bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Determination, Public Accountability, and Rituals of Reform in First Peoples Child Welfare
Authors: Libesman Terri , Gray Paul
Published: April 2024

First Peoples continue to face intergenerational harms as a result of settler systems of intervention in the lives of their families, including the forced removal of children. First Peoples resistance includes advocacy for systemic change, in particular, focused on foundations of greater accountability in child welfare systems, and recognition of First Peoples’ right to self-determination. However, achieving these necessary structural changes remains a pressing challenge.

Using the example of the recent Aboriginal-led review of child welfare in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, ‘Family is Culture’, this paper explores the cycle of inquiry and response, and the repeated failures to enable self-determination or strengthen public accountability and oversight. Drawing on concepts including legitimacy and the rule of law, we conceptualise this pattern of reviews as a ritual of redemption by settler child – welfare systems, distancing themselves from ‘past’ wrongs while refusing to address the harmful foundations of these systems, thereby perpetuating the violence imposed on First Peoples children, families and communities. This contrasts with First Peoples’ frameworks for child welfare reform, which must be urgently realised in order to establish such systems on more just and effective foundations.
The UK-US Special Relationship through the lens of strategic documents
Authors: Cherniaev Mikhail Sergeevich
Published: April 2024

The article is devoted to an analysis of the current British-American relations and their compliance with the previously established “special” status. The research subject is the current strategic documents of the countries – the UK Integrated Review Refresh 2023 and the US National Security Strategy 2022. A detailed study of the above documents allowed to identify the states’ strategic priorities, common interests, as well as the difference in positioning on the international scene and approaches to bilateral relations. Considering the need to compare the above declared strategies and practically implemented actions to get a complete view of the current UK-US relations, the author examines in detail the agreements reached between the states after the latest publication of the strategic documents, as well as the international agenda affecting bilateral relations. The methodological basis of the research is comparative analysis and content analysis. These methods, as well as systemic analysis enabled a comprehensive assessment of the current UK-US relations. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that the article is the first to conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of the UK Integrated Review Refresh 2023 and the US National Security Strategy 2022. The research gained insight into bilateral relations status, as well as into the states’ strategic priorities, which may be useful for further research focusing on the UK and the US. The main conclusion of the study is that the “special relationship” continues to be important for both countries in promoting national interests. Although the term is not mentioned in considering strategic documents, the states’ common strategic priorities create the basis for further partnership. The strategic arrangements and the benefits that the UK and the US derive allow to the relationship remain “special”.
"Homo currens": the experience of philosophical research of ego texts of modern Russian fans of stayer running
Authors: Kannykin Stanislav Vladimirovich
Published: April 2024

The current stage of the development of amateur stayer running practices can be characterized as personality-building, since the main goals of runners (especially marathon runners and super marathon runners) are not so much related to strengthening health, as to the sphere of personal improvement and self-knowledge: the development of will, character, testing yourself in an extreme situation, testing previously inaccessible emotions and states of consciousness. The object of the study is ego texts (books for a wide audience, including the online "samizdat") of modern Russian running enthusiasts. The method of studying these texts is the biographical method, which makes it possible to determine the multidimensional influence of running activity on fundamental changes in personality development and the formation of her life path. The analyzed biographies inherit both the confessional tradition of Augustine (the contrast of the aimless and vicious "pre-race" life, as well as the traumatic experience of running neophyte and significant achievements in many areas of personal development after the adoption of the values expressed through running Coubertin's "religio athleticae"), and the adventurous and heroic biographical tradition noted by M. M. Bakhtin, inherent in the Renaissance, as well as romanticism and Nietzscheanism with their focus on the formation (in our case, through a stayer run) of a new (or "super-") person. The qualitative result of running activity is the achievement by the subject of a new stage of development – a person running (homo currens), which is characterized by activity, mobility, heroism, asceticism, striving for maximum self-realization, achieving harmony of body and spirit. Homo currens opposes both virtual pastime and the fetishization of comfort culture, suggesting, referring to the concept of Viktor Frankl, filling life with new meanings and values through overcoming the inevitable suffering for a stayer run. Amateur running is considered by writers as a publicly available and effective means of gaining physical, mental and social well-being, which expresses its humanistic essence and gives philosophical and anthropological significance to the works under study.
Cytotoxic constituents of Cymbidium tracyanum L.Castle
Authors: Lertnitikul Nonthalert , Suttisri Rutt , Sein Khin Lay , Jianmongkol Suree , Boonyong Cherdsak , Thanakijcharoenpath Witchuda
Published: April 2024

Three phenanthrene derivatives, cymbisamoquinone (1), calanquinone B (6), and 3,7-dihydroxy-2,4,6- trimethoxyphenanthrene (2), and two bibenzyls, Tristin (3) and gigantic (4), together with the lignan (+)-pinoresinol (5), were isolated from the whole plants of Cymbidium tracyanum L.Castle (Orchidaceae). Their structures were determined through spectroscopic analysis as well as a comparison of the spectral data with literature values. The phytochemical constituents of this plant have been reported for the first time. All isolated compounds were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activity against human colon (Caco-2) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines, doxorubicin-resistant (MCF-7/DOX) and mitoxantrone-resistant (MCF-7/MX) MCF-7 sublines, together with normal human fibroblast (NIH/3T3) cell line. Among the isolated compounds, 1 exhibited the strongest and relatively selective activity on MCF-7/DOX cells. The results obtained from the molecular docking study suggested that the cytotoxicity of 1 on MCF-7/DOX cells was possibly due to the induction of apoptosis via suppression of the cell survival systems mediated by the mitogen-activated protein kinases and protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase-3β/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signalling pathways.
The efficacy of Makiang tea drinking on serum lipid profile in the treatment of dyslipidaemia: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Phachonpai Wathita , Wuthiyan Kitipong , Junkaew Anukul , Suttikullabud Kamin , Pokkaew Rattaphong
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Makiang (MK) tea consumption on the serum lipid profile and oxidative stress biomarkers in participants with dyslipidemia. A randomized, single-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study was conducted at the Outpatient Department of Phayao Hospital, Thailand. This clinical trial enrolled 64 subjects (males and females), aged between 30 and 65 years with hyperlipidemia who were randomized using simple random sampling, receiving a 12-week MK tea (3 g/250 ml hot water) taken daily or a placebo. Body mass index, lipid profile, and serum oxidative stress markers were evaluated at the baseline and the end of the study. Within-group comparisons revealed that drinking only one cup of MK tea daily caused a significant reduction (p < 0.05 all) of total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Meanwhile, between-group differences showed that serum TC, TG, and LDL-C levels significantly decreased (p < 0.05 all), whereas the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were unchanged. This phenomenon was accompanied by decreased serum malondialdehyde and increased endogenous enzymatic defence systems (p < 0.05 all). Thus, MK tea may be useful as an adjunct agent to improve the lipid profile in patients with dyslipidemia.
A versatile high-throughput assay based on 3D ring-shaped cardiac tissues generated from human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Seguret Magali , Davidson Patricia , Robben Stijn , Jouve Charlène , Pereira Celine , Lelong Quitterie , Deshayes Lucille , Cerveau Cyril , Le Berre Maël , Rodrigues Ribeiro Rita S , Hulot Jean-Sébastien
Published: April 2024

We developed a 96-well plate assay which allows fast, reproducible, and high-throughput generation of 3D cardiac rings around a deformable optically transparent hydrogel (polyethylene glycol [PEG]) pillar of known stiffness. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, mixed with normal human adult dermal fibroblasts in an optimized 3:1 ratio, self-organized to form ring-shaped cardiac constructs. Immunostaining showed that the fibroblasts form a basal layer in contact with the glass, stabilizing the muscular fiber above. Tissues started contracting around the pillar at D1 and their fractional shortening increased until D7, reaching a plateau at 25±1%, that was maintained up to 14 days. The average stress, calculated from the compaction of the central pillar during contractions, was 1.4±0.4 mN/mm2. The cardiac constructs recapitulated expected inotropic responses to calcium and various drugs (isoproterenol, verapamil) as well as the arrhythmogenic effects of dofetilide. This versatile high-throughput assay allows multiple in situ mechanical and structural readouts.
DePARylation is critical for S phase progression and cell survival
Authors: Nie Litong , Wang Chao , Huang Min , Liu Xiaoguang , Feng Xu , Tang Mengfan , Li Siting , Hang Qinglei , Teng Hongqi , Shen Xi , Ma Li , Gan Boyi , Chen Junjie
Published: April 2024

Poly(ADP-ribose)ylation or PARylation by PAR polymerase 1 (PARP1) and dePARylation by poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) are equally important for the dynamic regulation of DNA damage response. PARG, the most active dePARylation enzyme, is recruited to sites of DNA damage via pADPr-dependent and PCNA-dependent mechanisms. Targeting dePARylation is considered an alternative strategy to overcome PARP inhibitor resistance. However, precisely how dePARylation functions in normal unperturbed cells remains elusive. To address this challenge, we conducted multiple CRISPR screens and revealed that dePARylation of S phase pADPr by PARG is essential for cell viability. Loss of dePARylation activity initially induced S-phase-specific pADPr signaling, which resulted from unligated Okazaki fragments and eventually led to uncontrolled pADPr accumulation and PARP1/2-dependent cytotoxicity. Moreover, we demonstrated that proteins involved in Okazaki fragment ligation and/or base excision repair regulate pADPr signaling and cell death induced by PARG inhibition. In addition, we determined that PARG expression is critical for cellular sensitivity to PARG inhibition. Additionally, we revealed that PARG is essential for cell survival by suppressing pADPr. Collectively, our data not only identify an essential role for PARG in normal proliferating cells but also provide a potential biomarker for the further development of PARG inhibitors in cancer therapy.
Finding structure during incremental speech comprehension
Authors: Lyu Bingjiang , Marslen-Wilson William D , Fang Yuxing , Tyler Lorraine K
Published: April 2024

A core aspect of human speech comprehension is the ability to incrementally integrate consecutive words into a structured and coherent interpretation, aligning with the speaker’s intended meaning. This rapid process is subject to multidimensional probabilistic constraints, including both linguistic knowledge and non-linguistic information within specific contexts, and it is their interpretative coherence that drives successful comprehension. To study the neural substrates of this process, we extract word-by-word measures of sentential structure from BERT, a deep language model, which effectively approximates the coherent outcomes of the dynamic interplay among various types of constraints. Using representational similarity analysis, we tested BERT parse depths and relevant corpus-based measures against the spatiotemporally resolved brain activity recorded by electro-/magnetoencephalography when participants were listening to the same sentences. Our results provide a detailed picture of the neurobiological processes involved in the incremental construction of structured interpretations. These findings show when and where coherent interpretations emerge through the evaluation and integration of multifaceted constraints in the brain, which engages bilateral brain regions extending beyond the classical fronto-temporal language system. Furthermore, this study provides empirical evidence supporting the use of artificial neural networks as computational models for revealing the neural dynamics underpinning complex cognitive processes in the brain.
Post-transcriptional splicing can occur in a slow-moving zone around the gene
Authors: Coté Allison , O'Farrell Aoife , Dardani Ian , Dunagin Margaret , Coté Chris , Wan Yihan , Bayatpour Sareh , Drexler Heather L , Alexander Katherine A , Chen Fei , Wassie Asmamaw T , Patel Rohan , Pham Kenneth , Boyden Edward S , Berger Shelly , Phillips-Cremins Jennifer , Churchman L Stirling , Raj Arjun
Published: April 2024

Splicing is the stepwise molecular process by which introns are removed from pre-mRNA and exons are joined together to form mature mRNA sequences. The ordering and spatial distribution of these steps remain controversial, with opposing models suggesting splicing occurs either during or after transcription. We used single-molecule RNA FISH, expansion microscopy, and live-cell imaging to reveal the spatiotemporal distribution of nascent transcripts in mammalian cells. At super-resolution levels, we found that pre-mRNA formed clouds around the transcription site. These clouds indicate the existence of a transcription-site-proximal zone through which RNA move more slowly than in the nucleoplasm. Full-length pre-mRNA undergo continuous splicing as they move through this zone following transcription, suggesting a model in which splicing can occur post-transcriptionally but still within the proximity of the transcription site, thus seeming co-transcriptional by most assays. These results may unify conflicting reports of co-transcriptional versus post-transcriptional splicing.
Single-cell ‘omic profiles of human aortic endothelial cells in vitro and human atherosclerotic lesions ex vivo reveal heterogeneity of endothelial subtype and response to activating perturbations
Authors: Adelus Maria L , Ding Jiacheng , Tran Binh T , Conklin Austin C , Golebiewski Anna K , Stolze Lindsey K , Whalen Michael B , Cusanovich Darren A , Romanoski Casey E
Published: April 2024

Heterogeneity in endothelial cell (EC) sub-phenotypes is becoming increasingly appreciated in atherosclerosis progression. Still, studies quantifying EC heterogeneity across whole transcriptomes and epigenomes in both in vitro and in vivo models are lacking. Multiomic profiling concurrently measuring transcriptomes and accessible chromatin in the same single cells was performed on six distinct primary cultures of human aortic ECs (HAECs) exposed to activating environments characteristic of the atherosclerotic microenvironment in vitro. Meta-analysis of single-cell transcriptomes across 17 human ex vivo arterial specimens was performed and two computational approaches quantitatively evaluated the similarity in molecular profiles between heterogeneous in vitro and ex vivo cell profiles. HAEC cultures were reproducibly populated by four major clusters with distinct pathway enrichment profiles and modest heterogeneous responses: EC1-angiogenic, EC2-proliferative, EC3-activated/mesenchymal-like, and EC4-mesenchymal. Quantitative comparisons between in vitro and ex vivo transcriptomes confirmed EC1 and EC2 as most canonically EC-like, and EC4 as most mesenchymal with minimal effects elicited by siERG and IL1B. Lastly, accessible chromatin regions unique to EC2 and EC4 were most enriched for coronary artery disease (CAD)-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms from Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS), suggesting that these cell phenotypes harbor CAD-modulating mechanisms. Primary EC cultures contain markedly heterogeneous cell subtypes defined by their molecular profiles. Surprisingly, the perturbations used here only modestly shifted cells between subpopulations, suggesting relatively stable molecular phenotypes in culture. Identifying consistently heterogeneous EC subpopulations between in vitro and ex vivo models should pave the way for improving in vitro systems while enabling the mechanisms governing heterogeneous cell state decisions.
Structural insights into the orthosteric inhibition of P2X receptors by non-ATP analog antagonists
Authors: Sheng Danqi , Yue Chen-Xi , Jin Fei , Wang Yao , Ichikawa Muneyoshi , Yu Ye , Guo Chang-Run , Hattori Motoyuki
Published: April 2024

P2X receptors are extracellular ATP-gated ion channels that form homo- or heterotrimers and consist of seven subtypes. They are expressed in various tissues, including neuronal and nonneuronal cells, and play critical roles in physiological processes such as neurotransmission, inflammation, pain, and cancer. As a result, P2X receptors have attracted considerable interest as drug targets, and various competitive inhibitors have been developed. However, although several P2X receptor structures from different subtypes have been reported, the limited structural information of P2X receptors in complex with competitive antagonists hampers the understanding of orthosteric inhibition, hindering the further design and optimization of those antagonists for drug discovery. We determined the cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of the mammalian P2X7 receptor in complex with two classical competitive antagonists of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate derivatives, pyridoxal-5'-phosphate-6-(2'-naphthylazo-6'-nitro-4',8'-disulfonate) (PPNDS) and pyridoxal phosphate-6-azophenyl-2′,5′-disulfonic acid (PPADS), and performed structure-based mutational analysis by patch-clamp recording as well as molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Our structures revealed the orthosteric site for PPADS/PPNDS, and structural comparison with the previously reported apo- and ATP-bound structures showed how PPADS/PPNDS binding inhibits the conformational changes associated with channel activation. In addition, structure-based mutational analysis identified key residues involved in the PPNDS sensitivity of P2X1 and P2X3, which are known to have higher affinity for PPADS/PPNDS than other P2X subtypes.
ImmCellTyper facilitates systematic mass cytometry data analysis for deep immune profiling
Authors: Sun Jing , Choy Desmond , Sompairac Nicolas , Jamshidi Shirin , Mishto Michele , Kordasti Shahram
Published: April 2024

Mass cytometry is a cutting-edge high-dimensional technology for profiling marker expression at the single-cell level, advancing clinical research in immune monitoring. Nevertheless, the vast data generated by cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF) poses a significant analytical challenge. To address this, we describe ImmCellTyper (https://github.com/JingAnyaSun/ImmCellTyper), a novel toolkit for CyTOF data analysis. This framework incorporates BinaryClust, an in-house developed semi-supervised clustering tool that automatically identifies main cell types. BinaryClust outperforms existing clustering tools in accuracy and speed, as shown in benchmarks with two datasets of approximately 4 million cells, matching the precision of manual gating by human experts. Furthermore, ImmCellTyper offers various visualisation and analytical tools, spanning from quality control to differential analysis, tailored to users’ specific needs for a comprehensive CyTOF data analysis solution. The workflow includes five key steps: (1) batch effect evaluation and correction, (2) data quality control and pre-processing, (3) main cell lineage characterisation and quantification, (4) in-depth investigation of specific cell types; and (5) differential analysis of cell abundance and functional marker expression across study groups. Overall, ImmCellTyper combines expert biological knowledge in a semi-supervised approach to accurately deconvolute well-defined main cell lineages, while maintaining the potential of unsupervised methods to discover novel cell subsets, thus facilitating high-dimensional immune profiling.
Drosophila HCN mediates gustatory homeostasis by preserving sensillar transepithelial potential in sweet environments
Authors: Lee MinHyuk , Park Se Hoon , Joo Kyeung Min , Kwon Jae Young , Lee Kyung-Hoon , Kang KyeongJin
Published: April 2024

Establishing transepithelial ion disparities is crucial for sensory functions in animals. In insect sensory organs called sensilla, a transepithelial potential, known as the sensillum potential (SP), arises through active ion transport across accessory cells, sensitizing receptor neurons such as mechanoreceptors and chemoreceptors. Because multiple receptor neurons are often co-housed in a sensillum and share SP, niche-prevalent overstimulation of single sensory neurons can compromise neighboring receptors by depleting SP. However, how such potential depletion is prevented to maintain sensory homeostasis remains unknown. Here, we find that the Ih-encoded hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel bolsters the activity of bitter-sensing gustatory receptor neurons (bGRNs), albeit acting in sweet-sensing GRNs (sGRNs). For this task, HCN maintains SP despite prolonged sGRN stimulation induced by the diet mimicking their sweet feeding niche, such as overripe fruit. We present evidence that Ih-dependent demarcation of sGRN excitability is implemented to throttle SP consumption, which may have facilitated adaptation to a sweetness-dominated environment. Thus, HCN expressed in sGRNs serves as a key component of a simple yet versatile peripheral coding that regulates bitterness for optimal food intake in two contrasting ways: sweet-resilient preservation of bitter aversion and the previously reported sweet-dependent suppression of bitter taste.
The impact of advance organizers in virtual classrooms on the development of integrated science process skills
Authors: Elfeky Abdellah Ibrahim Mohammed , Hassan Najmi Ali , Yasien Helmy Elbyaly Marwa
Published: April 2024

Unlike virtual classrooms that have received extensive research attention in both academic and practical contexts because of their ability to improve students’ outcomes, the use of advance organizers are still in need for more research to prove their efficacy in fulfilling expected learning outcomes in these virtual classrooms. Hence, the present study aims to identify the impact of using such organizers in virtual classrooms on the development of students’ integrated science process skills. The present study was applied to 64 students who were studying for their Master’s degree in the vocational education techniques in the ”Research Project” course. Participants were randomly divided into two equal experimental groups with 32 students in each. An assessment card of five main domains was used to evaluate students’ skills in research procedural definition, identification and control of the research variables, questions and/or hypotheses, procedures and experimentation besides research interpretation of the results. Data analysis showed that the use of advance organizers in virtual classes was of great effect on the development of participants’ integrated science process skills because skills of students in the first experimental group were better mastered than the skills of their peers in the second experimental group in accordance with the subskills in the five domains.
Heterogeneity of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of Metabolic Syndrome onset at a Japanese campus
Authors: Mitsuhashi Toshiharu
Published: April 2024

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak began in China in December 2019, with the World Health Organization declaring a state of emergency in January 2020. Worldwide implementation of lockdown measures to slow the spread of the virus led to reduced physical activity, disrupted eating habits, mental health issues, and sleep disturbances, which increased the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as metabolic syndrome (MetS). During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers, especially intensive care workers, experienced longer working hours and burnout, which further increased the risk of lifestyle-related diseases. Accordingly, it is important to identify individuals at a risk of new-onset MetS during a pandemic, which could direct preventive interventions. This study aimed to assess the heterogeneous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence of new-onset MetS based on the conditional average treatment effect (CATE) and to identify at-risk populations.

Methods

This study analyzed health checkup data obtained from Okayama University Shikata Campus workers using paired baseline and follow-up years. Baseline data encompassed 2017 to 2019, with respective follow-up data from 2018 to 2020. Furthermore, as the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan began in January 2020, workers who underwent follow-up health checkups in 2018 to 2019 and 2020 were considered as “unexposed” and “exposed,” respectively. As the Shikata campus has several departments, comparisons among departments were made. The primary outcome was new-onset MetS at follow-up. Predictor variables included baseline health checkup results, sex, age, and department (administrative, research, medical, or intensive care department). X-learner was used to calculate the CATE.

Results

This study included 3,572 eligible individuals (unexposed, n = 2,181; exposed, n = 1,391). Among them, 1,544 (70.8%) and 866 (62.3%) participants in the unexposed and exposed groups, respectively, were females. The mean age (±standard deviation) of the unexposed and exposed groups was 48.2 ± 8.2 and 47.8 ± 8.3 years, respectively. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the average probability of new-onset MetS by 4.4% in the overall population. According to the department, the intensive care department showed the highest CATE, with a 15.4% increase. Moreover, there was large heterogeneity according to the department. The high-CATE group was characterized by older age, urinary protein, elevated liver enzymes, higher triglyceride levels, and a history of hyperlipidemia treatment.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the COVID-19 pandemic increased the incidence of new-onset MetS, with this effect showing heterogeneity at a single Japanese campus. Regarding specific populations, workers in the intensive care department showed an increased risk of new-onset MetS. At-risk populations require specific preventive interventions in case the current COVID-19 pandemic persists or a new pandemic occurs.
Recombinant hirudin attenuates pulmonary hypertension and thrombosis in acute pulmonary embolism rat model
Authors: Wei Xiang , Zou Yanfen , Dong Shunli , Chen Yi , Li Guoping , Wang Bin
Published: April 2024

Background

Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is classified as a subset of diseases that are characterized by lung obstruction due to various types of emboli. Current clinical APE treatment using anticoagulants is frequently accompanied by high risk of bleeding complications. Recombinant hirudin (R-hirudin) has been found to have antithrombotic properties. However, the specific impact of R-hirudin on APE remains unknown.

Methods

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to five groups, with thrombi injections to establish APE models. Control and APE group rats were subcutaneously injected with equal amounts of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The APE+R-hirudin low-dose, middle-dose, and high-dose groups received subcutaneous injections of hirudin at doses of 0.25 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, and 1.0 mg/kg, respectively. Each group was subdivided into time points of 2 h, 6 h, 1 d, and 4 d, with five animals per point. Subsequently, all rats were euthanized, and serum and lung tissues were collected. Following the assessment of right ventricular pressure (RVP) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP), blood gas analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay (ELISA), pulmonary artery vascular testing, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot experiments were conducted.

Results

R-hirudin treatment caused a significant reduction of mPAP, RVP, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, as well as H2O2 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, while increasing pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity. R-hirudin also decreased wall area ratio and wall thickness to diameter ratio in APE rat pulmonary arteries. Serum levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and thromboxaneB2 (TXB2) decreased, while prostaglandin (6-K-PGF1α) and NO levels increased. Moreover, R-hirudin ameliorated histopathological injuries and reduced apoptotic cells and Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), p-Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2/ERK1/2, and p-P65/P65 expression in lung tissues.

Conclusion

R-hirudin attenuated pulmonary hypertension and thrombosis in APE rats, suggesting its potential as a novel treatment strategy for APE.
Exogenous melatonin improves germination rate in buckwheat under high temperature stress by regulating seed physiological and biochemical characteristics
Authors: Tian Zemiao , Zhao Mengyu , Wang Junzhen , Yang Qian , Ma Yini , Yang Xinlei , Ma Luping , Qi Yongzhi , Li Jinbo , Quinet Muriel , Shi BaoSheng , Meng Yu
Published: April 2024

The germinations of three common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) varieties and two Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) varieties seeds are known to be affected by high temperature. However, little is known about the physiological mechanism affecting germination and the effect of melatonin (MT) on buckwheat seed germination under high temperature. This work studied the effects of exogenous MT on buckwheat seed germination under high temperature. MT was sprayed. The parameters, including growth, and physiological factors, were examined. The results showed that exogenous MT significantly increased the germination rate (GR), germination potential (GP), radicle length (RL), and fresh weight (FW) of these buckwheat seeds under high-temperature stress and enhanced the content of osmotic adjustment substances and enzyme activity. Comprehensive analysis revealed that under high-temperature stress during germination, antioxidant enzymes play a predominant role, while osmotic adjustment substances work synergistically to reduce the extent of damage to the membrane structure, serving as the primary key indicators for studying high-temperature resistance. Consequently, our results showed that MT had a positive protective effect on buckwheat seeds exposed to high temperature stress, providing a theoretical basis for improving the ability to adapt to high temperature environments.
The role of CXCL10 as a biomarker for immunological response among patients with leprosy: a systematic literature review
Authors: Prakoeswa Flora Ramona Sigit , Haningtyas Nabila , Dewi Listiana Masyita , Handoko Ellen Josephine , Azenta Moch. Tabriz , Ilyas Muhana Fawwazy
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Involvement of a chemokine known as C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 or CXCL10 in the immunopathology of leprosy has emerged as a possible immunological marker for leprosy diagnosis and needed to be investigate further. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess CXCL10’s potential utility as a leprosy diagnostic tool and evaluation of therapy.

Methods

This systematic review is based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020. A thorough search was carried out to find relevant studies only in English and limited in humans published up until September 2023 using PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Wiley Online Library database with keywords based on medical subject headings (MeSH) and no exclusion criteria. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was utilized for quality assessment, while the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Studies (RoBANS) was utilized for assessing the risk of bias. Additionally, a narrative synthesis was conducted to provide a comprehensive review of the results.

Results

We collected a total of 115 studies using defined keywords and 82 studies were eliminated after titles and abstracts were screened. We assessed the eligibility of the remaining 26 reports in full text and excluded four studies due to inappropriate study design and two studies with incomplete outcome data. There were twenty included studies in total with total of 2.525 samples. The included studies received NOS quality evaluation scores ranging from 6 to 8. The majority of items in the risk bias assessment, using RoBANS, across all included studies yielded low scores. However, certain items related to the selection of participants and confounding variables showed variations. Most of studies indicate that CXCL10 may be a helpful immunological marker for leprosy diagnosis, particularly in leprosy reactions as stated in seven studies. The results are better when paired with other immunological markers. Its effectiveness in field-friendly diagnostic tools makes it one of the potential biomarkers used in diagnosing leprosy patients. Additionally, CXCL10 may be utilized to assess the efficacy of multidrug therapy (MDT) in leprosy patients as stated in three studies.

Conclusion

The results presented in this systematic review supports the importance of CXCL10 in leprosy diagnosis, particularly in leprosy responses and in tracking the efficacy of MDT therapy. Using CXCL10 in clinical settings might help with leprosy early diagnosis. Yet the findings are heterogenous, thus more investigation is required to determine the roles of CXCL10 in leprosy while taking into account for additional confounding variables.
Современное состояние космической фотовольтаики
Authors: Рябцева Мария Владимировна , Сергеев Олег Сергеевич , Лебедев Андрей Александрович , Вагапова Наргиза Тухтамышевна , Чуянова Елена Сергеевна , Феклистова А. А. , Логинова Елизавета Сергеевна , Бадурин Илья Владимирович
Published: April 2024

Анализ традиционных и перспективных конструкций фотоэлектрических преобразователей (ФЭП). Показано, что выбор конструкции и материалов ФЭП напрямую влияет на выходные характеристики батареи солнечной (БС) космического аппарата (КА), на её габаритные размеры, а также на степень надёжности системы энергообеспечения КА в зависимости от эксплуатируемой орбиты. Использование ФЭП на основе Si обеспечивает баланс высокой эффективности и небольшой стоимости БС для низких орбит на протяжении 5-7 лет. Применение ФЭП на основе полупроводниковых материалов AIIIBV ввиду их более совершенных характеристик наиболее оправдано для орбит с жёсткими условиями эксплуатации в течение 15 лет и выше. Показано, что основное направление совершенствования ФЭП в части полупроводниковой структуры нацелено на сокращение её толщины (массы) и увеличение числа каскадов, что способствует повышению радиационной стойкости устройства в целом.
Sustainable Spaces - The Evolution of Biophilic Design in Modern Architecture: A Review
Authors: Kabinesh V. , Vennila S. , Baranidharan K. , Ravi R. , P. Hemalatha , Krishnamoorthi S. , Thirunavukkarasu M.
Published: April 2024

In recent years, a resurgence of interest in reconnecting with "nature" has emerged, driven by its inherent benefits and the need to address societal and environmental challenges. However, the concept of "nature" remains ambiguous within architectural contexts, necessitating a nuanced approach. The theory of biophilia, rooted in the inherent human inclination towards life and lifelike processes, has led to the development of biophilic design principles. These principles aim to incorporate natural elements into built environments, enhancing human well-being and connection with nature. By integrating biophilic design into sustainable architecture, architects can address various challenges, from mitigating climate change to improving human health. Interdisciplinary collaboration and a nuanced understanding of biophilic design implications are essential for its successful implementation. Overall, biophilic design offers a compelling framework for creating sustainable and human-centric built environments, prioritizing elements that contribute effectively to human well-being and connection with nature. Through innovative design solutions, architects can address complex societal and environmental challenges, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Socio-Economic and Demographic Factors that Influence Contraceptive Use by Men in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State
Authors: U. Bassey , N. O. Igwe
Published: April 2024

This study examines the Socio-Economic and Demographic Factors that influence Contraceptive use by Married Men in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. It is aimed at identifying the determinants of contraceptive use among married men in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. A sample of four hundred and sixty one (461) married men were selected for the study through Multi-Stage sampling design. Cross tabulation results revealed that there is a significant relationship between the independent variables and contraceptive use. Logistic regression results showed that the significant socio-economic and demographic determinants of contraceptives use among the study sample are marriage duration of at least five years, religion, education, occupation, parity, number of children living and age. The Hosmer Lemeshow test for goodness of fit of the logistic regression model is 87.9 percent and is highly significant (p-value > 0.05). This indicates that the model fitted is adequate. The study recommends among others that it is necessary for young couples with less than five-year experience, Muslims, the no education group and farmers, to be targeted and carried along in the campaign for the use of contraceptive methods.
Therapeutic and Obstetrical Management of Twin Mummified Fetuses in Surti Doe: A Case Study
Authors: Jadav Ravindra , Kalaswa Sachin , Solanki Vipul , Keshav . , Panchal Janak , Nakhashi H. C. , Suthar B. N.
Published: April 2024

Fetal mummification is uncommon in small ruminants like goat and sheep. The twin mummification of fetuses confirmed by history, a clinical sign, ultrasonographical and per-vaginal examination in five year old Surti doe of fourth parity. The case was successfully managed therapeutically using intravenous administration of 3.0 ml Dexamethasone®, 20IU- Oxytocin®, 500ml-Normal saline and 30ml-Calcium magnesium borogluconate, whereas 5ml-Valethamate bromide (Epidosin®) was given intramuscularly. The goat resumed to normal appetite and appearing active and alert within a week post treatment.
Bacteriological Analysis of Contamination Level of Selected Vegetables Sold in Some Markets in Niamey, Niger
Authors: Alio Almou Abdoulaye , Mahamadou Alio Fody , Yaou Chaibou , Abdel-Kader Alio Sanda , Moustapha Rabiou Mamane , Djelifa Hamidou , Idé Soumana Sourounda , Lewamy Mamadou , Seini Haoua Sabo , Hassimi Sadou
Published: April 2024

Vegetables are an important food source of nutrients, vitamins and dietary fiber, and therefore play a vital role in human health and well-being. Unfortunately, they are perishable products that could be vectors for the transmission of infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to analyses the level of bacteriological contamination of the samples of tomatoes (29), carrots (12), lettuces (47) and onions (12) sold in five (5) markets of community urban of Niamey. To this end, contamination indicator germs such as Total Aerobic Mesophilic Flora (TAMF), Total Coliforms (TC), Faecal Coliforms (FC), Enterobacteria (Ent), Faecal Streptococci (FS), Clostridium perfringens (CP) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) were enumerated, using methods specific to each germ. Analysis of the results showed tomatoes to be highly contaminated with FS, CP and E. coli (9.75±1.81.105; 1.33±2.30.105 and 2.25±2.48.105 CFU/g respectively), carrots with TAMF, FC, Ent (1.37±1.24.107; 4.48±0.34.106; 7.44±0.34.106 CFU/g respectively) and onions with TC (4.45±0.84.106 CFU/g). The sanitary quality of these vegetables is low. Hence the need for strict compliance with good hygiene practices in markets to ensure a healthy vegetable.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome and Impaired Wound Healing After CABG
Authors: Razack Jafrin Sadiq Abdul , Aldoseri Saud Khaled , Ali Sahil Asgar , Hussaini Syeda Juveria , Alani Firas Raouf
Published: April 2024

This case highlights a 47-year-old patient with antiphospholipid syndrome  and a prior stroke who underwent CABG for triple vessel disease. Despite a 7-day hospital stay, delayed wound healing at the intervention site ensued, compounded by a bacterial infection. Treatment involved betadine wound care and dermatologist follow-up. The patient's medications included Acetylsalicylic acid, atorvastatin, bisoprolol, Valsartan, and warfarin. This case underscores the significance of recognizing poor wound healing in antiphospholipid syndrome  patients’ post-surgery, necessitating vigilant management to mitigate complications and preserve quality of life.
Study on Sensory Evaluation and the Optimum Levels of Calcutta Betel Vine (Piper betel) Leaves Extract in the Preparation of Shrikhand
Authors: Maske Pallavi G. , Wankhade Bhavana R. , Bawaskar S.S. , Motghare A.B.
Published: April 2024

The present investigation was conducted at Section of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture, Nagpur (Dr. PDKV, Akola) during 2022-2023. An effort was made to determine the optimum level of Calcutta betel vine leaves extract in the preparation of shrikhand, with an objective to evaluate the product by sensory quality along with its cost structure and physio-chemical properties. As per current market scenario, the limited variety of shrikhand is available in the stores but this study might help in addition to available varieties in the market. The present study was carried out with five treatments including control T1 and shrikhand prepared from cow milk chakka with different levels of Calcutta betel vine leaves extract i.e. 2.0%, 4.0%, 6.0% and 8.0% in treatment T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. The results showed that, the mean score of flavour of shrikhand in treatment T4 was highest (8.5) and lowest was recorded in T5 (5.0). The mean score for body and texture of shrikhand was highest in T4 (8.5) and lowest in T5 (5.2). In terms of colour and appearances, the highest score was recorded in T4 (8.5) and lowest in T5 (5.5). The highest overall acceptability score was recorded in T4 (8.5) over other treatments This superiority was found due to the addition of 6.0% betel vine leaves extract in Shrikhand. It is concluded that, shrikhand of acceptable quality can be prepared by adding 6.0% Calcutta betel vine leaves extract.
Exploring the Protective Effects of Bellucia dichotoma Cong. Aqueous Extract on Spleens Following Bothrops atrox Envenomation in Mice: A Stereological Investigation
Authors: Anjos Marissa Braga dos , Moura Valéria Mourão de , Lameiras Juliana Luiza Varjão , Dias Lucas Castanhola , Mourão Rosa Helena Veras , Santos Maria Cristina Dos- , Costa Oscar Tadeu Ferreira da
Published: April 2024

The aqueous extract of Bellucia dichotoma (AeBd) has traditionally been used in cases of snakebites and has been shown to be promising against the effects of Bothrops atrox venom (BaV). There is evidence of local venom blocking action by AeBd in envenomed mice; however, studies of the systemic action of this plant against BaV are lacking. Antibothropic serum (ABS) is the conventional therapy after envenomation by B. atrox. The association of AeBd and ABS can also be an alternative for the patient. As an organ capable of initiating the innate and adaptive defense, the spleen is a sensor of the body’s immune status. Via stereology, this study evaluated the mouse spleen when challenged with the venom of B. atrox, as well as the role of AeBd (alone or in association with ABS) as an alternative treatment for Bothrops envenomations. In this study, male Swiss mice were divided into five groups: control, BaV, AeBd, AeBd/ABS, and ABS. After 24 h, the spleens were removed and set in plastic resin according to the norms of stereology to produce 9-13 sections/organ. Red (RP) and white pulp (WP) represented 67-75 % and 22-29 %, respectively, in all groups. Spleen volume was reduced in BaV due to decreased RP and WP (PALS). The number of macrophages was increased in BaV in relation to the other groups (from 2.289 ± 301 in the control to 3.807 ± 494 cells.mm-2). No changes were detected in the numbers of lymphocytes and megakaryocytes. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of B. dichotoma administered orally shortly after a B. atrox envenomation was effective in inhibiting morphological alterations in the spleen of the mice. The association AeBd/ABS maintains the same venom blocking effectiveness, thus showing that the use of this traditional therapy (AeBd) by local populations can be effective in inhibiting the systemic effects caused by B. atrox envenomations.
Okuma Yazma Öncesi Hayat Bilgisi Öğretimi: Sınıf Öğretmeni Adaylarının Değerlendirmeleri
Authors: Tay Bayram , Ocakcı Ebru , Çoban Eylem
Published: April 2024

Hayat bilgisi dersi, ilkokula başlayan çocukların hayatla ilgili bilgi, beceri, değer, tutum ve alışkanlıklarının geliştirilmesine katkı sunan bir derstir. Sınıf öğretmeni adaylarının okuma-yazma öncesi süreçte hayat bilgisi öğretimini nasıl, niçin ve hangi yollarla yapmayı planladıklarını belirlemek ve hâlihazırdaki uygulamaları yine onların gözlemleriyle betimlemek bu araştırmanın temel amacını oluşturmuştur. Araştırmada nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden durum çalışması deseni kullanılmış, sınıf öğretmeni adaylarından görüşme (n=215) ve gözlem (n=55) yoluyla veriler toplanmıştır. Veriler MAXQDA 2022 kullanılarak içerik analizine tabi tutulmuştur. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre öğretmen adayları; okuma-yazma öncesi hayat bilgisi öğretiminin gerçekleştirilmesinde dersin felsefesi ve amaçlarına bağlı kalınmasını, lider öğretmen kimliğinin benimsenmesini, beceri geliştirmeye önem verilmesini, yazılı materyallerin daha az kullanmasını, otoriter ve aşırı kuralcı olunmamasını vurgulamışlardır. Hayat bilgisi öğretimini gerçekleştiren öğretmenlerin bu süreçte görsel-işitsel materyallerden daha çok yararlandıkları, anlatım, soru cevap ve dramayı sıkça kullandıkları, ölçme ve değerlendirmeyi gözlem formları, resim, boyama ve eşleştirme araçlarıyla yaptıkları tespit edilmiştir.