bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Needs for Transport Services in the Sectors of the Economy of the Subjects of the Russian Federation of the Southwestern Transit Zone of the Far Eastern Federal District
Authors:   Economic Research Institute FEB RAS, Bardal Anna
Published: October 2022

The purpose of the study is to consider the needs for transport services from the branches of the regional economic complex of the Republic of Buryatia, the Trans-Baikal Territory, the Amur Region and the Jewish Autonomous Region. From the point of view of functions in the transport complex in the south of the Russian Far East, a transit zone is singled out that serves export-import and transit flows with the countries of North-East Asia. At the same time, the transport infrastructure performs work to serve the regional economy and the movement of transit (relative to the territory of the macroregion) cargo flows. Since these two components compete, it is important to accurately assess the transport needs of the regional economy. The subject of the study is the process of formation of needs for transport services of the economic turnover of the Far Eastern subjects of the Russian Federation in the conditionally allocated southwestern transit zone. The allocation of the southwestern transit zone of the Far Eastern Federal District based on the role of transport of certain subjects of the Russian Federation in the transport complex of the macroregion, based on the calculation of the localization coefficient, has been substantiated. The structure of the economy of the Far Eastern subjects of the Russian Federation of the allocated zone is considered. The leading role of the extraction of natural resources (extractive industry) in the structure of output with a general low scale of economic activity in the subjects under consideration is shown. Based on the correlation coefficients, the general relationships between the indicators of development of key sectors of the economy of the subjects of the Russian Federation of the southwestern transit zone of the Far Eastern Federal District and modes of transport are estimated
Does Institutional Quality Matter for International Migrants in Their Home and Host Country? A Case of Russian Federation
Authors:   Center for Economic Research and Graduate Education – Economics Institute (CERGE-EI), Charles University, Valei Azamat ,   Ural Federal University, Mamman Suleiman ,   Laboratory for International and Regional Economics, Graduate School of Economics and Management, Ural Federal University
Published: October 2022

Poor institutions have been identified to hinder economic growth and development, with negative social and economic effects such as skilled human resource emigration. In a resource-rich economy, a poor institutional framework has been stated to be a key cause of resource curse. The current study used the CIS and other bordering countries to investigate the impact of both home and destination country institutional quality on migration flows to the Russian Federation. Is the Quality of Institutions (Origin and Host Countries) Important in Migration? The study demonstrated that institutional quality matters for migration from surrounding countries using a gravity-based model estimated using the Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML). Population, unemployment, and GDP per capita were identified as push factors. In addition, the study discovered a correlation between the institutional quality of the host country and the inward migration flow. Therefore, the study recommends enhancing the institutional quality of the host country to increase the positive effects of inward migration flow
The Resource Concentration in Moscow: Impact on the Economy of the Central Federal District
Authors:   Institute of Economics of Karelian Research Centre of the RAS, Druzhinin Pavel
Published: October 2022

The article discusses the development of the economy of the regions of the Central Federal District (CFD) in 1998–2020. There are three sectors – Moscow, the Moscow region and the remaining 16 regions. The economic development of these sectors and the impact of resource concentration to the Moscow agglomeration are analyzed. The periphery of the CFD is losing human capital of the highest quality, which decreases the opportunities for its economic development. The purpose of the article is to give a comparative analysis of the economic development of Moscow and other regions of the Central Federal District in 1998–2020. It also examines how the development efficiency of the other 16 regions of the CFD is changing against the background of the outflow of young people to Moscow, the reasons for the change in the growth rates and efficiency of the development of the Moscow economy are being clarified as well. The analysis of the graphs of indicators made it possible to distinguish two periods – before and after the 2008–2009 crisis. We analise influence of selected sectors and structural shifts on the dynamics of labor productivity of the CFD economy, using the methods of economic statistics. Production functions were constructed and the impact of investments on the economic growth rates of the three selected sectors was assessed. During the first period, the Moscow agglomeration was developing successfully, its socio-economic indicators were growing rapidly, and its development efficiency was high. The concentration of resources contributed to faster and more efficient growth of the CFD economy. After the crisis, the migration of the population to the Moscow agglomeration and the concentration of investments has continued, but the growth of the Moscow economy has stopped, and the efficiency of development has decreased sharply. The development of the economy of the third sector of the CFD, which is losing resources, has noticeably slowed down, and efficiency has somewhat decreased. The concentration of resources in Moscow has begun to affect the growth rates of the CFD economy negatively
New Formats of Interaction of Investment Cooperation between Russia and Turkey in Modern Economic Conditions
Authors:   Moscow State Institute of International Relations MFA of Russia, Umarov Husan
Published: October 2022

The deterioration of Russia’s trade and economic relations with international partners due to the aggravation of the geopolitical situation in Ukraine increases the importance of diversification of key sectors of the Russian economy. Russia’s search for new strategic partners increases the pace of cooperation with the Republic of Turkey. The subject of the study is the study of the advantages of the Russian-Turkish strategic partnership, the basis of which is mutual interest in building up economic and geopolitical potential. The key objectives of the study will be to study the current investment climate, the stages of implementation of investment cooperation between Russia and Turkey in various sectors of the economy, analysis of the dynamics of foreign direct investment, mutual investment, trade turnover, exports and imports between the countries. Such research methods as observation, comparative analysis, generalization, historical method will be used in the work. The author will refer to the materials of Russian and foreign experts in the field of international economics, finance, investment deposits, statistical data on export, import, mutual turnover, foreign direct investment (FDI) between Russia and Turkey, obtained from the reporting documents of the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat), the World Bank (The World Bank), the United Nations (UN), the Turkish Construction Union (Turkish Construction Union). The main result of the study will be the structuring of factors affecting the dynamics of bilateral investment cooperation. The results of the study can be useful to representatives of business organizations, business owners and managers, specialists in the field of economics and finance. Formulating the main conclusions of the study, the author notes the priority of mutually beneficial Russian-Turkish partnership on key economic issues
Current state of Anabasis salsa pasture varieties in Karakalpak Ustyurt (Uzbekistan) due to Aral Sea drying
Authors: Rakhimova Nodira , Rakhimova Tashkhanim , Sadinov Jasur S
Published: October 2022

This article is devoted to the study of the current state of 2 pasture varieties of the biyurgun type: Anabasis salsa with the participation of Caroxylon orientale, Artemisia terrae-albae and A. kemrudica; Anabasis salsa with Caroxylon orientale and Artemisia terra-albae and Convolvulus fruticosus, Lycium ruthenicum, Anabasis brachiata, Nanophyton erinaceum, Nitraria schoberi, Malacocarpus crithmifolius and Xylosalsola chiwensis, with single Crambe edentula specimens distributed across the territory of Karakalpak Ustyurt (Uzbekistan) under the influence of Aral Sea drying. The Anabasis salsa pasture type occupies a larger area than that occupied by the other pasture types in Karakalpak Ustyurt (2 664 774 ha) and accounts for 36.4% of the total territory, which includes 9 pasture varieties. This type is common on takyr, loamy saline soils and, high-gypsum soils. The area of the studied pasture varieties, soil cover nature, projective cover percentage, landscape plant species, species placement, forage yield and recommended seasonality of use were determined. According to our observations the investigated pasture varieties are recommended for use as autumn-winter pastures.
The influence of teaching motivations on student engagement in an online learning environment in China
Authors: Li Qi , Jiang Qiang , Liang Jyh-Chong , Pan Xingzhu , Zhao Wei
Published: October 2022

Given the importance of student engagement for educational success, it is essential to explore how teachers can stimulate student engagement in online learning environment. However, relatively little research drawing from self-determination theory has examined the links between teaching motivations and student engagement. To this end, this study was conducted to survey 414 Chinese college students’ perceptions of teaching motivations, their own intrinsic and extrinsic motivations during the learning process, as well as their engagement with online learning. The findings indicated that the survey had satisfactory validity and internal consistency. Structural equation model revealed the interrelationships between autonomy-supportive teaching motivations, controlling teaching motivations, student intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, and student engagement. The results showed that in online learning environments, autonomy-supportive teaching motivations and student intrinsic motivation were positively related to student engagement. Unexpectedly, controlling teaching motivations and student extrinsic motivation had no significant effect on student engagement. Moreover, the mediating effects of student intrinsic motivation including perceived autonomy, competence, and relatedness offered a deeper understanding of the association between autonomy-supportive teaching motivations and student engagement. The main findings and practical implications together are discussed in depth.
Implications for practice or policy:

Teachers could adopt autonomy-supportive teaching strategies and stimulate students’ intrinsic motivation as they have shown to be positive factors for student engagement.
Developers and educators could enhance student engagement through nurturing inner motivational resources in online learning environment.
Researchers could verify more factors that influence student engagement and clarify how they could be manipulated in future studies.
The current research trend of artificial intelligence in language learning: A systematic empirical literature review from an activity theory perspective
Authors: Yang Hongzhi , Kyun Suna
Published: October 2022

Although the field of artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly developed, there has been little research to review, describe, and analyse the trends and development of empirical research on AI-supported language learning. This paper selected and analysed 25 empirical research papers on AI-supported language learning published in the last 15 years. These empirical studies were analysed using the activity theory from seven constituents: tool, subject, object, rules, community, division of labour, and outcome. A key contribution of this paper is the use of activity theory to illustrate the dynamic interactions and contradictions between the seven elements. AI-supported technology as a mediating tool demonstrated some effectiveness in language learning but needs further improvement in the use of language for communication and collaborative design. We argue that teachers’ intervention and configuration of AI-supported language learning in the pedagogical design plays an important role in the effectiveness of learning. More research is needed to explore the use of AI-supported language learning in the classroom or the real-life learning context.
Implications for practice or policy:

Research on AI-supported language learning should view teacher and students as active agents in interacting with technology and making transformations in real life learning situations.
More research should focus on productive dialogue and communication in AI-supported language learning with collaborative design.
A mixed module of AI-supported language learning and formal teacher instruction should be incorporated in pedagogical design.
Preparing pre-service teachers for instructional innovation with ICT via co-design practice
Authors: Chen Wenli , Pi Zhongling , Tan Jesmine S. H. , Lyu Qianru
Published: October 2022

Information and communications technology (ICT) is rapidly changing how we teach and how we learn. ICT can not only act as a teaching and learning aid but also reshape the delivery of instruction and bring about changes in education. Research has largely examined the effects of teacher education programs on their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of technology integration and relatively little attention has been paid to their ability to use ICT to innovate instruction. This study examined how pre-teachers engaged in co-design via Google Slides, and how their behavioural characteristics influenced their improvement of instructional innovation with ICT of lesson design. The results of correlation and step regression analyses and lag sequential analysis showed that behaviours of engagement into individual ideation and within-group ideation in co-design activities positively related to the pre-service teachers’ innovations of lesson designs (i.e., usefulness and originality). The clarification type and positive affection type of peer feedback negatively related and predicted their innovations, and the worst-performed group tended to directly copy information from peer feedback. The implications of how pre-service teachers engaging in co-design activities affect their instructional innovations with ICT are discussed.
Implications for practice or policy

Co-design activities are helpful for instructional innovation for pre-service teachers.
Pre-service teachers are encouraged to engage in individual ideation, group ideation, and peer feedback during co-design activities.
Removal of glycerol from biodiesel using multi-stage microfiltration membrane system: industrial scale process simulation
Authors: Kusumocahyo Samuel P. , Redulla Rachel C. , Fulbert Kevin , Iskandar Aulia A.
Published: October 2022

Biodiesel purification is one of the most important downstream processes in biodiesel industries. The removal of glycerol from crude biodiesel is commonly conducted by an extraction method using water, however this method results in a vast amount of wastewater and needs a lot of energy. In this study, microfiltration membrane was used to remove glycerol from biodiesel, and a process simulation was carried out for an industrial scale biodiesel purification plant using a microfiltration membrane system. The microfiltration experiment using a simulated feed solution of biodiesel containing glycerol and water showed that the membrane process produced purified biodiesel that met the international standards. The result of the process simulation of a multi-stage membrane system showed that the membrane area could be minimized by optimizing the concentration factor of every stage with the aid of a computer program that was written in Phyton programming language with Visual Studio Code. The overall productivity of a single stage membrane system was the same with that of the multi-stage system, however the single stage system required a larger membrane area. To produce 750 m3 day−1 of purified biodiesel, a multi-stage membrane system consisting of 10 membrane modules required a total membrane area of 1515 m2 that was 57% smaller compared to the single stage system consisting of one membrane module. This membrane area reduction was equivalent to a reduction of the total capital cost of 30%. Based on the analysis of the total capital cost, it was found that the optimum number of stages was 4 since it showed a minimum value of the total capital cost with a membrane area of 1620 m2 that was equivalent to the reduction of the total capital cost of 34%. The result of this simulation showed that the multi-stage microfiltration membrane has great potential to replace the conventional method in biodiesel industries.
Cathelicidin as a marker for subclinical cardiac changes and microvascular complications in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Matter Randa M. , Nasef Marwa Waheed A. , ShibaAlhamd Reham M. , Thabet Rasha Adel
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To detect cathelicidin levels in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) as a potential marker for diabetic vascular complications and to assess its relation to diastolic dysfunction as an index for subclinical macrovasculopathy.

Methods

Totally, 84 patients with T1D were categorized into three groups; newly diagnosed diabetes group (28 patients with a mean age of 12.38 ± 1.99) years, T1D without microvascular complications group (28 patients with a mean age of 13.04 ± 2.27), and T1D with microvascular complications group (28 patients with a mean age of 13.96 ± 2.30). Patients were evaluated using serum cathelicidin levels and echocardiography.

Results

Total cholesterol, microalbuminuria, and cathelicidin levels were significantly higher in patients with microvascular complications when compared to the other two groups (p<0.001). Additionally, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) echocardiography values and diastolic functions were significantly higher in patients with complications (p<0.001). Cathelicidin was positively correlated to the duration of diabetes (r=0.542, p<0.001), total cholesterol (r=0.346, p=0.001), recurrence of hypoglycemia (r=0.351, p=0.001), recurrence of diabetes ketoacidosis (r=0.365, p=0.001), CIMT (r=0.544, p<0.001), and E/A values (r=0.405, p<0.001).

Conclusions

Serum cathelicidin levels can be used as an early marker for the occurrence and progression of vascular complications in patients with T1D.
Examining the Philosophy of Mathematics Studies in Turkey: A Meta-Synthesis Study
Authors: KOYUNCU Mehmet Kasım
Published: October 2022

Bu araştırmada, meta sentez yöntemi kullanılarak Türkiye’deki matematik felsefesine dair çalışmaların mevcut durumunun ve nasıl eğilim gösterdiğinin ortaya konulması amaçlanmıştır. Bu amaçla 2016-2020 yılları arasında yayınlanmış olan 51 çalışma, amaçlı örnekleme yöntemi ile seçilerek analiz edilmiştir. Çalışmalara TÜBİTAK ULAKBİM DergiPark, Google Akademik arama motoru ve YÖK Ulusal Tez Merkezi veri tabanlarından ulaşılmıştır. İçerik analizine tabii tutulan çalışmalar; yıllara göre dağılımı, yayın türleri, araştırma desenleri, örneklemleri, veri toplama araçları, çalışma alanları, amaçları ve sonuçları bağlamında incelenmiştir. Toplanan veriler, frekanslarına göre yorumlanıp grafik veya tablo ile sunulmuş ve gerekli açıklamalar yapılmıştır. İncelenen çalışmaların önemli bir bölümünün; makale türünde olduğu, nitel yöntemler içinde yer alan fenomenolojik desen ile yürütüldüğü tespit edilmiştir. Çoğu çalışmada verilerin doküman inceleme yoluyla toplandığı görülmüştür. Az sayıda çalışmada ise anket/ölçek gibi veri toplama araçlarının kullanıldığı ve eğitim alanına odaklanıldığı tespit edilmiştir. Araştırma sonuçlarından hareketle matematik felsefesi kapsamında çalışma yapacak araştırmacılara ve uygulayıcılara bazı önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
Corticotroph tumor progression after bilateral adrenalectomy: data from ERCUSYN
Authors: Valassi Elena , Castinetti Frédéric , Ferriere Amandine , Tsagarakis Stylianos , Feelders Richard A , Netea-Maier Romana T , Droste Michael , Strasburger Christian J , Maiter Dominique , Kastelan Darko , Chanson Philippe , Webb Susan M , Demtröder Frank , Pirags Valdis , Chabre Olivier , Franz Holger , Santos Alicia , Reincke Martin
Published: October 2022

Corticotroph tumor progression after bilateral adrenalectomy/Nelson’s syndrome (CTP-BADX/NS) is a severe complication of bilateral adrenalectomy (BADX). The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence, presentation and outcome of CTP-BADX/NS in patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) included in the European Registry on Cushing’s Syndrome (ERCUSYN). We examined data on 1045 CD patients and identified 85 (8%) who underwent BADX. Of these, 73 (86%) had follow-up data available. The median duration of follow-up since BADX to the last visit/death was 7 years (IQR 2–9 years). Thirty-three patients (45%) experienced CTP-BADX/NS after 3 years (1.5–6) since BADX. Cumulative progression-free survival was 73% at 3 years, 66% at 5 years and 46% at 10 years. CTP-BADX/NS patients more frequently had a visible tumor at diagnosis of CD than patients without CTP-BADX/NS (P < 0.05). Twenty-seven CTP-BADX/NS patients underwent surgery, 48% radiotherapy and 27% received medical therapy. The median time since diagnosis of CTP-BADX/NS to the last follow-up visit was 2 years (IQR, 1–5). Control of tumor progression was not achieved in 16 of 33 (48%) patients, of whom 8 (50%) died after a mean of 4 years. Maximum adenoma size at diagnosis of CD was associated with further tumor growth in CTP-BADX/NS despite treatment (P = 0.033). Diagnosis of CTP-BADX/NS, older age, greater UFC levels at diagnosis of CD and initial treatment predicted mortality. In conclusion, CTP-BADX/NS was reported in 45% of the ERCUSYN patients who underwent BADX, and control of tumor growth was reached in half of them. Future studies are needed to establish effective strategies for prevention and treatment.
Evaluation of Some Local and Imported Wheat Cultivars: Chemical, Rheological Properties and Mineral Contents of Their Flours
Authors: Ahmed Rabie Mohamed Maray , Safia Mahmoud
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study is evaluating the effect of the milling process for the local Egyptian and imported wheat cultivars on the chemical, rheological properties and mineral contents. Two local wheat varieties (Gemmiza7 and Misr1), in addition to a Mixture local and imported wheat and Russian, Romanian imported wheat varieties were used. The different wheat varieties were milled, starting with cleaning the grains, conditioning, then grinding and sifting to obtain whole wheat flours and wheat flours (72% extraction). Results showed that no significant differences (P>0.05) between all flour samples of different varieties regarding moisture, ash, fats and crude fiber contents, but the protein and total carbohydrate contents significantly differed. The data showed that the rheological properties of the local Egyptian flours had a higher farinograph values regard to water absorption, mixing time, dough stability and dough weakening compared to the imported varieties. For extensograph parameters; elasticity and a proportional number values had higher values with a Mixture local and imported flour variety. Extensibility and dough energy parameters showed that the higher values achieved by (the local Gemmiza7 and imported Romanian flour varieties) and the local Misr1 flour, respectively. The mineral contents had decreased of Mg, K, P, Fe and Zn for wheat flours (72% ext.) after the milling process of different local and imported wheat varieties, but whole wheat flours had higher values of those elements.
Las elites y las derechas en oposición al gobierno de Pedro Castillo en Perú
Authors: Goldstein Ariel
Published: October 2022

El trabajo apunta a analizar los distintos actores de las elites peruanas y las derechas que componen la oposición al gobierno de Pedro Castillo. En este sentido, distingue distintas derechas: empresarial y financiera, mediática, política y social. Luego de analizarlas con detenimiento, sobre la base de entrevistas a distintos actores, relevamiento de medios y redes sociales, postula una consideración. Previo a la llegada de Castillo, la derecha peruana se encontraba definida como un “archipiélago conservador”. El triunfo de Castillo y su llegada a la presidencia, por lo que representa en términos de puesta en crisis del modelo económico social fujimorista, parece haber activado un bloque unido que es la forma de actual encarnación de la derecha peruana. Además, considera la influencia que ejercen actores internacionales en la política local, como son Vox de España y el Partido Republicano de Estados Unidos.
Hospital Discharge Instructions: Characteristics, Accessibility, and National Guideline Adherence
Authors: Rodriguez Victoria A. , Boggs Elizabeth F. , Verre Michael C. , Siebenaler Mary Katherine , Wicks Jennifer S. , Castiglioni Cynthia , Palac Hannah , Garfield Craig F.
Published: October 2022

OBJECTIVES

The content of pediatric hospital discharge instructions is highly variable. This study aimed to describe the characteristics, accessibility per patient literacy level and language, and national guideline adherence of pediatric hospital discharge instructions.

METHODS

This retrospective study assessed discharge instructions at a tertiary children’s hospital. Patient and instruction characteristics, including patient health literacy level, grade level of instructions, patient language preference, and language of instructions were collected via chart review and electronic medical record query. Standard admission processes assessed health literacy via Brief Health Literacy Screening. The association between demographic and clinical characteristics and adherence to Solutions for Patient Safety guidelines was analyzed by using unadjusted and adjusted analysis methods.

RESULTS

Of 240 discharge instructions, 25% were missing at least 1 recommended content area: signs of worsening, where to seek help, or medication reconciliation. A patient health literacy deficit was identified in 15%; the mean grade level of instructions was 10.1. Limited English proficiency was reported among 17% one quarter of whom received language concordant instructions. Use of discharge instruction templates and discharge services were associated with improved guideline adherence (P <.001). Almost one-half of the study population had a complex medical history, which was associated with decreased guideline adherence (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

One-quarter of discharge instructions for this predominantly medically complex population failed to meet national standards. Accessibility was often limited by the reading grade level or discordant language of instructions. Templates may be a valuable tool for improving discharge instruction content, accessibility, and adherence to national guidelines.
Screening of Lactobacillus from breast milk and infant feces and evaluation of their bile salt tolerance
Authors: Huang Yujun , Yu Junjuan , Yan Haodong , Zhang Chenchen , Kang Wenli , Pan Lina , Wang Jiaqi , Dai Zhiyong , Gu Ruixia
Published: October 2022

The intestinal bile salt concentration of infants is lower than that of adults, and the necessary bile salt tolerance of probiotics for infants remains unclear. In this study, Lactobacillus strains were isolated from breast milk and infant feces. The strains with better bile salt tolerance were screened, and their bile salt tolerance was compared with Lactobacillus strains from the adult intestine. The results showed that the bile salt concentration had a better distinguishing effect when it was 0.075 and 0.1%. Among the 28 strains of Lactobacillus with better bile salt tolerance, there were 16 strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, among which eight strains had greater than 70% survival under 0.075% bile salt and two strains had more than 50% survival under 0.1% bile salt. L. plantarum strains isolated from breast milk and infant feces had a significantly lower survival rate than those isolated from the adult intestine (P < 0.05) under 0.1% bile salt, while there was no significant difference in the survival rate under 0.075% bile salt (P > 0.05). Therefore, the demands for bile salt tolerance of probiotics for infants might be lower than that for adults. It is suggested that the standard for the screening of probiotics from breast milk and infant feces should differ from adults.
Arctiin attenuates lipid accumulation, inflammation and oxidative stress in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through inhibiting MAPK pathway
Authors: Li Lin , Zhang Ying , Xiao Fangxi , Wang Zhigang , Liu Ju
Published: October 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease that predominantly affects the adult population. It was reported that arctiin improves functioning of the liver through multiple pathways, but the exact molecular mechanism is not clear yet. First, a mouse obesity model was successfully constructed, and hematoxylin and eosin staining and enzyme-linked-immunosorbent serologic assay (ELISA) were used to assess the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, respectively, in liver tissue damage. Then lipid accumulation in liver tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, and detection kits were used to determine the levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol in serum. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of adipose synthesis proteins, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 and fatty acid synthase, in liver tissues. Further, the levels of glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and reactive oxygen species as well as that of interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, and the expression of p-P65 and P65, in liver tissues were measured by ELISA and IHC, respectively. Finally, the protein expression levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phospho-ERK, Jun N-terminal kinase, phospho-JNK, p38 and phospho-p38 in liver tissues were examined by WB. The results showed that relative to normal diet, mice on high-fat diet had increased body weight as well as fat content in liver tissues, increased liver tissue damage, decreased oxidative stress capacity and enhanced inflammatory response, while arctiin changed these adverse effects and inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Arctiin exerts hepatoprotective effects by inhibiting MAPK pathway and improving lipid accumulation, inflammatory response and oxidative stress.
Advanced Supports for Noble Metal Catalysts in Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysers: A Review
Authors: Cabot Pere L. , Martínez-Huerta María V. , Alcaide Francisco
Published: October 2022

Renewable and low-carbon hydrogen will contribute to a future climate-neutral economy as a fuel, clean energy carrier and feedstock. One of the main concerns when considering its production by the present proton exchange membrane water electrolysers (PEMWE) is the use of scarce and expensive noble metals as catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), because they contribute to increase the cost of the technology. Several strategies have been developed to overcome this drawback, such as optimising the catalyst loading in the electrodes and alloying or using alternative catalyst supports, always with the aim to maintain or even increase electrolyser performance and durability. In this review, we examine the latest developments in HER and OER catalysts intended for practical PEMWE systems, which point in the short term to the use of platinum and iridium nanoparticles highly dispersed at low loadings on conductive non-carbon supports.
Activation of Stimulator of IFN Genes (STING) Causes Proteinuria and Contributes to Glomerular Diseases
Authors: Mitrofanova Alla , Fontanella Antonio , Tolerico Matthew , Mallela Shamroop , Molina David Judith , Zuo Yiqin , Boulina Marcia , Kim Jin-Ju , Santos Javier , Ge Mengyuan , Sloan Alexis , Issa Wadih , Gurumani Margaret , Pressly Jeffrey , Ito Marie , Kretzler Matthias , Eddy Sean , Nelson Robert , Merscher Sandra , Burke George , Fornoni Alessia
Published: October 2022

Significance Statement

A signaling molecule that plays a role in the innate immune system, stimulator of IFN genes (STING), is a crucial regulator of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-STING pathway. This signaling pathway regulates inflammation and energy homeostasis under conditions of obesity, kidney fibrosis, and AKI, but its exact role in the pathogenesis of glomerular diseases remains unclear. The authors found that activation of STING in wild-type mice is sufficient to cause albuminuria and podocyte loss, and that the cGAS-STING signaling pathway is upregulated in mice with experimental diabetic kidney disease and Alport syndrome. They also demonstrated that either genetic or pharmacologic STING inhibition confers protection from kidney disease progression. These findings suggest that this signaling pathway plays an important role in mediating glomerular dysfunction.

Background

The signaling molecule stimulator of IFN genes (STING) was identified as a crucial regulator of the DNA-sensing cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-STING pathway, and this signaling pathway regulates inflammation and energy homeostasis under conditions of obesity, kidney fibrosis, and AKI. However, the role of STING in causing CKD, including diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and Alport syndrome, is unknown.

Methods

To investigate whether STING activation contributes to the development and progression of glomerular diseases such as DKD and Alport syndrome, immortalized human and murine podocytes were differentiated for 14 days and treated with a STING-specific agonist. We used diabetic db/db mice, mice with experimental Alport syndrome, C57BL/6 mice, and STING knockout mice to assess the role of the STING signaling pathway in kidney failure.

Results

In vitro, murine and human podocytes express all of the components of the cGAS-STING pathway. In vivo, activation of STING renders C57BL/6 mice susceptible to albuminuria and podocyte loss. STING is activated at baseline in mice with experimental DKD and Alport syndrome. STING activation occurs in the glomerular but not the tubulointerstitial compartment in association with autophagic podocyte death in Alport syndrome mice and with apoptotic podocyte death in DKD mouse models. Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of STING protects from progression of kidney disease in mice with DKD and Alport syndrome and increases lifespan in Alport syndrome mice.

Conclusion

The activation of the STING pathway acts as a mediator of disease progression in DKD and Alport syndrome. Targeting STING may offer a therapeutic option to treat glomerular diseases of metabolic and nonmetabolic origin or prevent their development, progression, or both.
From Witch-Doctoring to Holistic Well-Being: Journalistic Representations of Three Influential Estonian CAM Doctors
Authors: Koppel Katre , Uibu Marko
Published: October 2022

With the aim to illustrate the complex relations between complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and biomedicine, we examine how journalists have represented three influential Estonian CAM doctors. Our analysis of 36 journalistic texts published between 1996 and 2018 about these CAM doctors focuses on the similarities and the differences between the representations. Our study demonstrates how journalistic decisions shape the representations of CAM doctors, making journalists important actors in the debates between CAM and biomedicine. Due to the high polarisation between CAM and biomedicine in the Estonian media landscape, CAM doctors, as controversial figures, face constant pressure to make choices when participating in the public sphere. If CAM doctors choose a passive media strategy, it can lead to more polarised journalistic representations of CAM-related activities.
The Effects of a High-Fat/Cholesterol Diet on the Intestine of Rats Were Attenuated by Sparassis latifolia Polysaccharides
Authors: Wei Xin , Gao Yuan , Cheng Feier , Yun Shaojun , Chang Mingchang , Cao Jinling , Cheng Yanfen , Feng Cuiping
Published: October 2022

Research background. Sparassis latifolia polysaccharides can regulate lipids and cholesterol in serum and liver. However, little is known about the regulation mechanism of the polysaccharides on cholesterol metabolism and especially the causal relationship with gut microbiota regulation. This study will provide a theoretical basis for the cholesterol-lowering mechanism of S. latifolia polysaccharides and further development of functional foods.
Experimental approach. In this study, we investigated how the regulation mechanism of Sparassis latifolia polysaccharides affects intestinal cholesterol metabolism in high-fat and high-cholesterol diet-fed rats. Briefly, enzymatic colorimetric microplate assay was used to determine the concentration of faecal bile acid. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to detect the content of cholesterol and alcohol in faeces. Haematoxylin and eosin staining method was applied to observe the changes in the structure of the small intestine tissue. The related gene expressions in jejunum and ileum were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The related protein expressions in jejunum were studied by using Western blot. High-throughput sequencing was used to detect the intestinal flora changes of the caecal contents. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was applied to detect the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the caecal content.
Results and conclusions. The results showed that Sparassis latifolia polysaccharides could improve the intestinal morphological structure and physiological indices in rats fed high-fat and high-cholesterol diet. Moreover, it could improve intestinal cholesterol metabolism disorder induced by high-fat and high-cholesterol diets via the reduction of the expression of HMGCR, NPC1L1, ACAT2, MTP, ASBT and IBABP mRNA or protein, increasing ABCG8 mRNA expression. In addition, it could also increase the relative abundance of Bac- teroides, Butyricicoccus, Parabacteroides, Parasutteerella and Alloprevotella and the short-chain fatty acid concentration, to comprehensively regulate the intestinal cholesterol metabolism. The metabolomics analysis found that Sparassis latifolia polysaccharides could affect lipid, carbohydrate and other related metabolites. Some biomarkers associated with cholesterol metabolism correlated significantly with the abundance of specific intestinal microbiota.
Novelty and scientific contribution. These findings indicate that Sparassis latifolia polysaccharides could attenuate intestinal cholesterol metabolism disorder, correlating with modulating gut microbiota and improving host metabolism. They provide theoretical support for the development of Sparassis latifolia as a new food resource.
Chemical Composition and Biological Activity of Essential Oil and Extract from the Seeds of Tropaeolum majus L. var. altum
Authors: Vrca Ivana , Ramić Dina , Fredotović Željana , Smole Možina Sonja , Blažević Ivica , Bilušić Tea
Published: October 2022

Research background. Plant Tropaeolum majus L. (garden nasturtium) belongs to the family Tropaeolaceae and contains benzyl glucosinolate. The breakdown product of benzyl glucosinolate, benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), exhibits various biological activities such as antiproliferative, antibacterial and antiinflammatory. In order to optimize the content of biologically active volatile compounds in plant extract and essential oil, the use of appropriate extraction technique has a crucial role.
Experimental approach. The current study investigates the effect of two modern extraction methods, microwave-assisted distillation (MAD) and microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG), on the chemical composition of volatile components present in the essential oil and extract of garden nasturtium (T. majus L. var. altum) seeds. Investigation of the biological activity of samples (essential oil, extract and pure compounds) was focused on the antiproliferative effect against different cancer cell lines: cervical cancer cell line (HeLa), human colon cancer cell line (HCT116) and human osteosarcoma cell line (U2OS), and the antibacterial activity which was evaluated against the growth and adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli to polystyrene surface.
Results and conclusions. Essential oil and extract of garden nasturtium (T. majus) seeds were isolated by two extraction techniques: MAD and MHG. BITC and benzyl cyanide (BCN) present in the extract were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Essential oil of T. majus showed higher antiproliferative activity (IC50<5 μg/mL) than T. majus extract (IC50<27 μg/mL) against three cancer cell lines: HeLa, HCT116 and U2OS. BITC showed much higher inhibitory effect on all tested cells than BCN. The essential oil and extract of T. majus showed strong antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli.
Novelty and scientific contribution. This work represents the first comparative report on the antiproliferative activity of the essential oil and extract of T. majus seeds, BITC and BCN against HeLa, HCT116 and U2OS cells as well as their antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. This study demonstrates that the essential oil of T. majus seeds exhibits stronger antiproliferative and antimicrobial activity than the plant extract.
Impact of Short-Time Micronization on Structural and Thermal Properties of Sugar Beet Fibre and Inulin
Authors: Djordjević Miljana , Ambrus Rita , Maravić Nikola , Vidović Senka , Šoronja-Simović Dragana , Petrović Jovana , Šereš Zita
Published: October 2022

Research background. By tailoring dietary fibre’s structural and physicochemical properties, their functionality and applicability can be remarkably increased. One of the approaches used in this respect is fibre particle size reduction. Accordingly, the present study explores the impact of short-time micronization in a planetary ball mill on structural and thermal changes of modified and commercial sugar beet fibre, inulin and sucrose for their potential application as food excipients.
Experimental approach. Short-time micronization in a planetary ball mill (30 and 60 min) was applied for particle size reduction of modified and commercial sugar beet fibre,
inulin and sucrose as less energy-consumptive and less destructive approach than long-time micronization. Dietary fibre and sucrose samples were characterised in terms of particle size, morphology, intermolecular bonds and presence of functional groups, crystallinity and thermal properties, before and after the short-time micronization.
Results and conclusions. Particle size was successfully reduced to micron-scale already
after 30 min of micronization in most of the samples without significant changes in thermal properties and crystallinity or present functional groups. An enhanced particle size decrease with prolonged micronization time (60 min) was noticed in modified sugar beet fibre with slightly wider particle size distribution than in other examined samples. Furthermore, morphology and exposure of the present functional groups in samples were altered by the micronization, which is favourable for their further application as excipients in the food matrix.
Novelty and scientific contribution. The corresponding research reports the short-time
micronization impact on sugar beet fibre and modified sugar beet fibre, inulin and sucrose for the first time, hence contributing to the widening of their application as excipients in diverse products.
New species of the stingless bee genus Plebeia (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Engel Michael S.
Published: October 2022

Nine new species of the stingless bee genus Plebeia Schwarz (Meliponini: Meliponina) are described and figured, all of the nominate subgenus. The new species are: Plebeia (Plebeia) amydra Engel, new species, from Venezuela; P. (P.) deceptrix Engel, new species, from Peru; P. (P.) hyperplastica Engel, new species, from Venezuela; P. (P.) mutisi Engel, new species, from Colombia; P. (P.) plectoforma Engel, new species, from Venezuela; P. (P.) roubiki Engel, new species, from Ecuador; P. (P.) silveirai Engel, new species, from Peru; P. (P.) tigris Engel, new species, from Ecuador; P. (P.) vidali Engel, new species, from Costa Rica.
Protection de la santé de la force au sein de l’opération Barkhane face à l’épidémie d’Ebola en Afrique de l’Ouest
Authors: DE LAVAL F. , NGUYEN B.-V. , CHAI M. , HAUS R. , MILLELLIRI J.-M. , MICHEL R. , DURON S. , ANGOT E. , JOIE L. , BELLEOUD D.
Published: October 2022

La propagation à Bamako en novembre 2014 de l’épidémie de maladie à virus Ebola a constitué une menace pour les militaires français déployés au Mali. Le Service de santé des armées a dû mettre en œuvre des mesures visant à évaluer la réalité du risque et son évolution, à protéger les forces d’une transmission, et à se préparer à dépister, prendre en charge et évacuer un éventuel cas possible ou confirmé de maladie à virus Ebola.
Mort subite cardiaque secondaire à une canalopathie avec implantation d’un défibrillateur automatique de type sous-cutané en prévention secondaire
Authors: DEMOULIN R. , PONS F. , POYET R. , CAPILLA E. , MEAUDRE E. , CELLARIER G.-R.
Published: October 2022

La mort subite d’origine cardiaque est une pathologie à l’origine 50 000 décès soudains annuels en France. Elle atteint aussi bien les sujets âgés porteurs d’une coronaropathie que les sujets jeunes porteurs de cardiopathie structurelle ou non structurelle. Nous rapportons l’observation de deux jeunes patients, porteurs de canalopathies (syndrome de repolarisation précoce et syndrome du QT long), ayant bénéficié de l’implantation d’un défibrillateur sous-cutané en prévention secondaire après une mort subite récupérée.
Description de l’attrition (perte d’effectifs) pour raison médicale des recrues en Formation Générale Initiale de l’Armée de Terre
Authors: PERALA C. , ANDREANIB B. , LACHAUXC J. , SCHWARTZBRODD P.-E. , SIBILLEC F. , COLLEONYD T.
Published: October 2022

L’attrition pour cause médicale est un problème important des armées, internationalement reconnu lors des premiers mois de service des personnels militaires. L’armée française manque de statistiques sur ce phénomène. Objectif : décrire les pathologies sources de l’attrition pour cause médicale des recrues de l’armée de Terre lors de leur formation générale initiale de douze semaines. Méthodes : les données ont été collectées à partir des dossiers médicaux des recrues dont la formation a été arrêtée entre le 1er janvier et le 31 décembre 2016 au sein de cinq centres de formation initiale militaire. Résultats : sur les 5 785 recrues incorporées, 309 (5,3 %) ont arrêté la formation pour cause médicale. Les principales étiologies étaient les traumatismes représentés par 37,9 % de blessures par surutilisation et 25,6 % de blessures par traumatisme aigu. Les membres inférieurs étaient les sites les plus touchés par les traumatismes (47,4 %). Les récidives de pathologies étaient fréquentes parmi les atteintes traumatiques par surutilisation (68,4 %). Environ un quart (24,6 %) des affections était présumé imputable au service, la majorité étant des pathologies traumatiques. Conclusion : l’attrition pour cause médicale est expliquée majoritairement par les traumatismes par surutilisation. La prévention des blessures musculo-squelettiques représente l’un des éléments les plus accessibles pour diminuer l’attrition pour cause médicale et préserver les effectifs. Un programme de prévention des blessures serait bénéfique pour l’armée française.