bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individualized selection of recent glucose monitoring devices for self-management based on competitive features
Authors: Krylova Olga , Marchenko Sevara , Ermolaeva Alexandra , Shustikova Natalia , Dyakonova Kristina
Published: July 2024

Objective: Goal of the study was to systematically review competitive advantages of medical devices for glucose monitoring in diabetic patients.
Method: The review is done systematically according to SALSA criteria and PRISMA guidelines. The search for eligible articles was held from February 16th 2023 to March 1st 2023 in Russian and English languages. The results were synthesized narratively, tabularly, and visually. The search was conducted in the following databases of scientific literature: PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Google Scholar, CyberLeninka, and eLibrary.
Results: Twenty-two out of fifty-two manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. The most promising and advantageous characteristics of the evaluated devices, as identified by researchers, include the following: the capability for noninvasive examination; features that facilitate use by patients with fine motor, hearing, and visual impairments; add-ons and software designed to improve patient compliance, including in pediatric populations; and device attributes that enhance the speed and accuracy of analysis while being free of iatrogenic effects.
Conclusions: With increasing prevalence of diabetes, glycemic control is crucial for preventing complications. The market offers numerous glucose monitoring devices (GMDs) with varying features, making selection challenging. Our study systematically categorized the strengths of each GMD model for diabetic patients, aiding informed device selection.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.9855
How to cite this: Krylova O, Marchenko S, Ermolaeva A, Shustikova N, Dyakonova K. Individualized selection of recent glucose monitoring devices for self-management based on competitive features. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.8.9855
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Antimicrobial Stewardship in Ireland (2010-2021): a scoping review protocol
Authors: Barry Fiona , Smiddy Maura P , Fitzgerald Anthony P , O’Reilly Eilis J. , Murphy Olive
Published: July 2024

Background Antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASP) are essential in promoting responsible antimicrobial use, reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and health care-associated infections. In 2009 the Strategy for the Control of Antimicrobial Resistance in Ireland (SARI), Hospital Antimicrobial Stewardship Working Group published guidance on antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) in hospitals. This paper presents a protocol for a scoping review which aims to examine the current literature to evaluate progress related to the implementation of the SARI (2009) guidance on antimicrobial stewardship in hospitals in Ireland. Methods This scoping review will be conducted in line with the five-stage methodological framework by Arksey & O’Mally 2005. We will search the following databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science) and targeted websites for articles and reports for possible inclusion in our review. Studies pertaining to AMS undertaken or related to the Republic of Ireland from January 2010 until December 2021 will be included. We will include all study designs. We will map all selected publications to the recommendations of the SARI (2009) guidance document. The protocol follows the guidance of Peters et al., 2022. Two reviewers will independently screen studies and reports to assess eligibility with any discrepancies resolved by consensus discussion with a third reviewer. Results These will be reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR)and this checklist will be included when the scoping review is published. Conclusion This scoping review will map studies and reports to evaluate AMS in relation to national guidelines without restriction on study design or outcomes in the Republic of Ireland. This information has the potential to provide a valuable resource for the implementation of future AMS research and interventions.
Sustainable development in higher education: accounting, analytical and educational context
Authors: Vahrushina Alina
Published: July 2024

The concept of sustainable development is a universally recognized paradigm of our time, and the field of higher education in this regard acts as an important environment for the implementation of international projects and national programs aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.
The monograph reveals two main directions in the context of which the activities of universities in the implementation of the sustainable development agenda are implemented: accounting and analytical and scientific and educational. The results of the analysis of the formation of reports on sustainable development (on the achievement of the SDGs) by leading Russian universities in comparison with individual cases of public disclosure of information on the implementation of the SDGs
by foreign universities are presented. The experience of universities in the countries of North and South America, Asia and Africa, and the European continent in the field of curriculum development, relevant pedagogical methods and educational practices in the interests of sustainable development has been studied and summarized.
It is addressed to a wide range of readers, including students, postgraduates, masters of business administration, researchers in the field of university management, employees of accounting and analytical departments, teachers and designers-developers of training courses, as well as representatives of the administrative and managerial level of universities.
Apple Cider Vinegar in the Combat Against Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity – An Overview of Recent Research
Authors: Górska Magdalena , Kałuża Izabela , Golemo Jagna , Serkis Barbara , Dębińska Julia , Celichowska Magdalena , Dziuba Gabriela , Bogoń Aleksandra , Ostojska Magdalena , Miazga Małgorzata
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT
Introduction
Apple Cider Vinegar, primarily composed of acetic acid, is gaining more recognition for its possible health advantages, especially its anti-diabetic effects and its beneficial impact on weight loss.
Aim of this study
 
The aim of this review is to discuss the current state of knowledge regarding the influence of ACV on glycemic indices and weight management in diabetic and obese patients, explore the possibilities of preventing comorbidities, and assess the safety of ACV consumption.
Materials and Methods
Research was performed based on Pubmed and Google Scholar databases. The literature was reviewed using the keywords : Apple Cider Vinegar, Diabetes, Glucose, Obesity.
Results
Studies have confirmed that apple cider vinegar exhibits significant anti-obesity and anti-diabetic properties. It demonstrates dose- and time-dependent effects on reducing fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid parameters. It positively impacts weight loss, reducing waist and hip circumference, and enhances tissue sensitivity to insulin. Additionally, apple cider vinegar has been shown to potentiate the effects of metformin, with liquid consumption yielding better results than pill form.
Conclusions
Although initial findings are encouraging, additional research with a larger participant pool and an extended duration of vinegar consumption is necessary. The brevity of the study period restricts the observation of long-term effects, and a larger sample size would improve the applicability of the findings.
Key words: apple cider vinegar; diabetes; glucose; obesity
Identification and Assessment of Cost and Effort Criteria for Prioritisation during Root Cause Analysis
Authors: Barsalou Matthew , Starzyńska Beata , Konrad Maria , Carvalho André , Puga-Leal Rogério
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This study sought to provide a matrix by which to prioritise hypotheses in an Ishikawa diagram while considering a combination of the hypotheses' relation to the problem and the cost and effort to investigate because potential failure causes in an Ishikawa diagram are often prioritised for investigation using subjective methods, and not concrete criteria.
Methodology/Approach: A survey was sent to organisations seeking to determine three levels of prioritisation for effort in hours to investigate a problem and costs to investigate. The results were then entered into a matrix that listed three levels of relationship between the hypothesis and the problem as well as three levels of costs and effort. A scenario was given to study participants in the industry to determine if participants with the hypothesis prioritisation matrix could find the correct hypotheses to investigate first, more often than participants without the matrix.
Findings: The survey resulted in criteria for prioritisation of hypotheses to investigate. A study with employees in the industry found that participants with a hypothesis prioritisation matrix identified the correct hypotheses to investigate first more often than participants without the matrix.
Research Limitation/implication: This paper provides concrete criteria for prioritising hypotheses to investigate during a root cause analysis.
Originality/Value of paper: This paper provides concrete criteria for prioritising hypotheses.
Towards an Agile-Based Integrated Management Systems Framework
Authors: Francisco Fernanda Ellen , Kimura Issao , De Nadae Jennifer , De Carvalho Cleginaldo , De Carvalho Marly Monteiro , Santos Gilberto , De Oliveira Otávio José
Published: July 2024

Purpose: We propose an unprecedented model for incorporating agile methodology (AM) into the development of an Integrated Management System (IMS).
Design/Methodology: The research design employed a literature review and content analysis approach. We identified ten distinct IMS models from academic literature and subjected them to critical cross-analysis. Additionally, we conducted an exhaustive review of seminal agile literature to pinpoint essential characteristics of both AM and IMS.
Findings: The comprehensive content analysis and coding process facilitated identifying fundamental agile elements to be integrated into the proposed framework. As a result, we present an interdisciplinary Agile-based Integrated Management System (AIMS) framework.
Originality: This framework draws upon insights from diverse research sources and introduces a three-level analysis perspective: strategic, tactical, and operational. Integrating IMS with AM empowers organisations to make more agile and responsive decisions concerning IMS implementation. Within this framework, the IMS backlog is defined concurrently with its development, reflecting an adaptive approach in contrast to the conventional project scope delineation.
Reshaping the World with Computer Technologies and Their Impact on the Development of Processes in the Field of Real Estate Trading
Authors: Rockel Georg , Rusko Miroslav , Predajnianska Anna
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This study examines artificial intelligence (AI) impact on real estate, highlighting its role in improving processes, enhancing customer experiences, and ensuring competitiveness while prioritising data protection and security.
Methodology/Approach: A comprehensive literature review compared AI technologies in real estate, including drones, the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, big data, 3D scanning, wearables, virtual and augmented realities, and robotics. It examines their impact on operations, focusing on AI in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems for energy efficiency and comfort.
Findings: AI enhances real estate development by optimising operations, transforming customer relationships, and improving energy efficiency and comfort with AI-controlled HVAC systems. Benefits include automated data processing, better decision-making, and optimised marketing strategies.
Research Limitation/Implication: AI has great potential, but its implementation is in the early stages, including in real estate. Challenges include data protection, security, costs, and new hardware for HVAC systems. Broader real-case testing is needed.
Originality/Value of paper: This paper broadens the perspective on AI's impact on real estate, showing how to implement AI in various processes. It improves performance and transforms customer experiences, setting new standards for property management.
Enhancing Production Quality by Avoiding Dishonest Behavior
Authors: Martincikova Sojkova Olga
Published: July 2024

Purpose: This paper elucidates the determinants of dishonest behavior affecting various domains and aims to demonstrate how addressing these practices can substantially improve overall quality.
Methodology/Approach: A framed laboratory experiment with economics students from the University of West Bohemia was conducted, where participants chose between honest and lower-quality production. Using the Holt-Laury method, we measured risk aversion and personality traits using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
Findings: Increased inspection probability significantly reduced lower-quality production, with a statistical significance level of less than 1%. Thinking type of personality and Risk Aversion are significant at the 10% level, indicating a moderate impact. Conversely, punishment and rewards were statistically insignificant, with p-values exceeding 10%.
Research Limitation/Implication: The study is limited by its homogeneous sample of economics students from a single university and insufficient gender representation, which may affect generalizability.
Originality/Value of paper: This research provides insights into how inspection probabilities, rewards, punishments, risk aversion, and personal characteristics influence dishonest behavior, aiding the development of strategies to reduce dishonesty and improve overall quality.
Thinking solidarity and translation together: Towards a new definition of solidarity
Authors: Goluch Dorota
Published: July 2024

In a cross-disciplinary roundtable discussion on the feminist politics of translation,Judith Butler (Nagar et al., 2017, p. 113)aptly notes that “there can be no solidarity without translation, and certainly no global solidarity”. This article is the first dedicated attempt to definesolidarity from within translation studies: it redefines the concept to foreground the role of translation, understood as a hermeneutic, interpersonal and semiotic process, in solidarity development. The article is also the first to bring together scholarship on solidarity from philosophy, political science and sociology, on the one hand, and translation studies, on the other. I show that insights from translation studies supplement scholarship on solidarity in the other disciplines, where translation is largely overlooked. I also apply analytical categories from those disciplines to discussions of solidarity in translation studies and demonstrate the de factodifferent understandings of solidarity behind translation scholars’ use of the term, thus initiating a discipline-wide theoretical conversation on the concept. Moreover, upon noticing that the roleof translation in generating solidarity is not captured in any existing definition, I redefine solidarity as a sense of interconnection and commonality in difference –developed through caring, careful and inherently incomplete translation –that pursues inclusion and impels action towards common good. Finally, I signal how the definition can inform our understanding of the interlingual human translator as an active agent, adept at forging and facilitating solidarity.
A mathematical model of meningitis with antibiotic effects
Authors: Ginting Rini Sania br , Adi Yudi Ari
Published: July 2024

The mathematical model in this study is a SCIR-type meningitis disease spread model, namely susceptible (S), carrier (C), infected (I), and recovery (R). In the model used, there are two equilibrium points, namely the disease-free equilibrium point and the endemic equilibrium point. The conditions and stability of the equilibrium point are determined by the basic reproduction number, which is the value that determines whether or not the spread of meningitis infection in a population. The results of this study show that the stability of the disease-free equilibrium point and the endemic equilibrium point are locally asymptotically stable and by using the Lyapunov Function method it is found that the disease-free equilibrium point will be globally stable when, while the endemic equilibrium point will be globally stable when numerical simulations perform to support the theoretical results.
Magnetodeposited Nickel on Cu Substrate with the Angle Variation of Magnetic Field
Authors: Toifur Moh. , Jaladri Effilia Allun , Kurniasari Efi , Latifah Yuni , Taufiqurrahman M.
Published: July 2024

The performance of a thin layer of Cu/Ni as a cryogenic sensor is produced by electroplating at various angles with the aid of a 200G parallel magnetic field. Liquid nitrogen (LN2) is a low-temperature medium with temperatures varying from 0oC to -200oC. The characterization includes the sensor voltage range, sensor resistance, and sensor sensitivity. Thermocouple TCA-BTA -200oC to 1400oC is used as a temperature calibrator. The results showed that all sensors could measure the LN2 temperature in the range of 20oC to -200oC corresponds to the thermocouple's ability to measure up to -200oC. Each sensor has its advantages, but the sensor produced from coating each 3 minutes sample with an angle of 90o has the largest output voltage range up to 0.058 V, and the coating at an angle of 0o with the sensitivity level as a function of T is S(T) = 0.0051 - 0.002T, while the 3 minutes coating sensor with an angle of 60o has the smallest voltage range of 0.0439 V and sensitivity (1.88 ± 0.05) V/oC.
Students’ Computational Thinking Skills In Physics Learning: A Case study of Kinematic Concepts
Authors: Handayani Rif'ati Dina , Lesmono Albertus Djoko , Prastowo Sri Handono Budi , Supriadi Bambang , Mutia Dewi Nila
Published: July 2024

Physics learning provides a context for future careers in fostering ability in high-end logic with the 21st learning goals. Applying computational thinking in schools is challenging and requires systemic transformation and teacher attention. This study aims to investigate the computational thinking of students in physics learning. This study used exploratory qualitative research. Data were gathered through observation, interviews, and portfolio documents. The data are analyzed through six stages: preparing and organizing, exploring, building descriptions, representing the findings, interpreting the results, and validating the accuracy. The result indicated four primary computational thinking skills: decomposition, abstraction, simulation, and evaluation. The computational thinking skills in physics learning can develop students’ understanding and implementation of physics concepts based on data, not just mathematical formulas. Computational thinking in physics learning gives students the opportunity and space to explore and develop their ideas and logical reasoning more deeply in problem-defining, solutions, and evaluation. Students use their logical reasoning to solve the problem precisely. This study is expected to be used as a basis and support for physics teachers to integrate computational thinking into their learning classroom.
Evaluation of Secondary Dyslipidemia in Obese Children
Authors: Çakmakcı Selma , Yıldız Feyza
Published: July 2024

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the frequency of dyslipidemia secondary to childhood obesity, a recently emerging clinical entity, and to compare serum lipid profiles in obese and non-obese children.

Material and Methods: After screening children with an obese appearance, a group of 119 obese children aged between 2 to 16 years with a body mass index above the 95th percentile and a control group of 124 children in a similar age range were compared in terms of serum lipid profile.

Results: An abnormal lipid profile was determined in 62.6% of obese children, and serum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides were higher in this group. It was found that Childhood obesity was associated with higher levels of total cholesterol (44.5%), triglycerides (48.7%), LDL (38.7%), and lower levels of HDL (23.5%).

Conclusion: Obese children have a higher risk of secondary dyslipidemia and associated comorbidities. In order to prevent childhood obesity and its dangerous consequences, effective measures must be implemented in terms of screening, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Post-Soviet Regional Security Complex Revisited: Is Central Asia Still A Subcomplex?
Authors: Kocatepe Ömer Faruk , Şahin Mehmet
Published: July 2024

In this study, Central Asia is addressed within the framework of the Regional Security Complex Theory. In the Regional Security Complex theory developed by Barry Buzan and Ole Wæver, Central Asia is defined as a sub-complex that constitutes the Post-Soviet Regional Security Complex but claims that it can become a separate complex under certain conditions. Twenty years after their pioneering study, the continuities and changes in the region have necessitated an analysis of where the authors’ claim stands. Therefore, in this study, the areas that need to be revised in the
original work and the transformations have been evaluated. The study emphasizes the importance of political security in the region’s transformation into a separate complex, but attempts to
demonstrate that it cannot yet be considered a separate complex.
Errors in Shock Wave Theory Can Impact Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Loske Achim M. ,   Centro de Física Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro, México,, Moya Daniel ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Hospital Británico de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Published: July 2024

Abstract The mechanical waves that are used therapeutically are well defined from the point of view of physics. The differences between focused and radial waves are very important, however there is enormous confusion in the literature. In the present bibliographic analysis we make a critical comment on a publication in which a pneumatic source is illustrated and presented as generating focused shock waves. We believe that every effort should be made to be strict in definitions, not only because science is based on the search for truth, but also because errors in shock wave theory can impact clinical outcomes.
Longitudinal tracking of perfluorooctanoic acid exposure on mammary epithelial cell spheroids by dynamic optical coherence tomography
Authors: Yang Lin , Ji Pan , Miranda Buzetta Abel A. , Li Haolin , Lockett Matthew R. , Zhou Haibo , Oldenburg Amy L.
Published: July 2024

We investigated the morphology and intracellular motility of mammary epithelial cell (MCF10DCIS.com) spheroids cultured in 3D artificial extracellular matrix under perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure. Dynamic optical coherence tomography (OCT) was employed for real-time, non-invasive imaging of these spheroids longitudinally over 12 days under PFOA exposures up to 500 µM. Despite no significant changes in volume or asphericity of spheroids, morphological alterations were observed in OCT images of spheroids at 100 µM on Day 12 and from Day 4 at 500 µM. Intracellular motility was assessed by the inverse-power-law exponent of the speckle fluctuation spectrum (α), and an autocorrelation-based motility amplitude (M). Linear regression indicated that both PFOA concentration and culture time are highly significant predictors for both α and M (p < 0.001 for all). Both PFOA concentration and culture time have positive associations with α and negative association with M, where increased α indicates suppression of higher frequency fluctuations (∼> 2 Hz) relative to those at lower frequencies, and decreased M indicates overall suppression of intracellular motility. This study can lead to the future development of biomarkers for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure using dynamic OCT and its associated toolkit of quantitative metrics.
Forecasting of influenza activity and associated hospital admission burden and estimating the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on 2019/20 winter season in Hong Kong
Authors: Lau Yiu-Chung , Shan Songwei , Wang Dong , Chen Dongxuan , Du Zhanwei , Lau Eric H. Y. , He Daihai , Tian Linwei , Wu Peng , Cowling Benjamin J. , Ali Sheikh Taslim
Published: July 2024

Like other tropical and subtropical regions, influenza viruses can circulate year-round in Hong Kong. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant decrease in influenza activity. The objective of this study was to retrospectively forecast influenza activity during the year 2020 and assess the impact of COVID-19 public health social measures (PHSMs) on influenza activity and hospital admissions in Hong Kong. Using weekly surveillance data on influenza virus activity in Hong Kong from 2010 to 2019, we developed a statistical modeling framework to forecast influenza virus activity and associated hospital admissions. We conducted short-term forecasts (1–4 weeks ahead) and medium-term forecasts (1–13 weeks ahead) for the year 2020, assuming no PHSMs were implemented against COVID-19. We estimated the reduction in transmissibility, peak magnitude, attack rates, and influenza-associated hospitalization rate resulting from these PHSMs. For short-term forecasts, mean ambient ozone concentration and school holidays were found to contribute to better prediction performance, while absolute humidity and ozone concentration improved the accuracy of medium-term forecasts. We observed a maximum reduction of 44.6% (95% CI: 38.6% - 51.9%) in transmissibility, 75.5% (95% CI: 73.0% - 77.6%) in attack rate, 41.5% (95% CI: 13.9% - 55.7%) in peak magnitude, and 63.1% (95% CI: 59.3% - 66.3%) in cumulative influenza-associated hospitalizations during the winter-spring period of the 2019/2020 season in Hong Kong. The implementation of PHSMs to control COVID-19 had a substantial impact on influenza transmission and associated burden in Hong Kong. Incorporating information on factors influencing influenza transmission improved the accuracy of our predictions.
Integrative taxonomy of the genus Coridius Illiger, 1807 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Dinidoridae) reveals hidden diversity and three new species from North-East India
Authors: Boyane Swapnil S. , Sen Sandeep , Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan , Thunga Pavan Kumar , Joshi Nikhil U. , Ghate Hemant V.
Published: July 2024

The genus Coridius Illiger, 1807 (Heteroptera: Dinidoridae) comprises a group of phytophagous terrestrial bugs consisting of 36 species distributed in the Afrotropical and Indo-Malayan regions. In several communities in northeastern India, insects are recognised as a delicacy, medicine, and a nutritional supplement, with Coridius being a popular delicacy. However, Coridius has received little taxonomic attention to date due to large intraspecific variations, inadequate taxonomic treatments, and the rarity of many species. To address this gap, an integrative taxonomy of the genus was performed. Two mitochondrial genes, viz., cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and 16S rRNA, were sequenced to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships within Coridius. We performed both maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) to develop a species tree, followed by the Bayesian implementation of the Poisson tree process (bPTP) and Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP) as an additional test to assess species boundaries and delimit operational taxonomic units. A linear discriminant analysis (LDA) of four key morphological characters was then performed to identify species groups. Overall, our analysis supported the establishment of three new species: Coridius adii sp. nov., Coridius esculentus sp. nov., and Coridius insperatus sp. nov., and revealed six distinct lineages within Coridius chinensis (Dallas, 1851). Linear discriminant analysis of morphological characters indicated the clustering of eight species. The species status of Coridius nigriventris (Westwood, 1837) stat. rev, formerly synonymized under Coridius nepalensis (Westwood, 1837), is reinstated in this study. Further, we revised the genus Coridius from India and rediscovered Coridius assamensis (Distant, 1902) and Coridius fuscus (Westwood, 1837) after 100 years.
Anti-inflammatory effect of the combined treatment of LMT-28 and kaempferol in a collagen-induced arthritis mouse model
Authors: Jeong Young-Jin , Park Sun-Ae , Park Yeon-Hwa , Kim Lee Kyung , Lee Hae-Ri , Kim Hee Jung , Heo Tae-Hwe
Published: July 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and swelling. Several studies have demonstrated that RA fibroblast-like synovial cells (RA-FLS) play an important role in RA pathogenesis. Activated RA-FLS contribute to synovial inflammation by secreting inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. LMT-28 is derivative of oxazolidone and exerts anti-inflammatory effects on RA via IL-6 signaling pathway regulation. LMT-28 also regulates T cell differentiation in RA condition. However, the effect of LMT-28 on the migration and invasion of RA-FLS remains unknown. Kaempferol has been reported to have pharmacological effects on various diseases, such as inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Additionally, kaempferol has been reported to inhibit RA-FLS migration and invasion, but it is not known about the therapeutic mechanism including molecular mechanism such as receptor. The present study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of the combined treatment of LMT-28 and kaempferol on RA-FLS activation and RA pathogenesis in mouse model. LMT-28 and kaempferol co-administration inhibited RA disease severity and histological collapse in the joint tissues of CIA mice, as well as downregulated the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in mouse serum. Additionally, the combined treatment inhibited excessive differentiation of T helper 17 cells and osteoclasts. Furthermore, compared with single treatments, combined treatment showed enhanced inhibitory effects on the hyperactivation of IL-6-induced signaling pathway in RA-FLS. Combined treatment also inhibited RA-FLS cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinase in RA-FLS. Furthermore, we confirmed that the combined treatment inhibited chondrocyte proliferation, migration, and invasion. In conclusion, our results suggest that the combined treatment of LMT-28 and kaempferol exerts a synergistic effect on the RA development via the regulation of IL-6-induced hyperactivation of RA-FLS. Furthermore, this study suggests that combination therapies can be an effective therapeutic option for arthritis.
Deep learning identifies histopathologic changes in bladder cancers associated with smoke exposure status
Authors: Eminaga Okyaz , Lau Hubert , Shkolyar Eugene , Wardelmann Eva , Abbas Mahmoud
Published: July 2024

Smoke exposure is associated with bladder cancer (BC). However, little is known about whether the histologic changes of BC can predict the status of smoke exposure. Given this knowledge gap, the current study investigated the potential association between histology images and smoke exposure status. A total of 483 whole-slide histology images of 285 unique cases of BC were available from multiple centers for BC diagnosis. A deep learning model was developed to predict the smoke exposure status and externally validated on BC cases. The development set consisted of 66 cases from two centers. The external validation consisted of 94 cases from remaining centers for patients who either never smoked cigarettes or were active smokers at the time of diagnosis. The threshold for binary categorization was fixed to the median confidence score (65) of the development set. On external validation, AUC was used to assess the randomness of predicted smoke status; we utilized latent feature presentation to determine common histologic patterns for smoke exposure status and mixed effect logistic regression models determined the parameter independence from BC grade, gender, time to diagnosis, and age at diagnosis. We used 2,000-times bootstrap resampling to estimate the 95% Confidence Interval (CI) on the external validation set. The results showed an AUC of 0.67 (95% CI: 0.58–0.76), indicating non-randomness of model classification, with a specificity of 51.2% and sensitivity of 82.2%. Multivariate analyses revealed that our model provided an independent predictor for smoke exposure status derived from histology images, with an odds ratio of 1.710 (95% CI: 1.148–2.54). Common histologic patterns of BC were found in active or never smokers. In conclusion, deep learning reveals histopathologic features of BC that are predictive of smoke exposure and, therefore, may provide valuable information regarding smoke exposure status.
Causal relationship between gut microbiota and ankylosing spondylitis and potential mediating role of inflammatory cytokines: A mendelian randomization study
Authors: Du Xinyu , Li Haibo , Zhao Hongzhou , Cui Shuangshuang , Sun Xiaozhuo , Tan Xiaochan
Published: July 2024

Associations between gut microbiota and ankylosing spondylitis have been discovered in previous studies, but whether these associations reflect a causal relationship remains inconclusive. Aiming to reveal the bidirectional causal associations between gut microbiota and ankylosing spondylitis, we utilized publicly available genome wide association study summary data for 211 gut microbiota (GM) taxa and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) to conduct two sample mendelian randomization analyses. Mediation analysis was performed to explore mediating inflammatory cytokines. We found that genetically predicted higher abundance of Lactobacillaceae family, Rikenellaceae family and Howardella genus had suggestive associations with decreased risk of ankylosing spondylitis while genetic proxied higher abundance of Actinobacteria class and Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group genus was associated with increased risk of ankylosing spondylitis. IL23 and IFN-γ were potential mediating cytokines for GM dysbiosis, especially for Actinobacteria class, leading to AS. Our study provided a new exploration direction for the treatment of AS. Lactobacillaceae family, Rikenellaceae family, Howardella genus, Actinobacteria class and Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group genus are expected to become new therapeutic targets and monitoring indicators for AS.
Environmental enrichment reduces restricted repetitive behavior by altering gray matter microstructure
Authors: Farmer Anna L. , Febo Marcelo , Wilkes Bradley J. , Lewis Mark H.
Published: July 2024

Restricted, repetitive behaviors are common symptoms in neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder. Despite being associated with poor developmental outcomes, repetitive behaviors remain poorly understood and have limited treatment options. Environmental enrichment attenuates the development of repetitive behaviors, but the exact mechanisms remain obscure. Using the C58 mouse model of repetitive behavior, we performed diffusion tensor imaging to examine microstructural alterations associated with the development of repetitive behavior and its attenuation by environmental enrichment. The C57BL/6 mouse strain, which displays little or no repetitive behavior, was used as a control group. We observed widespread differences in diffusion metrics between C58 mice and C57BL/6 mice. In juvenile C58 mice, repetitive motor behavior displayed strong negative correlations with fractional anisotropy in multiple gray matter regions, whereas in young adult C58 mice, high repetitive motor behavior was most strongly associated with lower fractional anisotropy and higher radial diffusivity in the striatum. Environmental enrichment increased fractional anisotropy and axial diffusivity throughout gray matter regions in the brains of juvenile C58 mice and overlapped predominantly with cerebellar and sensory regions associated with repetitive behavior. Our results suggest environmental enrichment reduces repetitive behavior development by altering gray matter microstructure in the cerebellum, medial entorhinal cortex, and sensory processing regions in juvenile C58 mice. Under standard laboratory conditions, early pathology in these regions appears to contribute to later striatal and white matter dysfunction in adult C58 mice. Future studies should examine the role these regions play in the development of repetitive behavior and the relationship between sensory processing and cerebellar deficits and repetitive behavior.
Introducing the PLOS collection on rare cancer
Authors: Borad Mitesh J.
Published: July 2024

Rare cancers are defined by low incidence rates, and may lack evidence that supports uniform standards of care and relevant clinical guidelines. Rare cancers may represent up to 24% of all cancers, yet remain understudied and underappreciated in terms of their clinical and ultimately societal impact. The PLOS Rare Cancer Collection brings together a broad range of research endeavors that are being undertaken in rare cancers research ranging from basic biological evaluations to therapeutic drug development. This Overview presents a brief background to the Collection and highlights the contributions of included articles.
Evaluation of the RISE II integrated social and behavior change approach in Niger: A contribution analysis
Authors: Dougherty Leanne , Dadi Chaibou , Silva Martha
Published: July 2024

Objective

Niger faces a myriad of health challenges and development efforts are complicated by persistent poverty, high population growth rates, and climate change. Integrated social and behavior change (SBC) addresses health outcomes through collective action and approaches at the limited points of entry individuals have with the health system.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods study to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated SBC program in the Maradi, and Zinder regions of Niger. We applied contribution analysis, a theory-based plausibility analysis, to assess contributions of the intervention.

Results

We found the program contributed to improved behavioral determinants. Male engagement and income generating activities provided further support for women to practice health behaviors. However, increases in male partner out-migration was negatively associated with health outcomes. While the program did not generate statistically significant improvements in health outcomes in the intervention area, exposure to health messages and participation in women’s groups were positively associated with health outcomes suggesting sustained implementation of the integrated SBC approach at scale may achieve improved health outcomes.

Conclusion

Programs should continue to invest in health promotion efforts that include gender sensitive interventions. Further research is needed to understand how women’s agency and autonomy evolves as household composition changes through male out-migration.
Generative artificial intelligence and the world Postman warned us about
Authors: Walters Heather
Published: July 2024

This article explores the changing character of society in the age of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Adopting a media ecology perspective, the article highlights how generative AI drives polarization, promotes deception, and fosters exclusion and bias. The article is a call to action to minimize the worst excesses of the deployment of this technology to preserve societal interests.
Towards audience-centric film funding: New strategies for commissioning youth films in Denmark
Authors: Freudendal Jakob
Published: July 2024

This article investigates the changed market conditions for production of films for young audiences in the on-demand age. More precisely, I analyse how the public funding of films for children and youth in Denmark has undergone significant change in response to intensified competition and waning audience interest. From the outset of the Commissioner’s Scheme for films for children and youth at the Danish Film Institute (DFI), the state subsidized main financier in the national industry, the institution has changed away from selective funding based on cultural evaluation criteria towards audience-centric funding based on market orientation and data-driven audience insights. The DFI’s objective is to reach young audiences more precisely with films that are relevant to them. Yet, one of the implications so far of this practice has been that funds earmarked by law for films for children and youth are spent on films for adults, with significant ramifications for domestic film culture for young audiences.
Bioestabilização de um solo arenoso por via enzimatica e com biopolimero: efeito do tempo de cura
Authors: Venda Oliveira Paulo , Rosa Joaquim , Cabral Diogo
Published: July 2024

Neste trabalho compara-se a eficiência de duas metodologias para bioestabilização de um solo arenoso: utilização da enzima urease (EICP) e do biopolímero xantano (XG). Com base nos resultados de ensaios UCS e edométricos para diferentes tempos de cura, avaliam-se as repercussões de ambas as metodologias, em termos de resistência à compressão não confinada, módulo de deformabilidade, índice de compressibilidade e tensão de cedência. Comparando ambas as metodologias, constata-se que o tratamento com EICP é mais eficiente na melhoria das propriedades mecânicas, induz um comportamento tensão-deformação mais frágil e conduz a ganhos de resistência e rigidez mais rápidos (≤ 14 dias). Em termos de compressibilidade confinada, consta-se com EICP o aumento da tensão de cedência com o tempo de cura, enquanto a utilização de XG origina a diminuição da tensão de cedência e um significativo aumento do índice de compressibilidade, em resultado da hidratação dos hidrogéis do XG.
Editoras universitárias no Brasil
Authors: Franchetti Paulo
Published: July 2024

This article traces a history of book publishing in Brazil, in which university presses played a central role. From the first initiatives to set up university presses to their climax in the first decade of the 21st century, we present an account of the challenges overcome and the great achievements accomplished.
Ainda A Propósito de Uma Recensão Crítica Quinhentista do Livro de Cartas Médicas de Garcia Lopes
Authors: Oliveira Emília M. Rocha de , Andrade António Manuel Lopes
Published: July 2024

During his short stay in the Scheldt emporium, Garcia Lopes, a New Christian doctor from Portalegre, published a miscellaneous volume, in epistolary form, dealing with various medical topics, entitled Commentarii de uaria rei medicae lectione (Antwerp, 1564). The reception of this book in Portuguese academic and scientific circles had not been established to date. However, Jorge Godines, an almost unknown physician, active during the reigns of King João III and King Sebastião, added a detailed critical review of his colleague's book to the volume of epistolae medicinales he had organised, entitled Summa quaedam eorum quae aduertimus in libello Garciae Lopii, i.e. “Summary of what we criticised in Garcia Lopes' booklet”. This study follows on from and complements the analysis of this sui generis text, in the context of the close relationship it established with the work under review, highlighting the heated controversy between the two contemporary doctors, which reveals the richness, acuity and topicality of the scientific debate in 16th century Portugal.
Architecture Competitions as an Opportunity for Young Women Architects. The Case of the Competition for Rural Subsidised Housing and the Canarian Magüi González, 1981-85
Authors: Delgado Baudet David , Pérez-Moreno Lucía C.
Published: July 2024

The Spanish democratic transition (1975-1982) was a time when architecture competitions with open and anonymous participation gradually began to appear, a phenomenon that coincided with the progressive incorporation of women architects into the discipline. The first part of this article analyses the situation of these competitions by studying their repercussions in 16 Spanish professional architectural journals belonging to both consolidated and emerging Spanish Architects’ Associations. The participation of women architects is also analysed in order to assess whether these competitions were a source of professional opportunities for them. In the second section, the article studies the Competition for Architectural Solutions for Officially Subsidised Single-Family Housing in Rural Areas (1981-83), a nationwide call with the most significant participation of architecture professionals (more than 1.000) and with a notable number of selected proposals by women architects. This study shows that women architects working in peripheral areas of the Spanish territory had a special presence in this competition, with the Canary Islands being the most remarkable case, for both the good results of its female participants and its ultra-peripheral location. Among the participating women architects, Magüi González stands out for the quality of her proposal and for being the only female professional who eventually obtained a commission from this competition. Finally, the investigation focuses, from a compositional, constructive and design culture perspective, on González’s final built project: 30 dwellings in Juan Grande in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (1983-85), which was, indeed, her opera prima and was eventually awarded an important regional architecture prize.
La educación femenina en los discursos de Sofía Tartilán y Matilde Cherner, en la revista La Ilustración de la Mujer (1873-1877)
Authors: Navarro Robles Cristina , Sanfeliu Gimeno María Luz
Published: July 2024

La Ilustración de la Mujer es una revista editada y publicada durante el periodo del Sexenio Democrático y la Restauración, impulsada con un objetivo pedagógico y dirigida a las mujeres. Entre sus líneas podemos encontrar escritos alejados de los temas comunes vinculados a la prensa femenina de la época, centrada en la moda, las labores del hogar o en la exaltación de su función maternal. Las dos figuras destacadas que publican en ella serán Sofía Tartilán y Matilde Cherner, que desde dos posiciones distintas defenderán cuestiones tan importantes como la capacidad intelectual de las mujeres, el trabajo, la autonomía o la instrucción femenina. Esta revista introdujo nuevos temas en el debate social respecto a la educación de las mujeres, su posición social y sus identidades, cuestionando ligeramente el arquetipo del ángel del hogar. No obstante, se seguirán manteniendo las atribuciones del modelo de feminidad y sus cualidades esencialmente relacionadas con la sensibilidad, el cuidado y la domesticidad. La revista va a acoger discursos que plantean nuevas formas de interpretarse como mujeres sin plantear todavía la emancipación femenina u otros derechos civiles, incitando a un cambio de visión del bello sexo sobre sí mismas, motivando el autoconocimiento y la reflexión, en la que la educación de las mujeres se constituye como el centro de la reivindicación.