bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth of continental crust and subduction of lithosphere in the Hadean revealed by geochemistry and geodynamics.
Authors: Vezinet Adrien , Chugunov Aleksandr , Sobolev Alexander , Jain Charitra , Sobolev Stephan , Asafov Evgeny , Batanova Valentina , Arndt Nicholas , Danyushevsky Leonid , Valley John , Koshlykova Alina
Published: November 2024

The rates of continental crust growth and recycling on early Earth remain controversial because materials in the ancient crust and mantle have been altered, or even erased, by ongoing geodynamical processes. Melt inclusions in minerals are pockets of magma trapped and shielded from the external environment. Where found within Archean high-Mg olivine – the first mineral to crystallize in mantle-derived melts – these inclusions provide an unaltered glimpse of the geochemical state of the early Earth mantle. We discovered an unprecedented unradiogenic Sr mantle source component (87Sr/86Sr=0.69932±0.00024, 95% c.i. here and below) in mantle-derived melts trapped in olivine from ca. 3.27 Ga komatiitic lava flows (Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa). This component shows a 4.31±0.19 Ga model age combined with significant chemical fractionation (Nb/U=36.9±1.5, Ce/Pb=16.7±1.1) translating to extraction, by the late-Hadean, of 80%±16% of the mass of present-day continental crust assuming whole mantle processing. That agrees with the results of our geodynamic models explaining the Nb/U and Ce/Pb data by the production of 40 to 70% of the present-day continental crust mass during the Hadean in an oscillating mobile-lid tectonic regime with several tens of million years long periods of massive subduction induced by mantle plumes.
NEGR1 can influence symptom severity in fluoxetine treated major depression disorder patients
Authors: Bayoglu Burcu , Akdeniz Gulseren , Kocabasoglu Nese , Poyraz Cana Aksoy , Dirican Ahmet , Cengiz Mujgan
Published: November 2024

NEGR1 (neuronal growth regulator 1) is a cell adhesion molecule of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily related to IgLON subgroup. NEGR1 promotes cell-cell adhesion and stimulates neurite growth of hypothalamic neurons and inhibits synapse formation. NEGR1 is one of the genomic regions significantly associated with major depression disorder (MDD). The functional role of NEGR1 on MDD is still unknown. Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is used in the treatment of MDD. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of fluoxetine on NEGR1 expression in MDD and to examine correlations between NEGR1 levels and symptom severity. In this study, mRNA expression of NEGR1 in fluoxetine-treated and non-treated cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were detected by qPCR in 40 patients with MDD and 40 age‑matched healthy controls. The protein levels of NEGR1 in cultured PBMCs were detected by ELISA method. Hamilton Rating-Scale for Depression (HRSD) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used to evaluate depressive symptom severity. PBMC of MDD patients exhibited elevated NEGR1 protein levels when compared with healthy controls in both fluoxetine treated and non-treated groups (p = 0.01). Besides, a positive correlation was found between NEGR1 protein levels and Beck scores in fluoxetine treated MDD group (r = 0.33, p = 0.036). However, no significant relationship was observed in NEGR1 mRNA levels between MDD patients and controls in both fluoxetine treated and non-treated group (p > 0.05). Fluoxetine had no effect on the protein levels of NEGR1 directly. On the other hand, NEGR1 protein levels may affect symptom severity in MDD patients treated with fluoxetine.
Validity of linear and nonlinear measures of gait variability to characterize aging gait with a single low back accelerometer
Authors: Piergiovanni Sophia , Terrier Philippe
Published: November 2024

Purpose: This study investigates the validity of the attractor complexity index (ACI), a recently developed gait analysis tool based on nonlinear dynamics. The analysis assesses ACI's sensitivity to attentional demands in gait control and its potential for characterizing age-related changes in gait patterns. Furthermore, the study compares ACI with classical gait metrics to determine its efficacy relative to established methods.
Methods: A 4x200m indoor walking test with a triaxial accelerometer attached to the lower back was used to compare gait patterns of younger (N=42) and older adults (N=60) during normal and metronome walking. The other linear and non-linear gait metrics were movement intensity, gait regularity, local dynamic stability (maximal Lyapunov exponents), and scaling exponent (detrended fluctuation analysis).
Results: In contrast to other gait metrics, ACI demonstrated a specific sensitivity to metronome walking, with both young and old participants exhibiting altered stride interval correlations. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between the young and old groups (standardized effect size: -0.77). Additionally, older participants exhibited slower walking speeds, a reduced movement intensity, and a lower gait regularity. Inferential statistics using linear mixed-effects models confirmed the responsiveness of ACI to metronome walking and its efficacy in differentiating between the gait patterns of older and younger adults.
Conclusion: The ACI is likely a sensitive marker for attentional load during walking and can effectively discriminate age-related changes in gait patterns. Its ease of measurement makes it a promising tool gait analysis in unsupervised (free-living) conditions. Future research will focus on the ACI’s clinical utility for fall risk assessment.
LPA released from dying cancer cells after chemotherapy inactivates Hippo signaling and promotes pancreatic cancer cell repopulation
Authors: Yuzhi Liu , Jie Ding , Shumin Li , Jiang Anyi , Chen Zhiqin , Quan Ming
Published: October 2024

Gemcitabine-based chemotherapy remains the cornerstone of comprehensive treatment for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A significant bottleneck in tumor therapeutic efficacy is tumor repopulation, which is also considered one of the key reasons for drug resistance and recurrence. Previous investigations have highlighted the crucial role of the Hippo pathway in the tumorigenesis and progression of PDAC, with lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) regulating the Hippo pathway to promote cancer. However, the effect of the Hippo signaling pathway on tumor repopulation in PDAC has not been reported. In this study, we constructed a model where dose-dependent gemcitabine-induced dying cells release LPA, which promotes the proliferation, clonal formation, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. Mechanistic studies show that gemcitabine and LPA inhibit the phosphorylation of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and induce the inactivation of the Hippo pathway. Overexpression of YAP1 significantly upregulates the mRNA and protein expression levels of autocrine motility factor (ATX), inducing pancreatic cancer cells to release LPA, forming a positive feedback loop of LPA-Hippo to promote the re-proliferation of residual tumor cells. At the same time, it was found that inhibiting LPA and YAP1 expression can also increase the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer to gemcitabine. Thus, this study suggests that targeting the LPA-YAP1 signaling pathway may represent an effective strategy to improve the comprehensive therapeutic efficacy of PDAC.
Epidemiological characteristics and spatio-temporal clusters of human brucellosis in Inner Mongolia, 2010-2021
Authors: Liu Sijia , Sarisak Soontornchai , Somchai Bovornkitti , Wang Xuemei
Published: November 2024

Background
Brucellosis poses a significant public health challenge in China. Inner Mongolia, characterized by its developed livestock industry, is the most severe endemic area for human brucellosis. This study aims to describe the epidemiology, explore the spatial-temporal distribution patterns, and clustering characteristics of human brucellosis in Inner Mongolia.
Methods
Data on human brucellosis cases from 2010 to 2021 were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Inner Mongolia. Spatial autocorrelation analysis was used to identify high-risk areas, while spatial-temporal scan statistics were employed to detect changes in clusters over time.
Results
A total of 153,792 brucellosis cases were reported in Inner Mongolia from 2010 to 2021, with an average annual incidence rate of 52.59 per 100,000. The incidence showed a decreasing trend from 2010 to 2016, followed by a significant increase from 2016 to 2021. The disease exhibited distinct seasonality, peaking in spring and summer (March to August). Middle-aged individuals, males, and farmers/herdsmen had higher incidence rates. Spatially, incidence rates decreased from north to south and from the central and eastern regions to the west. Clear spatial clusters were observed during 2010–2013 and 2016–2021 in the global Moran’s I test. Local spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed that high-high clusters expanded from the central and eastern regions towards the west over time. Spatio-temporal scan analysis further indicated that high-risk clusters were primarily concentrated in the central and eastern regions, with a continuous expansion towards the west and south, leading to an increasingly broad geographical spread.
Conclusion
Human brucellosis cases in Inner Mongolia exhibit spatio-temporal clustering, with spatial concentration in the central and eastern regions, but also observed expansion towards the western and southern regions. The most of cases occur between March and August each year. For high-risk areas and populations, more timely and effective prevention and control measures should be implemented to mitigate the spread of brucellosis and protect public health.
Research on an Intelligent Fetal Heart Monitoring Image Classification Model Based on Hybrid Attention Mechanism and Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Wang Xinhao , Lin Chunxia , You Qingshan , Yang Xueying , Zhu Ling
Published: October 2024

Fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring, a non-invasive method using cardiotocography (CTG), reflects fetal condition in real-time to identify abnormalities and reduce intrauterine hypoxia risk. Hypoxia, a common prenatal issue linked to restricted fetal growth, neurological disorders, and perinatal mortality, alters fetal heart rate patterns such as baseline variability and accelerations. Intelligent CTG classification using FHR signals is challenging but aids in decision-making. Traditional machine learning requires cumbersome feature extraction, hindering real-time classification. This study proposes a method using hybrid attention and ResNet50 for computer vision image classification, assisting doctors and enabling preliminary patient judgments. Utilizing a real hospital dataset, this approach achieved 87% accuracy in experiments. Its advantage lies in directly processing fetal heart monitoring images, bypassing complex feature extraction, and leveraging deep learning for accurate classification, providing a more reliable fetal health monitoring method.
Comparison of Heart Rate Variability, Hemodynamic, Metabolic and Inflammatory Parameters in Various Phases of Decompansatory Hemorrhagic Shock of Normal and Vagotomized Conscious Male Rats
Authors: Khodadadi Fateme , Punait Sujata , Ketabchi Farzaneh , Khodabandeh Zahra , Bahaoddini Aminollah , Lewis Gregory F.
Published: November 2024

Background
This study aims to investigate the autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity before and after resuscitation at different severities of hemorrhagic shock (HS) in conscious rats, using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis as an indirect method.
Methods
Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into different experimental groups, including those with and without vagotomy, and were exposed to different classes of decompensatory HS. Hemodynamic parameters were monitored, and HRV was calculated. Levels of TNF-α and IL-10 were determined in lung tissue at the end of the experiments. Correlations between HRV, hemodynamic parameters, inflammatory gene expression and blood gas variables were evaluated.
Results
HRV showed increased power of the low-frequency (LF) and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) components in all HS groups during the hypotension phase of HS (Nadir 1). After volume resuscitation, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and RSA returned to baseline in the animals with reversible HS. In the irreversible group, SBP and LF remained lower, while RSA was higher than the other groups. During the Nadir phase, the LF component did not increase and after resuscitation it was low in all vagotomized (Vag) animals. Notably, strong correlations were found between low LF and SBP as well as tissue hypoperfusion markers. Moreover, the expression of TNF-α in the lung was increased in all HS groups, while this gene expression was significantly higher in the vagotomized with HS groups than in the HS groups.
Conclusion
The activity of the ANS changes in the different phases of HS, with the parasympathetic nervous system dominating in the hypotensive phase of HS and the vagal tone of the heart decreasing in the recovery phase, which is only the case in reversible classes of HS, but not in irreversible HS. Vagotomy influences ANS and inflammatory responses to HS. This study suggests that HRV analysis could be a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring patients in terms of hemorrhage persistence, shock severity, and progression to the irreversible stage.
Critical Care Nurse’ Perspectives Toward Interprofessional Collaboration: Key Challenges and Best Practices for Moving Forward
Authors: Salem Amina , Abdu Hala Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Background: The positive outcomes for critically ill patients rely on effective interprofessional collaboration (IPC), which depends on the collective expertise and skill of the critical care team (CCT) working cohesively and collaboratively to provide patients with the best chance of high-quality, safe care for survival. The current study aimed to (1) Determine the challenges to interprofessional collaboration in the critical care units as perceived by nurses, and (2) Explore the best practices suggested by nurses for improving interprofessional collaboration.
Methods: A mixed study design was employed to collect the data from 125 nurses who worked in the three critical care medicine units at the main university hospital.
Results: Quantitative data were analyzed using a t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation, and 𝑝 < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis. The results demonstrated that a substantial difference between nurses who graduated from nursing faculties and hold baccalaureate degrees and nurses who graduated from nursing institutions and hold diploma degrees in agreement and satisfaction with the relations and collaboration with the physicians. Additionally, a significant correlation was seen between the level of nurses’ education and the limited time caused by heavy workloads and the nurses’ perspectives toward their relations with physicians. A content analysis of the nurses’ texts revealed that five themes have emerged as nurses’ suggestions to keep up the best practices for moving forward in the nurse-physician collaboration: changing the physician’s attitude toward the nurses, improving communication skills, role clarification, interprofessional conflict resolution, and support and motivation.
Conclusions: On one hand, unlike diploma nurses, nurses with baccalaureate degrees reported disagreement with the level of collaboration between nurses and physicians, especially in the statements of the physicians’ dominance of the decision, their position at the top of the hierarchy, consideration of the nurses as followers not as colleagues, and the power of authority that the physicians have over nurses (superior-subordinate relationships). On the other hand, feelings of inferiority and inequality were reported by the nurses as a response to the open-ended question.
Identifying Recurrence Risk Factors in Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysms Post-Intervention
Authors: Chen Kun , Hou Yuyang , Yu Jiasheng
Published: November 2024

Background
In the realm of neurovascular disorders, vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADA) stand out due to their significant morbidity and mortality rates, particularly when they lead to subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Despite advancements in interventional therapies, the recurrence of VADA post-treatment remains a critical challenge, with a reported recurrence rate of 13%-25.7%. This study aims to bridge the gap in understanding the risk factors contributing to VADA recurrence after interventional therapy, a domain that has seen limited exploration.
Method
Employing a retrospective analysis, we reviewed the medical records of 64 patients diagnosed with VADA and treated with interventional therapy from 2015 to 2024. Patients were categorized based on the presence of SAH, the relationship of VADA to the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA), and the type of interventional therapy received. Statistical analyses, including univariate and multivariate logistic regression, were utilized to identify factors associated with VADA recurrence.
Result
Our findings reveal that VADA located on the dominant side and the length of the dissection in the artery significantly increased the risk of recurrence. Moreover, the type of interventional therapy, specifically the use of engraving laser stent-assisted coil (SAC-L), was associated with higher recurrence rates compared to other methods. The complete occlusion rate was notably higher in patients treated with regular braided stent-assisted coil (SAC-B) and parent artery occlusion (PAO).
Conclusion
This study underscores the importance of considering the anatomical location of VADA and the choice of interventional therapy in mitigating the risk of recurrence. Our analysis provides critical insights into the factors influencing VADA recurrence, offering a valuable resource for clinicians in tailoring treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.
A nomogram for predicting adverse perinatal outcome in patients with fetal growth restriction: A prospective observational study
Authors: Zhao Ying , Xu Lei , An Ping , Zhou Jizi , Zhu Jie , Liu Shuangping , Zhou Qiongjie , Li Xiaotian , Xiong Yu
Published: November 2024

Background
Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a major determinant of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Our study aimed to develop a prediction model for the risk of FGR developing adverse perinatal outcome (APO) combining ultrasonic and maternal serum biochemical indicators.
Methods
A total of 122 patients diagnosed with FGR were recruited for our prospective observational cohort study, who were randomly divided into a training and validation cohort at a ratio of 1:1. The primary composite APO comprised one or more of: birth weight below the 3rd percentile, perinatal death, impaired consciousness, asphyxia, seizures, assisted ventilation, septicemia, meningitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, cystic periventricular leukomalacia, and necrotizing enterocolitis. The stepwise regression based on the Akaike information criterion minimum was used to select variables for inclusion in the nomogram model. The discrimination and calibration of the nomogram were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration plots. The net benefits of the nomogram at different threshold probabilities were quantified via decision curve analysis (DCA). Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed to analyze the primary outcome for risk stratifications.
Results
Three variables of abnormal umbilical artery (UA) Doppler, abnormal middle cerebral artery (MCA) Doppler, and log10(sFlt-1/PlGF) were selected to establish a nomogram. The C-index value of 0.79 and 0.75 in the training and validation cohort respectively, indicated satisfactory discriminative ability of the nomogram. The calibration plots showed favorable consistency between the nomogram’s predictions and actual observations in both cohorts. DCA manifested that the nomogram was clinically applicable, for it produced a better discriminative ability to identify those who carry a potentially high risk of APO.
Conclusions
A prognostic nomogram was developed and validated to possess the promising capacity of assisting clinicians in evaluating the prognosis of FGR patients.
A Tale of Cross-Dataset Analysis on Mental Health
Authors: Emran Abdullah Nayem Wasi , Islam A. B. M. Alim Al
Published: October 2024

Even though recent days present several different datasets on mental health, conventional studies generally limit their scope to specific datasets within isolated contexts, leaving gaps in our understanding of how mental health evolves across different contexts. Therefore, going beyond such conventional studies, we examine three different mental health-related datasets – covering medical students, quarantined individuals, and those with psychiatric disorders – to offer comprehensive knowledge through a cross-dataset lens. In our study, using statistical and network-based analyses, we explore how age, gender, and education affect mental health outcomes in varying contexts. While isolated analyses of our considered datasets reveal important patterns, such as women experiencing heightened stress in quarantine and medical students displaying increased empathy, our cross-dataset analysis uncovers novel and unexpected insights. For instance, our cross-dataset analysis reveals that the impacts of age on mental health substantially vary during quarantine and in clinical settings. Additionally, although education is typically believed to be associated with better mental health, we find that this association does not hold for medical students. These findings underscore the value of cross-dataset analysis for offering richer insights into how external factors impact mental health across diverse contexts, providing valuable guidance for future research and interventions.
Uncovering the Relationship Between Technology-Enhanced, Adaptive Teaching and Situational Interest in Mathematics in a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fütterer Tim , Hoch Emely , Dumont Hanna
Published: November 2024

Previous research has shown that students’ interest typically declines across secondary school, likely resulting from a mismatch between their needs and the school environment. Technology-enhanced adaptive teaching may allow teachers to better tailor their instruction to students’ needs, including students’ interests; thus, this approach may be promising in this regard. The objective of this study was to gain insight into the associations between equipping students and their teachers with tablet computers (1:1 technology), student-perceived adaptive teaching, and students' situational interest. We used questionnaire data (i.e., from two measurement points: t0 = baseline; t1 = 4 months later) from the longitudinal project tabletBW meets science from 2,601 students (Grade 7, Gymnasium, Germany) attending 28 schools. Fourteen schools were randomly chosen to be given 1:1 technology (i.e., tablet computers for teachers and students; intervention condition). The other 14 randomly chosen schools were not given such equipment (control condition). We assessed how students' situational interest in mathematics was associated with the use of tablet computers (intervention vs. control) and student-perceived adaptive teaching. Results from multilevel models showed that the 1:1 technology had a statistically significant effect on students' situational interest, partly mediated by student-perceived adaptive teaching. Moreover, knowing that students' interest in math declines in adolescence, our results indicate that equipping classrooms with technology might offer a promising way to implement more adaptive lessons that have the potential to provide the appropriate degree of challenge to students and thus spark their interest in mathematics.
Mechanical thrombectomy of acute ischemic stroke of Medium Sized Vessels (M2 segment of middle cerebral artery occlusion)
Authors: Khedr Eman M. , Elbassiouny Ahmed , Nageeb Mahmoud , Aly Ahmed , Mohamed Khalid O. , Haridy Nourelhoda A.
Published: November 2024

Background
Data on mechanical thrombectomy (MT) to treat M2 occlusions of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) are sparse. We report the outcome and safety of MT versus intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV rTPA) versus conventional medical treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) due to occlusion of the M2 segment of the MCA. This prospective study compared the outcomes and safety of MT, rTPA, and conventional medical treatment in M2 occlusion AIS patients. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and recanalization rate assessed outcomes.
Results
74 AIS patients were recruited (23 MT, 23 rTPA, 28 conventional treatments). MT group had significantly higher admission NIHSS (p = 0.037). At 24 hours, NIHSS improved more with MT and rTPA than conventional treatment (p < 0.0001). At 3 months, mRS were better with MT and rTPA versus conventional treatment (p < 0.0001). Successful recanalization occurred in 73.9% of the MT group. 69% of the MT group required stent retrieval plus aspiration thrombectomy and 60.9% required ≥ 3 trials, but outcomes did not differ by technique or number of trials. A good outcome (mRS 0–2) at 3 months was achieved in 69.6% MT versus 65.2% rTPA versus 7.1% conventional treatment (p < 0.0001). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) rates were slightly, but insignificantly, higher with conventional treatment. Mortality did not significantly differ between groups.
Conclusions
For M2 occlusions, MT and rTPA achieved better early and 3-month outcomes than conventional management, however, MT was not superior to rTPA. MT of M2 is feasible and effective, with a lower hemorrhage rate than rTPA and conventional treatment.
Trial registration
This study was prospectively registered in the clinical trial with ClinicalTrials.gov ID (NCT05091320). The link https//clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05091320
Down-regulation of YAP prevents smoking- and alcohol-induced carcinogenesis of esophageal paracancerous tissue by promoting cellular pyroptosis
Authors: Ding Xinyu , Li Ying , Wang Xuning , Li Fan , Xu Zhifei , Zhu Yongfei , Chen Zihao
Published: November 2024

Background
Paracancerous tissues (PCTs) were previously considered benign regions, but recent findings reveal genomic instability in these areas. Smoking and alcohol consumption are closely associated with esophageal cancer (EC) development. This study explored the interplay between the Hippo pathway and pyroptosis in EC, PCTs, and distal normal tissues (DNTs).
Methods
We used molecular epidemiological methods to analyze the effects of smoking and alcohol on these pathways. We found that key genes in both pathways were more altered in smokers and/or drinkers compared to non-smokers and non-drinkers. Additionally, we observed changes in some genes and proteins in PCTs, while the Hippo pathway and pyroptosis had not yet been influenced. We applied 4.0% alcohol combined with various concentrations of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) to PCTs cultured in vitro to observe carcinogenesis and changes in these pathways. Verteporfin, as an inhibitor of YAP, was also used in vitro culture experiments to observe its effects on cellular carcinogenesis.
Results
Among 56 EC patients, 41 had a history of smoking and/or alcohol consumption in this study. Significant alterations in Hippo pathway genes (LATS1, YAP, TAZ) and pyroptosis genes (NLRP3, ASC, GSDMD, Caspase-1) were observed in EC tissues and change of Lats1, Nlrp3, and Asc in PCTs. We also found verteporfin inhibited CSE and alcohol-induced carcinogenesis by downregulating YAP and promoting pyroptosis.
Conclusions
It is speculated that the downregulation of YAP could prevent smoking- and alcohol-induced carcinogenesis in esophageal PCTs by promoting pyroptosis, which may offer new insights for the treatment of esophageal squamous carcinoma.
Malaria risk factors amongst forest going populations in Mondulkiri Province and Kampong Speu Province, Cambodia: a large cross-sectional survey
Authors: Chen Ingrid , Doum Dyna , McIver David J , Keo Vanney , Vong Pisey , Pech Sophak , Meth Vanny , Bun Sour , Pen Kimheng , Chea Sopagna , Ly Kanha , Hok Kry , Sovannaroth Siv , Ting Jafit , Lovin Diana , Cunningham Joanne , Vajda Elodie , Tatarsky Allison , Lobo Neil F
Published: November 2024

Background: Cambodia strives to eliminate all species of human malaria by 2025, requiring that foci among forest-exposed populations in remote settings be addressed. This study explores malaria risk factors amongst forest-exposed groups in Mondulkiri and Kampong Speu Provinces, Cambodia as part of a multi-stage study on novel bite prevention tools (Project BITE).
Methods: A serial cross-sectional survey explored the demographics, housing structure openness, mosquito bite prevention habits, and gaps in protection amongst three target groups: forest goers who work in the forest, forest dwellers who live in the forest, and forest rangers who patrol forested regions. Malaria prevalence data was collected at three time points using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for febrile individuals and qPCR for all participants. Infection locations and travel patterns of P. falciparum-infected individuals were analyzed for clustering and the potential movement of infections.
Results: 2,935 participants were enrolled between October 2022 and February 2023, consisting of 1,093 (37%) forest goers and 1,787 (61%) forest dwellers across both provinces, and 55 (5%) forest rangers in Mondulkiri province. Most worked outdoors as farmers, day laborers, and forest collectors, and reported going to the forest five to seven days a week. For housing, 29% and 39% of participants reported living in partially open primary and secondary structures, respectively. The main methods of mosquito bite protection used were insecticide-treated nets, wearing long sleeves, and burning mosquito coils, with gaps in protection during the daytime and outside at night. All febrile individuals had negative RDT test results. For qPCR, 24 P. falciparum infections (<1%) were detected among forest goers and dwellers, clustered in Pu Trom and Pu Nhav villages in Mondulkiri Province, and Banteay Roka and Banteay Roka Kirisenchey (M) villages in Kampong Speu Province. P. vivax cases were detected (216 cases, 5%) across all enrolled villages. Only two infections were found in forest rangers.
Conclusion: Malaria elimination strategies for forest-exposed populations in Cambodia should focus on vector intervention strategies that offer protection during the day and outside at night, and the use of drug-based strategies to clear subpatent infections, targeting forest goers and dwellers in villages where cases are detected.
Immunomodulatory effect of metabolites secreted by the probiotic strain of E. coli O83:K24:H31
Authors: Černý Viktor , Inic-Kanada Aleksandra , Krčmářová Eliška , Novotná Olga , Petrásková Petra , Súkeníková Lenka , Kuzma Marek , Schabussova Irma , Hrdy Jiri
Published: October 2024

Bacteria and their metabolic products profoundly affect the immune system. Research has shown that early postnatal supplementation with specific probiotic strains, such as Escherichia coli O83:K24:H31 (EcO83), can provide health benefits. EcO83 is a facultative anaerobe capable of generating energy through multiple metabolic pathways, an adaptation that allows it to thrive in the gastrointestinal tract where oxygen availability can vary. Despite these advantages, the precise mechanisms through which this probiotic, and in particular its metabolites, functions remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to identify the metabolites that EcO83 produces when cultured under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. We also aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of these metabolites on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), mouse splenocytes, and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) in vitro. Our results revealed the presence of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), namely acetate and propionate, in the supernatants of both aerobic and anaerobic EcO83 cultures. Interestingly, the supernatants from the aerobic cultures induced greater production of Th1 cytokines, such as IFN-γ, in PBMCs, whereas anaerobic culture supernatants more prominently triggered the Th2 cytokine IL-13. Similarly, murine splenocytes exhibited increased IFN-γ production when stimulated with aerobic supernatants. Additionally, both aerobic and anaerobic EcO83 supernatants promoted the release of proinflammatory (TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines from the BMDCs, as well as their maturation, evidenced by the upregulation of surface marker CD80. In conclusion, we are the first to report that EcO83 produces SCFA, including acetate and propionate, under varying oxygen conditions. Our findings suggest that probiotics can exert beneficial effects through their secreted metabolites, not solely through the presence of the bacterial cells themselves, making them a promising postbiotic solution for therapeutic administration.
Efficient and stable blue perovskite light-emitting diodes through I-III-VI quantum dot solids as hole transport layer
Authors: Zheng Xue , Wang Yuanzhi , Zhong Guo-Hua , Chen Ming , Shao Yan , Ming Wenjie , Ren Chuanlai , Wu Qianqian , Liu Minqiang , Wang Haoran , Zhang Jie , Bai Yang , Hou Wenjun , Yang Chunlei
Published: November 2024

Perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) have achieved skyrocketing progress in material and device efficiencies. However, inferior stabilities of pure blue devices, remain major hurdles towards full-color displays. Herein, we built PeLEDs based on quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) perovskites using chalcopyrite I-III-VI semiconductor quantum dot (QD) solids as novel inorganic hole transport layer (HTL), to overcome the stability issues in blue PeLEDs. Wide-gap silver-copper-gallium-disulfide (ACGS) QDs were dedicatedly-synthesized aiming for enhanced hole transport efficiency in QD solids through adaptable band structure and surface chemistry engineering, resulting in band-like hole transport with a high mobility of 0.546 cm2 V− 1s− 1 in the linear working scheme. In addition, the Lewis base group attached to the QD surface (Cl−, RS−) lower the defect density through buried interface passivation on uncoordinated Pb2+ in perovskite, which effectively regulate crystallization kinetics of quasi-2D perovskite. Furthermore, halide interstitial defects were stabilized by Lewis acids group (Zn2+) capped on the surface of ACGS QDs, preventing ionic migration and deep-level trap formation. As a result, the champion pure-blue PeLEDs based on ACGS QD solids exhibit preeminent operating lifetime (T50@100 cd/m2 = 78 min) for electroluminescence (EL) peak emission wavelength at 471 nm, with maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 10.85%.
Effekte eines partizipativen Lehrmoduls zur Demokratiebildung im Lehramtsstudium
Authors: Wehde Janis
Published: November 2024

Der Beitrag untersucht die Effekte eines zwei Sitzungen umfassenden, partizipativen und themenunabhängig integrierbaren Lehrmoduls zur Stärkung der Demokratiebildungskompetenz von Lehramtsstudierenden (N = 159) in einer quasi-experimentellen Studie vom Sommersemester 2023 bis zum Sommersemester 2024. Die Ergebnisse der zweifaktoriellen Varianzanalysen mit Messwiederholungen (Pre-, Post- und Follow-up) verdeutlichen Effekte des Lehrmoduls auf die Selbstwirksamkeitserwartungen der Studierenden zur partizipativ-verfahrensorientierten Unterrichtsgestaltung und auf das methodische Wissen zur demokratischen Erarbeitung von Beurteilungskriterien in unterrichtlichen Lehr-Lern-Arrangements.
История становления и развития Краснодарской научной медицинской школы анестезиологии и реаниматологии
Authors: Малышев Ю. П. , Редько Андрей Николаевич , Романцов В. В. , Веселова Д. В. , Бедоева К. О. , Трембач Н. В.
Published: November 2024

Today, a relevant aspect of developing a competent understanding of medicine as a complex science interconnected with a number of humanities disciplines is to consider its history through the prism of the most outstanding research teams of scientific medical schools. The presented article is devoted to consideration of the historical path of formation and development of the scientific medical school of anesthesiology and resuscitation in Kuban. The authors provide data on the prerequisites (conditions for improving knowledge about anesthesiology and resuscitation in the region) and the main stage of this process. The materials of the historiographic research were data from archival funds, in particular the state archive of the Krasnodar Territory and the Museum of History of the Kuban State Medical University, personal collections of members of the scientific school, as well as specialized literature within the scope of the work. The research methodology involved the use of chronological, biographical, analytical and narrative methods.
Guava ripening and quality in response to pre-harvest boron spraying
Authors: Filho Vitor Hugo Artigiani , Leonel Sarita , Putti Fernando Ferrari , Martins Rafaelly Calsavara , Ferreira Rafael Bibiano
Published: October 2024

The physiological process of guava fruit ripening is difficult to manage in orchards. Boron (B) is a nutritional element with a physiological effect on fruit ripening through its role in ascorbate metabolism. This study evaluated the effects of single boron pre-harvest spraying on fruit ripening and post-harvest. The treatments consisted of B-monoethanolamine (MEA) sprays (11% B) at concentrations of 0 (control), 1, 2, and 3ml L-1. Foliar sprays were applied on guava trees cv. Cortibel RG, at the physiological stage Biologische Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt, und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) 78 (fruits at 80% of final growth). The study used a randomized block design with five replicates. Fruits were harvested 5, 8, 15, and 17 days after B-MEA spraying. The nutritional content was assessed in the leaves and fruits. The fruits were analyzed for ascorbic acid content (AA), total sugars, reducing and non-reducing sugars, titratable acidity, soluble solids, ripeness index, total phenolic compounds, total carotenoids and total anthocyanins. Moreover, the fruit weight, length and diameter were measured and yield were assessed. Fruit firmness and mass loss were evaluated post-harvest. The data showed an increase in ascorbic acid content in the fruit in all treatments with B-MEA sprays. Spraying B-MEA 3 ml L-1, or 180.84 g ha-1, increased the earliness and standardization of ripening, which took place over a shorter period of time, maintaining firmness and reducing post-harvest fruit mass loss.
Effect of alternating temperature regimes on seed germination of guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.]
Authors: Reis Carlos Manuel Gaspar , Justino Carlos Manuel Valente , Diogo Maria da Graça
Published: October 2024

Guar [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] 2n=14, is an annual crop that belongs to the Fabaceae family and has a spring–summer growth cycle. This species has been assuming increasing importance among agro-industrial crops due to the high galactomannan content of its seeds for which a multitude of food and non-food applications have been developed. Guar is a viable rotation crop for growers in Mediterranean areas and can result in diversification in crop production systems. The effects of four alternating day/night temperature regimens on C. tetragonoloba seed germination were tested: (T1) 23/15 °C, (T2) 21/13 °C, (T3) 19/ 11 °C, and (T4) 17/09 °C with a 16/08 h light/dark photoperiod, respectively. Seeds from two guar cultivars (RGC-0936 and RGC-1066) were used. Treatments consisted of four replicates of 50 seeds each, arranged in a split-plot design with temperatures as the main plot and cultivars as the subplot. The results showed that lower temperatures reduced guar seed germination. The highest germination percentages were obtained at the 21/13 °C and 23/15 °C temperature regimens, while a significant drop in germination percentage occurred for the 19/11 °C treatment, and the lowest germination percentages were observed at 17/09 °C. No statistically significant differences were found between the two cultivars studied for seed germination percentages. The interaction effects among the different alternative temperature regimes on seed germination and guar cultivars were not statistically significantly different. The values obtained at the 21/13 °C temperature treatment allow us to conclude that this regimen is the minimum acceptable combination of temperatures to program the sowing date.
Quantitative eco-anatomical analysis reveals distinctive stem traits of six Cannabis sativa cultivars in Rif Mountains (Northern Morocco)
Authors: El Bakali Ismail , Chakkour Soufian , El Bakali Samir , Boutahar Aboubakr , Kadiri Mohamed , Merzouki Abderrahmane
Published: October 2024

Cannabis sativa stands out as an important crop with significant socioeconomic importance in the Rif Mountains of North Morocco. Recently the number of new cultivars developed in this region has gradually increased for different purposes. In this current study, we delve into the eco-anatomical characteristics of stems across six of the most prevalent Cannabis sativa cultivars in Morocco: ‘Avocat’, ‘Beldiya’, ‘Critical Plus’, ‘Industriel’, ‘Khardala’, and ‘Mexicana’. The investigation encompasses the measurement and analysis of six key eco-anatomical traits: plant height, stem diameter, vessel size, vessel density, number of vessels joined in radial files, and coefficient of hydraulic conductivity. Our aim is to elucidate the variations among these cultivars and underscore their agricultural and ecological relevance. Through anatomical examinations of stem cross-sections, our findings reveal notable disparities and distinctive features among the cultivars. The ‘Khardala’ cultivar exhibits the highest values across most measured eco-anatomical traits, while ‘Beldiya’ and ‘Mexicana’ show similar trait values, particularly with low stem diameter and vessel density. In contrast, ‘Industriel’ stands out with the lowest vessel size and highest vessel density. ‘Critical Plus’ and ‘Avocat’ closely resemble ‘Khardala’ in vessel size and stem diameter. Regarding hydraulic conductivity, ‘Khardala’ ranks highest, followed by ‘Avocat’ and ‘Critical Plus’, while ‘Industriel’ registers the lowest. Our findings underscore increased water demand and uptake potential in ‘Khardala’, ‘Critical Plus’, and ‘Avocat’, contrasting with ‘Industriel’, ‘Beldiya’, and ‘Mexicana’. Anatomical diversity among Cannabis cultivars in our study likely stems from genetic lineage and ecological adaptation.
CONCEITOS EM CRISTALOGRAFIA ESTRUTUAL: UMA ABORDAGEM COMPREENSIVA DA LEI DE BRAGG E DO FATOR DE ESTRUTURA
Authors: P. Machado Rafael , C. Doriguetto Antônio
Published: October 2024

CONCEPTS IN STRUCTURAL CRYSTALLOGRAPHY: A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO BRAGG’S LAW AND THE STRUCTURE FACTOR. It is not uncommon that as a chemistry course progresses, along with the deepening of the content studied, the tendency of not carefully revisiting the foundations of the concepts covered and deepened also increases. The understanding of the structure of matter that develops throughout the course, starting from the first concepts of atomic theory, going through chemical bonds, molecules, intermolecular interactions to the study of how matter is aggregated in the solid state, is an example of knowledge that grows in depth and complexity. In this context, crystallography presents itself as a vast interdisciplinary area that contributes to understanding the matter. This article explores fundamental mathematical, historical, chemical, and physical concepts, connecting them to offer a more comprehensive and logically coherent understanding of key crystallography principles.
PUN IN THE ANIMATED FILM: PROBLEMS OF INTERPRETATION AND TRANSLATION
Authors:   Ryazan State University named for S. A. Yesenin, Anashkin Alexander Y.
Published: November 2024

The paper examines pun as a linguistically creative phenomenon within the animated film, considering it as a semiotically and perceptually heterogeneous text. The author explores ways of creating visual and audiovisual puns in the American animated sitcom “The Simpsons”, renowned for its adept use of both verbal and non-verbal humor. Furthermore, the article scrutinizes translators’ choices in the official Russian dubbed version of the TV series, focusing on their efforts to preserve puns and convey the original authorial intent. The article investigates the prevalence of translation techniques applied to puns of different types and suggests alternative translation options for specific cases. The research findings indicate the essential need to account for the semantics of non-verbal graphic means in interpreting and translating puns in the animated film. The practical significance of the study lies in its contribution to recommendations for translating visual and audiovisual puns in the animated film.
CULTURAL UNITS OF TRANSLATION AND TECHNIQUES FOR CREATING A WORLD VIEW
Authors:   L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Azkenova Zhanargul K.
Published: November 2024

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of the embodiment of the world picture in Russian translations of zhyrau poetry (poets of the Middle Ages) and the role of cultural and functional dominants in them. Thus, the research subject of the world picture is examined from the perspectives of reflection (G. Bogin) and pan-determinism (C. Todorov). This approach facilitates the establishment of a connection between the cultural elements of the source text, the translation strategy employed, and the methods used to convey them in the translated text. The description of cultural units as a way of creating a national picture of the world allows us to study the mechanism of the impact of the poet’s spoken word on the addressee. The aim of the work is to consider culturonyms as units of artistic translation of Kaztugan Zhyrau and Dospambet Zhyrau poetry and their role in the embodiment of reflexion and pan-determinism. The work also involved considering the rhetorical statuses and modalities of Zhyrau’s statements, establishing connections between them, analyzing the genre synthesis (elements of anacreontic with military and lyrical-romantic poetics), and studying the functions of artistic tropes. To achieve the goal, non-rhetorical (discourse) and hermeneutic approaches were utilized, along with the method of comparative analysis. These approaches and methods in the study of cultural units of translation in Zhyrau poetry, in the aspect of reflection and pan-determinism, allow us to see the unity of Kazakh culture as a way of creating a worldview. The article presents a classification of rhetorical modalities of Zhyrau’s statements, functions of lyrical narrative, and symbol types. The text describes the structure of symbolism as a correlation between the signified and signifier, expressed and implied, and types of associative connections, as well as poetic syntax. It also substantiates the main regularities in the complexity of translating cultural units, images of time and space in the national picture of the world.