bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracellular DNA from the blood plasma of patients with schizophrenia stimulates the TLR9-NF-kB signaling pathway in cultured human lymphocytes
Authors: Ershova E. S. , Jestkova E. M. , Savinova E. A. , Kostyuk S. E. , Salimova Т. A. , Veiko N. N. 
Published: September 2024

Schizophrenia is a mental illness of complex etiology. Recently, there has been increased interest in the role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of mental disorders. The concept of neuroinflammation in neurodevelopmental disorders is gaining widespread interest, including the role of Toll-like receptors.Schizophrenia is associated with an increase in the concentration of cfDNA in human blood, and the composition of cfDNA fragments changes significantly compared to cellular DNA: GC-rich fragments of the ribosomal repeat accumulate and base oxidation occurs. Similar changes, but less pronounced, also occur for cfDNA from healthy donors.To confirm the hypothesis about the possible participation of cfDNA in the inflammation induction, we studied the effect of cfDNA samples on cultured mononuclear cells.Unlike cellular DNA, cfDNA(SZ) and cfDNA(K) stimulate transcription of the TLR9 gene in mononuclear cells. After 1 hour the amount of TLR9 RNA increases by 2.9 and 3.3 times compared to the control. After 24 hours, the TLR9 RNA level decreases slightly, but is still 2-3 times higher than the control level. After 1 hour, TLR9 protein increases by 1.5 and 1.7 times, respectively, and further increased after 24h of culture.An increase TLR9 protein expression correlates with an increase of the transcription factor NF-kB in lymphocytes and is accompanied by an increase in proinflammatory cytokine IL8 RNA, the transcription of IL8 is controlled by the NF-kB factor.Thus, cfDNA(SZ) and cfDNA(K) stimulate the TLR9-NF-kB-proinflammatory cytokine signaling pathway in lymphocytes. The effect of cfDNA also depends on the concentration of these fragments in the extracellular environment. Since the concentrations of cfDNA in the blood of patients with schizophrenia are significantly increased compared to healthy donors, we should expect a much higher level of activation of the TLR9-NF-kB signaling pathway in the body cells of sick people.Samples of cfDNA from patients with schizophrenia have a pronounced biological effect on cells of the immune system, stimulating the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines by activating the TLR9-NF-kB-proinflammatory cytokines signaling pathway. High levels of cfDNA in blood plasma may be one of the reasons for the induction and maintenance of low-level inflammation in schizophrenia.
Effect of IL-7 and IL-7R blockade on cytokine production by peripheral blood t cells from patients with psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Blinova E. A. , Angelskaya O. A. , Kozlov V. A. 
Published: September 2024

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory joint disease, often associated with psoriasis. Interactions between immune cells, mainly T lymphocytes, and cells of the osteoarticular system are central in the pathogenesis of PsA. Th1, Th17 cytokines associated with the development of PsA contribute to an increase in the production of cytokines, chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases, adhesion molecules by immune cells, chondrocytes, fibroblasts, and induction of osteoclasts. That leads to the destruction of cartilage and bone tissue. Among the cytokines potentially involved in the pathogenesis of PsA, IL-7 is of particular interest. IL-7 is a T cell survival factor. However, it can promote the production of IFNγ and TNFα by T cells. IL-7 may indirectly promote osteoclast maturation and cartilage degradation. The aim was to investigate the effect of IL-7 and blockade of the α-chain of the IL-7 receptor (IL-7R) in vitro on the production of IL-5, IL-13, IL-2, IL-6, IL-9 IL-10, IFNγ, TNFα, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-4, and IL-22 by T cells in norm and PsA.The study included 14 patients with PsA in the acute stage of the disease and 8 healthy individuals. To determine cytokines concentration, multiplex analysis was performed using flow cytometry.It was shown that IL-7 enhances the production of Th1, Th2, Th17, Th22, and Th9 cytokines in both patients with PsA and healthy individuals. The exception was IL-2 for both groups. Under the blockade of IL-7R with monoclonal antibodies, the level of IL-6 increases and production of IFNγ, TNFα, IL-17F, IL-10, IL-5, and IL-9 by donors’ cells and production of IFNγ, TNFα, IL-22, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-9 by cells from patients with PsA decreases relative to production of cells stimulated with IL-7. In donors, the blockade contributed to a change in the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines: level of IL-4, IL-13 did not change on the background of a decrease in production of IFNγ, TNFα. In patients with PsA, under blockade of IL-7R the production of IL-10 remained at an increased level and concentration of IFNγ, TNFα and IL-2, which are actively involved in the tissue damage mechanisms, decreased. The obtained data indicate the prospect of using the IL-7R as a target for the treatment of psoriatic diseases.
Influence of pegylated graphene oxide nanoparticles on the respiratory burst and phagocytic activity of human neutrophils
Authors: Bochkova M. S. , Rakutina M. N. , Usanina D. I. , Timganova V. P. , Zamorina S. A. 
Published: September 2024

Scientific and technological progress contributes to the discovery and production of innovative materials. The emergence of graphene is a clear example of this. Graphene is considered a promising material for use in nanobiomedicine and nanobiotechnology. It is therefore important to understand how it affects human immune cells. In a study, the effects of 5 and 25 μg/mL graphene oxide nanoparticles with lateral sizes of 100-200 nm and 1-5 μm, modified with linear and branched polyethylene glycol, on human neutrophils were investigated. The formation of reactive oxygen species was evaluated with a lucigenin as a chemiluminescence activator.Inaddition, we investigated theeffect of a 60-minute incubation of neutrophils with pegylated graphene oxide nanoparticles on the viability of these cells by staining with trypan blue and a 30-minute incubation on the uptake of fluorescein isocyanate-labelled E. coli. The percentage of neutrophils which engulfed E. coli and the uptake index were determined. Samples without added nanoparticles served as controls.A decrease in lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence of neutrophils was observed under the influence of two types of graphene oxide nanoparticles: 1-5 μm in size coated with linear polyethylene glycol, and 100-200 nm in size coated with branched polyethylene glycol, at a concentration of 25 μg/mL in the zymosan-stimulated version of the assay. No dependence of the effect on the particle size and the type of polyethylene glycol was observed. The indicators for spontaneous chemiluminescence of neutrophils did not change with the addition of PEGylated graphene oxide nanoparticles.A thirty-minute incubation of human neutrophils at 37 °C with PEGylated graphene oxide nanoparticles with lateral dimensions of 100-200 nm and 1-5 μm had no effect on the viability of these cells and on the percentage of neutrophils that engulfed E. coli. However, 1-5 μm graphene oxide modified with linear polyethylene glycol at a concentration of 25 μg/mL increased the amount of E. coli engulfed by neutrophils per cell.Thus, in the absence of cytotoxicity, PEGylated graphene oxide particles have multidirectional immunomodulatory effects on neutrophils. In this case, their concentration is decisive and not the size of the graphene oxide particles and the type of polyethylene glycol.
Lymphocyte metabolism and the level of circulatory cytokines in children with autoimmune disease
Authors: Radygina T. V. , Kurbatova O. V. , Kuptsova D. G. , Petrichuk S. V. , Fisenko A. P. , Movsisyan G. B. , Abdullaeva L. M. , Potapov A. S. , Murashkin N. N. , Parakhina D. V. 
Published: September 2024

In recent decades, there has been an increase in the incidence of autoimmune diseases (AID) among adults and children. The immunopathogenesis of AID is based on an imbalance between autoaggressive and regulatory cells (Tregs), which is regulated by metabolic signaling pathways and the cytokine microenvironment. Understanding the mechanisms of immunometabolism opens up new possibilities for the treatment of patients with AID. The aim was to evaluate the activity of lymphocyte dehydrogenases associated with OXPHOS and glycolysis, depending on the level of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in children with AID.324 children with AID were examined: 80 – Crohn’s disease (CD), 53 – ulcerative colitis (UC), 89 – psoriasis (PS), 66 – multiple sclerosis (MS), 36 – autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Activity of mitochondrial dehydrogenases (succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GFDH)) were evaluated by immunocytochemical method using flow cytometry. The level of cytokines (CС) in blood sera was determined by multiplex analysis.In each studied group of children, CС with the highest values in exacerbation and remission of the disease were identified. The maximum values of CС were in patients with exacerbation: CD, UC, PS, MS – IL-23; AIH – IL-27. Evaluation of cytokine complexes associated with cells showed significant differences between patients in exacerbation/remission: CD, UC and PS – M1(IL-1+IL-6+TNFα), cTh1(IFNγ+IL-12p70+TNFβ+IL-2), cTh2 (IL-4+IL-5+IL-10+IL-13+IL-17E/IL-25+IL-33), cTh17 (IL-1β+IL-6+IL-17A+IL-17F+IL-21+IL-22+IL-23); MS – M1, cTh1, cTh2; AIH – cTh2. SDH activity in AID remission differed between pathologies in CD4+ cells, Th17 and Tregs. In exacerbation of AID, there were differences in Tregs between patients with UC and PS. The highest GPDH activity in exacerbation was observed in CD4+ lymphocytes, Th17 and Tregs in CD. The ratio of SDH/GPDH in T-lymphocytes in children with CD in exacerbation and remission was lowest and significantly lower than in UC, PS, MS, AIH and apparently healthy children. In the group of children with a low SDH/GPDH ratio, the levels of CCL20/MIP3α, IFNγ, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-1β, and TNFα were significantly increased. Conclusions. Informative cytokine complexes were identified in children with AID. The relationship between the metabolic activity of lymphocytes and the level of circulating cytokines is shown.
LITERATURA DE CORDEL NAS MÍDIAS SOCIAIS: ESPAÇO DE PRODUÇÃO E ENCONTROS
Authors: De Sousa Melo Elisete , Cardoso Machado Monica 
Published: September 2024

O campo digital pode ser visto de modo polissêmico, com dinâmicas de controle e vigilância, mas também como espaço criativo para emergência de novas sociabilidades. O presente trabalho enfatiza a segunda dimensão, investigando as contribuições das culturas digitais para o fortalecimento do campo social da Literatura de Cordel (LC) em suas articulações em redes, e na difusão e visibilidade dos seus atores sociais. A Literatura de Cordel uma forma de poesia popular tradicional do Nordeste do Brasil, tem exibida uma nova vida nas mídias sociais. Muitos cordelistas divulgam seus projetos no Instagram, Facebook e YouTube para compartilhar seus legados e alcançar maior número de pessoas possível. Nessas mídias sociais circulam versos tradicionais de cordel, mas também adaptações para o ambiente digital, como vídeos de cordelistas recitando poemas, e até mesmo interações em tempo real com os seguidores. Isso tem contribuído para a preservação da tradição, da memória e identidade da LC e para a sua divulgação. O artigo investe na abordagem qualitativa da etnografia com observação participante para analisar os fluxos de interações de alguns cordelistas nas mídias sociais. Como resultado parcial, observa-se que as mídias sociais oferecem plataformas potentes para a divulgação e promoção de obras de Literatura de Cordel; bem como ambiente para encontros dos poetas e cordelistas em geral.
Gestão de pessoas na atenção hospitalar pública e privada
Authors: Souza Gleriano Josué , Regina Rosa Ribeiro Mara , Krein Carlise , Maria Ferreira Jhuly , Gomes Ludwing Monylla , Leal Laura Adrian 
Published: September 2024

Objetivo: identificar características do modelo de gestão de pessoas utilizado em hospitais. Método: estudo de caso desenvolvido no primeiro semestre de 2024 em três hospitais, sendo dois privados e um público no interior de Mato Grosso. Utilizou-se através de informantes-chave a entrevista individual semiestruturada. A interpretação dos dados se deu por análise temática. Resultados: Quatro gestores de pessoas foram entrevistados e emergiram três categorias: Gestão de pessoas no hospital; Fragilidade do modelo de gestão de pessoas; e, Competências requeridas e desafios percebidos. O enfoque centrou-se nos papeis da administração da infraestrutura com incompletude que as funções requerem, dificuldades de alinhamento do recrutamento e seleção por competências, sendo mais fácil o processo no âmbito privado. Empatia e humanização foi apontada em um hospital como pilar da seleção. Não ficou claro um modelo de gestão nos hospitais privados. Percebe-se pluralidade de formas de vínculos no hospital público. Das competências requeridas mencionou-se o conhecimento sobre gestão e habilidade em lidar com pessoas. Os desafios estão no processo de seleção e a adesão dos profissionais ao emprego, além da gestão de conflitos e a relação do mercado de trabalho público e privado. Conclusão: a área de gestão de pessoas nas organizações hospitalares necessita de reflexão acerca de seu papel junto aos colaboradores, pois está diretamente envolvida na qualidade dos serviços prestados.
Health-related quality of life of children with systemic lupus erythematosus and well-being of caregivers: a cross-sectional survey in China
Authors: Fei Ling , Wu Yiheng , Guan Lejing , Shao Yifei , Li Fengting , Yu Limin , Liu Zhirou , Rafay Abdul , Ye Lizhen , Lu Meiping , Bai Guannan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in children is a chronic and severe illness. We aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children with SLE and well-being of their caregivers.
Methods
In total, 173 children with a diagnosis of SLE were recruited from a tertiary children’s hospital. The proxy-reported PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Module (PedsQL GCM) was used to measure the HRQoL of children, and the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5) was applied to measure caregivers’ well-being. Differences in scale scores and total score of PedsQL GCM were assessed by t tests and one-way ANOVA. Effect sizes were calculated for clinical relevance. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify the associated factors of children’s HRQoL. Pearson correlation analysis was utilized to assess the correlation between children’s HRQoL and the well-being of their caregivers.
Results
Children with SLE were reported lower scores in physical functioning, emotional functioning, school functioning, psychosocial health summary score, and total score of PedsQL GCM compared to healthy children. The multivariate linear regression analysis shows parental employment status, perceived financial burden and the changes in body image were significantly associated with the relatively low HRQoL of children (p values < 0.05). 30.6% of caregivers had depression and 10.4% had major depression as indicated by the score of WHO-5. Scale and overall scores of PedsQL GCM were significantly correlated with the score of WHO-5 (p values < 0.05).
Conclusions
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of SLE children’s HRQoL in China and identified multiple determinants. Caregiver’s well-being was evaluated and was closely related to children’s HRQoL. We emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive support for children with SLE, their caregivers, and extended family members.
Lubricants basestock oil obtained from residual fatty acids: tribological properties and thermo-oxidative stability
Authors: Neta Maria Marliete Fernandes Melo , Tavares Philipe Oliveira , Filho Paulo Roberto Campos Flexa Ribeiro , Cavalcante Célio L. , LUNA F. MURILO T. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Organic waste is traditionally used in applications of low economic value, such as incineration and animal supplementation, however, a large part of this waste has the potential to be transformed into products with greater added value. In this study, the physicochemical, thermal and tribological characteristics of biolubricant samples synthesized from a residual fatty acid sample, mainly composed of palmitic acid (~ 43% wt.) and oleic acid (~ 35% wt.), were evaluated. In the thermal stability analysis, the final sample (coined as Biolub) showed the best performance when compared to the other samples, with the following temperatures for mass loss of 50%, in an inert (341.68°C) and oxidative (285.33°C) atmosphere. For the tribological properties, Biolub presented a friction coefficient (FC) approximately 53.85% lower than that of commercial mineral oil (CMO). The results in general suggest that the synthesized product has the potential to be used as a basestock oil for biolubricants, adding value to this industrial waste thus contributing to sustainable and economic development.
Exploring Medical Students' Reflective Skills and Development of Professional Identity through Journals and Interviews
Authors: Avargil Shirly , Saleh Abir , kerem Nogah 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: The aspects of professional identity during medical students' clinical years need further exploration. This study investigates these aspects through a 3-year course, “The Capsule,” at our institution. This study aims to enrich what is known about specific components that constitute medical students’ professional identity and to characterize their reflective expressions as seen from their interviews and reflective journals written during their “Capsule” course.
Methods: A descriptive multiple-case study (N=5) methodology was used. Data were collected from 47 reflective journals and semi-structured interviews. Content analysis was performed to identify recurring categories.
Results: Reflective skills, listening and communication skills, empathy, and facing and discussing challenges within the clinical environment were all key components. Students’ reflective skills developed over time, with variations in the depth of reflection. Three levels of reflective thinking are presented.
Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of reflective practices and peer support in professional identity formation. The findings align with earlier research, emphasizing the role of reflective writing in shaping medical students’ professional identities. Our study elaborates about the most common themes found in the reflective journals of students during their clinical years and highlight the importance of giving students guidance and feedback for reflective practices to encourage them to implement the use of the three levels of reflective thinking.
Exploring teacher articulation gap when teaching map work: A Case study of Geography teachers in South African schools
Authors: Molapo Karabo , MALATJI KHASHANE 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Geography teachers in South Africa have been trained for four years in teaching Geography. However, they still fail to master the basics of map work to enable learners to interpret the content on maps. The purpose of this study was to explore challenges brought by teacher articulation gap towards the teaching of map work in South African schools. The study followed qualitative approach with a case study design. An interpretive paradigm was used to look at teachers’ day-to-day practices and challenges they experience thereof when teaching map work. Purposive sampling was used to select 15 Geography teachers who performed below 50% during 2023 academic year. Kolb’s experiential learning theory was used as a framework for this study. The results of this study revealed that teacher articulation gap is caused by the lack of theoretical, methodological, and mathematical basics which make teachers fail to interpret the theory on maps due to more adaptation on reading content rather than applying theory on maps. The study concluded a need for foundational knowledge on mathematical literacy to allow teachers interpret map readings during teaching of map work. The study recommended that the Department of Basic Education should organize meteorologists and Geography experts to equip teachers with knowledge on Geography teaching of Map work to close articulation gap. The study contributes to the gap of knowledge identified in the teaching and learning of Geography.
Hybrid catalytic systems employing carbon nanotubes as a support for the solvent-free aerobic oxidation of ethylbenzene
Authors: Azam Shakir Ul , Orlińska Beata , Peckh Kamil 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes have gained significant interest as catalysts and catalytic supports in hydrocarbon oxidation processes. In this study, pristine multiwalled carbon nanotubes and copper(II) functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes were coated with [bmim] cationic ionic liquids (ILs) containing dissolved N-hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) to produce novel SILP and SCILL-SILP hybrid catalytic systems, respectively (SILP: supported ionic liquid phase and SCILL: solid catalyst with an ionic liquid layer). The catalytic activities of the produced systems were investigated for the solvent-free oxidation of ethylbenzene (80 oC, 0.1 MPa, 6 h) using molecular oxygen as a green oxidant. Among the SILP systems, the [bmim][Cl]-based SILP system exhibited the highest conversion of ethylbenzene (14.4%) with the highest selectivity (92.1%) towards acetophenone (AcPO). The catalytic activity of the SILP system increased with increasing lipophilicity of the alkyl group in the IL cation. Conversely, among the SCILL-SILP systems, the highest conversion of ethylbenzene (23.4%) was achieved using [bmim][NTf2] as the IL phase. Recyclability and reusability studies showed that the catalytic activities of the SILP and SCILL-SILP hybrid systems generally decreased in subsequent cycles, except for [bmim][OcOSO3]-based catalytic systems.
Decomposition of driving factors and peak prediction of carbon emissions in key cities in China
Authors: Zhang Yuxin , Zhang Yao , chen wei , Zhang Yongjian , Quan Jing 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Urban areas serve as important sources of carbon emissions, and carbon peaking at the urban level is of great significance for achieving the overall national goals. This article estimates the carbon emissions and intensity changes of 19 cities from 2000 to 2020 based on urban statistical data; Combined with the logarithmic mean divisia index (LMDI) method, the driving factors of carbon emissions in all cities are analyzed; Combined with the multi-scenario prediction method, the carbon peak time and carbon emission intensity trends were predicted under different scenarios. The results showed that during the research period, with an overall upward trend in carbon emissions and a decreasing trend in carbon emission intensity year by year; Population effect and per capita GDP effect play a role in promoting urban carbon emissions in the process of urban development. Reducing energy intensity and energy consumption carbon intensity can effectively inhibit the growth of carbon emissions; Under the low-carbon scenario, all cities will achieve carbon peak before 2030. Under the baseline scenario, the vast majority of cities will achieve carbon peak before 2030, accounting for 89.47%; Under the high carbon scenario, cities with peak carbon emissions before 2030 only account for 63.16%.