bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RESEARCH OF THE COMPETITIVENESS OF REGIONS BY FACTOR ANALYSIS
Authors:   Cherkasy State Technological University, Finagina Olesia
Published: February 2023

The article is devoted to the study of the possibilities of practical application of factor analysis to identify relationships and patterns between elements of competitiveness. The competitiveness of the region has a complex structure, consists of different subsystems, so the study of factors and elements of influence on it is of particular relevance in modern conditions. These results will be interesting for the strategic planning of the development of the region, the creation of mechanisms of interaction of economic entities of the region, the introduction of practical decisions by the bodies of regional authorities and local self -government. The development of regionalism is leading to the use of new methods of analysis using computer software. Issues of the study of the competitiveness of regions are becoming increasingly relevant among the subjects of research of domestic regional scientists. The spread of modern analysis methods is associated with greater use of data analysis software. The formation of a new regional policy course at the state, regional and local levels is based on the study of the interdependent elements of the competitiveness of the region. The prerequisite for this is the management self -government in the choice of regional management levers, which is directly adjusted with strategic plans and tasks of increasing competitiveness. In the study of the competitiveness of the region, it is necessary to carry out a thorough analysis of all elements of the region, to identify factors of influence. It is necessary to note the peculiarities of the combination of the influence of various factors in the manifestation of various effects, for example – the effect of multiplication or synergy (when the total cumulative effect of the combined influence of two or more factors is greater than the influence of each individual factor). The prospects for the use of factor analysis are that its results make it possible to explore relationships with existing and potential partners and possible competitors, to choose strategic priorities that will be promising for the region in the future.
MODERN MECHANISMS OF STATE MANAGEMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN UKRAINE
Authors:   Donbass State Engineering Academy, Serhieieva Yana
Published: February 2023

The article substantiates the theoretical and methodological aspects of the implementation of public administration and the regulation of the policy of providing social services and the organization of social protection in Ukraine, the conceptual foundations of the formation of a national model of the economic development of the economic system in the context of the social component of state policy in modern conditions (the state of war and the state of socio-economic parameters models of maintaining the national economy, assessment of the application of socially oriented state policy, the institutional focus of the implementation of the modern economic system, the genesis of the corresponding model of the functioning of the economy) and methodological approaches to determining the needs and basic determinants of the formation and development of the system of providing social services in specific historical conditions; the current state of the national economic system has been analyzed (in terms of the maintenance and crisis state of the socio-economic subsystem, real risks of deepening social inequality), which allows choosing the most optimal measures to counteract the negative consequences generated by them; a mechanism of state management of the process of providing social services, supporting the function of social security institutions according to the appropriate classification is proposed (such a structure clearly identifies their role in regulating social reproduction based on a complementary combination, while reducing the risks of a possible drop in the standard of living of the population in crisis conditions). Local self-government bodies must take into account the results of public consultations when making final decisions. Also, the interaction of public authorities and non-governmental public organizations can take place in the form of cooperation and highlight the provisions on government action programs for the period of overcoming military and crisis situations in the country, taking into account regional problems of social security and the safety of life of the population, will allow to overcome social disintegration and social insecurity of certain categories of citizens and ensure proper and appropriate access to the provision of social services in the conditions of martial law and inclusiveness of the development of the national economic system of the country.
Bioﬁlm dynamics: linking in situ bioﬁlm biomass and metabolic activity measurements in real-time under continuous ﬂow conditions
Authors: Klopper Kyle B. , De Witt RIAAN NEETHLING , Bester Elanna , M. T. Dicks Leon , Wolfaardt Gideon
Published: February 2023

The tools used to study bioﬁlms generally involve either destructive, end-point analyses or periodic measurements. The advent of the internet of things (IoT) era allows circumvention of these limitations. Here we introduce and detail the development of the BioSpec; a modular, nondestructive, real-time monitoring system, which accurately and reliably track changes in bioﬁlm biomass over time. The performance of the system was validated using a commercial spectrophotometer and produced comparable results for variations in planktonic and sessile biomass. BioSpec was combined with the previously developed carbon dioxide evolution measurement system (CEMS) to allow simultaneous measurement of bioﬁlm biomass and metabolic activity and revealed a differential response of these interrelated parameters to changing environmental conditions. The application of this system can facilitate a greater understanding of bioﬁlm mass–function relationships and aid in the development of bioﬁlm control strategies. 
Draft Genome Sequence of Arthrobacter sp. Strain 260, Isolated from a Uranium Tailings Management Facility in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Grigoryan Alexander A. , Bondicia Viorica F. , Kryachkoa Yuriy , Khan Nurul H. , Lawrence John R. , Singha Sanjit , Wolfaardt Gideon , Withana Gamage Niradha , Shetty Deeksha , Korber Darren R.
Published: February 2023

The 3.9-Mbp draft genome sequence of Arthrobacter sp. strain 260, which was isolated from a uranium tailings management facility, is reported. The sequence may help determine the bioremediation potential of this strain and facilitate further research aimed at a better understanding of the hypertolerance of this genus to extreme conditions. 
Wastewater Treatment Works: A Last Line of Defense for Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Entry Into the Environment
Authors: Tucker Keira , Stone Wendy , Botes Marelize , Feil Edward J. , Wolfaardt Gideon
Published: February 2023

With their large, diverse microbial communities chronically exposed to sub-inhibitory antibiotic concentrations, wastewater treatment works (WWTW) have been deemed hotspots for the emergence and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance, with growing concern about the transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) into receiving surface waters. This study explored (1) the prevalence of ARG and ARB in local WWTW, (2) the effect of sub-inhibitory antimicrobial exposure on ARG copy numbers in pure cultures from WWTW, and (3) two WWTW with different treatment configurations. For each WWTW, qPCR determined the prevalence of mcr3, sul1, sul2, and bla(KPC) during the treatment process, and culture methods were used to enumerate and identify ARB. Bacterial colonies isolated from effluent samples were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing and their respective minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined. These were compared to the MICs of whole community samples from the influent, return activated sludge, and effluent of each WWTW. Resistance genes were quantified in 11 isolated cultures before and after exposure to sub-MIC concentrations of target antibiotics. The numbers of ARG and ARB in both WWTW effluents were notably reduced compared to the influent. Sul1 and sul2 gene copies increased in cultures enriched in sub-MIC concentrations of sulfamethoxazole, while bla(KPC) decreased after exposure to amoxicillin. It was concluded, within the parameters of this study, that WWTW assist in reducing ARG and ARB, but that sub-inhibitory exposure to antimicrobials has a varied effect on ARG copy number in pure cultures.

 
Canary in the coliform mine: Exploring the industrial application limits of a microbial respiration alarm system
Authors: Stone Wendy , Louw Tobi M. , Booysen Marthinus J. , Wolfaardt Gideon
Published: February 2023

Fundamental ecological principles of ecosystem-level respiration are extensively applied in greenhouse gas and elemental cycle studies. A laboratory system termed CEMS (Carbon Dioxide Evolution Measurement System), developed to explore microbial biofilm growth and metabolic responses, was evaluated as an early-warning system for microbial disturbances in industrial settings: in (a) potable water system contamination, and (b) bioreactor inhibition. Respiration was detected as CO2 production, rather than O2 consumption, including aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. Design, thresholds, and benefits of the remote CO2 monitoring technology were described. Headspace CO2 correlated with contamination levels, as well as chemical (R2 >0.83–0.96) and microbiological water quality indicators (R2 >0.78–0.88). Detection thresholds were limiting factors in monitoring drinking water to national and international standards (0 CFU/100 mL fecal coliforms) in both open- (>1500 CFU/mL) and closed-loop CO2 measuring regimes (>100 CFU/100 mL). However, closed-loop detection thresholds allow for the detection of significant contamination events, and monitoring less stringent systems such as irrigation water (<100 CFU/mL). Whole-system respiration was effectively harnessed as an early-warning system in bioreactor performance monitoring. Models were used to deconvolute biological CO2 fluctuations from chemical CO2 dynamics, to optimize this real-time, sustainable, low-waste technology, facilitating timeous responses to biological disturbances in bioreactors.
Adapting War Horse : Cognition, the Spectator, and a Sense of Play
Authors: Malone Toby , Jackman Christopher J.
Published: February 2023

This book analyses the success and adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s novel War Horse to stage, radio, live events, and feature film, in different cultures, on tours, and in translation. 

In under a decade, War Horse has gone from obscure children’s novel to arguably one of the world’s most recognisable theatrical brands, thanks to innovative puppet designs from South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company in an acclaimed stage production from the National Theatre of Great Britain.

With emphasis on embodied spectatorship, collaborative meaning-making, and imaginative ‘play,’ this book generates fresh insights into the enduring popularity of the franchise’s eponymous protagonist, Joey, offering the most in-depth study of War Horse to date. 
Behind the Red Curtain of Verona Beach: Baz Luhrmann’s William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet
Authors: Malone Toby
Published: February 2023

Extraordinary suspension of disbelief is a hallmark of Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film, William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet. Ruptures in logic like Romeo’s bedroom near-miss are accepted by filmgoers conditioned to conventions of fantastical escapism alongside extreme verisimilitude. Luhrmann successfully collides the familiar (of verisimilitude) with the unfamiliar (of escapism), and meshes 1996 fashion, music and physicality with Elizabethan language, laws and social restraints. Luhrmann’s combined aesthetic is established within a distinctive, created world, uniquely crafted and microscopically detailed, in which every piece of text and dialogue is an intertextual reference from almost the entire breadth of the Shakespearian canon.

The difficulty of naturalizing Elizabethan language, customs and themes on film has, over the past century, yielded adaptations set in specific time-frames or places to establish distance, aesthetics employed by filmmakers including Olivier and Branagh. The perils of neglecting distance are seen in Michael Almereyda’s 2000 Hamlet, set in modern-day Manhattan. Almereyda’s hindrance was too-strong familiarity and blurred division between the fictional and the actual, where modern New Yorkers speak verse in well-known settings. This choice permits the audience to linger on anachronisms or overt familiarity, which undermines the story and draws attention to artificiality. The world of the director’s vision is essential to the success of the adaptation. This article examines the comprehensive world of Luhrmann’s William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet and the extraordinary lengths taken – on a series of sliding levels – to ensure the film’s internal verisimilitude.
A digital parallel-text approach to performance historiography
Authors: Malone Toby
Published: February 2023

Comparative analysis of performance texts, however, can be challenging, especially in regard to physical comparison of otherwise unrelated print and manuscript witnesses. This chapter presents a parallel-text approach to the analysis of performance-based playhouse materials, manually transcribed, and digitally presented and preserved in a near-ubiquitous spreadsheet platform. It explores this technique through a prototype digital edition of multiple performance texts, which brings together two early print witnesses of Shakespeare's Richard III and ten selected promptbooks and performance editions. The chapter aims to rehabilitate performance texts as means of historiographical evidence. Digital visualization is particularly useful in the context of wide variation among performance texts. Promptbooks, playhouse texts, and performance editions, as "versions of the play", are almost always unique to the productions they serve, entirely "imbedded in a specific time", rather than pointing to a sequential provenance of source and influence or hypotheses of "ur-text".
Digital Shakespeare
Authors: Malone Toby , Greatley-Hirsch Brett
Published: February 2023

Digital publishing, from early ventures in fixed media (diskette and CD-ROM) through to editions designed for the Web, tablets, and phones, radically transforms the creation, remediation, and dissemination of Shakespearean texts. Likewise, digital technologies reshape the performance of William Shakespeare’s plays through the introduction of new modes of capture and delivery, as well as the adaptation of social media, virtual reality, video gaming, and motion capture in stage and screen productions. With the aid of the computer, Shakespearean texts, places, and spaces can be “modeled” in new and sophisticated ways, including algorithmic approaches to questions of Shakespearean authorship and chronology, the virtual 3D reconstruction of now-lost playhouses, and historical geospatial mapping of Shakespeare’s London.
Experimental Study of the Thermal Conductivity Coefficient of Lightweight Bricks Made on the Basis of Low-Melting Clay and Drilling Mud
Authors:   Samara State University of Economics, Abdrakhimov V. Z. , Abdrakhimova E.S. ,   Samara University (National Research University named after akad. S .P. Korolev)
Published: February 2023

The object of the study is drill cuttings, which are recommended to be used as burnable additives, instead of brown coal, for the production of heat-insulating materials. Studies have shown that the content of organic matter in oil sludge, carbon and calorific, which burn out or contribute to burnout (calorific value) when fired, porosity is created in the ceramic material and a porous material with low density is obtained. Studies have shown that the introduction of drilling sludge and brown coal into the compositions of ceramic masses in an amount of 10% contributesto the production of lightweight class B bricks. Moreover, the use of waste from oil production - drilling sludge practically replaces the use of brown coal, which will significantly reduce the cost of lightweight bricks. Accordingto thermotechnical indicators, the introduction of drill cuttings and brown coal into the compositions of ceramic masses in an amount of 10% contributes to the production of lightweight bricks belonging to the group - increased efficiency, and an increase in the content up to 20% to the group - high efficiency.
Risk Research by Mathematical Modeling to Increase the Life Cycle of Catalysts Used in Modern Refineries
Authors:   Academy of the State Border Service of Azerbaijan, Ashrafov R. A. , Nuriev A. M. ,   Azerbaijan State University of Petroleum Industry
Published: February 2023

This article discusses the results of a study of the effect of the size of a platinum-containing catalyst onthe characteristics of coke fragments and the method of mathematical modeling of coke burning in the process of oxidative regeneration both at catalytic reforming plants and at catalytic cracking plants, in order to reduce the risks of premature loss of the life cycle of expensive catalysts used at modern refineries.The revealed kinetic patterns obtained during the study of coke burning of a platinum-containing catalyst allowed us to propose a new reaction mechanism. Stoichiometric ratios describing individual reactions are compiled. Based on the proposed mechanism,kinetic equations for routes are adopted. Based on the obtained system of kinetic equations and assuming the absence of radial temperature gradients, concentration and rate of the process with heat removal, the heat balance equation is proposed. The parameters of the model are considered as factors of risk analysis of technological processes atthe refinery enterprises. The versatility of the developed mathematical model of the process makes it possible to apply it to solving problems of managing both reforming and cracking installations, in order to reduce risk factors
Numerical Modeling of the Effect of the Pore Pressure Gradient on the Propagation of Hydraulic Fracturing Cracks
Authors:   Tyumen Industrial University, Kabirov A. N. ,   Tyumen branch «SurgutNIPIneft», Sitdikov A. N. ,   Tyumen Industrial University,   Branch of LLC «Lukoil-Engineering» «KogalymNIPIneft», Shchekotov M. V. ,   Tyumen Industrial University,   JSC «Meretoyakhaneftegaz»
Published: February 2023

The paper analyzes the influence of the pore pressure gradient on the propagation of hydraulic fractures, stress distribution inside and around the wellbore by the method of theoretical analysis. A geometric model of hydraulic fracture opening under the action of a pore pressure gradient has been created. Using the software (“RN-GRID”), the propagation of hydraulic cracks in a rock sample under the action of pore pressure was calculated.The influence of piezometric wells on the opening and propagation of hydraulic fractures is analyzed.
Potential of Small Oil Fields in the South of Russia for Solution of Local Problems of Providing the Region with Oil Products
Authors:   Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, Ivanova L. V. , Ambartsumov S. К. ,   Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, Yanturaev V. А. ,   Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, Koshelev V. N. ,   Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas, Mkrtychan V. R. ,   Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas
Published: February 2023

Potential possibility of obtaining high-quality petroleum products to meet regional needs at minimal production costs is shown on the example of one of the small oil fields in the south of Russia. In this work a study of the physicochemical characteristics, group chemical and structural-group compositions of oil distillates obtained from oil from the small Priozernoye field was carried out. It is shown that the high density of the studied fractions is due to the high contentof naphthenic structures in the composition of these fractions, which increases even more after extractive purification using N-methylpyrrolidone. High content of this group of hydrocarbons improves the lubricating properties of petroleum products. The development of this field, along with the production of lubricants with good quality, would solve the environmental problems of this region associated with petroleum seeps leading to soil and water pollution.
Investigation of New Energy Absorbing Mechanisms Used to Fix Rock Bolt Plates
Authors: Komurlu Eren
Published: February 2023

In this study, different plate fixing designs were tested in order to improve rock bolting performances. Instead of commonly used steel nuts, different plate fixing designs were investigated by both laboratory and site studies. In addition, the usability of nuts and energy absorbers made of the polyamide type engineering polymer was investigated to assess whether they are advantageous for the aim of supplying high-energy absorbing features. In this experimental study, deformation-controlled load tests were carried out to evaluate the bearing and energy absorption capacities of totally eight different groups of specimens. According to the findings from this study, use of the polyamide material with steel nuts as an energy absorber material, rather than using instead of steel nuts supplies good results. As another outcome, it has been determined that use of proper washers between steel nuts and polyamide absorbers can significantly improve the energy absorption performances. It has been evaluated that the energy absorption capacity of the bolt plates can be economically increased up to 10 times by using suitable polyamide energy absorbers placed between the plate and steel nut parts. It was concluded that the polyamides can be used to remarkably improve the rock bolting performances especially in the rock masses where the high energy absorption capacity property is needed, like those with rock bursting, squeezing and swelling problems.
Cmentarzysko w wczesnej epoki żelaza w Świbiu na Górnym Śląsku. Tom 1 – Katalog
Authors: Michnik Monika
Published: February 2023

For years, the Hallstatt period necropolis at Świbie, north of Gliwice (S Poland), has been mentioned on a par with such Early Iron Age sites as Kietrz, Domasław, Wicina and Biskupin. This eminent sepulchral site was surveyed in its entirety between 1961 and 1992, thanks to the commitment of Gliwice archaeologists Anna Stankiewicz-Węgrzykowa and Halina Wojciechowska. On the 30th anniversary of the completion of the field research, the researchers’ home institution, the Museum in Gliwice, together with the Profil-Archeo Publishing House, published a two-volume monograph devoted to the site. The first volume is a catalogue of 548 graves and archaeological finds, with more than 350 plates with drawings of the grave plans and artefacts.
Hyperoxia attenuated nitrotyrosine concentration in the lung tissue of rats with experimental pneumonia
Authors: Fišárková B , Vytášek R , Miková D , Vízek M
Published: February 2023

Although nitrated proteins have been repeatedly used as markers of lung injury, little is known about their formation and metabolism under hyperoxia. We therefore measured 3-nitrotyrosine (3NTYR) concentrations in lung tissue and serum of rats with carrageenan-induced pneumonia exposed to hyperoxia. Twenty-nine Wistar male rats were assigned to one of 4 groups. Two experimental groups were treated by intratracheal application of carrageenan (0.5 ml of 0.7 % solution) and then one was exposed to hyperoxia for 7 days (FIO2 0.8), the other to air. Rats of two control groups breathed either hyperoxic gas mixture or air for 7 days. At the end of exposure the ventilation was determined in anesthetized, intubated animals in which 3NTYR concentrations were measured in the lung tissue and nitrites and nitrates (NOx) were estimated in the serum. Carrageenan instillation increased 3NTYR concentrations in lung tissue (carrageenan-normoxic group 147±7 pmol/g protein, control 90±10 pmol/g protein) and NOx concentration in the serum (carrageenan-normoxic group 126±13 ppb, control 78±9 ppb). Hyperoxia had no effect on lung tissue 3NTYR concentration in controls (control-hyperoxic 100±14 pmol/g protein) but blocked the increase of lung tissue 3NTYR in carrageenan-treated rats (carrageenan-hyperoxic 82±13 pmol/g protein), increased NOx in serum (control-hyperoxic 127±19 ppb) and decreased serum concentration of 3NTYR in both hyperoxic groups (carrageenan-hyperoxic 51±5 pmol/g protein, control-hyperoxic 67±7 pmol/g protein, carrageenan-normoxic 82±9 pmol/g protein, control 91±7 pmol/g protein). The results suggest that hyperoxia affects nitration of tyrosine residues, probably by increasing 3NTYR degradation.
Effect of hyperbaric oxygen on experimental acute distal colitis
Authors: Gulec B , Yasar M , Yildiz S , Oter S , Akay C , Deveci S , Sen D
Published: February 2023

It has been demonstrated that hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) is useful as an adjunctive therapy for Crohn's disease. However, its effects on ulcerative colitis have not been investigated. In the present study, HBO was tested for acetic acid-induced colitis, and antioxidant systems were evaluated to clarify its possible mode of action. Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham control (Group I), colitis induced by acetic acid without any therapy (Group II), colitis induced by acetic acid and treated with HBO (Group III). HBO was given for 5 days, 2 sessions per day at 2.5-fold absolute atmosphere pressure (ATA) for a period of 90 min in rats in which colitis had been induced (Group III). Rats were sacrificed on the 5th day after the procedure. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH Px) activity were measured in the intestinal tissue and erythrocyte lysate. MDA and GSH Px were also determined in the plasma. Whereas MDA levels in erythrocyte, plasma and intestinal tissue were decreased, the levels of GSH Px and SOD were significantly increased in Group III as compared to those of Group II. The results of our study suggest that hyperbaric oxygen therapy has beneficial effects on the course of experimental distal colitis and that antioxidant systems may be involved in its mode of action.
The effect of intestinal ischemia duration on changes in plasma antioxidant defense status in the rats
Authors: Čížová H , Lojek A , Kubala L , Číž M
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to follow up the changes in antioxidative adaptive mechanisms induced by various periods of small intestinal ischemia in Wistar rats. The superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 15, 30, 45, 60 and 90 min. After the respective ischemic intervals, a reperfusion was set for 120 min. Samples of the serum and intestinal mucosa were taken at the end of ischemia or at the end of reperfusion. Total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP) of the serum and the oxidative burst of neutrophils were evaluated using luminol-enhanced chemiluminescence. Individual antioxidants in the serum and the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) in both serum and intestinal mucosa were measured spectrophotometrically. Increased activation of circulating neutrophils was found after the reperfusion irrespective of the duration of ischemia. TRAP of the serum was increased at the end of the ischemia lasting from 30 to 90 min. This effect was further enhanced by the subsequent reperfusion period. Ascorbate and urate contributed considerably to the TRAP value especially after reperfusion following 60 and 90 min of ischemia. On the other hand, no significant changes in albumin and bilirubin serum concentrations were observed. Contrary to the mobilized antioxidative mechanisms, increased lipid peroxidation was observed in both serum and mucosa samples.
T lymphocyte therapy of cancer
Authors: Michálek J , Büchler T , Hájek R
Published: February 2023

The rationale for the use of T lymphocytes to fight cancer is the immunogenicity of tumor cells. T cells are capable to recognize and finally to kill tumor cells. Adoptive cell transfer therapies provide the opportunity to overcome tolerogenic mechanisms by enabling the selection and activation of highly reactive T cell subpopulations and by manipulation of the host environment into which the T cells are introduced. The aim of this article is to review the possibilities, limitations and recent clinical experience with this novel anticancer treatment, namely with adoptive immunotherapy using antigen-specific T cells.
Gender differences in plasma levels of lipoprotein (a) in patients with angiographically proven coronary artery disease
Authors: Frohlich J , Dobiášová M , Adler L , Francis M
Published: February 2023

The objective of the study was to assess the association between plasma levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and the presence of angiographically defined coronary artery disease (aCAD). Patients (346 men and 184 women) undergoing selective coronary angiography (SCA) were classified into groups with positive [aCAD(+)] and negative [aCAD(–)] findings and their age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, smoking, plasma total, LDL-, HDL-cholesterol (TC, LDL-C, HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein B (apoB), Log(TG/HDL-C) and TC/HDL-C were determined. Concentration of plasma Lp(a) was estimated using the commercial solid phase two-side immunoradiometric assay of apolipoprotein apo(a). The plasma Lp(a) was significantly higher in both women and men with aCAD(+) compared to those with aCAD(–). While there was no significant difference in the Lp(a) level between men and women with aCAD(–) (median 138 vs. 145 units/l), the women with aCAD(+) had almost twice as high Lp(a) levels as men (median 442 vs. 274 units/l, p<0.001). Women with aCAD(+) had also significantly lower HDL cholesterol levels (1.09 vs. 1.20 mmol/l, p<0.05), higher triglycerides (1.82 vs. 1.46 mmol/l, p<0.05) and Log(TG/HDL-C) than women with aCAD(–). The differences in Lp(a) between positive and negative findings remained highly significant (p<0.001 in women, p<0.05 in men) after the adjustment for age, plasma HDL- and LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides in logistic regression analyses. In logistic regression model the Lp(a) and Log(TG/HDL-C) and smoking in women but smoking and age in men were the most powerful predictors of positive aCAD findings. Our findings suggest that Lp(a) is more strongly associated with aCAD+ in women than in men.
Characterization of neuromuscular transmission in mice with progressive motoneuronopathy
Authors: Kretschmannová K , Zemková H
Published: February 2023

Progressive motoneuronopathy (PMN) is an autosomal recessive mouse disease, which is characterized by the development of hind limbs paralysis rapidly progressing to the anterior parts of the body, muscular atrophy, respiratory depression, and death at 6-7 postnatal weeks. Here, we recorded the resting membrane potential (RMP), spontaneous miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs), and quantum content of endplate potentials (EPP) at the diaphragm muscle fibers in controls and PMN mice aged 18 to 43 days. In control animals, there was a progressive increase in RMP, MEPP frequency and EPP quantum content, as well as a decrease in mean MEPP amplitude. In PMN mice, the developmental increase in frequency and decrease in the amplitude of MEPPs was practically stopped at the postnatal day 18, whereas RMP increased but only until the age of 31 days and then progressively decreased. The distribution histogram of RMP in PMN mice older than 35 days revealed the existence of two subpopulations of muscle fibers: one showing a denervation-like decrease in RMP and the second, which was matching controls. In addition, EPP quantum content was significantly attenuated in older PMN animals. These results indicate that neurotransmission is severely affected in advanced, but not in early stage of disease, which is apparently due to a partial denervation of the muscles.
Assessment of exhaled gases in ventilated preterm infants
Authors: Hitka P , Černý M , Vízek M , Wilhelm J , Zoban P
Published: February 2023

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production in exhaled air was measured in ventilated preterm newborns at 5, 24 and 48 hours after delivery, using originally designed method of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) collection. H2O2 production in expired gas was 812±34 pmol/20 min during the first measurement and then declined to 389±21 at 24 hours and 259±26 pmol/20 min at 48 hours.
Dual red and near-infrared light-emitting diode irradiation ameliorates LPS-induced otitis media in a rat model
Authors: Ko Yoo-Seung , Gi Eun-Ji , Lee Sungsu , Cho Hyong-Ho
Published: February 2023

Objective: Otitis media (OM) is an infectious and inflammatory disease of the middle ear (ME) that often recurs and requires long-term antibiotic treatment. Light emitting diode (LED)-based devices have shown therapeutic efficacy in reducing inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of red and near-infrared (NIR) LED irradiation on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced OM in rats, human middle ear epithelial cells (HMEECs), and murine macrophage cells (RAW 264.7).

Methods: An animal model was established by LPS injection (2.0 mg/mL) into the ME of rats via the tympanic membrane. A red/NIR LED system was used to irradiate the rats (655/842 nm, intensity: 102 mW/m2, time: 30 min/day for 3 days and cells (653/842 nm, intensity: 49.4 mW/m2, time: 3 h) after LPS exposure. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to examine pathomorphological changes in the tympanic cavity of the ME of the rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunoblotting, and RT-qPCR analyses were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling was examined to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the reduction of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines following LED irradiation.

Results: The ME mucosal thickness and inflammatory cell deposits were increased by LPS injection, which were reduced by LED irradiation. The protein expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly reduced in the LED-irradiated OM group. LED irradiation strongly inhibited the production of LPS-stimulated IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in HMEECs and RAW 264.7 cells without cytotoxicity in vitro. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of ERK, p38, and JNK was inhibited by LED irradiation.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that red/NIR LED irradiation effectively suppressed inflammation caused by OM. Moreover, red/NIR LED irradiation reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine production in HMEECs and RAW 264.7 cells through the blockade of MAPK signaling.
Smart stimuli-responsive injectable gels and hydrogels for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications: A review
Authors: Salehi Saba , Naghib Seyed Morteza , Garshasbi Hamid Reza , Ghorbanzadeh Sadegh , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2023

Hydrogels are widely used biomaterials in the delivery of therapeutic agents, including drugs, genes, proteins, etc., as well as tissue engineering, due to obvious properties such as biocompatibility and their similarity to natural body tissues. Some of these substances have the feature of injectability, which means that the substance is injected into the desired place in the solution state and then turns into the gel, which makes it possible to administer them from a way with a minimal amount of invasion and eliminate the need for surgery to implant pre-formed materials. Gelation can be caused by a stimulus and/or spontaneously. Suppose this induces due to the effect of one or many stimuli. In that case, the material in question is called stimuli-responsive because it responds to the surrounding conditions. In this context, we introduce the different stimuli that cause gelation and investigate the different mechanisms of the transformation of the solution into the gel in them. Also, we study special structures, such as nano gels or nanocomposite gels.
Ectopic expression of SARS-CoV-2 S and ORF-9B proteins alters metabolic profiles and impairs contractile function in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhang Peng , Liu Yu , Li Chunfeng , Stine Lindsay D. , Wang Pei-Hui , Turnbull Matthew W. , Wu Haodi , Liu Qing
Published: February 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with adverse impacts in the cardiovascular system, but the mechanisms driving this response remain unclear. In this study, we conducted “pseudoviral infection” of SARS-CoV-2 subunits to evaluate their toxic effects in cardiomyocytes (CMs), that were derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). We found that the ectopic expression of S and ORF-9B subunits significantly impaired the contractile function and altered the metabolic profiles in human cardiomyocytes. Further mechanistic study has shown that the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), membrane potential, and ATP production were significantly decreased two days after the overexpression of S and ORF-9B subunits, while S subunits induced higher level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Two weeks after overexpression, glycolysis was elevated in the ORF-9B group. Based on the transcriptomic analysis, both S and ORF-9B subunits dysregulated signaling pathways associated with metabolism and cardiomyopathy, including upregulated genes involved in HIF-signaling and downregulated genes involved in cholesterol biosynthetic processes. The ORF-9B subunit also enhanced glycolysis in the CMs. Our results collectively provide an insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV-2 subunits-induced metabolic alterations and cardiac dysfunctions in the hearts of COVID-19 patients.
The gut microbiota in experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Xiao Jie , Wei Zhanjie , Yang Chuanlei , Dai Shilin , Wang Xiancan , Shang Yuqiang
Published: February 2023

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening disease and there are no effective treatments to inhibit aneurysm progression and rupture. The gut microbiota has been increasingly recognized, as a new therapeutic target, because of its role in host homeostasis. However, the role of the gut microbiota in AAA has not been clarified. Therefore, we performed 16S rRNA analysis to determine and compare the composition of the gut microbiota between AAA and control groups.

Methods

We used the classical angiotensin-II induced AAA mouse model to investigate the role of gut microbiota and abdominal aortic aneurysm. The mice were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the control (n = 7) group received saline (vehicle), while the AAA (n = 13) group received solutions of Ang II. Aortic tissue and fecal samples were harvested 28 days after infusion. Fecal samples were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing.

Results

The levels of Oscillospira, Coprococcus, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Alistipes massiliensis, and Ruminococcus gnavus were increased in the AAA group, while those of Akkermansia muciniphila, Allobaculum, and Barnesiella intestinihominis were increased in the control group. Furthermore, network analysis and ZiPi score assessment highlighted species in the phylum Bacteroidetes as the keystone species. PICRUSt2 analysis revealed that PWY-6629 (a super pathway of L-tryptophan biosynthesis), PWY-7446 (sulfoglycolysis), and PWY-6165 [chorismate biosynthesis II (archaea)] may-be involved in the metabolic pathways that contribute to AAA formation, and E. coli/Shigella may be the key bacteria that influence those three pathways.

Conclusion

Alterations in the gut microbiota may be associated with the formation of AAA. Akkermansia and Lactobacillus were significantly decreased in the AAA group, but the keystone species in the phylum Bacteroidetes and the metabolic products of these bacteria should be given more attention in AAA formation research.
The development of a novel natural language processing tool to identify pediatric chest radiograph reports with pneumonia
Authors: Rixe Nancy , Frisch Adam , Wang Zhendong , Martin Judith M. , Suresh Srinivasan , Florin Todd A. , Ramgopal Sriram
Published: February 2023

Objective

Chest radiographs are frequently used to diagnose community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) for children in the acute care setting. Natural language processing (NLP)-based tools may be incorporated into the electronic health record and combined with other clinical data to develop meaningful clinical decision support tools for this common pediatric infection. We sought to develop and internally validate NLP algorithms to identify pediatric chest radiograph (CXR) reports with pneumonia.

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective study of encounters for patients from six pediatric hospitals over a 3-year period. We utilized six NLP techniques: word embedding, support vector machines, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), light gradient boosting machines Naïve Bayes and logistic regression. We evaluated their performance of each model from a validation sample of 1,350 chest radiographs developed as a stratified random sample of 35% admitted and 65% discharged patients when both using expert consensus and diagnosis codes.

Results

Of 172,662 encounters in the derivation sample, 15.6% had a discharge diagnosis of pneumonia in a primary or secondary position. The median patient age in the derivation sample was 3.7 years (interquartile range, 1.4–9.5 years). In the validation sample, 185/1350 (13.8%) and 205/1350 (15.3%) were classified as pneumonia by content experts and by diagnosis codes, respectively. Compared to content experts, Naïve Bayes had the highest sensitivity (93.5%) and XGBoost had the highest F1 score (72.4). Compared to a diagnosis code of pneumonia, the highest sensitivity was again with the Naïve Bayes (80.1%), and the highest F1 score was with the support vector machine (53.0%).

Conclusion

NLP algorithms can accurately identify pediatric pneumonia from radiography reports. Following external validation and implementation into the electronic health record, these algorithms can facilitate clinical decision support and inform large database research.
Vitamin B12 levels in thyroid disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Benites-Zapata Vicente A. , Ignacio-Cconchoy Felipe L. , Ulloque-Badaracco Juan R. , Hernandez-Bustamante Enrique A. , Alarcón-Braga Esteban A. , Al-kassab-Córdova Ali , Herrera-Añazco Percy
Published: February 2023

Background and aims

Numerous studies have found an association between vitamin deficiency and thyroid disorders (TD). The presence of anti-parietal cell antibodies is indicative of reduced ability to absorb vitamin B12. Thus, this study reviewed the existing studies with the objective of assessing differences in the serum levels of vitamin B12 among patients with and without TD, the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with TD, and the presence of anti-parietal cell antibodies in patients with TD.

Methods

A meta-analysis of random-effects model was conducted to calculate pooled frequencies, mean differences (MD), and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). We identified 64 studies that met our inclusion criteria (n = 28597).

Results

We found that patients with hypothyroidism had lower vitamin B12 levels than healthy participants (MD: −60.67 pg/mL; 95% CI: −107.31 to −14.03 pg/mL; p = 0.01). No significant differences in vitamin B12 levels were observed between healthy participants and patients with hyperthyroidism (p = 0.78), autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) (p = 0.22), or subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) (p = 0.79). The frequencies of vitamin B12 deficiency among patients with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, SH, and AITD were 27%, 6%, 27%, and 18%, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with hypothyroidism had lower levels of vitamin B12 than healthy participants. No significant differences were observed between vitamin B12 levels and hyperthyroidism, AITD, or SH.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=324422, identifier (CRD42022324422).
Individual and combined associations of body mass index and waist circumference with components of metabolic syndrome among multiethnic middle-aged and older adults: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yang Mei , Zhang Yan , Zhao Wanyu , Ge Meiling , Sun Xuelian , Zhang Gongchang , Dong Birong
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are closely associated with metabolic syndrome and its components. Hence, a combination of these two obesity markers may be more predictive. In this study, we aimed to investigate the individual and combined associations of BMI and WC with selected components of metabolic syndrome and explored whether age, sex and ethnicity affected the aforementioned associations.

Methods

A total of 6,298 middle-aged and older adults were included. Based on BMI and WC, the participants were divided into 4 groups: comorbid obesity (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 and WC< 85/90 cm for women/men), abdominal obesity alone (BMI< 28 kg/m2 and WC≥ 85/90 cm for women/men), general obesity alone (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 and WC< 85/90 cm for women/men) and nonobesity subgroups (BMI< 28 kg/m2 and WC< 85/90 cm for women/men). Selected components of metabolic syndrome were evaluated using the criteria recommended by the Chinese Diabetes Society. Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to evaluate the associations of obesity groups with selected components of metabolic syndrome. An interaction test was conducted to explore whether age, sex and ethnicity affect the aforementioned associations.

Results

Compared with participants in the reference group (comorbid obesity), participants in the other 3 groups showed a decreased prevalence of fasting hyperglycemia (PR=0.83, 95% CI=0.73–0.94 for abdominal obesity alone, PR=0.60, 95% CI=0.38–0.96 for general obesity alone and PR=0.46, 95% CI=0.40–0.53 for nonobesity), hypertension (PR=0.86, 95% CI=0.82–0.90 for abdominal obesity alone, PR=0.80, 95% CI=0.65–0.97 for general obesity alone and PR=0.69, 95% CI = 0.66–0.73 for nonobesity) and hypertriglyceridemia (PR=0.88, 95% CI=0.82–0.95 for abdominal obesity alone, PR=0.62, 95% CI=0.47–0.81 for general obesity alone and PR=0.53, 95% CI=0.49–0.57 for nonobesity). However, participants in the abdominal obesity alone and nonobesity groups showed a decreased prevalence of low HDL-C levels while participants in the general obesity alone group did not (PR=0.65, 95% CI=0.41–1.03, p>0.05). In addition, the aforementioned associations were not affected by age, sex or ethnicity (all p for interactions>0.05).

Conclusions

Comorbid obesity is superior to general and abdominal obesity in identifying individuals at high risk of developing metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and older adults. Great importance should be attached to the combined effect of BMI and WC on the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome.