bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apes and agriculture
Authors: Meijaard Erik , Unus Nabillah , Ariffin Thina , Dennis Rona , Ancrenaz Marc , Wich Serge , Wunder Sven , Goh Chun Sheng , Sherman Julie , Ogwu Matthew C. , Refisch Johannes , Ledgard Jonathan , Sheil Douglas , Hockings Kimberley
Published: November 2023

Non-human great apes – chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, and orangutans – are threatened by agricultural expansion, particularly from rice, cacao, cassava, maize, and oil palm cultivation. Agriculture replaces and fragments great ape habitats, bringing them closer to humans and often resulting in conflict. Though the impact of agriculture on great apes is well-recognized, there is still a need for a more nuanced understanding of specific contexts and associated negative impacts on habitats and populations. Here we review these contexts and their implications for great apes. We estimate that within their African and South-East Asian ranges, there are about 100 people for each great ape. Given that most apes live outside strictly protected areas and the growing human population and increasing demand for resources in these landscapes, it will be challenging to balance the needs of both humans and great apes. Further habitat loss is expected, particularly in Africa, where compromises must be sought to re-direct agricultural expansion driven by subsistence farmers with small fields (generally <0.64 ha) away from remaining great ape habitats. To promote coexistence between humans and great apes, new approaches and financial models need to be implemented at local scales. Overall, optimized land use planning and effective implementation, along with strategic investments in agriculture and wildlife conservation, can improve the synergies between conservation and food production. Effective governance and conservation financing are crucial for optimal outcomes in both conservation and food security. Enforcing forest conservation laws, engaging in trade policy discussions, and integrating policies on trade, food security, improved agricultural techniques, and sustainable food systems are vital to prevent further decline in great ape populations. Saving great apes requires a thorough consideration of specific agricultural contexts.
Case report: A frameshift mutation in CLCN2-related leukoencephalopathy and retinopathy
Authors: Cheng Yizhe , Liu Xinyu , Sun Limei , Ding Xiaoyan
Published: November 2023

Background: Leukoencephalopathy and visual impairment have been linked to loss-of-function mutations in the CLCN2 gene (MIM #600570). However, the ocular features caused by the CLCN2 mutations remain poorly understood and seldom reported. This study aims to present a novel mutation and characterize the ocular phenotype in a Chinese female diagnosed with CLCN2-related leukoencephalopathy (CC2L), also known as leukoencephalopathy with ataxia (LKPAT; MIM #615651).

Case presentation: A 20-year-old Chinese female presented with bilateral blurred vision persisting for 2 years, which had worsened over the past 6 months. Ophthalmologic examination revealed bilateral post-capsular cataracts, macular retinal atrophy, and peripheral retinal pigmentation. Swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) showed bilateral choroidal capillary atrophy, loss of the outer retinal layer, and a novel noteworthy sign of vacuole-like vitreoretinopathy. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging confirmed leukoencephalopathy. Genetic testing identified a novel homozygous pathogenic c.1382_1386del (p.P461Lfs*13) mutation in exon 13 of the CLCN2 gene.

Conclusion: This case report expands the knowledge of CLCN2 mutations and their associated ocular manifestations in patients with CC2L. The identified ophthalmic features may serve as crucial indicators for early diagnosis in individuals with CC2L, especially in the absence of evident neurological symptoms.
A new method for predicting the maximum wave height of ship-generated onshore slopes in restricted channel
Authors: Huang Wei , Li Shouqian , Lu Yongjun , Zhang Rui , Wang Huai
Published: November 2023

The ship-generated wave causes erosive damage to the slopes of inland waterways and confined waters such as the coastal zone. This critical issue is essentially associated with the navigational safety and sustainable development of coastlines, so it is vital to predicting the maximum wave height of the ship-generated wave (Hm) in the coastline of confined waters. The prediction equations of prior research works are mostly based on measured data and multiple regression analysis; however, this paper aims to propose a novel methodology to predict the maximum wave height of ship-generated waves in confined waters. The maximum wave height caused by a self-propelled ship under various conditions with confined water is measured by employing a water flume. Furthermore, the relationships of functions in the prediction model equation are appropriately derived by dimensional analysis, and the prediction equation model is then solved via the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSOA). The experimental results reveal that the maximum wave height of the ship-generated wave is seriously affected by the water depth of the channel (hc), the navigation speed of the ship (Vc), and the distance from the forecast point to the navigation line of the ship (Sc). In addition, the maximum wave height grows and then lessens, which touches its peak point in the region close to Frh = 1. The dimensionless analysis indicates that the large wave height of the ship-generated wave can be expressed as a function of the channel depth (hc), ship speed (Vc), and the distance from the measurement point to the ship’s navigation line (Sc) as; HmSc=1Frh2f(gScVc 2). Subsequently, the specific prediction equation is determined by a regression model according to the measured data under various working conditions. By adopting the model expression equation, namely, HmFrh2Sc=k1(gScVc 2)k2, the coefficients k1 and k2 are evaluated via the PSOA, and the relationship between the water depth of the channel and the coefficients is suitably outlined to obtain the maximum wave height prediction model equations for ship-generated waves.
Organotypic heterogeneity in microvascular endothelial cell responses in sepsis—a molecular treasure trove and pharmacological Gordian knot
Authors: Cleuren Audrey , Molema Grietje
Published: November 2023

In the last decades, it has become evident that endothelial cells (ECs) in the microvasculature play an important role in the pathophysiology of sepsis-associated multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Studies on how ECs orchestrate leukocyte recruitment, control microvascular integrity and permeability, and regulate the haemostatic balance have provided a wealth of knowledge and potential molecular targets that could be considered for pharmacological intervention in sepsis. Yet, this information has not been translated into effective treatments. As MODS affects specific vascular beds, (organotypic) endothelial heterogeneity may be an important contributing factor to this lack of success. On the other hand, given the involvement of ECs in sepsis, this heterogeneity could also be leveraged for therapeutic gain to target specific sites of the vasculature given its full accessibility to drugs. In this review, we describe current knowledge that defines heterogeneity of organ-specific microvascular ECs at the molecular level and elaborate on studies that have reported EC responses across organ systems in sepsis patients and animal models of sepsis. We discuss hypothesis-driven, single-molecule studies that have formed the basis of our understanding of endothelial cell engagement in sepsis pathophysiology, and include recent studies employing high-throughput technologies. The latter deliver comprehensive data sets to describe molecular signatures for organotypic ECs that could lead to new hypotheses and form the foundation for rational pharmacological intervention and biomarker panel development. Particularly results from single cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics studies are eagerly awaited as they are expected to unveil the full spatiotemporal signature of EC responses to sepsis. With increasing awareness of the existence of distinct sepsis subphenotypes, and the need to develop new drug regimen and companion diagnostics, a better understanding of the molecular pathways exploited by ECs in sepsis pathophysiology will be a cornerstone to halt the detrimental processes that lead to MODS.
Alteration of lipopolysaccharide O antigen leads to avirulence of gut-colonizing Serratia marcescens
Authors: Lee Junbeom , Kim Jong Uk , Lee Bok Luel , Kim Jiyeun Kate
Published: November 2023

The reason why the potent entomopathogen Serratia marcescens fails to kill insects through oral infection is unknown. To compare effects of septic injection and oral administration of S. marcescens, we used a model bean bug, Riptortus pedestris. Most R. pedestris insects survived oral infections, but not septic infections. Although the number of S. marcescens cells in hemolymph after oral infection, which were originated from gut-colonizing S. marcescens, was higher than the fatal number of cells used in septic injection, they did not kill host insects, suggesting a loss of virulence in gut-colonizing S. marcescens cells. When gut-colonizing S. marcescens cells were septically injected into insects, they failed to kill R. pedestris and survive in hemolymph. To understand the avirulence mechanisms in gut-colonizing bacteria, lipopolysaccharides of S. marcescens were analyzed and revealed that the O antigen was lost during gut colonization. Gut-colonizing S. marcescens cells were resistant to humoral immune responses but susceptible to cellular immune responses, easily succumbing to phagocytosis of hemocytes. When cellular immunity was suppressed, the gut-colonizing S. marcescens cells recovered their virulence and killed insects through septic injection. These results suggest that a key mechanism of avirulence in orally infected S. marcescens is the loss of the O antigen, resulting in susceptibility to host’s cellular immune responses.
Changes in brain perfusion with training-related visuomotor improvement in MS
Authors: Patitucci Eleonora , Lipp Ilona , Stickland Rachael Cecilia , Wise Richard G. , Tomassini Valentina
Published: November 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. A better understanding of the mechanisms supporting brain plasticity in MS would help to develop targeted interventions to promote recovery. A total of 29 MS patients and 19 healthy volunteers underwent clinical assessment and multi-modal MRI acquisition [fMRI during serial reaction time task (SRT), DWI, T1w structural scans and ASL of resting perfusion] at baseline and after 4-weeks of SRT training. Reduction of functional hyperactivation was observed in MS patients following the training, shown by the stronger reduction of the BOLD response during task execution compared to healthy volunteers. The functional reorganization was accompanied by a positive correlation between improvements in task accuracy and the change in resting perfusion after 4 weeks’ training in right angular and supramarginal gyri in MS patients. No longitudinal changes in WM and GM measures and no correlation between task performance improvements and brain structure were observed in MS patients. Our results highlight a potential role for CBF as an early marker of plasticity, in terms of functional (cortical reorganization) and behavioral (performance improvement) changes in MS patients that may help to guide future interventions that exploit preserved plasticity mechanisms.
Vegan diet: nutritional components, implementation, and effects on adults’ health
Authors: Łuszczki Edyta , Boakye Faustina , Zielińska Magdalena , Dereń Katarzyna , Bartosiewicz Anna , Oleksy Łukasz , Stolarczyk Artur
Published: November 2023

Vegan diet has emerged as a popular dietary choice for people worldwide in recent times, due to concerns such as health issues, animal rights and welfare, and the sustainability of the environment. The purpose of this literature review was to explain how a vegan diet may affect the health of adults and to point out beneficial components found in it as well as any difficulties associated with its implementation. Evidence supports that a vegan diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer. A well-planned vegan diet must include adequate calories and nutrients, as well as the necessary supplements, such as vitamin B12, vitamin D and EPA/DHA. Given the current growing interest in plant-based diets among the general population, it is crucial to understand both the barriers, risks, and benefits of the vegan diet among physicians, policy makers, and the general population.
Quality of life, socioeconomic and psychological concerns in parents of children with tuberous sclerosis complex, STXBP1 and SYNGAP1 encephalopathies: a mixed method study
Authors: Salcedo-Perez-Juana María , Palacios-Ceña Domingo , San-Martín-Gómez Ana , Aledo-Serrano Ángel , Florencio Lidiane Lima
Published: November 2023

Background

Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEEs) occur in childhood and are associated with severe epileptic seizures and neurological impairment. The aim of this study was to combine quantitative and qualitative methodologies to comprehensively describe factors related to quality of life, impact on the family and psychosocial factors in parents of children with TSC, STXBP1 and SYNGAP1 variants.

Methods

A convergent parallel mixed design including parents of children with DEE. In the cross-sectional study, 20 parents (10STXBP1, five SYNGAP1, five TSC) were given questionnaires on quality of life, impact on the family and psychological factors. In the descriptive qualitative study, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 parents (nine STXBP1, five TSC, four SYNGAP1) using a semi-structured questionnaire. A thematic analysis was carried out. The results of the two studies were combined by showing similarities and differences through tables, figures, accounts, and joint displays.

Results

In terms of quality of life, the integrated results were consistent in highlighting the importance of family interaction, although in the qualitative section the influence of the relationship between the children's siblings, the relationship with health professionals and the difficulties in obtaining public aid were highlighted. In terms of impact, the integrated results show that the illness has a significant impact on the family; the financial burden is highlighted, and the experience of the illness is discussed in depth. Finally, the psychological aspects, symptoms such as anxiety, stress and strain, were consistent. Most of the participants reported sleep disturbance, as identified in the questionnaire, although not mentioned in the interviews.

Conclusions

The combined results of the mixed method provide an in-depth analysis of the impact of DEEs on parents of children with STXBP1, SYNGAP1 and TSC.
Myricetin suppresses TGF-β-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in ovarian cancer
Authors: Yang Hui-Wen , Lan Yan , Li An , Wu Han , Song Zi-Wei , Wan Ai-Ling , Wang Yue , Li Shi-Bao , Ji Shuai , Wang Zhong-Cheng , Wu Xin-Yu , Lan Ting
Published: November 2023

Background: Ovarian cancer (OC) is the second most common gynecological malignancy and has a high mortality rate. The current chemotherapeutic drugs have the disadvantages of drug resistance and side effects. Myricetin, a kind of natural compound, has the advantages of easy extraction, low price, and fewer side effects. Multiple studies have demonstrated the anti-cancer properties of myricetin. However, its impact on OC is still unknown and needs further investigation. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which myricetin suppresses transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) -induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in OC through in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Methods:In vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of myricetin on cell proliferation and apoptosis using CCK8 assay, plate clonal formation assay, and flow cytometry. Western blot was employed to evaluate the expression levels of caspase-3, PARP, and the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Wound healing, transwell, western blot and immunofluorescence assay were used to detect TGF-β-induced cell migration, invasion, EMT and the levels of Smad3, MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Additionally, a mouse xenograft model was established to verify the effects of myricetin on OC in vivo.

Results: Myricetin inhibited OC proliferation through MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. Flow cytometry and western blot analyses demonstrated that myricetin promoted apoptosis by increasing the expression of cleaved-PARP and cleaved-caspase-3 and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in OC. Furthermore, myricetin suppressed the TGF-β-induced migration and invasion by transwell and wound healing assays. Mechanistically, western blot indicated that myricetin reversed TGF-β-induced metastasis through Smad3, MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In vivo, myricetin significantly repressed OC progression and liver and lung metastasis.

Conclusion: Myricetin exhibited inhibitory effects on OC progression and metastasis both in vivo and in vitro. And it also reversed TGF-β-induced EMT through the classical and non-classical Smad signaling pathways.
Design and fabrication of cryogenic multiplexing control chip
Authors: Huang Rutian , Shi Yunfan , Geng Xiao , Yang Liangliang , Liu Jianshe , Chen Wei
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a design and fabrication process of a cryogenic multiplexing control chip (MCC) for superconducting quantum computers. The working temperature of MCC can be 10 ∼ 30 mK, because it could be integrated with quantum processor in the same package. With a multiplexing ratio of 1:4 and designed working frequency 4–8 GHz, the MCC is a non-reciprocity device which consisted of bandpass filters and isolators, which are based on tunable inductor bridges (TIB). The MCC chip size is 6 × 6 mm2 and includes λ/2 coplanar waveguides resonators, superconducting quantum interference device arrays, capacitors, low pass filters, baluns and bias lines. Adopting self-aligned process of Josephson junctions, the fabrication of MCC constitutes four lithography masks. The modular design of MCC could facilitate the development of large-scale superconducting quantum computers.
Reward shaping using directed graph convolution neural networks for reinforcement learning and games
Authors: Sang Jianghui , Ahmad Khan Zaki , Yin Hengfu , Wang Yupeng
Published: November 2023

Game theory can employ reinforcement learning algorithms to identify the optimal policy or equilibrium solution. Potential-based reward shaping (PBRS) methods are prevalently used for accelerating reinforcement learning, ensuring the optimal policy remains consistent. Existing PBRS research performs message passing based on graph convolution neural networks (GCNs) to propagate information from rewarding states. However, in an irreversible time-series reinforcement learning problem, undirected graphs will not only mislead message-passing schemes but also lose a distinctive direction structure. In this paper, a novel approach called directed graph convolution neural networks for reward shaping φDCN has been proposed to tackle this problem. The key innovation of φDCN is the extension of spectral-based undirected graph convolution to directed graphs. Messages can be efficiently propagated by leveraging a directed graph Laplacian as a substitute for the state transition matrix. As a consequence, potential-based reward shaping can then be implemented by the propagated messages. The incorporation of temporal dependencies between states makes φDCN more suitable for real-world scenarios than existing potential-based reward shaping methods based on undirected graph convolutional networks. Preliminary experiments demonstrate that the proposed φDCN exhibits a substantial improvement compared to other competing algorithms on both Atari and MuJoCo benchmarks.
Modeling the predictive role of music teachers’ job commitment and optimism in their sense of self-efficacy
Authors: Du Yadian
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Teachers’ psychological factors have been argued to influence various aspects of music education. However, scant research has explored the psycho-affective aspects of music teachers’ work. To solve this shortage of research, this study examined the predictive role of Chinese music teachers’ job commitment and academic optimism in their self-efficacy.

Methods

To this end, 340 music teachers from four universities in Henan Province completed an online survey including three questionnaires.

Results

The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) and regression analysis demonstrated that music teachers’ self-efficacy could be positively and significantly predicted by their optimism and job commitment.

Discussion

The study provided implications for music education to pay further attention to the psychology of teaching in this field. Finally, directions for further research are presented to scholars, who are interested in the psycho-emotional side of music education.
Effects of a death education based on narrative pedagogy in a palliative care course among Chinese nursing students
Authors: Zhu Yuanyuan , Bai Yamei , Wang Aihong , Liu Yuexian , Gao Qinyi , Zeng Zhi
Published: November 2023

Background

Death education has been confirmed to be an effective method to enhance nursing students’ attitudes and coping abilities toward death. However, integrated Narrative Pedagogy into the death education to explore educational effectiveness is still limited. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of a death education based on Narrative Pedagogy in a palliative care course on the attitude toward death, coping with death, and attitude toward caring for the dying among undergraduate nursing students in China.

Methods

The study was designed as a pre-post intervention study with a quasi-experimental design. All the participants received 6 class hours of death education which was designed in a palliative care course. The death education includes preparation, presentation, discussion, reflection, and practice of the narrative materials. Death Attitude Profile-Revised (DAP-R), Coping with Death Scale (CDS), and Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying-Form B (FATCOD-Form B) were used to measure outcomes.

Results

Sixty undergraduate nursing students who consented. There were statistically significant increases in the mean score of neutral acceptance and approach acceptance in the DAP-R, CDS, and FATCOD-Form B before and after the intervention.

Conclusion

This death education integrated Narrative Pedagogy which indicated to improve attitude toward death, competence to cope with death, and attitude toward the care of dying patients. The findings assist teachers in understanding the importance and urgency of death education, as well as providing a favorable approach to death education. However, the long-term effectiveness still needs to study in further.
Public opinion communication mechanism of public health emergencies in Weibo: take the COVID-19 epidemic as an example
Authors: Ren Siguo , Gong Chao , Zhang Chen , Li Chen
Published: November 2023

As a major public health emergency, the COVID-19 epidemic not only has a real risk of infection, but also easily generates public opinion risks. Under the condition of social communication of microblog, how to effectively identify public opinion and the harm of public health emergencies, avoid the overlay of real risk of epidemic and network public opinion risk, and prevent and resolve major public opinion risks is an important public opinion research topic in the new era. Taking the most influential outbreak of COVID-19 pneumonia in China in 2020 as an example, this paper discusses the effect of sudden major public health cases on Chinese microblogs and the spreading mechanism of public opinion. This paper mainly explores the communication motivation of public opinion from the four communication elements of the microblog public opinion center, public opinion object, public opinion carrier and public opinion ontology. And combined with the life cycle theory, this study analyzes the interaction between the communication elements of public opinion in different stages. In the fluctuation period of public opinion, the amount of public opinion information decreases relatively, and the frequent occurrence of secondary public opinion in the outbreak period promotes the continuation of public opinion. Compared with the diversified demands of public materials and medical assistance during the pandemic, public opinion in the fluctuation period reacts on the epidemic situation, which to some extent alleviates the tension of the epidemic situation. Based on this, this study puts forward the guidance strategy of public opinion of public health emergencies.
A review on model-based and model-free approaches to control soft actuators and their potentials in colonoscopy
Authors: Asgari Motahareh , Magerand Ludovic , Manfredi Luigi
Published: November 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and responsible for approximately 1 million deaths annually. Early screening is essential to increase the chances of survival, and it can also reduce the cost of treatments for healthcare centres. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for CRC screening and treatment, but it has several drawbacks, including difficulty in manoeuvring the device, patient discomfort, and high cost. Soft endorobots, small and compliant devices thatcan reduce the force exerted on the colonic wall, offer a potential solution to these issues. However, controlling these soft robots is challenging due to their deformable materials and the limitations of mathematical models. In this Review, we discuss model-free and model-based approaches for controlling soft robots that can potentially be applied to endorobots for colonoscopy. We highlight the importance of selecting appropriate control methods based on various parameters, such as sensor and actuator solutions. This review aims to contribute to the development of smart control strategies for soft endorobots that can enhance the effectiveness and safety of robotics in colonoscopy. These strategies can be defined based on the available information about the robot and surrounding environment, control demands, mechanical design impact and characterization data based on calibration.
Food mapping approaches for understanding food system transformations in rapid-growth city regions in the Global South
Authors: Liddy Heidi , Mowlds Sinead , McKeown Peter C. , Lundy Mark , Spillane Charles
Published: November 2023

The world’s food systems are rapidly changing due to socioeconomic, environmental, and demographic changes, globalization, and urbanization. Urban regions connect urban food consumption with rural food production and are associated with rapid dietary transitions in developing counties. Despite urbanization being a key driver of city-regional and global food system transformations, city-regional food systems (particularly in developing countries) are under-researched. Although the importance of dynamic urban and peri-urban food systems has led to new frameworks and approaches for mapping food flows within urban regions, our study highlights both opportunities and limitations to food mapping in high-growth city regions in the Global South. We review existing approaches to food mapping using three contrasting city-regional food systems as case studies, namely, Bahir Dar (Ethiopia), Hanoi (Vietnam), and Cali (Colombia), and identify priorities for future progress. These include temporal dimensions of food access; nutritional outcomes of food flows; economic, cultural, and ethnic factors affecting consumer behavior; and how consumption of healthier foods could be enabled by decision-making throughout food supply chains. In addition, the roles of food loss and waste could also be more specifically considered. We conclude that providing a more comprehensive and nutrition-sensitive understanding of city-regional food systems can guide evidence-based interventions and activities to enable transitions to healthier, equitable, and more sustainable urban food systems.
A virtualização dos processos na Justiça do Trabalho de Alagoas como ferramenta de promoção à dignidade da pessoa humana, acessibilidade, eficácia na prestação jurisdicional e sustentabilidade ambiental
Authors: Da Rocha Júnior Emanoel Ferdinando , Da Costa Flávio Luiz
Published: November 2023

A Justiça do Trabalho de Alagoas implementou em seus processos judiciais e administrativos a ferramenta do PJe e Proad, respectivamente, enquanto mecanismos que permitem maior acessibilidade, eficiência e celeridade na tramitação de seus processos, mormente ter se alinhado à nova realidade constante na EC nº. 95/16 que contingenciou o orçamento da União. Nessa esteira, a gestão do Tribunal também lançou mão da virtualização do legado dos processos físicos, denominada de Cadastro de Conhecimento, Liquidação e Execução (CCLE) em todas as Varas do Trabalho do Regional, alcançando a marca de aproximadamente 55.000 processos físicos digitalizados, os quais passaram a tramitar integralmente por meio eletrônico, hipótese que permitiu, dessa forma, maior rapidez na prestação jurisdicional, economia relativa aos materiais dispensados na autuação, tramitação, finalização, arquivamentos e gestão documental. Portanto, o objetivo desse artigo é apresentar dados estatísticos oriundos do TRT de Alagoas, autorizado através do Proad nº. 2784/2019, cuja metodologia utilizada foi a coleta desses dados do relatório anual do Tribunal. A conclusão deste artigo revelou que o TRT da 19ª Região se filiou à nova realidade da Indústria 4.0, essa decorrente da uberização com o uso de tecnologias disruptivas como o PJe, Proad, Malote Digital e E-mail Funcional, e aplicativo de gestão processual. Logo, está perfilhando o curso do desenvolvimento ambiental sustentável em compasso à Agenda 2030 da ONU. Especialmente neste momento da pandemia do COVID–19 em que todas as ações realizadas pela Justiça do Trabalho de Alagoas se refletem nos índices significativos alcançados que revelam que esta Justiça Especializada está na vanguarda da promoção dos direitos fundamentais constitucionais de efetividade e celeridade na prestação jurisdicional nesta era digital da pós–modernidade.
IGF1R and HIF-1α Gene Silencing Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth
Authors: Abolhasani Shiva , Javadi Sepideh , Hassannia Hadi , Ghalamfarsa Ghasem , Hojjat-Farsangi Mohammad , Jadidi-Niaragh Farhad
Published: November 2023

Background: According to several studies, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) promote cancer progression and drug resistance. The overexpression of IGF1R and HIF-1 α is observed in various cancers, including breast and colon cancers. Thus, we tried to inhibit the progression of tumor cells by blocking IGF1R and HIF-1α. Methods: This study used Lipofectamine to transfect small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) into tumor cells. We treated murine mammary carcinoma (4T1) and murine colon carcinoma (CT26) cells with anti-IGF1R and anti-HIF-1 siRNAs. The real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay studied the impact of siRNA transfection on the mRNA levels of affected factors. Moreover, the viability of cancer cells was investigated by the MTT assay. Results: The investigations demonstrated that the mRNA levels of IGF1R and HIF-1α strongly reduced in tumor cell lines following siRNA transfection. Moreover, silencing IGF1R and HIF-1 additively downregulated cell viability in cancer cell lines. Conclusion: These findings imply that cancer combination therapy based on IGF1R and HIF-1α targeting may be a novel promising approach for the immunotherapy of breast and colorectal cancers; however, more study is required.
Therapeutic Effect of Vitamin A Administration on Disease Severity in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Pilot Open-Labeled Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Nikniaz Zeinab , Somi Mohammad Hossein , Faghih Dinevari Masood , Abbasian Samaneh
Published: November 2023

Background: Considering the high prevalence of the COVID-19 worldwide and since there is no effective treatment for it, the employment of complementary treatments without side effects is highlighted. So, this clinical trial aimed to assess if vitamin A injection decreases disease severity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: In this pilot open-labeled randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT), 18 patients were instructed to take a daily dose of intramuscular vitamin A (maximum of 14 days), and 18 patients continued their common treatment protocols. For predicting mortality risk, we used the Coronavirus Clinical Characterization Consortium (4C) score. This score predicts mortality in hospitalized patients based on demographic and physiologic parameters. Based on this score, the patients were classified into four groups from low-risk to extremely high-risk groups. Results: The included participants were aged 61.43±13.54 years, and 38.8% of them were female. The findings indicated no significant differences between groups regarding baseline characteristics. In the vitamin A group, the mean 4C score was 6.86±3.37 before the study which reduced insignificantly to 6.8±3.34 at the end of the study. In the control group, the mean 4C score increased insignificantly from 7.21±2.72 to 7.28±2.39. Furthermore, the result of the one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed that after adjusting for baseline values, the differences between groups are not significant. Conclusion: Based on the results, this study showed no significant effect of vitamin A on COVID-19 severity.
Evaluation and Management of Chronic Cholestatic Liver Diseases
Authors: Rini Sandra Surya , Wibawa I Dewa Nyoman
Published: November 2023

Cholestasis is defined as stagnation or a marked reduction in bile secretion and flow. Cholestatic jaundice can thus be classified as intrahepatic or extrahepatic cholestatic, depending on the level of obstruction to bile flow. It is important to recognize the complications of cholestatic in patients with chronic cholestatic liver disease. The two most common complications of cholestasis are pruritus and fatigue, with the former being the most responsive to treatment. Cholestyramine is the first-line treatment for cholestatic pruritus. Rifampicin and oral opioid antagonist naltrexone are extremely effective second-line treatments. To date, there are no specific treatments for chronic cholestatic fatigue management. Osteoporosis is a complication that can arise in chronic cholestatic conditions. It appears to be more prominent in individuals with cholestatic liver disease than in patients with other chronic liver diseases with an increased risk of fracture. The evaluation of osteoporosis in individuals with chronic cholestasis is similar to that in the general population. Antiresorptive agents such as bisphosphonates are the first-line treatment choice for osteoporosis in patients with chronic cholestasis. Other less common complications include dyslipidemia, fat-soluble vitamin deficiency, and steatorrhea. Understanding and treating these conditions can have a significant impact on the morbidity and quality of life in this group of patients. This review aimed to provide further information about the complications of chronic cholestasis and to highlight evidence-based test practices for the evaluation and effective management of these complications.
Detection of Human Boca Virus in Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nozarian Zohreh , Abedidoust Samaneh , Gharib Atoosa , Safavi Moeinadin , Khazaeli Mahshid , Vasei Mohammad
Published: November 2023

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Human bocavirus (HBoV), a recently isolated virus, has been investigated for its role in many respiratory and enteric diseases. Few studies have reported its presence in solid tumors, such as lung and colon cancers. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of the HBoV1 genome in gastric adenocarcinoma, which has not yet been evaluated. Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks of 189 gastric tumors and 50 blocks of non-tumor gastric tissue products from elective weight reduction operations were collected. DNA extraction and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed for HBoV1 detection. DNA sequencing was performed using ABI Genetic Analyzer series 3500. Results: The mean age of the patients was 60±13.33 years. Tumors were more common in males than females (2.5/1). HBoV1 PCR was positive in 34 (18%) cases of GC and 10 (20%) cases of chronic gastritis (P>0.05). There was no association between age, sex, stage, and histologic subtype of the tumor and HBoV1 positivity (P>0.05) in tumor samples. The rate of intestinal metaplasia and presence of lymphoid stroma were also not more frequent in HBoV1-positive tumors (P>0.05). Conclusion: The HBoV1 can be detected in a relatively high proportion of Iranian patients with gastric cancer (18%) with no predilection for specific subtypes and no association with the degree of lymphocytic infiltration. HBoV1 can also be observed in approximately 20% of chronic gastritis cases. Further comprehensive studies are needed to elucidate the role of HBoV1 in gastric cancer development.
Development and Pilot Testing of an Online Calculation Tool for Relapse Risk Prediction in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Safarpour Ali Reza , Alireza Taghavi Seyed , Shojaei-Zarghani Sara , Barati-Boldaji Reza
Published: November 2023

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a relapsing gastrointestinal disease. Identifying patients at a high risk of UC relapse and initiating preventive treatment can reduce the risk of UC recurrence and its dangerous side effects. The present study was performed to design and pilot test an online calculation tool for relapse risk prediction in UC. Methods: This study is based on our previous prospective study on 157 patients with UC in-remission UC. We designed an online website rooted in our pre-developed equation to calculate relapse risk scores. Then, 280 patients with UC who were not in relapse were randomly selected from our database, and the required information was filled in on the website accordingly. Finally, the indicators were manually calculated using the formula and compared with online-calculated data. Results: The developed bilingual website is available at http://www.ucrelapserisk.com. Of the 280 patients with UC, 151 (53.9%) were male. 88 patients were at high risk of relapse in the following year. There were no differences between the manually and online calculated Seo index, UC risk score, and probability of relapse in one year. Conclusion: This online tool is now available for patients and clinicians and provides an accurate relapse risk prediction for UC patients.
Hospital Cost of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Its Determinants in a Multicenter Study From Iran
Authors: Ghahramani Sulmaz , Shojaadini Hafez , Akbarzade Ashkan , Sadeghi Fatemeh , Hajianpour Vahid , Nozaie Fatemeh , Sayari Mohammad , Bagheri Lankarani Kamran
Published: November 2023

Background: In the current era of monitoring healthcare costs for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), there has been a shift in the pattern of such costs. In this cross-sectional study conducted in three hospitals in Iran from 2015 to 2021, we aimed to assess the in-hospital costs of IBD and identify predictors of higher total hospital costs in hospitalized patients with IBD. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at three hospitals in Iran. For the purpose of this study, we collected demographic and clinical information, as well as cost data for patients with IBD. Two non-parametric statistical procedures, classification and regression trees (CARTs) and quantile regression forests (QRFs), were employed to identify the main factors related to hospital costs of IBD, which served as the dependent variable in our analysis. Results: During 7 years, 930 admissions occurred in these three hospitals. 22.3% of patients (138 of 619) were readmitted, and 306 (49.4%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 33 (SD=18.9) years. A total of 454 patients (73.3%) had ulcerative colitis (UC), and 165 patients (26.7%) had Crohn’s disease (CD). Hotelling and medication costs accounted for the largest share of the total hospital costs, with percentages of 30.61% and 23.40%, respectively. Length of stay (LOS) was found to be the most important variable related to hospital costs of IBD in both QRF and CART models, followed by age and year of hospital admission in QRF. Additionally, in the CART model, hospital type and year of hospital admission were also significant predictors of hospital costs for patients with IBD. Conclusion: The present study showed that LOS, age, year of admission, and the hospital where the patient is admitted are all important factors that determine hospital costs for patients with IBD. Patients admitted for 20.5 days or longer had the highest hospital costs. These findings can be used as thresholds for future DRG policies.
Etiological Profile of Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Children and Adolescents from Kashmir; A Tale of 5 Years
Authors: Malik Ishaq , Sami Abdus , Yousuf Waseem , Tariq Syed , Jan Shadan , Niyaz Tabish
Published: November 2023

Background: Lower gut bleeding is an alarming sign among caregivers. Determining the etiology is of utmost importance for further management. This is the first study conducted in northernmost India. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Government Medical College, Srinagar. This study aimed to describe the etiology of lower gastrointestinal bleeding in the age group of 1-18 years over the past 5 years from June 2017 to June 2022. Results: A total of 310 children presented with hematochezia (53.5%), blood mixed with loose stools for > 2 weeks (39.3%), melena (1.9%), and occult blood in stools (0.3%). The mean age was 5.12 years. The age group of 1-6 years was 73.5 %. The most common findings were rectosigmoid polyps n=104 (33.5%), anal fissure n=47 (15.1%), lymphoid nodular hyperplasia (LNH) n=38 (12.2%), trichuris dysentery syndrome n=30(9.7%), cow’s milk protein allergy n=27(8.7%), non-specific colitis n=18(5.8%), solitary rectal ulcer syndrome n=14(4.5%), inflammatory bowel disease n=6 (1.9%),intestinal tuberculosis n=3(0.9%), duodenal dieulafoy lesion 1(0.3%), and blue bleb nevus rubber syndrome n=1(0.3%). 21 patients had a normal colonoscopy. The colonoscopy yield was 93.3 %. Among the colonoscopy-negative patients, 6(1.6%) had Meckel’s diverticulum, and 1(0.3%) had a duodenal dieulafoy lesion. Conclusion: Lower GI bleeding most commonly presents as hematochezia, and the most common cause is a rectosigmoid polyp. Colonoscopy is the procedure of choice to evaluate the etiology of lower GI bleeding. Anal fissures, LNH, Trichuris trichiura, and cow’s milk protein allergy are other common causes of lower gut bleeding in Kashmir, northernmost India.
Metabolic Syndrome in Celiac Disease: What Does Following a One-Year Gluten-Free Diet Bring?
Authors: Motazedian Nasrin , Sayadi Mehrab , Mashhadiagha Amirali , Moosavi Seyed Ali , Khademian Fatemeh , Niknam Ramin
Published: November 2023

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a set of conditions that occur together and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Previous studies have linked a gluten-free diet (GFD) to obesity and MetS in some populations. However, others have suggested that weight gain is usually regulated only in underweight individuals with celiac disease (CD). Owing to the lack of sufficient data and the importance of GFD in controlling cardiovascular disease, we surveyed the prevalence of MetS and its components before and after a year of GFD in patients referred to the main celiac clinic in southern Iran. Methods: This was a repeated cross-sectional study conducted on 69 patients with a definite diagnosis of cardiovascular disease who were on follow-up and registered at the Shiraz Celiac Clinic. Demographic, anthropometric, and laboratory measurements at the time of diagnosis and one year after the GFD were extracted from their medical records. Results: The participants’ mean age was 35.53, and 68.1% were women. The prevalence of MetS increased from 5.8% to 11.6% after a year of the GFD; however, this increase was not statistically significant. Waist circumference (WC) and serum triglyceride levels were significantly elevated during the study period. Conclusion: A GFD may contribute to the development of MetS in patients with cardiovascular disease; however, the rate of MetS is still lower than that in the general population. It is critical to educate patients about these potential risks and encourage them to have a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and physical activity.
Clinical Profile, Etiology and Role of Endotherapy in Chronic Calcific Pancreatitis: An Experience from North India
Authors: Yattoo G N , Mushfiq Syed , Kaushik Saurabh , Dar Gulzar Ahmad , Parveen Shaheena , Dhar Neeraj
Published: November 2023

Background: In recent years, we have witnessed an evolving landscape in the management of chronic pancreatitis (CP). Endoscopy plays a pivotal role in CP management. Because the management of CP is problematic, we aimed to review and evaluate the role of endoscopy in the management of CP. Methods: This study was carried out in patients with painful chronic calcific pancreatitis who were admitted to the Department of Gastroenterology at the Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar. This was an observational prospective study. We included 67 patients with painful chronic calcific pancreatitis and pancreatic duct abnormalities (stones, strictures, or ductal variations) in our study. These patients had to access exocrine and endocrine status before any therapeutic measures. All the patients underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) as a therapeutic measure. After ERCP, the patients were followed up for 2 years to assess improvement in pain (visual analog scale score reduction), endocrine status (HBA1C reduction), or exocrine status (Fecal elastase reduction). Results: 67 patients were included in the study. Among them males were 32 (47.8%), females were 35(52.5%) and the age distribution studied were as in the age group of 15-30 years, patients were 23 (34.3%), in 30-45 years, there was 20 (29.9%), in age group of 45-60 year, patients were 20 (29.9%), and in the age group of 60-75 years, the patients were 4 (6%). Etiology was sought in all patients; alcohol-related CP was seen in three patients (4.5%), genetic in 11 (16.4%), IgG4 in one (1.5%), pancreatic divisum in 6 (9.0%), hyperparathyroidism in on1e (1.5%), and idiopathic in 45 (67.2%). All patients underwent ERCP for their symptoms to reduce ductal pressure, which is postulated as one of the hypotheses for pain in CP. Pancreatic duct (PD) clearance was attempted in all patients (complete in 42 [62.7%], partial in 17 [25.4%], and failed in 8 [11.9%]). These patients were followed for a period of two years after endotherapy, and the important predictors for pain reduction were single PD stones, disease in the head and body, and non-stricturing disease. Conclusion: Endotherapy offers a high rate of success in selected patients, clearance being better in distal disease and CP without PD strictures, suggesting early disease usually gets cleared very easily.