bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and Study of Antibacterial <i>In situ</i> Coatings for Processing Implants
Authors: Bakhrushina E. O. , Popova A. A. , Pomytkina M. V. , Anurova M. N. , Demina N. B. , Krasnyuk I. I. 
Published: September 2023

Introduction. Periprosthetic infections are a major problem in orthopedic surgery. The most optimal way to influence the bacterial film is to suppress the early stages of its formation. The use of hydrogel coatings for the prevention of periprosthetic infections is an effective measure, while the process of coating the implant can be simplified due to the use of in situ systems.Aim. The purpose of the research is to develop and study antibacterial in situ coatings for preoperative treatment of implants.Materials and methods. In the experiment we used poloxamers Kolliphor® P 407 and Kolliphor® P 188 (BASF, Germany), hyaluronic acid high-molecular PrincipHYAL® (1400–1800 kDa), low-molecular PrincipHYAL® (400–600 kDa), mixture of high, medium and low-molecular acids PrincipHYAL® Cube3 (ROELMI HPC Srl, Italy). As screening methods for identifying the optimal composition, we used gelation temperature measurements, pH measurements, studies of rheological properties, and microbiological tests.Results and discussion. During the experiment, we found the optimal concentration of hyaluronic acid 1400–1800 kDa – 0.5 %, at which the studied composition at a temperature of 4.5 ± 0.5 °C was a homogeneous liquid, and it made a sol-gel transition when heated. It was revealed that hyaluronic acid had no significant effect on the gelling temperature, so we added poloxamer 188. We also established the influence of the hyaluronic acid molecular weight on the in situ systems characteristics. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid stabilized the viscosity values and improved the adhesive properties of the system, samples with medium and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid showed lower dynamic viscosity values at the phase gel-sol transition end. We tested the optimal composition (containing 18.0 % poloxamer 407, 2 % poloxamer 188, and 0.5 % hyaluronic acid (1400–1800 kDa) adhesion to the titanium plate. When exposed to the paddle stirrer (rotation speed 20 rpm) for 15 minutes and stored in the thermostat (37,0 ± 0,5 °C) for a week, the analyzed composition showed adhesion strength, which makes it possible to use it for coating.Conclusion. By multistage screening a sample was selected for introduction of a model antibacterial component representing a cocktail of bacteriophages Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli. Microbiological studies showed good compatibility of the immunobiological substance with excipients, which indicated the prospects for further preclinical studies.
Composition and Content of Hydrolysable Tannins in Feijoa Leaves, <i>Acca sellowiana</i>
Authors: Krol T. A. , Baleev D. N. , Ossipov V. I. 
Published: September 2023

Introduction. Acca sellowiana, or feijoa belongs to the Myrtaceae family and it is an evergreen shrub or small tree 4–6 meters high. The phytochemical composition has been most thoroughly studied in the fruits of A. sellowiana. It has been shown that feijoa is rich in phenolic acids, hydrolysable and condensed tannins, steroidal saponins, and flavonoids. Hydrolysable tannins are known to have high biological activity.Aim. To study the composition and content of hydrolysable tannins in the leaves of A. sellowiana.Materials and methods. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and mass spectrometry.Results and discussion. The results obtained showed the presence of 22 phenolic compounds in the extract of the A. sellowiana leaves. They have been classified as flavan-3-ols, flavonoids and hydrolysable tannins. Two compounds could not be identified. The total content of hydrolysable tannins was 44,28 mg/g (90 % of the total phenolic content). At the same time, ellagitannins were the main phenolic compounds of the extract (40,47 mg/g), while the amount of galloyl-glucose was only 3,81 mg/g.Conclusions. Composition and content of hydrolysable tannins in the leaves of A. sellowiana introduced in the greenhouse of VILAR have been studied. The leaves accumulate mainly monomeric ellagitannins represented 92 % of the total content of hydrolysable tannins. The data obtained indicate that the leaves of A. sellowiana can be used as a raw material for obtaining extracts with a high content of ellagitannins and developing drugs based on them.
ENHANCING STUDENTS’ SPEAKING SKILL THROUGH OUTDOOR LEARNING METHOD AT ENGLISH LANGUAGE EDUCATION STUDY PROGRAM OF FOURTH SEMESTER STUDENTS KHAIRUN UNIVERSITY IN ACADEMIC YEAR 2022/2023
Authors: Jasin Hamida A. , Wicaksono Muhammad Arif 
Published: September 2023

This research entitled “Enhancing Students’ Speaking Skill through Outdoor Learning Method of Fourth Semester Students of English Language Education Study Program at Khairun University in Academic Year 2022/2023” is intended to: to find out the implementation of outdoor learning in teaching speaking skill, and to find out the enhancing of students’ speaking skill through the implementation of outdoor learning. In this study the researcher uses action research because the researcher describes the data inform of words rather than numbers. The researcher uses functional text uses students of fourth semester of English Language Education Study Program as the data source of this research. The research instrument used by the writer is in the form of observation checklist, and test. The data is in the research are mainly gathered through the use of pre-test, observation, questionnaires, and post test. In analyzing the data, the researcher applies descriptive tehnique. After the data are collocted, they are analyze based on five indicators; fluency,pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and accuracy in the functional text. The result shows that the implementation of outdoor learning method through three types pre- activity outdoor, while activity outdoor, and post-activity outdoor can improve the students’ speaking skill. The implementation of outdoor learning method can improve the students’speaking skill of English language education study program Khairun University in academic year 2022/2023. In the pre-test result, in which they formerly did not learn using outdoor learning methods , the mean of pre-test was 58.02. After they learn English using outdoor learning method, the mean of post test was 70,8.
The Relationship between Smartphone Addiction and Functional Neck Disability among University Students during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: ABDEL-AZİEM Amr , DEWİR Ibrahim , ALOTİBİ Mosab , MORSHED Hamzh , ALKHAMMASH Ziyad , ALSHAHRANİ Muqren 
Published: September 2023

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of smartphones addiction, and to investigate the relationship between smartphones addiction and functional neck disability among the students of Taif University during a Covid-19 pandemic.
Methods: A 1060 students from Taif University participated in this study. The smartphones addiction was evaluated by using the short version of the smartphone’s addiction scale (SAS-SV) and functional neck disability was measured by the neck disability index (NDI).
Results: About 83 % of the students reported smartphones addiction, 50% were suffering from mild neck disability, and 84% used their smartphones for more than 4 hours/day. Female students represented one and half times more than male to develop a smartphones addiction (p< 0.05). There was a significant association between smartphones addition and neck disability (p< 0.05). Moreover, female students had a functional neck disability significantly greater than male students (p= 0.001). Students with smartphones addiction represented three times more than students without addiction to develop functional neck disability (p= 0.001), and female students represented two times more than male students to develop functional neck disability (p= 0.001).
Conclusion: During a COVID-19 pandemic, more than four-fifth of the students showed smartphones addiction. The female students are more predictive to smartphones addiction than male. The smartphones addiction and female students were found to be the predictors for functional neck disability.
Grounding perceptions: the value of otoendoscopy images in strengthening parents and children's understanding and decision making in a pediatric ENT clinic
Authors: Carter Bernie , Hampton Thomas , Sharma Sunil , De Sujata 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionIn recent years, there has been an increasing use of otoendoscopy in middle ear surgery. There is also increasing evidence of its usefulness as a diagnostic tool for clinicians. However, there is limited evidence on whether understanding their ear condition is of benefit to patients. This novel study sought to explore the perceptions, perspectives, and satisfaction of parents, children, and young people regarding the use of otoendoscope images in outpatient ENT consultations in relation to their understanding of ear symptoms, disease, and subsequent treatment. The framework for the study is child (and parent) health literacy and how visual images can play in scaffolding understanding, communication, and decision-making.MethodsThis qualitative descriptive exploratory study used semi-structured observation, a survey, short conversational interviews, and child activities.ResultsPurposive sampling of 16 children (aged 4–15 yrs, various diagnoses) and parents/carers attending an outpatient ENT clinic at a tertiary pediatric hospital. One overarching theme, “Grounding perceptions and deepening engagement,” and two sub-themes, “Strengthening understanding” and “Supporting decision-making,” were identified. The children and parents valued the opportunity to see the images and gain insight and knowledge of their child's pathology.DiscussionThe images appeared to promote child (and parent) health literacy and interaction between the child-parent-clinician and informed shared decision-making. This study suggests that the use of otoendoscopy in an out-patient setting and sharing of the images with parents, children, and young people have a largely positive impact on understanding, relationship building, and decision making in pediatric ENT consultations.
Woven bone formation and mineralization by rat mesenchymal stromal cells imply increased expression of the intermediate filament desmin
Authors: Di Conza Giusy , Barbaro Fulvio , Zini Nicoletta , Spaletta Giulia , Remaggi Giulia , Elviri Lisa , Mosca Salvatore , Caravelli Silvio , Mosca Massimiliano , Toni Roberto 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundDisordered and hypomineralized woven bone formation by dysfunctional mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) characterize delayed fracture healing and endocrine –metabolic bone disorders like fibrous dysplasia and Paget disease of bone. To shed light on molecular players in osteoblast differentiation, woven bone formation, and mineralization by MSCs we looked at the intermediate filament desmin (DES) during the skeletogenic commitment of rat bone marrow MSCs (rBMSCs), where its bone-related action remains elusive.ResultsMonolayer cultures of immunophenotypically- and morphologically - characterized, adult male rBMSCs showed co-localization of desmin (DES) with vimentin, F-actin, and runx2 in all cell morphotypes, each contributing to sparse and dense colonies. Proteomic analysis of these cells revealed a topologically-relevant interactome, focused on cytoskeletal and related enzymes//chaperone/signalling molecules linking DES to runx2 and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Osteogenic differentiation led to mineralized woven bone nodules confined to dense colonies, significantly smaller and more circular with respect to controls. It significantly increased also colony-forming efficiency and the number of DES-immunoreactive dense colonies, and immunostaining of co-localized DES/runx-2 and DES/ALP. These data confirmed pre-osteoblastic and osteoblastic differentiation, woven bone formation, and mineralization, supporting DES as a player in the molecular pathway leading to the osteogenic fate of rBMSCs.ConclusionImmunocytochemical and morphometric studies coupled with proteomic and bioinformatic analysis support the concept that DES may act as an upstream signal for the skeletogenic commitment of rBMSCs. Thus, we suggest that altered metabolism of osteoblasts, woven bone, and mineralization by dysfunctional BMSCs might early be revealed by changes in DES expression//levels. Non-union fractures and endocrine – metabolic bone disorders like fibrous dysplasia and Paget disease of bone might take advantage of this molecular evidence for their early diagnosis and follow-up.
Relationship between serum iron and blood eosinophil counts in asthmatic adults: data from NHANES 2011-2018
Authors: Wen Jun , Wang Changfen , Xia Jing , Giri Mohan , Guo Shuliang 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundSo far, quite a few studies have revealed that systemic iron levels are related to asthmatic inflammatory reactions. And most studies have focused on the correlation between systemic iron levels and asthma, with inconsistent findings. Yet, few studies have investigated the connection between serum iron and blood eosinophil counts. Hence, we have explored the connection between serum iron and blood eosinophil counts in asthmatics by utilizing data from NHANES.MethodsA total of 2549 individuals were included in our study after screening NHANES participants from 2011 to 2018. The linear regression model and XGBoost model were used to discuss the potential connection. Linear or nonlinear association was further confirmed by the generalized additive model and the piecewise linear regression model. And we also performed stratified analyses to figure out specific populations.ResultsIn the multivariable linear regression models, we discovered that serum iron levels were inversely related to blood eosinophil counts in asthmatic adults. Simultaneously, we found that for every unit increase in serum iron (umol/L), blood eosinophil counts reduced by 1.41/uL in model 3, which adjusted for all variables excluding the analyzed variables. Furthermore, the XGBoost model of machine learning was applied to assess the relative importance of chosen variables, and it was determined that vitamin C intake, age, vitamin B12 intake, iron intake, and serum iron were the five most important variables on blood eosinophil counts. And the generalized additive model and piecewise linear regression model further verify this linear and inverse association.ConclusionOur investigation discovered that the linear and inverse association of serum iron with blood eosinophil counts in asthmatic adults, indicating that serum iron might be related to changes in the immunological state of asthmatics. Our work offers some new thoughts for next research on asthma management and therapy. Ultimately, we hope that more individuals become aware of the role of iron in the onset, development, and treatment of asthma.
Relatively preserved functional immune capacity with standard COVID-19 vaccine regimen in people living with HIV
Authors: Hung Chen-Yiu , Hsiao Sung-Han , Huang Chung-Guei , Chang Chia-Shiang , Chen Guan-Yan , Huang Yu-Lin , Dutta Avijit , Huang Ching-Tai 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionPeople living with HIV (PLWH) are at a higher risk of severe disease with SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. COVID-19 vaccines are effective in most PLWH. However, suboptimal immune responses to the standard two-shot regimen are a concern, especially for those with moderate to severe immunodeficiency. An additional dose is recommended as part of the extended primary series in Taiwan. Herein, we study the efficacy of this additional shot in PLWH with mild immunodeficiency compared to that in healthy non-HIV people.MethodsIn total, 72 PLWH that were asymptomatic or with mild immunodeficiency (CD4 counts ≥200/mm3) and suppressed virology, and 362 healthcare workers of our hospital were enrolled. None of the participants had a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. They received mRNA-1273 and ChAdOx1 vaccines. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing and anti-Spike IgG antibodies, and SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses were evaluated.ResultsThe standard two-shot regimen elicited lower responses in PLWH than the healthcare workers without HIV infection, although the difference was statistically insignificant. They had comparable levels of neutralizing and anti-Spike antibodies and comparable effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. The third shot boosted the SARS-CoV-2 immunity significantly more with better antibody responses and higher IFN-γ and IL-2 responses of the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in PLWH compared to those without HIV. Upon in vitro stimulation with extracted Wuhan strain SARS-CoV-2 proteins, CD8+ T cells from PLWH after 3 shots had more durable effector responses than the non-HIV controls with extended time of stimulation.ConclusionThis subtle difference between PLWH and non-HIV people implied immune exhaustion with two shots in non-HIV people. Slightly compromised immunity in PLWH indeed preserved the functional capacity for further response to the third shot or natural infection.
Ultrastructure of the organ of Corti in harbor seals (Phoca vitulina)
Authors: Rojas Laura , Haulena Martin , Reichmuth Colleen , Busse Björn , Ramos-Garduño L. Aurora , Rico-Chávez Oscar , Siebert Ursula , Morell Maria 
Published: September 2023

Ultrastructural descriptions of the inner ear of highly sound-dependent mammalian species are lacking and needed to gain a better understanding of the hearing sense. Here, we present the first morphometric descriptions of the sensory cells of the inner ear in the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), a mammal with broadly sensitive amphibious hearing. Scanning electron micrographs of the apical surface of the outer hair cells (OHCs) and inner hair cells (IHCs) within the organ of Corti were obtained from five individuals and analyzed by linear and geometric morphometrics. Measurements were taken at regular locations along the cochlea. The spiral shape of the seal cochlea contained two and a half turns. The organ of Corti had an average length of 27.7 mm with 12,628 OHCs (12,400-12,900). Six linear morphometric parameters showed significant patterns of change associated with their location within the cochlear spiral. Likewise, these trends were similarly expressed in cell configuration (cell blocks with 57 landmarks in 12 representative cells) revealed by geometric morphometry. Cell configuration varied predictably with position in the cochlea according to clustering analyses and Procrustes ANOVA (F= 25.936, p&lt;0001). Changes associated with OHCs were primarily responsible for observed changes in cell configuration. An integration trend in cell shape change was also observed in which IHCs and OHCs share features in their morphological variation by the two-block partial least squares analysis (CR=0.987, p&lt;0.001) and the modularity hypothesis (CV=0.99, p=0.05). These descriptive and quantitative findings provide a baseline for the morphology and morphometry of the sensory cells of the organ of Corti in harbor seals, allowing for comparisons between normal and pathological features. This initial morphological description should enable the correlation between position, morphometric features, and frequency coding along the spiral of the inner ear in this species, whose hearing ability is well studied.
Consensus recommendations for the treatment and management of patients with Fabry disease on migalastat: a modified Delphi study
Authors: Bichet Daniel G. , Hopkin Robert J. , Aguiar Patrício , Allam Sridhar R. , Chien Yin-Hsiu , Giugliani Roberto , Kallish Staci , Kineen Sabina , Lidove Olivier , Niu Dau-Ming , Olivotto Iacopo , Politei Juan , Rakoski Paul , Torra Roser , Tøndel Camilla , Hughes Derralynn A. 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveFabry disease is a progressive disorder caused by deficiency of the α-galactosidase A enzyme (α-Gal A), leading to multisystemic organ damage with heterogenous clinical presentation. The addition of the oral chaperone therapy migalastat to the available treatment options for Fabry disease is not yet universally reflected in all treatment guidelines. These consensus recommendations are intended to provide guidance for the treatment and monitoring of patients with Fabry disease receiving migalastat.MethodsA modified Delphi process was conducted to determine consensus on treatment decisions and monitoring of patients with Fabry disease receiving migalastat. The multidisciplinary panel comprised 14 expert physicians across nine specialties and two patients with Fabry disease. Two rounds of Delphi surveys were completed and recommendations on the use of biomarkers, multidisciplinary monitoring, and treatment decisions were generated based on statements that reached consensus.ResultsThe expert panel reached consensus agreement on 49 of 54 statements, including 16 that reached consensus in round 1. Statements that reached consensus agreement are summarized in recommendations for migalastat treatment and monitoring, including baseline and follow-up assessments and frequency. All patients with Fabry disease and an amenable mutation may initiate migalastat treatment if they have evidence of Fabry-related symptoms and/or organ involvement. Treatment decisions should include holistic assessment of the patient, considering clinical symptoms and organ involvement as well as patient-reported outcomes and patient preference. The reliability of α-Gal A and globotriaosylsphingosine as pharmacodynamic response biomarkers remains unclear.ConclusionThese recommendations build on previously published guidelines to highlight the importance of holistic, multidisciplinary monitoring for patients with Fabry disease receiving migalastat, in addition to shared decision-making regarding treatments and monitoring throughout the patient journey.
Evolutionary conservation of Zinc-Activated Channel (ZAC) functionality in mammals: a range of mammalian ZACs assemble into cell surface-expressed functional receptors
Authors: Jensen Anders A. 
Published: September 2023

In contrast to the other pentameric ligand-gated ion channels in the Cys-loop receptor superfamily, the ZACN gene encoding for the Zinc-Activated Channel (ZAC) is exclusively found in the mammalian genome. Human ZAC assembles into homomeric cation-selective channels gated by Zn2+, Cu2+ and H+, but the function of the receptor in human physiology is presently poorly understood. In this study, the degree of evolutionary conservation of a functional ZAC in mammals was probed by investigating the abilities of a selection of ZACs from 10 other mammalian species than human to be expressed at the protein level and assemble into cell surface-expressed functional receptors in mammalian cells and in Xenopus oocytes. In an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, transient transfections of tsA201 cells with cDNAs of hemagglutinin (HA)-epitope-tagged versions of these 10 ZACs resulted in robust total expression and cell surface expression levels of all proteins. Moreover, injection of cRNAs for 6 of these ZACs in oocytes resulted in the formation of functional receptors in two-electrode voltage-clamp recordings. The ZACs exhibited robust current amplitudes in response to Zn2+ (10 mM) and H+ (pH 4.0), and the concentration-response relationships displayed by Zn2+ at these channels were largely comparable to that at human ZAC. In conclusion, the findings suggest that the functionality of ZAC at the molecular level may be conserved throughout mammalian species, and that the channel thus may govern physiological functions in mammals, including humans.