bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building safer and more resilient cities in China: A novel approach using a dynamic nonhomogeneous Gray model for data-driven decision-making
Authors: Liu Jian , He Ye , Feng Rui , Lyu Bin
Published: December 2024

Urban resilience is crucial for sustainable development and resident safety in a changing environment with potential risks. Given China’s rapid urbanization, constructing resilient cities that anticipate risks, mitigate disaster impacts, and swiftly recover from crises is paramount. This study explores a key area of urban construction: building safety. We apply the dynamic nonhomogeneous grey model (DNMGM(1,1)) to simulate the building death toll and use a traffic accident death toll dataset for validation. Unlike traditional models, DNMGM(1,1) can integrate and respond to new data points in real-time, thus producing accurate predictions when facing new trends or fluctuations in the data. The research findings indicate that with a dataset size of 6, the DNMGM(1,1) model achieves average relative errors of 9.26% and 7.29% when predicting fatalities in both construction and traffic accidents. This performance demonstrates superior prediction accuracy compared to traditional grey models. This method uses prediction models to support the construction of elastic cities, providing strong data support and decision-making tools for planning and resource allocation. Specific interventions and policy frameworks based on this study by urban planners and policymakers can promote resilient urban development. Future efforts should strive to enhance its robustness and adaptability in different fields.
Can ephapticity contribute to brain complexity?
Authors: Moreno Cunha Gabriel , Corso Gilberto , Brasil de Sousa Matheus Phellipe , dos Santos Lima Gustavo Zampier
Published: December 2024

The inquiry into the origin of brain complexity remains a pivotal question in neuroscience. While synaptic stimuli are acknowledged as significant, their efficacy often falls short in elucidating the extensive interconnections of the brain and nuanced levels of cognitive integration. Recent advances in neuroscience have brought the mechanisms underlying the generation of highly intricate dynamics, emergent patterns, and sophisticated oscillatory signals into question. Within this context, our study, in alignment with current research, postulates the hypothesis that ephaptic communication, in addition to synaptic mediation’s, may emerge as a prime candidate for unraveling optimal brain complexity. Ephaptic communication, hitherto little studied, refers to direct interactions of the electric field between adjacent neurons, without the mediation of traditional synapses (electrical or chemical). We propose that these electric field couplings may provide an additional layer of connectivity that facilitates the formation of complex patterns and emergent dynamics in the brain. In this investigation, we conducted a comparative analysis between two types of networks utilizing the Quadratic Integrate-and-Fire Ephaptic model (QIF-E): (I) a small-world synaptic network (ephaptic-off) and (II) a mixed composite network comprising a small-world synaptic network with the addition of an ephaptic network (ephaptic-on). Utilizing the Multiscale Entropy methodology, we conducted an in-depth analysis of the responses generated by both network configurations, with complexity assessed by integrating across all temporal scales. Our findings demonstrate that ephaptic coupling enhances complexity under specific topological conditions, considering variables such as time, spatial scales, and synaptic intensity. These results offer fresh insights into the dynamics of communication within the nervous system and underscore the fundamental role of ephapticity in regulating complex brain functions.
Exploring the medicine cost of managing Diabetes Mellitus in Nepal: A cross-sectional analysis of oral hypoglycaemic medications
Authors: Shrestha Rajeev , Aryal Amrita , Khatiwada Asmita Priyadarshani , Dhungana Shreya , Shrestha Sunil
Published: December 2024

Diabetes Mellitus is a significant global public health burden. Although medication adherence is an inevitable consideration in managing and curing the disease, medication price is the major barrier to patients in Nepal, like any other low- and middle-income countries. Prescribing in brand-name inhibits the possibility of accessing cost-effective generic alternatives in Nepal. This study aimed to explore and examine price variations among the oral hypoglycaemic medicines (OHMs) available in the country and their distribution in various medicine-related characteristics. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenient sample of five tertiary care hospital pharmacies in Kathmandu, publicly accessible online pharmacy websites, and a government database to list the OHMs available in Nepal. The study determined price variations and statistically tested the association between these variations and the characteristics of the medicines. Fourteen OHMs were available as 57 generic medicine items with different formulations in Nepal. The maximum of 484.82% of price variation was found. Fourteen, fifteen and eighteen OHMs have variations of over 100%, more than 10 rupees and no price change, respectively. Except for Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV (DPP-4) Inhibitors and Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), all other categories of OHMs have >100% of price variation in medicine items. Although Nepal itself produces most of the available OHMs, the available OHMs have price variations. Most fixed dose combinations showed no reduction in cost compared to their component medicine’s mean price. This study presented and discussed the price variation scenario of OHMs with their medicine-related characteristics to develop and implement effective drug policies and programs that can address medication price-related issues to ensure access to OHMs without placing an economic burden on patients.
Enhancing green supplier selection: A nonlinear programming method with TOPSIS in cubic Pythagorean fuzzy contexts
Authors: Khan Musa , Chao Wu , Rahim Muhammad , Amin Fazli
Published: December 2024

The advancements in information and communication technologies have given rise to innovative developments such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence. These technologies have been integrated into production systems, transforming them into intelligent systems and significantly impacting the supplier selection process. In recent years, the integration of these cutting-edge technologies with traditional and environmentally conscious criteria has gained considerable attention in supplier selection. This paper introduces a novel Nonlinear Programming (NLP) approach that utilizes the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method to identify the most suitable green supplier within cubic Pythagorean fuzzy (CPF) environments. Unlike existing methods that use either interval-valued PFS (IVPFS) or Pythagorean fuzzy sets (PFS) to represent information, our approach employs cubic Pythagorean fuzzy sets (CPFS), effectively addressing both IVPFS and PFS simultaneously. The proposed NLP models leverage interval weights, relative closeness coefficients (RCC), and weighted distance measurements to tackle complex decision-making problems. To illustrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed selection methodology, we present a real-world case study related to green supplier selection.
Genetic variants associated with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury
Authors: Douville Nicholas J. , Bastarache Lisa , Bertucci-Richter Emily , Patil Snehal , Jewell Elizabeth S. , Freundlich Robert E. , Kertai Miklos D. , Engoren Milo C.
Published: December 2024

Background

Kidney dysfunction is a common complication in septic patients. Studies have identified numerous risk factors for sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (S-AKI), yet there is wide variability in the incidence even among patients with similar risk factors, suggesting the presence of additional uncharacterized risk factors, including genetic differences. The expansion of biobanks, advances in genotyping, and standardized diagnostic criteria have enabled large-scale, hypothesis-generating studies into the genetic mechanisms underlying S-AKI. We hypothesize that the genetic pathway behind S-AKI has overlapping mechanisms with key differences based upon the specific subtype of acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods

To test this hypothesis, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of S-AKI in three logistic regression models. Model 1, controlled for 1) age, 2) sex, 3) genotyping chip, and 4) the first five principal components. In Model 2, pre-sepsis baseline serum creatinine was added to the variables in Model 1. Finally, in Model 3, we controlled for the full range of patient, clinical, and ICU-related risk factors. Each of the 3-models were repeated in a pre-specified sensitivity analysis of higher severity S-AKI, defined as KDIGO Stage 2 or 3. We then compare associated variants and genes from our GWAS with previously published AKI sub-types and model other factors associated with S-AKI in our dataset.

Findings

3,348 qualifying Sepsis-3 patients have been genotyped in our dataset. Of these patients, 383 (11.4%) developed Stage 1, 2, or 3 AKI (primary outcome) and 181 (5.4%) developed Stage 2 or 3 AKI (sensitivity analysis). The median age was 61 years (interquartile range (IQR): 51,69), 42% were female, and the increase in SOFA score (between 48-hours before to 24-hours after the onset of suspected infection) was 2 (2–3). No variants exceeded our threshold for genome-wide significance (P<5x10-8), however, a total of 13 variants exceeded the suggestive (P<1x10-6) threshold. Notably, rs184516290 (chr1:199814965:G:A), near the NR5A2 gene, chr1:199805801:T:TA, also near the NR5A2 gene, and rs117313146 (chr15:31999784:G:C), near the CHRNA7 gene, were associated with S-AKI at the suggestive level in all three models presented. Variants in the suppressor of fused homolog (SUFU) gene, previously shown to be correlated with renal function in bacteremic patients, consistently exceeded the P<0.05 threshold in our models.

Conclusions

While failing to identify any novel association for S-AKI at the level of genome-wide significance, our study did suggest multiple variants in previously characterized pathways for S-AKI including CHRNA7, NR5A2, and SUFU. We failed to replicate associations from multiple prior studies which may result from differences in how the phenotype was defined or, alternatively, limited genetic contribution and low heritability.
Exogenous ketone therapy does not protect brain tissue after moderate-sized intracerebral hemorrhage despite signs of early neurological benefit
Authors: Sander Noam H. , Soni Shubham , Wilkinson Cassandra M. , Khiabani Elmira , Dyck Jason R. B. , Colbourne Frederick
Published: December 2024

Ketone bodies, or ketones, are an alternative energy source and have several nonmetabolic signaling actions, such as inhibiting inflammation. Because of this, exogenous ketone supplementation has been used to help treat various diseases. β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB) is the major ketone body that has reduced neurological injury and brain edema in animal models of ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury. However, the therapeutic potential of βHB in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has not yet been determined. Here we investigated the effects of exogenous βHB treatment following ICH on inflammation, edema, injury size, and functional outcomes. To do this, we administered 250 mg/kg of βHB (subcutaneously every 12 hours) starting 2 hours after collagenase-induced ICH in rats over 3 experiments. First, we observed that βHB-treated rats had significant reductions in transcript expression of pro-inflammatory markers Il1b (p = 0.0210), Tnfa (p = 0.0108), and Mcp1 (p = 0.0473) 3 days post-ICH. Second, βHB significantly improved neurological deficits measured by the neurological deficit scale on day 3 (p = 0.0416) in another cohort of rats, despite no treatment effect on edema (p = 0.2110). To test whether the effects of acute βHB treatment (for 7 days post-ICH) were chronically sustained, the third experiment used serial behavioural testing which confirmed that βHB significantly improved neurological deficit scores (p = 0.0459) 3 days post-ICH. These effects were not sustained at 7, 14, and 28 days post-ICH (all p≥0.1546). Similarly, βHB treatment did not yield differences in forelimb use asymmetry (all p>0.45) or brain lesion volume (p = 0.3381), the primary endpoint of this study. Thus, our studies show that an acute βHB treatment post-ICH can provide some early signs of functional benefit without evidence of lasting effects or neuroprotection. However, it remains to be tested whether other βHB dosing regimens may favorably affect these and other neurological, behavioral, and biochemical parameters, particularly given the early signals of reduced striatal inflammation.
Point-of-care ultrasound use in austere environments: A scoping review
Authors: Anderson Aubree , Theophanous Rebecca G.
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives

Technological developments in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), particularly with portable devices, are transforming POCUS use in austere, resource-limited environments (RLS) distinct from typical hospital or medical settings. POCUS has potential to improve diagnostic accuracy in military combat zones, low-resource environments such as the desert or tropics, microgravity, and high altitudes. Our updated narrative scoping review describes POCUS use in these global settings.

Methods

Using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, two ultrasound-trained emergency physicians searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science on August 6, 2024 for “point-of-care ultrasound in austere environments” and each individual category. Study titles and abstracts were independently screened, then full manuscripts, and data was abstracted with a data collection table. 324 articles met inclusion criteria: research studies describing POCUS in austere environments; involving healthcare professionals; and in English. We excluded abstracts, studies not involving POCUS in austere environments, and non-clinical studies. Reviewers critically appraised studies using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) Quality Assessment Tool.

Results

There were 39 military or conflict zone studies, 101 prehospital, 148 in RLS including low- and middle-income countries, 12 outer space, 15 high altitude, and 32 involving POCUS use in multiple austere environments. There were 6 randomized-control trials, 11 systematic/scoping reviews, 13 narrative reviews, 112 prospective observational/cohort, 34 prospective cross-sectional studies, 23 retrospective, 6 feasibility, 45 case reports, 13 case series, and 5 educational curriculum studies. GRADE study quality was variable, with 74 high quality, 129 moderate, 82 low, and 56 very low.

Conclusion

The existing literature is mixed with variability in study settings, design, and POCUS examination types, providing an initial understanding of POCUS applications. Most studies are in RLS or prehospital settings. Additional high-quality studies are needed to guide POCUS training, disseminate use in non-hospital settings, and maximize impact for improved clinical outcomes in diverse austere environments.
Infant low-frequency EEG cortical power, cortical tracking and phase-amplitude coupling predicts language a year later
Authors: Attaheri Adam , Ní Choisdealbha Áine , Rocha Sinead , Brusini Perrine , Di Liberto Giovanni M. , Mead Natasha , Olawole-Scott Helen , Boutris Panagiotis , Gibbon Samuel , Williams Isabel , Grey Christina , Alfaro e Oliveira Maria , Brough Carmel , Flanagan Sheila , Goswami Usha
Published: December 2024

Cortical signals have been shown to track acoustic and linguistic properties of continuous speech. This phenomenon has been measured in both children and adults, reflecting speech understanding by adults as well as cognitive functions such as attention and prediction. Furthermore, atypical low-frequency cortical tracking of speech is found in children with phonological difficulties (developmental dyslexia). Accordingly, low-frequency cortical signals may play a critical role in language acquisition. A recent investigation with infants Attaheri et al., 2022 [1] probed cortical tracking mechanisms at the ages of 4, 7 and 11 months as participants listened to sung speech. Results from temporal response function (TRF), phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) and dynamic theta-delta power (PSD) analyses indicated speech envelope tracking and stimulus-related power (PSD) for delta and theta neural signals. Furthermore, delta- and theta-driven PAC was found at all ages, with theta phases displaying stronger PAC with high-frequency amplitudes than delta. The present study tests whether these previous findings replicate in the second half of the full cohort of infants (N = 122) who were participating in this longitudinal study (first half: N = 61, (1); second half: N = 61). In addition to demonstrating good replication, we investigate whether cortical tracking in the first year of life predicts later language acquisition for the full cohort (122 infants recruited, 113 retained) using both infant-led and parent-estimated measures and multivariate and univariate analyses. Increased delta cortical tracking in the univariate analyses, increased ~2Hz PSD power and stronger theta-gamma PAC in both multivariate and univariate analyses were related to better language outcomes using both infant-led and parent-estimated measures. By contrast, increased ~4Hz PSD power in the multi-variate analyses, increased delta-beta PAC and a higher theta/delta power ratio in the multi-variate analyses were related to worse language outcomes. The data are interpreted within a “Temporal Sampling” framework for developmental language trajectories.
Characteristics of chemically induced liver progenitors derived from a pig model of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Fukumoto Masayuki , Miyamoto Daisuke , Soyama Akihiko , Hara Takanobu , Maruya Yasuhiro , Li Peilin , Matsushima Hajime , Migita Kazushige , Enjoji Takahiro , Tetsuo Hanako , Fujita Takuro , Yamashita Mampei , Imamura Hajime , Adachi Tomohiko , Kanetaka Kengo , Ochiya Takahiro , Eguchi Susumu
Published: December 2024

We previously reported the efficacy of chemically induced liver progenitors (CLiP) as a source of cells for transplantation in patients with liver disease. This study aimed to characterize CLiP derived from steatotic livers using a pig model for future clinical applications. Livers were removed from miniature pigs with diet-induced steatosis and normal livers by laparoscopic hepatectomy. Mature hepatocytes (MH) isolated from the livers of each group were cultured in differentiation medium composed of Y-27632, A-83-01, and CHIR99021 (YAC medium). The characteristics of CLiP, including liver-specific function, proliferative capacity in vivo, and extracellular vesicles (EVs) production, were evaluated. Although CLiP in both groups expressed hepatic progenitor cell markers (Epithelial cell adhesion molecule and Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2), the proliferative potential was higher for the disease group than the healthy group. In contrast, markers of functional MH after re-differentiation were only detected in the healthy group. Both groups showed high cell viability and the ability to differentiate into albumin-positive cells in vivo. EVs counts were lower in disease-derived CLiP than in the normal group; however, there were no differences in microRNA expression within EVs. Using a pig model, CLiP was successfully produced from a liver that reproduced steatotic liver disease. Although there were slightly fewer EVs from CLiP in the disease group than in the normal liver group, the in vivo proliferative capacity of CLiP was high. Therefore, CLiP induced in the steatotic liver are a promising source for cell therapy in patients with liver disease.
Enhanced bacteriostasis and osseointegrative properties of SiRNA-modified polyetheretherketone surface for implant applications
Authors: Liu Zhen , Yang Libin , Ni Yazhuo , Chen Keying , Yan Qiquan , Zhao Zhiying , Xu Bo , Li Yaoyang , Li Rui , Li Jianwen
Published: December 2024

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK), bearing an elastic modulus that effectively simulates the innate properties of natural bone, has come into the spotlight as a promising bone substitute material. Nonetheless, the biologically inert nature of PEEK, combined with its insubstantial osseointegration and sterilization capabilities, pose constraints on its clinical application in the realm of implants. RNA interference (RNAi), an effective technique used for gene expression regulation, has begun to be applied in implant surface modification. Herein, siCKIP-1 is securely affixed to the surface of PEEK implants, aided by an antibacterial polyphenol tannic acid (pTAN) coatings, enhancing physiologic osseointegration and inhibiting bacterial infection. This method breakthrough not merely facilitates the convenience, but also multifaceted PEEK implants’ refinements. The modified PEEK implants have impressive biocompatibility coupled with a noteworthy degree of antibacterial properties. Meanwhile, modified PEEK implants improved osteogenic differentiation of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) and demonstrated excellent osteointegrative properties in rat femur implantation models. Therefore, identifying a new implant material with excellent biocompatibility and biomechanical properties is essential.
Cost-effectiveness of linking HIV and family planning services to prevent unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV
Authors: Joshi Beena Nitin , Chaurasia Himanshu , R. Revathy , Shetty Siddesh , Kharat Namrata , Begum Shahina , Deshpande Aniruddha , Kangule Digambar , Acharya Shrikala , Deoraj Parmod , Sanap Pravin , Mashal Iranna
Published: December 2024

The incidence of unintended pregnancies and transmission of infection from mother-to-child could be averted by implementation of linked HIV care and family planning services (prong-2). The objective of the study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of strengthening prong-2 interventions through linked HIV-family planning services, to prevent unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV. A Markov decision analytical model was performed from a disaggregated societal perspective. A hypothetical cohort of married, sexually active women living with HIV in reproductive age, availing services from public health settings in India, were followed to estimate the costs and health outcomes. The intervention was strengthening linkage of HIV with family planning services through training healthcare providers and improving focus of dual methods of contraception. The standard of care with focus on condom promotion primarily for infection control was the comparator. The outcome was measured as Incremental Cost-effectiveness Ratio in terms of unintended pregnancies, live-births, abortions, maternal deaths and infant infections averted. We conducted Probabilistic Sensitivity Analysis to evaluate uncertainties. The intervention was found to be cost-effective. Among a cohort of 782107, 72604 unintended pregnancies, 41610 induced abortions, 17425 unintended live-births, and 8722 deaths were averted by the intervention. At 2% mother-to-child transmission rate, 2752 infant infections were averted. An incremental cost of INR 100000 (USD1272.3) could avert one death, two unintended live-births, five abortions and nine unintended pregnancies. Linking HIV and family planning services to prevent unintended pregnancy by use of dual contraception among women living with HIV is cost-effective.
First molecular report of Moniezia expansa in small ruminants of Pakistan with epidemiological insight
Authors: Muqaddas Hira , Mehmood Naunain , Nigar Maher , Yousaf Farhana , Khokhar Kainat Farooq , Kousar Saba , Aslam Mahnoor , Khan Zafar Iqbal , Giantsis Ioannis A. , Swelum Ayman A. , Iqbal Furhan
Published: December 2024

The members of genus Moniezia are the common parasites of livestock in tropical areas. The tapeworm, Moniezia expansa is commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract of the small and large ruminants. The present study focused on reporting the prevalence of M. expansa in small ruminants of southern Punjab: sheep and goats, in relation with epidemiological factors like age and gender. An overall prevalence of 27.2% was estimated for the small ruminants with higher infection rates in males (29.8%) and younger age group (<1 year; 32.9%). Moreover, the molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the isolates based on partial cox1 gene indicated the placement of these sequences in the M. expansa cluster. Two distinct haplotypes, without any host tropism, were identified within the Pakistani isolates. A meta-analysis for M. expansa was run for all available global reports exhibiting an overall pooled prevalence of 21.3% (CI 95%: 13.5–29.0). Additionally, a global dataset encompassing 59 partial cox1 sequences submitted from different geographical locations was also assessed. Moderate haplotype diversity (0.760 ± 0.051) and significantly negative deviations from neutrality were estimated. The median joining haplotype network for these sequences revealed an interesting population structure indicating highly divergent sequences from China and Iraq compared to Pakistan, India, Vietnam, Senegal and Ethiopia. Given inconsistencies in genetic data there is a dire need to carry out molecular studies across the entire distributional range of M. expansa to delineate genetic diversity and population structure of the species. This will also be crucial in reevaluating the taxonomy of genus Moniezia.
Characterization of human exposure to Anopheles and Aedes bites using antibody-based biomarkers in rural zone of Cameroon
Authors: Ngangue-Siewe Idriss Nasser , Ndjeunia-Mbiakop Paulette , Barembaye Sagna André , Mamadou Maïga Abdoul-Aziz , Bamou Roland , Sanon Antoine , Tombi Jeannette , Mbida Mbida Jean Arthur , Antonio-Nkondjio Christophe , Remoue Franck , Badolo Athanase
Published: December 2024

Malaria and Aedes-borne diseases remain major causes of mortality, morbidity, and disability in most developing countries. Surveillance of transmission patterns associated with vector control remains strategic for combating these diseases. Due to the limitions of current surveillance tools used to assess human exposure to mosquito bites, human antibody (Ab) responses to salivary peptides from Anopheles (gSG6-P1) and Aedes (Nterm-34kDa) are increasingly being used to measure direct human-Anopheles or Aedes contact. This study reports on the assessment of Human IgG Ab responses to gSG6-P1 and Nterm–34-kDa salivary peptides as biomarkers to track exposure to Anopheles and Aedes bites, in rural localities of Cameroon. Blood samples were collected between October and November 2022 from 173 individuals residing in four villages: Njombe, Kekem, Belabo, and Ouami. Sociodemographic characteristics and information regarding Long Lasting Insecticide Net (LLIN) ownership, use, and net characteristics were recorded using a questionnaire. The measurement of human IgG levels to gSG6-P1 and Nterm-34kDa peptides was conducted in blood samples using ELISA. The levels of IgG responses to Anopheles gSG6-P1 and Aedes Nterm-34kDa salivary peptides varied significantly across villages (all p<0.05). IgG responses to Anopheles gSG6-P1 were higher in Njombe compared to Belabo and Ouami (all p<0.01), while IgG responses to Aedes Nterm-34kDa were higher in Kekem compared to the other villages (all p<0.0001). Aweak correlation was observed between IgG responses to Anopheles and Aedes salivary peptides (Spearman r = 0.2689, p = 0.0003). However, the median level of IgG to Anopheles gSG6-P1 was higher than IgG to Aedes Nterm-34kDa in Njombé, Belabo, and Ouami. Individuals not using their LLIN, those using damaged bed nets, and those who reported vegetation around their houses developed higher IgG responses to gSG6-P1 and Nterm–34 kDa compared to those who did not (all p<0.05). The immune-epidemiological biomarkers have shown promising potential as indicators for monitoring human exposure to various mosquito bites and their heterogeneity in the same site. However, additional research is needed to validate the efficacy of this technique for surveillance purposes and to assess the effectiveness of vector control interventions.
Cultivating clean sport environment with athlete support personnel (ASP): A study on anti-doping knowledge, attitudes, and practices of ASP
Authors: Lim Ming Chiang , Nair Gobinathan , Chua Eng Wee , Tuan Mahmood Tuan Mazlelaa , Imran Farrah-Hani , Shamsuddin Ahmad Fuad , Mhd Ali Adliah
Published: December 2024

Athlete support personnel (ASP) work closely with, treat, or assist an athlete participating in or preparing for sports competition. Their involvement in preventing and eliminating doping is crucial. This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to doping in sports among ASP from Southeast Asian countries. An anonymized self-administered questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to doping in sports issues was administered to ASP from Southeast Asian countries. Overall, 596 respondents from eleven countries participated in the study. The majority were male (67.1%), non-healthcare professionals (89.4%), and retired elite athletes (57.7%). Their knowledge was found to be poor, reflected in a mean score of 16.1±5.4 out of 30. Attitudes towards doping, as measured by the Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale (PEAS), scored 18.1±9.4, indicating a negative attitude. While some respondents provided information on medication and supplements use in sports to athletes, only 11.8% reported regular updates on doping in sports topics. Meanwhile, the knowledge and PEAS scores were significantly different between the genders (p = 0.04; p = 0.02). The knowledge score was also negatively correlated with the PEAS (p<0.01). This study highlights significant knowledge gaps among ASP in Southeast Asia regarding anti-doping practices. Enhancing their knowledge and fostering positive attitudes toward anti-doping efforts can promote a culture of doping-free sports, particularly among the emerging generation of young athletes they support.
Human iPSC-derived myelinating organoids and globoid cells to study Krabbe disease
Authors: Evans Lisa Marie P. , Gawron Joseph , Sim Fraser J. , Feltri M. Laura , Marziali Leandro N.
Published: December 2024

Krabbe disease (Kd) is a lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) caused by the deficiency of the lysosomal galactosylceramidase (GALC) which cleaves the myelin enriched lipid galactosylceramide (GalCer). Accumulated GalCer is catabolized into the cytotoxic lipid psychosine that causes myelinating cells death and demyelination which recruits microglia/macrophages that fail to digest myelin debris and become globoid cells. Here, to understand the pathological mechanisms of Kd, we used induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from Kd patients to produce myelinating organoids and microglia. We show that Kd organoids have no obvious defects in neurogenesis, astrogenesis, and oligodendrogenesis but manifest early myelination defects. Specifically, Kd organoids showed shorter but a similar number of myelin internodes than Controls at the peak of myelination and a reduced number and shorter internodes at a later time point. Interestingly, myelin is affected in the absence of autophagy and mTOR pathway dysregulation, suggesting lack of lysosomal dysfunction which makes this organoid model a very valuable tool to study the early events that drive demyelination in Kd. Kd iPSC-derived microglia show a marginal rate of globoid cell formation under normal culture conditions that is drastically increased upon GalCer feeding. Under normal culture conditions, Kd microglia show a minor LAMP1 content decrease and a slight increase in the autophagy protein LC3B. Upon GalCer feeding, Kd cells show accumulation of autophagy proteins and strong LAMP1 reduction that at a later time point are reverted showing the compensatory capabilities of globoid cells. Altogether, this supports the value of our cultures as tools to study the mechanisms that drive globoid cell formation and the compensatory mechanism in play to overcome GalCer accumulation in Kd.
Exploiting the features of deep residual network with SVM classifier for human posture recognition
Authors: Kareem Irfan , Ali Syed Farooq , Bilal Muhammad , Hanif Muhammad Shehzad
Published: December 2024

Over the last decade, there have been a lot of advances in the area of human posture recognition. Among multiple approaches proposed to solve this problem, those based on deep learning have shown promising results. Taking another step in this direction, this paper analyzes the performance of deep learning-based hybrid architecture for fall detection, In this regard, the fusion of the residual network (ResNet-50) deep features with support vector machine (SVM) at the classification layer has been considered. The proposed approach outperforms the existing methods yielding an accuracy of 98.82%, 97.95%, and 99.98% on three datasets i.e. Multi-Camera Fall (MCF) using four postures, UR Fall detection (URFD) using four postures, and UP-Fall detection (UPFD) using four postures respectively. It is important to mention that the existing methods achieve accuracies of 97.9%, 97.33%, and 95.64% on the MCF, URDF and UPFD datasets, respectively. Moreover, we achieved 100% accuracy on the UPFD two-posture task. The URFD and MCF datasets have been utilized to assess the fall detection performance of our method under a realistic environment (e.g. camouflage, occlusion, and variation in lighting conditions due to day/night lighting variation). For comparison purposes, we have also performed experiments using six state-of-the-art deep learning networks, namely; ResNet-50, ResNet-101, VGG-19, InceptionV3, MobileNet, and Xception. The results demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms other network models both in terms of accuracy and time efficiency. We also compared the performance of SVM with Naive Bayes, Decision Tree, Random Forest, KNN, AdaBoost, and MLP used at the classifier layer and found that SVM outperforms or is on par with other classifiers.
Gene expression signatures between Limia perugiae (Poeciliidae) populations from freshwater and hypersaline habitats, with comparisons to other teleosts
Authors: Wilson Elizabeth J. , Barts Nick , Coffin John L. , Johnson James B. , Rodríguez Peña Carlos M. , Kelley Joanna L. , Tobler Michael , Greenway Ryan
Published: December 2024

Salinity gradients act as strong environmental barriers that limit the distribution of aquatic organisms. Changes in gene expression associated with transitions between freshwater and saltwater environments can provide insights into organismal responses to variation in salinity. We used RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) to investigate genome-wide variation in gene expression between a hypersaline population and a freshwater population of the livebearing fish species Limia perugiae (Poeciliidae). Our analyses of gill gene expression revealed potential molecular mechanisms underlying salinity tolerance in this species, including the enrichment of genes involved in ion transport, maintenance of chemical homeostasis, and cell signaling in the hypersaline population. We also found differences in gene expression patterns associated with cell-cycle and protein-folding processes between the hypersaline and freshwater L. perugiae. Bidirectional freshwater-saltwater transitions have occurred repeatedly during the diversification of fishes, allowing for broad-scale examination of repeatable patterns in evolution. Therefore, we compared transcriptomic variation in L. perugiae with other teleosts that have made freshwater-saltwater transitions to test for convergence in gene expression. Among the four distantly related population pairs from high- and low-salinity environments that we included in our analysis, we found only ten shared differentially expressed genes, indicating little evidence for convergence. However, we found that differentially expressed genes shared among three or more lineages were functionally enriched for ion transport and immune functioning. Overall, our results—in conjunction with other recent studies—suggest that different genes are involved in salinity transitions across disparate lineages of teleost fishes.
Administration of novobiocin and apomorphine mitigates cholera toxin mediated cellular toxicity: Lessons from cholera toxin yeast model system
Authors: Bhalerao Sonali Eknath , Sen Himanshu , Raychaudhuri Saumya
Published: December 2024

Cholera is a dreadful disease. The scourge of this deadly disease is still evident in the developing world. Though several therapeutic strategies are in practice to combat and contain the disease, there is still a need for new drugs to control the disease safely and effectively. Keeping in view the concern, we first successfully established an inducible yeast model to express cholera toxin subunit A, and then used this yeast model, to screen a small molecule library against cholera toxin A subunit. Our effort resulted in the discovery of a small molecule, apomorphine (a Parkinson’s disease drug) effective in reducing the lethality of toxic subunit in yeast model. In addition, novobiocin, an inhibitor of ADP ribosylation process, a key biochemical event through which cholera toxin exerts its action on host, was also found to rescue yeast cells from cholera toxin A subunit mediated toxicity. Finally, the effects of both molecules were tested on the cholera toxin-treated human gut epithelial cell line HT29, and it was observed that both apomorphine and novobiocin prevented cholera toxin-mediated cellular toxicity on HT29 intestinal epithelial cells.
Outdoor social distancing behaviors changed during a pandemic: A longitudinal analysis using street view imagery
Authors: Martell Matthew , Salazar Chris , Errett Nicole A. , Miles Scott B. , Wartman Joseph , Choe John Y.
Published: December 2024

Social distancing, defined as maintaining a minimum interpersonal distance (often 6 ft or 1.83 m), is a non-pharmaceutical intervention to reduce infectious disease transmission. While numerous quantitative studies have examined people’s social distancing behaviors using mobile phone data, large-scale quantitative analyses of adherence to suggested minimum interpersonal distances are lacking. We analyzed pedestrians’ social distancing behaviors of using 3 years of street view imagery collected in a metropolitan city (Seattle, WA, USA) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We employed computer vision techniques to locate pedestrians in images, and a geometry-based algorithm to estimate physical distance between them. Our results indicate that social distancing behaviors correlated with key factors such as vaccine availability, seasonality, and local socioeconomic data. We also identified behavioral differences at various points of interest within the city (e.g., parks, schools, faith-based organizations, museums). This work represents a first of its kind longitudinal study of outdoor social distancing behaviors using computer vision. Our findings provide key insights for policymakers to understand and mitigate infectious disease transmission risks in outdoor environments.
Single-cell analysis reveals host S phase drives large T antigen expression during BK polyomavirus infection
Authors: Needham Jason M. , Perritt Sarah E. , Thompson Sunnie R.
Published: December 2024

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a major cause of kidney transplant failure, for which there are no antivirals. The current model is that BKPyV expresses TAg (large T antigen) early during infection, promoting cells to enter S phase where the viral DNA can access the host replication machinery. Here, we performed a single-cell analysis of viral TAg expression throughout the cell cycle to reveal that robust TAg expression required replication of the host DNA first. By using inhibitors that only affect host and not viral replication, we show that both TAg expression and viral production rely on an initial S phase. BKPyV is known to promote cellular re-replication, where the cell re-enters S phase from G2 phase (without passing through mitosis or G1 phase) to prolong S phase for viral replication. Thus, BKPyV infection results in cells with greater than 4N DNA content. We found that these subsequent rounds of replication of the host DNA relied on canonical host cell cycle machinery and regulators despite BKPyV infection. Together, these findings suggest a model for polyomavirus replication, where robust viral TAg expression depends on an initial host S phase and that BKPyV primarily replicates during host re-replication. Having a better understanding of the molecular events that are required for BKPyV production will help identify effective therapeutic targets against BKPyV.
British Empire, Chinese Nationalism, and Protestant Mission Schools: Navigating Loyalties in the Tientsin Anglo-Chinese College (1925-1930)
Authors: Wang Marina Xiaojing
Published: December 2024

Focusing on the dynamics of appointing a “suitable” Chinese principal, this article examines the multiple interests and loyalties that were implicated and manifested in a British mission school of prestige situated in the treaty port of Tianjin during a series of anti-imperialist and anti-Christian campaigns in the 1920s. The case study of the Tientsin Anglo-Chinese College (TACC) illustrates the intricate and ambiguous nature of the interplay between the British settlers, Christian missions, the Chinese government, and the local community, set against the backdrop of heightened nationalism in Republican China. The article argues that the issue of loyalties in a mission school setting – as exemplified by the TACC – can be far more complex and should not be simplistically reduced to a binary opposition between loyalty to the British and loyalty to the Chinese, even at a time of intensifying Sino-British tensions. Local social networks and pragmatic interests in politics, religion, international relations, trade, and educational administration were inextricably intertwined, exerting a profound impact on the dynamics of Sino- British relations in Tianjin.
Alcance das Concepções de Educação Integral da Dinâmica do Programa Mais Educação
Authors: Ferreira António Gomes Alves , Bravo Pinheiro Maria Deuceny
Published: December 2024

Para uma compreensão conceitual de educação integral, por parte da gestão pública e dos profissionais da educação, é necessária uma consciência clara e precisa do que é educação integral. As diferentes interpretações por parte de seus interlocutores têm influenciado na efetivação dos programas desenvolvidos no País. Neste sentido, o presente artigo tem como objetivo discutir as diferentes interpretações que incidem na concepção de Educação Integral e seu alcance na execução do Programa Mais Educação. Para isto, apresenta uma discussão em torno das concepções de educação integral presentes nas propostas pedagógicas e nos registros das entrevistas realizadas com os diferentes atores envolvidos com o Programa em seis escolas pioneiras em sua implantação no município de Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, Espírito Santo, Brasil. A apresentação e descrição das principais unidades de registro dos documentos analisados e das falas dos entrevistados, reunidas em subcategorias, evidenciam as diferentes concepções sobre educação integral e os equívocos no entendimento e na organização das metas almejadas, num distanciamento entre a teoria presente nos documentos analisados e a execução do Programa.
Pompeian Elogium, Livineius Regulus, and the Riots of AD 59
Authors: Miączewska Anna
Published: December 2024

The article discusses the identity of the individual honoured with the funerary monument rediscovered in 2017 near the Porta di Stabia in Pompeii, together with the text of the elogium found on the tomb. The analysis of the elogium content – presented against the background of the riots in AD 59 and the wider context of the Campanian munera as such – facilitates the identification of the Pompeian benefactor as Livineius Regulus, a man who sponsored the ill-fated show that year. The circumstances of Livineius Regulus’ involvement in the riots and his later exile shall be examined and juxtaposed with the textual intricacies of the elogium, suggesting that the partial pardon granted by the Emperor Nero may have turned the disgraced senator’s career around. A reading of the elogium confirms that, despite the tumultuous circumstances surrounding the ten-year ban imposed on the organisation of gladiatorial shows by the Pompeians following the riots, the city of Pompeii was most likely able to have their punishment revoked. The details in the text of the elogium take into account the significance of owning a gladiatorial familia, the exile of fighters from Pompeii, and finally, their successful return. The latter, presented in the elogium as a crucial but symbolic element in the benefactor’s life, communicated both the reinstatement of his own gladiators in Pompeii and, more importantly, his re-established status within the city’s local elite.
Keywords: ancient Pompeii, elogium, Pompeian riots, Livineius Regulus.
O dia do nascimento de Camões
Authors: Simões Carlota
Published: December 2024

Quem conhece os trabalhos de Luciano Pereira da Silva sabe que Camões não só tinha um conhecimento claro e seguro da astronomia do seu tempo e utilizava com rigor tabelas de efemérides astronómicas, como fazia questão em revelar essa erudição científica na sua obra. Depois de conhecermos esta sua faceta e ao lermos o terceiro verso do soneto ‘O dia em que eu nasci, morra e pereça’, podemos deduzir que Camões se refere a um eclipse solar que de facto terá ocorrido, permitindo-nos inferir que o poeta terá nascido no dia 23 de janeiro de 1524, tal como Mario Saa propôs em 1940.
A Importância dos Educadores Sociais nas Escolas Públicas do Distrito Federal: Direito das Pessoas com Deficiência.
Authors: Dias Leite Eduardo , Cristina Moreira Guimarães Giovanna , Carvalho Santos Maria Eduarda , Cristina Cavalcante Amorim Hellen
Published: December 2024

O presente artigo traz por tema a atuação dos educadores sociais, com o título a importância dos educadores sociais nas escolas públicas do DF: direito à educação das pessoas com deficiência. As pessoas com deficiência têm dificuldade de escolarização, sendo a modalidade educação escolar oferecida preferencialmente no ensino regular. Desse modo, indaga-se qual a importância dos educadores sociais nas escolas públicas do DF para a educação dos alunos com deficiência? Diante da realidade do Brasil, nem toda escola está preparada para incluir esses alunos, cuja consequência pode ser a evasão. Para a educação dessas pessoas, surge a figura do educador social. Nessa perspectiva, o objetivo geral é demonstrar o papel dos educadores sociais nas escolas públicas do DF para o desenvolvimento e a inclusão dos alunos com deficiência. Os objetivos específicos visam compreender a formação dos profissionais para a inclusão de alunos com deficiência, descrever o funcionamento do Programa Educador Social Voluntário (ESV)[1] e examinar a legislação relacionada à inclusão escolar. A pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, descritiva e exploratória partiu da coleta de dados utilizados como fontes primárias, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas com quatro participantes, bem como fontes bibliográficas, legislações e trabalhos científicos. O resultado da pesquisa traz o educador social como figura essencial no cotidiano do aluno com deficiência. Ele dá suporte para o seu desenvolvimento e sua socialização no ambiente escolar.
 
[1] A abreviação ESV será usada neste texto para se referir ao programa e a educador social.