bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A leap towards enforcing medicines prescribing by generic names in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): pitfalls, limitations, and recommendations for local drug regulatory agencies
Authors: Merchant Hamid A. , Babar Zaheer-Ud-Din , Hussain Izhar M.
Published: December 2022

The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) in response to the public outcry on increasing medicines prices in the country issued notifications to direct healthcare professionals to prescribe medicines with their generic names. Like DRAP, many regulators in the low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are also inspiring from the west to legally enforce generic prescribing in a bid to reduce the out-of-pocket public expenditures. However, there are pitfalls in the LMICs drug regulatory framework, which if left unaddressed can severely jeopardise the foreseen benefits of medicines prescribing by generic names. This article critically appraises the impact of prescribing by generic names regulations in LMICs and highlights the key considerations that are vital to address before legally enforcing generic prescribing. The ethics, regulatory compliance, and good governance are the key to success; better generics for a better tomorrow.
Existence of weak solutions to a convection–diffusion equation in amalgam spaces
Authors: Haque Md. Rabiul
Published: December 2022

We consider the local existence and uniqueness of a weak solution for a convection–diffusion equation in amalgam spaces. We establish the local existence and uniqueness of solution for the initial condition in amalgam spaces. Furthermore, we prove the validity of the Fujita–Weissler critical exponent for local existence and uniqueness of solution in the amalgam function class that is identified by Escobedo and Zuazua (J Funct Anal 100:119–161, 1991).
Diastolic blood pressure and lipid profile in breastfed versus formula-fed infants as early indicators for CVD: a cross-sectional study
Authors: El-Asheer Osama M. , Dahpy Marwa A. , Ahmed Shazli R. , Mohamed Khalil A. , Amry Salah Eldin A. , Tamer Deiaaeldin M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Cardiovascular disease is one of the major causes of death in the world. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a major cause of cardiovascular disease. Longevity of breastfeeding and exclusiveness have both been proposed as possible moderators of the hazard of future CVD. Dyslipidemia, which includes high levels of triglycerides, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), with higher levels of LDL-C, as well as hypertension, obesity, and insulin resistance, accelerates atherosclerotic progression and increases the danger of CVD. The consumption of infant formula has been linked to rapid growth, which raises fat accumulation in late infancy and programmed aberrant vascular biology linked to early CVD.

Objectives

This study aimed to compare the blood pressure and lipid profiles of breastfed and formula-fed infants in an effort to determine the cause of the differences.

Results

Both the breastfed and the formula-fed groups showed negligible differences in blood pressure, systolic blood pressure, and blood sugar. Regarding the lipid profile, breastfed newborns had significantly higher levels of Total cholesterol (P <0.001), Triglycerides (P 0.02), HDL-C (P <0.001), LDL-C (P 0.01) and Non-HDL (P <0.001). Newborns who were breastfed had greater levels of non-HDL cholesterol than infants who were fed formula.

Conclusion

Early infancy breastfeeding was linked to a higher lipid profile in breastfed infants, suggesting it may have long-term cardiovascular health benefits that should be supported. The molecular mechanism through which breastfeeding regulates lipid metabolism was revealed by further research.
In-silico and in-vitro analysis of novel substituted benzimidazolyl derivatives for antimycobacterial potentials targeting enoyl acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA)
Authors: Kuppuswamy Umaa , Rajan Ravi Kumar , Kumar Arvinth , Ramanathan Muthiah
Published: December 2022

Background

The emergence of mutated drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis has reinvigorated the development of effective chemotherapy for MDR-TB (multidrug-resistant resistance tuberculosis). Enoyl acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA) involved in the mycobacterial fatty acid elongation system has been chosen as a potential target.

Result

All of the lead compounds had a definite Rf value and a sharp melting point, confirming that no tautomeric forms exist and that the keto (CO) group is apparent in the IR and 13C NMR spectrum data. Structure-based drug design revealed the presence of amino acid residues like TYR 158, ILE 194, and PHE 149 which are crucial for InhA inhibitory activity and were considered favorable interactions. Among all, compounds 4, 5a, and 5c showed better docking and binding free energy owing to favorable interactions. Interestingly, there was a strong correlation between the binding free energy and the antimycobacterial susceptibility assay, where compounds 4, 5a, and 5c had greater activity. All the lead compounds also had good oral absorption and gut permeability. The presence of a carboxylic linker (–COOH–) between benzimidazole and the rest of the structure of the lead compounds was found to be crucial for activity as the oxygen atom and hydroxyl group of the linker formed most of the favorable interactions. The presence of chlorophenyl showed a favorable effect on InhA inhibition which might be owing to its hydrophobic interaction with PHE 149.

Conclusion

Three of the seven lead compounds synthesized had an IC value of approximately 0.5 μg/ml in the in-vitro Alamar blue assay against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain, which is roughly comparable to the standard marketed drug, Isoniazid (INH). This manifestation of promising activity that resulted from combining in-silico and wet lab experimentation could be a great starting point for developing potent antimycobacterial agents to combat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Graphical abstract
Liquid mondernity as an analytical framework
Authors: Κουτσογιάννη Ευαγγελία
Published: December 2022

Η βιβλιογραφία για την επιχειρηματικότητα έχει αποδώσει τόσο στο κοινωνικό περιβάλλον όσο και στην επιχειρηματική πρόθεση κεντρικό ρόλο στην εξήγηση της επιχειρηματικής συμπεριφοράς. Ωστόσο, η αλληλεπίδραση ατόμου και κοινωνικού περιβάλλοντος σε σχέση με την πρόθεση ενός ατόμου να επιδείξει επιχειρηματική συμπεριφορά δεν έχει μελετηθεί επαρκώς. Βασιζόμενη στη Θεωρία της Σχεδιασμένης Συμπεριφοράς (TPB), την κοινωνική ανάλυση της ρευστής νεωτερικότητας και την έννοια του κοινωνικού κεφαλαίου, η παρούσα μελέτη επιχειρεί να διερευνήσει τους εγγενείς μηχανισμούς ανάπτυξης της επιχειρηματικής πρόθεσης, υιοθετώντας μια κοινωνιολογική προσέγγιση. Συγκεκριμένα, η έρευνα διερευνά τον ρόλο των παραγόντων κοινωνικό κεφάλαιο ζεύξης, κοινωνικό κεφάλαιο δεσμού, χειραφέτηση, προοπτική χρόνου, ετοιμότητα για κινητικότητα και αντιλαμβανόμενη αβεβαιότητα και εξετάζει την άμεση και έμμεση επίδρασή τους στην διαμόρφωση της επιχειρηματικής πρόθεσης.Η στατιστική ανάλυση βασίζεται σε συγχρονικά δεδομένα προερχόμενα από ένα δείγμα 537 τελειόφοιτων φοιτητών και φοιτητριών επιχειρησιακών σπουδών που φοιτούν σε ένα ελληνικό δημόσιο Πανεπιστήμιο. Τα αποτελέσματα της ανάλυσης πολλαπλής παλινδρόμησης kαταδεικνύουν ότι οι μεταβλητές πρόβλεψης στάση απέναντι στην επιχειρηματικότητα, αντιλαμβανόμενος έλεγχος συμπεριφοράς, υποκειμενικά πρότυπα, κοινωνικό κεφάλαιο ζεύξης και αντιλαμβανόμενη αβεβαιότητα εξηγούν το 65% της διακύμανσης της επιχειρηματικής πρόθεσης των φοιτητών επιχειρησιακών σπουδών. Η ανάλυση διαμεσολάβησης με την τεχνική επαναδειγματοληψίας Bootstrap καταδεικνύει ότι ισχύουν όλες οι διερευνητικές υποθέσεις που εξετάζουν έμμεσες επιδράσεις. Απαριθμούμενοι σύμφωνα με την ισχύ της επίδρασης που ασκούν, οι παράγοντες πρόβλεψης χειραφέτηση, προοπτική χρόνου, ετοιμότητα για κινητικότητα, αντιλαμβανόμενη αβεβαιότητα, υποκειμενικοί κανόνες, κοινωνικό κεφάλαιο ζεύξης και κοινωνικό κεφάλαιο δεσμού επηρεάζουν την επιχειρηματική πρόθεση μέσω δύο καθοριστικών παραγόντων, ήτοι της προσωπικής στάσης απέναντι στην επιχειρηματικότητα και του αντιλαμβανόμενου ελέγχου συμπεριφοράς. Διαπιστώνεται ότι η στάση απέναντι στην επιχειρηματικότητα είναι ο παράγοντας με τη μεγαλύτερη επιρροή στην επιχειρηματική πρόθεση.Η παρούσα εμπειρική μελέτη συμβάλλει στη βιβλιογραφία της επιχειρηματικότητας παρέχοντας περαιτέρω εμβάθυνση στις κοινωνικοψυχολογικές διαδικασίες που διέπουν τη διαμόρφωση της επιχειρηματικής πρόθεσης. Επιπλέον, η επέκταση των υφιστάμενων κοινωνικογνωστικών μοντέλων με την ενσωμάτωση παραγόντων που εξετάζουν την αλληλεπίδραση ατόμου- κοινωνικού περιβάλλοντος συνεισφέρει σημαντικά σε πρακτικό επίπεδο. Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη ότι οι συμμετέχοντες στην έρευνα είναι φοιτητές και φοιτήτριες, η γνώση που αποκτήθηκε από την παρούσα μελέτη παρουσιάζει ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον για τους εκπαιδευτικούς στον τομέα της επιχειρηματικότητας.
Development of regression models to predict biogas production rate and biogas yield
Authors: Δανδίκας Βασιλείος
Published: December 2022

Οι στόχοι της παρούσας διπλωματικής διατριβής ήταν: α) να προσδιοριστεί η μαθηματική σχέση μεταξύ της χημικής σύστασης των φυτικών πρώτων υλών και της δυνητικής παραγωγής βιοαερίου και β) η ανάπτυξη ενός μοντέλου για την πρόβλεψη του ρυθμού παραγωγής βιοαερίου και μεθανίου. Επιπλέον, με τη παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή αναλύεται η αναερόβια χώνευση των φυτών βάση της χημικής τους σύνθεσης και ενός μοντέλου παλινδρόμησης.
Η δόμηση της μικροαστικής ταυτότητας σε νεοελληνικά πεζογραφικά κείμενα από το 1949 έως το 1981
Authors: Μπούμπα Γεωργία
Published: December 2022

Η διατριβή έχει ως στόχο τη μελέτη της δράσης, της συμπεριφοράς, των ποικίλων λειτουργιών και των ρόλων ενός συνόλου μικροαστών ηρώων σε νεοελληνικά πεζογραφικά κείμενα που κυκλοφόρησαν τη χρονική περίοδο 1949-1981. Σκοπός είναι η ανάδειξη των χαρακτηριστικών γνωρισμάτων της μικροαστικής ιδεολογίας, τα οποία καθορίζονται από ιστορικούς, πολιτικούς ή πολιτισμικούς παράγοντες και η προβολή πτυχών του μικροαστικού λογοτεχνικού μικρόκοσμου. Τα κείμενα που επιλέχθηκαν δε λογίζονται μόνο ως αισθητικό δημιούργημα, αλλά και ως σημαίνουσες αναπαραστάσεις κοινωνικών φαινομένων που διαμορφώνονται από τη συνάρτηση του ατομικού με το συλλογικό και περιέχουν άμεσες ή έμμεσες κοινωνικές αναφορές. Η μελέτη επιχειρεί να εξετάσει τη δυναμική της μικροαστικής κοσμοθεωρίας στο χώρο της μυθοπλασίας και να αναδείξει τα κυρίαρχα κοινωνικά αρχέτυπα που συντηρεί. Διερευνάται ο βαθμός επίδρασης που ασκεί το κοινωνικό περιβάλλον στη διαμόρφωση της μικροαστικής λογοτεχνικής ταυτότητας και τα στερεότυπα που καλλιεργεί. Τίθενται στο επίκεντρο το φαινόμενο του καταναλωτισμού, το όραμα της ατομικής κινητικότητας, το ιδεώδες του υλικού ευδαιμονισμού, αλλά και η πολιτική ιδεολογία που ασπάζονται τα μικροαστικά στρώματα στο χώρο της μυθοπλασίας. Παράλληλα, μελετάται η μικροαστική έμφυλη ταυτότητα και οι σχέσεις των ηρώων, ώστε να προβληθεί η δράση και η συμπεριφορά τους με όρους κοινωνικής θέσης και ρόλων. Συγχρόνως εξετάζονται η μικροαστική οικογένεια και ο γάμος, ως θεμέλιοι λίθοι και σταθεροποιητικοί πυλώνες της ελληνικής κοινωνίας, ώστε να αναδειχθούν οι τεταμένες σχέσεις των μελών και το ενδοοικογενειακό δράμα. Κατά συνέπεια προκύπτουν συμπεράσματα ως προς τη στάση που υιοθετούν οι συγγραφείς απέναντι σε κυρίαρχες μικροαστικές θέσεις και αρχές, ώστε να γίνει αντιληπτό αν υπάρχει μια πρόθεση ευθυγράμμισης με όσα ορίζουν οι παγιωμένοι αξιακοί κώδικες και τα επιβεβλημένα πρότυπα συμπεριφοράς της μικροαστικής ιδεολογίας ή αν αντιθέτως οι ίδιοι οι πεζογράφοι επιχειρούν να τα υπονομεύσουν.
SL-Cloud: A Cloud-based resource to support synthetic lethal interaction discovery
Authors: Tercan Bahar , Qin Guangrong , Kim Taek-Kyun , Aguilar Boris , Phan John , Longabaugh William , Pot David , Kemp Christopher J. , Chambwe Nyasha , Shmulevich Ilya
Published: December 2022

Synthetic lethal interactions (SLIs), genetic interactions in which the simultaneous inactivation of two genes leads to a lethal phenotype, are promising targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer, as exemplified by the recent success of PARP inhibitors in treating BRCA1/2-deficient tumors. We present SL-Cloud, a new component of the Institute for Systems Biology Cancer Gateway in the Cloud (ISB-CGC), that provides an integrated framework of cloud-hosted data resources and curated workflows to enable facile prediction of SLIs. This resource addresses two main challenges related to SLI inference: the need to wrangle and preprocess large multi-omic datasets and the availability of multiple comparable prediction approaches. SL-Cloud enables customizable computational inference of SLIs and testing of prediction approaches across multiple datasets. We anticipate that cancer researchers will find utility in this tool for discovery of SLIs to support further investigation into potential drug targets for anticancer therapies.
Circadian clock control of tRNA synthetases in Neurospora crassa
Authors: Castillo Kathrina D. , Chapa Emily D. , Bell-Pedersen Deborah
Published: December 2022

Background: In Neurospora crassa, the circadian clock controls rhythmic mRNA translation initiation through regulation of the eIF2α kinase CPC-3 (the homolog of yeast and mammalian GCN2). Active CPC-3 phosphorylates and inactivates eIF2α, leading to higher phosphorylated eIF2α (P-eIF2α) levels and reduced translation initiation during the subjective day. This daytime activation of CPC-3 is driven by its binding to uncharged tRNA, and uncharged tRNA levels peak during the day under control of the circadian clock. The daily rhythm in uncharged tRNA levels could arise from rhythmic amino acid levels or aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (aaRSs) levels.

Methods: To determine if and how the clock potentially controls rhythms in aspartyl-tRNA synthetase (AspRS) and glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase (GlnRS), both observed to be rhythmic in circadian genomic datasets, transcriptional and translational fusions to luciferase were generated. These luciferase reporter fusions were examined in wild type (WT), clock mutant Δfrq, and clock-controlled transcription factor deletion strains.

Results: Translational and transcriptional fusions of AspRS and GlnRS to luciferase confirmed that their protein levels are clock-controlled with peak levels at night. Moreover, clock-controlled transcription factors NCU00275 and ADV-1 drive robust rhythmic protein expression of AspRS and GlnRS, respectively.

Conclusions: These data support a model whereby coordinate clock control of select aaRSs drives rhythms in uncharged tRNAs, leading to rhythmic CPC-3 activation, and rhythms in translation of specific mRNAs.
To evaluate and compare the effect of 17% EDTA, 10% citric acid, 7% maleic acid on the dentinal tubule penetration depth of bio ceramic root canal sealer using confocal laser scanning microscopy: an in vitro study
Authors: Shekhar Shivangi , Mallya P. Laxmish , Ballal Vasudev , Shenoy Ramya
Published: December 2022

Background: The main factors that affect the success of an endodontic infection are effective cleaning and shaping of the root canal system including complete disinfection by using chemical irrigating solutions and obturation with an endodontic sealer to provide a fluid-tight seal. Using rotary and hand instruments for shaping and cleaning the root canal along with irrigants produces a smear layer on the surface of root dentin affecting the penetration of the endodontic sealer into the dentinal tubules. This smear is difficult to remove with the use of only endodontic irrigants, hence, chelating agents were introduced in adjunct with irrigating solutions for irrigation protocol for effective removal of smear layer which effect the penetration of endodontic sealers into the dentinal tubules.

Methods: 32 mandibular premolar teeth were used. The biomechanical preparation was done till Protaper F3 size. Irrigation was done with 2.5 mL sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution after each instrumentation change for 1 min. Samples were then divided into 4 groups according to the irrigating solution used as the final rinse used with passive ultrasonic agitation. The groups were: Group I: 5 ml of saline, Group II: 5ml of 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, Group III: 5 ml of 10% citric acid, Group IV: 5 ml of 7% maleic acid each for one minute. All the canals were obturated with BioRoottmRCS with gutta-percha using the ultrasonic condensation technique. For staining the samples for Confocal LASER microscopy, BioRoottmRCS was mixed with Rhodamine B dye.

Results: The maximum penetration of bio-ceramic sealer was observed in the coronal region. At the apical third, the maximum sealer penetration was seen with 7% maleic acid.

Conclusions: Maximum sealer penetration was seen in the coronal section followed by the middle and apical section. Maximum sealer penetration was seen with 7 % maleic acid at the apical third.
Goji berry (Lycium barbarum) inhibits the proliferation, adhesion, and migration of oral cancer cells by inhibiting the ERK, AKT, and CyclinD cell signaling pathways: an in-vitro study
Authors: Sanghavi Amee , Srivatsa Ananth , Adiga Divya , Chopra Aditi , Lobo Richard , Kabekkodu Shama Prasada , Gadag Shivaprasada , Nayak Usha , Sivaraman Karthik , Shah Ashmeet
Published: December 2022

Background: Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum), popularly referred to as Goji berry, is a promising herb known for its powerful anti-antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine due to its powerful antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also shown good anti-cancer properties and has been tested against liver, colon, prostate, breast, and cervical cancers. However, no study has yet evaluated the role of goji berries against oral cancer. Hence, the present paper aims to evaluate the anticancer properties of L. barbarum against oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Method: Ethanolic extract of L. barbarum (EELB) was tested for its anticancer properties by performing the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, colony formation, cell proliferation, and scratch wound test. The impact of EELB on the signaling transduction pathways of Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), protein kinase (AKT1), cyclin D1 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was also assessed by western blot.

Results: The results showed that EELB can impede CAL-27 cell growth, proliferation and migration in-vitro.. It even reduced the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and AKT1 with concomitant downregulation of cyclin D1 (CCND1), cadherin 2 (CDH2), and vimentin (VIM) and upregulation of cadherin 1 (CDH1) expression suggesting its anti-proliferative and anti-EMT effects in oral cancer.

Conclusion: Goji berry has good antiproliferative and anti-invasive properties. It affects potential EMT markers and signaling transduction pathways involved in oral cancers. Hence goji berry can be tried as a potential anticancer agent to manage oral squamous cell carcinoma.
Functional tic-like presentations differ strikingly from Provisional Tic Disorder
Authors: Arbuckle Amanda L. , Bihun Emily C. , Schlaggar Bradley L. , Black Kevin J.
Published: December 2022

Background: Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in new “tic” cases in teens and young adults. These individuals often present with fulminant onset of symptoms not commonly seen in Tourette syndrome (TS) and are often diagnosed with Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FND-tic). However, some authors have questioned whether this illness truly differs from typical Provisional Tic Disorder (PTD) and TS. Previous studies have compared FND-tic, usually a few months after symptom onset, to patients with TS, usually years after symptom onset. We sought to test whether the presenting symptoms of FND-tic differ substantially from those in patients at a similar duration of symptoms who are later diagnosed with TS.

Methods: This comparative study examines clinical features summarized from published reports of FND-tic with novel data from a longitudinal study of PTD. This study came from a referral center for TS and tic disorders and included 89 children with tics whose first tic occurred a median of 3.6 months earlier, nearly all of whom were diagnosed with a chronic tic disorder at follow-up. Specifically, we examine clinical features identified in a recent literature review as supporting a diagnosis of FND-tic, including symptom characteristics, course, severity and comorbidity.

Results: Several clinical features dramatically distinguish the patients diagnosed with FND-tic from those diagnosed with typical PTD. For example, coprophenomena are reported at or shortly after symptom onset in over half of FND-tic patients, whereas even several months after onset, coprophenomena had occurred in only 1 of 89 children with PTD. Six clinical features each have a positive predictive value over 90% for FND-tic diagnosis if prior probability is 50%.

Conclusions: These new data provide strong evidence supporting the diagnostic validity of FND-tic as distinct from TS.
Application of the DanOBS questionnaire combined with a patient-centered consultation video for measuring teaching efficacy in a general practice course
Authors: Jorgensen Merete , Thorsen Hanne , Siersma Volkert , Bang Christine
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Diverse ways to measure course effectiveness in medical education exist, but it takes time to have the results. The authors have developed a tool consisting of a questionnaire (DanOBS) combined with a test video consultation. The students watched a consultation video and completed a questionnaire about patient-centered elements before and after the course. This study aimed to assess the utility of a new quick tool for measuring efficacy in teaching the patient-centered consultation model.

Method: Altogether 201 students from autumn 2019 were included in this study, assigned by the university to three general practice courses and six small study groups. After introducing the patient-centered consultation model on the first day of the course, the students watched a video consultation and completed the DanOBS online on their Mobile Phones. They watched the video and completed the questionnaire again on one of the last days of the course. The number of correct answers in each item was compared before and after the course. Furthermore, effect sizes for each item were calculated. 

Results: The number of students completing the questionnaire before and after the course was 161. The number of correct answers increased after the course. Items where the teaching was a success, as well as items where it needs intensifying, were identified. The DanOBS instrument reflected the effect of strengthening the learning in some elements of the patient-centered mode. 

Conclusion: A tool for measuring efficacy in teaching patient-centered consultation has been implemented and has given valuable information to teachers about where the students need intensified teaching. The tool can measure the effectiveness of various educational interventions.
The genome sequence of the Kent black arches, Meganola albula (Denis & Schiffermüller, 1775)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Sims Ian , Lees David ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Dove Alexander ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: December 2022

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Meganola albula (the Kent black arches; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Nolidae). The genome sequence is 405 megabases in span. Most of the assembly (99.95%) is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules with the Z sex chromosome assembled. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.4 kilobases in length.
Diversity of Endemic Ectomycorrhizae of Humid Forests of South Cameroon
Authors: Nérée Onguene Awana , Bechem Eneke Tambe , Ambroise Yene Mbarga , Marthiale Tsamo Judith , Victor Ngouo Léopold
Published: December 2022

The ecologically important below-ground ectomycorrhizal (ECM) biodiversity of tropical humid forests remain poorly known. Most ECM inventories have been based upon description and identification of fruitbodies with few work on ECM root tips of tropical tree species. Morpho-anatomical descriptions of root tips of 24 ECM Fabaceae/Detarioideae, Uapaca tree species, and Gnetum lianas were conducted in humid forest of South Cameroon. ECM forest clumps were the only resort sites for the more than 30 endemic ECM morphotypes, with apparently no host specificity. Distinguished by four colors – white, yellow, brown, and dark brown – and five textures – smooth, cottony, woolly, spiny and verrucose –, they differed from to the golden yellow coralloïdal Gnetum liana ECM with plectenchymatous mantle. Tree ECM were of monopodial-pinnate or -pyramidal types with external felt prosenchyma mantles shielded with abundant rhizomorphs, emanating hyphae and variously shaped cystida with clamp connections. These ECM fungal attributes may confer ECM associations with strong competitive abilities to strive at best on prevailing nutrient-poor acid soils and harsh conditions, thus better explaining tropical monodominance. Yet, much research is still needed to determine the role of below-ground ECM biodiversity on structure and functioning of tropical humid forests of the Congo basin.
O PENSAMENTO TEOLÓGICO PÓS-METAFÍSICO DE PAUL RICOEUR
Authors: Bonifácio Matheus
Published: December 2022

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo traçar o caminho feito por Ricoeur em sua crítica a ontoteologia ocidental, culminando naquilo que o filosofo francês chamou de processo metafórico e na elucidação de seu mecanismo no âmbito da hermenêutica bíblica ricoeuriana. Durante nosso percurso, ficará evidente que, para Ricoeur, o Deus bíblico é um Deus narrado. Assim, torna-se relevante pensar e, também, elaborar uma compreensão das manifestações de Deus narradas nos documentos fundadores da fé cristã que levem em consideração aspectos não puramente conceituais, mas fenomênicos.
CARIDADE, FILANTROPIA E ASSISTÊNCIA À INFÂNCIA COMO POLÍTICA DE PROTEÇÃO À CRIANÇA POBRE, ABANDONADA E ÓRFÃ
Authors: Freitas Léia
Published: December 2022

Trata-se de um estudo sobre os termos “caridade” e suas fases e o termo “filantropia” e seu desenvolvimento, intencionalmente no sentido de investigar as contribuições dessa discussão para a evolução das políticas de assistência e proteção à infância pobre, abandonada e órfã no Brasil. São conceitos científicos que permeiam o campo da História da Infância, produzindo representações no imaginário social dos sujeitos, demandando, portanto, leitura e interpretação discursiva sobre os efeitos dessas representações no cotidiano das políticas (RICOEUR, 1976). A metodologia utilizada foi a Pesquisa Documental, refletida à luz do referencial teórico e metodológico ricoeuriano, que entende que o uso de documentos nos ajuda a resgatar a história esquecida, consequentemente, devem ser apreciados, valorizados e interpretados a partir da matriz analítica do discurso como obra. O corpus foram as fontes escritas – Relatório Presidencial brasileiro / Mensagem ao Congresso Nacional (1970-1979) e problematiza as políticas de Assistência e Proteção à infância implantadas no Brasil na década de 1970 e sua materialização. Os resultados apontaram que as Políticas eram eugenistas e higienistas, com ações votadas para a assistência à maternidade, vacinação, erradicação de doenças e mortalidade infantil.
Technology as a Method of Teaching and Learning Foreign Languages
Authors: Softa Valbona Loshi
Published: December 2022

Technology is by far an inseparable tool to foreign language learning. Computer assistance language learning, (CALL) presented in the sixties was only the beginning of a new era in foreign language learning, to be ensued by information and communication technology (ICT) in the form of e-learning and the Internet in the recent decades. This paper aims at investigating how commonly is technology used in the foreign language classes in Albanian education system and what English language teachers (ELT) state about digitalisation effect in the learning environment and the students` performance according to personal experience. By using “ Eight Questions to Ask Yourself”, (Hockly N., 2011b) questionnaire adopted into test mode, comprising eight items to respond in a Likert scale, coded from 1-6, it resulted that the vast majority of ELT (91-95%) state that digitalization is time and effort effective and it facilitates the lesson presentation and is a crucial tool to enhance the foreign language environment. 42 % of ELT have a range of tools and repertoire of techniques to draw on and only 33 % design effective task types for the tool. They rely on internet application as a resource in foreign language classes. However they consider that technology is both stimulating and distracting to students, who are reportedly digital natives.
The right to appeal for custom sanctions in albania in the perspective of the 13th article of the european convention on human rights
Authors: Mëçalla Jurgen
Published: December 2022

The right to appeal is a fundamental human right and means the right of the individual to appeal, the existence of a body designated to review the appeal, the unconditional acceptance of the appeal for review, reasonable deadlines for its review, an objective review, judicial control, as a final control over the appeal, as well as the possibility of possible rehabilitation because of the eventual acceptance of the appeal. In this paper we will treat, analyse, and justify why Article 282, point 2 of the Customs Code restricts the right of appeal. This provision, as it will turn out, does not meet the minimum standard for an effective appeal in the domestic courts, set by Article 13 of the The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Fiscal liability that deviates from the principle of equality and proportionality in the exercise of customs and tax authority risks depriving taxpayers of the means necessary to guarantee services that protect fundamental rights. The restriction of the fundamental right to an effective appeal was made by the customs law, Article 282/2, which from the point of view of the law exceeds the limits of this restriction set by the Constitution and the ECHR, where according to Article 17 of the Constitution the restriction must be , in proportion to the situation that has dictated it, so in this sense it must be in accordance with the principle of proportionality.
Trichuris WAP and CAP proteins: Potential whipworm vaccine candidates?
Authors: Wainwright Eleanor , Shears Rebecca K.
Published: December 2022

Trichuris trichiura and T. suis are gastrointestinal dwelling roundworms that infect humans and pigs, respectively. Heavy infections cause gastrointestinal symptoms and impaired growth and development. Vaccination has the potential to reduce the disease burden of whipworm infection; however, there are currently no commercially available vaccines against these parasites and very few against other gastrointestinal-dwelling nematodes of medical and agricultural importance. The naturally occurring mouse whipworm, T. muris, has been used for decades to model human trichuriasis, and the immunogenic potential of the excretory/secretory material (E/S, which can be collected following ex vivo culture of worms) has been studied in the context of vaccine candidate identification. Despite this, researchers are yet to progress an effective vaccine candidate to clinical trials. The T. muris, T. trichiura, and T. suis genomes each encode between 10 and 27 whey acidic protein (WAP) domain-containing proteins and 15 to 34 cysteine-rich secretory protein/antigen 5/pathogenesis related-1 (CAP) family members. WAP and CAP proteins have been postulated to play key roles in host–parasite interactions and may possess immunomodulatory functions. In addition, both protein families have been explored in the context of helminth vaccines. Here, we use phylogenetic and functional analysis to investigate the evolutionary relationship between WAP and CAP proteins encoded by T. muris, T. trichiura, and T. suis. We highlight several WAP and CAP proteins that warrant further study to understand their biological function and as possible vaccine candidates against T. trichiura and/or T. suis, based on the close evolutionary relationship with WAP or CAP proteins identified within T. muris E/S products.
The effects of department of Veterans Affairs medical centers on socio-economic outcomes: Evidence from the Paycheck Protection Program
Authors: Makridis Christos A. , Kelly J. D. , Alterovitz Gil
Published: December 2022

Do medical facilities also help advance improvements in socio-economic outcomes? We focus on Veterans, a vulnerable group over the COVID-19 pandemic who have access to a comprehensive healthcare network, and the receipt of funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) between April and June as a source of variation. First, we find that Veterans received 3.5% more loans and 6.8% larger loans than their counterparts (p < 0.01), controlling for a wide array of zipcode characteristics. Second, we develop models to predict the number of PPP loans awarded to Veterans, finding that the inclusion of local VA medical center characteristics adds almost as much explanatory power as the industry and occupational composition in an area and even more than the education, race, and age distribution combined. Our results suggest that VA medical centers can play an important role in helping Veterans thrive even beyond addressing their direct medical needs.
Similarities and differences in constipation phenotypes between Lep knockout mice and high fat diet-induced obesity mice
Authors: Kim Ji Eun , Seol Ayun , Choi Yun Ju , Lee Su Jin , Jin You Jeong , Roh Yu Jeong , Song Hee Jin , Hong Jin Tae , Hwang Dae Youn
Published: December 2022

CRISPR-Cas9-mediated leptin (Lep) knockout (KO) mice exhibited prominent phenotypes for constipation, even though they were not compared with other model animals. This study compared the stool excretion, gastrointestinal motility, histological structure, mucin secretion, and enteric nerve function in Lep KO and high fat diet (HFD)-treated mice to determine if there were differences in their phenotypes for constipation. Most obesity phenotypes, including fat weight, adipocyte size, expression of lipolytic proteins (HSL, perilipin, and ATGL), and glucose concentrations, were detected similarly in the Lep KO and HFD-treated mice. They showed a similar decrease in the excretion parameters, including the stool number, weight, and water content, while the same pattern was detected in the gastrointestinal motility and intestinal length. A similar decrease in the mucosal layer thickness, muscle thickness, ability for mucin secretion, and expression of water channel (aquaporin 3 and 8) genes was detected in the mid-colon of the Lep KO and HFD-treated mice, but the alteration rate in some levels was greater in the HFD-treated group than the Lep KO mice. On the other hand, the levels of c-kit, nNOS, NSE, and PGP9.5 expression for the enteric neurons and intestitial cells of Cajal (ICC) were remarkably lower in the mid-colon of the HFD-treated mice than in the Lep KO mice, but the level of most proteins in both groups remained lower than those in the control group. A similar alteration pattern in the expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) and serotonin receptors was detected in the Lep KO and HFD-treated mice. These results suggest that most phenotypes for obesity-induced constipation were similarly detected in the Lep KO and HFD-treated mice, but there was a difference in the regulatory function of the enteric nervous system (ENS).
Impact of secondary mitral regurgitation on survival in atrial and ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Mori Makoto , Zogg Cheryl K. , Amabile Andrea , Fereydooni Soraya , Agarwal Ritu , Weininger Gabe , Krane Markus , Sugeng Lissa , Geirsson Arnar
Published: December 2022

Background

Natural history of atrial and ventricular secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) is poorly understood. We compared the impact of the degree of SMR on survival between atrial and ventricular dysfunction.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent echocardiography in a healthcare network between 2013–2018. We compared the survival of patients with atrial and ventricular dysfunction, using propensity scores developed from differences in patient demographics and comorbidities within SMR severity strata (none, mild, moderate or severe). We fitted Cox proportional hazards models to estimate the risk-adjusted hazards of death across different severities of SMR between patients with atrial and ventricular dysfunction.

Results

Of 11,987 patients included (median age 69 years [IQR 58–80]; 46% women), 6,254 (52%) had isolated atrial dysfunction, and 5,733 (48%) had ventricular dysfunction. 3,522 patients were matched from each arm using coarsened exact matching. Hazard of death in atrial dysfunction without SMR was comparable to ventricular dysfunction without SMR (HR 1.1, 95% CI 0.9–1.3). Using ventricular dysfunction without SMR as reference, hazards of death remained higher in ventricular dysfunction than in atrial dysfunction across increasing severities of SMR: mild SMR (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.8–2.4 in ventricular dysfunction versus HR 1.7, 95%CI 1.5–2.0 in atrial dysfunction) and moderate/severe SMR (HR 2.8, 95%CI 2.4–3.4 versus HR 2.4, 95%CI 2.0–2.9).

Conclusions

SMR across all severities were associated with better survival in atrial dysfunction than in ventricular dysfunction, though the magnitude of the diminishing survival were similar between atrial and ventricular dysfunction in increasing severity of SMRs.
Acute muscle swelling effects of a knee rehabilitation exercise performed with and without blood flow restriction
Authors: Cleary Christopher J. , Herda Trent J. , Quick Austin M. , Herda Ashley A.
Published: December 2022

This study assessed the acute effect of adding blood flow restriction (BFR) to quad sets on muscle-cross sectional area (mCSA), muscle thickness (MT), echo intensity (EI), and subcutaneous fat-normalized EI (EINORM) of the superficial quadriceps muscles. Twelve males and 12 females (mean±SD; age (yrs): 21.4±2.9; stature (m): 1.76±0.1; body mass (kg): 77.7±2.9) performed 70 repetitions (one set of 30, three sets of 15 repetitions) of bodyweight quad sets separately on each leg, with or without BFR (CON) applied. Rating of perceived exertion was recorded following each set. Panoramic ultrasound images of the vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), and rectus femoris (RF) were captured prior to (PRE), immediately after (IMM-POST), 30- (30-POST), and 60-minutes after (60-POST) after exercise. Sex x condition x time repeated measures ANOVAs assessed differences at p<0.05 for each muscle and dependent variable separately. Although males had larger VM and VL mCSA and VL MT (p<0.05), there were no acute changes from PRE to IMM-POST (p>0.05). There was a 3-way interaction in VL mCSA (p = 0.025) which indicated BFR was greater than CON at IMM-POST by 7.6% (p = 0.019) for males only. Females had greater EI in the VM and VL than males (p<0.05), yet males had greater EINORM for each muscle (p>0.05) and EINORM did not change over time or treatment (p>0.05). The lack of changes in MT, EI, and EINORM indicate that unloaded quad sets do not provide a stimulus to promote fluid shifts or acute changes in muscle size with the exception of IMM-POST in the VL for males. Future research should attempt to elucidate the acute muscular responses of BFR application for lightly loaded rehabilitation exercises in the clinical populations for which they are prescribed.
A prevalence study of COVID-19 among healthcare workers in a pandemic hospital in the Samsun province of Turkey
Authors: Taskin Mehmet Hakan , Yazici Zafer , Barry Gerald
Published: December 2022

Among populations globally, many healthcare workers have been disproportionally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic because of their above average exposure to people infected with SARS-CoV-2. Exposure to asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic individuals is particularly challenging, if those individuals continue to work, not knowing that they are potentially infectious. This study aimed to measure the level of asymptomatic infection in a cohort of workers in a healthcare setting in Turkey during the second major wave of infection in late 2020. Blood samples were collected and tested by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay for SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies. Nasal and throat swabs were performed in a subset of this cohort and RT-qPCR was used to search for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The results showed that approximately 23% of the cohort were positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgM antibodies and approximately 22% were positive for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies despite no reported history of COVID-19 symptoms. Just less than 30% of a subset of the group were positive for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA indicating the likelihood of a current or recent infection, again despite a lack of typical COVID-19 associated symptoms. This study indicates a high rate of asymptomatic infection and highlights the need for regular testing of groups such as healthcare workers when community prevalence of disease is high and there is a desire to limit entry of virus into settings where vulnerable people may be present, because symptoms cannot be relied on as indicators of infection or infectiousness.
Emergency department returns and early follow-up visits after heart failure hospitalization: Cohort study examining the role of race
Authors: Solnick Rachel E. , Vijayasiri Ganga , Li Yiting , Kocher Keith E. , Jenq Grace , Bozaan David
Published: December 2022

Health disparities in heart failure (HF) show that Black patients face greater ED utilization and worse clinical outcomes. Transitional care post-HF hospitalization, such as 7-day early follow-up visits, may prevent ED returns. We examine whether early follow-up is associated with lower ED returns visits within 30 days and whether Black race is associated with receiving early follow-up after HF hospitalization. This was a retrospective cohort analysis of all Black and White adult patients at 13 hospitals in Michigan hospitalized for HF from October 1, 2017, to September 30, 2020. Adjusted risk ratios (aRR) were estimated from multivariable logistic regressions. The analytic sample comprised 6,493 patients (mean age = 71 years (SD 15), 50% female, 37% Black, 9% Medicaid). Ten percent had an ED return within 30 days and almost half (43%) of patients had 7-day early follow-up. Patients with early follow-up had lower risk of ED returns (aRR 0.85 [95%CI, 0.71–0.98]). Regarding rates of early follow-up, there was no overall adjusted association with Black race, but the following variables were related to lower follow-up: Medicaid insurance (aRR 0.90 [95%CI, 0.80–1.00]), dialysis (aRR 0.86 [95%CI, 0.77–0.96]), depression (aRR 0.92 [95%CI, 0.86–0.98]), and discharged with opioids (aRR 0.94 [95%CI, 0.88–1.00]). When considering a hospital-level interaction, three of the 13 sites with the lowest percentage of Black patients had lower rates of early follow-up in Black patients (ranging from 15% to 55% reduced likelihood). Early follow-up visits were associated with a lower likelihood of ED returns for HF patients. Despite this potentially protective association, certain patient factors were associated with being less likely to receive scheduled follow-up visits. Hospitals with lower percentages of Black patients had lower rates of early follow-up for Black patients. Together, these may represent missed opportunities to intervene in high-risk groups to prevent ED returns in patients with HF.
Aptamer proteomics of serum exosomes from patients with Primary Raynaud’s and patients with Raynaud’s at risk of evolving into Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Piera-Velazquez Sonsoles , Dillon Simon T. , Gu Xuesong , Libermann Towia A. , Jimenez Sergio A.
Published: December 2022

Background

A major unmet need for Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) clinical management is the lack of biomarkers for the early diagnosis of patients with Raynaud’s Phenomenon at high risk of evolving into SSc.

Objective

To identify proteins contained within serum exosomes employing an aptamer proteomic analysis that may serve to reveal patients with Raynaud’s Phenomenon at risk of developing SSc.

Methods

Exosomes were isolated from serum samples from patients with Primary Raynaud’s Phenomenon and from patients with Raynaud’s Phenomenon harbouring serum antinuclear antibodies (ANA) who may be at high risk of evolving into SSc. The expression of 1,305 proteins was quantified using SOMAscan aptamer proteomics, and associations of the differentially elevated or reduced proteins with the clinical subsets of Raynaud’s Phenomenon were assessed.

Results

Twenty one differentially elevated and one differentially reduced (absolute fold change >|1.3|) proteins were identified. Principal component analysis using these 22 most differentially expressed proteins resulted in excellent separation of the two Raynaud’s Phenomenon clinical subsets. Remarkably, the most differentially elevated proteins are involved in enhanced inflammatory responses, immune cell activation and cell migration, and abnormal vascular functions.

Conclusion

Aptamer proteomic analysis of circulating exosomes identified differentially elevated or reduced proteins between Raynaud’s Phenomenon at high risk of evolving into SSc and Primary Raynaud’s Phenomenon patients. Some of these proteins are involved in relevant biological pathways that may play a role in SSc pathogenesis including enhanced inflammatory responses, immune cell activation, and endothelial cell and vascular abnormalities.
Epstein–Barr virus-induced gene 3 commits human mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into chondrocytes via endoplasmic reticulum stress sensor
Authors: Zhang Tong , Yamagata Kaoru , Iwata Shigeru , Sonomoto Koshiro , Trimova Gulzhan , Nguyen Anh Phuong , Hao He , Shan Yu , Nguyen Mai-Phuong , Nakayamada Shingo , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: December 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) can differentiate into chondrocytes. Epstein–Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) is differentially expressed during chondrogenic differentiation and can be produced by MSC. EBI3 is also a subunit of interleukin (IL)-27 and IL-35, and it accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) when its partners, such as IL-27 p28 and IL-35 p35, are insufficient. ER stress induced by protein accumulation is responsible for chondrogenic differentiation. However, the role of EBI3 and its relevance to the ER stress in chondrogenic differentiation of MSC have never been addressed. Here, we demonstrate that EBI3 protein is expressed in the early stage of chondrogenic differentiation of MSC. Additionally, knockdown, overexpression, or induction of EBI3 through IL-1β inhibits chondrogenesis. We show that EBI3 localizes and accumulates in the ER of MSC after overexpression or induction by IL-1β and TNF-α, whereas ER stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyric acid decreases its accumulation in MSC. Moreover, EBI3 modulates ER stress sensor inositol-requiring enzyme 1 α (IRE1α) after induced by IL-1β, and MSC-like cells coexpress EBI3 and IRE1α in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue. Altogether, these data demonstrate that intracellular EBI3 commits to chondrogenic differentiation by regulating ER stress sensor IRE1α.