bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colaboração positiva da Liga Acadêmica na formação do aluno de graduação
Authors: Guiati Isabella Zacarin , Silva Thainara Lais , Santos Maria Clara Almeida dos , Oliveira Jean Michel de , Silva Thallyta Welkson Oliveira da , Toro Luan Felipe , Simonato Luciana Estevam
Published: January 2024

As ligas acadêmicas (L.A.) proporcionam ao aluno a criação de palestras educativas, programas recreativos e projetos. A Liga Acadêmica de Anatomia Humana Aplicada à Odontologia (LAAAO) surgiu em 2019, e proporciona aos alunos ligantes atividades relacionadas à Anatomia voltadas ao curso de Odontologia da Universidade Brasil - Fernandópolis (SP). O objetivo do presente estudo foi depreender se houve colaboração positiva da L.A. na formação acadêmica e pessoal do discente, e se ele tem ciência dessa colaboração. Realizou-se uma pesquisa com enfoque quantitativo e qualitativo. A seleção da amostra não foi probabilística e a coleta de dados feita pela técnica da inquirição, através de um questionário. Os resultados demonstram que 100% dos alunos que responderam ao questionário se sentem mais próximos da disciplina de Anatomia após o ingresso na L.A., além disso 85,7% dos alunos acham que seu domínio sobre a disciplina de Anatomia Humana aumentou depois do ingresso. 100% dos alunos concordaram que a LAAAO colabora para melhorar seu desempenho acadêmico e todos os participantes acham que a participação na LAAAO poderá ajudar a melhorar seu desempenho em relação ao currículo. Os dados obtidos confirmam o impacto positivo da L.A. sob os alunos ligantes, corroborando com os achados de outros autores os quais avaliaram esse impacto sobre os alunos. Concluímos que a participação na L.A. contribui positivamente na formação acadêmica, além de o aproximar da disciplina de Anatomia Humana. Somado a isso, os alunos participantes têm ciência dessa contribuição, o que colabora em sua motivação, aumentando o aprendizado.
Fundamentals of nursing and their importance for nursing students' practice
Authors: Coelho Dioelen Virginia Borges Souza de Aquino , Oliveira Giovanna Carrara de , Leite Eduarda Ribeiro , Maia Altair Meirelles de Sousa , Freitas Vinicio Guimarães , Bachega Thais Gimenes , Mueller Larissa Pires
Published: January 2024

Objective: To analyse scientific publications on the importance of fundamental nursing practices. Methods: A descriptive exploratory review with a qualitative approach was carried out using the following databases: Web of Science and Cochrane Library (SCOPUS), Brazilian Bibliography (BDENF), Online Medical Literature Search and Analysis System (MEDLINE/PUBMED) and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS). Using the descriptors with the aid of the Boolean operator "and". Results: According to the theoretical framework, fundamental practices influence the quality of care provided by nurses and undergraduate nursing students. It is also possible to verify that during their undergraduate studies, students who practice a wide variety of techniques under the direct supervision of their teacher show greater confidence in their work. Conclusion: Therefore, the dynamic between theoretical content and practice is essential for training nurses who are critical, reflective, humanized, competent and able to relate previous knowledge to their practice.
Uso da metformina como monoterapia no manejo do Diabetes mellitus gestacional
Authors: Coelho Amanda Fauth de Pádua , Oliveira Clarissa Vasconcelos de
Published: January 2024

O diabetes mellitus gestacional (DMG) é um distúrbio caracterizado por um estado de intolerância à glicose, detectada pela primeira vez na gestação, resultando em hiperglicemia de níveis variáveis, podendo ou não persistir após o parto. Para a maioria das mulheres com DMG, o monitoramento, orientação nutricional e mudança no estilo de vida são suficientes para o tratamento. Entretanto, algumas mulheres podem necessitar de tratamento medicamentoso. Os antidiabéticos orais (ADO), como a metformina, não são drogas de primeira escolha para o tratamento de DMG, mas podem ser considerados em algumas situações. Este trabalho tem como objetivo obter a taxa de sucesso terapêutico da monoterapia com metformina em gestantes com DMG, além de analisar a presença de obesidade e idade materna avançada como possíveis fatores associados à doença e ao tratamento. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem quantitativa, mediante análise de prontuários de gestantes com DMG. Os resultados deste estudo demonstraram que a monoterapia com metformina não foi eficaz em mais da metade dos casos, e destacaram a importância do seguimento das recomendações mais atuais para o tratamento do DMG. A grande maioria das gestantes (91,8%) apresentou IMC gestacional que configura sobrepeso ou obesidade, ressaltando a presença do excesso de peso como um fator determinante para o desenvolvimento da doença, e a necessidade de um acompanhamento pré-natal adequado.
Pescape: Uma ferramenta desenvolvida para registro de crimes ambientais na pesca em Pernambuco
Authors: Silva Gabriel Henrique da , Araújo Breno Leonardo Gomes de Menezes
Published: January 2024

O artigo aborda o desenvolvimento da plataforma Pescape, uma ferramenta para registro de crimes ambientais na pesca em Pernambuco, e a grave ameaça dos crimes ambientais na pesca, destacando a importância econômica e cultural da atividade. Crimes como pesca predatória, uso de equipamentos ilegais e pesca em áreas protegidas são identificados como causadores de sérios impactos ambientais, comprometendo a biodiversidade marinha. A falta de informações confiáveis e uma plataforma para o registro e monitoramento desses crimes dificulta a eficácia das medidas preventivas. A Lei Nº 15.590 de 2015 é citada como um respaldo legal que destaca a importância de promover inovações tecnológicas na pesca artesanal. Nesse contexto, cinco objetivos fundamentais orientam o projeto, visando o desenvolvimento eficiente da ferramenta, aumento da transparência, facilitação da tomada de decisões, redução dos crimes ambientais e contribuição para a preservação dos ecossistemas. No fim, um teste de usabilidade é aplicado: a análise ressalta a importância contínua da usabilidade na evolução da ferramenta. Em síntese, Pescape busca ser uma solução eficaz para a preservação dos ecossistemas marinhos, oferecendo uma ferramenta acessível e intuitiva para o registro e combate aos crimes ambientais na pesca em Pernambuco.
Leucemia mieloide crônica em crianças e adolescentes: Uma análise de casos
Authors: Silva Luiza Morandini Gaspar da , Fiori Carmem Maria Medonça , Prata Ian Hirt , Michelon Isabella Cristina , Seibert Jhessica Martelli , Abe Nathália Larissa de Matos
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: Analisar as características e evolução dos pacientes diagnosticados com leucemia mieloide crônica em um centro de referência em oncologia pediátrica no oeste do Paraná. Método: Estudo analítico, descritivo e retrospectivo composto por prontuários de pacientes pediátricos do Hospital do Câncer de Cascavel-UOPECCAN, entre janeiro de 2002 e janeiro de 2022. Resultados: Foram analisados 7 prontuários. Desses, 5 (71%) eram do sexo masculino e 2 (29%) feminino. A mediana da idade ao diagnóstico foi de 12 anos e 1 mês. A média de tempo do início dos sintomas até o diagnóstico foi de 2 meses e 5 dias. Dois (29%) pacientes obtiveram o diagnóstico em menos de 30 dias, 3 (43%) entre 30 e 60 dias e 2 (29%) em mais de 60 dias. As manifestações clínicas mais comuns foram: perda ponderal (57%), esplenomegalia (43%), febre (29%) e equimose (29%). Quanto ao tratamento clínico, 2 (29%) pacientes apresentavam boa resposta terapêutica ao uso do mesilato de imatinibe e permanecem em uso da medicação, 3 (43%) necessitaram alteração para nilotinibe, 1 (14%) paciente sem resposta as duas drogas anteriores, necessitou de transplante de células-tronco hematopoiéticas e 1 (14%) apresentou crise blástica de leucemia aguda, requerendo uma abordagem terapêutica distinta. Dos 7 prontuários analisados, 6 (86%) pacientes permanecem vivos. Conclusão: com este estudo, conclui-se que o diagnóstico precoce, o reconhecimento da fase clínica da doença e o tratamento adequado são importantes fatores que influenciam no prognóstico e sobrevida desses pacientes, por essa razão, estudos sobre essa neoplasia maligna são de extrema importância.
Perfil epidemiológico dos vírus respiratórios na pediatria do HUMAP-UFMS, em período pré e pós pandemia de COVID-19
Authors: Kayano Talita Mayumi Alexandre , Bisol Andrea Helena Ernica , Pinto Leandro Carvalho
Published: January 2024

Objetivo: Descrever alterações do perfil epidemiológico dos vírus respiratórios na pediatria do HUMAP-UFMS pós pandemia de COVID-19. Método: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo, descritivo, com análise de dados relatados em prontuários e dados do setor de epidemiologia, referentes aos pacientes pediátricos (até 12 anos), de ambos os sexos, internados no pronto atendimento pediátrico do HUMAP no período entre 01 de Março de 2018 a 28 de Fevereiro de 2023. Os dados foram selecionados e colocados em planilha Apple de Numbers, versão 6.0.  As variáveis categóricas foram expressas em frequência relativa (%) e absoluta (n), dispostas de modo descritivo, em gráficos e tabelas. Foi utilizado o software estatístico JAMOVI2.3.26. Resultados: Foram analisados dados de 1326 registros de prontuários. A faixa etária mais prevalente foi de menores de 1 ano, predominando sexo masculino. Em geral, os agentes mais comuns foram vírus sincicial respiratório (VSR) e rinovírus. Internações em CTI também foram analisadas e estão relacionadas principalmente a faixa etária. Quanto ao período, observou-se que com a redução de medidas protetivas tomadas em período de pandemia, a fim de evitar disseminação de Sars-CoV-2, houve um aumento importante no número de internações na pediatria. Conclusão: Os resultados evidenciam maior incidência e gravidade de infecções respiratórias quanto menor a idade, em todos os períodos analisados. Evidenciam também que com as medidas tomadas durante pandemia houve mudança tanto no número de internações, como na gravidade dos quadros apresentados, reforçando a necessidade de maior investimento em diagnóstico, tratamento, manejo em geral de pacientes pediátricos com síndromes respiratórias.
Prevenção de lesões pelo posicionamento cirúrgico: Revisão integrativa
Authors: Souza Fernanda Ferreira e , Barreto Monique Soares da Costa , Silva Maria Virginia Godoy da , Silva Leandro Andrade da , Sampaio Carlos Eduardo Peres , Silva Junior Milton Domingues da , Santos Silvia Regina Martins dos
Published: January 2024

O posicionamento cirúrgico promove acesso ao sítio cirúrgico; deve ser realizado corretamente, garantindo estabilidade e segurança ao paciente, prevenindo complicações. Objetivos: Analisar produções científicas sobre prevenção de lesões pelo posicionamento cirúrgico do paciente adulto no intraoperatório; identificar lesões decorrentes de falhas e condutas utilizadas para prevenir lesões provenientes de posicionamento cirúrgico. Metodologia: Estudo de Revisão Integrativa da Literatura, elaborado segundo recomendações do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Questão norteadora: “Quais as condutas para a prevenção de lesões decorrentes do posicionamento cirúrgico?” Os critérios de inclusão dos estudos foram: retratar a temática escolhida; nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol; disponíveis gratuitamente e encontrados com texto na íntegra. O período de publicação abrangeu janeiro de 2017 a julho de 2022. Os critérios de exclusão previstos: texto incompleto; artigos não disponíveis gratuitamente; artigos fora do escopo e não disponíveis gratuitamente. Para a seleção dos artigos, foram utilizadas as bases de dados BDENF, LILACS, MEDLINE e Scopus. Resultados: 13 estudos selecionados, predominantemente brasileiros. Discussão: Categorias de análise: escalas preditivas, superfícies de suporte, posição cirúrgica e regiões afetadas; educação continuada. Conclusão: Escalas preditivas constituem prática avaliativa segura, direcionando ações, pontuando condições de maior risco. Todas as posições cirúrgicas podem oferecer algum risco. O colchão de polímero viscoelástico seco e coxins de viscoelástico contribuem para pontuação de baixo risco na escala ELPO. A educação continuada será essencial para manutenção de boas práticas incluindo a utilização de escalas preditivas.
Construção Sustentável: Adição de sacos de cimento na fabricação de tijolos ecológicos
Authors: Novais Hellen Souza , Freitas Gabriel Sousa de
Published: January 2024

A indústria da construção civil tem um impacto significativo no meio ambiente, e o descarte inadequado de seus resíduos gera problemas para as cidades. A gestão apropriada desses resíduos é crucial para promover práticas de construção sustentável. A reciclagem de materiais, como o papel proveniente de sacos de cimento, destaca-se como uma oportunidade estratégica na indústria da construção. Os tijolos ecológicos têm a capacidade de reutilizar resíduos, incorporando papel Kraft de sacos de cimento. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho de tijolos ecológicos contendo papel Kraft em comparação com tijolos ecológicos sem essa adição. A produção de ambos os tipos de tijolos ecológicos (18 amostras) foi iniciada, sendo um padrão (9 amostras) e o outro com resíduo de papel Kraft (9 amostras). A análise comparativa das propriedades dos tijolos ecológicos sugere que aqueles com adição de papel Kraft apresentaram um desempenho superior, proporcionando alternativas mais leves e sustentáveis para os resíduos da construção civil, evidenciando melhorias em propriedades estéticas, como coloração e textura, além de densidade e massa.
Mortalidade por câncer de colo de útero nas regiões brasileiras: Um estudo ecológico
Authors: Freitas Emanuel Gustavo Sabino de , Carvalho Beatriz Ferreira , Sampaio Maria Fernanda Barros , Luz Victória Elizabeth Baptista da , Vasconcelos Anailda Fontenele
Published: January 2024

Introdução: O câncer de colo de útero é o quarto mais comum entre as mulheres globalmente. Objetivo: Analisar a mortalidade por câncer de colo uterino (CCU) nas regiões brasileiras. Métodos: Estudo transversal, descritivo e quantitativo, com dados no Sistema de Informação de Mortalidade (SIM/SUS), vinculado ao DATASUS, analisando número de óbitos por CCU nas regiões brasileiras, de 2015 a 2023, abrangendo mulheres de 20 a 80 anos. Foi aplicada estatística descritiva com a utilização do Microsoft Office Excel. A análise incluiu cálculo de taxas de mortalidade com base na população estimada pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) e o uso da CID-10 para classificação da neoplasia. Resultados: De 2015 e 2021, houve 44.292 óbitos no Brasil, com Norte e Nordeste apresentando as taxas de mortalidade mais elevadas. A faixa etária de 50 a 59 anos registrou a maior frequência de mortalidade. Quanto à cor/raça, as regiões Norte (74,8%), Nordeste (66,20%) e Centro-Oeste (52,43%) registraram mais óbitos entre mulheres pardas, enquanto Sul (81,56%) e Sudeste (51,56%) predominaram mulheres brancas. A maioria das mulheres era solteira e tinham baixa escolaridade, com destaque para Nordeste e Sudeste. Conclusão: Os dados indicam aumento na taxa de mortalidade entre 2015 e 2018, seguido de redução após 2018. Este estudo possui limitações, como a subnotificação de óbitos e incapacidade de estabelecer associações causais. Desse modo, há necessidade de investigações adicionais para compreender a diminuição na taxa após 2018, e de políticas de promoção à saúde para ampliar a cobertura do exame citopatológico.
Urgensitas sistem informasi manajemen BAZNAS (SIMBA) untuk efektifitas kerja karyawan
Authors: Masruroh Nikmatul , Muis Abdul , Isnaeni Firda Nur , Putra Kelvin
Published: January 2024

Pada era transformasi digital pelayanan dituntut serba cepat dan bisa mencakup semua pihak. Maka tujuan dari pengabdian ini yaitu melakukan literasi tentang penerapan Sistem Informasi Manajemen BAZNAS (SIMBA) untuk mewujudkan efektifitas kerja bagi para karyawan khususnya di BAZNAS Kabupaten Jember. Dalam mencapai tujuan tersebut, pengabdian ini menggunakan model pengabdian kolaboratif antara dua lembaga yaitu lembaga Prodi Manajemen Zakat dan Wakaf Fakultas Ekonomi dan Islam (FEBI) UIN KHAS Jember dengan BAZNAS Kabupaten Jember. Metode yang digunakan yaitu Service Learning. Urgensitas literasi diberikan pada para karyawan BAZNAS agar ketika melakukan pelayanan bisa efektif. Selain itu kepada masyarakat yang menjadi muzakki agar memahami tentang transparansi dan akuntabilitas pengelolaan dana zakat. Pengabdian ini selain bentuk sosialisasi juga berbentuk pelatihan pada SIMBA sebagai bentuk aplikasi yang bisa mempermudah serta perwujudan transparansi dan akuntabilitas dalam pengelolaan zakat di BAZNAS. Hasil pengabdian ini diharapkan bisa memberikan wawasan akan pentingnya pelayanan dalam rangka efektivitas kerja karyawan serta kepuasan muzakki dan mustahik.
Edukasi ecobrick sebagai solusi pengurangan dan pemanfaatan sampah anorganik
Authors: Anhar Ziyad Muzakki Dwi , Febriana Rinawati , Wulandari Ira Pebri , Amegia Marissa Winimetha , Gibran Haidar , Parera Jihan , Suciati Rhisyani , Anjani Nuryan Ristita , Al-Fitri Qurrota A’yun Nisa , Adiyanto Okka
Published: January 2024

Sampah plastik merupakan salah satu aspek penyebab kerusakan lingkungan yang berkaitan dengan kehidupan manusia. Kurangnya kesadaran masyarakat terkait pengolahan sampah mengakibatkan banyaknya sampah plastik yang tidak dimanfaatkan. Sampah plastik yang tidak dimanfaatkan dapat mengakibatkan dampak buruk terjadinya bencana alam seperti banjir, penyakit dan bau tidak sedap menyebar luas yang dapat mengganggu kehidupan masyarakat. Berdasarkan permasalahan tersebut maka diperlukan sosialisasi untuk meningkatkan kesadaran dan perilaku masyarakat terkait sampah plastik. Tujuan sosialisasi ini adalah untuk meningkatkan kesadaran masyarakat terhadap lingkungan khususnya sampah plastik. Metode dalam sosialisasi ini yaitu Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR). Sosialisasi ini dilaksanakan dengan melibatkan warga RW 11 Kranon, Nitikan, Yogyakarta. Sosialisasi ini yaitu dengan cara melakukan pembuatan ecobrick. Ecobrick merupakan salah satu cara pemanfaatan sampah daur ulang sampah plastik untuk menjadi barang serbaguna seperti meja, kursi, dan sebagainya. Sedangkan pengolahannya adalah dengan menekan kumpulan cacahan sampah plastik yang sudah dibersihkan menggunakan batang kayu atau besi sehingga memadat agar dapat membentuk sebuah benda yang diinginkan dengan terjadinya perubahan volume akibat perubahan tekanan pada suhu konstan. Hasil dari sosialisasi ini dapat dilihat bahwa 70% peserta mengalami peningkatan pengetahuan dan keterampilan terkait dengan ecobrick.
SOSIALISASI LINGKUNGAN HIDUP DAN PENGEMBANGAN PENDIDIKAN INTERATIF DI DESA BOCEK, KEC. KARANGPLOSO, KAB. MALANG
Authors: Andini Dian Dwimitanti Nila , Alfarozi Imam Musa , Lestari Purwaning Budi , Hartati Tri Asih Wahyu
Published: January 2024

Humans are social creatures, they need each other. Humans live within the scope of the organization and in groups. Various aspects of life in society greatly influence the quality of human resources but are balanced with the fulfillment of natural resources. These two components are the driving force as well as advancement in various aspects of life, namely education, culture, and the environment. These three elements complement each other. The most important aspect and a community need is education. Fun education needs to be held to create a generation that is able to build a better Indonesia. Education is a measure of the success of a learner depending on the strategy and media used.
PEMANFAATAN BUAH DAN SAYUR SEBAGAI SUMBER ENERGI ALTERNATIF PEMBUATAN BIO- BATERAI DI SDN PAREREJO 01
Authors: Safitri Ira Ayu , Riyanto Riyanto , Argarini Dian Fitri
Published: January 2024

Batteries are a source of electrical energy that is widely used in everyday life. Batteries contain heavy metals which are not environmentally friendly and therefore have the potential to cause environmental pollution. One solution that can be done, namely using fruit and vegetables as alternative energy, is still not done optimally. Alternative energy is environmentally friendly energy obtained from materials that have never been used before. The fruits and vegetables used in practice are as follows: potatoes, tomatoes, and limes. The methods used in this service activity are; the practice of creating electrical circuits directly using fruit and vegetables as an energy source. From the results of the practice it can be concluded that fruit and vegetables can be used as an alternative energy source for bio-batteries.
Characteristics of Building Envelope that Influence the Value of Operative Temperature on Office Buildings Based on Jakarta Climate Data
Authors: Ayuningtyas Nurina Vidya , Adianti Istiana
Published: January 2024

Architecture is accused of being an energy user and the most significant contributor to global warming, so it is the architect's responsibility to ensure that indoor comfort conditions are achieved with little or no traditional energy. This study focuses on knowing the best Range in building envelope configurations to obtain Operative Temperature comfort values. Simulation methods is used for model this research. Software that b used for this research are EnergyPlus v8.1 and Open Studio plugin version 0.7. The results show that the temperature of operative temperature (Top) does not reach a comfort value of 25 ° C by SNI 03-6572-2001 standards. If the air temperature setting is smaller, the energy consumption of the building will be higher. In the WWR variation, intensity of energy consumption per Ta was reduced by 1 ° C by 3.68 kWh / m2. Then in the variation of SHGC, increase energy consumption value of each Ta is reduced by 1 ° C by 3.44 kWh / m2. While for shading variations, the increase in value is 3.57 kWh / m2.
Beyond the Numbers: Weight Gain Risk Factors, Implications, and Interventions among Individuals with HIV
Authors: Patel Yesha S. , Malvestutto Carlos D.
Published: January 2024

Background: Advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART) have significantly improved life expectancy, leading to an increased prevalence of older adults with HIV. This population may face challenges related to age-related comorbidities in addition to HIV and possibly antiretroviral therapy-related comorbidities. Among those, weight gain has emerged as an increasingly recognized problem raising clinical concern. This narrative review provides an overview of existing data and outlines risk factors, implications, and management strategies including ART switch, lifestyle modifications, and the use of weight-reducing pharmacologic agents.

Body of evidence: Recent studies support the concept that weight gain following ART initiation is multifactorial and is associated with demographic-, HIV-, lifestyle-, and ART-related risk factors. Female sex, Black race, individuals presenting with low CD4 T-cell count and elevated HIV-1 viral load appear to be particularly susceptible to this weight gain. The impact of ART, including integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), on weight gain is undergoing reassessment as accumulating evidence elucidates weight-suppressive effects of older agents like efavirenz (EFV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). In reviewing evidence from ART switch studies, concerns have emerged regarding whether ART directly causes weight gain among persons with HIV (PWH), or if the observed weight gain is a consequence of discontinuing older agents that previously mitigated such effects. Management strategies includes careful assessment of ART, striking a balance between efficacy and adverse effect profiles, and the use of weight loss pharmaceuticals as adjuncts to lifestyle modification through diet and exercise.

Summary: Weight gain among PWH requires a comprehensive and individualized management approach which considers the unique needs of individuals with HIV. Risk factors for weight gain among PWH have been identified, however, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. More studies are needed to understand the pathogenesis of weight gain, individual variability, long-term implications on cardiometabolic factors and other comorbidities, and optimal management strategies.
The High Fat Diet Impacts the Plasticity between Fresh and Aged Neutrophils
Authors: Baragetti Andrea , Norata Giuseppe Danilo
Published: January 2024

Metabolic alterations induced by unhealthy lifestyles, including obesity and insulin resistance are often associated with increased innate immune response and chronic inflammation. Cholesterol has been identified as a key metabolite driving the activation of the inflammasome and the “epigenetic memory” in long-term living hematopoietic stem cells.

In addition to these mechanisms, the physiological aging of short-living neutrophils is a relevant modifier of their immune competency, as while they egress from medullary niches as “fresh”, fully competent, cells, they turn into “aged”, disarmed cells, when they extravasate into peripheral tissues to fight against pathogens or they reach the spleen for disposal. We recently observed that cardio-metabolic alterations induced by a lipid enriched unhealthy diet critically accelerate this process. Indeed, the chronic feeding with a high fat diet (HFD) results in the increase of aged neutrophils in the circulation and their accumulation in liver. This profile is associated with a deteriorated insulin response and obesity. The HFD primes aged, but not fresh neutrophils, to infiltrate in the liver and promotes inflammation coupled to altered cell immune architecture in visceral adipose tissue. Preventing the aging of neutrophils via selective ablation of CXCR2, reduces the development of obesity and improves the sensitivity to insulin. In humans, plasma levels of CXCL1, one of the cytokines binding CXCR2 and promoting neutrophil aging, are directly associated with abdominal adiposity and fatty liver independently of other risk factors.

Together these findings point to a direct role of aged neutrophils in the development of metabolic disorders.
Pre-operative Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Prior to Radical Prostatectomy: Impacts on Mental Health
Authors: Bandara Nilanga Aki , Lalkiya Dhruv , Khatami Parsa , Mannas Miles P. , Mehrnoush Vahid , Shahrour Walid
Published: January 2024

Prostate cancer has a notable public health impact. One of the key treatment modalities for prostate cancer is radical prostatectomy, which involves surgically removing the prostate. Unfortunately, there are adverse outcomes associated with this modality, specifically erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence. Preoperative pelvic floor muscle training has the potential to improve the erectile function and urinary continence postoperatively. Poor erectile function and urinary incontinence may negatively impact sexual and mental health. Therefore, preoperative pelvic floor muscle training has the potential to improve sexual and mental health. This study outlines potential barriers and practical ways to incorporate pelvic floor muscle training into the care that patients with prostate cancer receive.
Opening Pandora's box: caveats with using toolbox-based approaches in mathematical modeling in biology
Authors: Ganusov Vitaly V.
Published: January 2024

Mathematical modeling is a powerful method to understand how biological systems work. By creating a mathematical model of a given phenomenon one can investigate which model assumptions are needed to explain the phenomenon and which assumptions can be omitted. Creating an appropriate mathematical model (or a set of models) for a given biological system is an art, and classical textbooks on mathematical modeling in biology go into great detail in discussing how mathematical models can be understood via analytical and numerical analyses. In the last few decades mathematical modeling in biology has grown in size and complexity, and along with this growth new tools for the analysis of mathematical models and/or comparing models to data have been proposed. Examples of tools include methods of sensitivity analyses, methods for comparing alternative models to data (based on AIC/BIC/etc.), and mixed-effect-based fitting of models to data. I argue that the use of many of these “toolbox” approaches for the analysis of mathematical models has negatively impacted the basic philosophical principle of the modeling—to understand what the model does and why it does what it does. I provide several examples of limitations of these toolbox-based approaches and how they hamper generation of insights about the system in question. I also argue that while we should learn new ways to automate mathematical modeling-based analyses of biological phenomena, we should aim beyond a mechanical use of such methods and bring back intuitive insights into model functioning, by remembering that after all, modeling is an art and not simply engineering.

“Getting something for nothing is impossible; there is always a price to pay.” Louis Gross.

“There is not such a thing as a free lunch.”
Oleic acid concentration in bovine adipose tissues: impact on human health, sensory attributes, and genetic regulation
Authors: Smith Stephen B.
Published: January 2024

Fatty acids are important components of foods derived from livestock species, as they contribute to the healthfulness and benefits of beef and beef products. Oleic acid (18:1n-9) is the most highly regulated and most abundant fatty acid in animal tissue. The greatest risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) is low circulating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and consumption of beef naturally enriched with oleic acid increases plasma HDL-C concentrations in men and women. Oleic acid is synthesized by the activity of stearoyl-coenzyme A (CoA) desaturase (SCD). In cattle, SCD activity and SCD1 gene expression are highest in adipose tissue depots, followed by skeletal muscle, intestinal mucosa, and the liver. Early studies demonstrated that the concentration of oleic acid beef contributes to positive flavor attributes, but this finding has been difficult to replicate in more recent studies. Including grain (especially corn) in the finishing diets of cattle is essential for the upregulation of SCD1 expression and activity. The measurement of SCD activity is technically difficult, but quantifying SCD gene expression or the concentration of palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7) in beef often provides insight into SCD activity. DNA polymorphisms in SCD1, the sterol regulatory element binding protein-1, the fatty acid synthase, and the growth hormone are associated with oleic acid concentration in the muscle of Japanese Black cattle, indicating a strong genetic component to the regulation of fatty acid composition of beef.
The effect of surgeon experience and insertion speed on intracochlear pressures during in-vitro cochlear implantation
Authors: Crohan William , Tavora-Vieira Dayse , Voola Marcus , Acharya Aanand , Rajan Gunesh P.
Published: January 2024

Hypothesis

That increased insertion speed is associated with increased intracochlear pressure variation.

Background

Preservation of residual hearing is an important goal of modern cochlear implant surgery. Many factors, including intracochlear pressure changes during insertion, are thought to be significant in the preservation of residual hearing through the reduction in intraoperative trauma to the cochlea.

Methods

Participants at a cochlear implantation hearing preservation workshop open to surgeons and audiologists were invited to participate in a challenge to insert a cochlear implant electrode into an in-vitro model of a cochlea. Intracochlear pressure variation was measured as a surrogate marker for intracochlear trauma against insertion speed, method of insertion, moisturization of the electrode, and participant experience.

Results

The study demonstrated that the relative experience of a surgeon and the speed of insertion were significant for maximal intracochlear pressure variation. The more experienced participants were likely to demonstrate lower pressure variation, and a slower insertion on average produced significantly smaller pressure changes than faster insertions. No other variables were deemed significant for maximal intracochlear pressure variation.

Conclusion

Surgeon experience and speed of implant insertions were significant factors in the reduction of intracochlear pressure variation during cochlear implantation simulations
Enteric fever and the diagnostic tools: defining the accuracy
Authors: Diwaker Amita , Tiwari Ashutosh , Jain Shubham , Rupali Kumari Astha , Ram Jitendra , Singh Samer , Kishore Dhiraj
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Enteric fever is widespread in many regions of developing countries. Despite low sensitivity, blood culture remains the gold standard diagnostic test for enteric fever. Diagnostic tests like Widal lack the desired specificity; hence, patients are overtreated many times. Inaccessibility to proper medical care in developing countries further poses a challenge to diagnosis by these conventional methods, promoting the needless intake of over-the-counter drugs by people. Although rapid kit-based tests are available, the reliability of these diagnostic tests in terms of specificity and sensitivity is quite variable. We aimed to validate the reliability of Typhipoint EIA (ELISA-based test) against blood clot nested PCR for enteric fever, as a gold standard, in view of the reported variable culture yield by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratio.

Methods

A total of 100 patients were included in the study out of 152 patients screened, based on the inclusion criteria. The clinical profile of provisional enteric fever was recorded along with the amplification of the DNA fragment of flagellin (H1-d), and the stkG gene of Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi A, respectively, by nested PCR performed on blood clots, urine, and stool samples. Further validation of the ELISA-based test, i.e., Typhipoint EIA, was done considering nested PCR as a gold standard. The control group consisted of 40 healthy subjects.

Results

Nested PCR of the blood clots showed 84% positivity. Total culture positivity was found in 89 samples (combined), and among all samples for culture, clot culture was positive in 52 (52%), urine culture in 5 (5%), and stool culture in 32 (32%) cases. The total number of Typhipoint EIA IgM-positive cases was 83 (83%). The validation of Typhipoint EIA IgM showed 92.9% sensitivity and 68.8% specificity against blood clot PCR for Salmonella typhi.

Discussion

The Typhipoint EIA test for the diagnosis of enteric fever is quite sensitive as well as specific. It may be advised that two to three specific antigens of S. typhi should be spotted on the test kit for a satisfactory level of diagnosis of enteric fever in field conditions. This will help achieve the desired accuracy of the rapid test to avoid unnecessary antimicrobial therapy and costly investigations.
An energy-efficient process of non-deterministic computation drives the emergence of predictive models and exploratory behavior
Authors: Stoll Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2024

Cortical neural networks encode information about the environment, combining data across sensory modalities to form predictive models of the world, which in turn drive behavioral output. Cortical population coding is probabilistic, with synchronous firing across the neural network achieved in the context of noisy inputs. The system-wide computational process, which encodes the likely state of the local environment, is achieved at a cost of only 20 Watts, indicating a deep connection between neuronal information processing and energy-efficient computation. This report presents a new framework for modeling non-deterministic computation in cortical neural networks, in terms of thermodynamic laws. Initially, free energy is expended to produce von Neumann entropy, then predictive value is extracted from that thermodynamic quantity of information. The extraction of predictive value during a single computation yields a percept, or a predictive semantical statement about the local environment, and the integration of sequential neural network states yields a temporal sequence of percepts, or a predictive syntactical statement about the cause-effect relationship between perceived events. The amount of predictive value available for computation is limited by the total amount of energy entering the system, and will always be incomplete, due to thermodynamic constraints. This process of thermodynamic computation naturally produces a rival energetic cost function, which minimizes energy expenditure: the system can either explore its local environment to gain potential predictive value, or it can exploit previously-acquired predictive value by triggering a contextually-relevant and thermodynamically-favored sequence of neural network states. The system grows into a more ordered state over time, as it physically encodes the predictive value acquired by interacting with its environment.
An empirical investigation into the preferences of the elderly for user interface design in personal electronic health record systems
Authors: Zhang Sainan , Song Jisung
Published: January 2024

Background

With the continuous advancement of digital technologies, electronic Personal Health Records (ePHR) offer end-users greater control and convenience over their health data. Although ePHR are perceived as innovative tools in medical services that provide patient-centered care and disease prevention, many system interfaces are inclined toward younger users, overlooking investigations pertinent to elderly users. Our objective is to uncover the preferences of the elderly for an ideal ePHR system interface.

Materials and methods

Relying on a literature review, we identified six interface attributes. Utilizing conjoint analysis, we constructed 16 representative design scenarios based on orthogonal design by combining different attribute levels. We invited 187 elderly participants to evaluate these scenarios. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0. The results indicate that among the ePHR interface design attributes, the elderly prioritize color attributes, followed by the notification method. Designs with contrasting color schemes, skeuomorphic design approaches, and icon-centric menu navigation with segmented layouts, and voice notifications when a message is received, are the most preferred interface design choices.

Discussion

This research elucidates the ideal interface design elements for ePHR as perceived by the elderly, offering valuable references for age-friendly design considerations in ePHR systems.

Results

Implementing these insights can aid in promoting mobile health services among the elderly demographic, enhancing their user experience in health management interfaces. This, in turn, fosters the widespread adoption of mobile health service technologies, further advancing the development of a healthy aging society.
Application of the principal component analysis–cloud model in the assessment of the seismic stability of slopes
Authors: Li Wei-Wei , Xue Er-Wei , Gu Xin-Bao , Yang Chao , Zhao Chao
Published: January 2024

The seismic stability assessment of slopes is important for the evaluation of slope instability, so an accurate estimation of the seismic stability level of slopes is vital. However, many factors affect the seismic stability of slopes, and their instability has a certain fuzziness and randomness. The principal component analysis–cloud model is introduced at first to assess the seismic stability of slopes. Second, the index coefficients are calculated using the principal component analytical method. Then, the characteristic value of the normal cloud model is obtained based on the classification standards of different indexes, and the relevant evaluation model is established. The conclusions are drawn that the method is feasible for the accurate assessment of the seismic stability of slopes, and its accuracy is very high. So, the suggested model can be widely applied in many fields, and a new approach can be provided for the future seismic stability assessment of slopes.
Increasing impact of North Atlantic Ocean circulation on sedimentary processes along the passive Galicia Margin (NW Spain) over the past 40 million years
Authors: Haberkern Julia , Hanebuth Till J. J. , Spiess Volkhard , Schwenk Tilmann
Published: January 2024

Off the Northwestern Iberian Peninsula, the vigorous bottom-current regime interacts with a complex seafloor topography inside the Galicia Interior Basin (GIB), which was tectonically shaped during the opening of the North Atlantic Ocean basin in Cretaceous times. The evolving North Atlantic Ocean circulation determined the depositional pattern of the basin fill over time, which can, in turn, be utilized as palaeoceanographic archive. This study reconstructs the evolution of the GIB sedimentary system since the mid-Eocene, namely, resulting from interplay between down- and along-slope sediment-transport processes, using high-resolution multichannel seismic data. Six major depositional stages are identified and connected to the evolution of the North Atlantic Ocean circulation. 1) Levelling of topography shows that the influence of contourparallel bottom currents on the depositional pattern steadily intensified since the mid-Eocene; 2) The strengthening of Northern Component Water (NCW), associated with the opening of the Faeroe-Shetland Basin in the late Eocene, is documented along the southwestern European continental margin for the first time by the onset of a plastered contourite drift; 3) A shift in the depocenters provide evidence that the closure of the Tethys-Indian Seaway led to Tethys Outflow Water into the Atlantic Ocean at intermediate ocean depths in the Miocene; 4) Until the mid-Miocene, the tectonic stress regime initially associated with the Pyrenean Orogeny and the following Betic Orogeny led to both sets of small-scale faulting systems as well as submarine mass wasting indicated by slope scarps and mass-transport deposits; 5) The onset of modern-style Mediterranean Outflow Water (MOW) after the Messinian Salinity Crisis (5.3 Ma) caused a distinct change in the depositional dynamics from combined along- and down-slope transport processes towards predominantly contouritic deposition, which is evident from the construction of several separated mounded contouritic drifts that formed during Pliocene and early Pleistocene times; and 6) The contourite drift growth continued during the middle and late Pleistocene, but under a gaining influence of down-slope processes.
The what, where, who, why, which, and how of collaborative play involving autistic children in educational context: a contextual inquiry
Authors: Hijab Mohamad Hassan Fadi , Khattab Shaza , Al Aswadi Nahwan , Neves Joselia , Qaraqe Marwa , Othman Achraf , Alsulaiti Noora , Al-Thani Dena
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In educational settings, autistic children often encounter barriers to engaging in collaborative play. Notably, play is an important component of a child’s development, and its pedagogical significance has been rigorously researched. This study endeavored to understand the dynamics of collaborative play among autistic children across various learning contexts, examining usual methodologies, associated challenges, and potential technological constraints influencing the collaborative play among autistic children.

Methods

The study was conducted in two diverse environments, an inclusive international school and a center for children with disabilities, both located in Qatar, and both with a significant population of autistic children. The data was gathered through a series of 45 interviews with a diverse group of proxies, including therapists, teachers, and parents. Furthermore, 48 observation sessions were conducted with the autistic children in both settings. The data from the interviews and observation sessions were analyzed using inductive reasoning to perform a thematic analysis.

Results

The study elicited six key themes from the interviews, coined as ‘5 W-H’, which encompassed the aspects of who (Actor), where (Location), what (Tool), why (Purpose), which (Sense), and how (Process) in terms of how collaborative play was conducted. From the observation sessions, another four themes were derived, which centered on collaborative play, potential for collaboration, coordinated activity, and collaborative activity.

Discussion

The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the practice of collaborative play among autistic children, serving as a useful resource to guide future research agenda and educational practices. Understanding these dynamics can aid in developing more effective educational strategies and technologies to enhance the collaborative learning experiences of autistic children.
Effect of supplementation with probiotics or synbiotics on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Chen TingRui , Wang Jing , Liu ZeKun , Gao Fei
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The effectiveness of probiotics or synbiotics in adults with metabolic syndromes (MetS) remains controversial, this meta-analysis will further analyze the effects of probiotics or synbiotics on cardiovascular factors in adults with MetS.

Methods

We searched Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and other databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of probiotics or synbiotics on MetS in adults up to July 2023, and used RevMan 5.4.0 software for statistical analysis.

Results

This analysis included eleven RCTs (n = 608 participants), and the results showed that compared with the control group, supplementation with probiotics or synbiotics reduced body mass index (weighted mean difference, WMD = -0.83, 95% CI = [-1.21, -0.44], P <0.0001, n = 9), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c) (standard mean difference, SMD = -0.24, 95% CI = [-0.41, -0.08], P = 0.004, n = 10), fasting blood glucose (FBG)(SMD = -0.17, 95% CI = [-0.33, -0.01], P = 0.03, n = 11), but had no beneficial effect on systolic blood pressure (SBP) (WMD = 1.24, 95% CI = [-2.06, 4.54], P = 0.46, n = 8) in MetS patients.

Conclusion

Supplementation with probiotics or synbiotics can reduce BMI, LDL-c, FBG in patients with MetS, but our findings did not demonstrate a favorable effect on reducing SBP. Future studies with larger samples and longer intervention periods are needed.
Functional GnRH receptor signaling regulates striatal cholinergic neurons in neonatal but not in adult mice
Authors: Farkas Imre , Skrapits Katalin , Sárvári Miklós , Göcz Balázs , Takács Szabolcs , Rumpler Éva , Hrabovszky Erik
Published: January 2024

Reproduction in mammals is controlled by hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. Recent studies from our laboratory established that the basal ganglia of the human brain contain additional large populations of GnRH synthesizing neurons which are absent in adult mice. Such extrahypothalamic GnRH neurons mostly occur in the putamen where they correspond to subsets of the striatal cholinergic interneurons (ChINs) and express GnRHR autoreceptors. In an effort to establish a mouse model for functional studies of striatal GnRH/GnRHR signaling, we carried out electrophysiological experiments on acute brain slices from male transgenic mice. Using PN4-7 neonatal mice, half of striatal ChINs responded with transient hyperpolarization and decreased firing rate to 1.2 µM GnRH, whereas medium spiny projection neurons remained unaffected. GnRH acted on its specific receptor because no response was observed in the presence of the GnRHR antagonist Antide. Addition of the membrane-impermeable G protein-coupled receptor inhibitor GDP-β-S to the internal electrode solution eliminated the effect of GnRH. Further, GnRH was able to inhibit ChINs in presence of tetrodotoxin which blocked action potential mediated events. Collectively, these data indicated that the receptor underlying the effects of GnRH in neonatal mice is localized within ChINs. GnRH responsiveness of ChINs was transient and entirely disappeared in adult mice. These results raise the possibility to use neonatal transgenic mice as a functional model to investigate the role of GnRH/GnRHR signaling discovered earlier in adult human ChINs.