bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of nanocrystalline cerium dioxide on antigens of non-specific protection of quails
Authors: Zotsenko V. , Demchenko O. , Ostrovskiy D. , Andriychuk A. , Grishko V.
Published: November 2022

Intensive poultry farming technologies are closely linked to a variety of environmental, technological, feed and biological stressors, which tend to negatively affect their productivity and immune defenses. In the pathogenesis of such detrimental effects, the leading role belongs to the overproduction of oxygen free radicals - oxidative stress. The latter activates a number of transcription factors, including Nrf-2 and Nf-kB, which modulate the antioxidant defense network and participate in the organization of infection control. NDC is able to reduce the activation of Nf-kB and thus maintain antioxidant balance, but the response of the immune system to this factor is insufficiently studied. The aim of our work is to investigate the effect of NDC on the antigen of non-specific immunity of quails by adding it to drinking water. The object of study were the quail of the Pharaoh breed, experimental and control groups formed at the age of one day on the principle of analogues. The birds were kept in cages with free access to food and water. Quails of the experimental group in drinking water was added to the feed additive Nanocerium at a dose of 8.6 mg per liter of drinking water. This additive is an aqueous dispersion of NDC with an average nanoparticle size of 2-7 nm. The average weight of quails at the end of the experiment (56 days) in the experimental group was 20.2 g greater than in the control. Morphometric studies of the thymus, bursa and spleen showed no effect of NDC on the central and peripheral immune systems. Morphological parameters of the blood were within the physiological norm, but in the experimental group the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin content were higher. The leukocyte count showed an increase in the leukocyte count (according to Garkavi LH) in the experimental group. Humoral performance was identical in both groups. Studies of cellular defense indicate no effect on the phagocytic function of peripheralblood cells. Functional and metabolic activity under the influence of NDC in the spontaneous test probably did not differ and increased in the stimulated. Therefore, quails that received nanocerium feed additive with water had a higher immunoresistance.
Key words: birds, nanocerium, morphometry, thymus, natural immunity, morphological parameters of blood, hematopoiesis, humoral immunity, cellular immunity, hematological parameters.
Accepted abbreviations: NDC – nanocrystalline cerium dioxide, ROS – reactive oxygen species, Nf-kB – nuclear factor - kV, Nrf-2 – nuclear factor - erythroid 2 and related factor 2.
Study and comparison of population density indices of Ixodes ticks of different biotopes of Kyiv and Cherkasy regions
Authors: Panteleienko O. , Tsarenko T.
Published: November 2022

Ixodes ticks play an important role in the spread of various infectious diseases. Representatives of the Ixodes family carry a large number of pathogens. Zoonotic infections, such as tick-borne borreliosis, tick-borne encephalitis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, etc., are especially dangerous. Areas of distribution of Ixodes ticks are quite diverse: forests, meadows, shrubs, city parks and various types of green spaces in cities. The study of the quantitative and species composition of ticks in natural foci of infectious diseases is an important component of assessing the epizootiological biopotential and forecasting the risks of infectious diseases in certain areas. In the studies, we studied and compared the distribution of Ixodes ticks based on the population density index of Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus in two different habitats: anthropogenically transformed semi-natural forest environment and meadow-type with pastures. The first – the forest area is located in the forest park tract "Golendernya" in Bila Tserkva, Kyiv region. The second – a natural meadow area is located in the Cherkasy region, Lysyansk United Territorial Community (OTG), village Zhabianka. Collection of Ixodes was performed by the usual method on the flag. The population density index is expressed in relation to the number of ticks per 1 m2 of the surveyed area with a correction factor of 1.2. A total of 12,000 m2 of total habitat area was surveyed, 572 specimens of Ixodes ticks were collected, including 393 Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus 179, respectively. 356 Ixodes ticks were collected in the Golendernia tract, of which 339 were Ixodes ricinus and only 17 were Dermacentor reticulatus. Accordingly, in Golendernia tract the population density index of the surveyed area of 6 thousand m2 Ixodes ricinus is 0.07 specimens/m2 (95.9%) and Dermacentor reticulatus – 0.003 specimens/m2 (4.1%). 216 specimens of Ixodes ticks were collected in the natural meadow biotope, of which 162 – Dermacentor reticulatus and 54 – Ixodes ricinus. The population density index of the surveyed area of 6 thousand m2 in the meadow biotope with mites of the species Dermacentor reticulatus is 0.03 specimens/m2 (75.0%), and with mites of the species Ixodes ricinus – 0.01 specimens/m2. (25.0%). Population density indices between Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus have a statistically significant difference (p <0.01) which is due to the types of habitats.
Key words: Ixodes tiks, Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus, population density index, habitats.
The Magic Realist World of “Mondo” in Le Clézio’s Mondo and Other Stories
Authors: Abedin Zaynul
Published: November 2022

Born of a French mother, and an English-descent Mauritanian father, Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clézio (Le Clézio for short) often identifies himself as Franco- Mauritanian writer always on the move. In spite of his vehement repudiation of a fixed identity for himself, he has bought himself a home in Mexico, extensively travelled the length and breadth of Africa and wistfully pondered the questions of the other, especially through his representation of the locale, the flora and fauna, and the culture of the world outside Europe. This article singles out “Mondo”, arguably the most important short story of Mondo and Other Stories, to investigate how Le Clézio brings to the fore a strange yet tantalizingly familiar world through the characterization of its eponymous protagonist Mondo, a ten-year-old boy of an uncertain provenance, and exotic idiosyncrasies. In order to critique its depiction of the real world with an undercurrent of magical fictionality that shows a strong affinity towards a literary propensity deeply rooted in the so-called peripheral cultures of the world. The article takes recourse to the recent accretions of magic realism, and delves into the author’s magic realistic worldview that denounces the Western rational system of thought.
Spectrum, Volume 16, June 2021: 207-217
A Systematic Review of the Effects of Aquatic Therapy on Motor Functions in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Mujawar Muskaan Mahamadhanif
Published: November 2022

Background. Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common childhood disorders. Different treatment strategies are used to improve quality of life.
Aim. To systematically review the recent articles and investigate the effects of aquatic therapy on motor functions in children with cerebral palsy.
Methods. Studies between 2012–2022 were selected investigating the effects of aquatic therapy on motor functions in CP children. The databases Google Scholar, PubMed and PEDRO were used. Selection criteria included diagnosis as CP, use of aquatic intervention, participants aged until 18 years, use of validated outcome measure, published in English, and study design as a randomized control trial/pilot study/case study.
Results. Out of 11 studies selected for this review, 6 of them were randomized control trials, 2 were quasi experimental studies, 2 were comparative studies and one was case series. Aquatic exercises, Halliwick concept, Watsu and water immersion therapy, swimming exercises were used as aquatic interventions in the studies. Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) was the most commonly used tool for recording motor functions. About 64% of studies showed that aquatic interventions can provide significantly beneficial effects on motor functions of children with CP when compared to conventional therapy or no intervention.
Conclusions. Aquatic therapy provides beneficial effects on motor functions in children with cerebral palsy.
Keywords: cerebral palsy, aquatic therapy, aquatic exercises, swimming program, motor functions.
ملاحظات المعلمين على التعلّم الاجتماعي العاطفي للمتعلمين: دليل القياس النفسي لتقييم البرامج
التعليمية في حالات الطوارئ
Authors: Kim Ha Yeon , Gjicali Kalina , Wu Zezhen , Tubbs Dolan Carly
Published: November 2022

يتطلب التقييم الصارم لبرامج التعلم الاجتماعي والعاطفي استخدام التدابير التي توفر معلومات موثوقة وصحيحة حول الاختلافات ذات المعنى في المهارات العاطفية الاجتماعية للأطفال عبر مجموعات العلاج والمراقبة، بالإضافة إلى التغييرات بمرور الوقت. في السياقات المتأثرة بالصراع والأزمات، القليل من التدابير يمكن أن توفر الأدلة المطلوبة لدعم استخدامها في تقييمات البرامج، مما يحد من قدرة الجهات المعنية على تحديد ما إذا كان البرنامج يعمل، ومدى نجاحه، ولمَن. إن ملاحظة المعلمين للتعلم العاطفي الاجتماعي للمتعلمين، والمعروفة باسم TOOLSEL، تبشر بمعالجة هذه الفجوة. TOOLSEL عبارة عن استبيان لتقرير المعلم حول سلوك الأطفال كما هو ملاحظ في إعدادات الفصول الدراسية الطبيعية. يتم استخدامه لتقييم مجموعة من الكفاءات الاجتماعية والعاطفية والسلوكية والمعرفية بين الأطفال في سن المدرسة الابتدائية في البيئات الهشة والمتأثرة بالصراع. في هذه المقالة، باستخدام بيانات من عينة من 3,661 طفلاً سوريًا لاجئًا كانوا مسجلين في مدارس حكومية لبنانية رسمية وكان بإمكانهم الوصول إلى برنامج دعم علاجي غير رسمي، فإننا نقدم أدلة على سلامة القياس النفسي لـ TOOLSEL. نقدم دليلًا تجريبيًا على موثوقية TOOLSEL وصلاحيته، وأن TOOLSEL هيأ مهارات التعلم الاجتماعية والعاطفية للأطفال اللاجئين السوريين بطرق غير متحيزة وقابلة للمقارنة عبر مجموعات العلاج ونوع الجنس والعمر والوقت. نقدم أيضًا توصيات لاستخدام TOOLSEL، بما في ذلك طرق تحسين جدواه وموثوقيته وصلاحيته.
ملاحظة ميدانية: استخدام النهج التشاركي لإنشاء برامج التعلّم الاجتماعي والعاطفي (SEL): حالة أهلاً سمسم
Authors: Kohn Shanna , Foulds Kim , Cole Charlotte , Matthews Mackenzie , Hussein Laila
Published: November 2022

تسلط هذه الورقة الضوء على استخدام النهج التشاركي القائم على معرفة تأثير الصدمات في إنشاء برنامج أهلاً سمسم التلفزيوني للشرق الأوسط، وتؤكد على أهمية استخدام نهج تشاركي لتصميم محتوى تعليمي اجتماعي وعاطفي (SEL) وثيق الصلة بالثقافة. أهلاً سمسم هو أحد عناصر مبادرة أكبر تحمل الاسم نفسه، تم إنشاؤها بواسطة ورشة سمسم ولجنة الإنقاذ الدولية بتمويل من مؤسستي MacArthur و LEGO. يقدم هذا البرنامج التعلم المبكر والرعاية للأطفال والأسر المتضررة من الأزمة السورية من خلال مزيج من وسائل الإعلام وبرامج الخدمات المباشرة. في هذا المقال، نقدم مراجعة للبحوث والمشاورات التي أجرتها ورشة سمسم مع المجتمعات المحلية وخبراء تنمية الطفل المحليين في العراق والأردن وسوريا ولبنان من آب / أغسطس إلى تشرين الثاني / نوفمبر 2018. كان هدف ورشة سمسم هو تحديد مجال تركيز البرنامج التلفزيوني وتحسينه وإنشاء محتوى ملائم محليًا وقائم على معرفة تأثير الصدمات ويستمد من استراتيجيات التعلم الاجتماعي والعاطفي (SEL) التي لها أقصى صدى ولها تأثير أكبر على الجماهير في منطقة الاستجابة السورية. نجادل أنه من أجل وصول برمجة التعلم الاجتماعي والعاطفي (SEL) لتحقيق أقصى قدر من التأثير، من الأهمية بمكان أن يقوم مصممو البرامج بتطوير أطر اجتماعية عاطفية للأطفال من الألف إلى الياء من خلال العمل مع مقدمي الرعاية والممارسين المحليين.
EFFECT OF CHILDBIRTH PERCEPTIONS IN MOTHERS ON THE CHILDBIRTH FEARS OF THEIR SINGLE DAUGHTERS
Authors: AKGÜL Sibel , SABANCI BARANSEL Esra , UÇAR Tuba
Published: November 2022

This study, it was aimed to determine the effect of the childbirth perceptions of mothers on fear of birth in their single daughters. This cross-sectional study was conducted via social media (Facebook, Instagram) between 03.01.2022 and 31.01.2022 using a web-based questionnaire. The study was completed with 794 voluntary participants (397 mothers, 397 daughters). While collecting the data, a Personal Information Form, the Childbirth Fear – Prior to Pregnancy Scale (CF-PPS), and the Perception of Traumatic Childbirth Scale (PTCS) were used. When the mean CF-PPS score of the daughters was compared according to the PTCS levels of the mothers, it was found that the difference between the mean CF-PPS scores of the girls according to the PTCS levels of the mothers was statistically significant (p <0.05). It was determined that the mean scores of mothers aged 45 years and younger were higher than those aged 46 and over, mothers with the highest PTCS mean score were those with a history of abortion, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). In addition, in the correlation analysis, it was determined that as the PTCS score of the mothers increased, the scores of their daughters increased in the CF-PPS, and there was a positive and weak significant relationship between PTCS and CF-PPS. It is thought that the PTCS levels of the mothers during their pregnancy have a positive relationship with the fear of childbirth in single daughters, therefore it has an effective role in transferring the fear of childbirth from mothers to their daughters.
Model-based analysis of myocardial strains in left bundle branch block
Authors: Taconné Marion , Owashi Kimi P. , Galli Elena , Duchenne Jürgen , Hubert Arnaud , Donal Erwan , Hernàndez Alfredo I. , Le Rolle Virginie
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Although observational studies of patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB) have shown a relation between strain morphologies and responses to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), the evaluation of left ventricle (LV) dyssynchrony from echocardiography remains difficult. The objective of this article is to propose a patient-specific model-based approach to improve the analysis and interpretation of myocardial strain signals.

Methods

A system-level model of the cardiovascular system is proposed, integrating: (i) the cardiac electrical system, (ii) right and left atria, (iii) a multi-segment representation of the RVs and LVs, and (iv) the systemic and pulmonary circulations. After a sensitivity analysis step, model parameters were identified specifically for each patient. The proposed approach was evaluated on data obtained from 10 healthy subjects and 20 patients with LBBB with underlying ischemic (n = 10) and non-ischemic (n = 10) cardiomyopathies.

Results

A close match was observed between estimated and observed strain signals, with mean RMSE respectively equal to 5.04 ± 1.02% and 3.90 ± 1.40% in healthy and LBBB cases. The analysis of patient-specific identified parameters, based on bull's-eye representation, shows that strain morphologies are related to both electrical conduction delay, and heterogeneity of contractile levels within the myocardium.

Discussion

The model-based approach improve the interpretability echocardiography data by bringing additional information on the regional electrical and mechanical function of the LV. The analysis of model parameters show that septal motion and global strain morphologies are not only explained by electrical conduction delay but also by the heterogeneity of contractile levels within the myocardium. The proposed approach represents a step forward in the development of personalized LV models for the evaluation of LV dyssynchrony in the field of CRT.
Opportunities and challenges in interpretable deep learning for drug sensitivity prediction of cancer cells
Authors: Samal Bikash Ranjan , Loers Jens Uwe , Vermeirssen Vanessa , De Preter Katleen
Published: November 2022

In precision oncology, therapy stratification is done based on the patients’ tumor molecular profile. Modeling and prediction of the drug response for a given tumor molecular type will further improve therapeutic decision-making for cancer patients. Indeed, deep learning methods hold great potential for drug sensitivity prediction, but a major problem is that these models are black box algorithms and do not clarify the mechanisms of action. This puts a limitation on their clinical implementation. To address this concern, many recent studies attempt to overcome these issues by developing interpretable deep learning methods that facilitate the understanding of the logic behind the drug response prediction. In this review, we discuss strengths and limitations of recent approaches, and suggest future directions that could guide further improvement of interpretable deep learning in drug sensitivity prediction in cancer research.
The application of nanotechnology in treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Cao Yanyan , Zhang Run
Published: November 2022

The buildup of beta-amyloid plaques in the brain results in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative condition. A permanent treatment for AD is not yet available. Only a slowing down of its advancement is possible with the current pharmaceutical options. Nevertheless, nanotechnology has proven to be advantageous in medical applications. It has a lot of potential for AD therapy, particularly in diagnosing the condition and providing an alternative course of treatment. In this review, we outline the developments and benefits of nanomedicines in treating AD. Prospective nanomedicines for diagnosing and surveillance therapeutic interventions for AD and other diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) may be clinically accessible, persuading the development of investigation in this field.
Gold nanoparticle decoration potentiate the antibacterial enhancement of TiO2 nanotubes via sonodynamic therapy against peri-implant infections
Authors: Sun Yue , Xu Wenzhou , Jiang Cong , Zhou Tianyu , Wang Qiqi , A Lan
Published: November 2022

Inflammatory damage from bacterial biofilms usually causes the failure of tooth implantation. A promising solution for this challenge is to use an implant surface with a long-term, in-depth and efficient antibacterial feature. In this study, we developed an ultrasound-enhanced antibacterial implant surface based on Au nanoparticle modified TiO2 nanotubes (AuNPs-TNTs). As an artificial tooth surface, films based on AuNPs-TNTs showed excellent biocompatibility. Importantly, compared to bare titania surface, a larger amount of reactive oxygen radicals was generated on AuNPs-TNTs under an ultrasound treatment. For a proof-of-concept application, Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) was used as the model bacteria; the as-proposed AuNPs-TNTs exhibited significantly enhanced antibacterial activity under a simple ultrasound treatment. This antibacterial film offers a new way to design the surface of an artificial implant coating for resolving the bacterial infection induced failure of dental implants.
Assessment of a novel patient-specific 3D printed multi-material simulator for endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Molinari Giulia , Emiliani Nicolas , Cercenelli Laura , Bortolani Barbara , Gironi Camilla , Fernandez Ignacio Javier , Presutti Livio , Marcelli Emanuela
Published: November 2022

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is an emerging tool in the creation of anatomical models for surgical training. Its use in endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) has been limited because of the difficulty in replicating the anatomical details.

Aim: To describe the development of a patient-specific 3D printed multi-material simulator for use in ESS, and to validate it as a training tool among a group of residents and experts in ear-nose-throat (ENT) surgery.

Methods: Advanced material jetting 3D printing technology was used to produce both soft tissues and bony structures of the simulator to increase anatomical realism and tactile feedback of the model. A total of 3 ENT residents and 9 ENT specialists were recruited to perform both non-destructive tasks and ESS steps on the model. The anatomical fidelity and the usefulness of the simulator in ESS training were evaluated through specific questionnaires.

Results: The tasks were accomplished by 100% of participants and the survey showed overall high scores both for anatomy fidelity and usefulness in training. Dacryocystorhinostomy, medial antrostomy, and turbinectomy were rated as accurately replicable on the simulator by 75% of participants. Positive scores were obtained also for ethmoidectomy and DRAF procedures, while the replication of sphenoidotomy received neutral ratings by half of the participants.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that a 3D printed multi-material model of the sino-nasal anatomy can be generated with a high level of anatomical accuracy and haptic response. This technology has the potential to be useful in surgical training as an alternative or complementary tool to cadaveric dissection.
Effect of durations and pressures of cupping therapy on muscle stiffness of triceps
Authors: Li Yameng , Mo Pu-Chun , Jain Sanjiv , Elliott Jeannette , Bleakney Adam , Lyu Shaojun , Jan Yih-Kuen
Published: November 2022

Cupping therapy has been used for the alleviation of muscle soreness in athletes. However, clinical studies of cupping therapy show conflicting results. Lack of standardized guidelines of the dose-response relationship of cupping therapy, such as appropriate cupping duration and negative pressure, limits the adoption of cupping therapy in clinical practice. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of various pressures and durations of cupping therapy on reducing muscle stiffness. The 2 × 2 factorial design with the repeated measures and counterbalanced design was used to test four cupping protocols, including two negative pressures at −225 and −300 mmHg and two durations at 5 and 10 min, in 12 healthy young people. B-mode and elastographic ultrasound was used to assess muscle stiffness of the triceps before and after cupping therapy. The region of interest of elastographic image was divided into the superficial and deep layers for assessing the effect of cupping therapy on stiffness of various depths of the triceps. Normalized stiffness was calculated as a ratio of pre-cupping stiffness divided by post-cupping stiffness of each participant. The two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine the main effects of the pressure and duration factors and the interaction effect between the pressure and duration factors. The results showed that there were no interactions between the pressure and duration factors (overall layer p = 0.149, superficial layer p = 0.632, and deep layer p = 0.491). The main effects of duration of the overall, superficial and deep layers were p = 0.538, p = 0.097 and p = 0.018, respectively. The results showed that 10-min cupping at -300 mmHg is more effective on reducing stiffness of the deep layer of the triceps compared to 5-min cupping (p = 0.031). This study provides the first evidence that the dose of cupping therapy could significantly affect changes of triceps stiffness and the deep layer of the muscle is more sensitive to cupping therapy compared to the superficial and overall layers.
Seismic and energy integrated retrofit of buildings: A critical review
Authors: Ademovic Naida , Formisano Antonio , Penazzato Luca , Oliveira Daniel V.
Published: November 2022

The European building stock presents pertinent issues needing suitable strategies to be solved. In detail, this regards seismic safety and energy efficiency of buildings to ensure more liveable and safe cities, which represents an important goal for modern societies. Energy performance includes both comfort and saving, the latter required for a more responsible resource consumption within the building sector, having a considerable contribution to the total demand. Current strategies do not seem to be able to simultaneously solve such aspects satisfactorily, both for higher economic requirements and poor technical feasibility implied by separated and disharmonious interventions. Thus, a holistic perspective should be adopted to pursue such an ambitious objective, which has recently gained increasing attention among researchers. Current requirements are firstly highlighted to show the need for an integrated approach to building retrofit. Secondly, a critical review of integrated strategies combining seismic and energy refurbishment proposed in the literature is reported. Then, special issues are discussed, including the feasibility of an integrated approach applied to heritage buildings. This study revealed that a fully efficient strategy for integrated retrofit has not still been proposed in the literature and there are several open issues to be solved. However, current solutions may be further developed to improve them and the several options currently available demonstrated the increasing attention and importance of the topic. Finally, concluding remarks on this research topic have been drawn to promote future studies.
The filarial and the antibiotics: Single or combination therapy using antibiotics for filariasis
Authors: Fordjour Fatima Amponsah , Kwarteng Alexander
Published: November 2022

Filarial infections caused by nematodes are one of the major neglected tropical diseases with public health concern. Although there is significant decrease in microfilariae (mf) prevalence following mass drug administration (IVM/DEC/ALB administration), this is transient, in that there is reported microfilaria repopulation 6-12 months after treatment. Wolbachia bacteria have been recommended as a novel target presenting antibiotic-based treatment for filarial disease. Potency of antibiotics against filarial diseases is undoubtful, however, the duration for treatment remains a hurdle yet to be overcome in filarial disease treatment.
Reputation management through social networking platforms for PR purposes: A SEM-based study in the Jordan
Authors: Al Olaimat Farhan , Habes Mohammed , Al Hadeed Ali Yahya , Al Jwaniat Marcelle Issa
Published: November 2022

Virtual social media platforms of greater importance for general and corporate purposes. Especially retailers today resort to these platforms to bridge a communication gap between their PR practitioners and consumers for reputation management purposes. This research also examines the virtual social media usage for Public Relations (PR), leading to Reputation Management in the Jordanian retail sector. The researchers developed the conceptual model at Theory of Reasoned Action, applied the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and selected a sample of n= 250 PR professionals. Results indicated by the Public Relations practitioners have a significant impact on controlling the customers' behavior. This Perceived Behavioral Control is an important factor in social network adoption for communication purposes. Accompanied by instant communication ability, these social networks and communication feasibility have a significant impact on Reputation Management. However, it is notable that, Attitude also mediated the Public Relations Practices concerning Perceived Behavioral Control, indicating that the Theory of Reasoned Action significantly determined the factors determining the Virtual social media usage and adoption for the reputation armament purposes. Thus, it is concluded that using social networks for Public Relations practices is the need of the day. Especially when using them for reputation management, companies consider different factors that further assist their digital networks adoption process, leading to fruitful outcomes. Further, the researchers have discussed the study contributions and made recommendations for future researchers.
Sex differences in hypertension among people living with HIV after initiation of antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Masenga Sepiso K. , Povia Joreen P. , Mutengo Katongo H. , Hamooya Benson M. , Nzala Selestine , Heimburger Douglas C. , Munsaka Sody M. , Elijovich Fernando , Patel Kaushik P. , Kirabo Annet
Published: November 2022

Background

Hypertension is common in people living with HIV (PLWH) on antiretroviral therapy (ART). In the general population and in experimental animal models, the incidence of hypertension is greater in males than in females, especially during the premenopausal period. However, it is not known whether there are sex differences in hypertension associated with HIV and ART, and the factors contributing to incident hypertension among PLWH have not been well characterized. In this study, we aimed to determine the time course, sex differences and factors associated with incident hypertension in PLWH initiating ART.

Methods and results

We conducted a retrospective study in which we used programmatic data from the ART registry to identify sex differences in the determinants of incident hypertension among PLWH initiating the ART regimen from Livingstone University Teaching Hospital in Zambia and followed for 8 years. Males developed hypertension earlier, 2 years after initiating ART, compared to 6 years in females. In multivariable analysis, increasing age, baseline systolic blood pressure and baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP) were associated with increased risk for developing incident hypertension. Also, participants who switched to the integrase strand transfer inhibitor, dolutegravir (DTG) or the protease inhibitor, lopinavir boosted with ritonavir were 2 and 3 times more likely to develop hypertension when compared to those on non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). However, these relationships were abrogated by sex, as self-reported male sex was the major contributor in predicting incident hypertension. While none of the factors remained significantly associated with incident hypertension upon multivariate analysis among females, body mass index (BMI), and use of protease inhibitors remained strongly associated with hypertension among males.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the use of protease inhibitors and BMI are important predictors of incident hypertension among males. Thus, blood pressure and BMI should be closely monitored, particularly in males living with HIV on protease inhibitors. In addition, identifying specific factors that protect females from developing hypertension early is important but remains to be determined.
The impact of high-intensity interval training on vascular function in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Khalafi Mousa , Sakhaei Mohammad Hossein , Kazeminasab Fatemeh , Symonds Michael E. , Rosenkranz Sara K.
Published: November 2022

Aim

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) compared with moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) or with no exercise (CON) on vascular function in adults who were free of cardiometabolic diseases and those with cardiometabolic diseases.

Methods

A search across three electronic databases including Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science was conducted through February 2022 to identify the randomized trials evaluating HIIT vs. MICT and/or CON on vascular function as measured using brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in adults. Separate analyses were conducted for HIIT vs. MICT and/or CON to calculate weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) using random or fixed models.

Results

A total of 36 studies involving 1,437 participants who were either free of cardiometabolic diseases or had cardiometabolic diseases were included in the meta-analysis. HIIT effectively increased FMD when compared with MICT [1.59% (95% CI 0.87–2.31), p = 0.001] or CON [3.80% (95% CI 2.58–5.01), p = 0.001]. Subgroup analysis showed that HIIT increased FMD in participants with cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, but not in participants who were free of cardiometabolic diseases. In addition, HIIT effectively increased FMD regardless of age and body mass index.

Conclusion

We confirm that HIIT is effective for improving vascular function in individuals with metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases and has a superior effect compared to MICT, demonstrating time efficiency.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero], identifier [CRD42022320863].
In situ assessment of statins’ effect on autophagic activity in zebrafish larvae cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zuo Zhi , Li Jianxuan , Wang Ying , Huang Jia , Xu Lili , Jin Kejia , Lu Hao , Dai Yuxiang
Published: November 2022

Improving the survival rate of cardiomyocytes is the key point to treat most of the heart diseases, and targeting autophagy is a potential advanced therapeutic approach. Monitoring autophagic activity in cardiomyocytes in situ will be useful for studying autophagy-related heart disease and screening autophagy-modulating drugs. Zebrafish, Danio rerio, has been proven as an animal model for studying heart diseases in situ. Taken the advantage of zebrafish, especially the imaging of intact animals, here we generated two stable transgenic zebrafish lines that specifically expressed EGFP-map1lc3b or mRFP-EGFP-map1lc3b in cardiomyocytes under the promoter of myosin light chain 7. We first used a few known autophagy-modulating drugs to confirm their usefulness. By quantifying the density of autophagosomes and autolysosomes, autophagy inducers and inhibitors showed their regulatory functions, which were consistent with previous studies. With the two lines, we then found a significant increase in the density of autophagosomes but not autolysosomes in zebrafish cardiomyocytes at the early developmental stages, indicating the involvement of autophagy in early heart development. To prove their applicability, we also tested five clinical statins by the two lines. And we found that statins did not change the density of autophagosomes but reduced the density of autolysosomes in cardiomyocytes, implying their regulation in autophagic flux. Our study provides novel animal models for monitoring autophagic activity in cardiomyocytes in situ, which could be used to study autophagy-related cardiomyopathy and drug screening.
PAH-specific therapy for pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease: A systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Ning , Chen Jun , Zhang Mingming , Zhou Lihui , Liu Lisong , Yuan Jie , Pang Xingxue , Hu Dayi , Ren Xiaoxia , Jin Zhongyi
Published: November 2022

Objective

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) in context with interstitial lung disease (ILD) portends serious clinical consequences and a high rate of mortality. Recently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which assessed the pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-specific drugs for pulmonary hypertension and interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD) revealed inconsistent clinical outcomes with previous studies. We conducted a systemic review and meta-analysis to further investigate the effect of PAH-specific therapies for PH-ILD.

Methods

Clinical trials were searched from the EMBASE, PUBMED, and CENTRAL databases. The duration from the establishment of the database to June 2022 for RCTs evaluates the effect of PAH-specific therapy in patients with PH-ILD. RevMan 5.4 was used for the meta-analysis.

Results

A total of six articles (with a total of 791 patients) were included, including 412 patients in the treated group and 379 patients in the control group. As compared to placebo, the change of 6MWD was a significant improvement with PAH-specific therapy in the six RCTs (23.09; 95% CI, 12.07–34.12 P < 0.0001); but when the study with inhaled treprostinil was excluded, the significant improvement in the change of 6MWD from baseline was not present anymore (MD 11.01, 95%CI−6.43–28.46 P = 0.22). There was no significant improvement in the change in lung function, hemodynamic parameters, clinical worsening, all-cause death, and serious adverse effects in the treated group compared to placebo.

Conclusion

PAH-specific therapy significantly improved exercise capacity in the patients with PH-ILD, but this is due to the greater contribution of the study with inhaled treprostinil. Therefore, our findings still did not support the routine use of the whole PAH-specific drugs for PH-ILD.
Efficacy of left atrial low-voltage area-guided catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Yaqiong , Zhang Huamin , Yan Peng , Zhou Peng , Wang Peijian , Li Xiaoping
Published: November 2022

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of low-voltage area (LVA)-guided substrate modification catheter ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

Systematic searches of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were performed from inception to July 2022 for all available studies. The effect estimates were combined with the Mantel–Haenszel random-effects model. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression were conducted to explore the sources of statistical heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 16 studies involving 1942 subjects (mean age: 61 ± 10 years, 69% male) were identified. All studies included patients with paroxysmal AF, non-paroxysmal AF, or both. At a mean follow-up of 18.9 months, patients who underwent LVA-guided substrate modification ablation had significantly higher freedom from all-atrial tachycardia recurrence than patients who underwent control ablation [67.7% vs. 48.9%, risk ratios (RR) 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55–0.76, P < 0.001], with 36% relative risk and 18.7% absolute risk reductions in all-atrial tachycardia recurrence. Subgroup analysis based on AF types demonstrated that the decreased risk of all-atrial tachycardia recurrence was present predominantly in non-paroxysmal AF compared with paroxysmal AF (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.52–0.69 vs. RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.81–1.13).

Conclusion

Low-voltage area-guided substrate modification ablation combined with PVI appears to have a significant beneficial effect of improving freedom from all-atrial tachycardia recurrence, especially in patients with non-paroxysmal AF.
The puzzling influence of Ophiomorpha (trace fossil) on reservoir porosity: X-ray microtomography analysis
Authors: Miguez-Salas Olmo , Cabrera Ortiz Jose , Dorador Javier , Rodríguez-Tovar Francisco J.
Published: November 2022

Bioturbation can influence petrophysical properties (e.g., porosity, permeability) of sedimentary rocks and, in consequence, reservoir quality. The impact can be positive, negative, or neutral, requiring detailed ichnological analysis. Ophiomorpha, a branched cylindrical burrow with diagnostic peloidal wall, may be present in bioturbated reservoirs that exhibit properties of both super-permeability and reduced porosity/permeability. However, no mechanistic understanding of how Ophiomorpha positively or negatively impacts petrophysical properties has yet been established. This study presents high-resolution X-ray microtomographic analysis of how the features of Ophiomorpha (i.e., peloidal wall vs. burrow fill) influence porosity distribution in deep-water deposits (Neogene Tabernas Basin, SE Spain). The results show that the peloidal burrow wall exhibits the lowest porosity (up to six orders of magnitude lower than burrow fill or host sediment), while surrounding sediment shows variable values. Abrupt porosity changes within the fill material likely relate to burrow-associated diagenesis. A refined understanding of the features of Ophiomorpha and their associated porosity distribution help to constrain understanding of their diverse impacts on reservoir properties.
Freedom dreaming with Black Canadian mothers
Authors: Fearon Stephanie
Published: November 2022

A burgeoning body of literature explores the educational experiences of Black Canadian students. Such literature reveals Black students as disproportionately impacted by academic underachievement, discipline policies, and special education placement. Black Canadian mothers have long dreamt of and advocated for humanizing learning spaces for their children. This paper explores how a group of Black Canadian mothers partnered with one another to reimagine learning opportunities for their children. This article presents insights obtained from eight in-depth interviews with Black Canadian mothers living in Toronto. In these interviews, participants shared stories that center the following questions: (1). How do Black mothers reconceptualize their motherwork to include freedom dreams? (2). How do Black mothers partner with one another to produce a vision for their children’s education? Grounded in an arts-informed narrative methodology, this study compiled findings gained from interviews into the creative non-fiction storySet it Off.Set it Offcaptures personal narratives, shared by study participants, highlighting the central role of freedom dreams and resistance as Black Canadian mothers organize for their children’s education.
Pituitary apoplexy and COVID-19 vaccination: a case report and literature review
Authors: Aliberti Ludovica , Gagliardi Irene , Rizzo Roberta , Bortolotti Daria , Schiuma Giovanna , Franceschetti Paola , Gafà Roberta , Borgatti Luca , Cavallo Michele A. , Zatelli Maria C. , Ambrosio Maria R.
Published: November 2022

A 50-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for vomit, nausea, diplopia, and headache resistant to analgesic drugs. Symptoms started the day after his third COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Moderna) whereas SARS-CoV-2 nasal swab was negative. Pituitary MRI showed recent bleeding in macroadenoma, consistent with pituitary apoplexy. Adverse Drug Reaction was reported to AIFA (Italian Medicines Agency).A stress dexamethasone dose was administered due to the risk of adrenal insufficiency and to reduce oedema. Biochemistry showed secondary hypogonadism; inflammatory markers were elevated as well as white blood cells count, fibrinogen and D-dimer. Pituitary tumour transsphenoidal resection was performed and pathology report was consistent with pituitary adenoma with focal haemorrhage and necrosis; we found immunohistochemical evidence for SARS-CoV-2 proteins next to pituitary capillaries, in the presence of an evident lymphocyte infiltrate.Few cases of pituitary apoplexy after COVID-19 vaccination and infection have been reported. Several hypotheses have been suggested to explain this clinical picture, including cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and pituitary proteins, COVID-19-associated coagulopathy, infection-driven acutely increased pituitary blood demand, anti-Platelet Factor 4/heparin antibodies development after vaccine administration. Ours is the first case of SARS-CoV-2 evidence in pituitary tissue, suggesting that endothelial infection of pituitary capillaries could be present before vaccination, possibly due to a previous asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our case underlines that SARS-CoV-2 can associate with apoplexy by penetrating the central nervous system, even in cases of negative nasal swab. Patients with pituitary tumours may develop pituitary apoplexy after exposure to SARS-CoV-2, therefore clinicians should be aware of this risk.
A spatiotemporal steroidogenic regulatory network in human fetal adrenal glands and gonads
Authors: Wang Yifu , Guo Bingqian , Guo Yajie , Qi Nana , Lv Yufang , Ye Yu , Huang Yan , Long Xinyang , Chen Hongfei , Su Cheng , Zhang Liying , Zhang Qingyun , Li Minxi , Liao Jinling , Yan Yunkun , Mao Xingning , Zeng Yanyu , Jiang Jinghang , Chen Zhongyuan , Guo Yi , Gao Shuai , Cheng Jiwen , Jiang Yonghua , Mo Zengnan
Published: November 2022

Human fetal adrenal glands produce substantial amounts of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is one of the most important precursors of sex hormones. However, the underlying biological mechanism remains largely unknown. Herein, we sequenced human fetal adrenal glands and gonads from 7 to 14 gestational weeks (GW) via 10× Genomics single-cell transcriptome techniques, reconstructed their location information by spatial transcriptomics. Relative to gonads, adrenal glands begin to synthesize steroids early. The coordination among steroidogenic cells and multiple non-steroidogenic cells promotes adrenal cortex construction and steroid synthesis. Notably, during the window of sexual differentiation (8–12 GW), key enzyme gene expression shifts to accelerate DHEA synthesis in males and cortisol synthesis in females. Our research highlights the robustness of the action of fetal adrenal glands on gonads to modify the process of sexual differentiation.
Effect of the renin-angiotensin system on the exacerbation of adrenal glucocorticoid steroidogenesis in diabetic mice: Role of angiotensin-II type 2 receptor
Authors: Chaves Amanda da Silva , Magalhães Nathalia Santos , Insuela Daniella Bianchi Reis , Silva Patrícia Machado Rodrigues E. , Martins Marco Aurélio , Carvalho Vinicius Frias
Published: November 2022

Prior investigation shows an increase in the activity of both hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in diabetic patients. Moreover, activation of angiotensin-II type 1 receptor (AT1) has been associated with adrenal steroidogenesis. This study investigates the role of RAS on the overproduction of corticosterone in diabetic mice. Diabetes was induced by intravenous injection of alloxan into fasted Swiss-webster mice. Captopril (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor), Olmesartan (AT1 receptor antagonist), CGP42112A (AT2 receptor agonist) or PD123319 (AT2 receptor antagonist) were administered daily for 14 consecutive days, starting 7 days post-alloxan. Plasma corticosterone was evaluated by ELISA, while adrenal gland expressions of AT1 receptor, AT2 receptor, adrenocorticotropic hormone receptor MC2R, pro-steroidogenic enzymes steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), and 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1) were assessed using immunohistochemistry or western blot. Diabetic mice showed adrenal gland overexpression of AT1 receptor, MC2R, StAR, and 11βHSD1 without altering AT2 receptor levels, all of which were sensitive to Captopril or Olmesartan treatment. In addition, PD123319 blocked the ability of Olmesartan to reduce plasma corticosterone levels in diabetic mice. Furthermore, CGP42112A significantly decreased circulating corticosterone levels in diabetic mice, without altering the overexpression of MC2R and StAR in the adrenal glands. Our findings revealed that inhibition of both angiotensin synthesis and AT1 receptor activity reduced the high production of corticosterone in diabetic mice via the reduction of MC2R signaling expression in the adrenal gland. Furthermore, the protective effect of Olmesartan on the overproduction of corticosterone by adrenals in diabetic mice depends on both AT1 receptor blockade and AT2 receptor activation.