bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of ADHD Medications in Treating Acquired Attentional Deficits: A Comparative Analysis
Authors:   Universidade de Aveiro, Montgomery Richard
Published: February 2024

Objective: This article aims to critically examine the efficacy of traditional Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications in individuals diagnosed with acquired attentional deficits due to brain injury, surgery, or illness. Given the distinct neurobiological underpinnings of developmental ADHD and acquired attentional deficits, this analysis seeks to elucidate the differential outcomes of ADHD medication treatments in these populations. I review the existing literature on the neurodevelopmental basis of ADHD, the pathophysiology of acquired brain injuries leading to attentional deficits, and the pharmacodynamics of common ADHD medications. Comparative studies and case reports detailing the response of patients with acquired attentional deficits to ADHD medications are analyzed to assess efficacy and outcomes. ADHD medications, primarily targeting dopamine and norepinephrine pathways, show variable and unpredictable efficacy in individuals with acquired attentional deficits compared to those with developmental ADHD. Factors influencing medication response include the specific brain regions affected by injury, the extent of damage, and the individual's neuroplasticity. While some patients with acquired deficits exhibit improvements in attention and executive functioning with ADHD medication, others show minimal response, underscoring the complexity of treating attentional deficits arising from brain injury. The differential response to ADHD medications between developmental ADHD and acquired attentional deficits highlights the importance of personalized treatment strategies. For individuals with acquired deficits, a comprehensive approach including cognitive rehabilitation, compensatory strategies, and tailored pharmacotherapy is recommended. Further research is needed to identify predictors of medication response and to develop targeted treatments for this diverse patient population. ADHD medications can play a role in the management of acquired attentional deficits, but their efficacy is less predictable than in developmental ADHD. Understanding the specific neurobiological changes associated with acquired deficits is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies. Future research should focus on developing diagnostic tools and treatments that address the unique needs of individuals with acquired attentional deficits.
Derbe Sprache, abstoßende Geschichten? Die Unmittelbarkeit des gesprochenen Wortes als Rezeptionshürde für deutsche Dramatiker auf französischen Bühnen. Das Beispiel Gerhart Hauptmann
Authors:   University of Amsterdam, Colin Nicole
Published: February 2024

Words can hurt: Not only in everyday life, but also in literature. Injuries that characters inflict on each other verbally can also be transferred to the recipient. This can be observed more strongly in theatre literature than in novels or poems: Spoken speech on stage trigger often more violent reactions in the audience than the same text in written form. In addition, there are various ideas about what is considered linguistically appropriate and what is not. These differences can become a problem in the context of the international circulation of literature, insofar as a basic consensus of language and behavioural standards seems to be necessary here. The deliberate use of provocative or even offensive forms of discourse as stylistic devices, which form an essential part of the artwork, represents sometimes an insurmountable obstacle to cultural transfer. An example of this phenomenon is provided by the reception of Gerhart Hauptmann’s naturalistic plays in France, which the contribution examines in the following. The analysis is based on the hypothesis that the different assessment of politeness as a universalist code of conduct in the two countries is a major reason for the rejection of Hauptmann’s work on French stages.
„Wahrlich fuck you du Sau“ – Sprachliche Gewalt und Selbstermächtigung bei Lydia Haider
Authors:   Universitatea din București, Teutsch Susanne
Published: February 2024

The article deals with linguistic violence, the functions of swear words and their use in literature. It aims to show how cursing can be used as an act of self empowerment. Austrian writer Lydia Haider’s text Wahrlich fuck you du Sau, bist du komplett zugeschissen in deinem Leib drin. oder: Zehrung Reiser Rosi. Ein Gesang. Is aggressive, not fair, irrational and arbitrary in the sense of violence as violentia. A linguistic violence that becomes semantically blind. She rises above everything else, escaping argument and control. But her language is also comedic. The higher it rises, the lower it falls, in the excessiveness there is a form of jubilation and, last but not least, (self-)irony.
Zur Übersetzung von Derbheit in englischsprachigen Filmen in Deutschland und Rumänien
Authors:   Universitatea din București, Draganovici Mihai
Published: February 2024

Globalization has found its way into all areas of everyday life, including, or rather especially into the media sector. As a result, film productions and visual productions in general, regardless of their origin, have conquered the whole world. Audio-visual translation has also contributed to this development by breaking down the barriers between languages and cultures. In the first part of this paper, the categories of audio-visual translation are discussed, briefly describing the different types of intra- and interlingual translation. It also discusses the intersemiotic or multimodal transfer and it defines this type of transfer as multidimensional translation, according to Gerzymisch-Arbogast. The second part provides an overview of the audio-visual translation type in different European countries and briefly introduces them: subtitling, dubbing, voice-over. The translation procedures proposed by Gottlieb for subtitling are taken as a starting point for the actual analysis of the relevant passages in the selected films in the last part of the paper (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998, Guy Ritchie), American Gangster (2007, Ridley Scott), The Last Days of American Crime (2020, Olivier Megaton)), applying them to the film extracts with profane expressions.
Facetten von Höflichkeit im Interkulturellen Lernen
Authors:   Universitatea din București, Lange Daniela
Published: February 2024

In recent decades the cultural exchange is of burgeoning importance. Multi-, inter-, trans- and pluricultural approaches are being discussed intensively and become a major concern in different spheres of society. But how far is the path from discussion to implementation? What does inter- or pluricultural competence look like in terms of Foreign Language Teaching? How difficult is it to make concepts such as politeness and value judgements transparent in everyday communicative situations? How difficult is it to derive recommendations for action from them? As important as this task is for the field of linguistic integration, it is difficult to outline and actually implement. Based on numerous examples from textbooks for German as a second language, the difficulty of intercultural teaching and the importance of culturally sensitive teaching of the linguistic structures is demonstrated.
ESTE SUFICIENTĂ CLARITATEA? CÂTEVA CONSIDERAȚII DESPRE RECEPTAREA PROPOZIȚIEI 4.112 DIN TRACTATUS
Authors:   Universitatea din București, STOENESCU CONSTANTIN
Published: February 2024

In sentence 4.112 of the Tractatus, Wittgenstein defines philosophy as an activity of logical clarification of thoughts. My aim in this study is a limited historical one, namely, to present the most significant reactions of Wittgenstein’s contemporary philosophers to this statement. I believe that the main attitudes were expressed by Russell in his lectures on logical atomism, by Ramsey in his review of the Tractatus, by Schlick in two studies in which he enthusiastically adhered to the conception proposed by Wittgenstein, and by Price at a conference entitled "Clarity is not Enough?"
FILOSOFIE ȘI PARADOX: SENSUL UNEI CĂRȚI PLINE DE NONSENSURI
Authors:   Universitatea din București, ȘTEFAN EMANUEL
Published: February 2024

Wittgenstein's Tractatus provides a methodical approach to examine the functioning and limits of language through a series of meaningful propositions that culminate in self-proclaimed nonsense. In this paper, the book's paradox is treated by recognizing that its propositions, while ultimately nonsensical at the conclusion of the demonstration, are essential steps in a logical journey to clarify philosophical problems. Once the problem is solved and the world is seen correctly, these propositions lose their bipolar character and are left behind, not as a chaotic heap of nonsense, but as the completed rungs of a ladder that has fulfilled its philosophical purpose.
EPIMENIDES
Authors:   University of Virginia, CARGILE JAMES
Published: February 2024

This presents the Epimenides and some related paradoxes with a brief history. It is then argued that the paradoxes arise from mistaken assumptions about what the relevant problem sentences say. For example, one paradox has the sentence A: “The sentence A is not true” and two premises: (i) that a sentence is true iff what it says is true and (ii) what the sentence A says is that the sentence A is not true. Premise (ii) is false. A similar mistake about what is said is involved in the Epimenides. Paradoxes involving other “propositional attitudes” such as belief, require different treatment, but the proper interpretation of the words involved is, again, the primary requirement for relief.
Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Dış Politikasında Yeni Dönem: Uluslararası Siyasette Ankara’nın Artan Etkisi
Authors: Erkan Anıl Çağlar
Published: February 2024

100 yıllık Cumhuriyet tarihi boyunca Türk dış politikasında önemli değişim ve dönüşümler yaşanmıştır. Söz konusu değişim ve dönüşümler kimi zaman radikal kimi zaman da manevra değişikliği olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Bu doğrultuda 2023 Cumhurbaşkanlığı seçimleri sonrasında Türkiye Cumhuriyeti’nin dış politika kapsamında önemli adımlar atıldığına tanıklık edilmektedir. Dolayısıyla geçmiş dönemlere nazaran daha farklı bir döneme geçişten söz etmek mümkündür. Türk dış politikasıyla ilişkili bu yeni dönemde en göze çarpan kuşkusuz daha aktif bir sürece geçiştir. 2023 Cumhurbaşkanlığı seçimlerinin hemen akabinde Türkiye Cumhuriyeti’nin temasları bunun göstergelerindendir. Tüm bunların ışığında çalışmada aktif bir Türk dış politikasına geçiş süreci ve bunun gelecek dönemlerdeki yansımaları ele alınmaktadır. Bu kapsamda süreçteki gelişmeler uluslararası siyasette Ankara’nın artan etkisinin başladığına işaret etmektedir.
Impact of toll-like receptor 4 variations on nasopharyngeal carcinoma risk and survival in tunisian population
Authors: Ben Chaaben Arij , Ayadi Imen , Abaza Hejer , Baroudi Olfa , Douik Hayet , Harzallah Latifa , Bouassida Jihen , Bouckouaci Wahid , Guemira Fethi , Mankai Amani , Kharrat Maher , Tamouza Ryad
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), an important member of the host's innate immune response, is coded by a polymorphic gene. This polymorphism could be a predisposing factor for NasoPharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC).
Aim: To determine the association between TLR4 gene polymorphisms and the susceptibility to NPC in a cohort of Tunisian affected patients.
Methods: Genomic DNAs from 245 unrelated patients affected by undifferentiated carcinoma type (UCNT) and 264 unrelated healthy controls were genotyped for the five single nucleotides polymorphisms (SNPs) of TLR4 locus (4434 A>G (rs1927914),7263 G>C (rs10759932), 6134 A>G(rs4986790), 8851C>T (rs 4986791), 5272 T>C(rs11536889), +8469 T>C (rs11536891)) by Taqman® 5’-nuclease assay.
Results: Among all polymorphisms studied, only the rs4986790 G and rs4986791 T alleles were significantly more prevalent in patients’ group than controls (45% vs. 38%; p=0.03; pc=0.06) and increased the risk of the NPC (OR=1.3, 95% CI=1.01-1.69).  Also, we found that the frequency of the rs4986790 AA and rs4986791 TT genotypes was significantly higher in controls than in patients (25.7% vs 37%; p=0.006, pc=0.02) and conferred a protector factor in NPC (OR= 0.59, 95% CI= 0.39-0.87). Further, based on the Kaplan-Meier survival curve we observed also the positive effect ofrs1927914 AA genotype on a prognostic of NPC (p=0.006; pc=0.01).
Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that impaired production of TLR4 seems to be a risk factor of NPC development but functional studies are needed to confirm these findings. As to rs1927914 AA appears to be a good biomarker for better survival in a patient with NPC.
Direct medical cost related to the management of pemphigus: A pilot Tunisian study
Authors: Hayder Faten , Bahloul Emna , Yaich Sourour , Turki Sana , Sellami Khadija , Litaiem Noureddine , Masmoudi Hatem , Turki Manel , Turki Hamida
Published: February 2024

Background: Pemphigus is a therapeutically challenging disease with high morbidity and economic burden. First-line prescription of rituximab remains limited in Tunisia due to its high cost. Systemic steroids remain the standard of care but are associated with a major risk of morbidities and higher treatment costs.
Aim: To assess the direct medical costs of pemphigus in Tunisia.
Methods: Retrospective estimation of direct medical costs during the 18 months following the diagnosis using the “bottom-up approach” in the Dermatology Department of Hedi Chaker Hospital, Sfax, Tunisia.
Results: Total medical costs were estimated at 38745.7 €, with an average cost of 1 210 € per patient and per year: paraclinical investigations (46%), medical treatment (30%), hospitalization (21%) and outpatient visits (3%). The average cost was the highest in the age group of 15-24 years (1553 €). Treatment costs related to corticosteroid-induced morbidity were estimated at 1208 €.
Conclusions: The management of pemphigus in Tunisia needs to be adapted to take into account the health economic analysis in order to reduce overall disease costs and the burden of steroid-induced morbidities.
La danza y su contribución al desarrollo integral del estudiante en básica secundaria
Authors: Ibarra Eraso Aracelly Lorena
Published: February 2024

In the article, the contribution of dance as an artistic manifestation to the integral development of the student in the secondary school is analyzed. The research is carried out with ninth-grade students from the Institution of Public Education, Escuela Normal Superior de Pasto, Nariño, Colombia. The study lays the foundations for a training proposal in this field, gathering the concerns of the same, with the aim of building subjects that contribute to their community, that take ownership of organizational processes and get involved in the social transformation you need in the current moments of the Colombian society.
Secuelas post-COVID 19 y su impacto en el estado funcional de los pacientes: experiencia en una Unidad de Medicina Familiar del Estado de México
Authors: Ortiz Vilchis Cristian Miguel , Avilés Sanchez María Emiliana
Published: February 2024

Objetivo:  Describir las secuelas funcionales en pacientes que presentaron algún tipo de secuela post COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio transversal, analítico y descriptivo. Se efectuó en la Unidad de Medicina Familiar No. 220 del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social en la ciudad de Toluca, Estado de México. Muestreo no probabilístico, fue obtenida una muestra de 117 pacientes; se realizó entre los meses de junio a diciembre del 2021.  Fue aplicada la Escala Estatus Funcional Post-COVID-19 (PCFS). Estudio aprobado por el Comité de Ética e Investigación. Los datos obtenidos se analizaron mediante el paquete estadístico SPSS 26. Resultados: Grupo de edad más representativo: de 30-40 años (35.9%), mujeres (67.5%). Casados (59.8%).  Educación secundaria (38.5%), bachillerato (36.8%). Empleados (76.1%). Reportaron hospitalización (33.3%). De acuerdo al grado de disfunción: moderada 35%, leve 28.2%, mínima 18.8% y severa 8.5%. Principales secuelas: fatiga (42.7%), alteraciones neurocognitivas (29.1%). El resultado de χ2 fue de 0.062 por lo que no existió significancia estadística de la asociación entre las dos variables principales. Conclusiones:  No siempre la gravedad inicial de la COVID-19 predice secuelas que conlleven al paciente a modificar su estado funcional. Los médicos familiares deberían considerar factores individuales, educar a los pacientes sobre la variabilidad de secuelas, adoptar un enfoque multidisciplinario y seguimiento continuo.
Percepción de cambios en la Funcionalidad Familiar en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 posterior a una intervención educativa
Authors: Martínez Hernández Saida , Fernández Martínez Sergio Carlos , Palma Jiménez Imelda , Romero Santamaría Yury Montserrat , Meneses Lara José Eduardo
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: Determinar la percepción de cambios en la Funcionalidad Familiar en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus Tipo2 posterior a una Intervención Educativa. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cuasi experimental, muestra de 298 participantes en la Unidad de Medicina Familiar, Número 22 de Teziutlán Puebla. Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social. Se realizó una evaluación pre y post intervención utilizando el test FF-SIL para funcionalidad familiar (alfa de Cronbach de 0.931). Se analizó con estadística no paramétrica. Resultados:  El 54.7% de las familias se clasificaron como “moderadamente funcionales” en la Pre-Intervención pasando a un porcentaje de 91.7% como familia “funcional” en la post-intervención. Conclusiones: Se demostró con una significancia estadística (p=0.000) que la Intervención Educativa modificó la percepción de la funcionalidad familiar de los pacientes con diabetes mellitus Tipo 2.
Reflexões sobre dois aspectos da formação médica a partir de experiências de estudantes de medicina
Authors: Smaniotto Raulik Brenda Gabriele , Freire Martins Martha , Monteiro Baptista da Silva Daniela , De Almeida Nogueira Montenegro Leonardo , De Almeida Nogueira Montenegro Ricardo , Ayres Rossini Guilherme
Published: February 2024

A utilização de metáforas para representar a complexa situação em que o paciente crônico institucionalizado se encontra pode auxiliar na melhor tomada de decisões do médico que assiste esses pacientes. O presente artigo discorre, a partir dos relatos de duas experiências clínicas de estudantes de medicina com tais pacientes, sobre dois aspectos metafóricos importantes para a formação médica: 1) gut feelings – habilidade reconhecida que se aperfeiçoa com os anos de prática clínica, mas que é difícil de ser definida e 2) o médico como o “segundo prisma” -em  analogia ao experimento óptico de Isaac Newton- na qual o médico faz o papel de segundo prisma que recebe todas as informações do paciente, familiares e da equipe multidisciplinar (luzes coloridas) e as transforma em um plano terapêutico que dê segurança para equipe, assistência e conforto para o paciente (com a convergência de todas as luzes coloridas em luz branca de volta ao paciente).
Experience and Enlightenment: Practical Training of Applied Talents in Environmental Design Based on the “Sandwich” Model in the United Kingdom:Taking the Curriculum Implementation Outline of the Square Design Course at Sichuan Normal University as an example
Authors:   Krirk University, Bangkok,10220, Thailand, WANG Jing , WANG Xiaodong ,   Krirk University, Bangkok,10220, Thailand, 20170084@sicnu.edu.cn
Published: February 2024

The British “Sandwich” model plays an important role in the development of higher education in Commonwealth countries and even in the European and American regions. With the advancement of the great rejuvenation process of the Chinese nation and the existence of a major unprecedented transformation, sustainable development in various important fields in our country is facing varying degrees of problems. The British “Sandwich” model can effectively solve the problem of the lack of specialized talents in application innovation design during the process of coordinated urban-rural development. This paper takes the talents required and urgently needed for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation as the research background, guided by the British "Sandwich" education model, and takes the cultivation of talents in applied innovative design in environmental design as a practical path, with the implementation outline of “Squre Design” course at Sichuan Normal University as the specific research object. Through systematic and logical deduction and induction, this paper presents experiences that can be implemented, exchanged, and promoted in similar colleges, aiming to contribute to the strategy of revitalizing the country through science and education and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Continuity·Evolution: Exploring the development trend of Tujia hand-waving dance along the river in Guizhou
Authors:   School of Art, Tibet University, Lhasa, 85000, TANG Xiaofeng
Published: February 2024

The Tujia people are famous for their bravery, hard work, and ability to sing and dance. Their long-term working life and migration have shaped their splendid history and culture. Among them, the most representative one is the "hand waving dance", which is often performed during festivals, sacrifices and prayer activities. With the rapid development of industrialization and modernization, the ideas and production methods of Tujia people in the Tujia area have undergone drastic changes . For example, the Tujia people along the river in Guizhou have gradually accepted new ideas and culture and abandoned their traditional way of life, resulting in the original material civilization. and spiritual culture are gradually fading out of the stage of history, including the hand-waving dance of the Tujia people , and they are also facing the risk of disappearing or being forgotten. In order to protect the sustainable development of hand- waving dance, it is necessary to conduct in-depth research on its dance form, artistic style and future development trends to deepen people's awareness of the protection of hand-waving dance. It also has an important impact on China's cultural diversity and the protection of intangible cultural heritage.
Repenser l’engagement d’écriture de Gabrielle Roy : le cas de Bonheur d’occasion
Authors: Thibeault Laurianne
Published: February 2024

Au-delà du récit d’apparence assertive prenant la défense de la classe ouvrière canadienne-française, Bonheur d’occasion mérite d’être revisité pour y voir un exercice d’exploration des réalités sociales. Plutôt que de s’en prendre aux classes dominantes, Gabrielle Roy chercherait à comprendre les conditions de vie des groupes dominés qu’elle représente dans son roman. Son livre donne ainsi à voir la pauvreté à travers un regard toujours empathique, certes, mais prudent en ce qui a trait à l’idéologie. Autant du point de vue narratif que stylistique, on peut déceler des stratégies d’atténuation du discours critique qui protègent l’intégrité de l’autrice pendant qu’elle prend le parti de la justice sociale.
Enjeux et tensions associés à la scolarisation des élèves du secondaire issus des minorités visibles au Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, au Québec
Authors: Amboulé-Abath Anastasie
Published: February 2024

Cet article présente la manière dont les élèves au secondaire issus des minorités visibles, et fréquentant deux écoles du secondaire situées dans une région excentrée et à faible densité ethnoculturelle, décrivent leur expérience socioscolaire. Il s’intéresse aux dimensions relationnelle et identitaire, et vise à connaître la façon dont ces élèves se perçoivent, se considèrent, se positionnent, se définissent et réagissent dans cet environnement éducatif par rapport aux autres élèves. Des entretiens semi-directifs ont été réalisés auprès de dix élèves de deux écoles secondaires de la ville de Saguenay, au Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. Dans l’ensemble, les extraits retenus font ressortir les vécus et les perçus des enjeux et des défis soulevés par leurs caractéristiques personnelles sur leur parcours scolaire. Les résultats attestent l’existence de perceptions diversifiées, mises en relief par différentes expériences et visant une reconnaissance sociale et une volonté de compensation de certaines ségrégations (p. ex. : le racisme), et nous invitent à nuancer la portée des victimisations se rapportant à la discrimination raciale. Nos résultats indiquent qu’il y a présence de comportements insidieux de microagressions (agresseurs) et d’évitement (victimes). Les élèves rencontrés, même s’ils se sentent en général bien et en sécurité à l’école, utilisent des stratégies d’adaptation et de refoulement devant les actes racistes.
Production and characterization of an extracellular Mn2+ activated ß-D-fructofuranosidase from Aspergillus labruscus ITAL 28.255 with transfructosylating activity
Authors: Moreira Lucas André , Cavalcanti Oliveira Arthur Henrique , Guimarães Luis Henrique Souza
Published: February 2024

Fungal ß-D-fructofuranosidases present biotechnological potential for use in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. In light of this, the best culture conditions for the production of ß-D-fructofuranosidase by Aspergillus labruscus ITAL 28.255 were obtained with an M-5 medium maintained at 30°C and 100 rpm for 120 h. The use of a mixture of rye flour and sucrose (1.5:0.5, m/m) and 2% yeast extract as the carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, proportioned the best production of the enzyme. The extracellular ß-D-fructofuranosidase was purified 17-fold, with 9% recovery, and was characterized as a glycoprotein with 67 kDa (SDS-PAGE) and 40.7% carbohydrate content. The best temperature and pH for enzyme activity were 55°C and 5.5, respectively. The enzyme activity was maintained around 75% at 40 and 50°C for 1 h, with a half-life of 5 min at 70°C. The hydrolytic activity was increased in the presence of Mn2+. The Vmax and KM were 4.74 mM and 140.3 U/mg using sucrose; while, in the presence of Mn2+, the KM was 2.17 mM and the Vmax was 292.9 U/mg. The enzyme performed the transfructosylation reaction, enabling the production of FOS, mainly 1-kestose. This is the first report on the potential of A. labruscus to produce β-fructofuranosidase with transfructosylation activity.
Exploring Low-Speed Marine Diesel Engine Parameters through Advanced 3D Visualization with Delaunay Triangulation
Authors: Nikolaeva Dimitrichka , Nikolaev Evgeni , Yankova Radostina , Veselinov Deyan
Published: February 2024

The article presents an algorithm for creating software leading to the optimization of the combustion process of marine engines. Parameters determining the Existing Ships Energy Efficiency Index (EEXI) related to ship type, capacity, and propulsion principle are considered. Test data on the characteristics of a two-stroke main engine, model HYUNDAI 6S60MC-C for six types of loads were used as the basis. To present the working field of the engine, the necessary calculations have been carried out and dependencies have been derived for the power and the specific fuel consumption as a function of the revolutions. The implementation includes the development of a small software program using Delaunay's triangulation algorithm to create 3D graphics, as well as Python libraries and methods.
Linking root-associated fungal and bacterial functions to root economics
Authors: Wu Ran , Zeng Xiaoyue , McCormack M. Luke , Fernandez Christopher W. , Yang Yin , Guo Hui , Xi Meijie , Liu Yu , Qi Xiangbin , Liang Shuang , Juenger Thomas E. , Koide Roger T. , Chen Weile
Published: February 2024

Tree roots form symbioses with soil microbes to acquire nutrients, but the relationships between root nutrient acquisition strategies and microbial community composition remain poorly understood. Here, we measured root traits and root-associated fungal and bacterial guilds in 336 trees of 52 species from a subtropical forest. We found a fungal gradient from ectomycorrhizal to saprotrophic dominance, which corresponded with a shift from organic to mineral nutrient economics. This fungal gradient was aligned with the increase of root nitrogen concentration, suggesting a linkage from simple root trait to fungal-mediated carbon-nutrient cycling. We also found that the functional composition of fungal and bacterial communities was closely correlated with host root-zone pH, which often varied among coexisting trees. Root-zone pH was independent of the common root traits, underpinning a potential new gradient in the root trait space. Our findings integrate microbial functions into the root economics framework, thereby advancing the understanding of diversity of nutrient acquisition strategies across forest trees.
Wiring up for controlled flight
Authors: Cardona Albert
Published: February 2024

A map showing how neurons that process motion are wired together in the visual system of fruit flies provides new insights into how animals navigate and remain stable when flying.
The Significance of Detecting Diatoms in Spleen Tissue for the Postmortem Diagnosis of Drowning
Authors: Ko Young San , Ham Suk Hoon , Heo Jin-Haeng , Im Sang-Beom , Park Young-Il , Kwon Jeong-hwa , Kim Kyung Ryoul , Song Ho Suk , Jang Seon Jung
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to elucidate the diatomological investigation and the forensic role of spleen tissue in cases of drowning or non-drowning. Specimens of spleen tissue and other organ tissue from 136 drowning cases, as well as 21 cases where death resulted from causes other than drowning (acting as controls), were examined for the presence of diatoms. The diatom test was performed on all cases using the acid digestion method, involving fumed nitric acid on a hot sand bath. The presence of diatoms in spleen tissue was observed in drowning cases but not in non-drowning cases. Diatoms in spleen tissue showed a positive association with drowning (P=0.011). Among the 136 drowning cases, diatoms were most frequently found in lung tissue (n=134, 99%), followed by spleen (n=33, 24%), kidney (n=28, 21%), liver (n=27, 20%), and heart (n=22, 16%) tissues. Moreover, in 95 cases where putrefaction did not progress, diatoms were detected in spleen tissues in 14 cases, indicating that the highest detection rate among other enclosed organ tissues, excluding lung tissues. Furthermore, a significant correlation was observed between the presence of diatoms in spleen tissue and those in enclosed organs, including the liver, kidney, and heart, but not in lung tissues. Our results revealed a significant correlation between the presence of diatoms in spleen tissue and drowning. Thus, the present study provides evidence that the presence of diatoms in spleen tissue may be a reliable indicator of death by drowning.
Validation of system usability scale as a usability metric to evaluate voice user interfaces
Authors: Deshmukh Akshay Madhav , Chalmeta Ricardo
Published: February 2024

In recent years, user experience (UX) has gained importance in the field of interactive systems. To ensure its success, interactive systems must be evaluated. As most of the standardized evaluation tools are dedicated to graphical user interfaces (GUIs), the evaluation of voice-based interactive systems or voice user interfaces is still in its infancy. With the help of a well-established evaluation scale, the System Usability Scale (SUS), two prominent, widely accepted voice assistants were evaluated. The evaluation, with SUS, was conducted with 16 participants who performed a set of tasks on Amazon Alexa Echo Dot and Google Nest Mini. We compared the SUS score of Amazon Alexa Echo Dot and Google Nest Mini. Furthermore, we derived the confidence interval for both voice assistants. To enhance understanding for usability practitioners, we analyzed the Adjective Rating Score of both interfaces to comprehend the experience of an interface’s usability through words rather than numbers. Additionally, we validated the correlation between the SUS score and the Adjective Rating Score. Finally, a paired sample t-test was conducted to compare the SUS score of Amazon Alexa Echo Dot and Google Nest Mini. This resulted in a huge difference in scores. Hence, in this study, we corroborate the utility of the SUS in voice user interfaces and conclude by encouraging researchers to use SUS as a usability metric to evaluate voice user interfaces.
Identification of m6A-associated autophagy genes in non-alcoholic fatty liver
Authors: Huang Ziqing , Luo Linfei , Wu Zhengqiang , Xiao Zhihua , Wen Zhili
Published: February 2024

Background

Studies had shown that autophagy was closely related to nonalcoholic fat liver disease (NAFLD), while N6-methyladenosine (m6A) was involved in the regulation of autophagy. However, the mechanism of m6A related autophagy in NAFLD was unclear.

Methods

The NAFLD related datasets were gained via the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and we also extracted 232 autophagy-related genes (ARGs) and 37 m6A. First, differentially expressed ARGs (DE-ARGs) and differentially expressed m6A (DE-m6A) were screened out by differential expression analysis. DE-ARGs associated with m6A were sifted out by Pearson correlation analysis, and the m6A-ARGs relationship pairs were acquired. Then, autophagic genes in m6A-ARGs pairs were analyzed for machine learning algorithms to obtain feature genes. Further, we validated the relationship between feature genes and NAFLD through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot (WB). Finally, the immuno-infiltration analysis was implement, and we also constructed the TF-mRNA and drug-gene networks.

Results

There were 19 DE-ARGs and four DE-m6A between NAFLD and normal samples. The three m6A genes and five AGRs formed the m6A-ARGs relationship pairs. Afterwards, genes obtained from machine learning algorithms were intersected to yield three feature genes (TBK1, RAB1A, and GOPC), which showed significant positive correlation with astrocytes, macrophages, smooth muscle, and showed significant negative correlation with epithelial cells, and endothelial cells. Besides, qRT-PCR and WB indicate that TBK1, RAB1A and GOPC significantly upregulated in NAFLD. Ultimately, we found that the TF-mRNA network included FOXP1-GOPC, ATF1-RAB1A and other relationship pairs, and eight therapeutic agents such as R-406 and adavosertib were predicted based on the TBK1.

Conclusion

The study investigated the potential molecular mechanisms of m6A related autophagy feature genes (TBK1, RAB1A, and GOPC) in NAFLD through bioinformatic analyses and animal model validation. However, it is critical to note that these findings, although consequential, demonstrate correlations rather than cause-and-effect relationships. As such, more research is required to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms and validate the clinical relevance of these feature genes.
Genetic Assessment of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit Provenances by Using ISSR Markers
Authors: P. Chezhian  , Prasath V. , K. Jayakumar  , Selvakrishnan P. , Rosy P. Leena , Stalin T. , Rajesh R.
Published: February 2024

Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) technique was deployed for the estimation of genetic diversity in18 Leucaena leucocephala provenances. Seeds of these provenances were collected from across the country and planted at a single location in South India. To estimate the genetic diversity/ polymorphism, DNA was extracted through Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB) method, visualized and analyzed the DNA bands on UV trans- illuminator gel doc (α-imager 3.2). Totally ten ISSR primers were used in this study. Among them, eight ISSR microsatellites showed a high degree of polymorphism in all the eighteen leucaena provenances used in our study. These primers successfully amplified a total of 645 bands, of which 577 bands (89 %) showed polymorphism. On average, 14.92 bands per accession were obtained and 68.28 % provenances were distinguished through these primers. The ISSR primer T(GT)9 was able to distinguish 100 % of the L. luecocephalla provenances. Cluster analysis based on the genotypic similarities assembled the 18 leucaena accessions in to three clusters. The dendrogram generated based on the 8 ISSR primers distinctively demarcated many of the L. leucocephalla accessions into different clusters indicating vast genetic diversity among the provenances. The high degree of genetic variability demonstrated by the ISSR molecular markers in L. leucocephalla can be used as a tool for assessing genetic diversity and in future leucaena genetic improvement programs.
Determination of Yield Parameters and Quality Traits of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Genotypes
Authors: Kumar Virendra , Kumar Sanjay , Vipin  , Kumar Rakesh , Yadav Agnivesh , Luthra Suraj , Rajbhar Ramesh , Tiwari Chandroday Prakash , Prasad Lalu
Published: February 2024

The experiment was done to evaluate the performance of twenty genotypes of tomato in the Horticulture Research Farm of the Department of Horticulture, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh during Rabi Season of the year 2021-2022. Observations were recorded on five randomly selected competitive plants per replication for each entry on five randomly selected competitive plants per replication for each entry on nineteen quantitative and qualitative traits viz, plant height at 30, 60 and 90 days after transplanting (cm), number of primary branches, days to first flowering (days), days to 50 % flowering (days), days to maturity (days), number of flowers/cluster, number of clusters (truss) per plant, number of locule per fruit, pericarp thickness (mm), number of fruits per truss, number of fruits per plant, average single fruit weight (g), yield / plant (kg), fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm), total soluble solids (oBrix) and acidity (%). Among the genotypes used for evaluation Pusa Ruby (8.01 kg/plant) were observed to have higher yield per plant followed by Pusa Divya (7.33 kg/Plant) and Himsona (6.32 kg/plant), while the minimum was recorded in genotype Pusa Sadabahar (1.25kg/plant) followed by Kashi Sarad (1.57kg /plant) and Pusa Gaurav (2kg/plant). The minimum Pericarp thickness was found in genotype Pusa Upkar (3.25 mm), whereas maximum Pericarp thickness were observed in genotype Pusa Ruby (7.42 mm). For the minimum TSS (total soluble solids) was found in genotype Kashi Sarad (3.33) whereas, maximum TSS were observed in genotype Pusa Upkar (8.42). For the minimum Acidity % was recorded in genotype Kashi Amul (0.18%), whereas, the maximum Acidity % were observed in genotype Kashi Hemant (0.86%).
Incidence and factors associated with postpartum depressive symptoms: a literature review / Incidência e fatores associados aos sintomas depressivos pós-parto: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Caldeira Daniela Marcia Rodrigues , Ataíde Monção Rafael , Guimarães Cordeiro Paulo Eduardo , De Pinho Lucineia , Ramos Veloso Silva Rosângela , Santos Figueiredo Brito Maria Fernanda
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: identificar na literatura científica as incidências dos sintomas depressivos pós-parto e os fatores associados. Método: revisão narrativa da literatura descrita conforme a declaração Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A busca bibliográfica foi realizada na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde. Foram elegíveis estudos observacionais com delineamento longitudinal, que utilizaram a Escala de depressão pós-parto de Edimburgo, disponíveis em texto completo, publicados nos anos de 2019 e 2020. Resultados: foram incluídos 17 artigos. A incidência de sintomatologia depressiva pós-parto variou de 0,18% a 27,87%.  Os principais fatores de risco associados foram histórico de depressão, estresse e relação estressante familiar, baixo suporte social, transtornos psiquiátricos como comorbidade e experiência negativa ou complicações durante parto. Conclusões: a sintomatologia depressiva pós-parto atinge parcela expressiva das puérperas e se mantém como problema de saúde pública. Sugere-se a continuidade dos estudos que se relacionam com a temática no cenário nacional.
Transient multiphase model for the high‐temperature thermal treatment of wood
Authors: Younsi R. , Kocaefe D. , Poncsak S. , Kocaefe Y.
Published: April 2006

The hygrothermal behavior of wood at high temperature is analyzed, taking into account all the phases present such as wood, liquid water in free and bound forms, and water vapor. The moisture transport phenomenon includes water vapor convection and diffusion along with capillary water convection in the pores of the particle as well as bound water diffusion in the solid wood. Local thermodynamic equilibrium is assumed, which is represented by a sorption isotherm that relates the moisture contents in the solid and gas phases. The equations of the model were solved numerically using the commercial software Femlab® for the temperature and the moisture content profiles. The mathematical model predictions were compared with the experimental data and a reasonably good agreement was obtained. A parametric study was also carried out to determine the effects of several parameters such as heating rate, initial moisture content, and the sample thickness on the temperature and moisture content distributions within the samples during heat treatment. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2006
A prospective study of the prevalence of heparin‐induced antibodies and other associated thromboembolic risk factors in pediatric patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Skouri Hadef , Gandouz Raoudha , Abroug Saoussen , Kraiem Imen , Euch Henda , Gargouri Jalel , Harbi Abdelaziz
Published: April 2006

Heparin, which is used at high doses in hemodialysis patients, may induce antibodies favoring thromboembolic complications. We prospectively investigated the prevalence of heparin‐induced platelet‐reactive antibodies in a cohort of 38 pediatric hemodialysis patients, by means of heparin/platelet factor 4 (H/PF4) ELISA and heparin‐induced platelet activation assay (HIPA). We also assessed other acquired and congenital hypercoagulable states. Heparin‐induced antibodies were detected in 13 and 21% of patients with HIPA and ELISA, respectively. Anti‐H/PF4 antibodies were negatively correlated with the number of hemodialysis sessions. These antibodies disappeared after a median time of 6 months despite continuing heparin treatment. The prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies was 21% (anticardiolipin 10.5%, anti‐β2GPI 13%, and lupus anticoagulant 5%). Blood levels of homocysteine, factor VIII, and fibrinogen were significantly higher and factor II levels were significantly lower in hemodialysis patients than in controls, whereas factor VII, factor IX, and natural coagulation inhibitor levels were similar in patients and controls. Overall, 26 of 38 patients had at least one biomarker of hypercoagulability, but only 1 patient, without anti‐H/PF4 antibodies, presented with thrombosis. In conclusion, heparin induces the transient production of anti‐H/PF4 antibodies in children undergoing hemodialysis, but other abnormalities probably contribute to hypercoagulability. These findings may help to improve the diagnosis and management of thrombotic events in hemodialysis patients. Am. J. Hematol. 81:328–334, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Atom–Molecule Interactions on Transition Metal Surfaces: A DFT Study of CO and Several Atoms on Rh(100), Pd(100) and Ir(100)
Authors: Nieskens Davy L. S. , Curulla‐Ferré Daniel , Niemantsverdriet J. W.
Published: April 2006

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been performed to determine the interaction energy between a CO probe molecule and all atoms from the first three rows of the periodic table coadsorbed on Rh(100), Pd(100) and Ir(100) metal surfaces. Varying the coverage of CO or the coadsorbed atom proved to have a profound effect on the strength of the interaction energy. The general trend, however, is the same in all cases: the interaction energy becomes more repulsive when moving towards the right along a row of elements, and reaches a maximum somewhere in the middle of a row of elements. The absolute value of the interaction energy between an atom–CO pair ranges from about −0.40 eV (39 kJ mol−1) attraction to +0.70 eV (68 kJ mol−1) repulsion, depending on the coadsorbate, the metal and the coverage. The general trend in interaction energies seems to be a common characteristic for several transition metals.
Chemical composition of the essential oils of Stachys pubescens Ten.
Authors: Nik Z. Baher , Mirza M.
Published: April 2006

The essential oils of Stachys pubescens Ten. growing wild in Iran were examined by GC and GC–MS. The yield of total volatiles was 0.08% (w/w). A total of 21 compounds were characterized in the essential oil. The major components of the sample were germacrene D (37.7%), (Z)‐β‐ocimene (20.3%) and bicyclogermacrene (11.6%). Other compounds present in appreciable amounts were β‐pinene (7.5%), (E)‐β‐ocimene (5.5%), β‐bourbonene (5.2%), α‐pinene(2.5%), octen‐1‐ol acetate (1.3%), α‐cadinol (1.1%) and spathulenol (1%). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimates of the cancer burden in Europe from radioactive fallout from the Chernobyl accident
Authors: Cardis Elisabeth , Krewski Daniel , Boniol Mathieu , Drozdovitch Vladimir , Darby Sarah C. , Gilbert Ethel S. , Akiba Suminori , Benichou Jacques , Ferlay Jacques , Gandini Sara , Hill Catherine , Howe Geoffrey , Kesminiene Ausrele , Moser Mirjana , Sanchez Marie , Storm Hans , Voisin Laurent , Boyle Peter
Published: April 2006

The Chernobyl accident, which occurred April 26, 1986, resulted in a large release of radionuclides, which were deposited over a very wide area, particularly in Europe. Although an increased risk of thyroid cancer in exposed children has been clearly demonstrated in the most contaminated regions, the impact of the accident on the risk of other cancers as well as elsewhere in Europe is less clear. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the human cancer burden in Europe as a whole from radioactive fallout from the accident. Average country‐ and region‐specific whole‐body and thyroid doses from Chernobyl were estimated using new dosimetric models and radiological data. Numbers of cancer cases and deaths possibly attributable to radiation from Chernobyl were estimated, applying state‐of‐the‐art risk models derived from studies of other irradiated populations. Simultaneously, trends in cancer incidence and mortality were examined over time and by dose level. The risk projections suggest that by now Chernobyl may have caused about 1,000 cases of thyroid cancer and 4,000 cases of other cancers in Europe, representing about 0.01% of all incident cancers since the accident. Models predict that by 2065 about 16,000 (95% UI 3,400–72,000) cases of thyroid cancer and 25,000 (95% UI 11,000–59,000) cases of other cancers may be expected due to radiation from the accident, whereas several hundred million cancer cases are expected from other causes. Although these estimates are subject to considerable uncertainty, they provide an indication of the order of magnitude of the possible impact of the Chernobyl accident. It is unlikely that the cancer burden from the largest radiological accident to date could be detected by monitoring national cancer statistics. Indeed, results of analyses of time trends in cancer incidence and mortality in Europe do not, at present, indicate any increase in cancer rates—other than of thyroid cancer in the most contaminated regions—that can be clearly attributed to radiation from the Chernobyl accident. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SYBR green and TaqMan real‐time PCR assays are equivalent for the diagnosis of dengue virus type 3 infections
Authors: Gomes‐Ruiz Alessandra Cristina , Nascimento Renata Teodoro , de Paula Sérgio Oliveira , da Fonseca Benedito Antônio Lopes
Published: April 2006

Dengue is the most important arthropod‐borne viral disease in the world. A rapid diagnostic test for dengue is warranted, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction may improve diagnosis. TaqMan and Sybr Green systems were evaluated for the diagnosis of dengue virus type 3 (DENV‐3) infections. Out of 77 patients with clinical suspicion of dengue infection, specific IgM antibodies were detected in 40 patients. DENV‐3 was detected and quantitated in 17 IgM‐positive samples by both systems. These assays were shown to be rapid, and specific for detection of DENV‐3, and that for diagnostic purposes, there is no difference between these two assays. J. Med. Virol. 78:760–763, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.