bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood parasites (Trypanosoma, Leucocytozoon, Haemoproteus) in the Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus): diversity, incidence and persistence of infection at the individual level
Authors: Svobodová Milena , Čepička Ivan , Zídková Lenka , Kassahun Aysheshm , Votýpka Jan , Peške Lubomír , Hrazdilová Kristýna , Brzoňová Jana , Voříšek Petr , Weidinger Karel
Published: January 2023

Background

A high prevalence of parasites may result from life-long persistence of infection or from high reinfection rates. We have studied blood parasites in a breeding population of the accipitrid raptor, Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), to determine parasite diversity and turnover.

Methods

During this 7-year study, 210 adult Eurasian sparrowhawks breeding in the city of Prague were checked for parasites using several diagnostic methods.

Results

In both female and male raptors, parasites of the genus Leucocytozoon were the most prevalent (92% and 85%, respectively) followed in decreasing order of prevalence by those of genus Trypanosoma (74% and 68%, respectively) and genus Haemoproteus (46% and 16%, respectively). The prevalence of all parasites increased with age in both sexes, with the females at each respective age having the higher prevalence. There was a positive association between Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon infections. Persistence at the individual level was higher than incidence for Trypanosoma and Haemoproteus. In the case of Leucocytozoon and Trypanosoma, most individuals probably become infected in their first year of life or even before dispersal from the nest. The detected parasites belonged to Trypanosoma avium sensu stricto, Leucocytozoon sp. (haplotypes ACNI1 and ACNI3) and Leucocytozoon mathisi (haplotype ACNI4) and two new lineages of the Haemoproteus elani complex (ACCNIS6 and ACCNIS7). Detailed analysis of parasite lineages in individuals that were repeatedly sampled revealed lineage turnover that would otherwise remain hidden. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the detected Haemoproteus belongs to a phylogenetically distant group whose taxonomic position requires further analysis.

Conclusions

All three genera of blood parasites persist in infected individuals, thus enabling sustainability of vector transmission cycles. Prevalence increases with age; however, there is a high turnover of Leucocytozoon lineages. No clear evidence of parasite-induced mortality was found, and most of the individuals were infected early in life, particularly in the case of Leucocytozoon.

Graphical abstract
A novel human tau knock-in mouse model reveals interaction of Abeta and human tau under progressing cerebral amyloidosis in 5xFAD mice
Authors: Barendrecht Susan , Schreurs An , Geissler Stefanie , Sabanov Victor , Ilse Victoria , Rieckmann Vera , Eichentopf Rico , Künemund Anja , Hietel Benjamin , Wussow Sebastian , Hoffmann Katrin , Körber-Ferl Kerstin , Pandey Ravi , Carter Gregory W. , Demuth Hans-Ulrich , Holzer Max , Roßner Steffen , Schilling Stephan , Preuss Christoph , Balschun Detlef , Cynis Holger
Published: January 2023

Background

Hyperphosphorylation and intraneuronal aggregation of the microtubule-associated protein tau is a major pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) brain. Of special interest is the effect of cerebral amyloid beta deposition, the second main hallmark of AD, on human tau pathology. Therefore, studying the influence of cerebral amyloidosis on human tau in a novel human tau knock-in (htau-KI) mouse model could help to reveal new details on their interplay.

Methods

We studied the effects of a novel human htau-KI under fast-progressing amyloidosis in 5xFAD mice in terms of correlation of gene expression data with human brain regions, development of Alzheimer’s-like pathology, synaptic transmission, and behavior.

Results

The main findings are an interaction of human beta-amyloid and human tau in crossbred 5xFADxhtau-KI observed at transcriptional level and corroborated by electrophysiology and histopathology. The comparison of gene expression data of the 5xFADxhtau-KI mouse model to 5xFAD, control mice and to human AD patients revealed conspicuous changes in pathways related to mitochondria biology, extracellular matrix, and immune function. These changes were accompanied by plaque-associated MC1-positive pathological tau that required the htau-KI background. LTP deficits were noted in 5xFAD and htau-KI mice in contrast to signs of rescue in 5xFADxhtau-KI mice. Increased frequencies of miniature EPSCs and miniature IPSCs indicated an upregulated presynaptic function in 5xFADxhtau-KI.

Conclusion

In summary, the multiple interactions observed between knocked-in human tau and the 5xFAD-driven progressing amyloidosis have important implications for future model development in AD.
Critical assessment of synthetic accessibility scores in computer-assisted synthesis planning
Authors: Skoraczyński Grzegorz , Kitlas Mateusz , Miasojedow Błażej , Gambin Anna
Published: January 2023

Modern computer-assisted synthesis planning tools provide strong support for this problem. However, they are still limited by computational complexity. This limitation may be overcome by scoring the synthetic accessibility as a pre-retrosynthesis heuristic. A wide range of machine learning scoring approaches is available, however, their applicability and correctness were studied to a limited extent. Moreover, there is a lack of critical assessment of synthetic accessibility scores with common test conditions.In the present work, we assess if synthetic accessibility scores can reliably predict the outcomes of retrosynthesis planning. Using a specially prepared compounds database, we examine the outcomes of the retrosynthetic tool . We test whether synthetic accessibility scores: SAscore, SYBA, SCScore, and RAscore accurately predict the results of retrosynthesis planning. Furthermore, we investigate if synthetic accessibility scores can speed up retrosynthesis planning by better prioritizing explored partial synthetic routes and thus reducing the size of the search space. For that purpose, we analyze the partial solutions search trees, their structure, and complexity parameters, such as the number of nodes, or treewidth.We confirm that synthetic accessibility scores in most cases well discriminate feasible molecules from infeasible ones and can be potential boosters of retrosynthesis planning tools. Moreover, we show the current challenges of designing computer-assisted synthesis planning tools. We conclude that hybrid machine learning and human intuition-based synthetic accessibility scores can efficiently boost the effectiveness of computer-assisted retrosynthesis planning, however, they need to be carefully crafted for retrosynthesis planning algorithms.The source code of this work is publicly available at https://github.com/grzsko/ASAP.
Robust and accurate performance anomaly detection and prediction for cloud applications: a novel ensemble learning-based framework
Authors: Xin Ruyue , Liu Hongyun , Chen Peng , Zhao Zhiming
Published: January 2023

Effectively detecting run-time performance anomalies is crucial for clouds to identify abnormal performance behavior and forestall future incidents. To be used for real-world applications, an effective anomaly detection framework should meet three main challenging requirements: high accuracy for identifying anomalies, good robustness when application patterns change, and prediction ability for upcoming anomalies. Unfortunately, existing research about performance anomaly detection usually focuses on improving detection accuracy, while little research tackles the three challenges simultaneously. We conduct experiments for existing detection methods on multiple application monitoring data, and results show that existing detection methods usually focus on different features in data, which will lead to their diverse performance on different data patterns. Therefore, existing anomaly detection methods have difficulty improving detection accuracy and robustness and predicting anomalies. To address the three requirements, we propose an Ensemble Learning-Based Detection (ELBD) framework which integrates existing well-selected detection methods. The framework includes three classic linear ensemble methods (maximum, average, and weighted average) and a novel deep ensemble method. Our experiments show that the ELBD framework realizes better detection accuracy and robustness, where the deep ensemble method can achieve the most accurate and robust detection for cloud applications. In addition, it can predict anomalies in the next four minutes with an F1 score higher than 0.8. The paper also proposes a new indicator $$ARP\_score$$

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to measure detection accuracy, robustness, and multi-step prediction ability. The $$ARP\_score$$

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of the deep ensemble method is 5.1821, which is much higher than other detection methods.
PRL-R Variants Are Not Only Associated With Prolactinomas But Also With Dopamine Agonist Resistance
Authors: de Castro Moreira Andrea Ramos , Trarbach Ericka , Bueno Cristina Bellotti Formiga , Monteiro Anna Louise Stellfeld , Grande Isabella Pacetti Pajaro , Padula Mario , Maciel Gustavo Arantes Rosa , Glezer Andrea
Published: January 2023

Context

Knockout prolactin receptor gene (PRL-R) mice are animal models for prolactinomas and PRL acts via autocrine/paracrine inhibiting lactotroph proliferation. Recently, variants of the PRL-R were identified in prolactinoma patients and their frequency was higher compared to individuals from the genomic database.

Objective

We analyzed PRL-R variants frequency in an extensive cohort of prolactinoma patients and evaluated their association with clinical, laboratorial, and imaging characteristics and hormonal response to cabergoline.

Design

Observational, retrospective, and cross-sectional study.

Setting

This study took place at the Neuroendocrinology Unit of Clinics Hospital, Medical School of University of São Paulo, Brazil, a tertiary referral center.

Patients and Methods

Study participants included adults with sporadic prolactinomas treated with cabergoline, where response to therapy was defined by prolactin normalization with up to 3 mg/week doses. DNA was extracted from blood samples and the PRL-R was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction techniques and automatic sequencing. The association of PRL-R variants with serum prolactin levels, maximal tumor diameter, tumor parasellar invasiveness, and response to cabergoline was analyzed.

Results

We found 6 PRL-R variants: p.Ile100(76)Val, p.Ile170(146)Leu, p.Glu400(376)Gln/p.Asn516(492)Ile, p.Glu470Asp e p.Ala591Pro; the last 2 are newly described in prolactinomas’ patients. The variants p.Glu400(376)Gln/p.Asn516(492)Ile and p.Ala591Pro were more frequent amongst patients compared to genomic databases, and the p.Asn516(492)Ile showed pathogenic potential using in silico analysis as previously described. PRL-R variants were associated with male sex (P = 0.015), higher serum PRL levels (P = 0.007), larger tumors (P = 0.001), and cabergoline resistance (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The prolactin/prolactin receptor system seems to be related to prolactinoma tumorigenesis and cabergoline resistance. Additional studies are needed to better understand the PRL-R variants’ role and their potential as therapeutic targets.
Consequences of General Anesthesia in Infancy on Behavior and Brain Structure
Authors: Salaün Jean-Philippe , Chagnot Audrey , Cachia Arnaud , Poirel Nicolas , Datin-Dorrière Valérie , Dujarrier Cléo , Lemarchand Eloïse , Rolland Marine , Delalande Lisa , Gressens Pierre , Guillois Bernard , Houdé Olivier , Levard Damien , Gakuba Clément , Moyon Marine , Naveau Mikael , Orliac François , Orliaguet Gilles , Hanouz Jean-Luc , Agin Véronique , Borst Grégoire , Vivien Denis
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND:

One in 7 children will need general anesthesia (GA) before the age of 3. Brain toxicity of anesthetics is controversial. Our objective was to clarify whether exposure of GA to the developing brain could lead to lasting behavioral and structural brain changes.

METHODS:

A first study was performed in mice. The behaviors (fear conditioning, Y-maze, and actimetry) and brain anatomy (high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging) of 6- to 8-week-old Swiss mice exposed or not exposed to GA from 4 to 10 days old were evaluated. A second study was a complementary analysis from the preexisting APprentissages EXécutifs et cerveau chez les enfants d’âge scolaire (APEX) cohort to assess the replicability of our data in humans. The behaviors (behavior rating inventory of executive function, emotional control, and working memory score, Backward Digit Span, and Raven 36) and brain anatomy (high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging) were compared in 102 children 9 to 10 years of age exposed or not exposed to a single GA (surgery) during infancy.

RESULTS:

The animal study revealed chronic exacerbated fear behavior in the adult mice (95% confidence interval [CI], 4–80; P = .03) exposed to postnatal GA; this was associated with an 11% (95% CI, 7.5–14.5) reduction of the periaqueductal gray matter (P = .046). The study in humans suggested lower emotional control (95% CI, 0.33–9.10; P = .06) and a 6.1% (95% CI, 4.3–7.8) reduction in the posterior part of the right inferior frontal gyrus (P = .019) in the children who had been exposed to a single GA procedure.

CONCLUSIONS:

The preclinical and clinical findings of these independent studies suggest lasting effects of early life exposure to anesthetics on later emotional control behaviors and brain structures.
Pro-Con Debate: Are Patients With Coronary Stents Suitable for Free-Standing Ambulatory Surgery Centers?
Authors: Rosero Eric B. , Rajan Niraja , Joshi Girish P.
Published: January 2023

With increasing implantation of coronary artery stents over the past 2 decades, it is inevitable that anesthesiologists practicing in the outpatient setting will need to determine whether these patients are suitable for procedures at a free-standing ambulatory surgery center (ASC). Appropriate selection of patients with coronary artery stents for a procedure in an ASC requires consideration of factors that affect the balance between the risk of stent thrombosis due to interruption of antiplatelet therapy and the thrombogenic effects of surgery, and the risk of perioperative bleeding complications that may occur if antiplatelet therapy is continued. Thus, periprocedure care of these patients presents unique challenges, particularly for extensive surgical procedures that are increasingly scheduled for free-standing ASCs, where consultation and ancillary services, as well as access to percutaneous cardiac interventions, may not be readily available. Therefore, the suitability of the ambulatory setting for this patient population remains highly controversial. In this Pro-Con commentary, we discuss the arguments for and against scheduling patients with coronary artery stents in free-standing ASCs.
Improving Patient Blood Management Programs: An Implementation Science Approach
Authors: Ozawa Sherri , Ozawa-Morriello Joshua , Perelman Seth , Thorpe Elora , Rock Rebecca , Pearse Bronwyn L.
Published: January 2023

Organized patient blood management (PBM) programs function in numerous hospitals and health systems around the world contributing to improved patient outcomes as well as increased patient engagement, decreased resource use, and reductions in health care costs. PBM “programming” ranges from the implementation of single strategies/initiatives to comprehensive programs led by dedicated clinicians and PBM committees, employing the use of multiple PBM strategies. Frontline health care professionals play an important role in leading, implementing, operationalizing, measuring, and sustaining successful PBM programs. In this article, we provide practical implementation guidance to support key clinical, administrative, leadership, and structural elements required for the safe and comprehensive delivery of care in PBM programs at the local level.
A Protocol for Reducing Intensive Care Utilization After Craniotomy: A 3-Year Assessment
Authors: Ruiz Colón Gabriela D. , Ohkuma Rika , Pendharkar Arjun V. , Heifets Boris D. , Li Gordon , Lu Amy , Gephart Melanie Hayden , Ratliff John K.
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND:

Craniotomy patients have traditionally received intensive care unit (ICU) care postoperatively. Our institution developed the “Non-Intensive CarE” (NICE) protocol to identify craniotomy patients who did not require postoperative ICU care.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the longitudinal impact of the NICE protocol on postoperative length of stay (LOS), ICU utilization, readmissions, and complications.

METHODS:

In this retrospective cohort study, our institution's electronic medical record was queried to identify craniotomies before protocol deployment (May 2014-May 2018) and after deployment (May 2018-December 2021). The primary end points were average postoperative LOS and ICU utilization; secondary end points included readmissions, reoperation, and postoperative complications rate. End points were compared between pre- and postintervention cohorts.

RESULTS:

Four thousand eight hundred thirty-seven craniotomies were performed from May 2014 to December 2021 (2302 preprotocol and 2535 postprotocol). Twenty-one percent of postprotocol craniotomies were enrolled in the NICE protocol. After protocol deployment, the overall postoperative LOS decreased from 4.0 to 3.5 days (P = .0031), which was driven by deceased postoperative LOS among protocol patients (average 2.4 days). ICU utilization decreased from 57% of patients to 42% (P < .0001), generating ∼$760 000 in savings. Return to the ICU and complications decreased after protocol deployment. 5.8% of protocol patients had a readmission within 30 days; none could have been prevented through ICU stay.

CONCLUSION:

The NICE protocol is an effective, sustainable method to increase ICU bed availability and decrease costs without changing outcomes. To our knowledge, this study features the largest series of patients enrolling in an ICU utilization reduction protocol. Careful patient selection is a requirement for the success of this approach.
Role of cardiac magnetic resonance in MINOCA of unclear etiology: a case report of a suspicious paradoxical coronary embolism
Authors: Scabbia Francesca , Zerbini Michela , Pirani Lucia , Righi Riccardo , Viola Monica , Collevecchio Ada , Rizzati Roberto , Sassone Biagio
Published: January 2023

The acronym MINOCA (Myocardial Infarction with Non-Obstructive Coronary Arteries) refers to myocardial infarction with normal or near-normal coronary arteries on invasive angiography. The broad spectrum of pathological mechanisms responsible for myocardial injury in MINOCA makes defining the exact underlying etiology challenging. We report the uncommon case of an acute myocardial infarction with normal coronary arteries suggestive of MINOCA caused by paradoxical coronary embolism due to a wide right-to-left shunting through a patent fossa ovalis. Integrated multimodality imaging diagnostic work-up, including cardiac magnetic resonance, transesophageal contrast echocardiography, and transcranial contrast Doppler, has been crucial for identifying the most likely mechanism underlying MINOCA.
Sarcocystis sinensis in slaughtered cattle from Central of Iran
Authors: Hajimohammadi B , Eslami G , Manafi L , Athari SS , Boozhmehrani MJ
Published: January 2023

Sarcocystis is a food borne parasite as an intracellular parasite with two-host life cycle. Humans serve as either intermediate or definitive hosts among different species. Sarcocystosis is a very important disease because of its widespread prevalence with an impact on production and animal health. We aimed to assess S. sinensis in cattle from the desert area of Iran, using conventional PCR, targeting 18S rRNA. Also, the phylogenic analysis was done to mention isolate and the related ones in Genbank.From the 108 beef samples of heart, esophagus, intercostal muscle, diaphragm, and tongue harboring Sarcocystis spp. stored in the BioBank of the Research Center for Health and Food Safety, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran, DNA extraction was done. Amplification was done using the primer pair of SAR-F: 5'-TGGCTAATACATGCGCAAATA-3' and SAR-R: 5'-AACTTGAATGATCTATCGCCA-3'For the target of 18S rRNA gene. Sequencing was done. The interesting sequence was edited and then analyzed with BLAST. Then, multiple alignments were conducted using T-coffee. The mentioned sequence was submitted to GenBank in NCBI. Evolutionary analyses were conducted in MEGA7. In order to statistical analysis of the presence of Sarcocystis sinensis significantly with sex, age, and location, the Fisher’s Exact test was done using SPSS 16.0 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, USA). The p-value < 0.05 was considered significant.Out of 108 samples, five isolates were identified as S. sinensis. The distribution of S. sinensis was related to age (p<0.05) but had no significant difference with gender (p>0.05). Phylogenic analysis showed a similarity of S. sinensis with S. hominis. From a food safety viewpoint, this study employed a molecular approach to identify S. sinensisin in cattle meat. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of S. sinensis in the desert area from Iran.
MAAS-MOBILITY AS A SERVICE. DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS
Authors: Nadiryan Sofiya L. , Kotenkova Irina N.
Published: January 2023

In this article, the authors consider the main provisions of the MaaS concept – mobility as a service. This is a type of service that, through a shared digital channel, allows users to plan, book and pay for various types of mobility services.

Purpose – the conditions for the introduction and implementation of the MaaS concept in modern cities are analyzed.

Methodology: the article used statistical analysis, synthesis.

Results: the factors that increase the effectiveness of the proposed concept and the possibility of its implementation in specific conditions are identified.

Practical implications: research activity on the development of new approaches in the field of organization of transportation and transport services.
Issues of teaching foreign languages in non-linguistic higher educational institutions
Authors: Bashlueva Natalya
Published: January 2023

The purpose of the study is to consider the second component of language communication — communication, that is, the mechanism of acts of exchange of language signs. Despite the fact that the system of language signs and communication are phenomena with completely different physical nature and essence, the fact that they both act as different aspects of the same complex phenomenon — language communication, determines their closest relationship and interdependence.. The article formulates the prerequisites that actualize the question of the need for the division of language signs into two categories for understanding the mechanism of language communication: ready-made signs, or signs stored in the memory of speakers (writing) in the form of "images" or "prints", and new signs, or signs created by speakers (writing) in themselves acts of communication. In addition, the analysis of the definition of "ready-made" and "new" signs is carried out, this classification refers to the communicative side of language communication and primarily concerns the process of transmitting language messages (speaking, writing). Special attention is paid to the division of signs into ready—made and new ones quite clearly takes place only in each individual act of communication and is valid for this particular person - the speaker or the writer. The tasks of developing a methodology for teaching languages are defined. Mastering both aspects of the transmission technique — storing a stock of ready—made signs in memory and the skills of forming new signs (sign formation) - seems equally important. At the same time, it is necessary, however, to take into account that the specific weight of these aspects in communication significantly depends on the order of the sign. The logical result of the study was the conclusion that the very fact of the division of signs appearing in any act of communication into ready-made and new ones and the knowledge of the general laws of this division helps us to uncover the true mechanism of language communication and, based on this, to determine the ways of the most rational mastery of the technique of transmitting language messages, which presents the greatest difficulties for the language learner. It is also appropriate to emphasize that with the help of a statistical survey, it is possible to select those signs of all orders that should become "ready" for the student (i.e. stored in his memory), in order to ensure his full participation in language communication (in his given field). And this is of paramount importance for the compilation of effective textbooks of foreign languages.
Development of a professional style of self-regulation among police officers in the conditions of training in a vocational training center
Authors: Fedotov Andrei , Kostina Lyubov' , Alekseev Dmitrii Evgenevich Dmitrii , Kotenev Igor'
Published: January 2023

The problem of developing a professional style of self-regulation among employees of the internal affairs bodies who are first recruited and undergoing training in vocational training centers is considered. The goal is to develop and test a specialized program for mastering the methods of arbitrary mental self-regulation, applicable in the conditions of the Center for Psychological Training. Materials and methods. The total sample of the study was 64 people aged 20 to 30 years. The experimental group of 20 people and the control group of 21 people were employees who were taking an initial training course at the Central Training Center of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Moscow. An initial and final psychodiagnostic study was carried out using a test battery of the APPDK "Multipsychometer", sensorimotor and cognitive tests using a specialized space. An evaluation role at the final stage was also played by the data of expert surveys, self-reports of participants, and keeping a diary according to the model of A. V. Alekseev. At the stage of formative empirical research, complexes of methods of arbitrary mental self-regulation (PPSR) were used, as well as a set of lead-up exercises. Results and discussion. It was found that in the process of formation and development of the professional style of self-regulation among police officers, the most important factors are: the use of breathing, body-oriented and other lead-in exercises; the process of mastering voluntary self-regulation has a more stable result, provided that a certain algorithm for mastering the exercises of voluntary self-regulation is used, which involves a gradual acquaintance with entering an altered state of consciousness; such an algorithm makes it possible to carry out this work within the time frame determined by the duration of the training period for police officers in the framework of primary professional training. Conclusions. The ability for voluntary mental self-regulation is successfully developed among employees, provided that a targeted program is used, based on the idea of systematic mastering of an excessive set of self-regulation methods with gradual individualization and professionalization of the style of their implementation.
Cannabis and Sleep: A Systematic Review of the Effects of Cannabinoids on Sleep Disorders
Authors: Luchowska Anna , Sroczyńska Monika , Żaczek Aleksandra
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Sleep disorders are a common problem in society in the modern world. Patients are increasingly seeking alternative treatments for insomnia in order to reduce the side effects of prescription drugs. A new trend is the use of cannabinoids contained in cannabis plants to treat sleep disorders, making patients looking for a solution to their problem more and more eager.Aim of the study: The purpose of this paper is to present contemporary knowledge of the therapeutic benefits of cannabis compounds in treating sleep disorders and improving sleep parameters.  Materials and methods: The National Center for Biotechnology Information/PubMed and Google Scholar medical databases were comprehensively analyzed by entering the keywords: cannabis, sleep disorders, insomnia, cannabinoids, THC, CBD in their respective configurations. Analyzing the searched literature, data from 18 scientific articles from the last five years (2017-2022) were evaluated.Results: Cannabinoids may have benefits in sleep-related disorders. The literature does not agree on the effectiveness of their use in treating sleep disorders. The highly variable availability of cannabinoid formulations on the market makes it difficult to develop appropriate dosages for the treatment of insomnia.Conclusions: Research on cannabis and sleep is in its early stages and needs to be continued in order to improve knowledge. There is a need for further long-term studies that are rigorously controlled and use larger study groups.
Synthetic sweeteners and their impact on the gut microbiota - current state of knowledge
Authors: Wąsik Karolina , Tomaszuk Sebastian , Wojtuś Magda
Published: January 2023

Introduction and purpose:

The aim of artificial sweeteners is to replace the sweetness of sugar without contributing to the higher energy consumption or unfavorable metabolic effects conventional sugar causes. Synthetic sweeteners - one of the most popular groups - are labeled as safe for use in foods and represented by acesulfame K, aspartame, neotame, saccharin, sucralose, cyclamate and advantame. Although they underwent safety procedures, their possible unbeneficial effects are still being evaluated. In this paper we focus on their impact on the gut microbiome.

Brief description of the state of knowledge:

For now, the advantage of search conducted on animals is observed. Those papers show the possibility of a  relationship between artificial sweeteners and composition of the gut microbiota. Changes that were observed affected the gut microbiota in a negative way as they may be responsible for causing disbalance in the conglomerate of microorganisms.

Studies on humans are limited. Long term consumption of acesulfame K and sucralose is linked with modulation of the composition of the microbiota. It has also been shown that synthetic sweeteners are able to  increase the ability of bacteria to form a biofilm. 

Conclusions:

Heretofore published paperworks about the impact of synthetic sweeteners on the gut microbiota are not sufficient to conduct valuable and unambiguous conclusions. Evidence collected until now is leading to a deduction that gut microbiota can be affected by the consumption of the sugar surrogates although more data is needed to clearly determine their possible role.
Effects of Lower Limbs Stretching on the Neck Range of Motion: Preliminary Evidence for Myofascial Sequence?
Authors: Calgaro Jenny , Bonaldi Lorenza , Sposta Simona Mrakic , Fede Caterina , Stecco Antonio , Pirri Carmelo , Stecco Carla
Published: January 2023

In recent years, various studies have demonstrated that the fascia can transmit the mechanical tensions generated by muscle activity over a distance. However, it is not yet clear whether this transmission follows precise anatomical lines. The present study aims to understand if the exercises at a distance can influence the range of motion of the neck, and if the effects are different by performing the exercises in various directions. The study was attended by 30 healthy volunteers aged between 19 and 32 years. Anterior flexion of the neck was checked before the protocols and retested to compare the difference after stretching the hamstrings and adductors. All evaluations were performed by the same operator using an electronic goniometer. Cervical ROM increased during both procedures, but after the hamstrings stretch it increased significantly more than after the adductors stretch (6.22° versus 1.44°). This study highlighted how fascia can transmit forces at a distance, but only according to precise myofascial sequences. Consequently, it is important to know the fascial organization in order to properly train the fascial system.
Infertile men with semen parameters above WHO reference limits at first assessment may deserve a second semen analysis: Challenging the guidelines in the real-life scenario
Authors: Boeri Luca , Pozzi Edoardo , Capogrosso Paolo , Fallara Giuseppe , Belladelli Federico , Candela Luigi , Schifano Nicolò , Corsini Christian , Cazzaniga Walter , Cignoli Daniele , Ventimiglia Eugenio , Pontillo Marina , Alfano Massimo , Montorsi Francesco , Salonia Andrea
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To investigate which infertile men with semen parameters above WHO reference limits at first semen analysis deserve a second semen test.

Materials and methods

Data from 1358 consecutive infertile men were analysed. Patients underwent two consecutive semen analyses at the same laboratory. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models tested the association between clinical variables and semen parameters. A new predicting model was identified through logistic regression analysis exploring potential predictors of semen parameters below WHO reference limits after a previously normal one. Diagnostic accuracy of the new model was compared with AUA/ASRM and EAU guidelines. Decision curve analyses (DCA) tested their clinical benefit.

Results

Of 1358, 212 (15.6%) infertile men had semen parameters above WHO reference limits at first analysis. Of 212, 87 (41.0%) had a second semen analysis with results above WHO reference limits. Men with sperm parameters below reference limits at second analysis had higher FSH values, but lower testicular volume (TV) (all p<0.01) compared to men with a second semen analysis above WHO limits. At multivariable logistic regression analysis, lower TV (OR 0.9, p = 0.03), higher FSH (OR 1.2, p<0.01), and lower total sperm count (OR 0.9, p<0.01) were associated with second semen analyses below WHO limits. DCA showed the superior net benefit of using the new model, compared to both AUA/ASRM and EAU guidelines to identify those men with a second semen sample below WHO limits after a previously normal one.

Conclusions

Approximately 60% of infertile men with a first semen analysis above WHO limits have a second analysis with results below limits. The newly identified risk model might be useful to select infertile men with initial semen results above WHO limits who deserve a second semen analysis.
Studies on Phytochemicals, Minerals, Antioxidants and Efficacy of Crude Extracts of Therapeutic Herbal Potentilla reptans L. on Certain Pathogenic Causal Agents
Authors: Neshwari Devi M. , Sangbanbi Devi N. , Singh S.R.
Published: January 2023

The crude extract of indigenous herbal Potentilla reptans L. habitat wild belonging to Rosaceae family, has been explored in search of therapeutic compounds that amalgamate as associative phytochemical and phyto mineral constituents. A number of novel bioactive organic compounds viz. antioxidant (30.8 μg/mL), saponin (30 mg/g), flavonoid (10.39 mg/g), alkaloid (30 mg/g), phenol (4.33 mg/g,) tannin (30.74 mg/g) and minerals like magnesium (4.55 mg/g), iron (1.12 mg/g), sulfur (1.85 mg/g), potassium (1.26 mg/g), manganese (0.10 mg/g), calcium (5.16 mg/g), phosphorous (0.14 mg/g), zinc (0.12 mg/g) and copper (0.06 mg/g), an indispensable sources of precious chemo-diversity, the only means for survivability of species forever on earth have depicted. In an antimicrobial test with crude extracts, a strong positive effect against Staphylococcus aureus in bacteria and Candida albicans, Microsporum gypseum in fungi by all extracts of MeOH, EtOAc and CHCl3 was authenticated to the aged old traditional health care system of herbals and novel to unique in home remedy prescriptions.
Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Some Substituted Triazole Phenyl Methanones from Substituted Anilines
Authors: Sonawane R. , Sagare M.A.
Published: January 2023

Triazoles, a five-membered ring structure and three nitrogen atoms, are regarded as important building blocks for the synthesis of numerous organic compounds. Triazoles and their derivatives have received considerable attention over the past decade due to their chemotherapeutic value. It’s been thought to be a functional core that exhibits most varieties of biological activity mainly antibiotics, antimicrobials and antifungals. In present work, a series of novel substituted triazole phenylmethanones were synthesized using Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction of 1-(5-methyl-1-(substituted phenyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-ethan-1-one (3a-d) and some aromatic aldehydes. Final compounds (5a-f) were synthesized from compounds 4a-d, hydrazine hydrate and benzoic acid by sequential reactions having intermolecular conjugate addition and formation of hydrazone. All the intermediate and final compounds were characterized from the mass, elemental and 1H NMR spectral data.
Present State of Knowledge of Chemistry of Our Vision:
Photoreceptor Molecules and Vision Cycle
Authors: Das Ankita , Das Udita , Das Asim K.
Published: January 2023

Vision process involves the participation of two types of retinal photoreceptor cells: rod cells respond
to dim light while cone cells respond to bright light and colours. The visual pigments in both types of
photoreceptor cells contain the common chromophore, 11-cis-retinal, linked through a Schiff base
linkage to the opsin protein, a member of G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family, composed of 7-
transmembrane helices (a 7TM receptor). Rhodopsin is the visual pigment present in the rod cells
while three distinct types of visual pigments known as photopsins (red cones, green cones and blue
cones absorbing red, blue and green parts of the visible spectrum respectively) are present in the cone
cells. Absorption of light by the visual pigment causes the photoexcitation followed by
photoisomerization, 11-cis-retinal (Z) to all-trans-retinal (E) with a high quantum yield through a
number of reactive intermediates characterized by low temperature and picosecond (ps) time resolved
spectroscopies coupled with femtosecond spectroscopy. This photoisomerization leads to a change in
the conformation of opsin GPCR and a signal transduction cascade by activating transducin, a
heterotrimeric G-protein, to breakdown the cGMP to close the cGMP-gated cation channels resulting
in hyperpolarization of the photoreceptor cell. This action potential creates a nerve signal that is
transmitted to the brain to produce the sense of vision. The photoisomerized pigment undergoes rapidly
hydrolysis to produce the opsin protein and all trans-retinal, which can be reconverted enzymatically to
11-cis-retinal for recharging opsin to generate the active visual pigment to maintain the vision cycle
(Wald cycle). This brief review highlights the state of our understanding of the biology behind the art of
vision in humans and other organisms.
How to Make Analytic Science-Engaged Theology an ASSET
Authors: Page Meghan
Published: January 2023

This paper explores the relationship between analytic theology and science-engaged theology through a historical lens, connecting contemporary disagreements between analytic metaphysicians and philosophers of science to a disagreement about philosophical method between Carnap and Quine. After discussing philosophical issues of meaning and verification in early positivism, the paper goes on to suggest that the analytic-synthetic distinction underlying much work in analytic theology is difficult to maintain when engaging with empirical methods of knowledge production such as science. To move forward, then, analytic theologians who wish to pursue science-engaged theology need a constructive methodology that embraces a blurring of the analytic-synthetic distinction. A rough sketch of one such research program, analytic-synthetic science-engaged theology, is offered as a potential ASSET for systematic theologians who wish to engage with natural and human sciences.
THERMAL CONFORT OF THE ECO-EARTH SANDWICH SYSTEM COMPARED TO MASONRY BLOCK, RAMMED EARTH, AND DRYWALL
Authors: VILLACIS ENRIQUE VINICIO , SALAZAR MATILDA , Ayarza Cynthia Catalina
Published: January 2023

The search for thermal comfort and optimization of materials in construction leads to the development of efficient and alternative construction systems. Understanding the importance of the location, which potential materials are available on the site and locally, encouraging the reuse of material and evaluating which construction system is appropriate for each environment and client capacity. Thermal comfort is important not only because of “comfort” but also because it determines the energy consumption of the building. The Con Lo Que Hay-With what is available 14 workshop (CLQH 14), developed the eco earth sandwich system in a small suburban community of the highlands in Quito, Ecuador. In this study the eco earth sandwich system will be compared to three other systems: confined masonry, rammed earth, and drywall; to evaluate their thermal inertia and thermal transmittance efficiency. This will be a quantitative approach, based in the evaluation centered on thermodynamics formulas.
SUSTAINABLE HERITAGE CONSERVATION IN THE GULF REGIONS
Authors: MAZZETTO SILVIA
Published: January 2023

The recent urban development and growth have rapidly transformed many Gulf countries as a consequence of the oil exportation business. The direction of expansion has raised many questions about the incoming new challenges for the post-oil era of many capitals in the Middle East Area. Among the consequences of rapid urbanization, there is a growing need for local identity. The growing globalized cities need also to preserve the historical heritage and re-qualify the traditional urban fabric for rediscovering local culture and national traditions. The paper presents cases of heritage preservation and rehabilitation in the Gulf regions and in particular in Saudi Arabia. The projects are assessed by adopting sustainable heritage principles (social, cultural, and environmental). The results highlight the need to preserve the social values of historical heritage, ancient materials, and adaptive reuse methodologies as an adaptation to the climate. The research aims to promote sustainable conservative approaches in the Gulf Regions.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FUTURE CONSTRUCTION CAPACITY AND COMPANY WORKLOAD
Authors: Manickavasagam Arun Kumar , van der Walt Daniel , Scheepbouwer Eric
Published: January 2023

The construction sector in New Zealand is overloaded and does not have the construction capacity to deliver the projects that are in the pipeline. This problem will only be exacerbated in the future since the Government has planned to increase the expenditure on infrastructure over the next 25 years. Often it is argued that if companies are busy, they will expand. This hypothesis that a high workload for a company will add profit, which will drive investment in staff (education, jobs) and equipment to grow, resulting in them securing a larger workload and profit in the future will be investigated. To investigate the hypothesis, the company profitability, investment in staff, recruitment and investment into equipment must be examined. Additionally, this research will investigate and describe circumstances under which construction companies are willing to expand. Ten semi-structured interviews with senior construction management personnel were carried out to evaluate these critical factors at various workloads. It was found that a company’s decision to expand is dependent on confidence in the future market irrespective of their current workload. It is suggested that future research should investigate the value for the client against current and future workload certainty in the construction market.
PRODUCTIVITY AND PLANNING ON A VOLUNTEER-DRIVEN CONSTRUCTION PROJECT
Authors: Gaddamwar Piyush , Jarrah Raed
Published: January 2023

Volunteering is becoming more popular around the world. Despite its scale and importance, there has been little research into volunteering in the construction industry, which has unique problems due to its highly transitional, impermanent, regulated, and project-based culture. This case study analyzed the planning and productivity of a volunteer-driven play-structure construction project in a Michigan school. The study interviewed the project’s managers before and after construction to compare what was planned and how the project performed. The study also used several productivity measuring techniques to sample the productivity of volunteers on the project. The study found that the volunteers were motivated to work but needed guidance on their tasks, while proper planning and prudent procurement secured sufficient materials to keep the project on schedule. An experienced design team was also a key factor in guiding the planning and execution of the project. The study concludes that, with proper planning, a volunteer-driven project can take a bit more time but save significant cost in comparison to a traditionally built project of the same scope.
WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT CONSTRUCTION INCENTIVISATION?
Authors: CHEUNG Sai On , ZHU Liuying
Published: January 2023

Construction incentivization in this study is used as a collective term that include all forms of incentive arrangements that aim to engender extra effort of the contracting parties for the improvement of project performance. It is quite often assumed that all enterprises are seeking continual performance. In this regard, incentives in various forms have been used as performance motivator. Notable examples include incentive schemes in military and aerospace developments contracts. In construction projects, incentive schemes have also been used to engender performance. Typically, incentive arrangements in construction involve setting cost, schedule, and outcome performance targets. Moreover, the success of incentive schemes is not guaranteed. It had also been found that many projects with incentives still end with project overruns, huge claims, and embarrassing defects. It is advocated that defective design is one of key causes of non-functioning of incentive arrangements. This study identified three fundamental flaws in the conventional design of incentive. First, the targets for incentives are often set unliterally by the owner. Second, only those quantifiable targets are included. Third, only the final outcomes are used to determine whether the targets have been achieved. This study offers some novel incentive planning parameters to be used for complex mega projects.
STUDY ON EVALUATION OF BOND CHARACTERISTIC FOR SPRAYING MATERIAL WITH BAMBOO
Authors: Kanezawa Takuto , Shimabukuro Atsushi
Published: January 2023

In this study, bamboo and solidification material are used as spraying materials and their bond characteristic with the mortar as the base material is evaluated. Four different proportions of specimens are prepared as the spraying material. The types of fine aggregate, the mixing ratio, and the bamboo content are applied as the different parameters. The box shear test is used in this study to investigate these characteristics. As a result, under the same mixing ratio, the bond strength of the spraying material mixed with flying sand is greater than that of the splayed material mixed with decomposed granite soil. Also, the strength of the spraying material using flying sand decreases with increasing the bamboo fiber amount, while the strength of the spraying material using decomposed granite soil increases. Therefore, it is clarified that although using flying sand is effective as the spraying material, in the case of using decomposed granite soil, increasing the bamboo fiber amount is required.