bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity ofTephromela atraLichen and its Chemical Isolates, α-Alectoronic Acid and α-Collatolic Acid
Authors: Alzebair Awad , Yilmaz Cankiliç Meral , Avan İlker , Candan Mehmet 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACTLichens and their secondary metabolites are of particular interest as they can be used as an alternative to synthetic drugs in the treatment of various diseases. The present study was carried out to investigate in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of acetone, dichloromethane, petroleum ether, and methanol extracts of the lichenTephromela atraand its major metabolites. α-alectoronic acid and α-collatolic acid were identified as bioactive substances in the lichenTephromela atra. The antibacterial activity was investigated using the disk diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined against eleven bacterial species, nine fungal species, and four yeast species using broth microdilution method. The antioxidant activity of the methanol extracts ofTephromela atrawas measured by the free radical scavenging ability using the DPPH method. The extracts of α-alectoronic acid and α-collatolic acid showed significant inhibitory activity against most of the tested bacteria, especially the lowest MIC values of the two acids forBacillus subtilis. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was determinedin vitroby measuring the radical scavenging capacity of the extracts on DPPH. The methanol extracts showed significant antioxidant activity and high DPPH scavenging activity at all concentrations. The results indicate that the extracts ofTephromela atraand the natural products obtained can be used as a source of antimicrobial and antioxidant agents in the pharmaceutical industry.HIGHLIGHTSThe present study determines the antibacterial and antifungal activities of theTephromela atra, lichen extracts, and its isolated major constituents (α-alectoronic acid and α-collatolic acid), as well as evaluates the antioxidant capacity.Although there are some studies on α-alectoronic acid and α-collatolic acid, isolated in different lichens, there is no study on the biological activity and antioxidant capacity of lichenTephromela atra.The MIC values of isolates were evaluated against a broad range of microorganisms including eleven species of bacteria, nine species of fungi, and four species of yeasts.α-Alectoronic and α-collatolic acid extracts showed significant inhibitory activity against most of the tested bacteria, especially the lowest MIC values of both acids for Bacillus subtilis.Our results provide a future perspective thatTephromela atraextracts and the isolated metabolites might be used as effective antimicrobial and antioxidant agents in pharmaceutical areas.Graphical Abstract
Heterozygous missense variant inGLI2impairs human endocrine pancreas development
Authors: Mueller Laura M. , Isaacson Abigail , Wilson Heather , Salowka Anna , Gong Maolian , Raile Klemens , Spagnoli Francesca M. 
Published: November 2023

SUMMARYMissense variants are the most common type of coding genetic variants. Their functional assessment is fundamental for defining any implication in human diseases and may also uncover genes that are essential for human organ development. Here, we applied CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing on human iPSCs to study a heterozygous missense variant inGLI2identified in a paediatric hyperglycaemic patient and family members. GLI2 is a primary mediator of the Hedgehog pathway, which regulates pancreatic β-cell development in mice. However, neither mutations inGLI2nor Hedgehog dysregulation have been reported as cause or predisposition to diabetes. A set of isogenic iPSC lines harbouring the missense variant were studied for their ability to differentiate into pancreatic β-like cells. Interestingly, iPSCs carrying the missense variant showed altered GLI2 transcriptional activity and impaired endocrine differentiation. Collectively, our findings underscore an essential role for GLI2 in human endocrine development and identify a novel variant that predisposes to diabetes.
Effects of different diets on thermal tolerance in the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Wang Yuanfei , Zhang Xiaoxia , Tian Chao , Guo Xiqian , Shu Qilong , Gu Haoyi , Feng Piao , Li Fanchi , Li Bing 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe survival of species is negatively impacted by the increased frequency and intensity of high‐temperature episodes caused by increased global warming. Thermal tolerance can influence population size and the geographic distribution of species, which translates into species‐wide responses to climate and affects interactions between communities of species. The silkworm, Bombyx mori (L.) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae), is an ectotherm and an internationally recognized model insect for studying sensitivity to the environment. In the present study, we investigated the effects of different diets on the thermal tolerance of silkworm. As such, it was identified that silkworms reared on an artificial diet in instars I–III and mulberry leaves in instar IV (referred as the AM group) exhibited faster weight gain and higher antioxidant enzyme activity at 35 °C, whereas silkworms reared only on mulberry leaves (referred as the ML group) exhibited upregulated transcript levels of key genes regulating antioxidant enzyme signaling pathways including Akt, CncC, and keap1, significantly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and severely impaired midgut activity at 35 °C. Thus, the AM group presented stronger thermal tolerance. These findings suggest that diet can affect the thermal tolerance of silkworm. This research improved our understanding of the molecular, biochemical, and physiological changes caused by thermal stress and laid the groundwork for future research regarding the mechanism underlying thermal tolerance. Furthermore, this study provides an important reference for the conservation of biodiversity in the context of global warming.
The effect of augmented reality on preoperative anxiety in children and adolescents: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chamberland Cindy , Bransi Myriam , Boivin Ariane , Jacques Sandra , Gagnon Joël , Tremblay Sébastien 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsVirtual reality has been shown to be an effective non‐pharmacological intervention for reducing anxiety of pediatric patients. A newer immersive technology, that of augmented reality, offers some practical advantages over virtual reality, and also seems to show beneficial effects on anxiety. The main objective of this study was to determine whether augmented reality could reduce preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing elective day surgeries. A secondary outcome was to document the level of satisfaction from pediatric patients toward augmented reality intervention.MethodsChildren and adolescents aged between 5 and 17 years old scheduled for elective day surgery under general anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the control group received standard care, whereas patients in the augmented reality group were accompanied by two virtual characters who taught them relaxation techniques and provided emotional and informational support. Anxiety was measured at the time of admission and at the time of induction using the short version of the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale.ResultsThe analysis included 37 pediatric patients in the augmented reality group and 64 in the control group. Anxiety scores were statistically significantly lower in the augmented reality group than those in the control group at the time of admission (median difference [95% CI]: 6.3 [0–10.4], p = .01), while no difference was observed between groups at the time of induction (median difference [95% CI]: −4.2 [−5.2–4.2], p = .58). Most patients in the augmented reality group wished to wear the glasses again and reported to be very satisfied with the intervention.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this study is the first large randomized controlled trial to provide empirical evidence of reduction in anxiety for children and adolescents using augmented reality prior to induction of general anesthesia.
Buffering national welfare states in hard times: The politics of EU capacity‐building in the social policy domain
Authors: Miró Joan , Kyriazi Anna , Natili Marcello , Ronchi Stefano 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe EU has traditionally influenced the social and employment policies of Member States through regulation, leaving redistribution to national welfare states. The latter have, however, been gradually weakened by global socioeconomic change and by the expansion of EU market integration. A series of crises over the last 15 years made a bad situation worse: the longue durée erosion of the capacity of European welfare states has morphed into acute social aftershocks, especially in peripheral countries. After the austerity reflex in the early 2010s, the EU introduced new policy instruments with market‐correcting rationales that go beyond the regulatory approach. This article revisits the creation and functioning of four of these instruments that represent EU‐level capacity‐building in the social policy domain: the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund, the Youth Guarantee, the Just Transition Fund and SURE (the temporary Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency). We argue that the EU increasingly provides ‘buffer mechanisms’ to support stressed national welfare states in tasks they would otherwise be unable to accomplish, and we identify the political factors that drive the expansion of this ‘buffering’ logic in EU social policy.
Soils and Carbon Pools on the Shungite Rocks of South Karelia under Different Types of Land Use
Authors: Dubrovina I. A. , Moshkina E. V. , Tuyunen A. V. , Genikova N. V. , Karpechko A. Yu. , Medvedeva M. V. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The azonal organo-accumulative soils (Umbrisols) on shungite rocks and the effect of land use on their properties and ecosystem carbon stock have been studied. The changes in soil profile morphology, main agrochemical and microbiological characteristics of the upper horizons, Corg and Cmic stocks in the 100-cm soil layer, and the structure of carbon pools are analyzed. Pine forest (control), arable land, hayfield, young alder stand, and middle-aged mixed forest are examined. In contrast to zonal soils, a change in land use does not considerably transform the properties of shungite soils. The removal of stones has the greatest effect, leading to the formation of developed arable horizons. The soils are characterized by highly skeletal shallow weakly differentiated profile, low bulk density, and pH close to neutral. A wide range of the Corg content (1.6 to 11.7%) results from a heterogeneous composition of the parent rock. Agricultural development contributes to the accumulation of exchangeable bases and available potassium and phosphorus, the contents of which are initially elevated in shungite soils. Characteristic of all examined sites is a high rate of organic matter mineralization (C/N ratio ≤17). A low Cmic content (84–245 mg C/kg) is recorded in the soils, which is explainable with a low availability of the substrate determined by a lithogenic nature of carbon and increased concentrations of heavy metals and lanthanides in shungite rocks. Soil Corg stock varies in the range of 17–251 t C/ha and Cmic stock, of 6–43 g C/m2. The total ecosystem carbon stock is the highest in hayfield (259 t C/ha) and lowest in young forest (74 t C/ha). The total carbon stock in the arable sites, middle-aged forest stand, and control forest is within 169–211 t C/ha.
A review on the role of gamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase 1 antisense RNA 1 in the carcinogenesis and tumor progression
Authors: Hu Juan , Liu Jipeng , Zhou Siwei , Luo Hongliang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractGamma-butyrobetaine hydroxylase 1 antisense RNA 1 (BBOX1-AS1), located on human chromosome 11 p14, emerges as a critical player in tumorigenesis with diverse oncogenic effects. Aberrant expression of BBOX1-AS1 intricately regulates various cellular processes, including cell growth, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion, metastasis, cell death, and stemness. Notably, the expression of BBOX1-AS1 was significantly correlated with clinical-pathological characteristics and tumor prognoses, and it could also be used for the diagnosis of lung and esophageal cancers. Through its involvement in the ceRNA network, BBOX1-AS1 competitively binds to eight miRNAs in ten different cancer types. Additionally, BBOX1-AS1 can directly modulate downstream protein-coding genes or act as an mRNA stabilizer. The implications of BBOX1-AS1 extend to critical signaling pathways, including Hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, and MELK/FAK pathways. Moreover, it influences drug resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study provides a systematic review of the clinical significance of BBOX1-AS1’s aberrant expression in diverse tumor types. It sheds light on the intricate molecular mechanisms through which BBOX1-AS1 influences cancer initiation and progression and outlines potential avenues for future research in this field.
Impact of breastfeeding during infancy on functional constipation at 3 years of age: the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Motoki Noriko , Inaba Yuji , Toubou Hirokazu , Hasegawa Kohei , Shibazaki Takumi , Tsukahara Teruomi , Nomiyama Tetsuo ,   the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) Group, Kamijima Michihiro , Yamazaki Shin , Ohya Yukihiro , Kishi Reiko , Yaegashi Nobuo , Hashimoto Koichi , Mori Chisato , Ito Shuichi , Yamagata Zentaro , Inadera Hidekuni , Nakayama Takeo , Sobue Tomotaka , Shima Masayuki , Nakamura Hiroshige , Suganuma Narufumi , Kusuhara Koichi , Katoh Takahiko 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
There is a lack of large, nationwide, birth cohort studies in Japan that examine the relationships of initial feeding habits and breastfeeding period duration with offspring functional constipation at 3 years of age. This study assessed the impact of breastfeeding during infancy on early childhood functional constipation.

Methods
The fixed data of 70,078 singleton births from the ongoing Japan Environment and Children’s Study cohort study that commenced in 2011 were used to identify functional constipation as estimated by Rome III at 3 years of age. The exposure variables were breastfeeding period duration until 12 months of age (never, up to 6 months, or ≥ 7 months) as well as breastfeeding status at 1 month and 6 months of age (breastfeeding exclusively, partial breastfeeding, or infant formula feeding only). Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to search for correlations for functional constipation development with breastfeeding period duration until 12 months of age and breastfeeding status during infancy.

Results
We identified 8,118 toddlers (11.6%) who met the Rome III criteria at 3 years of age. After controlling for potential covariates, a breastfeeding period duration of 7 months or more was inversely related to functional constipation development (≥ 7 months: adjusted odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] 0.76 [0.65, 0.88] versus never breastfed, P for trend < 0.001). Other initial feeding methods were significantly related to an increased risk of functional constipation as compared with breastfeeding exclusively at 1 month of age (partial breastfeeding: adjusted OR [95% CI] 1.17 [1.11, 1.23], formula feeding only: 1.23 [1.07, 1.40]) and 6 months of age (partial breastfeeding: adjusted OR [95% CI] 1.18 [1.12, 1.24], formula feeding only: adjusted OR [95% CI] 1.42 [1.20, 1.68]).

Conclusion
This large nationwide survey revealed a possible protective effect of a prolonged breastfeeding period duration and early exclusive breastfeeding in infancy on functional constipation at 3 years.
Time to recovery and its determinant factors among patients with COVID-19 in Assosa COVID-19 treatment center, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Kassie Maru Zewdu , Gobena Molalign Gualu , Alemu Yihenew Mitiku , Tegegne Awoke Seyoum 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
The Novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has become a global threat. Determining the time to recovery from COVID-19 is intended to assist healthcare professionals in providing better care, and planning logistics. So, the study aimed to identify the factors that affect the time to recovery from COVID-19 for patients treated at Assosa COVID-19 treatment center, Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia.

Methods
A retrospective study design was conducted on 334 randomly selected COVID-19 patients at Assosa COVID-19 treatment center from February 2021 to July 2021. The median survival time, Kaplan–Meier survival estimate, and Log-Rank test were used to describe the data and compare the survival time between groups. The study used the Cox PH model to analyze the time to the first recovery of COVID-19 patients, where hazard ratio, p-value, and 95% CI for hazard ratio were used for testing significance. Schoenfeld and Cox-Snell residuals were used for checking the model assumption.

Results
The overall incidence rate was 13.79 per 100 (95% CI: 10.04, 18.95) person-days observations. The median time to recovery was 16 days. At the end of the follow-up, 77.2% of the patients had developed an event of recovery, and the rest 22.8% were censored. The mean age of patients was 45.22 years. Severe COVID-19 patients (AHR = 0.7876, 95% CI: 0.7090, 0.8748), presence of symptoms (AHR = 0.2814, 95% CI: 0.1340, 0.5914), comorbidity (AHR = 0.1627, 95% CI: 0.1396, 0.1897), ≥ 90 oxygen saturation (AHR = 3.2370, 95% CI: 2.161, 4.848), and being older age (AHR = 0.9840, 95% CI: 0.971, 0.9973) were found to have statistically significant association with the time to recovery from COVID-19.

Conclusion
The study concludes that severe COVID-19 patients, male patients, patients having comorbidity, older age, and patients having symptoms as poor prognostic factors of COVID-19 disease and also prolonged recovery time. Therefore, health providers in treatment centers should give strict follow-up and priority to older patients, severe COVID-19 patients, and patients having another co-morbid illness by focusing on respiratory difficulties and underlying pre-existing medical conditions to manage the disease severity and recover quickly.
Strategic directions of sustainable development of the tourism industry
Authors: Tranchenko L. , Yavorska V. , Tereshchuk N. 
Published: November 2023

Today, in the conditions of global restructuring and reorientation of economic sectors, the growth of people's needs and motives for tourism is important. Tourism as a branch of the economy is gradually taking leadership positions in many countries of the world, as well as in Ukraine in the future. Therefore, we have significant unrealized human, natural-resource, historical-cultural, tourist-recreational and scientific-technical potential, a good geographical location, and a favorable climate. Also, the peculiarity of the current situation in the country, economic and political instability, the conditions of the military conflict, insist on the further development of our state, which must necessarily include the creation of conditions for the development of the tourism industry.
At the same time, the formation of a highly developed tourism industry and its integration into the world market of tourist services are connected with the need to solve acute socio-economic problems and attract international experience. The article reveals that the phenomenon of the 21st century. determine today - the hospitality industry, which has become one of the leading directions of socio-economic activity. It has been proven that this is the business of the 21st century. which contributes to the creation of new jobs, the search for methods of increasing the competitiveness of enterprises at the global level, the popularization of the country on the international market of services and, as a result, raising the level of the national economy.
However, in recent years, the tourism industry in Ukraine has been in a state of stagnation, therefore, the determination of factors influencing the development of the hospitality industry is relevant, because with the help of the acquired knowledge, it is possible to prevent the degradation of one of the most promising branches of international business. The article examines the influence of factors on the sustainable development of the tourism industry, economic studies of the potential opportunities of this industry within the general strategy of the socio-economic development of the world in general and Ukraine in particular.
Philosophy of Body: Emodiment and Spatiality
Authors: Godwins Jude 
Published: November 2023

The issue of human existence is not a question of reason but a matter of one’s relation to one’s body (Leib). Studies on laughing and crying as well as clinical studies reveal human existence is the problem of how being body (Leibsein) and having body are harmonized in certain life situations (Plessner, 1970, 37). They show how human existence is not a question of human reason but a matter of one’s relation to one’s body. For Plessner this indicates a new way of defining reason. Reason would now mean how one relates to one’s body and to one’s environment. The human being consists of the unity of the centric and the eccentric dimensions of human existence. It boils down to the relationship between being body and having body. The phenomena of laughing and crying show how man’s existence consists in the attempt to balance these two existential arts of being and having. Plessner shows that laughing and crying are answers to crises of human behaviour. They are reactions to border situations. Laughing answers to the blockade that one experiences when stimuli to action become irrevocably equivocal. Crying reacts to the behavioural blockade one experiences when one and things no longer relate to each other. When one finds oneself incapable of establishing a relationship to a certain situation because the surrounding things have lost their meaningful links to one another and so no longer make sense to one, one loses one’s ability to act. The human body reacts with laughing and crying to behavioural crises and offers bodily answers to boundary situations. This seems to reveal how our existence could be a matter of our relationship to our body rather than a question of abstract reason. Man, unlike the animal, can withdraw from his embodied, spatial existence and say “I” to himself. This is demonstrative of how his situation in the world is (one of) a mediated immediacy. By means of his Leib, man has immediate contact with the things in his Umwelt (Plessner, 1970, 41). The "immanence of consciousness" carries out its duty of revealing reality through the intertwining activity of receding and residing, engaging and disengaging, remoteness and nearness. Only through the body’s mediateness and only as Leib (lived-body, living body, inner life) can man be with things, seeing and acting. The positional character of man’s life is man’s mode of relating to his surroundings (Plessner, 1970, 42). Man’s possibility of “controlling nature objectively in knowing and doing” has its roots in the Leib’s mediated immediacy. Mediated immediacy in turn comes from our eccentric position, and our eccentric position decides how we relate to our body as positional and situational beings.