bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetic evaluation of single-dose migalastat in non-Fabry disease subjects with ESRD receiving dialysis treatment, and use of modeling to select dose regimens in Fabry disease subjects with ESRD receiving dialysis treatment
Authors: Johnson Franklin K. , Wu Shirley , Schmith Ginny , Williams Hadis , Rutecki Jasmine , Halabi Atef , Feldkamp Thorsten , Sileno Anthony
Published: December 2024

Background

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked lysosomal disorder leading to multiorgan dysfunction, including renal impairment and the risk of significant accumulation for renally excreted drugs. Migalastat, an approved therapy in FD patients with amenable variants, is primarily eliminated in urine; however, its use had not been studied in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving dialysis therapy. This study investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK), dialyzability, and tolerability of 123 mg migalastat in non-FD subjects with ESRD on stable hemodialysis/hemodiafiltration (EudraCT 2018-003684-57). Results were analyzed by population PK and physiologically based PK (PBPK) modeling and intended to propose dose regimens resulting in negligible migalastat trough levels in plasma and comparable concentrations above the threshold in target tissues in FD patients with ESRD.

Methods

Subjects with ESRD received 123 mg migalastat 24 hours before dialysis and, following an 8-day washout, immediately before dialysis. Matched controls with normal renal function (NRF) received migalastat 123 mg. Migalastat concentrations were measured in plasma, urine, and dialysate, and modeled to select regimens providing similar disposition to NRF.

Results

Migalastat was extracted by hemodialysis/hemodiafiltration (74%/72%). PBPK modeling predicted that 123 mg every other week (QOW) with regular dialysis 2–3 times weekly in ESRD subjects produced: a fraction of time above EC50 similar to FD patients with NRF; adequate Cmax for intracellular trafficking of mutant α-galactosidase A to the lysosome; and Ctrough levels near the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) similar to NRF subjects receiving 123 mg every other day. Migalastat 82 mg weekly produced a greater fraction of time above EC50 and longer duration of concentrations above the LLOQ, potentially resulting in accumulation in tissues.

Conclusion

Migalastat was well extracted by hemodialysis/hemodiafiltration. Migalastat 123 mg QOW is the proposed dose regimen for further evaluation in FD patients with ESRD, which could inform expansion of treatment options.

Trial registration

Trial registration: EU Clinical Trials Register, EudraCT number 2018-003684-57.
Understanding veterinary practitioners’ responses to adverse events using a combined grounded theory and netnographic natural language processing approach
Authors: Gibson Julie , Oxtoby Catherine , Brennan Marnie L. , White Kate
Published: December 2024

Support that mitigates the detrimental impact of adverse events on human healthcare practitioners is underpinned by an understanding of their experiences. This study used a mixed methods approach to understand veterinary practitioners’ responses to adverse events. 12 focus groups and 20 interviews with veterinary practitioners were conducted and analysed using grounded theory principles. Experiencing stress, externalising facts and feelings, morally contextualising events and catalysing personal and professional improvements were identified as components of practitioners’ response. Natural language processing content analysis of posts regarding involvement in adverse events (n = 572) written by members of a veterinary member-only Facebook group was also performed, to categorise and count words within texts based on underlying meaning. Percentile scores of four summary variables along with relative frequency of function, psychological process and time orientation words used were recorded and compared with content analysis of posts where members discussed euthanasia (n = 471) and animal health certification (n = 419). Lower authenticity scores (reflecting lower honesty), differences in clout scores (reflecting dominance) and higher frequencies of moralisation, future focus, prosocial behaviour and interpersonal conflict were observed in the adverse event group compared to either comparison group. Analytical thinking scores (reflecting logical thinking) and frequencies of total, positive and negative emotion, anxiety, anger and cognitive processing words (reflecting debate) were not significantly different between the adverse events and euthanasia groups. Integration of findings confirmed and expanded inferences made in both studies regarding the emotionally detrimental impact of adverse events and the role that peer-to-peer mediated reflection and learning plays in mitigating pathologisation of responses in the aftermath of adverse events. Discordance in findings related to practitioners’ intentions and expressions of honesty suggest that work is needed to normalise open discussion about adverse events. Findings may be used to lever, and to inform, peer-to-peer support for practitioners in relation to veterinary adverse events.
LARP7 is required for sex chromosome silencing during meiosis in mice
Authors: Tando Yukiko , Nonomura Atsuto , Ito-Matsuoka Yumi , Takehara Asuka , Okamura Daiji , Hayashi Yohei , Matsui Yasuhisa
Published: December 2024

Meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) is an essential event in meiotic progression in mammalian spermatogenesis. We found that La Ribonucleoprotein 7 (LARP7) is involved in MSCI. LARP7 plays a role in fetal germ cells to promote their proliferation, but is once abolished in postnatal gonocytes and re-expressed in spermatocytes at the onset of meiosis. In spermatocytes, LARP7 localizes to the XY body, a compartmentalized chromatin domain on sex chromosomes. In germline-specific Larp7-deficient mice, spermatogenesis is arrested in spermatocytes, and transcription of the genes on sex chromosomes remained active, which suggests failure of meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI). Furthermore, the XY body in spermatocytes lacking Larp7 shows accumulation of H4K12ac and elimination of H3K9me2, suggesting defective chromatin silencing by abnormal epigenetic controls. These results indicate a new functional role for LARP7 in MSCI.
An interpretable framework for inter-observer agreement measurements in TILs scoring on histopathological breast images: A proof-of-principle study
Authors: Capar Abdulkerim , Ekinci Dursun Ali , Ertano Mucahit , Niazi M. Khalid Khan , Balaban Erva Bengu , Aloglu Ibrahim , Dogan Meryem , Su Ziyu , Aker Fugen Vardar , Gurcan Metin Nafi
Published: December 2024

Breast cancer, a widespread and life-threatening disease, necessitates precise diagnostic tools for improved patient outcomes. Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs), reflective of the immune response against cancer cells, are pivotal in understanding breast cancer behavior. However, inter-observer variability in TILs scoring methods poses challenges to reliable assessments. This study introduces a novel and interpretable proof-of-principle framework comprising two innovative inter-observer agreement measures. The first method, Boundary-Weighted Fleiss’ Kappa (BWFK), addresses tissue segmentation predictions, focusing on mitigating disagreements along tissue boundaries. BWFK enhances the accuracy of stromal segmentation, providing a nuanced assessment of inter-observer agreement. The second proposed method, the Distance Based Cell Agreement Algorithm (DBCAA), eliminates the need for ground truth annotations in cell detection predictions. This innovative approach offers versatility across histopathological analyses, overcoming data availability challenges. Both methods were applied to assess inter-observer agreement using a clinical image dataset consisting of 25 images of invasive ductal breast carcinoma tissue, each annotated by four pathologists, serving as a proof-of-principle. Experimental investigations demonstrated that the BWFK method yielded gains of up to 32% compared to the standard Fleiss’ Kappa model. Furthermore, a procedure for conducting clinical validations of artificial intelligence (AI) based cell detection methods was elucidated. Thoroughly validated on a clinical dataset, the framework contributes to standardized, reliable, and interpretable inter-observer agreement assessments. This study is the first examination of inter-observer agreements in stromal segmentation and lymphocyte detection for the TILs scoring problem. The study emphasizes the potential impact of these measures in advancing histopathological image analysis, fostering consensus in TILs scoring, and ultimately improving breast cancer diagnostics and treatment planning. The source code and implementation guide for this study are accessible on our GitHub page, and the full clinical dataset is available for academic and research purposes on Kaggle.
Influence of lymph node removal on the prognosis of high malignancy potential gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors: Insights from population-based study
Authors: Qiao Zhenguo , Zhang Zhi , Chen Junjie , Yin Ping , Ling Xin , Chen Weihai , Yang Lingxia
Published: December 2024

High malignancy potential gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (HMP-gGISTs) generally require surgical resection. However, the necessity of lymph node removal (LR) for patients with such tumors remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted a population-based study to analyze the impact of LR on the long-term prognosis of patients with HMP-gGISTs. Patients with HMP-gGISTs were gathered from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized to address potential selection bias. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analyses and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. A total of 840 patients with HMP-gGISTs were included in the study, with 317 undergoing LR and 523 not undergoing LR. The prognosis for OS (P = 0.026) and CSS (P < 0.001) in the LR group was worse compared to the No-LR group. After PSM, 634 patients were matched for comparison. The results showed that the OS (P = 0.028) and CSS (P = 0.006) in the LR group remained poorer than those in the No-LR group. Subgroup analysis further indicated that patients who did not undergo LR had a better prognosis. Our findings suggest that LR may not improve the prognosis of patients with HMP-gGISTs, implying that LR may not be necessary for these patients.
Unraveling the impact of kinesiophobia on proprioception and balance: Mediation by pain, mobility, and psychological wellbeing in post-total hip replacement recovery
Authors: Alshehri Shaker Hassan S. , Reddy Ravi Shankar , Alshahrani Mastour Saeed , Alnakhli Hani Hassan , Gautam Ajay Prashad , ALMohiza Mohammad A. , Alyami Abdullah Mohammed , Al Adal Saeed Y. , Dixit Snehil , Alyazedi Faisal M.
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between kinesiophobia, proprioception, and limits of stability in elderly individuals post-THR. Specifically, it sought to assess the direct and indirect effects of kinesiophobia on proprioception through mediating factors such as pain intensity, functional mobility, and psychological well-being. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 100 participants (50 post-THR patients and 50 asymptomatic elderly controls) at King Khalid University Hospital. Kinesiophobia was measured using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), proprioception was assessed via a digital inclinometer, and limits of stability were evaluated using computerized dynamic posturography. Post-THR patients exhibited significantly higher levels of kinesiophobia (p < 0.001) and impaired proprioception (p < 0.001) compared to controls. Mediation analyses revealed that pain intensity, functional mobility, and psychological well-being partially mediated the relationship between kinesiophobia and proprioception. The Sobel tests confirmed significant mediation effects for pain intensity (Z = 3.88, p = 0.021), functional mobility (Z = 2.96, p = 0.013), and psychological well-being (Z = 2.84, p = 0.015). Kinesiophobia significantly impairs proprioception and balance in elderly individuals post-THR, with these effects being partially mediated by pain intensity, functional mobility, and psychological well-being. These findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological factors in rehabilitation programs to enhance proprioceptive function and improve postural stability, thereby optimizing recovery outcomes in the post-THR population.
Exploring the strategies and components of interventions to build adolescent awareness about stunting prevention in West Java: A qualitative study
Authors: Nurhaeni Nani , Huda Mega Hasanul , Chodidjah Siti , Agustini Nur , Tri Waluyanti Fajar , Nadi Hartin I. K. , Armini Ni Ketut Sri , Sari Maya , Jackson Debra
Published: December 2024

Aim

This study aimed to explore the strategies and important components that can be implemented to build adolescent awareness about stunting prevention.

Methods

This study used descriptive qualitative design. The data were collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) and semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling method was employed to select the participants. The FGDs involved adolescents (n = 6) and high school counselling teachers (n = 5), while the semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts frequently involved in overcoming stunting problems in Indonesia (n = 7). The interview results were transcribed in verbatim transcription and analysed by using thematic analysis.

Results

Five themes were identified from the results: 1) Adolescent identity development with three sub-themes: online identity exploration, rebellious stage, and peer influence; 2) Creative and visually appealing website with six sub-themes: interesting appearance, short time span, serial content, story pattern, scenario using adolescent idol’s name, and attractive website menu; 3) Nutritional needs for adolescents with three sub-themes: iron and calcium intake, less sugar consumption, and nutritional status; 4) Engaging content for adolescents with seven sub-themes: stunting, reproductive health, anaemia, diet, wellness, early marriage, and physical activity; and 5) Effective communication strategy with two sub-themes: consistency of activities and communicative.

Implications

In designing adolescent stunting prevention interventions, multidisciplinary programs utilizing engaging digital health modules and grassroots partnerships should be developed and tested. These programs aim to enhance knowledge retention among youth through appealing online content and interactive community activities. Rigorous evaluation of biopsychosocial approaches can establish integrated best practices across individual, social and policy dimensions for reducing stunting.
Inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation on copper-based thin foils
Authors: Timoncini Andrea , Lorenzetti Luca , Turner Raymond J. , McGibbon Ashley , Martini Carla , Cofini Elena , Bernardi Elena , Chiavari Cristina
Published: December 2024

The development of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) represents an increasing threat to patient health. In this context, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is responsible for various HAIs, determining about 20% of the infections in hospitalized patients, which makes it one of the most effective pathogens due to its strong ability to form biofilms. Using Cu-based materials as foils on high-touch surfaces can help to prevent and mitigate P. aeruginosa contamination in biohazardous settings. However, the antibiofilm properties of Cu-based surfaces against P. aeruginosa may vary due to frequent touches combined with indoor environmental exposure. The main aim of this study is to investigate the impact of accelerated ageing, mimicking a high-touch frequency by cyclic exposure to artificial sweat solution as well as to temperature and relative humidity variations, on the efficacy of Cu-based thin foils against P. aeruginosa biofilms. Three Cu-based materials (rolled and annealed Phosphorous High-Conductivity (PHC) Cu, Cu15Zn brass, and Cu18Ni20Zn nickel silver) were evaluated. The ageing process enhanced the antibiofilm properties, due to an increment in Cu ion release: aged PHC Cu and Cu15Zn exhibited the highest Cu ion release and hence the highest biofilm inhibition (decrease in colony forming unit (CFU)) in comparison to their pristine counterpart, while aged Cu18Ni20Zn displayed the lowest biofilm formation reduction, despite showing the highest aesthetic and morphological stability. The Cu-based surface, which highlited the highest biofilm formation inhibition due to accelerated ageing, was Cu15Zn.
Classification of offshore wind grid-connected power quality disturbances based on fast S-transform and CPO-optimized convolutional neural network
Authors: Tang Minan , Wang Hongjie , Qiu Jiandong , Tao Zhanglong , Yang Tong
Published: December 2024

The large-scale integration of offshore wind power into the power grid has brought serious challenges to the power system power quality. Aiming at the problem of power quality disturbance detection and classification, this paper proposes a novel algorithm based on fast S-transform and crested porcupine optimizer (CPO) optimized CNN. Firstly, the intrinsic mechanism and waveform characteristics of offshore wind power grid-connected disturbances are analyzed, and the simulated disturbance signals are feature extracted and time-frequency diagrams are obtained by fast S-transform. Secondly, the CPO algorithm is used to optimize the convolutional neural network and determine the best hyperparameters so that the classifier achieves the optimal classification performance. Then, the CPO-CNN classification model is used for feature extraction and feature selection of the time-frequency diagrams and classification of multiple power quality disturbances. Finally, a simulation experimental platform is established based on MATLAB to perform simulation verification and comparative analysis of power quality disturbance classification. The experimental results show that the model established in this paper is effective, and the classification accuracy is improved by 3.47% compared with the CNN method, which can accurately identify the power quality disturbance signals, and then help to assess and control the power quality problems.
Epidemiology of canine ehrlichiosis and molecular characterization of Erhlichia canis in Bangladeshi pet dogs
Authors: Kabir Ajran , Chouhan Chandra Shaker , Habib Tasmia , Hossain Md. Zawad , Raihan Abu , Yeasmin Farzana , Siddique Mahbubul Pratik , Rahman A. K. M. Anisur , Nahar Azimun , Rahman Md. Siddiqur , Ehsan Md. Amimul
Published: December 2024

Background

Ehrlichia canis, a rickettsial organism, is responsible for causing ehrlichiosis, a tick-borne disease affecting dogs.

Objectives

This study aimed to estimate ehrlichiosis prevalence and identify associated risk factors in pet dogs.

Methods

A total of 246 peripheral blood samples were purposively collected from pet dogs in Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Rajshahi districts between December 2018 and December 2020. Risk factor data were obtained through face-to-face interviews with dog owners using a pre-structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified risk factors. Polymerase chain reaction targeting the 16S rRNA gene confirmed Ehrlichia spp. PCR results were further validated by sequencing.

Results

The prevalence and case fatality of ehrlichiosis were 6.9% and 47.1%, respectively. Dogs in rural areas had 5.8 times higher odds of ehrlichiosis (odd ratio, OR: 5.84; 95% CI: 1.72–19.89) compared to urban areas. Dogs with access to other dogs had 5.14 times higher odds of ehrlichiosis (OR: 5.14; 95% CI: 1.63–16.27) than those without such access. Similarly, irregularly treated dogs with ectoparasitic drugs had 4.01 times higher odds of ehrlichiosis (OR: 4.01; 95% CI: 1.17–14.14) compared to regularly treated dogs. The presence of ticks on dogs increased ehrlichiosis odds nearly by 3 times (OR: 3.02; 95% CI: 1.02–8.97). Phylogenetic analysis, based on 17 commercially sequenced isolates, showed different clusters of aggregation, however, BAUMAH-13 (PP321265) perfectly settled with a China isolate (OK667945), similarly, BAUMAH-05 (PP321257) with Greece isolate (MN922610), BAUMAH-16 (PP321268) with Italian isolate (KX180945), and BAUMAH-07 (PP321259) with Thailand isolate (OP164610).

Conclusions

Pet owners and veterinarians in rural areas should be vigilant in monitoring dogs for ticks and ensuring proper preventive care. Limiting access to other dogs in high-risk areas can help mitigate disease spread. Tick prevention measures and regular treatment with ectoparasitic drugs will reduce the risk of ehrlichiosis in dogs. The observed genetic similarity of the Bangladeshi Ehrlichia canis strain highlights the need for ongoing surveillance and research to develop effective control and prevention strategies, both within Bangladesh and globally.
A systems biology approach unveils different gene expression control mechanisms governing the immune response genetic program in peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Marin Damariz , Fernandez Geysson Javier , Hernandez Juan C. , Taborda Natalia
Published: December 2024

COVID-19 and other pandemic viruses continue being important for public health and the global economy. Therefore, it is essential to explore the pathogenesis of COVID-19 more deeply, particularly its association with inflammatory and antiviral processes. In this study, we used the RNA-seq technique to analyze mRNA and non-coding RNA profiles of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy individuals after SARS-CoV-2 in vitro exposure, to identify pathways related to immune response and the regulatory post-transcriptional mechanisms triggered that can serve as possible complementary therapeutic targets. Our analyses show that SARS-CoV-2 induced a significant regulation in the expression of 790 genes in PBMCs, of which 733 correspond to mRNAs and 57 to non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The immune response, antiviral response, signaling, cell proliferation and metabolism are the main biological processes involved. Among these, the inflammatory response groups the majority of regulated genes with an increase in the expression of chemokines involved in the recruitment of monocytes, neutrophils and T-cells. Additionally, it was observed that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 induces the expression of genes related to the IL-27 pathway but not of IFN-I or IFN-III, indicating the induction of ISGs through this pathway rather than the IFN genes. Moreover, several lncRNA and RNA binding proteins that can act in the cis-regulation of genes of the IL-27 pathway were identified. Our results indicate that SARS-CoV-2 can regulate the expression of multiple genes in PBMCs, mainly related to the inflammatory and antiviral response. Among these, lncRNAs establish an important mechanism in regulating the immune response to the virus. They could contribute to developing severe forms of COVID-19, constituting a possible therapeutic target.
Mechanism of exacerbation of traumatic brain injury under warfarin anticoagulation in male mice
Authors: Tatara Yuki , Nakao Ken-ichiro , Shimada Ryo , Kibayashi Kazuhiko
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is exacerbated in patients on antithrombotic medications, with warfarin leading to increased bleeding in some cases. However, the extent to which this bleeding increases lethality and its long-term effects remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the exacerbation of TBI by warfarin treatment and comprehensively evaluate the impact of TBI on the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.

Methods

We induced TBI in mice after pre-treatment with warfarin and analyzed TBI exacerbation based on the prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR) value, brain hemorrhage volume, blood warfarin and 7-hydroxywarfarin levels, and cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) protein expression. C57BL/6J mice fed with a vitamin K-deficient diet received oral warfarin (low dose, 0.35 mg/kg/24 h; high dose, 0.70 mg/kg/24 h), and focal brain damage was induced in the cerebral cortices using a brain contusion device. Warfarin-treated injured mice were compared with sham-treated mice (scalp incision alone or scalp incision + bone window formation).

Results

When warfarin was administered, the PT-INR value and brain hemorrhage volume associated with cerebral contusion increased on the first day post-injury. High blood warfarin and 7-hydroxywarfarin levels were observed. However, no significant differences in CYP2C9 expression were observed between the groups.

Discussion

Elevated warfarin levels post-injury can increase cerebral hemorrhage risk, possibly worsening TBI. TBI might also elevate warfarin levels, heightening its anticoagulant effects. Therefore, assessing injury severity levels and PT-INR values in patients with TBI on warfarin is crucial to anticipate delayed bleeding risks.
The fecal microbiota of the mouse-eared bat (Myotis velifer) with new records of microbial taxa for bats
Authors: Arellano-Hernández Hanya D. , Montes-Carreto Leslie M. , Guerrero José Antonio , Martinez-Romero Esperanza
Published: December 2024

Studies on the fecal microbiome of wild animals reveal valuable information on the feeding habits of the host and the possible roles of bacteria in digestion. In this work we characterized the fecal microbiota of seven male and seven female Myotis velifer bats using the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Fecal samples were collected at the El Salitre cave in Mexico. We obtained 81 amplicon sequence variants, identifying four phyla, 12 families and 14 genera for females and seven phyla, 21 families and 26 genera for males. The phylum Synergistota is reported for the first time in bats. The most abundant phyla were Pseudomonadota and Fusobacteriota. Male feces showed a greater taxonomic richness than those from females. This study revealed that the fecal microbiota of M. velifer had a unique and more diverse composition compared to the microbiota reported for other bats. We identified 24 families and two abundant genera Cetobacterium and Haematospirillum in both males and females. Cetobacterium may produce vitamin B12 that is not produced by animals and Haematospirillum, which has been reported as an emerging human pathogen, may produce non-volatile organic acids. These genera had not been previously reported in the bat microbiota.
Rare earth elements distribution in the river sediments of Ditrău Alkaline massif, Eastern Carpathians
Authors: Coțac Valentin Nicolae , Iancu Ovidiu Gabriel , Necula Nicușor , Sandu Marius Cristian , Loghin Aurelia Andreea , Chișcan Ovidiu , Stoian George
Published: December 2024

Ditrău Alkaline Massif is one of the few syenitic Massifs in Europe subjected to mining exploration in the past, located in the Eastern Carpathians, Romania. The heterogenous petrography includes acid to ultrabasic rocks such as syenites, hornblendites, and diorites, making it the defining feature of the Massif. In this study, we analyze the river bed sediments of two rivers, Ditrău and Jolotca, draining the Ditrău Alkaline Massif to determine their geochemical composition, with particular interest in Rare Earth Elements. The analysis was carried out with various analytical methods, including Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, powder X-ray diffractometry, and electronic microscopy for mineralogical analysis to determine the presence of heavy minerals and quantify the concentration of Rare Earth Elements in the river sediment samples. The results indicate the existence of heavy minerals and Rare Earth Elements in bearing minerals such as Monazite and Epidote. High concentration values of Light Rare Earth Elements are identified, with values more than double compared to the Upper Continental Crust in some cases, of which stands out Cerium with 175.47 mg·kg-1 and Lanthanum with 108.32 mg·kg-1. Most samples share three main minerals: Quartz, K Feldspar, and Albite, while Diopside is only present in the Jolotca sediment samples, and Plagioclase exists in Ditrău samples. Moreover, many identified trace elements, such as Niobium, Tantalum, and Zirconium, indicate high enrichments, with samples’ mean value of 265.62 mg·kg-1 for Zirconium and 200.24 mg·kg-1 for Niobium. The sum of Rare Earth Elements identified in the analyzed river sediments is 385.01 mg·kg-1 for Ditrău samples and 368.72 mg·kg-1 for Jolotca, with Cerium being the most significant element. The La/Th and Hf distinction plots suggest a mixed felsic/basic source for the Ditrău area and an acidic source for the Jolotca area.
The experience of pedagogical training on postgraduate rehabilitation health professionals: A qualitative study
Authors: Bertoni Gianluca , Giardulli Benedetto , Minozzi Barbara , Coppola Ilaria , Furri Laura , Testa Marco , Battista Simone
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Health professionals that act as lecturers in higher education necessitate the acquisition of pedagogical skills along with clinical ones. Consequently, pedagogical training courses have been introduced as part of professional development or within university curricula. While several studies explored the experiences of attending courses on pedagogical methodology, there is a notable gap in the literature within the rehabilitation field. Hence, this qualitative study explored the experience of Italian postgraduate health professionals in rehabilitation about the experience of attending pedagogical methodology courses in their postgraduate education.

Materials and methods

A qualitative focus group study was carried out. Specifically, the authors purposefully recruited participants with different professional backgrounds (physiotherapy, speech therapy, and others) with or without lecturing experience. Recent graduates and students of the Master of Science in ’Rehabilitative Sciences of the Health Professions’ at the University of Verona (Verona, Italy) were recruited. The focus groups were analysed following a ’Reflexive Thematic Analysis’ by Braun & Clarke within a social constructionist framework.

Results

Three focus groups were conducted with seventeen Italian participants (age: 33 ± 9; 71% women, n = 12; 29% men, n = 5). The analysis identified three main themes: 1) “A Brave New Pedagogical World,” reflecting participants’ exposure to innovative teaching approaches; 2) “Becoming a Cutting-Edge Lecturer,” highlighting skills acquired for delivering inspiring lectures; and 3) “Something Beyond Pedagogy,” where participants reported skills applicable to other professional contexts, including clinical practice.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that pedagogical courses provide a positive learning experience for rehabilitation health professionals, helping them develop relevant pedagogical skills. Although our findings suggest the potential benefits of these courses in preparing healthcare professionals for teaching roles, further studies are needed to evaluate their direct impact on educational practices and patient outcomes.
Dual careers as sustainable careers for performing artists in times of crisis. A contextual approach to the construct of a sustainable arts career
Authors: Mizera-Pęczek Patrycja , Krasnova Anna , Sasin Magdalena , Sieczych-Kukawska Aleksandra
Published: December 2024

For an individual, a sustainable career is a sequence of events in one’s professional life that both brings professional satisfaction to the career actor, but also allows them to stay healthy, fit, satisfied with their non-work life, feel stable and secure, and free to decide their professional future. It is challenging to pursue a career as a performing artist in such a way that the artist can say of their career that it is sustainable. Indeed, research shows that artists struggle with job instability, being paid below expectations, high competition for lucrative career opportunities and the loss of psycho-physical fitness, which is important in the profession. Dual career is one of the paths for artists to build a conscious sustainable career. Inspired by research on dual careers for athletes, we found many similarities between the sport and artistic settings, mainly related to the short-term nature of these professions. The idea of an artist pursuing a dual career in such a way that they start preparing for an alternative career path already during their artistic training seems to be a potentially attractive career management strategy to facilitate career reorientation. This study investigates the opinions of performing artists regarding the opportunities to pursue a sustainable career through conscious preparation for career reorientation. A total of 111 performers from Poland participated in the survey. Assessments of the situation of artists in the labour market during the pandemic crisis, their attitudes towards the end/descent of their artistic careers, their opinions on alternatives to practising as a performing artist, and their assessments of the potential for pursuing a dual career strategy were investigated. The survey revealed that the opinions of artists are diverse and ambiguous, probably due to the internal diversity of this professional community. Importantly, a significant group of respondents in our survey said that it was the pandemic that made them aware of the instability of a career as a performing artist (56.7%). The analysis of the research results shows what career self-management strategies the respondents use. Remarkably, for a group of respondents, the pandemic crisis has become a determinant for taking steps towards sustainable career management.
Pneumococcal nasopharyngeal carriage in children and adults self-confined at home during a COVID-19 national lockdown
Authors: Brotons Pedro , Cisneros María , Pérez-Argüello Amaresh , Henares Desiree , Lluansí Aleix , Fernández de Sevilla Mariona , Ciruela Pilar , Blanco-Fuertes Miguel , Launes Cristian , Jordan Iolanda , Bassat Quique , García-García Juan José , Muñoz-Almagro Carmen
Published: December 2024

Background

Despite growing evidence of reduced invasive and non-invasive pneumococcal disease attributed to public health measures against the COVID-19 pandemic, the effect of these measures on pneumococcal carriage remains unclear. This study aimed to assess pneumococcal nasopharyngeal carriage among children and adults self-confined at home during the COVID-19 national lockdown in Spain while identifying predictors of pneumococcal carriage in children.

Methods

Household study conducted across the metropolitan area of Barcelona (Spain) between April-June 2020. Nasopharyngeal samples were collected from young children and adults for real-time PCR pneumococcal lytA and wgz gene detection, quantification, and serotyping, as well as for detection of respiratory viruses.

Results

Among 332 children (median age: 3.1 years [IQR: 1.9–4.0 years]; 59% male) and 278 adults (median age: 38.9 years [IQR: 36.1–41.3 years]; 64% female), pneumococcal carriage rates were 28.3% and 2.5%, respectively. Highly invasive serotypes 3, 7F/7A, and 19A were detected in 14.0% of samples from children carriers. Pneumococcal co-infections with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and influenza virus (IV) were not identified in children. Attendance to kindergarten before the lockdown (aOR: 2.65; IQR: 1.57–4.47; p<0.001) and household crowding (aOR: 1.85; IQR: 1.09–3.15; p = 0.02) were independent risk factors for children’s pneumococcal carriage.

Conclusions

Pneumococcal carriage rate among quarantined children during a full COVID-19 lockdown was moderate and correlated with limited presence of highly invasive serotypes and absence of pneumococcal co-infections with RSV, hMPV, and IV. Pre-lockdown daycare and household crowding predisposed children to carriage.
Insights into the structural changes that trigger receptor binding upon proteolytic activation of Bacillus thuringiensis Vip3Aa insecticidal protein
Authors: Infante Oscar , Gómez Isabel , Pélaez-Aguilar Angel E. , Verduzco-Rosas Luis A. , García-Suárez Rosalina , García-Gómez Blanca I. , Wang Zeyu , Zhang Jie , Guerrero Adan , Bravo Alejandra , Soberón Mario
Published: December 2024

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacteria produce different pore forming toxins with insecticidal activity, including Cry and Vip3 proteins. While both Cry and Vip3 cause insect death by forming pores in susceptible lepidopteran larval midgut cells, their mechanisms of action differ. The Vip3Aa protoxin adopts a tetramer-structure, where each monomer has five distinct domains. Upon proteolytic activation, the Vip3 tetramer undergoes a large conformational change forming a syringe like structure that is ready for membrane insertion and pore formation. Here we show that Vip3Aa protoxin had low binding to Spodoptera frugiperda brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) unlike the activated toxin that bound specifically in a concentration dependent way, suggesting that a structural change upon Vip3Aa proteolytic activation is required for efficient receptor binding. Consistently, the Vip3Aa protoxin showed no toxicity to Sf9 cells compared to the activated toxin. In contrast, Cry1Fa protoxin and its activated toxin, were both highly toxic to Sf9 cells. To identify the region of Vip3 involved in binding to BBMV proteins, different overlapping peptides from Vip3Aa covering domains III, IV and V were expressed, and binding analysis were performed against BBMV, showing that domain III is the primary binding domain. Additionally, domains III, IV and V amino acid residues that become exposed upon activation of Vip3Aa were identified. Mutagenesis of these exposed residues revealed three amino acids (K385, K526 and V529) located in two structural adjacent loops, domain III loop β5-β6 and loop α11-β16 that connects domains III and IV, that are crucial for binding to the midguts of S. frugiperda larvae and for toxicity. Our results demonstrate that proteolytic activation of Vip3Aa exposes a receptor binding region essential for its toxicity.
K-drama as a cultural marketing media: Prediction of continuance intention to watch K-dramas
Authors: Rafdinal Wahyu , Media Yulfira , Ishak Takdir , Ali Dini Salmiyah Fithrah , Abdurokhim  , Salsabila Irma Nuraeni
Published: December 2024

Korean television dramas (K-dramas) have become a media promotion of Korean culture to worldwide popularity, in line with the popularity of the Korean culture known as Hallyu. This article aims to explain the continuance intention to watch K-dramas using the extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB), production value and cultivation theory. Data from 406 Indonesian K-drama fans were analysed using structural equation model-partial least square (PLS-SEM) to examine construct relationships and test hypotheses. The results prove that the continuance intention to watch K-dramas is influenced by the TPB constructs, especially the attitudes towards K-dramas and Korean culture. These two constructs are influenced by the production value and frequency of watching K-dramas. The findings will assist the film industry, especially K-drama, in developing and understanding better K-drama audience behaviour to increase K-drama popularity among international audiences and encourage the marketing of Korean culture. This article is empirically the first research to develop a TPB model, production value and cultivation theory to predict the continuance intention to watch K-dramas.
O Pacto entre a rainha D. Urraca e sua irmã D. Teresa. I. O documento e a história da sua datação
Authors: Resende de Oliveira António
Published: December 2024

Em data incerta, D. Urraca de Castela e Leão terá enviado a D. Teresa de Portugal um esboço de um pacto de amizade e apoio mútuo – preservado atualmente apenas no Liber Fidei da Sé de Braga –, no qual era cedido a Teresa um vasto território em troca dos serviços a prestar a sua irmã. Neste primeiro estudo sobre o documento estarão em observação alguns dos seus aspetos formais, bem como o senhorio a conceder à governante portuguesa e um percurso historiográfico pela datação da iniciativa. Ao longo do texto serão igualmente interrogados alguns dos pressupostos das datas que lhe têm sido atribuídas.
NARRATIVA DO COTIDIANO: POBREZA E PRIVAÇÃO SOCIAL NO LIVRO QUARTO DE DESPEJO: DIÁRIO DE UMA FAVELADA DE CAROLINA MARIA DE JESUS
Authors: Savian Carla Pizzuti , Batista Natália Lampert , Spode Pedro Leonardo Cezar
Published: December 2024

Existem diversas obras da literatura que retratam e denunciam as problemáticas sociais brasileiras. Dentre os principais problemas sociais representados nos livros está a pobreza, entendida, aqui, por meio do conceito de privação social. O presente trabalho, reconhecendo a importância de obras literárias para pensar condições sociais, tem o objetivo de identificar no livro Quarto de Despejo: Diário de uma Favelada, de autoria de Carolina Maria de Jesus, relatos que expressam situações de privação social que acontecem no cotidiano da autora. A pesquisa é de natureza qualitativa, com utilização da técnica de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados mostram a identificação de diferentes privações presentes no cotidiano relatado por Carolina Maria de Jesus, sendo possível discutir questões de privação à alimentação, à moradia, às vestimentas e ao saneamento básico, o que resulta em diferentes problemáticas atreladas à saúde física e mental. Também foi possível discutir acerca do cotidiano na cidade. Considera-se, finalmente, que a escrita de Carolina Maria de Jesus, acerca do seu próprio cotidiano, permite a construção de importantes reflexões referentes à pobreza e às desigualdades socioespaciais, manifestadas em situações de privação.
ATUALIZAÇÃO DE MODELOS DE CHUVA INTENSA PARA MUNICÍPIOS DO SUDESTE E CENTRO-OESTE DO BRASIL
Authors: Corrêa Flávia Vilela , Barbosa Mateus Henrique , Carvalho Karine Maciel de , Caminha Alice Raquel , Guimarães Lucas Ribeiro , Thebaldi Michael Silveira , Souza Gabriela Rezende de
Published: December 2024

Diante das mudanças climáticas, é essencial revisar e atualizar as equações de chuvas intensas. Este estudo visou ajustar equações de intensidade-duração-frequência (IDF) para Brasília-DF, Belo Horizonte-MG e Lavras-MG, comparando-as com equações presentes na literatura científica nacional. Utilizaram-se séries históricas de precipitações máxima diárias anuais e aplicaram-se distribuições de probabilidade de Gumbel e Gama a 2 Parâmetros. A avaliação da aderência das funções permitiu a seleção da distribuição não paramétrica mais adequada para cada município. O método de desagregação de chuvas foi utilizado para diferentes tempos de retorno, gerando as curvas IDF correspondentes. Observou-se que, para Brasília e Lavras, maiores tempos de retorno e menores tempos de duração resultaram em maior dispersão de dados em relação às intensidades de precipitação estimadas pelas referências e pelo presente estudo. Esse comportamento não foi observado para Belo Horizonte. Os coeficientes ajustados foram: para Brasília, K = 816,70, a = 0,081, b = 8,990 e c = 0,704; para Belo Horizonte, K = 1076,16, a = 0,114, b = 9,783 e c = 0,724; e para Lavras, K = 815,55, a = 0,137, b = 9,782 e c = 0,724. Os modelos apresentaram um coeficiente de determinação (R²) superior a 99,8%.
Design and Fabrication of a Microstrip Low-Pass Filter with a Wide Stopband Using a Windmill-Shaped Resonator
Authors: Roshani Sobhan , Yahya Salah I. , Khazaei Shahram , Roshani Saeed , Karami Babak
Published: December 2024

In this paper, a microstrip low-pass filter (LPF) with a wide stopband and a sharp transition band is presented using a windmill-shaped resonator. Traditional LPF designs often face challenges such as narrow stopbands, high insertion loss, and large physical sizes, which limit their performance in modern communication systems. To address these challenges, the proposed filter exhibits low insertion loss, a sharp response in the transition band, a wide stopband, and a compact size. The windmill-shaped resonator is applied to achieve a sharp response in the transition band, while two suppressor cells are added to extend the stopband. The filter has a 3 dB cutoff frequency (fc) of 1.61 GHz, with an S12 parameter value of −20 dB at 1.7 GHz, resulting in a narrow transition band of 0.18 GHz, demonstrating its superior performance. In addition, the filter achieves a wide stopband that extends from 1.79 GHz to 11.26 GHz (a bandwidth of 9.47 GHz) with high attenuation. The physical size of the filter is 13.34 mm × 12.78 mm (0.097λ × 0.093λ). Overall, the proposed filter demonstrates excellent characteristics in both the passband and stopband regions, providing an effective solution for modern communication system requirements. The presented design effectively addresses key limitations in traditional LPF configurations, offering improved performance and compactness.
https://hdl.handle.net/10983/31646
Authors: Barreto Zambrano María Luisa , González Zuluaga Ana Sofía , Beltrán Siabato Laura Sofía
Published: December 2024

En el mundo actual, los jóvenes presentan grandes dificultades en la salud mental, lo que se ha acentuado debido a la pandemia de covid-19. La psicología clínica ha generado intervenciones orientadas al afrontamiento efectivo de las adversidades que hacen parte de la naturaleza humana, una de ellas es la a terapia de aceptación y compromiso (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy [ACT]), que promueve el desarrollo de flexibilidad psicológica y ha mostrado resultados favorables en diferentes contextos y poblaciones, por lo que puede ser considerada en los procesos de promoción y prevención en salud mental con población juvenil. En este artículo, se realiza una investigación teórica enfocada en uno de los componentes diferenciales de esta intervención, que son los valores, y se plantea cómo este puede ayudar a rescatar el sentido de vida, que muchos jóvenes en la actualidad no identifican y que puede marcar la diferencia en el manejo de las dificultades que afrontan en esta etapa del ciclo vital en una sociedad cada vez más compleja. Por tanto, se plantean las direcciones futuras de investigación al respecto en el ámbito nacional
Assessment of the cytotoxic effect of aerial parts of Gazania rigens hexane extract on HRT-18 and MCF-7 cell line and chemical composition analysis using GC/MS and LC/MS
Authors: Jawad H A , Kadhim E J
Published: December 2024

Gazania rigens are cultivated for their vividly colored flowerheads. The herb, belonging to the Asteraceae family, displays various classes of secondary metabolites, including terpenes, phenols and fatty acid derivatives. Antioxidant, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and antimicrobial activities of the herb have been evaluated and have proven to benefit humans clinically specially in case of cancer affected people. Breast cancer is the second most frequent reason for female mortality, and the third most frequent reason in the world is colorectal cancer. A previous study stated the in vitro anticancer effect of the genus Gazania rigens on the MCF-7 breast cancer cell. N-hexane extract of Gazania rigens aerial parts was prepared by maceration, cold extraction methods and subjected to GC/MS and LC-MS analysis to characterize its constituents. In GC/MS, the total number of identified compounds were 2-pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, 11-octadecenoic acid methyl ester, methyl stearate hexanedioic acid, and bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester. LC/MS analysis revealed and confirmed the presence of lupeol. Based on the result, n-hexane extract was evaluated for its in vitro anticancer effect against the MCF-7 and HRT-18 cell lines using an MTT assay. Results from the MTT assay showed there is a significant cytotoxic effect for hexane extract against both cell line HRT-18 and MCF-7, the IC50 value for HRT-18 was 102.2±10 ug/ml, while the IC50 value for MCF-7 was 121.2±12 ug/ml.