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Clinical features of pulmonary nocardiosis: a descriptive research study
No full textAbstract Introduction Pulmonary nocardiosis lacks specific symptoms and characteristic test findings, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. Therefore, to clarify its clinical features, we analyzed 21 cases diagnosed as pulmonary nocardiosis at our institution. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of cases in which Nocardia species were isolated from respiratory specimens at Saitama Red Cross Hospital between January 2017 and May 2024. Results The cohort included 14 females and 7 males, with a mean age of 71.8 years. Underlying lung diseases were present in 14 cases (66.7%), with pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease being the most common (8 cases). Mixed infections with other bacteria were observed in 10 cases (47.6%) at the time of pulmonary nocardiosis diagnosis, including 4 cases involving NTM. Additionally, during follow-up after diagnosis, 4 patients (19.0%) developed mixed infections with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The prognosis of pulmonary nocardiosis itself was favorable. Conclusion Given that many patients have underlying lung diseases and that mixed infections (particularly with NTM and P. aeruginosa) are frequently observed both at diagnosis and during follow-up, it is crucial to always consider the possibility of pulmonary nocardiosis when symptoms or imaging findings worsen
Bronchoalveolar lavage cell differential count is associated with survival and radiological UIP pattern in familial pulmonary fibrosis
No full textAbstract Background Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) cell differential count analysis is a common diagnostic tool in interstitial lung diseases (ILD), but studies of the BAL cell profile in familial pulmonary fibrosis (FPF) are sparse. In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to determine BAL cell profile in patients with FPF and to compare findings to those with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) or asbestosis. We also investigated BAL cell profile according to clinical features, radiological usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) patterns, survival and additionally in the subgroups of the patients with pathogenic gene variants and histological investigations. Methods Data were collected from medical records between 1 January 2000 and 30 September 2024. The inclusion criterion was pulmonary fibrosis (PF) (ICD 10-code J84.X), with at least one self-reported relative with PF and BAL data available. High-resolution computer tomography (HRCT) scans and histology were re-evaluated. Results The BAL results of 49 FPF patients were compared with 72 IPF and 90 asbestosis cases. Differences in BAL cell profile were revealed between groups of FPF, IPF, and asbestosis. Furthermore, we found differences in BAL cell profile between smoking habits and radiological UIP patterns. The BAL results of the patients with pathogenic gene variants were variable. Moreover, BAL eosinophils associated with survival in FPF and familial IPF. Conclusions As a novel finding, a high proportion of BAL eosinophils is associated with shortened survival of patients with FPF, thus emphasising the need to further investigate the role of eosinophils in the pathogenesis of FPF
Pituranthos chloranthus essential oil alleviates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and potentiates antitumor activities: An in vivo and in vitro study
No full textObjective:
To study the potential of Pituranthos chloranthus essential oil (PC) as a chemoprotective agent.
Methods:
In the in vitro study, cell proliferation were determined in CT26, SW620, and SW480 cells. Cells were exposed to in-creasing concentrations of PC (0, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 μg/mL). Combination index was calculated by applying the Chou-Talalay method, apoptopsis was analyzed by annexin V/propidium iodide staining, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and the Δψm drop were also assessed. In the in vivo study, mice were divided into 5 groups: the normal control group, the CT26 tumor-bearing group, the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+PC group, the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+cisplatin group, and the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+cisplatin+PC group. Organ coefficients and tumor volume were calculated. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and tumor necrosis factor-a levels were assessed.
Results:
Cisplatin with PC induced a synergistic effect, allowing for reduced cisplatin dose while maintaining the same therapeutic efficacy. PC-cisplatin combinations inhibited cell viability by significantly inducing apoptosis, increasing reactive oxygen species accumulation and reducing mitochondrial membrane potential. Co-treatment with cisplatin and PC restored organ coefficients, reduced tumor volume, and alleviated nephrotoxicity in CT26 tumor-bearing mice by restoring kidney function markers and ameliorating kidney inflammation status.
Conclusions:
PC shows a chemoprotective potential by enhancing the antitumor effect of cisplatin while alleviating its side effects
Rethinking Stigma Assessment: A Pre-Registered Multi-Group Study on Alternative Item Wordings
No full textTraditional stigma scales that measure agreement with negative stereotypes have been found to potentially reinforce indicators of stigmatisation. This study examines alternative stigma item wordings using a 3 (wording: original, positively rephrased, semantic differential) × 3 (target stigma: obesity, schizophrenia, sexually transmitted diseases) between-subject design (N = 1,428). Wording types are evaluated based on their effects on stigma indicators as well as on participants’ perceptions regarding quality, clarity, and validity. The findings do not provide unequivocal support for our hypotheses favouring alternative item wordings. Only the positively rephrased items showed a measurable benefit in reducing desired social distance, primarily among participants with limited prior experience with the stigmatised group. Although further validation is needed, adapting item wordings to emphasise positive language may be a promising approach to reducing stigmatising effects of measurement. The findings can inform the development of more sensitive and effective tools for assessing public stigma
Roblox addiction and psychological well-being in Generation Z
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between Roblox online game addiction tendency and psychological well-being among Generation Z in Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek). The research was motivated by the increasing use of the online game Roblox, which has the potential to foster addictive behaviors and diminish psychological well-being. Using a correlational quantitative method, non-parametric Spearman's Rank and Kruskal-Wallis analyses were employed due to non-normally distributed data. Participants consisted of 273 Generation Z individuals selected via purposive sampling. The results indicated a significant negative correlation between Roblox addiction and psychological well-being (r = -.752, p < .01), suggesting that higher addiction levels are associated with lower psychological well-being. The conflict dimension contributed most substantially to the decline in psychological well-being. Furthermore, significant differences were found based on age, residence, frequency of play, duration of play, and reasons for playing. Theoretically, these findings contribute to the literature on the relationship between Roblox addiction and the psychological well-being of Generation Z, while also highlighting opportunities for future research on potential mediating or moderating variables such as self-control and social support. Practically, the results are expected to serve as an educational foundation for adolescents, parents, and educational institutions to promote self-regulation in playing Roblox
Yeşil Tedarik Zinciri Yönetimi (YTZY): İtici Güçler ve Engeller
No full textKüresel ısınma, doğal kaynakların tükenmesi, çevre kirliliği ve iklim değişikliği gibi çevresel sorunlar, işletmeleri tedarik zincirlerinde daha sürdürülebilir ve çevre dostu uygulamalar geliştirmeye yönlendirmektedir. Bu çalışma, Yeşil Tedarik Zinciri Yönetimi’nin (YTZY) uygulanmasını şekillendiren temel dinamikleri inceleyerek işletmeleri yeşil uygulamalara yönelten itici güçleri ve uygulama sürecini sınırlayan engelleri sistematik biçimde ortaya koymayı amaçlamaktadır. Bu doğrultuda Web of Science (WoS) ve Scopus veri tabanlarında alandaki çalışmalar taranmış ve ilgili makaleler değerlendirmeye alınmıştır. Literatürdeki genel yönelimleri belirlemek amacıyla ilk olarak incelenen çalışmalarda kullanılan anahtar kelimeler ve en çok yayın yapan ülkeler gibi temel bulgular incelenmiş; ardından kullanılan yöntemler, sektör bağlamları ve temel bulgular tematik olarak sınıflandırılarak bütüncül bir çerçeve oluşturulmuştur. Bulgular, düzenleyici baskılar, müşteri talepleri, rekabet avantajı arayışı ve yeşil inovasyonun çevresel performansı iyileştirme potansiyelinin YTZY uygulamalarının başlıca itici güçleri olduğunu göstermektedir. Buna karşın yüksek maliyetler, teknik bilgi ve altyapı eksiklikleri, müşteri farkındalığının düşük olması ve tedarikçiler arasındaki işbirliği yetersizliği uygulamanın önündeki temel engeller olarak öne çıkmaktadır
Dynamical and Photometric Analysis of NGC 146 and King 14: Evidence for a Comoving, Unbound Cluster Pair
No full textTo understand the nature of the NGC 146–King 14 cluster pair, we conducted a detailed photometric, astrometric, and dynamical study using multiwavelength data from Gaia DR3, Pan-STARRS1, WISE, and TESS. Using a probabilistic approach, we identified 770 and 690 high-probability members of NGC 146 and King 14, respectively. Both clusters exhibit well-defined radial density profiles consistent with King models. We estimate the cluster ages as 20 ± 5 Myr and 50 ± 10 Myr from isochrone fitting, and distances of 2.98 ± 0.33 kpc and 2.51 ± 0.23 kpc from parallaxes after applying the Bailer-Jones criteria. The clusters show consistent mean proper motions. The mass function slopes (1.51 ± 0.18 and 1.50 ± 0.15) are close to the Salpeter value, and the extinction follows a normal Galactic reddening law ( R _V ≈ 3.1). Three-dimensional mapping gives a projected separation of ∼9 pc. Orbit integration using the galpy MWPotential2014 model shows that NGC 146 and King 14 move in nearly circular, disk-like orbits with similar mean orbital radii ( R _m ∼ 9 kpc) and orbital periods of roughly 255 Myr. A dynamical separation of ∼32 pc indicates that both clusters share a common spatial and kinematic association, consistent with a comoving pair. However, their relative velocity exceeds the escape velocity set by their combined mass, indicating they are not gravitationally bound. TESS light curves reveal seven variable stars, including γ Doradus, SPB stars, and eclipsing binaries, though only one is a likely member. Overall, the clusters likely formed within the same giant molecular cloud and now exist as an unbound comoving pair
Time pressure and player disadvantage: Effects on jump performance in simulated matches of well-trained amateur handball players
No full textBackground: At the end of a handball match, when players are physically disadvantaged and pressured by time, their overall fitness declines. This primarily affects their jumping ability, a key skill for scoring points.
Aims: This study examined the effects of late-match time pressure and player disadvantage on the jumping performance of well-trained amateur handball players under simulated competition conditions.
Methods: Twenty-eight amateur handball players (14 males and 14 females; age 20.00 ± 0.86 years, weight 65.32 ± 11.18 kg, height 169.68 ± 9.56 cm, experience 4.79 ± 2.63 years, and VO2max 40.89 ± 7.67 ml/kg/min) participated in a simulated handball match that replicated the intensity of a simulated game. The match was simulated with a player disadvantage and a score of less than 1 point in the final five minutes. Height jump (HJ), Rate of force development (RFD), and Power (PW) were analyzed using countermovement jumps (CMJ) pre and post competition, along with average heart rate (HR) during the game.
Results: HJ, RFD, and PW increased significantly after the competition (P < 0.05), regardless of whether the athlete was on the favored or disadvantaged team. However, no significant differences were found between favored and disadvantaged teams in any of the variables.
Conclusion: Jumping performance did not consistently decrease in situations with fewer players and scoring pressure. Furthermore, neuromuscular fitness temporarily increased after intense exercise and a short recovery period
Cross-sectional comparative shotgun metagenomic analysis of the subgingival resistome in healthy subjects and patients with periodontitis from four countries
No full textBackground The oral cavity is a known reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), but little is known about their subgingival distribution across health states and regions.Objective This study aimed to characterize and compare the subgingival resistome and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in healthy subjects (HS) and periodontitis patients (PP) from Belgium, Chile, Peru and Spain.Design Subgingival samples pooled from the deepest site of each quadrant of 40 HS and 40 PP were analyzed via shotgun metagenomic sequencing. After human DNA depletion, the microbial composition was assessed with MetaPhlAn 4.0; ARGs were identified using MEGAHIT and AMRFinderPlus; and MGEs with MGEfinder.Results ARG richness was significantly higher in PP (mean 3.98) than in HS (2.15). PP from Peru showed more ARGs than HS from Chile and Spain. In total, 28 ARGs were found, conferring resistance to eight antibiotic classes. β-lactam, tetracycline and aminoglycoside resistance were more abundant in PP. Macrolide resistance was lower in Chilean samples than in Peruvian and Spanish ones. Additionally, 99 MGE-associated genes were detected, with 16 differing by diagnosis and 78 by country.Conclusions Subgingival resistome profiles vary significantly by periodontal status and geography, underscoring the influence of clinical and regional factors on antimicrobial resistance in the oral microbiome
Model-based estimation of tokamak plasma profiles and physics parameters: integration with improved equilibrium reconstruction and experimental data
No full textPlasma state reconstruction methods combining measurements and physics modeling improve the estimation of physics quantities in real-time and in post-discharge analysis. We present a workflow to reconstruct the dynamic evolution of a set of internal tokamak plasma profiles with consistent equilibria, as applied in this paper for experimental data from TCV L and H-mode discharges. Plasma profile estimates for electron temperature T _e , electron density n _e and parallel current density are obtained by data assimilation of Thomson scattering (TS) measurements into RAPTOR modeling, using an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF). A new kinetic equilibrium reconstruction method ensures mutual consistency of free-boundary equilibrium reconstruction, core plasma profile estimates and mapping of the TS measurements to flux surface coordinates. The RAPTOR code captures the coupled dynamics of electron heat, particle and current density transport and includes a model for the onset conditions of sawtooth instabilities and the resulting profile relaxations after a sawtooth crash, enabling a realistic q profile reconstruction even in the absence of direct measurements. During ohmic phases with sawtooth instabilities, the sawtooth period and inversion radius inferred from soft x-ray measurements are in excellent agreement with RAPTOR EKF inner q profile reconstructions and the predicted sawtooth dynamics, even for transient phases. In addition to the plasma profiles, the EKF allows to infer unknown physics quantities such as the effective charge and the on-axis ion-to-electron temperature ratio , as well as transport model parameters. Continuously updating the transport model parameters for electron heat and density transport, based on the available measurements, is an effective way to reduce the model-to-reality gap, as required for real-time model-based control of fusion reactor plasmas
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