bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Experience of Work to Elimination of Medical-Sanitary Consequences of Emergency Situations Provided by Specialists of Unregular Formers of Service of Disaster Medicine of the Ministry of Health of Russia and Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia
Authors:   Kirov Military Medical Academy of Russian Ministry of Defense, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, Ovcharenko A.P. , Lemeshkin R.N. ,   Kirov Military Medical Academy of Russian Ministry of Defense, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, Tolstosheev V.N. ,   Kirov Military Medical Academy of Russian Ministry of Defense, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, Luchshev A.V. ,   Kirov Military Medical Academy of Russian Ministry of Defense, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
Published: April 2023

Summary. Investigation purposes – to define a presence of work experience in elimination of medical-sanitary consequences of emergency situations (ES) among medical specialists of unregular formers (UF) of Service of disaster medicine (SDM) of Ministry of Health of Russia and Federal medical and biological agency of Russia (FMBA of Russia). Materials and methods of the investigation: To provide the investigation a survey of the specialists of UF of SDM of Ministry of Health of Russia and FMBA of Russia. 206 medical specialists from medical treatment organizations (MTO) of Ministry of Health of Russia and 49 medical specialists from MTO of FMBA of Russia were involved in research. Programs IBM® SPSS® Statistics version 25 and PAST 4.0 were used for statistic processing of investigation results. The most reliable modern non-parametric methods of statistic processing were realized in these programs. Results of investigation and their analysis. During assessing of frequency of medical specialists involvement in work were established that in most cases medical specialists from MTO of Ministry of Health of Russia were attracted to performance their duties in a UF only for trainings according to the schedule – 56,3 and 61,2% respectively. Specialists from FMBA of Russia worked in UF more frequently, 14,3% were attracted to this activity once a year. Notable that 37,4 % of specialists of MTO of Ministry of Health of Russia and 20,4% of specialists of MTO of FMBA of Russia formally included in unregular formers were never attracted to work in UF. According to the authors, a reasonable conclusion is a necessity of optimization and intensification of preparation of medical specialists from different departments by creation of unified program for their preparation and rotation with simultaneously control of the quality of medical treatment provision for victims and patients in case of ES.
Overactive Bladder in Children
Authors: Gondim Oliveira Rhaiana , Barroso, Jr Ubirajara
Published: April 2023

Overactive bladder (OAB) is clinically defined as the presence of urinary urgency and may be associated with diurnal urinary incontinence, frequency, and enuresis, and/or constipation. In children aged 5–10 years, the prevalence is 5–12%. Association with emotional disorders is widely described in the literature. Constipation is associated with voiding symptoms because of crosstalk between the gastrointestinal tract and the urinary tract. OAB is believed to be multifactorial. Correct functioning between the pontine micturition centre, the periaqueductal grey matter, anterior cingulate gyrus, and prefrontal cortex is important for correct voiding development and the process of maturation. Patients with OAB have greater anterior cingulate gyrus activity and deactivation of the pontine micturition centre urinary inhibition process, leading to a greater frequency of bladder repletion sensation. Urotherapy is the first treatment to be initiated and aims to change behavioural patterns inthese patients. Other treatment options are anticholinergics, with oxybutynin being the most widely studied, but also described is the use of tolterodine, darifenacin, and mirabegron. Alternative treatments, such as nerve stimulation in the parasacral or the posterior tibial area, have shown improvement of symptoms in comparative studies with conventional drug treatment, and, in refractory cases, botulinum toxin A is an option. In this article, we review the pathophysiology, associated conditions, and aspects related to diagnosis and treatment of OAB.
A Multi-Disciplinary Review of the Evidence Supporting Metastasis-Free Survival (MFS) and the Benefit of Delaying Metastasis in High-Risk Non-Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer (nmCRPC)
Authors: Oudard Stéphane , Soto Álvaro Juárez
Published: April 2023

Until recently, men diagnosed with high-risk non-metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) were faced with the prospect of a relatively short reprieve from symptomatic progression before the onset of metastatic disease. Crossing this red line represents a turning point in the disease, characterised by debilitating pain, greater functional and emotional impairment, a need for additional treatments, and, eventually, death. Delaying time to metastatic progression has the potential to limit symptomatic progression, reduce morbidity and mortality, and maintain quality of life in nmCRPC, and efforts have been made to establish the validity of metastatic-free survival (MFS) as a valid and meaningful clinical endpoint in this setting. The approval in Europe of apalutamide and enzalutamide based on the Phase III SPARTAN (NCT01946204) and PROSPER (NCT02003924) trials, respectively, with MFS as a primary endpoint (defined as time from randomisation to first radiographic detection of distant metastases, or death) sets a new precedent for future trials in nmCRPC. Although median overall survival (OS) has not yet been reached in either trial, meta-analyses of the two studies suggest a significant improvement in OS alongside a confirmed improvement in MFS for novel anti-androgens versus placebo. A third drug, darolutamide, has also been submitted for regulatory approval to treat nmCRPC. This review aims to summarise the evidence supporting the use of MFS as a clinical endpoint and the benefit of delaying metastasis in men with high-risk nmCRPC, and to discuss the influence of next-generation imaging on prostate cancer staging.
Immunotherapy in Prostate Cancer: Recent Advances and Future Directions
Authors: Silvestri Ida , Tortorella Elisabetta , Giantulli Sabrina , Scarpa Susanna , Sciarra Alessandro
Published: April 2023

In recent years, immunotherapy has been proposed for the treatment of asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (PCa). Clinical trials using Sipuleucel-T have demonstrated a survival benefit in PCa patients, suggesting that this cancer is linked to a limited immune response. However, the outcome of PCa treated with immune therapeutics has limited benefits in monotherapy: novel vaccination approaches and immune checkpoint blockade gave disappointing results. Several combinations of therapies, such as novel cancer vaccines or checkpoint inhibitors with different immunotherapeutic agents, combined with hormone therapy (enzalutamide, abiraterone acetate), radiotherapy or radium-223, DNA-damaging agents (olaparib), or chemotherapy (docetaxel) hold great promise for eliciting an immune response and improving clinical outcomes in PCa. The goal of immunotherapy is to overcome immunosuppression and destroy cancer cells, or at least to induce those pathways that go back from ‘the escape phase to equilibrium phase’ according to the deﬁnition of cancer immunoediting. The aim of this review is to analyse the immune responses during PCa progression and to present the current data regarding immune therapies for PCa.
Implementing Blue Light Flexible Cystoscopy in Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer Surveillance
Authors: Lotan Yair , Daneshmand Siamak
Published: April 2023

White light cystoscopy (WLC) has long been the standard procedure for visualisation of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), both during transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) and subsequent surveillance visits. The limitations of white light in the operating room are well recognised, and blue-light-guided diagnosis with hexaminolevulinate (HAL) is routinely used as an adjunct to white light rigid cystoscopy to allow for improved detection of malignant tumours. Emerging data for the implementation of blue light flexible cystoscopy (BLFC) in the surveillance setting demonstrate similar clinical benefits to its current use in rigid cystoscopy. In the first Phase III study comparing BLFC with HAL versus WLC for NMIBC surveillance, around 1 in 5 confirmed malignancies were detected only by BLFC (p<0.0001) and the incidence of HAL-related adverse events (AE) was very low. The introduction of BLFC for routine surveillance post-TURBT is supported by consensus among bladder cancer specialists. Patients at high risk of recurrence could benefit from BLFC at the 3 and 6-month cystoscopy, and at 3 to 6-monthly intervals thereafter for the first 2 years post-TURBT. Intermediate-risk patients may also benefit from BLFC at the initial 3-month cystoscopy. Further research is needed to confirm the optimal timing of BLFC in high and intermediate-risk patients, and to clarify the role of BLFC in surveillance of low-risk patients. The ongoing Nordic and USA blue light registries should help to answer these questions.
Peningkatan Pemahaman Masyarakat Di Desa Wates, Kecamatan Wonotunggal, Kabupaten Batang Mengenai Penyakit Sendi dan Pengobatannya
Authors: Endriyatno Nur Cholis , Rochmawati Rochmawati , Hidayah Ikrimatul , Khakimah Zuhrotul
Published: April 2023

Nyeri sendi adalah penyakit yang umum terjadi pada lansia. Banyak masyarakat yang tidak memperhatikan gaya hidupnya, sehingga banyak dari mereka mengalami nyeri sendi. Pengabdian dilaksanakan di Desa Wates, Kecamatan Wonotunggal, Kabupaten Batang merupakan kegiatan sosialisasi dan edukasi khususnya pada lansia. Pada kegiatan ini kami memberikan sosialisasi edukasi mengenai pengertian nyeri sendi, bahaya nyeri sendi, penyebab nyeri sendi dan edukasi-edukasi tentang cara pengobatan dan pencegahan pada nyeri sendi. Kemudian dilanjutkan sharing dan juga tes kesehatan kepada masyarakat. Kegiatan pengabdian dilakukan dengan dua konsep, yaitu penyuluhan secara langsung kepada kelompok sasaran yang dilakukan secara luring dengan tujuan supaya kelompok sasaran pengabdian dapat teredukasi. Kemudian dilakukan kegiatan pendampingan yang dilaksanakan 10 hari setelah kegiatan penyuluhan dengan tujuan kelompok sasaran pengabdian dapat mempraktikan secara langsung ilmu dan pengetahuan yang didapat dari hasil edukasi kegiatan tersebut. Dari hasil survey dari pelaksanaan kegiatan pengabdian ini ditunjukkan bahwa sebesar 90,4% dari total peserta pengabdian merasa lebih faham mengenai penyakit sendi dan pengobatan farmakologi maupun pengobatan non farmakologi dibandingkan sebelum ada kegiatan pengabdian ini. Kesimpulan dari kegiatan pengabdian ini adalah bahwa secara garis besar masyarakat sasaran kegiatan pengabdian ini mayoritas lebih mengetahui, memahami, dan tertarik dengan materi yang disampaikan.
Pelatihan Multiedia 3D Low Poly Model Artist pada SMK Fransiscus Semarang
Authors: Winarno Agus , Hendriyanto Novi , Irawan Candra
Published: April 2023

Sekolah menengah kejuruan (SMK) yang mampu menyediakan lulusan sebagai sumber daya manusia yang siap kerja yang memiliki pengetahuan dan ketrampilan program keahlian multimedia, menerapkan metode pembelajaran SCL (Student Center Learning) sesuai standar SKKNI. Jurusan Multimediasaat ini memiliki fasilitas ruang laboratorium multimedia, Perangkat Komputer lengkap, dan ruang teori yang digunakan dalam pembelajaran adaptif maupun normative yang lulusannya memiliki peluang kerja pada beberapa bidang web desain, media interaktif, konten web, perfilman, shoting video dan editing video, kewirausahan yang dibutuhkan di dunia usaha/industri. Program Kemitraan Masyarakat antara lain, materi Pelatihan, Jurnal Nasional serta Dokumentasi Video. Metode yang di gunakan dalam Program Kemitraan Masyarakat menggunakan 3 metode antara lain Pre test dilakukan Evaluasi Tahapan Proses yang berjalan, Pengkayaan dan Pendalaman Materi dan Uji kompetensi / Post Test.
Workshop Powtoon untuk Pembuatan Video Konseling bagi Guru seluruh SMA di Kabupaten Sidoarjo
Authors: Putra I Gusti Ngurah Alit Widana , Hananto Valentinus Roby
Published: April 2023

Siswa generasi milenial adalah generasi yang lahir dimana teknologi informasi sudah berkembang pesat. Siswa generasi ini sudah dikenalkan dengan perangkat mobile sejak kecil sehingga mereka sangat fasih menggunakan teknologi informasi. Siswa generasi ini juga tidak asing dengan media sosial seperti Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, dan mereka juga sering menggunakan streaming video seperti Youtube setiap harinya. Setiap sekolah di kabupaten Sidoarjo memiliki guru bimbingan konseling yang memiliki fungsi untuk memantau, membuat dan memastikan setiap siswa berperilaku baik sesuai dengan visi dan misi pendidikan yang dicanangkan oleh sekolah dan juga tujuan pendidikan nasional. Guru Bimbingan dan Konseling (BK) biasanya memiliki latar belakang pendidik tapi kurang dalam kemampuan penguasaan teknologi informasi dalam pelayanan Bimbingan Konseling. Karena hal tersebut berdasarkan hasil Musyawarah Guru Bimbingan dan Konseling (MGBK) Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) Sidoarjo bermitra dengan Universitas Dinamika sebagai kampus teknologi informasi untuk meningkatkan kualitas guru BK dalam pelayanan bimbingan konseling kepada siswa guna dapat membuat video konseling yang menarik. Berdasarkan permasalahan tersebut Universitas Dinamika melalui dosen pengajar memberikan workshop aplikasi Powtoon kepada guru BK seluruh SMA di kabupaten Sidoarjo yang dilaksanakan di laboratorium Universitas Dinamika. Berdasarkan evaluasi survey di akhir workshop, hasil dari workshop ini adalah guru BK dapat menguasai aplikasi Powtoon untuk membuat video konseling.
Pelaksanaan Pendistribusian Dokumen Kependudukan Melalui Inovasi "Adek Manja" di Kabupaten Klaten
Authors: Ardyati Rizda , Yulianti Sri Wahyuningsih , Tristiana Enis
Published: April 2023

Digitalisasi pelayanan publik merupakan suatu hal yang semakin didorong perkembangannya oleh pemerintah Indonesia. Ketidakmampuan masyarakat untuk berkumpul dalam kelompok ketika pandemi turut mendorong masifnya gerakan digitalisasi pelayanan publik di Indonesia. Pengabdian ini dilaksanakan karena masalah-masalah yang berada di tengah masyarakat. Pengabdian dilaksanakan dengan tujuan untuk memberikan pengetahuan serta menjawab kebingungan dan pertanyaan masyarakat mengenai inovasi ADEK MANJA di Kabupaten Klaten. Kegiatan dilakukan dengan beberapa tahapan yaitu: 1) Tahap Persiapan, pada tahap ini tim pengabdian melakukan persiapan yaitu berdiskusi dan mengkaji permasalahan yang mendominasi pada pelayanan administrasi kependudukan 2) Tahap Pelaksanaan 3) Tahap Evalusi, yaitu dengan memonitoring proses kegiatan berjalan, mengevaluasi setiap tahapan yang dilakukan, dan menindaklanjuti evaluasi kegiatan Tahapan pada hasil dari kegiatan workshop pengabdian kepada masyarakat di Kelurahan Kupang Karangdowo Klaten diharapkan dapat memudahkan masyarakat sasaran yang belum melek teknologi untuk memahami penggunaan inovasi Adek Manja yang diluncurkan oleh Dinas Kependudukan dan Pencatatan Sipil Kabupaten Klaten: Kegiatan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat berlangsung dengan baik. Hasil dari kegiatan ini diharapkan dapat meningkatkan pemahaman masyaraat tentang Inovasi “Adek Manja” yang diluncurkan oleh Dinas Kependudukan Kabupaten Klaten Sebagai Pelayanan Publik Pendistribusian Dokumen Kependudukan Kabupaten Klaten.
Peningkatan Literasi Jurnalistik Melalui Pelatihan Penulisan Berita pada Siswa Ekstrakurikuler Jurnalistik SMA Muhammadiyah 01 Semarang
Authors: Rahmah Hilda , Febriana Kharisma Ayu , Syafiie Sri Syamsiah Lestari
Published: April 2023

Percepatan dalam sektor informasi dan komunikasi menuntut masyarakat untuk mampu beradaptasi di tengah gempuran informasi dari berbagai arah. Dalam konteks ini, menulis menjadi alternatif untuk dapat meningkatkan literasi komunikasi digital sehingga memungkinkan terjadinya kecakapan individu dalam menerima segala bentuk informasi. Menanggapi hal tersebut, SMA Muhammadiyah 01 Semarang berupaya untuk memfasilitasi peserta didiknya sebuah ruang belajar jurnalistik melalui ekstrakurikuler jurnalistik sekolah. Namun, antusias siswa yang tinggi terhadap ekstrakurikuler ini tidak sebanding dengan peningkatan skill menulis. Anggota ekstrakurikuler jurnalistik masih memiliki kemampuan menulis yang minim, diantaranya karena keterbatasan SDM dalam bidang jurnalistik di sekolah, belum tersedianya lembaga pers sekolah, serta belum pernah diadakan pelatihan jurnalistik di sekolah. Lebih lanjut hal ini membuat siswa mengalami kesulitan dalam membuat dan menyusun teks berita dan menyalurkan tulisanya. Berdasarkan temuan masalah tersebut, kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat Universitas Semarang Program Studi Ilmu Komunikasi, berkomitmen untuk membekali siswa ekstrakurikuler jurnalistik SMA Muhammadiyah 01 Semarang dengan memberikan pelatihan penulisan, agar siswa mampu menghasilkan dan menyalurkan tulisan yang kompeten di majalah dinding sekolah maupun di media massa.
Pengaruh Maltodekstrin Dan Waktu Pengeringan Terhadap Sifat Sambal Pecel Bubuk Dan Pendugaan Umur Simpannya
Authors: Zhorif Muhammad Naufal , Rosida Rosida , Sarofa Ulya
Published: April 2023

Sambal pecel adalah sambal yang terbuat dari campuran kacang tanah sangrai atau goreng yang dihaluskan ditambahkan bumbu seperti cabai, gula merah, bawang putih, garam, asam jawa, dan daun jeruk. Dalam pembuatan sambal pecel bubuk, perlu ditambahkan filler yang berfungsi untuk mempermudah proses penyeduhan dan juga dapat memudahkan proses pengeringan. Pengisi yang dipilih dalam penelitian ini adalah maltodekstrin. Proses pengeringan membutuhkan waktu yang tepat untuk mengasilkan produk yang baik. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui konsentrasi maltodekstrin dan waktu pengeringan terbaik terhadap karakteristik sambal pecel bubuk. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain rancangan acak lengkap (RAL) dengan pola faktorial yang terdiri dari 3 level dengan 2 faktor. Faktor pertama adalah maltodekstrin (M) yang terdiri dari 3 level (5%, 10% dan 15%). Sedangkan faktor kedua adalah waktu pengeringan (W) yang terdiri dari 3 level (8, 10 dan 12 jam). Metode analisis yang digunakan terdiri dari uji kadar air, kadar abu, kadar lemak, rendemen, kelarutan, daya rehidrasi, kekentalan, uji skoring dan pendugaan umur simpan. Penambahan konsentrasi maltodekstrin 10% dan waktu pengeringan 10 jam merupakan perlakuan terbaik dalam penelitian ini dengan hasil kadar air 3,24%, kadar abu 3,86%, kadar lemak 31,81%, rendemen 73,96%, kelarutan 57,46%, daya rehidrasi 90,44%, kekentalan 202,6 Mpas, uji skoring warna 3, 95 (coklat), uji skoring rasa 4,15 (terasa pecel), uji skoring aroma 4,0 (beraroma pecel), serta umur simpan berturut-turut pada suhu 15, 30, dan 45°C yaitu 74, 53, dan 39 hari.
PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN KULIT BUAH NAGA MERAH (Hylocereus polyrhizus) TERHADAP KANDUNGAN ANTIOKSIDAN, NUTRISI DAN ORGANOLEPTIK PADA JUS MENTIMUN SEBAGAI PANGAN FUNGSIONAL
Authors: Sardin Sardin , Karimuna La , Baco Abdu Rahman
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT This study aimed to study the effect of red dragon fruit peel (Hylocereus polyrhizus) addition on the organoleptic assessment, nutritional values, and antioxidant content of cucumber juice products as a functional food. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) method, which consisted of six treatments G0 (500 g cucumber: 0 g red dragon fruit peel), G1 (500 g cucumber: 5 g red dragon fruit peel), G2 (500 g cucumber: 10 g red dragon fruit peel), G3 (500 g cucumber: 15 g red dragon fruit peel), G4 (500 g cucumber: 20 g red dragon fruit peel), and G5 (500 g cucumber: 25 g red dragon fruit peel). Data were analyzed using analysis of variances (ANOVA). The results show that the addition of red dragon fruit peel had a very significant effect on increasing the organoleptic values of color, aroma, and taste. The highest panelist preference level was obtained in the G4 treatment (500 g cucumber: 20 g red dragon fruit peel) with average scores of color, aroma, and taste reaching 4.69 (very liked), 3.44 (like), and 3.43 (like), respectively. Meanwhile, the lowest treatment was obtained in the G0 treatment (500 g cucumber: 20 g red dragon fruit peel). The G4 treatment had 1.43 cP viscosity, 5.35 pH, and 380.87% antioxidant activity. The cucumber juice product met the national quality standard for juice viscosity. Keyword: Antioxidant activity, cucumber juic, red dragon fruit peel, organoleptic ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mempelajari pengaruh penambahan kulit buah naga merah (Hylocereus polyrhizus) terhadap penilaian organoleptik, nutrisi dan kandungan antioksidan produk jus mentimun sebagai pangan fungsional. Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap (RAL), yaitu terdiri dari 6 perlakuan G0 (500 g mentimun : kulit buah naga merah 0 g), G1 (500 g mentimun : kulit buah naga 5 g), G2 (500 g mentimun : kulit buah naga merah 10 g), G3 (500 g mentimun : kulit buah naga merah 15 g), G4 (500 g mentimun : kulit buah naga merah 20 g), dan G5 (500 g mentimun : kulit buah naga merah 25 g). Data dianalisis menggunakan analysis of variances (ANOVA). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan penambahan kulit buah naga merah berpengaruh sangat nyata terhadap peningkatan nilai organoleptik warna, aroma, dan rasa. Tingkat kesukaan panelis tertinggi di peroleh pada perlakuan G4 (mentimun 500 g : kulit buah naga merah 20 g ) dengan nilai untuk warna 4,69 (sangat suka), aroma 3,44 (suka), dan rasa 3,43 (suka) sedangkan perlakuan terendah di peroleh pada perlakuan G0 (mentimun 500 g : kulit buah naga merah 20 g ). Serta analisis viskositas 1,43 cP, pH 5,35, dan analsis aktivitas antioksidan 380,87%. Berdasarkan standar mutu SNI jus bahwa produk jus mentimun sudah memenuhi standar mutu SNI untuk viskositas (kekentalan) jus. Kata kunci: Aktivitas antioksidan, buah mentimun, kulit buah naga merah, organoleptik
Selling unsustainable: The influence of advertising in emissions via UK consumption
Authors: Kite Grace , Vanduynslager Leonardo
Published: April 2023

So far there has been no quantification of emissions resulting from the effect that advertising has on consumption. To address this gap, we contribute the idea of advertised emissions, which we define as the greenhouse gas emissions associated with consumption that was influenced by advertising. Using data and methods set out below, we estimate that the UK’s advertised emissions in 2019 are around 190 million tonnes of CO2e. Even given margins for error in the estimates, which are likely to be significant, the evidence points to the effect of advertising on emissions via consumption being considerably bigger than the effect of business travel and energy use in offices. We argue that consumption effects should therefore be the main focus of effort to change how advertisers and advertising agencies behave.
Combining finite element space-discretizations with symplectic time-marching schemes for linear Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Cockburn Bernardo , Du Shukai , Sánchez Manuel A.
Published: April 2023

We provide a short introduction to the devising of a special type of methods for numerically approximating the solution of Hamiltonian partial differential equations. These methods use Galerkin space-discretizations which result in a system of ODEs displaying a discrete version of the Hamiltonian structure of the original system. The resulting system of ODEs is then discretized by a symplectic time-marching method. This combination results in high-order accurate, fully discrete methods which can preserve the invariants of the Hamiltonian defining the ODE system. We restrict our attention to linear Hamiltonian systems, as the main results can be obtained easily and directly, and are applicable to many Hamiltonian systems of practical interest including acoustics, elastodynamics, and electromagnetism. After a brief description of the Hamiltonian systems of our interest, we provide a brief introduction to symplectic time-marching methods for linear systems of ODEs which does not require any background on the subject. We describe then the case in which finite-difference space-discretizations are used and focus on the popular Yee scheme (1966) for electromagnetism. Finally, we consider the case of finite-element space discretizations. The emphasis is placed on the conservation properties of the fully discrete schemes. We end by describing ongoing work.
MiR-20a promotes osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells and bone repair of the maxillary sinus defect model in rabbits
Authors: Wang Yi-Xuan , Peng Zhu-Li , Sun Zhi-Wen , Pan Yan-Jun , Ai Hong , Mai Zhi-Hui
Published: April 2023

Introduction:This study aimed to determine whether miR-20 promoted osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (BMSCs) and accelerated bone formation in the maxillary sinus bone defect model in rabbits.

Methods:BMSCs were transfected with miR-20a or anti-miR-20a for 12 h, followed by detection of RUNX2, Sp7 mRNA, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), and RUNX2 protein expression. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Alizarin Red S staining were used to detect calcified nodule deposition. In the rabbit maxillary sinus bone defect model, miR-20a loaded with AAV and BMP2 protein were mixed with Bio-Oss bone powder for filling the bone defect. At 4 weeks and 8 weeks, bone density was detected by cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and new bone, osteoblasts, and collagen type 1 were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining.

Results:Overexpression of miR-20a enhanced the mRNA and protein levels of BMP2, RUNX2, and SP7, the activity of ALP, and the levels of matrix mineralization, whereas the levels and activity of the aforementioned factors were decreased by anti-miR-20a treatment of BMSCs. Furthermore, miR-20a significantly increased the bone density, the number of osteoblasts, and the secretion of collagen type 1 in bone defects compared with Bio-Oss bone powder in the rabbit maxillary sinus bone defect model.

Conclusion:Overall, miR-20a can induce osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs and accelerate bone formation of maxillary sinus defects in rabbits.
Small extracellular vesicles in breast cancer brain metastasis and the prospect of clinical application
Authors: Luo Tingli , Kang Yue , Liu Yushi , Li Jingyue , Li Jianyi
Published: April 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale extracellular particles that have received widespread scientific attention for carrying a variety of biomolecules such as nucleic acids and proteins and participating in the process of intercellular information exchange, making them become a research hotspot due to their potential diagnostic value. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women, approximately 90% of patient deaths are due to metastasis complications. Brain metastasis is an important cause of mortality in breast cancer patients, about 10–15% of breast cancer patients will develop brain metastasis. Therefore, early prevention of brain metastasis and the development of new treatments are crucial. Small EVs have been discovered to be involved in the entire process of breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM), playing an important role in driving organ-specific metastasis, forming pre-metastatic niches, disrupting the blood-brain barrier, and promoting metastatic tumor cell proliferation. We summarize the mechanisms of small EVs in the aforementioned pathological processes at the cellular and molecular levels, and anticipate their potential applications in the treatment of breast cancer brain metastasis, with the hope of providing new ideas for the precise treatment of breast cancer brain metastasis.
Apigenin is a promising molecule for treatment of visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Emiliano Yago S. S. , Almeida-Amaral Elmo E.
Published: April 2023

Current treatment for visceral leishmaniasis is based on drugs such as pentavalent antimony and amphotericin B. However, this treatment remains mostly ineffective and expensive, resulting in several side effects and generating resistance. Apigenin, a flavonoid present in fruits and vegetables, has demonstrated several biological functions. In the present study, we observed a concentration-dependent inhibition of the L. infantum promastigote in the presence of apigenin, exhibiting an IC50 value of 29.9 µM. Its effect was also evaluated in L. infantum-infected murine peritoneal macrophages, presenting an C50 value against intracellular amastigotes of 2.3 µM and a selectivity index of 34.3. In a murine model of visceral leishmaniasis, the in vivo effect of apigenin was measured using short-term and long-term treatment schemes. Treatment with apigenin demonstrated 99.7% and 94% reductions in the liver parasite load in the short-term and long-term treatment schemes, respectively. Furthermore, no alterations in serological and hematological parameters were observed. Taken together, these results suggest that apigenin is a potential candidate for visceral leishmaniasis chemotherapy by oral administration.
Blood pressure dynamics during home blood pressure monitoring with a digital blood pressure coach—a prospective analysis of individual user data
Authors: Beger Christian , Rüegger Dominik , Lenz Anna , Wagner Steffen , Haller Herrmann , Schmidt-Ott Kai Martin , Volland Dirk , Limbourg Florian P.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Self-monitoring of blood pressure at home is a better predictor of prognosis and recommended in hypertension guidelines. However, the influence of baseline blood pressure category and measurement schedule on BP values during a period of home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) are still poorly defined, particularly when used in conjunction with a digital application.

Methods

We analysed temporal BP changes and performed BP classification tracking in users with self-reported hypertension performing HBPM with a digital and interactive blood pressure coach.

Results

Of 3175 users who enrolled in HBPM, 74.1% completed the first measurement period. Overall, mean systolic BP dropped significantly after the first day, but stratification by BP category demonstrated that initial category influenced BP course. BP classification tracking revealed that time to reach final BP category was dependent on baseline category, with users in categories high normal and grade 1 hypertension requiring more days to decrease BP class volatility and to reach their definitive BP class. This was driven by an intense switching between directly neighbouring categories until the middle phase of the HBPM period, while more distant class switching occurred less often and only early on. Overall, >90% of users maintained their category by day 5. Omitting the first day from analysis lead to therapeutically relevant reclassification in 3.8% of users. Users who completed at least two HBPM periods (n = 864) showed a mean SBP/DBP decrease of 2.6/1.6 mmHg, which improved hypertension control from 55.6% to 68.1%.

Conclusion

The optimal length of HBPM period depends on BP category. HBPM with a digital coach is associated with a reduction in average BP and improvement in BP control.
Effect of COVID-19 on dental care for children during the post-pandemic era in Ghana: a concern for policymaking
Authors: Agyekum Benjamin Adu , Tuglo Lawrence Sena
Published: April 2023

The impacts of COVID-19 have been felt globally, especially in the delivery of healthcare services such as dental care, although the incidence in Africa is comparatively low. This review article aims to explore the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and its impact on dental care for children in Ghana. Some dental facilities in Ghana have been experiencing multiple challenges in service delivery, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated the situation. The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted all dental care in many parts of Ghana due to its impact on food insecurity, economic breakdown, depression, shortage of essential instrument supplies, inadequate health workers, and poor infection control practices, which present the main risks to dental care. Furthermore, the shutting of dental departments due to the COVID-19 lockdown has restricted the accessibility and utilization of dental services, especially for children. Hence, to avoid further and future pandemics and their impacts on dental care, there is a need to address the implications identified and prepare for the delivery of suitable dental healthcare in Ghana.
Benefits and development of assistive technologies for Deaf people's communication: A systematic review
Authors: Rodríguez-Correa Paula Andrea , Valencia-Arias Alejandro , Patiño-Toro Orfa Nidia , Oblitas Díaz Yober , Teodori De la Puente Renata
Published: April 2023

The development of technologies has made digital accessibility relevant to many everyday processes. Multiple resources have been designed to meet the special needs of a wide variety of people, such as Deaf sign language users, who require inclusive technologies to facilitate their communication in work, educational, and social environments. The objective of this study is to identify assistive technologies that favor and improve communication between Deaf and hearing people. To this end, a systematic review was carried out following the PRISMA checklist and using the Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. A total of 492 documents were identified and subjected to inclusion and exclusion criteria, of which 27 were included in the quantitative synthesis. As a result, technologies based on gesture recognition for the translation of sign language into speech and vice versa, technologies for sign language teaching, technologies for automatic caption generation, technologies based on online content, and technologies based on text and illumination networks were found in the studies. The findings suggest that there is a need for further research into the motivations for developing sign language technologies, as a contribution to the inclusion of Deaf communities in society without linguistic impositions.
Multi-level education for sustainability through global citizenship, territorial education and art forms
Authors: Simon Sandrine , Vieira Inês , Jecu Marta
Published: April 2023

This article is aimed at addressing concepts, approaches and challenges that are both very characteristic of the era we are living in and that would also greatly benefit from being more and better integrated into our learning systems (both in the formal and non-formal educational systems and lifelong learning). Those issues and themes have emerged from, or have been exacerbated by, socio-economic systems in place since the middle of the 20th century, promoting amongst other things, a consumption society based on a linear over-exploitation of natural resources, the globalization of exchanges, a rapid urbanization process and not-always-harmonious mixes of cultures and communities. The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have culminated in triggering reflections on what matters most and, conversely, on what makes our world so un-sustainable and non-resilient. From these, a new momentum has been generated on reviewing where our efforts on teaching and learning about ‘sustainability’ got us to. Our focus here is on new approaches to education for sustainability at global, community and personal levels, as well as at levels that connect those. From linking the local to the global through ‘global citizenship,’ to experiential learning generated through practical projects such as urban agriculture, to an emotional involvement into understanding sustainability issues through art forms, we re-visit sustainability through the eyes of the learners, questioning the boundaries of the ‘sustainability educational project’ beyond the ones which, for (too) long, have paralleled those of neo-liberal reforms.
Hyperglycemia disturbs trophoblast functions and subsequently leads to failure of uterine spiral artery remodeling
Authors: Zhu Yueyue , Liu Xiaorui , Xu Yichi , Lin Yi
Published: April 2023

Uterine spiral artery remodeling is necessary for fetal growth and development as well as pregnancy outcomes. During remodeling, trophoblasts invade the arteries, replace the endothelium and disrupt the vascular smooth muscle, and are strictly regulated by the local microenvironment. Elevated glucose levels at the fetal-maternal interface are associated with disorganized placental villi and poor placental blood flow. Hyperglycemia disturbs trophoblast proliferation and invasion via inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, altering the protein expression of related proteases (MMP9, MMP2, and uPA) and angiogenic factors (VEGF, PIGF). Besides, hyperglycemia influences the cellular crosstalk between immune cells, trophoblast, and vascular cells, leading to the failure of spiral artery remodeling. This review provides insight into molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of hyperglycemia that influence trophoblast functions and uterine spiral artery remodeling.
Anti-amphiphysin encephalitis: Expanding the clinical spectrum
Authors: Sun Yueqian , Qin Xiaoxiao , Huang Danxia , Zhou Ziqi , Zhang Yudi , Wang Qun
Published: April 2023

Objective

An analysis of the clinical features of autoimmune encephalitis accompanied by anti-amphiphysin antibodies.

Methods

The data of encephalitis patients with anti-amphiphysin antibodies were retrospectively evaluated, including demographics, neurological and laboratory findings, imaging, treatment, and prognostic predictions.

Results

Ten patients aged between 29 and 78 years (median age 52 years) were included. The male: female ratio was 4:6. Limbic encephalitis was found in nine patients while epileptic seizures were present in seven patients. All patients showed anti-amphiphysin antibody positivity in sera while one ninth was positive for CSF antibody. The EEG findings were abnormal, including reductions in background activity, and the presence of diffuse slow waves, sharp waves, and spikes and waves. Five patients showed signs of increased T2 signals in the medial temporal lobe on MRI while PET showed either hyper- or hypo-metabolic changes in several brain regions, including the temporal lobe, hippocampus, basal ganglia, frontal and parietal cortices. Nine of ten patients were treated with immunotherapy, with improvements of varying degrees. There was a significant reduction in seizure frequency, and all patients were seizure-free at last follow-up.

Conclusion

Autoimmune encephalitis with anti-amphiphysin antibodies has a variety of clinical manifestations. The most common symptom is limbic encephalitis. Although relief from seizures can be achieved relatively easily, many patients suffer psychiatric, cognitive, and sleep sequelae. The disease was found to be associated with a lower incidence of cancer than has been previously reported for paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes.
Different degree of cytokinemia and T-cell activation according to serum IL-6 levels in critical COVID-19
Authors: Lee Chan Mi , Kim Minji , Kang Chang Kyung , Choe Pyoeng Gyun , Kim Nam Joong , Bang Hyeeun , Cho Taeeun , Shin Hyun Mu , Kim Hang-Rae , Park Wan Beom , Oh Myoung-don
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Tocilizumab, a humanized anti-interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) antibody, is recommended for the treatment of severe to critical coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19). However, there were conflicting results on the efficacy of tocilizumab. Therefore, we hypothesized that the differences in tocilizumab efficacy may stem from the different immune responses of critical COVID-19 patients. In this study, we described two groups of immunologically distinct COVID-19 patients, based on their IL-6 response.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled critical COVID-19 patients, requiring oxygen support with a high flow nasal cannula or a mechanical ventilator, and analyzed their serial samples. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the cytokine kinetics and cellular immune responses, respectively.

Results

A total of nine patients with critical COVID-19 were included. The high (n = 5) and low IL-6 (n = 4) groups were distinguished by their peak serum IL-6 levels, using 400 pg/mL as the cut-off value. Although the difference of flow cytometric data did not reach the level of statistical significance, the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the frequencies of intermediate monocytes (CD14+CD16+), IFN-γ+ CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, and HLA-DR+PD-1+ CD4+ T cells were higher in the high IL-6 group than in the low IL-6 group.

Conclusion

There were distinctive two groups of critical COVID-19 according to serum IL-6 levels having different degrees of cytokinemia and T-cell responses. Our results indicate that the use of immune modulators should be more tailored in patients with critical COVID-19.
Integrated bioinformatics and machine-learning screening for immune-related genes in diagnosing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with ischemic stroke and RRS1 pan-cancer analysis
Authors: Bao Huayan , Li Jianwen , Zhang Boyang , Huang Ju , Su Danke , Liu Lidong
Published: April 2023

Background

The occurrence of ischemic stroke (IS) is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The cancer burden of NAFLD complicated by IS also warrants attention. This study aimed to identify candidate immune biomarkers linked to NAFLD and IS and analyze their association with cancer.

Methods

Two of each of the NAFLD and IS datasets were downloaded, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, and module genes were screened via weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA). Subsequently, utilizing machine learning (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, random forest and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination) and immune cell infiltration analysis, immune-related candidate biomarkers for NAFLD with IS were determined. Simultaneously, a nomogram was established, the diagnostic efficacy was assessed, and the role of candidate biomarkers in cancer was ascertained through pan-cancer analyses.

Results

In this study, 117 and 98 DEGs were identified from the combined NAFLD and IS datasets, respectively, and 279 genes were obtained from the most significant modules of NAFLD. NAFLD module genes and IS DEGs were intersected to obtain nine genes, which were enriched in the inflammatory response and immune regulation. After overlapping the results of the three machine learning algorithms, six candidate genes were obtained, based on which a nomogram was constructed. The calibration curve demonstrated good accuracy, and the candidate genes had high diagnostic values. The genes were found to be related to the immune dysregulation of stroke, and RRS1 was strongly associated with the prognosis, immune cell infiltration, microsatellite instability (MSI), and tumor mutation burden (TMB).

Conclusion

Six common candidate immune-related genes (PTGS2, FCGR1A, MMP9, VNN3, S100A12, and RRS1) of NAFLD and IS were identified, and a nomogram for diagnosing NAFLD with IS was established. RRS1 may serve as a candidate gene for predicting the prognosis of patients with cancer who have NAFLD complicated by IS, which could aid in their diagnosis and treatment.
Chronic alcohol administration alters metabolomic profile of murine bone marrow
Authors: Pontes Pereira Tássia Tatiane , Fideles Duarte-Andrade Filipe , Gardone Vitório Jéssica , do Espírito Santo Pereira Taiane , Braga Martins Flavia Rayssa , Marques Souza Jéssica Amanda , Malacco Nathália Luisa , Mathias Melo Eliza , Costa Picossi Carolina Raíssa , Pinto Ernani , Santiago Gomez Ricardo , Martins Teixeira Mauro , Nori de Macedo Adriana , André Baptista Canuto Gisele , Soriani Frederico Marianetti
Published: April 2023

Introduction

People with hazardous alcohol use are more susceptible to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections due to the effect of alcohol on immune system cell function. Metabolized ethanol reduces NAD+ to NADH, affecting critical metabolic pathways. Here, our aim was to investigate whether alcohol is metabolized by bone marrow cells and if it impacts the metabolic pathways of leukocyte progenitor cells. This is said to lead to a qualitative and quantitative alteration of key metabolites which may be related to the immune response.

Methods

We addressed this aim by using C57BL/6 mice under chronic ethanol administration and evaluating the metabolomic profile of bone marrow total cells by gas chromatography–coupled mass spectrometry (GC–MS).

Results

We identified 19 metabolites. Our data demonstrated that chronic ethanol administration alters the metabolomic profile in the bone marrow, resulting in a statistically diminished abundance of five metabolites in ethanol-treated animals: uracil, succinate, proline, nicotinamide, and tyrosine.

Discussion

Our results demonstrate for the first time in the literature the effects of alcohol consumption on the metabolome content of hematopoietic tissue and open a wide range of further studies to investigate mechanisms by which alcohol compromises the cellular function of the immune system.
Epigenetic modulation and prostate cancer: Paving the way for NK cell anti-tumor immunity
Authors: dos Reis Filipa D. , Jerónimo Carmen , Correia Margareta P.
Published: April 2023

Immunoepigenetics is a growing field, as there is mounting evidence on the key role played by epigenetic mechanisms in the regulation of tumor immune cell recognition and control of immune cell anti-tumor responses. Moreover, it is increasingly acknowledgeable a tie between epigenetic regulation and prostate cancer (PCa) development and progression. PCa is intrinsically a cold tumor, with scarce immune cell infiltration and low inflammatory tumor microenvironment. However, Natural Killer (NK) cells, main anti-tumor effector immune cells, have been frequently linked to improved PCa prognosis. The role that epigenetic-related mechanisms might have in regulating both NK cell recognition of PCa tumor cells and NK cell functions in PCa is still mainly unknown. Epigenetic modulating drugs have been showing boundless therapeutic potential as anti-tumor agents, however their role in immune cell regulation and recognition is scarce. In this review, we focused on studies addressing modulation of epigenetic mechanisms involved in NK cell-mediated responses, including both the epigenetic modulation of tumor cell NK ligand expression and NK cell receptor expression and function in different tumor models, highlighting studies in PCa. The integrated knowledge from diverse epigenetic modulation mechanisms promoting NK cell-mediated immunity in various tumor models might open doors for the development of novel epigenetic-based therapeutic options for PCa management.