bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FACTORES ASOCIADOS A SÍFILIS CONGÉNITA EN RECIÉN NACIDOS DEL INSTITUTO NACIONAL MATERNO PERINATAL, 2018-2021
Authors: Fabián Pizarro Carolyn , Dávila-Aliaga Carmen Rosa
Published: March 2024

Objective. Determine the factors associated with congenital syphilis in newborns from the INMP between 2018-2021. Materials and methods. Quantitative, observational, analytical, case-control, cross-sectional and retrospective study, the group of cases were 214 neonates with congenital syphilis and 214 controls; A data collection sheet was used and to determine the degree of association, the Chi-square test and the calculation of the Odds ratio (OR) with a confidence interval (CI) at 95% and later a bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied. Results. 64.02% of the mothers were between 20 and 35 years old, 82.71% educational level up to secondary school, 99.1% had no complete treatment, 59.3% less than 6 prenatal check-ups, 51.4% were born vaginally; 6.07% hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, 3.74% urinary tract infection, 3.74% chorioamnionitis, 2.34% positive HIV test, 2.80% premature rupture of membranes greater than 24 hours. The neonatal characteristics were 54.2% female, 19.2% prematurity, 11.2% met the laboratory criteria for maternal-neonatal titles, and 1.4% died. 10.3% presented a maculopapular outbreak, 8.9% jaundice, 18.7% low birth weight, 6.5% bone involvement, 44.9% general involvement, 3.3% pneumonia, and 3.3% sepsis. The low weight (OR: 6.434), maternal education up to a higher level (OR: 0.119), complete maternal treatment (OR: 0.002) and premature rupture of membranes greater than 24 hours (OR: 0.140) had a significant association. Conclusion. The factors associated with congenital syphilis in the newborn found were lower maternal educational level, younger age and incomplete maternal treatment.
MÖ 7. Yüzyılda Gordion ve Çevresinde Kimmerler
Authors: MANDALOĞLU Mehmet
Published: March 2024

Frigler, MÖ 13. yüzyıldan itibaren Anadolu’ya göç etmişler ve Gordion merkez olmak üzere Anadolu’nun çeşitli bölgelerinde yayılmışlardır. MÖ 8. yüzyılda Frigler bölgenin en güçlü siyasi yapılarından biri olmuşlardır. Eskiçağ’da Kral Yolu üzerinde bulunan Gordion, Frig Kralı Gordias tarafından kurulmuştur. Friglerin sınırları Gordias’ın oğlu Midas Dönemi’nde genişlemiştir. Kafkaslardan Anadolu’ya giren Kimmerler, MÖ 7. yüzyılda Gordion’a gelerek Frig Devleti’nin hâkimiyetine son vermişlerdir. Frig Kralı Midas, boğa kanı içerek hayatına son vermiştir. Yerli halk Gordion ve Orta Anadolu’nun çeşitli yerlerinde bir süre daha varlıklarını devam ettirmişlerdir. Kimmerler batıya yönelmişler ve Lidya sınırlarına dayanmışlardır. Lidya kralları Kimmer akınlarına karşı mücadele etmişlerdir. Lidyalıların mücadelesi, MÖ 609 yılında Kral Alyattes’in Kimmerleri Anadolu’dan çıkarıncaya kadar devam etmiştir. Kimmerler, yaklaşık 100 yıl Anadolu topraklarında hüküm sürmüşlerdir. Kimmerlerin Gordion ve çevresindeki izleri arkeolojik verilerle tespit edilebilmektedir. Bozkır kavimleri ölülerini kurgan denilen mezarlara gömmüşlerdir. Kurgan adı antik Yunan kaynaklarında tümülüs olarak adlandırılmaktadır. Gordion tümülüsleri, Orta Asya kurganlarıyla benzerlik göstermektedir. Gordion’daki bazı tümülüsler, bozkır kavimlerinin izlerini taşımaktadır. Gordion’da bulunan NN, KY, B, Z, P ve W tümülüsleri bunlardan bazılarıdır. Bu mezarlardan bozkır hayvan üslubuna özgü eserler çıkarılmıştır. Arkeolojik buluntular, Kimmerlerin Gordion ve çevresindeki varlığına işaret etmektedir. Frig Devleti’nin yıkılmasından sonra Gordion yerleşmelere açık bir bölge hâline gelmişse de başkent olma özelliğini kaybetmiştir. Frigler, Lidya Krallığı’nın egemenliği altında yaşamışlar, Persler Dönemi’nde de bölgedeki varlıklarını sürdürmüşlerdir.
Guerra Fria em Gotham City
Authors: Maynard Dilton Cândido Santos , Silva Diego Leonardo Santana
Published: March 2024

Resumo: Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar como elementos do conflito ideológico e propagandístico norte-americano da Guerra Fria aparecem na História em Quadrinho (HQ) intitulada O Cavaleiro das Trevas, de Frank Miller, lançada em 1986. À medida em que boa parte da segunda metade do século XX foi influenciada direta ou indiretamente pela Guerra Fria, torna-se previsível que manifestações culturais e artísticas também carregassem em si representações desse conflito. Nisso, filmes, séries de TV, livros e HQ contaram com estórias que ilustraram personagens e acontecimentos que remetem a eventos do conflito entre americanos e soviéticos. Acreditamos que O Cavaleiro das Trevas é uma fonte valiosa para estudos desse tipo. A trama mistura elementos tradicionais das HQ estando repleta de heróis alienígenas, vigilantes, alta tecnologia, com conflitos extremamente mascarados humanos e farpas à sociedade americana dos anos 80, sobretudo à classe política.
 
Palavras-chave: Batman; DC Comics; Guerra Fria; História em Quadrinhos; O Cavaleiro das Trevas.
 
Referências Bibliográficas
BARBROOK, Richard. Futuros imaginários-Das máquinas pensantes à aldeia global. Editora Peirópolis LTDA, 2009.
HOBSBAWM, Eric. As Artes 1914-45. Era dos Extremos: o breve século XX (1914-1991). São Paulo: Cia das Letras, 1995.
JUDT, Tony. Pós-Guerra. Uma história da Europa desde 1945. Rio de Janeiro: Objetiva, 2008.
JUDT, Tony. Quando Os Fatos Mudam: Ensaios 1995-2010. Rio de Janeiro: Objetiva, 2016.
MUNHOZ, Sidnei. Guerra Fria: um debate interpretativo. In: SILVA, Francisco C. T. (org). O Século Sombrio: uma história geral do século XX. Rio de Janeiro: Elsevier, 2004.
MUNHOZ, Sidnei. Guerra Fria: História e Historiografia. Curitiba: Editora Appris, 2020
ROBB, Brian J. A identidade secreta dos super-heróis: a história e as origens dos maiores sucessos das HQ's: do super-homem aos vingadores. Rio de Janeiro: Valentina, 2017. [Recurso Eletrônico]
WELDON, Glen. Superman: uma biografia não autorizada.
 
Sitiografia
COMICHRON. Site especializado em número de vendas de HQ. Disponível em:  https://www.comichron.com. Acesso em 04 de fev. de 2023.
REVISTA GALILEU. Revista educacional. Disponível em: https://revistagalileu.globo.com. Acesso em 04 de fev. de 2023.
THE NUMBERS, site especializado bilheteria cinematográfica. Disponível em: https://www.the-numbers.com. Acesso em 04 de fev. de 2023.
 
Fonte
MILLER, Frank. O Cavaleiro das Trevas. São Paulo: Editora Abril/DC Comics, 1997.
POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS E SUSTENTABILIDADE NO BRASIL – Resenha de Governança e Sustentabilidade: um elo necessário no Brasil
Authors: Cavalcanti Maralysa Correia de Souza
Published: March 2024

POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS E SUSTENTABILIDADE NO BRASIL – Resenha de Governança e Sustentabilidade: um elo necessário no Brasil
Sumário do livro
Governança e sustentabilidade: por que este tema importa no Brasil?
Governança no setor público
Sustentabilidade no setor público
Relatórios de sustentabilidade: reflexões necessárias
Instrumentos de governança e de sustentabilidade
Governança e sustentabilidade: o elo necessário
 
REFERÊNCIAS
CADER, Renato; VILLAC, Teresa. Governança e Sustentabilidade. 1Reimp. Belo Horizonte: Fórum, 2022. 155p. ISBN 978-65-5518-395-5
EFEKTIVITAS PENYULUHAN DAN KONSELING PADA PEMILIHAN METODE KONTRASEPSI PASANGAN SUAMI-ISTRI DAN PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP TINGKAT KEPUASAN SEKSUAL
Authors: Wati Irma
Published: March 2024

penelitian yang digunakan adalah Kuantitatif dengan metode Analitik Prospektif. Tekhnik sampling dengan konsekuatif sapling sebanyak 33 suami. Tujuan adalah mengetahui efektivitas penyuluhan dan konseling pada pemilihan metode kontrasepsi pasangan suami-istri dan pengaruhnya terhadap tingkat kepuasan seksual. Metode Penelitian : Penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan April-Juni 2019 (16 minggu).Instrumen yang digunakan adalah kuesioner. Hasil penelitian terdapat peningkatan pengetahuan KB suami dari 60% menjadi 100%. Sebanyak 91% istri minta izin kepada suami saat berKB, sebanyak 48,5% subyek yang berKB dimana suami yang memutuskan alat KB yang digunakan sedangkan 51,5% diputuskan oleh istri, Sebanyak 25 (75,8%) suami berdiskusi dengan istri setelah menggunakan KB, Sebanyak 24 (72,7%) suami menyerahkan sepenuhnya keputusan berKB  kepada istri, tidak ada gangguan hubungan seksual selama berKB pada spiral sebanyak 87,5%. Implikasi penelitian : subyek yang ada gangguan terbanyak ditemukan yaitu senggama terputus sebesar 66,7% dan kondom 50%, Jenis KB dengan presentasi tidak ada penurunan kenikmatan hubungan seksual selama berKB pada spiral 87,5%. Sedangkan yang subyek yang ada penurunan terbanyak ditemukan pada yang tidak menggunakan alat KB yaitu senggama terputus sebesar 66,6 % dan kondom 50%. Rekomendasi : untuk penelitian selanjutnya untuk bisa mengembangkan metode-metode lainnya.
Bias reduction of maximum likelihood estimation in exponentiated Teissier distribution
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed Abdulhadi , Algamal Zakariya Yahya , Albalawi Olayan
Published: March 2024

The exponentiated Teissier distribution (ETD) offers an alternative for modeling survival data, taking into account flexibility in modeling data with increasing and decreasing hazard rate functions. The most popular method for parameter estimation of the ETD distribution is the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). The MLE, on the other hand, is notoriously biased for its small sample sizes. We are therefore driven to generate virtually unbiased estimators for ETD parameters. More specifically, we focus on two methods of bias correction, bootstrapping and analytical approaches, to reduce MLE biases to the second order of bias. The performances of these approaches are compared through Monte Carlo simulations and two real-data applications.
Effects of 12-week gait retraining on plantar flexion torque, architecture, and behavior of the medial gastrocnemius in vivo
Authors: Zhang Chuyi , Deng Liqin , Zhang Xini , Wu Kaicheng , Zhan Jianglong , Fu Weijie , Jin Jing
Published: March 2024

Objective:

This study aims to explore the effects of 12-week gait retraining (GR) on plantar flexion torque, architecture, and behavior of the medial gastrocnemius (MG) during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC).

Methods:

Thirty healthy male rearfoot strikers were randomly assigned to the GR group (n = 15) and the control (CON) group (n = 15). The GR group was instructed to wear minimalist shoes and run with a forefoot strike pattern for the 12-week GR (3 times per week), whereas the CON group wore their own running shoes and ran with their original foot strike pattern. Participants were required to share screenshots of running tracks each time to ensure training supervision. The architecture and behavior of MG, as well as ankle torque data, were collected before and after the intervention. The architecture of MG, including fascicle length (FL), pennation angle, and muscle thickness, was obtained by measuring muscle morphology at rest using an ultrasound device. Ankle torque data during plantar flexion MVIC were obtained using a dynamometer, from which peak torque and early rate of torque development (RTD50) were calculated. The fascicle behavior of MG was simultaneously captured using an ultrasound device to calculate fascicle shortening, fascicle rotation, and maximal fascicle shortening velocity (Vmax).

Results:

After 12-week GR, 1) the RTD50 increased significantly in the GR group (p = 0.038), 2) normalized FL increased significantly in the GR group (p = 0.003), and 3) Vmax increased significantly in the GR group (p = 0.018).

Conclusion:

Compared to running training, GR significantly enhanced the rapid strength development capacity and contraction velocity of the MG. This indicates the potential of GR as a strategy to improve muscle function and mechanical efficiency, particularly in enhancing the ability of MG to generate and transmit force as well as the rapid contraction capability. Further research is necessary to explore the effects of GR on MG behavior during running in vivo.
Cultivation of microalgae in food processing effluent for pollution attenuation and astaxanthin production: a review of technological innovation and downstream application
Authors: Zhang Xiaowei , Lu Qian
Published: March 2024

Valorization of food processing effluent (FPE) by microalgae cultivation for astaxanthin production is regarded as a potential strategy to solve the environmental pollution of food processing industry and promote the development of eco-friendly agriculture. In this review paper, microalgal species which have the potential to be employed for astaxanthin in FPE were identified. Additionally, in terms of CO2 emission, the performances of microalgae cultivation and traditional methods for FPE remediation were compared. Thirdly, an in-depth discussion of some innovative technologies, which may be employed to lower the total cost, improve the nutrient profile of FPE, and enhance the astaxanthin synthesis, was provided. Finally, specific effects of dietary supplementation of algal astaxanthin on the growth rate, immune response, and pigmentation of animals were discussed. Based on the discussion of this work, the cultivation of microalgae in FPE for astaxanthin production is a value-adding process which can bring environmental benefits and ecological benefits to the food processing industry and agriculture. Particularly, technological innovations in recent years are promoting the shift of this new idea from academic research to practical application. In the coming future, with the reduction of the total cost of algal astaxanthin, policy support from the governments, and further improvement of the innovative technologies, the concept of growing microalgae in FPE for astaxanthin will be more applicable in the industry.
Development of high-efficiency superparamagnetic drug delivery system with MPI imaging capability
Authors: Bai Shi , Zhang Xiao-dan , Zou Yu-qi , Lin Yu-xi , Liu Zhi-yao , Li Ke-wen , Huang Ping , Yoshida Takashi , Liu Yi-li , Li Ming-shan , Zhang Wei , Wang Xiao-ju , Zhang Min , Du Cheng
Published: March 2024

In this study, a high-efficiency superparamagnetic drug delivery system was developed for preclinical treatment of bladder cancer in small animals. Two types of nanoparticles with magnetic particle imaging (MPI) capability, i.e., single- and multi-core superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), were selected and coupled with bladder anti-tumor drugs by a covalent coupling scheme. Owing to the minimal particle size, magnetic field strengths of 270 mT with a gradient of 3.2 T/m and 260 mT with a gradient of 3.7 T/m were found to be necessary to reach an average velocity of 2 mm/s for single- and multi-core SPIONs, respectively. To achieve this, a method of constructing an in vitro magnetic field for drug delivery was developed based on hollow multi-coils arranged coaxially in close rows, and magnetic field simulation was used to study the laws of the influence of the coil structure and parameters on the magnetic field. Using this method, a magnetic drug delivery system of single-core SPIONs was developed for rabbit bladder therapy. The delivery system consisted of three coaxially and equidistantly arranged coils with an inner diameter of Φ50 mm, radial height of 85 mm, and width of 15 mm that were positioned in close proximity to each other. CCK8 experimental results showed that the three types of drug-coupled SPION killed tumor cells effectively. By adjusting the axial and radial positions of the rabbit bladder within the inner hole of the delivery coil structure, the magnetic drugs injected could undergo two-dimensional delivery motions and were delivered and aggregated to the specified target location within 12 s, with an aggregation range of about 5 mm × 5 mm. In addition, the SPION distribution before and after delivery was imaged using a home-made open-bore MPI system that could realistically reflect the physical state. This study contributes to the development of local, rapid, and precise drug delivery and the visualization of this process during cancer therapy, and further research on MPI/delivery synchronization technology is planned for the future.
Gene variants polymorphisms and uterine leiomyoma: an updated review
Authors: Upadhyay Sonal , Dubey Pawan K.
Published: March 2024

Uterine leiomyoma, commonly referred to as fibroids, is a benign tumor that develops in the muscular wall of the uterus. These growths are non-cancerous and can vary in size, ranging from tiny nodules to larger masses. Uterine leiomyomas often occur during a woman’s reproductive years and can lead to symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure on nearby organs. While the exact cause is not fully understood, hormonal factors, particularly estrogen and progesterone, are believed to play a role in their development. The exploration of connections between genetic variants and uterine leiomyoma has captivated scientific attention for numerous years. The results from investigations remain a subject of intrigue within the scientific community. To date, the findings regarding the relationships between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and uterine leiomyoma have exhibited some inconsistencies. However, amidst these inconsistencies, several promising outcomes have emerged that hold the potential to shape future research endeavors. These promising leads could pave the way for the development of innovative targeted therapies and novel prognostic biomarkers. This review specifically centers on accentuating the existing literature data concerning genetic variants that have been explored for their potential connections to uterine leiomyoma. Additionally, it underscores the prospects of employing genetic variations as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for individuals diagnosed with uterine leiomyoma.
Construction of recombinant pseudorabies virus expressing PCV2 Cap, PCV3 Cap, and IL-4: investigation of their biological characteristics and immunogenicity
Authors: Yang Yanting , Xu Zhiwen , Tao Qian , Xu Lei , Gu Sirui , Huang Yao , Liu Zheyan , Zhang Yang , Wen Jianhua , Lai Siyuan , Zhu Ling
Published: March 2024

Background

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is a globally prevalent and recurrent pathogen that primarily causes slow growth and immunosuppression in pigs. Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3), a recently discovered virus, commonly leads to reproductive disorders in pigs and has been extensively disseminated worldwide. Infection with a single PCV subtype alone does not induce severe porcine circovirus-associated diseases (PCVD), whereas concurrent co-infection with PCV2 and PCV3 exacerbates the clinical manifestations. Pseudorabies (PR), a highly contagious disease in pigs, pose a significant threat to the swine industry in China.

Methods

In this study, recombinant strains named rPRV-2Cap/3Cap and rPRV-2Cap/3Cap/IL4 was constructed by using a variant strain XJ of pseudorabies virus (PRV) as the parental strain, with the TK/gE/gI genes deleted and simultaneous expression of PCV2 Cap, PCV3 Cap, and IL-4. The two recombinant strains obtained by CRISPR/Cas gE gene editing technology and homologous recombination technology has genetic stability in baby hamster Syrian kidney-21 (BHK-21) cells and is safe to mice.

Results

rPRV-2Cap/3Cap and rPRV-2Cap/3Cap/IL4 exhibited good safety and immunogenicity in mice, inducing high levels of antibodies, demonstrated 100% protection against the PRV challenge in mice, reduced viral loads and mitigated pathological changes in the heart, lungs, spleen, and lymph nodes during PCV2 challenge. Moreover, the recombinant viruses with the addition of IL-4 as a molecular adjuvant outperformed the non-addition group in most indicators.

Conclusion

rPRV-2Cap/3Cap and rPRV-2Cap/3Cap/IL4 hold promise as recombinant vaccines for the simultaneous prevention of PCV2, PCV3, and PRV, while IL-4, as a vaccine molecular adjuvant, effectively enhances the immune response of the vaccine.
Identification of germline population variants misclassified as cancer-associated somatic variants
Authors: Pollard Rebecca D. , Wilkerson Matthew D. , Rajagopal Padma Sheila
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Databases used for clinical interpretation in oncology rely on genetic data derived primarily from patients of European ancestry, leading to biases in cancer genetics research and clinical practice. One practical issue that arises in this context is the potential misclassification of multi-ancestral population variants as tumor-associated because they are not represented in reference genomes against which tumor sequencing data is aligned.

Methods

To systematically find misclassified variants, we compared somatic variants in census genes from the Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) V99 with multi-ancestral population variants from the Genome Aggregation Databases’ Linkage Disequilibrium (GnomAD). By comparing genomic coordinates, reference, and alternate alleles, we could identify misclassified variants in genes associated with cancer.

Results

We found 192 of 208 genes in COSMIC’s cancer-associated census genes (92.31%) to be associated with variant misclassifications. Among the 1,906,732 variants in COSMIC, 6,957 variants (0.36%) aligned with normal population variants in GnomAD, concerning for misclassification. The African / African American ancestral population included the greatest number of misclassified variants and also had the greatest number of unique misclassified variants.

Conclusion

The direct, systematic comparison of variants from COSMIC for co-occurrence in GnomAD supports a more accurate interpretation of tumor sequencing data and reduces bias related to genomic ancestry.
A poor prognostic male choriocarcinoma with multiple systemic metastases: a case report and the literature review
Authors: Huang Wenpeng , Zheng Zuohuan , Bao Zheng , Xiao Xiaoyan , Li Liming , Sun Zhaonan , Kang Lei
Published: March 2024

Background

Non-gestational choriocarcinoma, also known as primary choriocarcinoma, is extremely rare in men, manifesting with specific signs such as breast feminization, testicular atrophy, and loss of libido. The presentation typically includes elevated serum β-hCG levels, widespread metastatic disease, and a rapid progression of the condition.

Case report

We present a rare case of a 41-year-old man diagnosed with choriocarcinoma, exhibiting a unique combination of multiple metastases, including lung, brain, bone, and retroperitoneal lymph node metastases, as confirmed by 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging. The patient was treated with aggressive chemotherapy and pembrolizumab, and the prognosis remained poor. The patient’s overall survival was a mere 5 months following diagnosis.

Conclusion

Non-gestational choriocarcinoma represents a rare entity in clinical practice and should be considered in young men presenting with gynaecomastia and elevated β-hCG levels alongside normal gonads. Thus, we advocate for a more comprehensive inquiry into medical history and a systematic examination. The 18F-FDG PET/CT examination not only visually delineates the lesion’s location and extent but also serves as a cornerstone for clinical tumor staging, providing valuable support for treatment monitoring and subsequent follow-up.
Rice false smut pathogen: implications for mycotoxin contamination, current status, and future perspectives
Authors: Zhou Lei , Mubeen Mustansar , Iftikhar Yasir , Zheng Hongxia , Zhang Zhenhao , Wen Junli , Khan Raja Asad Ali , Sajid Ashara , Solanki Manoj Kumar , Sohail Muhammad Aamir , Kumar Ajay , Massoud Ehab El Sayed , Chen Liezhong
Published: March 2024

Rice serves as a staple food across various continents worldwide. The rice plant faces significant threats from a range of fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens. Among these, rice false smut disease (RFS) caused by Villosiclava virens is one of the devastating diseases in rice fields. This disease is widespread in major rice-growing regions such as China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and others, leading to significant losses in rice plantations. Various toxins are produced during the infection of this disease in rice plants, impacting the fertilization process as well. This review paper lightens the disease cycle, plant immunity, and infection process during RFS. Mycotoxin production in RFS affects rice plants in multiple ways, although the exact phenomena are still unknown.
Symbiotic combination of Akkermansia muciniphila and inosine alleviates alcohol-induced liver injury by modulating gut dysbiosis and immune responses
Authors: Wei Li , Pan Yizhi , Guo Yu , Zhu Yin , Jin Haoran , Gu Yingying , Li Chuanshuang , Wang Yaqin , Lin Jingjing , Chen Yongping , Ke Chunhai , Xu Lanman
Published: March 2024

Background

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is exacerbated by disruptions in intestinal microecology and immune imbalances within the gut–liver axis. The present study assesses the therapeutic potential of combining Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) with inosine in alleviating alcohol-induced liver injury.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice, subjected to a Lieber-DeCarli diet with 5% alcohol for 4 weeks, served as the alcoholic liver injury model. Various analyzes, including quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), ELISA, immunochemistry, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and flow cytometry, were employed to evaluate liver injury parameters, intestinal barrier function, microbiota composition, and immune responses.

Results

Compared to the model group, the A. muciniphila and inosine groups exhibited significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels, reduced hepatic fat deposition and neutrophil infiltration, alleviated oxidative stress and inflammation, and increased expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (Claudin-1, Occludin, and ZO-1). These effects were further pronounced in the A. muciniphila and inosine combination group compared to individual treatments. While alcohol feeding induced intestinal dysbiosis and gut barrier disruption, the combined treatment reduced the abundance of harmful bacteria (Oscillibacter, Escherichia/Shigella, and Alistipes) induced by alcohol consumption, promoting the growth of butyrate-producing bacteria (Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, and Clostridium IV). Flow cytometry revealed that alcohol consumption reduced T regulatory (Treg) populations while increasing those of T-helper (Th) 1 and Th17, which were restored by A. muciniphila combined with inosine treatment. Moreover, A. muciniphila and inosine combination increased the expression levels of intestinal CD39, CD73, and adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) along with enhanced proportions of CD4+CD39+Treg and CD4+CD73+Treg cells in the liver and spleen. The A2AR antagonist KW6002, blocked the beneficial effects of the A. muciniphila and inosine combination on liver injury in ALD mice.

Conclusion

This study reveals that the combination of A. muciniphila and inosine holds promise for ameliorating ALD by enhancing the gut ecosystem, improving intestinal barrier function, upregulating A2AR, CD73, and CD39 expression, modulating Treg cells functionality, and regulating the imbalance of Treg/Th17/Th1 cells, and these beneficial effects are partly A2AR-dependent.
Differential impact of unilateral stroke on the bihemispheric motor cortex representation of the jaw and tongue muscles in young and aged rats
Authors: Cullins Miranda J. , Connor Nadine P.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Dysphagia commonly occurs after stroke, yet the mechanisms of post-stroke corticobulbar plasticity are not well understood. While cortical activity associated with swallowing actions is bihemispheric, prior research has suggested that plasticity of the intact cortex may drive recovery of swallowing after unilateral stroke. Age may be an important factor as it is an independent predictor of dysphagia after stroke and neuroplasticity may be reduced with age. Based on previous clinical studies, we hypothesized that cranial muscle activating volumes may be expanded in the intact hemisphere and would contribute to swallowing function. We also hypothesized that older age would be associated with limited map expansion and reduced function. As such, our goal was to determine the impact of stroke and age on corticobulbar plasticity by examining the jaw and tongue muscle activating volumes within the bilateral sensorimotor cortices.

Methods

Using the middle cerebral artery occlusion rat stroke model, intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) was used to map regions of sensorimotor cortex that activate tongue and jaw muscles in both hemispheres. Young adult (7 months) and aged (30 months) male F344 × BN rats underwent a stroke or sham-control surgery, followed by ICMS mapping 8 weeks later. Videofluoroscopy was used to assess oral-motor functions.

Results

Increased activating volume of the sensorimotor cortex within the intact hemisphere was found only for jaw muscles, whereas significant stroke-related differences in tongue activating cortical volume were limited to the infarcted hemisphere. These stroke-related differences were correlated with infarct size, such that larger infarcts were associated with increased jaw representation in the intact hemisphere and decreased tongue representation in the infarcted hemisphere. We found that both age and stroke were independently associated with swallowing differences, weight loss, and increased corticomotor thresholds. Laterality of tongue and jaw representations in the sham-control group revealed variability between individuals and between muscles within individuals.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest the role of the intact and infarcted hemispheres in the recovery of oral motor function may differ between the tongue and jaw muscles, which may have important implications for rehabilitation, especially hemisphere-specific neuromodulatory approaches. This study addressed the natural course of recovery after stroke; future work should expand to focus on rehabilitation.
Recent advances and role of melatonin in post-harvest quality preservation of shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Authors: Asdullah Hafiz Umair , Chen Feng , Hassan Muhammad A. , Abbas Asad , Sajad Shoukat , Rafiq Muhammad , Raza Muhammad Adnan , Tahir Arslan , Wang Dongliang , Chen Yougen
Published: March 2024

Shiitake mushrooms are renowned for their popularity and robust nutritional value, are susceptible to spoilage due to their inherent biodegradability. Nevertheless, because of their lack of protection, these mushrooms have a short shelf life. Throughout the post-harvest phase, mushrooms experience a persistent decline in quality. This is evidenced by changes such as discoloration, reduced moisture content, texture changes, an increase in microbial count, and the depletion of nutrients and flavor. Ensuring postharvest quality preservation and prolonging mushroom shelf life necessitates the utilization of post-harvest preservation techniques, including physical, chemical, and thermal processes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the deterioration processes affecting mushroom quality, covering elements such as moisture loss, discoloration, texture alterations, increased microbial count, and the depletion of nutrients and flavor. It also explores the key factors influencing these processes, such as temperature, relative humidity, water activity, and respiration rate. Furthermore, the review delves into recent progress in preserving mushrooms through techniques such as drying, cooling, packaging, irradiation, washing, and coating.
Hypercaloric low-carbohydrate high-fat diet protects against the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in obese mice in contrast to isocaloric Western diet
Authors: Charlot Anouk , Bringolf Anthony , Mallard Joris , Charles Anne-Laure , Niederhoffer Nathalie , Duteil Delphine , Pagano Allan F. , Geny Bernard , Zoll Joffrey
Published: March 2024

Objective

Obesity and metabolic complications, such as type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are one of the greatest public health challenges of the 21st century. The major role of high sugar and carbohydrate consumption rather than caloric intake in obesity and NAFLD pathophysiology remains a subject of debate. A low-carbohydrate but high-fat diet (LCHFD) has shown promising results in obesity management, but its effects in preventing NAFLD need to be detailed. This study aims to compare the effects of a LCHFD with a high-fat high-sugar obesogenic Western diet (WD) on the progression of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Methods

Male C57BL/6J mice were initially fed a WD for 10 weeks. Subsequently, they were either switched to a LCHFD or maintained on the WD for an additional 6 weeks. Hepatic effects of the diet were explored by histological staining and RT-qPCR.

Results

After the initial 10 weeks WD feeding, LCHF diet demonstrated effectiveness in halting weight gain, maintaining a normal glucose tolerance and insulin levels, in comparison to the WD-fed mice, which developed obesity, glucose intolerance, increased insulin levels and induced NAFLD. In the liver, LCHFD mitigated the accumulation of hepatic triglycerides and the increase in Fasn relative gene expression compared to the WD mice. Beneficial effects of the LCHFD occurred despite a similar calorie intake compared to the WD mice.

Conclusion

Our results emphasize the negative impact of a high sugar/carbohydrate and lipid association for obesity progression and NAFLD development. LCHFD has shown beneficial effects for NAFLD management, notably improving weight management, and maintaining a normal glucose tolerance and liver health.
Biomarkers in retinopathy of prematurity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Almutairi Mariam , Chechalk Katherine , Deane Emelia , Fox Rebecca , Janes Ava , Maguire-Henry Tidgh , McCabe Devin , O'Connor Cole , Quirk Joseph , Swan Evan , White Katherine , McCreery Kathryn , Isweisi Eman , Stewart Philip , Branagan Aoife , Roche Edna F. , Meehan Judith , Molloy Eleanor J.
Published: March 2024

Aim

Retinopathy of prematurity is a significant global cause of childhood blindness. This study aims to identify serum biomarkers that are associated with the development of ROP.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Three databases were searched (Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science) from 2003 to March 2023. Only studies investigating serum biomarker levels in preterm infants (<37 weeks gestation) were included.

Results

Meta-analysis suggests that low serum IGF-1 levels have a strong association with the development of ROP [SMD (95% CI) of −.46 [−.63, −.30], p < .001]. Meta-analysis suggests that higher serum glucose levels were associated with the development of ROP [SMD (95% CI) of 1.25 [.94, 1.55], p < .001]. Meta-analysis suggests that thrombocytopenia is associated with the development of ROP [SMD (95% CI) of −.62 [−.86, −.37], p < .001].

Conclusion

Low levels of serum IGF-1, high levels of serum glucose and thrombocytopenia all appear to have the strongest association with the development of ROP out of the 63 biomarkers investigated in this review. These associations highlight their potential use as diagnostic biomarkers in ROP, though further research is needed to establish the exact relationship between these biomarkers and disease pathogenesis.
The cardiovascular changes underlying a low cardiac output with exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lav Madsen Per , Sejersen Casper , Nyberg Michael , Sørensen Martin Heyn , Hellsten Ylva , Gaede Peter , Bojer Annemie Stege
Published: March 2024

The significant morbidity and premature mortality of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is largely associated with its cardiovascular consequences. Focus has long been on the arterial atheromatosis of DM giving rise to early stroke and myocardial infarctions, whereas less attention has been given to its non-ischemic cardiovascular consequences. Irrespective of ischemic changes, T2DM is associated with heart failure (HF) most commonly with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Largely due to increasing population ages, hypertension, obesity and T2DM, HFpEF is becoming the most prevalent form of heart failure. Unfortunately, randomized controlled trials of HFpEF have largely been futile, and it now seems logical to address the important different phenotypes of HFpEF to understand their underlying pathophysiology. In the early phases, HFpEF is associated with a significantly impaired ability to increase cardiac output with exercise. The lowered cardiac output with exercise results from both cardiac and peripheral causes. T2DM is associated with left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction based on LV hypertrophy with myocardial disperse fibrosis and significantly impaired ability for myocardial blood flow increments with exercise. T2DM is also associated with impaired ability for skeletal muscle vasodilation during exercise, and as is the case in the myocardium, such changes may be related to vascular rarefaction. The present review discusses the underlying phenotypical changes of the heart and peripheral vascular system and their importance for an adequate increase in cardiac output. Since many of the described cardiovascular changes with T2DM must be considered difficult to change if fully developed, it is suggested that patients with T2DM are early evaluated with respect to their cardiovascular compromise.
Innovation in the realm of the unforeseen: a review of competence needed
Authors: Torgersen Glenn-Egil , Boe Ole , Magnussen Leif Inge , Olsen Dorothy Sutherland , Scordato Lisa
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Our main research question in this article was: What are the competence structures for innovative processes? Both the nature of the unforeseen and innovation are related to something unknown, i.e., that competence needs to be developed to be able to handle situations and solutions that are not yet completely known. In our article, we address the question of how studies of innovation describe and use concepts of competence in various forms.

Method

We performed a systematic review of the relation between the unforeseen and innovation. In this systematic review we followed the Non-Interventional, Reproducible, and Open (NIRO) Systematic Reviews protocol. The identification of studies via databases and registers was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) statement. The various types of competence found in the literature review were grouped in such a way that we could develop a structure to use as the basis for a new concept of competence needed in order to initiate and implement innovative processes. We refer to this overview of different competence types as designated competence structures for innovative processes. The searches resulted in the following number of abstracts, respectively Web of Science (2997), ERIC (454), and PsycInfo (550), meaning that a total of 3,768 abstracts were found to be relevant. The 3,768 abstracts were imported into the program Covidence for screening in the first search.

Results

After completing the evaluation process in accordance with the PRISMA checklist and flow diagram, 32 abstracts were found to be relevant for our research question as they were related to competence for the unforeseen and innovation.

Conclusion

Few of the studies we investigated specifically mention competence. Another finding is that the innovation literature describes the activities that should take place linked to what it refers to as competence. Thus, the innovation research field does not define what the competence is or what it consists of, at either individual or group level, but rather describes the activities that contribute to successful innovation in an organization with little emphasis on how this competence should be developed. Training perspectives are lacking when it comes to innovation literature perspectives on competence.
The relationship between health literacy and health-related quality of life in Chinese older adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Hui , Tao Simin , Sun Silu , Xiao Ying , Liu Yongbing
Published: March 2024

Background

This study aimed to examine the relationship between health literacy and health-related quality of life in older adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey design was used. We used a self-administered questionnaire to assess sociodemographic factors of older adults, the Chinese Citizen Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQC) and the 36-item Chinese version of the Short Form 36 (SF-36) to measure health literacy and quality of life, respectively, among older adults. Between September 2011 and June 2012, information was collected from 1,396 older adults in 44 nursing homes in four cities through face-to-face interviews.

Results

The mean health literacy level of older adults in nursing homes was relatively low (71.74 ± 28.35). Health-related quality of life scores were moderate (104.77 ± 16.92). There were statistically significant differences in the effects of health literacy, education level, former occupation (professional), marital status (widowed) and race on health-related quality of life.

Conclusion

Improving health literacy is considered an important intervention to promote health-related quality of life in older adults in nursing homes.
Risk Prediction for Sudden Cardiac Death in the General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Yue , Liu Zhengkun , Liu Tao , Li Ji , Mei Zihan , Fan Haojun , Cao Chunxia
Published: March 2024

Objective: Identification of SCD risk is important in the general population from a public health perspective. The objective is to summarize and appraise the available prediction models for the risk of SCD among the general population.

Methods: Data were obtained searching six electronic databases and reporting prediction models of SCD risk in the general population. Studies with duplicate cohorts and missing information were excluded from the meta-analysis.

Results: Out of 8,407 studies identified, fifteen studies were included in the systematic review, while five studies were included in the meta-analysis. The Cox proportional hazards model was used in thirteen studies (96.67%). Study locations were limited to Europe and the United States. Our pooled meta-analyses included four predictors: diabetes mellitus (ES = 2.69, 95%CI: 1.93, 3.76), QRS duration (ES = 1.16, 95%CI: 1.06, 1.26), spatial QRS-T angle (ES = 1.46, 95%CI: 1.27, 1.69) and factional shortening (ES = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.15, 1.64).

Conclusion: Risk prediction model may be useful as an adjunct for risk stratification strategies for SCD in the general population. Further studies among people except for white participants and more accessible factors are necessary to explore.
Botulinum Toxin and Progressive Pneumoperitoneum in Loss of Domain Ventral Hernias: A Systematic Review
Authors: Giuffrida Mario , Biolchini Federico , Capelli Patrizio , Banchini Filippo , Perrone Gennaro
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP) and botulinum toxin A (BTX) have been used together in the preoperative preparation of patients with loss of domain hernias. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combined use of PPP and BTX.

Methods: A systematic electronic search was performed according to the PRISMA criteria. A literature search of scientific articles was conducted up to December 2023. Articles were chosen based on the reference to BTX and PPP in loss of domain ventral hernias with a defect width greater than 10 cm before surgery. The GRADE methodology and the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale were used to assess the quality of the studies.

Results: The research yielded seven articles, with 217 patients analysed in total. BTX was performed 29.5 ± 1.7 days before surgery and PPP was inflated 14.8 ± 5.8 days before surgery. PPP complications were reported in 25.6% of patients, The average reduction of the volume of hernia (VH)/volume of the abdominal cavity (VAC) ratio was 7.6% (range 0.9%–15%). Only 40 patients (18.4%) required a PCS or TAR to repair the loss of domain hernias. The SSI and SSO rates were 17.5% and 26.2%, respectively. No differences in SSI and SSO rates were found between the different repair techniques. The recurrence rate was 5.9% (13/217). Recurrence was significantly higher in patients who underwent IPOM repair than other techniques (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: BTX and PPP may be useful tools for the management of loss of domain hernias presenting lower SSI and SSO. The combination of BTX and PPP reduces the use of more invasive repair techniques.
A Static Stability Analysis Method for Passively Stabilized Sounding Rockets
Authors: Cadamuro Riccardo , Cazzola Maria Teresa , Lontani Nicolò , Riboldi Carlo E. D.
Published: March 2024

Sounding rockets constitute a class of rocket with a generally simple layout, being composed of a cylindrical center-body, a nosecone, a number of fins placed symmetrically around the longitudinal axis (usually three or four), and possibly a boat-tail. This type of flying craft is typically not actively controlled; instead, a passive stabilization effect is obtained through suitable positioning and sizing of the fins. Therefore, in the context of dynamic performance analysis, the margin of static stability is an index of primary interest. However, the classical approach to static stability analysis, which consists in splitting computations in two decoupled domains, namely, around the pitch and yaw axis, provides a very limited insight to the missile performance for this type of vehicle due to the violation of the classical assumptions of planar symmetry and symmetric flight conditions commonly adopted for winged aircraft. To tackle this issue, this paper introduces a method for analyzing static stability through a novel index, capable of more generally assessing the level of static stability for sounding rockets, exploiting the same information on aerodynamic coefficients typically required for more usual (i.e., decoupled) static stability analyses, and suggests a way to assess the validity and shortcoming of the method in each case at hand.
Rotor Performance Predictions for Urban Air Mobility: Single vs. Coaxial Rigid Rotors
Authors: Cornelius Jason , Schmitz Sven , Palacios Jose , Juliano Bernadine , Heisler Richard
Published: March 2024

This work details the development and validation of a methodology for high-resolution rotor models used in hybrid Blade Element Momentum Theory Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (BEMT-URANS) CFD. The methodology is shown to accurately predict single and coaxial rotor performance in a fraction of the time required by conventional CFD methods. The methodology has three key features: (1) a high-resolution BEMT rotor model enabling large reductions in grid size, (2) a discretized set of momentum sources to interface between the BEMT rotor model and the structured URANS flow solver, and (3) leveraging of the first two features to enable highly parallelized GPU-accelerated multirotor CFD simulations. The hybrid approach retains high-fidelity rotor inflow, wake propagation, and rotor–rotor interactional effects at a several orders of magnitude lower computational cost compared to conventional blade-resolved CFD while retaining high accuracy on steady rotor performance metrics. Rotor performance predictions of thrust and torque for both single and coaxial rotor configurations are compared to test the data that the authors obtained at the NASA Langley 14- by 22-ft. Subsonic Tunnel Facility. Simulations were run with both fully turbulent and free-transition airfoil performance tables to quantify the associated uncertainty. Single rotor thrust and torque were predicted on average within 4%. Coaxial thrust and power were predicted within an average of 5%. A vortex ring state (VRS) shielding phenomenon for coaxial rotor systems is also presented and discussed. The results support that this hybrid BEMT-URANS CFD methodology can be highly parallelized on GPU machines to obtain accurate rotor performance predictions across the full spectrum of possible UAM flight conditions in a fraction of the time required by conventional higher-fidelity methods. This strategy can be used to rapidly create look-up tables with hundreds to thousands of flight conditions using a three-dimensional multirotor CFD for UAM.