bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Políticas de currículo e formação docente: Entre perspectivas reformistas e possibilidades em contexto democrático
Authors: Sousa Maraiane Pinto de , Souza Gessica Mayara de Oliveira , Pereira Maria Zuleide da Costa
Published: March 2024

O trabalho buscou analisar as proposituras das reformas educacionais a partir da Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC), seus desdobramentos, atravessamentos no currículo e na formação de professores(as) no contexto neoliberal. Assim, nos ancoramos nos estudos de Ball, Apple, Arroyo, Aguiar e Dourado, para compreendermos a cinesia reformista na educação e sua relação com os imperativos das políticas econômicas, que desconsidera a cultura e a diversidade da escola pública, as necessidades e condições reais dos estabelecimentos de ensino. Metodologicamente, a pesquisa apresenta abordagem qualitativa. Objetivamente é exploratória, e documental quanto as fontes, visto que intentamos compreender o fenômeno doravante ao contexto sociopolítico. Destarte, apontamos a desvalorização das experiências dos profissionais que trabalharam na escola, compreendendo a BNCC como um documento homogêneo, prescritivo e (re)produtor de desigualdades. Assim, observou-se há discrepância entre o que o documento exige e realidade das escolas públicas brasileiras. No entanto, a partir da mudança do contexto político, houve abertura para diálogo e discussão acerca da necessidade de revogação da BNC-Formação.
A nova revolução industrial: Tecnologia da informação como habilitadora da customização em massa
Authors: Baptista Luís A. S.
Published: March 2024

O objetivo do trabalho é mostrar uma visão da indústria moderna partindo do conceito da produção em massa e sua evolução ao longo do tempo. Utilizando-se uma metodologia qualitativa, parte-se dos primórdios da criação da linha de montagem por Henry Ford onde se procurava maximizar os recursos produtivos restringindo ao máximo as variações nos processos de fabricação e nos itens ofertados, passando pelos sistemas de qualidade total onde se flexibilizavam os processos produtivos para garantir a constância dos resultados. Finalmente apresenta-se a manufatura flexível atual onde os desejos e necessidades dos clientes reinam incontestáveis. A tecnologia da informação através de seus sistemas de controle e supervisão digitais é apresentada como ferramenta habilitadora dessa nova revolução industrial. O Brasil necessita avançar fortemente nessa tecnologia de forma a voltar a ter um parque industrial de padrão mundial.
Compostagem em escala piloto para resíduos sólidos orgânicos gerando biofertilizantes sólidos e líquidos e material de forração
Authors: Gimenez Vanderson Urbaiti , Graça Jacira Lima da , Costa Maria Aparecida Lopes da , Menna Junior Dawilson , Oliveira Júnior José Martins de , Hanai-Yoshida Valquíria Miwa
Published: March 2024

O objetivo desta investigação foi desenvolver e executar um projeto, em escala piloto, de um pátio de compostagem de resíduos sólidos orgânicos. Para tanto, três tipos de leiras de compostagem (n=3) — especificamente, sem impermeabilização de solo e com impermeabilização com lona ou alvenaria — foram construídas e resíduos sólidos domiciliares úmidos (RSDU) e resíduos públicos (RPU) foram nelas dispostos. Os dados obtidos para a umidade, nitrogênio e carbono orgânico total (COT) foram de 48±3% e 89±3%; 1,01±0,05% e 0,93±0,04%; e 52,8±0,5% e 45,3±4,7% para RSDU e RPU, respectivamente. Os valores da temperatura central nas pilhas foram semelhantes nos diferentes tempos de amostragem. Um pátio piloto de compostagem foi implantado na Universidade de Sorocaba, comprovando a viabilidade de dar destinação adequada a parte dos resíduos sólidos gerados no Campus. Apesar do tempo e da temperatura de compostagem serem semelhantes nos três tipos de leiras, as leiras com estrutura em alvenaria apresentaram vantagem quanto à captação de biofertilizante líquido. Na manutenção do teor de umidade nas leiras, a rega com água foi desnecessária devido às temperaturas do processo de compostagem promoverem a liberação da água dos resíduos. Na prática, estabelecer a periodicidade da aeração das leiras mostrou-se essencial na promoção do processo de compostagem. Além disso, observou-se que mesmo a baixa frequência das trocas realizadas para manter a oxigenação do meio foi suficiente para manter a temperatura e a umidade ideais para a microbiota até a fase de maturação do composto.
Análise dos efeitos dos incentivos fiscais da Suframa sobre o desempenho das empresas na Zona Franca de Manaus
Authors: Souza Noelle Monteiro de , Nunes Thayane Albuquerque , Alves Adenes Teixeira
Published: March 2024

O presente estudo tem como objetivo geral analisar o impacto dos incentivos fiscais concedidos pela SUFRAMA no desempenho das empresas operando na Zona Franca de Manaus. E são objetivos específicos: identificar quais os incentivos fiscais promovidos pela SUFRAMA para as empresas do Polo Industrial de Manaus; evidenciar como os incentivos podem ser instrumentos de desenvolvimento econômico e sua contribuição para a sustentabilidade regional; e por fim, discutir sobre o desempenho das organizações diante dos incentivos fiscais. A metodologia de pesquisa trata-se revisão narrativa de literatura, de abordagem qualitativa e pesquisa descritiva. Os resultados evidenciaram a importância dos incentivos fiscais da SUFRAMA como catalisadores do crescimento econômico e da diversificação industrial na Zona Franca de Manaus, enfatizando seu papel na atração de investimentos e no fortalecimento do ambiente de negócios local. Esses incentivos não só impulsionam a competitividade e o avanço tecnológico das empresas estabelecidas, mas também promovem a sustentabilidade e o bem-estar social ao encorajar práticas produtivas eficientes e ecológicas. A eficácia desses incentivos, contudo, varia entre setores e empresas, sugerindo a necessidade de uma gestão cuidadosa para assegurar que os benefícios sejam justamente distribuídos e estejam em harmonia com os objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável e inclusão social da região. Portanto, a análise conclui que os incentivos fiscais da SUFRAMA são fundamentais para impulsionar o desenvolvimento econômico e tecnológico da Zona Franca de Manaus.
Efeitos de soluções antissépticas na cicatrização de feridas: Revisão integrativa
Authors: Cruz Isnanny Mescouto , Villagran Camila Antunez , Santos Ana Cleides Pereira dos , Quiuli Andria Castro
Published: March 2024

Introdução: A existência de uma ferida provoca incomodo físico para uma pessoa, alterações na vida deste indivíduo em todos os âmbitos podem ser advindas pelo aparecimento de uma lesão, fomentando dificuldades no aceitamento de sua autoimagem. Dessa forma, um momento muito importante na hora de realizar um curativo é a escolha dos produtos que serão utilizados para a limpeza da ferida, já que influenciam diretamente no processo cicatricial da lesão. A aplicação de substâncias em situações diversas parece destacar a necessidade de sistematização do entendimento técnico-científico real sobre a ação dos antissépticos, suas indicações e contraindicações. Objetivo: Investigar a ação de diferentes soluções antissépticas na cicatrização de feridas. Método: trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, desenvolvida entre agosto e outubro de 2023. Resultados: Foram analisados 8 artigos, sendo 1 estudo tratando sobre a ação do hipoclorito de sódio em feridas crônicas, 2 abordando a ação do gluconato de clorexidina no que tange à toxicidade e implicações no processo cicatricial, 1 demonstrando o efeito da clorexidina e iodopovidona, 1 apresentando a ação do etanol 70%, gluconato de clorexidina, hipoclorito de sódio, iodopovidona e polihexanida, 1 trazendo implicações do poliexametileno biguanida na cicatrização e, por fim, 2 estudos relatando a ação do iodopovidona. Conclusão: O uso de antissépticos em feridas demanda conhecimento técnico-científico. Observa-se uma maior quantidade de experimentos realizados em ambientes controlados, e de certa forma, é importante investigar mais profundamente a ação dos antissépticos em indivíduos que, de fato, possuem uma ferida.
Analysis of environmental impacts in the construction of a photovoltaic plant at the Academic Unit of Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Brazil
Authors: Nascimento Bergson José do , Holanda Romildo Morant de , Araújo Fernanda Wanderley Corrêa de , Lima Karina Paula Barbosa de Andrade , Cunha Ana Luíza Xavier , Morant-Cavalcanti Kyriale Vasconcelos
Published: March 2024

The use of solar energy has been increasing its space in the energy matrix. Brazil has great potential for applications using photovoltaic energy. This potential is not fully explored. Due to this, this research aims to evaluate the environmental impacts caused by the production, implementation, operation and maintenance of a 1 MW photovoltaic plant implemented in the Academic Unit located in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, Brasil, one of the branches of the of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco. The Control List Method ("checklist") was used to identify and qualitatively evaluate the most relevant impacts. The environmental assessment of the plant identified that the biggest impact in the planning phase was the attraction of people, due to the publicity of the project. In the implementation phase, deforestation and soil movement stood out, while visual pollution and the increase in the supply of electricity were the main impacts in the operation phase.
PEMANFAATAN TULANG IKAN TUNA SEBAGAI UPAYA PENGURANGAN LIMBAH MENJADI OLAHAN KERIPIK PADA UMKM MARIFA
Authors: Ermawati Sri , Karlan Lalu Agus
Published: March 2024

One of the snacks is tuna bone chips, which consists of thin round slices made from tapioca flour. The use of materials made from fish bones is intended to reduce the waste of tuna fish bones that are discarded. This service activity was conducted in Malaju Village, a hamlet in the western part of Paropa, where most residents work as entrepreneurs concentrating on processed fish products. Among the most discarded waste from fish production is fish bones. This waste can pollute the surrounding environment. The purpose of this service is to help MSME players find solutions so that production waste does not pollute the surrounding environment. This service uses evaluation, socialization, and training. The result of utilizing tuna fish bones for making chips is to reduce the amount of tuna fish bone waste and make this product an additional source of income for small and medium businesses (MSMEs).
Understanding therapeutic phages
Authors:   , Egido Egido Julia
Published: March 2024

Antibiotic resistance is becoming a greater problem in today’s society, leading to previously treatable infections becoming more dangerous. It is therefore important that the development of new treatment options is pursued. There are different strategies being investigated for this, but a major area of interest is the use of bacteriophages. Bacteriophages (phages) are small viruses which specifically target bacteria. They bind to the bacterium and reproduce inside it. This process results in bacterial death as new phage are released. These phages can then further attack the bacterial population. This makes bacteriophages an interesting and potentially very safe therapeutic option due to their specificity towards bacteria, killing capacity and ability to self-amplify. One pathogen for which phage therapy can be particularly useful is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this thesis, we have investigated factors influencing the efficacy of therapeutic phages against this pathogen. First of all, we have developed and validated an assay to monitor phage activity against Gram negative bacteria in real time. Using this assay, we have evaluated the activity of phages in human serum. Here, we found that the complement system, an important agent of the innate immune system, can recognize and inhibit phages of a certain type, potentially compromising their antibacterial activity. Next, we studied how phages can work together with antibiotics of certain classes to eliminate P. aeruginosa. Our results showed that phages can act in a synergistic way with several different antibiotics, particularly the beta lactams meropenem and ceftazidime. Finally, we dove into the mechanisms of bacterial defense and resistance against phages, in a review that also discusses the clinical implications of these mechanisms. Taken together, the work of this thesis has provided new tools to study phage-bacteria interactions and generated knowledge about how therapeutic phages may be influenced by factors like the human immune system and antibiotic co-treatments. One of the main general conclusions we can draw from this research is that it is crucial to choose the optimal phages to maximize the chances of therapeutic success. Currently, phages are chosen for therapy mainly based on whether they can infect a given pathogenic strain. We think that it would be very beneficial to take other factors into account, like how the patient’s immune system will affect them, what antibiotics are administered at the same time, and how resistance to these phages can develop. By expanding our knowledge on these topics, we hope to eventually be able to predict which phages are the most suited for each individual patient, thereby contributing to the design of better phage therapy strategies.
Improving Adherence to Medical Nutrition Therapy with Behaviour Modification Embedded in Practice
Authors: Somaiya Sheetal
Published: March 2024

Nutritional assessment, intervention, and result evaluation are all influenced by changes in nutritionrelated behaviour. The combination of medical nutrition therapy and behaviour modification is supported by evidence-based medicine. The evidence is compelling in those with type 2 diabetes and obesity. When compared to CBT self-monitoring, meal replacements, and/or organised meal planning, motivational interviewing was found to be the most superior and highly effective counselling technique. Although goal-setting, problem-solving, and social support are useful tactics, further research in more diverse populations are required. We will focus on increasing adherence to medical nutrition treatment with behaviour modification in this review of the literature.
Peran work passion terhadap innovative work behavior dimoderasi work-life integration pada pekerja kreatif di jabodetabek
Authors: Aditya Jessica , Saraswati Kiky Dwi Hapsari
Published: March 2024

Abstract. As the creative industry grows, innovative ideas are key to staying competitive. One form of innovation that’s measurable is innovative work behavior. One of innovative work behavior’s determinants is work passion. Work passion relates to work-life thoughts that occur when professional and personal lives are integrated, described by the variable work-life integration. Thus, this quantitative predictive correlational study aims to determine the role of work passion on innovative work behavior and to determine the role of work-life integration as a moderator. 200 creative industry workers who live in Jabodetabek and have worked for at least one year became participants. Results showed that both hypotheses were accepted. Work passion plays a role on innovative work behavior and work-life integration is proven to act as a moderator with a debilitating effect. Results also showed high levels of innovative work behavior, work passion, and work-life integration in participants. Further analysis found that both dimensions of work passion had a positive relationship with innovative work behavior. Keywords: Creative Industry Workers; Innovative Work Behavior; Work-Life Integration; Work Passion. Abstrak. Dengan berkembangnya industri kreatif, ide inovatif menjadi kunci untuk dapat tetap bersaing. Bentuk inovasi yang bisa diukur salah satunya adalah perilaku kerja inovatif. Salah satu determinan dari perilaku kerja inovatif adalah gairah kerja. Gairah kerja berhubungan dengan pikiran kehidupan-kerja yang terjadi saat kehidupan profesional dan pribadi terintegrasi, digambarkan dengan variabel integrasi kehidupan-kerja. Dengan demikian, penelitian kuantitatif prediktif korelasional ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peran gairah kerja terhadap perilaku kerja inovatif dan mengetahui peran integrasi kehidupan-kerja sebagai moderator. 200 pekerja industri kreatif yang berdomisili di Jabodetabek dan sudah bekerja selama minimal satu tahun menjadi partisipan. Hasil menunjukkan kedua hipotesis terbukti diterima. Gairah kerja berperan terhadap perilaku kerja inovatif dan integrasi kehidupan-kerja terbukti berperan sebagai moderator dengan efek melemahkan. Hasil juga menunjukkan rerata perilaku kerja inovatif, gairah kerja, dan integrasi kehidupan-kerja tinggi pada partisipan. Analisis lanjutan menunjukkan bahwa kedua dimensi dari gairah kerja memiliki hubungan yang positif terhadap perilaku kerja inovatif. Katakunci: Pekerja Industri Kreatif; Perilaku Kerja Inovatif; Integrasi Kehidupan-Kerja; Gairah Kerja
Mapping the Brink of Literary History at Ellisland Farm
Authors: McKeever Gerard Lee
Published: March 2024

This article presents new documentary evidence of the history of Ellisland farm, where Burns lived between 1788 and 1791. Its main subject is an April 1787 map of Ellisland executed by the surveyor William McCartney for the landowner Patrick Miller of Dalswinton in anticipation of what would become Burns’s tenancy. The article examines McCartney’s map alongside a later 1817 survey map and other supporting evidence, identifying temporal layers on the 1787 map that capture Burns’s activities as an improving tenant farmer at Ellisland. It further positions the 1787 map within the memorialisation and literary tourism that evolved around Burns in the nineteenth century.
Hypermimetic Police Violence: Racist Somatechnics in the Case of Rayshard Brooks
Authors: Lawtoo Nidesh
Published: March 2024

Extending the new field of mimetic studies to the racist somatechnics of police violence against minorities in the United States, this article focuses on the specific case of the police murder of Rayshard Brooks in 2020 (Atlanta, Georgia) to account for the complex interplay of somatic, technical, and mimetic factors that triggered his murder. I argue that this exemplary case calls for a diagnostic of the patho(-)logical vortex of contagious violence that entangles racist triggers, unconscious bodily actions and reactions, as well as the agentic power of guns qua technical ‘actants.’ While this hypermimetic spiral of violence escapes conscious control, it generates unconscious pathologies internal to racist violence in general and to the somatechnics of police violence in particular.
Infra-structural Violence: On the Violence that Holds Us Together
Authors: Pavoni Andrea , Tulumello Simone
Published: March 2024

How to define, and conceptualise, violence? This is a problem the social sciences and humanities have long wrestled with, often framing violence as an abstract, moral, and normative question, which prevented them from capturing its complexity. Violence, we suggest, is a tensional force that is constitutive of and immanent to social, material, and spatial relations, simultaneously weaving them together and threatening to disrupt them. At the same time, violence cannot be reduced to an epiphenomenon of an overarching process such as capitalism: it does not simply result from the unfolding of structures and global processes. Rather, it takes material existence in the frictional encounter with these very structures and processes. In this article, we build on and push beyond recent theorisations on infrastructure and infrastructural violence to introduce the concept of ‘infra-structural violence’ – where the hyphen emphasises the relational, tensional, and somatic in-between – as a way to rework symbolic, economic, and other notions of structural violence towards an ontological, epistemological, and ethical ‘statics’ of violence, which is attuned to its disruptive, constructive, and preserving qualities.
Analisis Peran Media Sosial Dalam Konflik Israel-Palestina Ditinjau Dari Teori Orientalisme Edward W Said
Authors: Sholehkatin Beti Dwi , Winarta Lutfia Adita Putri , Wijayanti Putri , Rahayu Rezki Citra
Published: March 2024

Social media has a big role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a forum for conveying information both in the form of facts and doctrine to the general public. The alignment of an individual or a country can be reflected through what they present on social media. In the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Edward W Said's theory of orientalism can be seen from the Balfour Declaration in 1917 which was interpreted as a manifestation of orientalism. The aim of this research is to analyze orientalist patterns in social media representations of Israel and Palestine. The method used by researchers in this research is the content analysis method. The research subjects used are ordinary people who have the power to convey their defense on social media. This research focuses on Israeli and Palestinian society by using social media as a tool in obtaining data. The result of this research is that orientalism in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be identified through history, political actions and societal views which often reflect Western dominance and views of superiority towards the East. It can be concluded that in the context of the Israeli and Palestinian conflict, the role of social media is becoming increasingly significant, and algorithms on these platforms can play an important role in shaping people's views and attitudes.
Penerapan E-absensi dalam Meningkatkan Kinerja Aparatur Sipil Negara di SDN 163098 Kota Tebing Tinggi
Authors: Sartika Cendikia  , Praningtyas Elisabeth Ria Viana
Published: March 2024

In the light to improve the civil servants’ performance in Tebing Tinggi City, The Communication and Information Department launched the e-absensi application, including to the employee of SDN 163098.  This application is claimed to be more effective in improving the employees’ performance because it uses GPS technology to record the location point when the employees fill out the attendance thus it lessens the fraud in filling out the attendance. This study aims to examine the claim using qualitative study by interviewing two source people. They are the civil servants at SDN 163098 Tebing Tinggi City. The result shows that the application of e-absesnsi at SDN 163098 Tebing Tinggi City gives positive impact on the improving employees’ performance. They become more disciplined and attend school earlier so the students will not get neglected and can start class on time.
Innovativa startup-företag i scaleup-/effektivitetsfasen: En trenivåmodell för analys av tillväxt, skalbarhet, konkurrensfördelar och lönsamhet
Authors: Brege Staffan , Holtström Johan , Öhrwall Rönnbäck Anna
Published: March 2024

Den här rapporten fokuserar på modellutveckling och skapandet av ett analytiskt verktyg som ska vara till hjälp för innovativa startupföretags utveckling och främst de som befinner sig i scaleup-/effektivitetsfasen. Modellutvecklingen fokuserar på att knyta ihop affärsmodeller med tillväxt- och konkurrensstrategier och den ekonomiska logik och struktur som avspeglas i resultat- och balansräkningar. Modellutvecklingen syftar till att skapa ett brett analytiskt verktyg som ska vara till hjälp för att bygga ”ett helt företag” som inkluderar olika värdeerbjudanden, affärsmodeller, strategier, resursuppbyggnad och företagets organisatoriska struktur.
Sensory cells in tunicates: insights into mechanoreceptor evolution
Authors: Anselmi Chiara , Fuller Gwynna K. , Stolfi Alberto , Groves Andrew K. , Manni Lucia
Published: March 2024

Tunicates, the sister group of vertebrates, offer a unique perspective for evolutionary developmental studies (Evo-Devo) due to their simple anatomical organization. Moreover, the separation of tunicates from vertebrates predated the vertebrate-specific genome duplications. As adults, they include both sessile and pelagic species, with very limited mobility requirements related mainly to water filtration. In sessile species, larvae exhibit simple swimming behaviors that are required for the selection of a suitable substrate on which to metamorphose. Despite their apparent simplicity, tunicates display a variety of mechanoreceptor structures involving both primary and secondary sensory cells (i.e., coronal sensory cells). This review encapsulates two decades of research on tunicate mechanoreception focusing on the coronal organ’s sensory cells as prime candidates for understanding the evolution of vertebrate hair cells of the inner ear and the lateral line organ. The review spans anatomical, cellular and molecular levels emphasizing both similarity and differences between tunicate and vertebrate mechanoreception strategies. The evolutionary significance of mechanoreception is discussed within the broader context of Evo-Devo studies, shedding light on the intricate pathways that have shaped the sensory system in chordates.
The beneficial role of curiosity on route memory in children
Authors: Sivashankar Yadurshana , Fernandes Myra , Oudeyer Pierre-Yves , Sauzéon Hélène
Published: March 2024

Introduction

There has been a growing interest in the role of innate curiosity on facets of human cognition, such as in spatial learning and memory. Yet, it is unclear how state level curiosity evoked by the current environment could interact differentially with trait curiosity, to impact spatial memory performance.

Methods

We assessed the influence of trait and state curiosity on route memory. Forty-two 10-year-old children with low and high-trait curiosity (20 Females; 22 Males) actively explored virtual environments that elicited varying levels of uncertainty (i.e., state-curiosity).

Results

As trait curiosity increased, so did memory performance in low and high uncertainty conditions, suggesting that high-curiosity children can better recruit cognitive resources within non-optimal environments. Children with high compared to low trait curiosity also reported greater feelings of presence during exploration. Importantly, in environments with medium uncertainty, children with low trait curiosity were able to perform as well as those with high curiosity.

Discussion

Results show that individual differences in trait curiosity influence route learning and these interact dynamically with state-curiosity invoked within different environments.
Development and validation of nomograms to predict clinical outcomes of preeclampsia
Authors: Xia Yan , Wang Yao , Yuan Shijin , Hu Jiaming , Zhang Lu , Xie Jiamin , Zhao Yang , Hao Jiahui , Ren Yanwei , Wu Shengjun
Published: March 2024

Background

Preeclampsia (PE) is one of the most severe pregnancy-related diseases; however, there is still a lack of reliable biomarkers. In this study, we aimed to develop models for predicting early-onset PE, severe PE, and the gestation duration of patients with PE.

Methods

Eligible patients with PE were enrolled and divided into a training (n = 253) and a validation (n = 108) cohort. Multivariate logistic and Cox models were used to identify factors associated with early-onset PE, severe PE, and the gestation duration of patients with PE. Based on significant factors, nomograms were developed and evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC) and a calibration curve.

Results

In the training cohort, multiple gravidity experience (p = 0.005), lower albumin (ALB; p < 0.001), and higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with early-onset PE. Abortion history (p = 0.017), prolonged thrombin time (TT; p < 0.001), and higher aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.002) and LDH (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with severe PE. Abortion history (p < 0.001), gemellary pregnancy (p < 0.001), prolonged TT (p < 0.001), higher mean platelet volume (p = 0.014) and LDH (p < 0.001), and lower ALB (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with shorter gestation duration. Three nomograms were developed and validated to predict the probability of early-onset PE, severe PE, and delivery time for each patient with PE. The AUC showed good predictive performance, and the calibration curve and decision curve analysis demonstrated clinical practicability.

Conclusion

Based on the clinical features and peripheral blood laboratory indicators, we identified significant factors and developed models to predict early-onset PE, severe PE, and the gestation duration of pregnant women with PE, which could help clinicians assess the clinical outcomes early and design appropriate strategies for patients.
Chemotherapy combined with endocrine neoadjuvant therapy for hormone receptor-positive local advanced breast cancer: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Nengying , Luo Chengmin , Li Jiayang , Bao Yuxiang , Yan Zhongliang , Cheng Xiaoming , Li Taolang , Lv Junyuan
Published: March 2024

Background

Early studies have revealed antagonistic effects associated with stacking chemotherapy (CT) and endocrine therapy (ET), thereby conventional wisdom does not advocate the simultaneous combination of these two treatment modalities. Limited clinical studies exist on the combined use of neoadjuvant CT (NACT) and neoadjuvant ET (NET), and there are no reported instances of concurrent neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) using capecitabine and fulvestrant (FUL).

Case presentation

We reported a 54-year-old woman who was diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) LABC at our hospital. After neoadjuvant treatment involving two distinct CT regimens did not lead to tumor regression. Consequently, the patient was transitioned to concurrent capecitabine and FUL therapy. This change resulted in favorable pathological remission without any significant adverse events during treatment.

Conclusions

A novel approach involving concurrent neoadjuvant therapy with CT and endocrine therapy may offer a potentially effective treatment avenue for some cases with HR+ LABC.
Prevalence and predictors of men's involvement in pregnancy care in Modakeke, Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Akinyemi Aminat Omolara , Ibrahim Elhakim Adekunle
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Maternal mortality in developing countries remains a major public health concern and lack of men's support for their spouse during pregnancy contributes to this adverse outcome. This study examined the level and determinants of men's involvement in pregnancy care in Modakeke, Southwest Nigeria.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional, mixed-methods study involving quantitative and qualitative data. A multistage sampling strategy was used to select the study participants. The study involved 414 male respondents interviewed using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The interview was complemented with one focus group discussion facilitated using an unstructured interview guide. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential analytical techniques while qualitative data were explored using thematic content analysis.

Results

Findings revealed a 55% level of involvement in pregnancy care among the participants. However, involvement rates were higher among those who were younger, married, from monogamous family, with secondary or tertiary education, low-income earners, and holding positive perception about nontraditional gender roles. Multivariate logistic regression estimates indicated significantly lower odds of involvement among unmarried men than the married but increased odds among those who had secondary or higher education relative to the uneducated, and among those whose partners received antenatal care from multiple providers compared to from health facilities only. Furthermore, significantly reduced odds of involvement were associated with holding nonpositive perceptions towards accompanying spouse to antenatal care clinic and being involved in general pregnancy care as opposed to holding positive perception. Perceived challenges undermining male involvement as highlighted during focus group discussion include time constraints due to job demands, prohibitive sociocultural norms, rebuke and unconducive health facility environment.

Conclusion

The level of involvement in pregnancy care is suboptimal among the study participants with considerable sociodemographic, socioeconomic and sociocultural dimensions. Enhancing men's involvement in pregnancy care requires community-based awareness-raising interventions that emphasize crosscutting benefits of male partner's participation in pregnancy-related care and address known sociocultural barriers impeding active involvement.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Huang Jiang-Qiong , Liang Huan-Wei , Liu Yang , Chen Long , Pei Su , Yu Bin-Bin , Pan Xin-Bin
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) versus CCRT alone in patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Materials and methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who received either CCRT alone or CCRT combined with ICIs from April 2019 to February 2023. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS), and the secondary endpoint was overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 101 patients were enrolled, with 58 undergoing CCRT alone and 43 receiving CCRT+ICI. The CCRT+ICI group demonstrated a higher complete response rate compared to the CCRT alone group (11.6% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.037). However, no significant difference was observed in 1-year PFS (58.9% vs. 55.2%; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.70-2.26; P = 0.445) or 1-year OS (70.8% vs. 75.9%; HR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.58-2.53; P = 0.613) between CCRT+ICI and CCRT alone groups. The CCRT alone group experienced a higher incidence of leukopenia of any grade (93.1% vs. 76.7%, P = 0.039) but a lower incidence of pneumonitis of any grade (36.2% vs. 65.1%, P = 0.008).

Conclusion

CCRT+ICI may not lead to improved survival outcomes compared to CCRT alone in patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. These findings indicate the need for further investigation into this treatment approach.
Mitochondrial extracellular vesicles, autoimmunity and myocarditis
Authors: Di Florio Damian N. , Beetler Danielle J. , McCabe Elizabeth J. , Sin Jon , Ikezu Tsuneya , Fairweather DeLisa
Published: March 2024

For many decades viral infections have been suspected as ‘triggers’ of autoimmune disease, but mechanisms for how this could occur have been difficult to establish. Recent studies have shown that viral infections that are commonly associated with viral myocarditis and other autoimmune diseases such as coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) and SARS-CoV-2 target mitochondria and are released from cells in mitochondrial vesicles that are able to activate the innate immune response. Studies have shown that Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 and the inflammasome pathway are activated by mitochondrial components. Autoreactivity against cardiac myosin and heart-specific immune responses that occur after infection with viruses where the heart is not the primary site of infection (e.g., CVB3, SARS-CoV-2) may occur because the heart has the highest density of mitochondria in the body. Evidence exists for autoantibodies against mitochondrial antigens in patients with myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy. Defects in tolerance mechanisms like autoimmune regulator gene (AIRE) may further increase the likelihood of autoreactivity against mitochondrial antigens leading to autoimmune disease. The focus of this review is to summarize current literature regarding the role of viral infection in the production of extracellular vesicles containing mitochondria and virus and the development of myocarditis.
Mevalonate kinase-deficient THP-1 cells show a disease-characteristic pro-inflammatory phenotype
Authors: Politiek Frouwkje A. , Turkenburg Marjolein , Ofman Rob , Waterham Hans R.
Published: March 2024

Objective

Bi-allelic pathogenic variants in the MVK gene, which encodes mevalonate kinase (MK), an essential enzyme in isoprenoid biosynthesis, cause the autoinflammatory metabolic disorder mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD). We generated and characterized MK-deficient monocytic THP-1 cells to identify molecular and cellular mechanisms that contribute to the pro-inflammatory phenotype of MKD.

Methods

Using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, we generated THP-1 cells with different MK deficiencies mimicking the severe (MKD-MA) and mild end (MKD-HIDS) of the MKD disease spectrum. Following confirmation of previously established disease-specific biochemical hallmarks, we studied the consequences of the different MK deficiencies on LPS-stimulated cytokine release, glycolysis versus oxidative phosphorylation rates, cellular chemotaxis and protein kinase activity.

Results

Similar to MKD patients’ cells, MK deficiency in the THP-1 cells caused a pro-inflammatory phenotype with a severity correlating with the residual MK protein levels. In the MKD-MA THP-1 cells, MK protein levels were barely detectable, which affected protein prenylation and was accompanied by a profound pro-inflammatory phenotype. This included a markedly increased LPS-stimulated release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a metabolic switch from oxidative phosphorylation towards glycolysis. We also observed increased activity of protein kinases that are involved in cell migration and proliferation, and in innate and adaptive immune responses. The MKD-HIDS THP-1 cells had approximately 20% residual MK activity and showed a milder phenotype, which manifested mainly upon LPS stimulation or exposure to elevated temperatures.

Conclusion

MK-deficient THP-1 cells show the biochemical and pro-inflammatory phenotype of MKD and are a good model to study underlying disease mechanisms and therapeutic options of this autoinflammatory disorder.
Synergistic effects of rhizosphere effect and combined organic and chemical fertilizers application on soil bacterial diversity and community structure in oilseed rape cultivation
Authors: Wang Jingyuan , Qin Hongling , Zhang Leyan , Tang Yafang , Long Junjiang , Xu Huaqin , Zhu Baoli
Published: March 2024

The combined application of chemical and organic fertilizers has been recognized to enhance soil fertility and foster the soil microbial ecosystem. However, the optimal ratio of chemical and organic fertilizers in oilseed rape cultivation is still uncertain, and the role of rhizosphere effect is still unclear. Thus, this study aimed to elucidate the impacts of varying ratios of chemical and organic fertilizers on the structure and potential functionalities of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil microbial communities. The interplay of microbial communities with soil properties and oilseed rape root exudates was investigated in controlled pot cultivations receiving varying ratios of chemical and organic fertilizers. Results indicated clear segregation in the soil bacterial community, influenced by both fertilization treatments and rhizosphere effects. The bacterial community structure significantly correlated with nitrate nitrogen, organic acids, and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content. Rhizosphere effects led to increased bacteria abundance, reduced diversity, and decreased network stability. Notably, F3 treatment receiving 25% chemical and 75% organic fertilizers showed a significantly higher abundance at 1.43 × 1011 copies g−1 dry soil, accompanied by increased species and genetic diversity, and ecological network complexity. This treatment also yielded the highest aboveground biomass of oilseed rape. However, the application of organic fertilizers also increased the risk of plant pathogenicity. This study reveals the impact of fertilizers and rhizosphere effects on soil microbial community structure and function, shedding light on the establishment of more effective fertilization schemes for oilseed rape agriculture.
Transcriptome and metabolome analysis reveals PRV XJ delgE/gI/TK protects intracranially infected mice from death by regulating the inflammation
Authors: Xu Lei , Zhang Yang , Tao Qian , Xu Tong , Lee Feng-qin , Deng Li-shuang , Jian Zhijie , Zhao Jun , Yang Yanting , Lai Siyuan , Zhou Yuan-cheng , Xu Zhi-wen , Zhu Ling
Published: March 2024

Pseudorabies virus can cause inflammation in the central nervous system and neurological symptoms. To further investigate the protective mechanism of PRV XJ delgE/gI/TK in the central nervous system, an intracranial PRV-infection mice model was developed. The results demonstrated that immunization with PRV XJ delgE/gI/TK successfully prevented death caused by PRV-intracranial infection. Subsequently, the brains were collected for transcriptome and metabolome analysis. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the differentially expressed genes were primarily enriched in pathways such as TNF, NOD-like receptor, JAK–STAT, MAPK, IL-17 and apoptosis signaling. Metabolomics analysis revealed that the differential metabolites were mainly associated with pathways such as fatty acid degradation, arachidonic acid metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis. The combined analysis of metabolites and differentially expressed genes revealed a strong correlation between the differential metabolites and TNF, PI3K, and MAPK signaling pathways. Anti-inflammatory metabolites have been shown to inhibit the inflammatory response and prevent mouse death caused by PRV infection. Notably, when glutathione was injected intracranially and dihydroartemisinin was injected intraperitoneally, complete protection against PRV-induced death in mice was observed. Moreover, PRV activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that PRV XJ delgE/gI/TK can protects intracranially infected mice from death by regulating various metabolites with anti-inflammatory functions post-immunization.
Generation of an enhancer-driven gene expression viral tool specific to dentate granule cell-types through direct hippocampal injection
Authors: Potenza Maria Letizia , Blankvoort Stefan , Carvalho Miguel M. , Grimstvedt Joachim S. , Di Maria Valentina , Moan Kristian , Nair Rajeevkumar Raveendran , Flatset Marcus S. , Zhang Qiangwei , Thomas Laurent F. , Pauzin Francois P. , Da Silva Mazzarini Baldinotti Rodolfo , Quattrocolo Giulia , Bramham Clive R. , Sætrom Pål , Witter Menno P. , Kentros Clifford G.
Published: March 2024

Accurate investigations of neural circuitry require specific genetic access to individual circuit elements, i.e., the myriad neuronal cell-types in the brain. However, native promoters cannot achieve this because while most genes are expressed in the brain, few are expressed in a single neuronal cell-type. We recently used enhancers, the subcomponents of the transcriptional apparatus which tell promoters when and where to express, combined with heterologous minimal promoters to increase specificity of transgene expression, an approach we call Enhancer-Driven Gene Expression (EDGE). As we discuss, EDGE is a marked improvement in specificity over native promoters, but still requires careful anatomical analysis to avoid off-target effects. In this study we present a more complete set of genomic markers from the mouse brain and characterize a novel EDGE viral vector capable of specifically driving expression in distinct subtypes of hippocampal neurons, even though it can express in other cell-types elsewhere. The advent of cell-type specific viral tools in wild-type animals provides a powerful strategy for neural circuit investigation and holds promise for studies using animal models for which transgenic tools are not available.
Research on the electromyography-based pattern recognition for inter-limb coordination in human crawling motion
Authors: Li Chengxiang , Chen Xiang , Zhang Xu , Wu De
Published: March 2024

Aiming to provide a feasible crawling motion analysis method for clinical application, this study introduced electromyography (EMG)-based motion intention recognition technology into the pattern recognition of inter-limb coordination during human crawling for the first time. Eight inter-limb coordination modes (ILCMs) were defined. Ten adult participants were recruited, and each participant performed hands-knees crawling at low, medium, and fast speeds in self-selected ILCMs and the eight predefined ILCMs, respectively. EMG signals for pattern recognition were collected from 30 limbs and trunk muscles, and pressure signals for crawling cycle segmentation were collected from the left palm. The pattern recognition experiments were conducted in participant-specific, multi-participant, and participant-independent ways, respectively, adopting three different classifiers, including bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) network, support vector machine (SVM), and k-nearest neighbor (KNN). The experimental results show that EMG-based pattern recognition schemes could classify the eight ILCMs with high recognition rates, thereby confirming the feasibility of providing an EMG-based crawling motion analysis method for clinical doctors. Furthermore, based on the classification results of self-selected ILCMs at different speeds and the statistical results of stance duration, swing duration, and the duty factors of stance phase, the possible reasons why humans chose various ILCMs at different crawling speeds were discussed. The research results have potential application value for evaluating crawling function, understanding abnormal crawling control mechanisms, and designing rehabilitation robots.
Association of serum vitamin D with anxiety in US adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wen Zongliang , Bai Long , Wu Shenqin , Chen Jialin , Jama Hamdi Abdirizak , Sawmadal Joyce D.
Published: March 2024

Objective

There have been proposals that vitamin D may be associated with a reduction in the incidence of anxiety disorders. However, the findings thus far have been inconsistent, warranting further investigation. The purpose of this paper is to explore the link between serum vitamin D and anxiety.

Methods

Data are from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States from 2007 to 2012. Study included a total of 12,232 participants, and through the multivariate logistic regression to study the relationship between serum vitamin D and anxiety, smooth curve fitting is used to study the nonlinear relationship between serum vitamin D levels and anxiety.

Results

Serum vitamin D levels demonstrated a negative correlation with anxiety (p < 0.001). Vitamin D exhibited a significant impact on anxiety (Q4:OR = 0.774, 95% CI: 0.663–0.903, p < 0.01), and this effect remained significant even after adjusting for confounding variables (Q4:OR = 0.781, 95% CI: 0.669–0.912, p < 0.01). Smoothed curve fitting revealed a negative association between serum vitamin D levels and the risk of anxiety, and these findings persisted after accounting for confounding variables.

Conclusion

Serum vitamin D levels were inversely associated with anxiety risk in US adults. In the future, more accurate prospective studies are needed to confirm this result.