bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calculating pain sensation in neuropathies
Authors: Soufla A. , Schmelz M. , Rukwied R. , Kokotis P. 
Published: May 2024

Aim. Evaluating pain sensation after C nociceptor activation with transdermal sinusoidal current wave stimulation protocol and skin biopsy.Materials and methods. Healthy volunteers aged 20–30 years (17 females and 18 males) participated after having given their informed consent. Half‑sine wave pulses of 0.5 sec duration (1 Hz) were generated at intensities of 0.2 to 1 mA by a constant current stimulator. Apart from half‑sine wave stimulation, sine wave pulses of 60 sec duration (4 Hz) were generated at intensity of 0.2 mA also by the constant current stimulator (Digitimer Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, UK) controlled by DAPSYS 8 (www.dapsys.net). Moreover, we performed 3‑mm skin punch biopsies 10 cm above the lateral malleolus of the leg and in the middle of the volar side of the forearm to the volunteer’s group.Results. Delivering transdermal sinusoidal half‑sine wave when trying to stimulate mechano‑sensitive C fibers, when the amplitude of the delivered wave is increased from 0.2 to 1 mA according to our protocol, pain sensation is also increased following the same scheme. If we observe a different scheme of activation in C fibers, this could be a sign of neuropathic pain. Considering the mechano‑insensitive C fibers of pain, when trying to stimulate them we expect increasing pain sensation and then familiarization, desensitization and reduction of pain sensation. As a result, if this scheme isn’t observed when sine wave is delivered transdermal with 1 min of duration, and we observe a different scheme, a C fiber neuropathy and neuropathic pain could be involved. Regarding the skin biopsies, a correlation between pain sensation of sine wave (delivered transdermal to stimulate mechano‑insensitive C fibers of pain on the forearm), and the nerve fiber density was observed. A correlation between the bifurcated fibers of the biopsy site and the pain sensation was observed when mechanosensitive and mechano‑insensitive fibers are stimulated, which needs further investigation. Also, a correlation between the remnant nerve fibers of subepidermal nerve plexus and mechano‑insensitive nerve fibers of pain is observed that also needs further investigation.Conclusion. Skin biopsy and transdermal electrical stimulation are very promising available tools of diagnosing C fiber neuropathies and assessing neuropathic pain.
AMBIENTALIZAÇÃO CURRICULAR: INSERÇÃO DA EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL NO CURRÍCULO E A SUPERAÇÃO DAS DESIGUALDADES
Authors: Santana Aguiar Maria Célia 
Published: May 2024

O presente artigo analisa a proposta de ambientalização curricular na escola e as inter-relações com questões contemporâneas como: Educação Ambiental, relações de gênero e étnico-raciais, considerando que o ser humano está imerso num universo a um só tempo cultural e social. Está estruturado por meio da pesquisa bibliográfica, com base nos seguintes autores: Morin (2000), Leff(2003), Oliveira(2005), Pereira(2007), Freire(1996), Alarcão (2011), Gomes (2008), Moraes e Navas (2015), Delores (2010), Penna (2016); Peregrino (2006), Dávila (2005), Dal’Igna, Klein e Meyer (2015), bem como documentos oficiais entre eles, a Lei da Política Nacional de Educação Ambiental - Lei nº 9795/1999. A ambientalização curricular, propõe que a escola, reveja os sentidos de educar, para que os sujeitos implicados: gestores, docentes, família, discentes e governo, compreendam as diversidades imbricadas nessa complexa teia em suas diferentes realidades. A escola enquanto espaço social é onde as relações humanas se estabelecem e constroem sujeitos protagonistas da história, devendo priorizar a ética no cotidiano escolar, é fundamental para ensinar o humano a ser humano, e a superar as desigualdades que aí também são reproduzidas. Faz-se necessário políticas públicas que promovam uma educação inclusiva, valorizando as diversidades seja de gênero, étnicas e ambientais.
IMPORTÂNCIA DOS RITUAIS DIANTE DA MORTE
Authors: Câmara Sérgio  Lucas , Bassani Marlise Aparecida 
Published: May 2024

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo evidenciar a importância dos rituais fúnebres encontrados no cristianismo católico brasileiro. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa que utilizou a entrevista semiestruturada como instrumento. Os participantes foram homens viúvos que, ao enfrentarem a morte das esposas, recorreram aos rituais religiosos católicos: Unção dos Enfermos, Exéquias e Missa de Sétimo Dia. Os resultados apontam significados positivos às práticas religiosas, o que pode ser compreendido como uma extensão do cuidado com o enfermo e com os familiares. Esse cuidado espiritual é relevante, considerando que as práticas religiosas católicas são adotadas por aproximadamente metade dos brasileiros. A ausência dos rituais presenciais durante a pandemia da covid-19 ajuda-nos a perceber a sua importância. A Pesquisa foi realizada pelo Programa de Estudos Pós-Graduado em Psicologia Clínica da Pontifícia Universidade católica de São Paulo, com apoio financeiro do Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq).
Let Us Just Ask People What They Think: Community Perceptions and Recommendations about Coronavirus Vaccination
Authors: Payette Christopher , Hanby Charlotte , Cerezo Maria , Moran Seamus , Blanchard Janice 
Published: May 2024

Introduction
Despite widespread efforts to promote coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination in the United States, a significant segment of the population is still unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated.

Objective
The objective of this study was to understand attitudes toward the vaccine in patients presenting to an urban emergency department.

Methods
We used a qualitative analysis and semistructured interviews with a convenience sample of patients presenting to an urban emergency department from January 18, 2021, to March 14, 2021. Our final sample consisted of 32 people.

Results
We found that people trusted their own medical providers rather than popular or political figures. Critiques of the vaccination program highlighted difficulties in navigation and perceptions of inequity.

Conclusions
Equitable distribution strategies and honest messaging may facilitate acceptance of the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine. Trustworthy sources for vaccine knowledge should be used to target populations in which vaccine hesitancy is a persistent concern.
Safety of Contrast Agents Administration in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus During Metformin Intake
Authors: Sinitsin V. E. , Filatova D. A. , Mershina E. A. 
Published: May 2024

Metformin is a sugar-lowering drug that is actively used in long-term therapy of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). The safety of metformin for different groups of DM2 patients is currently well studied. However, the drug is contraindicated for patients with severe renal impairment and should be used with caution in cases of moderate renal impairment. Since contrast agents as well as metformin are excreted by kidneys, patients with reduced renal function taking metformin require special attention due to the risk of lactic acidosis, a life-threatening condition resulting from functional renal failure and accumulation of metformin in tissues. Numerous studies have shown that the risk of lactic acidosis is relatively low and in most cases is not associated with metformin therapy per se, but rather with comorbidities. Initial versions of clinical recommendations related to the use of contrast agents strictly limited the use of metformin before and after examination, but as data on lactate acidosis and possible causes of this condition expanded, the recommendations gradually became less strict. For emergency contrast studies, they are currently unchanged, but data are gradually accumulating on the safety of continuing metformin in these clinical situations. There is no consensus among contrast manufacturers on whether and in what regimen metformin should be interrupted during contrast studies as well as on a number of other related issues. The best strategy for clinicians is to check the instructions for each specific drug before use.
An experimental analysis of human motion based data collected from smartphones' accelerometers
Authors: Sao Neelabh , Dubey Sipi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In recent years, numerous studies have employed smartphone accelerometer data to identify human activities, leading to the development of increasingly complex and sophisticated algorithms. These evaluations acknowledge human actions. Commonly included in experimental evaluations are sitting, stair climbing, running, and walking. The topics of bicycling and driving are covered in some research. Activity recognition affects system performance and precision. The algorithm and model selection for human activity recognition during experimental evaluation is crucial. This is possible through the use of Support vector machine, k-nearest neighbours, decision tree, and deep learning algorithms such as CNNs and RNNs (RNNs). The algorithms and models will be determined by the type and complexity of the actions to be recognised and the available computational resources. CNN is used for experimentation in this paper. The accelerometer data are cleaned and transformed prior to evaluation processing. After training the system with pre-processed data, its performance is assessed using accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score.
PDE6G inhibits the expression of CD71 in erythroid progenitor cells through the PDE6G/BHLHE40/miR144-3p/CD71 pathway, leading to red cell production obstacles and ultimately causing anemia in myelofibrosis
Authors: Wu Yong , Zhehan Luo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Myelofibrosis(MF) is a haematological malignancy. Most patients with MF will develop mild to moderate anemia. The MF-related anemia results from multifactorial factors. At present, the molecular mechanisms leading to MF-related anemia are still not fully understood. This study aimed to explore the role of PDE6G in MF-related anemia, verify its effect on the differentiation of erythroid progenitors, and reveal the molecular mechanism of action. This study examined PDE6G expression in bone marrow samples from Philadelphia chromosome-negative MPN and patients with MF without anemia, followed by mechanism studies using the HEL cell line (with JAK2V617F mutation) model and validation in human bone marrow specimens. We found that PDE6G expression was significantly higher in bone marrow samples from MF patients with anemia than in patients without anemia, and PDE6G inhibited the expression of CD71 in erythroid progenitors through the PDE6G/BHLHE40/miR-144-3p/CD71 pathway, leading to impaired erythroid production and ultimately myelofibrosis anemia. In conclusion, this study revealed the important mechanism of PDE6G in MF-related anemia, providing new ideas for research and treatment in this field, and is expected to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of MF-related anemia.
Homologous relationship between FabG involved in fatty acid biosynthesis and SDR on chromosome II in the multi-chromosome pathogen Vibrio anguillarum
Authors: Kim Dong-Gyun , Park So Young , Rafquzzaman S. M. , Lee Jong Min 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Vibrio anguillarum threatens fish and larval farming industries and human health worldwide. The fatty acids of cell membrane phospholipids are crucial to bacterial response to diverse environments and survival. Previously, short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) was identified on chromosome II of the multichromosomal V. anguillarum. A comparison of SDR and the enzyme FabG-1b (encoded on chromosome I and responsible for the β-ketoacyl acyl carrier protein (ACP) reductase in fatty acid biosynthesis (FAS II)) showed that the amino acid sequence homology was only 33.2%; however, the core of functionality, which includes the NAD(P)-binding domain and the conserved region of the active site, the topologies predicted using sequence-based homology modeling, and the quaternary homotetramer-type structures showed a significant similarity. FabG-1b was specific to the substrates fluorinated and halogenated aliphatic ketones, aromatic ketones, and aromatic β-ketoesters and SDR toward non-fluorinated and non-halogenated aliphatic ketones, aromatic ketones, and non-aromatic β-ketoesters. This complementary catalytic efficiencies of the two enzymes on various substrates conclusively supports the hypothesis that the two enzymes are likely homologs. This is the first study to report potential paralogous enzymes FabG-1b and SDR in Vibrio. This information improves our understanding of bacterial FAS for establishing strategies to overcome infectious diseases caused by pathogenic strains and identify targets for developing new antibacterial agents.
Challenges and innovations in the surgical treatment of advanced Dupuytren disease by percutaneous needle fasciotomy: indications, limitations, and medico-legal implications
Authors: Basile Giuseppe , Amadei Federico , Prevot Luca Bianco , Tronconi Livio Pietro , Ciccarelli Antonello , Bolcato Vittorio , Zaami Simona 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Dupuytren disease, a chronic thickening and retraction of the palmar aponeurosis of the hands, may result in permanent and progressive flexion of one or more fingers. Percutaneous needle fasciotomy is a simple method that uses a hypodermic needle usually performed under local anaesthesia. The study aim was to report the postoperative results and complications using a percutaneous approach to treat Dupuytren contracture in a consecutive series of patients with advanced Dupuytren disease, also considering the relevant medico-legal implications.
Methods
Retrospective multicentre study of all patients with Tubiana stage 3–4 Dupuytren contracture treated with percutaneous needle aponeurotomy from 2012 to 2022. Patient demographics, disease severity, treatment-related complications, and the incidence of recurrence were identified. An overview of therapeutic treatment options has accounted for 52 relevant sources spanning the 2007–2023 time period.
Results
Overall, 41.7% (N = 200 ) of patients were females, the mean age was 72 years (60–89), the right hand was treated in 54.2% (N = 260 ) of patients. The little finger was involved in 50% of the patients. The 12 months mean PED was 9°, the mean quickDASH was 8, the mean URAM 6. Minor complications were reported in 18.7% (N = 90) of patients, typically skin lacerations (83.3%) with no clinical sequelae, and no major complications were reported. Recurrence occurred in 30% (N = 144) of patients.
Conclusions
Percutaneous needle fasciotomy is safe and reliable even in patients with advanced Dupuytren disease, resulting in predictably acceptable outcome with low risk of complications.
Biological aspects and Molecular Identification of Forensically Relevant Blow Flies under Seasonal Temperature and Humidity Variations in Egypt
Authors: Salem Abeer , Shaurub El-Sayed , Almadiy Abdulrhman , Zaher Eman 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Blow flies play a crucial role in determining the post-mortem interval (PMI), yet the Egyptian blow fly fauna remains incompletely investigated. Here, we assessed some biological aspects of (Lucilia sericata, Chrysomya albiceps, and Chrysomya megacephala) that had collected from rabbit carcasses in Sharkia Governorate, and then reared in the laboratory under the influence of temperature fluctuation and humidity during spring (16–20°C; 40–60%), summer (23–27°C, 54–73%), autumn (13–17°C, 51–81%) and winter (9–13°C, 47–82%). The identification of these blow was confirmed using a short 5ʹ COI fragment (~ 342 bp). The different biological aspects studied were temperature dependent. The highest number of emerging adults, number of eggs laid per female and egg hatchability were in summer, followed by spring, autumn and winter. Preoviposition period, incubation period, maggot duration and pupal duration were inversely proportional with temperature. Adult females lived longer than males during the four seasons. The longest longevity of male and female of L. sericata was in spring. While, the longest male and female longevity of C. megacephala and C. albiceps was in winter. The phylogenetic analysis revealed 97, 99 and 99% similarity between L. sericata, C. megacephala and C. albiceps and their references.
Characterization of a Turbulent Boundary Layer Downstream of a Micro-Cavity Array
Authors: Severino Gianni F. , Silvestri Anton , Cazzolato Benjamin S. , Arjomandi Maziar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

A micro-cavity array has been shown to locally reduce sweep and turbulence intensities by 13% and 14% respectively. This paper aims to identify the extent of the effect a micro-cavity array has on a turbulent boundary layer, and to observe the effects on the streamwise domain located significantly downstream of the installed cavity array. A fixed geometry array was investigated across two Reynolds numbers, (Reθ= 2,028 and 3,075) at four downstream locations (800 – 7,500 viscous wall units from the last row of orifices). All velocity data were obtained through single-component hot-wire anemometry and were compared against a canonical flat plate boundary layer at identical locations. At Reθ= 2,028 a reduction in time-averaged turbulence intensity was observed, and by approximately 5,000 wall units downstream the intensity was returned to a canonical flow’s intensity. This trend was not observed at Reθ= 3,075, as the turbulence intensity at 7,500 wall units downstream was 2.4% greater than the canonical counterpart. Sweep event intensities showed initial reductions just downstream of the array, though data on sweep events further downstream of the array are largely inconclusive due to the nature of their variance. The pre-multiplied energy spectra were reduced immediately after the last row of orifices at y+=50 by a maximum of 2% at Reθ=2,028 and 1.8% at Reθ= 3,075. Further downstream, the energy spectra of flow affected by the cavity array showed no signs of recovering to canonically expected values of streamwise turbulent kinetic energy, though these changes were observed in greater proportions in large-scale structures (λ+>4,000).
Development of a turbulent boundary layer over a micro-cavity array
Authors: Severino Gianni F. , Silvestri Anton , Cazzolato Benjamin S. , Arjomandi Maziar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

A micro-cavity array has been identified as a potential passive boundary layer control device. This paper aims to provide insight into how a turbulent boundary layer develops over the surface of the array by characterizing the streamwise turbulent statistics of the boundary. Eleven distinct locations were investigated over the surface of the array under two free-stream velocity environments. Velocity data was obtained experimentally through single component hot-wire anemometry and under zero-pressure-gradient conditions. The statistics presented in this paper include turbulence intensity, sweep event intensity and pre-multiplied energy spectra, with all statistics normalized by friction velocity. The boundary was characterized for all locations for both a flat plate geometry and for when the array was installed. It was shown that the micro-cavity array was able to successfully attenuate streamwise turbulence statistics with maximum reductions in turbulence intensity and sweep intensity of 5% and 8.5% respectively. The pre-multiplied energy spectra were reduced by a maximum of of 26.9% at 50 wall units above the surface. Once the boundary had progressed approximately 15,000 wall units downstream of the first row of orifices the boundary spontaneously destabilized, resembling an unstable boundary affected by a rough wall.
Fast-CFLB: A Privacy-Preserving Data Sharing System for Internet of Vehicles Using Ternary Federated Learning and Blockchain
Authors: Li Jiaheng , Wu Qinmu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Vehicular networking technology using federated learning enhances data privacy and security compared to centralized methods. Yet, it requires further refinement to combat single-point failure and membership inference attacks, privacy concerns, and communication expenses. This paper employs federated differential privacy and blockchain integration to address these challenges, alongside ternary gradient technology and model compression to reduce communication costs. In differential privacy experiments, we have determined that federated differential privacy protection is closer to the accuracy of a no-privacy protection scheme compared to traditional differential privacy protection, especially when C ≥ 2. In ternary gradient experiments, we observed a reduction in training gradients of 14.99×, 15.54×, and 15.97× across three datasets. In layer sensitivity experiments, we found that the accuracy at top = 97%, 94%, and 91% is comparable to that at top = 100% (uncompressed). In blockchain experiments, The training effects and overall trends of blockchain models are similar to those of non-blockchain models.
Development of a Minimal Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling / Machine Learning Framework for Early Target Pharmacology Assessment
Authors: Mavroudis Panteleimon , Patidar Krutika , Pillai Nikhil , Dhakal Saroj , Avery Lindsay 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Development of antibodies often begins with the assessment and optimizing of their physicochemical properties, and their efficient engagement to the target of interest. Decisions at the early optimization stage are critical for the success of the drug candidate but are constrained due to the limited knowledge of the antibody and target pharmacology. n the present work we propose a model-based target pharmacology assessment framework based on which optimal physicochemical properties of antibodies can be inferred from minimal physiologically based pharmacokinetic (mPBPK) modeling and machine learning (ML). Towards this goal, we aim to perform a high-throughput virtual exploration of physicochemical properties of antibody drug candidates and relate them to target occupancy (TO). We use a mPBPK model previously developed by our group that incorporates a multivariate quantitative relationship between antibodies’ physicochemical properties such as molecular weight (MW), size, charge, and in silico + in vitro derived descriptors with a known relation to PK properties. In this study, we perform an exploration of virtual antibody drug candidates with varying physicochemical properties, and virtual target candidates with varying characteristics to unravel rules for optimal antibody drug candidates and feasible drug-target interaction. We also identify that varying the antibody dose and dosing scheme, target form (soluble or membrane-bound), antibody charge, and site of action had significant effect on the optimal properties for antibody drug candidate selection. By unravelling new design rules for antibody drug properties that are dependent on model-based TO assessment, we deliver a first-in-class model-based framework towards better understanding of the biology-specific PK and ADME processes of antibody drug candidates proteins and reducing the overall time for drug development.