Li Qian , Tian Ciqiu , Liu Xiangjie , Li Dinglin , Liu Hao
Published: June 2023

A metabolic bone disorder called osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mass and compromised microarchitecture. This condition can deteriorate bones and raise the risk of fractures. The two main causes of osteoporosis are an increase in osteoclast activity or quantity and a decrease in osteoblast viability. Numerous mechanisms, including estrogen shortage, aging, chemical agents, and decreased mechanical loads, have been linked to osteoporosis. Inflammation and oxidative stress have recently been linked to osteoporosis, according to an increasing number of studies. The two primary medications used to treat osteoporosis at the moment are bisphosphonates and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). These medications work well for osteoporosis brought on by aging and estrogen deprivation, however, they do not target inflammation and oxidative stress-induced osteoporosis. In addition, these drugs have some limitations that are attributed to various side effects that have not been overcome. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been applied in osteoporosis for many years and has a high safety profile. Therefore, in this review, literature related to botanical drugs that have an effect on inflammation and oxidative stress-induced osteoporosis was searched for. Moreover, the pharmacologically active ingredients of these herbs and the pathways were discussed and may contribute to the discovery of more safe and effective drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis.
Psychosocial interventions reduce cortisol in breast cancer patients: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mészáros Crow Edith , López-Gigosos Rosa , Mariscal-López Eloisa , Agredano-Sanchez Marina , García-Casares Natalia , Mariscal Alberto , Gutiérrez-Bedmar Mario
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Cancer initiation, progression and recurrence are intricate mechanisms that depend on various components: genetic, psychophysiological, or environmental. Exposure to chronic stress includes fear of recurrence that can affect biological processes that regulate immune and endocrine systems, increase cancer risk, and influence the survival rate. Previous studies show that psychological interventions might influence the level of cortisol that has been extensively used as a biomarker for measuring hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning and body's immunity response. This meta-analysis aimed to provide a quantitative scrutiny of the effect of certain types of psychosocial interventions on cortisol as a neuroendocrine biomarker in saliva or blood and might predict breast cancer (BC) progression.

Methods

A literature search was performed in the following databases: PubMed, The Cohrane Library, Scopus, WOS, PsychInfo, Google Scholar, Ovid Science Direct. After methodical selection of originally generated 2.021 studies, the search yielded eight articles that met inclusion criteria. All these studies explored effects of psychosocial interventions that measured cortisol in total of 366 participants with BC, stages 0-IV, in randomized control trial or quasi experimental study design setting. We applied random effects model to conduct meta-analyses on the parameters of salivary and plasma cortisol and used PRISMA Guidelines as validated methodology of investigation to report the results.

Results

Eight studies selected for meta-analysis have shown the reduction of cortisol level due to applied psychosocial intervention. The random effects model showed that interventions produced large effect sizes in reductions of cortisol in blood (Cohen's d = −1.82, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): −3.03, −0.60) and slightly less in saliva (d = −1.73, 95%CI: −2.68, −0.78) with an overall effect of d = −1.76 (95%CI: −2.46, −1.07).

Conclusion

Our study concluded that certain types of psychosocial interventions reduce cortisol (indicator of chronic stress) in patients with BC. Application of specific psychosocial support as adjuvant non-invasive therapy for affected females with BC at all phases of treatment could contribute to more cost-effective health care.
The effect of online collaborative writing instruction on enhancing writing performance, writing motivation, and writing self-efficacy of Chinese EFL learners
Authors: Li Yan
Published: June 2023

Introduction

This study investigates the influence of online collaborative writing instruction on the writing performance, writing self-efficacy, and writing motivation of Chinese English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. The research was conducted at a language school in mainland China with 58 participants divided into an experimental group (n=30) and a control group (n=28).

Methods

The experimental group utilized Tencent Docs, an online platform, for collaborative writing and peer-editing activities outside the classroom, while the control group received traditional in-class instruction. The study spanned a duration of 13 weeks, during which writing tasks, writing motivation scales, and writing self-efficacy scales were employed to collect data.

Results

The findings revealed that the experimental group exhibited significantly greater improvement in writing performance, motivation, and self-efficacy compared to the control group. These results indicate the positive impact of incorporating Tencent Docs into collaborative writing instruction.

Discussion

The outcomes of this study provide valuable insights for language educators regarding the benefits of integrating online tools into EFL instruction to enhance writing skills. By leveraging platforms like Tencent Docs for collaborative writing, instructors can foster improved performance, increased motivation, and enhanced self-efficacy among EFL learners. Overall, this research highlights the effectiveness of online collaborative writing instruction and its potential as a valuable tool for language educators seeking to optimize EFL learners’ writing abilities.
Impact of longer working hours on fathers’ parenting behavior when their infants are 6  months old: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Kasamatsu Haruka , Tsuchida Akiko , Matsumura Kenta , Hamazaki Kei , Inoue Mariko , Inadera Hidekuni ,   the Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group
Published: June 2023

Objective

Long working hours have been suggested to affect fathers’ parenting behavior, but previously reported findings have been inconsistent. This study examined the association between the working hours and parenting behavior of fathers while accounting for other factors related to their parenting behavior, using data from the Japan Environment and Children Study (JECS), a large cohort study in Japan.

Methods

Data from 43,159 father–mother pairs were analyzed. The mother assessed the father’s frequency of seven parenting behaviors at 6 months after delivery. Then, each behavior was classified into a high-engagement group (always and sometimes) or a low-engagement group (rarely and never). The father’s weekly working hours was obtained from his responses and was classified into six levels.

Results

Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjustment for covariates, fathers’ weekly working hours was inversely associated with the frequency of all parenting behaviors examined in this study (p for trend <0.0001). Compared with fathers working ≥0 to ≤40 h per week, those working >65 h per week showed the following adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for low engagement in parenting behaviors: playing at home, 2.38 (2.08–2.72); changing diapers, 2.04 (1.89–2.20); and bathing the child, 2.01 (1.84–2.18).

Conclusion

This study suggests that the greater time constraints imposed by longer working hours constitute a major factor that discourages fathers from engaging in childrearing behavior. Intervention targeting long working hours could contribute to measures aimed at promoting high-engagement parenting behaviors among fathers.