bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new strategy: identification of specific antibodies for neutralizing epitope on SARS-CoV-2 S protein by LC-MS/MS combined with immune repertoire
Authors: Yu Meng , Zhu Zhu , Wang Yanqun , Wang Pingzhang , Jia Xiaodong , Wang Jie , Liu Lei , Liu Wanbing , Zheng Yaqiong , Kou Guomei , Xu Weiyan , Huang Jing , Lu Fengmin , Zou Xiajuan , Zheng Shangen , Lu Yinying , Zhao Jincun , Dai Hui , Qiu Xiaoyan
Published: July 2022

Although the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has been widely used worldwide, not all individuals can produce neutralization antibodies, so it is still urgent to find and prepare neutralization antibodies for COVID-19 prevention or treatment. In this study, we created a new strategy to effectively obtain neutralizing antibodies or complementary determining region 3 (CDR3) of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. We first predicted and synthesized several B cell epitopes on RBD and adjacent RBD of S protein, then the B cell epitopes were used to prepare affinity chromatography columns respectively and purify the binding IgG from serum samples of convalescent COVID-19 patients. After these IgGs were identified to have neutralizing activity, the peptide sequences of the antigen-binding regions (variable region) of neutralizing antibodies were analyzed by protein mass spectrometry. Subsequently, the B cells from the same individual were sorted and used to obtain their full BCR repertoire by 5′ RACE combined with high-throughput of PacBio sequencing method. Then, the peptide sequence of neutralizing antibody variable region by protein mass spectrometry was mapped to the full BCR repertoire and found the full variable region sequence of neutralizing antibodies. Finally, we obtained and synthesized numerous CDR3 peptides of neutralizing antibodies to confirm the neutralizing activity for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our results indicate that the novel scheme will be suitable for rapid screening of neutralizing antibodies, including screening neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogenic microorganisms.
A case of supernumerary testis
Authors: Pickett Lianne , Davis Niall , Quinlan Mark
Published: July 2022

Polyorchidism is a rare congenital anomaly which describes the presence of more than two intra- or extrascrotal testes. Typically, the supernumerary testis is found incidentally during surgery for another condition but may present clinically as a painless paratesticular mass necessitating a radiological diagnosis. Polyorchidism carries an increased risk of testicular malignancy, with cryptorchidism the likely most important risk factor. Given, however, that the supernumerary testis likely contributes a reproductive function, surgical removal and definitive histopathological diagnosis is not always appropriate. We present a radiologically diagnosed supernumerary testis in a 40-year-old male with a history of surgically managed cryptorchidism in childhood.
Application of intervention of information motivation behavior skill (IMB) model in the cardiac rehabilitation of patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Li Meihua , Zhu Hailing
Published: July 2022

Objectives: To explore the effects of information motivation behavior skill (IMB) model in the cardiac rehabilitation of patients with coronary heart disease.

Methods: We analyzed data from medical records of patients with coronary heart disease who had received cardiac rehabilitation treatment in the Department of Cardiology of our hospital from April 2019 to May 2021. Data from 52 patients who had received routine nursing rehabilitation (Mode-I) and 56 patients that received IMB model-oriented nursing rehabilitation (Mode-II) was included. We calculated indexes of cardiopulmonary function, physical fitness, and nursing satisfaction, and self-efficacy scores (GSEs) before and three months after the intervention for patients in the two rehabilitation groups.

Results: We found similar LVEFs, SVs, anaerobic thresholds, peak oxygen uptake scores, PEFs, and FVCs in patients undergoing either of the two rehabilitation modes before the interventions (P>0.05). However, these indexes were significantly higher in patients undergoing Mode-II rehabilitation after the intervention, compared to Mode-I group (P<0.05). We found similar aerobic endurances, upper limb and lower limb muscle strengths in patients undergoing either method before the intervention (P>0.05). After the treatment, these parameters were higher in the Mode-II group compared to Mode-I group (P<0.05). The scores of daily life behavior management, cognitive symptom management, and disease management between the two groups were similar before the intervention (P>0.05). After the intervention, patients undergoing Mode-II rehabilitation had significantly higher values than patients in the Mode-I group (P<0.05). The nursing satisfaction of the patients in the Mode-II group (94.64%) was significantly higher than that of patients in the Mode-I group (80.77%) (P<0.05).

Conclusion: IMB model intervention measures can improve cardiopulmonary function and physical fitness, and enhance the patients’ self-efficacy, resulting in high nursing satisfaction.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5721

How to cite this:Li M, Zhu H. Application of intervention of information motivation behavior skill (IMB) model in the cardiac rehabilitation of patients with coronary heart disease. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(6):1627-1632. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.6.5721

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
THE STATE OF SOME INDICATORS OF HEMOSTASIS IN RELATIVELY HEALTHY PEOPLE AND PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC STROKE, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT GENDER DIFFERENCES
Authors: Masljakov Vladimir V. , Pavlova Ol’ga N. , Foht Julija V. , Abakumova Julija V. , Fedotova Natal’ja N.
Published: July 2022

Goal. To study some indicators of hemostasis in a comparative aspect in patients with ischemic stroke and healthy people, taking into account gender differences.

Materials and methods. In the course of the study, the hemostasis indices of 160 people were studied. All the examined were divided into two subgroups, the first consisted of 100 donors, 50 men and women each, who did not have acute and chronic diseases. The second group included the study of analogical indicators in 60 people, 30 men and women, with an established diagnosis of acute ischemic cerebral circulation disorder.

Results. As the results show, differences in hemostasis indicators were found, taking into account gender differences, and disorders in the hemostasis system play an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. The obtained results suggest that as a result of the development of endothelial tissue dysfunction, the level of endothelin increased, which led to pronounced vascular spasm and increased procoagulant activity of the blood.

Conclusion. Based on the conducted research, it was found that in men and women at the time of admission with ischemic stroke, in comparison with the results obtained from donors without established pathology, changes in red blood parameters and rheological properties of blood are observed in the blood. It should be noted that in the group of female patients, changes in the rheological properties of blood were less pronounced than in the group of male patients.
Efficacy of Replacement and Anti-Platelet Therapies in a Patient with Severe Haemophilia A Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Stent Implantation
Authors: Cultrera Dorina , Cabibbo Sergio
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Severe haemophilia A is characterized by serious factor VIII deficiency (biological activity <1%) resulting in frequent spontaneous haemorrhage and abnormal bleeding after minor injury, surgery or tooth extraction. Patient and Methods: We report the case of a 58-year-old patient with severe haemophilia A without inhibitors but with other comorbidities (HCV and HIV seroconversion), who underwent coronary angioplasty and stent implantation after acute myocardial infarction. Results: Compared with previous therapy, Nuwiq® led to a reduction of about 20% in drug consumption (360,000 IU vs 540,000 IU per year) and in the annualized bleeding rate (ABR) (5 vs 15). Discussion: Pharmacokinetic-guided personalized prophylaxis with Nuwiq® provided bleeding protection with good tolerability and a satisfactory pharmacokinetic profile in a patient with severe haemophilia A and comorbidities whose replacement therapy had to be adjusted because of other contraindicated treatment.
GDF11 inhibits abnormal adipogenesis of condylar chondrocytes in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Wang Helin , Shi Yuqian , He Feng , Ye Tao , Yu Shibin , Miao Hui , Liu Qian , Zhang Mian
Published: July 2022

Aims

Abnormal lipid metabolism is involved in the development of osteoarthritis (OA). Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) is crucial in inhibiting the differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into adipocytes. However, whether GDF11 participates in the abnormal adipogenesis of chondrocytes in OA cartilage is still unclear.

Methods

Six-week-old female mice were subjected to unilateral anterior crossbite (UAC) to induce OA in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Histochemical staining, immunohistochemical staining (IHC), and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were performed. Primary condylar chondrocytes of rats were stimulated with fluid flow shear stress (FFSS) and collected for oil red staining, immunofluorescence staining, qRT-PCR, and immunoprecipitation analysis.

Results

Abnormal adipogenesis, characterized by increased expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (CEBPα), fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), Perilipin1, Adiponectin (AdipoQ), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), was enhanced in the degenerative cartilage of TMJ OA in UAC mice, accompanied by decreased expression of GDF11. After FFSS stimulation, there were fat droplets in the cytoplasm of cultured cells with increased expression of PPARγ, CEBPα, FABP4, Perilipin1, and AdipoQ and decreased expression of GDF11. Exogenous GDF11 inhibited increased lipid droplets and expression of AdipoQ, CEBPα, and FABP4 induced by FFSS stimulation. GDF11 did not affect the change in PPARγ expression under FFSS, but promoted its post-translational modification by small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMOylation). Local injection of GDF11 alleviated TMJ OA-related cartilage degeneration and abnormal adipogenesis in UAC mice.

Conclusion

Abnormal adipogenesis of chondrocytes and decreased GDF11 expression were observed in degenerative cartilage of TMJ OA. GDF11 supplementation effectively inhibits the adipogenesis of chondrocytes and thus alleviates TMJ condylar cartilage degeneration. GDF11 may inhibit the abnormal adipogenesis of chondrocytes by affecting the SUMOylation of PPARγ. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(7):453–464.
High-precision and long-range measurement of micro-gear starting
torque
Authors: Zheng Yelong , Sun Dengqiang , Zhao Meirong , Song Le
Published: July 2022

The ability to measure micro-starting torque is pivotal for micromechanical equipment, which has wide usage in mechanical manufacturing, electrical, electronic, and other industries. However, the measurement range of existing methods is about

N
⋅
m

or

m
N
⋅
m

. There is not much research on the measurement of micro-torque starting in the

µ

N
⋅
m

. In this paper, a novel micro-gear starting torque measurement system, to the best of our knowledge, is proposed based on an optical lever with a long range from 1 to

10

µ

N
⋅
m

. The system device consists of the optical lever, cantilever, and position sensitive device. A micro-gear was used to assess the performance of the proposed method. The standard deviation of the measured starting torque is

1.2

µ

N
⋅
m

. The external factors that can contribute to the uncertainty of the measurement system, such as force measurement, arm of force, and repeatability, have been analyzed and quantified. The relative combined uncertainty is estimated at 3.0%, approximately.
Fast oscillations of orbital angular momentum and Shannon entropy caused by radial numbers of structured vortex beams
Authors: Volyar A. , Abramochkin E. , Akimova Ya. , Bretsko M. , Egorov Yu.
Published: July 2022

We address theoretical and experimental considerations of two-parameter excitation of each Hermite–Gaussian (HG) mode in composition of a structured Laguerre–Gaussian (sLG) beam. The complex amplitude of the sLG beam is shaped in such a way that the radial and azimuthal numbers of eigenmodes are entangled with each other. As a result, variations in the amplitude and phase parameters of mode excitation, although dramatically changing the intensity and phase patterns, do not change the structural stability of the beam. We reveal that the radial number of the sLG beam can cause fast oscillations of the orbital angular momentum and Shannon entropy, dramatically increasing the uncertainty of detecting the beam in some particular state. We found that despite the fast oscillations, the sLG beam has an invariant in the form of a module of the total topological charge (TC), with the exception of narrow intervals of the phase parameter, where the measurement error does not allow us to accurately measure the sign of the TC. The difference between the interpretation of informational entropy as a measure of uncertainty and a measure of information capacity is considered on the example of the measurement of Shannon entropy in the bases of LG and HG modes.
Prediction of the postoperative prognosis in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer based on preoperative serum surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Zhu Ruochen , Jiang Yuanjun , Zhou Zheng , Zhu Shanshan , Zhang Zhuoyu , Chen Zhilin , Chen Shuo , Zhang Zhe
Published: July 2022

Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is a common urinary tumor and has a high recurrence rate due to improper or inadequate conservative treatment. The early and accurate prediction of its recurrence can be helpful to implement timely and rational treatment. In this study, we explored a preoperative serum surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy based prognostic protocol to predict the postoperative prognosis for NMIBC patients at the time even before treatment. The biochemical analysis results suggested that biomolecules related to DNA/RNA, protein substances, trehalose and collagen are expected to be potential prognostic markers, which further compared with several routine clinically used immunohistochemistry expressions with prognostic values. In addition, high prognostic accuracies of 87.01% and 89.47% were achieved by using the proposed prognostic models to predict the future postoperative recurrence and recurrent type, respectively. Therefore, we believe that the proposed method has great potential in the early and accurate prediction of postoperative prognosis in patients with NMIBC, which is with important clinical significance to guide the treatment and further improve the recurrence rate and survival time.
Identification of COL1A1 associated with immune infiltration in brain lower grade glioma
Authors: Ren Junyu , Da Junlong , Hu Narisu
Published: July 2022

Brain low grade gliomas (LGG) often give serious clinical symptoms due to the invasion towards nervous system, affecting the life quality of patients. Collagen type I alpha 1(COL1A1) is the main component of type I collagen. Although there are many reports about abnormal expression of COL1A1 in various tumors, specific role and clinical significance of COL1A1 in LGG have not yet been elucidated. In this work, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource database was used for detecting the expression level of COL1A1 in cancer and normal tissues, and aimed to explore the relationship between COL1A1 and tumor immune infiltration. We applied Kaplan-Meier to analyze the role of COL1A1 in clinical prognosis. Univariate survival rate and multivariate Cox analysis were used to compare clinical characteristics and survival rate. The relativity between the expression of COL1A1 and the tumor microenvironment was evaluated using ESTIMATE algorithm. Finally, the relationship between expression level of COL1A1 and gene marker sets of immune cell infiltration was investigated via TIMER. According to TCGA, COL1A1 overexpression was correlated with overall survival (OS), progression free interval (PFI) and disease specific survival (DSS) of multiple tumors, especially in LGG. Multivariate analysis showed that COL1A1 expression was an independent prognostic factor for LGG. The expression of COL1A1 was positively correlated with the infiltration of CD4 + T and CD8 + T cells, neutrophils, macrophages and dendritic cells in LGG. In addition, there was a strong correlation between expression of COL1A1 and different immune marker sets in LGG. The results suggest that COL1A1 is related with tumor immune infiltration of LGG.
Immediate effects of diacutaneous fibrolysis in athletes with hamstring shortening. A randomized within-participant clinical trial
Authors: Cadellans-Arróniz Aïda , López-de-Celis Carlos , Rodríguez-Sanz Jacobo , Pérez-Bellmunt Albert , Labata-Lezáun Noé , González-Rueda Vanessa , Llurda-Almuzara Luis , Rodríguez-Rubio Pere Ramón
Published: July 2022

Background

Diacutaneous fibrolysis is a non-invasive instrumental physiotherapeutic technique, used to treat mechanical or inflammatory pain and normalize function in the musculoskeletal system. Different studies have reported positive effects on range of motion, strength or function in musculoskeletal disorders, mainly in the upper extremity. The incidence and recurrence rates of hamstring injuries are high in many sports. However, there are no studies assessing these parameters in the hamstring and gluteus maximus in athletes. Objective. To evaluate the immediate and 30 minutes post-treatment effects of a single diacutaneous fibrolysis session on hamstring length, flexibility, muscle strength, myoelectrical activity and lower limb performance in athletes with hamstring shortening.

Methods

A randomized within-participant clinical trial. Sixty-six athletes with hamstring shortening were recruited. A single session of diacutaneous fibrolysis was applied following the cetripetal protocol to the gluteus maximus, biceps femoris and semitendinosus of for the experimental lower limb, whereas the control limb was not treated. Hamstring length (Passive knee extension test), hamstring and low back flexibility (Modified back saver sit and reach test), hamstring and gluteus maximus strength and electrical activity (dynamometry and surface electromyography, respectively) and lower limb performance (Countermovement Jump) were tested before treatment (T0), after treatment (T1), and 30 minutes post-treatment (T2).

Results

We only found a statistically significant difference between T0-T2 for the hamstring length favouring the experimental limbs (p<0.001). There were no statistically significant changes for hamstring and lower back flexibility, strength and electrical activity outcomes between groups. In the countermovement jump, we found a decrease of 0.58 cm in the high jump and a decrease of 9.19 N in the power jump at T1. These values recovered and improved at T2. However, these changes were not statistically significant (p>0.05).

Conclusions

A single session of diacutaneous fibrolysis in athletes with hamstring shortening, following the centripetal protocol for the posterior part of the thigh, produces improvements in hamstring length 30 minutes after, and in gluteus maximus strength immediately and 30 minutes after the treatment. It seems to have no effects on the overall hamstring and lower back flexibility or myoelectric activity. Importantly, the lower limb performance was not impaired after the treatment.
Community-based health insurance, healthcare service utilization and associated factors in South Gondar Zone Northwest, Ethiopia, 2021: A comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Dagnaw Fentaw Teshome , Azanaw Melkalem Mamuye , Adamu Aytenew , Ashagrie Tinsaea , Mohammed Abdelah Alifnur , Dawid Hiwot Yisak , Tiruneh Mulu , Demissie Biruk , Yemata Getaneh Atikilt , Yitbarek Getachew Yideg , Abebaw Yikeber , Hailemeskel Habtamu Shimels
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Community-based health insurance schemes are becoming increasingly recognized as a potential strategy to achieve universal health coverage in developing countries. Ethiopia has implemented community-based health insurance in piloted regions of the country. The scheme aims to improve the utilization of healthcare services by removing financial barriers. There is a dearth of literature regarding the effect of the insurance scheme on the utilization of healthcare services.

Methods

A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in the south Gondar Zone. Six hundred fifty-eight participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method. Data were entered into EPI data version 4.4.1 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to measure the association of factors with the outcome variable. The result of the final model was expressed in terms of Adjusted Odd Ratios (AOR) and 95% CI.

Result

Two hundred twenty-three (67.8%) and 111 (33.7%) of the respondents reported that their family members went to health institutions within three months among CBHI users and non-users respectively. The presence of under-five children (AOR = 2, 95% CI = 1.6–2.4), CBHI scheme membership times (AOR = 3, 95% CI = 2.6–3.4), household wealth index rich (AOR = 4, 95% CI = 2.3–6.3), household wealth index medium (AOR = 3, 95% CI = 1.8–5.8) and presence of chronic illness (AOR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.2–0.8) was associated with health care service utilization. Households who were enrolled in CBHI were more likely to use healthcare services than households who were not enrolled.

Conclusion and recommendation

Households who were enrolled in CBHI were more likely to use healthcare services than households who were not enrolled. Therefore, health sector leaders and managers in the study area should strengthen their efforts for increasing the enrollment of the community into CBHI.
Coordinated modulation of multiple processes through phase variation of a c-di-GMP phosphodiesterase in Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Reyes Ruiz Leila M. , King Kathleen A. , Agosto-Burgos Christian , Gamez Isabella S. , Gadda Nicole C. , Garrett Elizabeth M. , Tamayo Rita
Published: July 2022

The opportunistic nosocomial pathogen Clostridioides difficile exhibits phenotypic heterogeneity through phase variation, a stochastic, reversible process that modulates expression. In C. difficile, multiple sequences in the genome undergo inversion through site-specific recombination. Two such loci lie upstream of pdcB and pdcC, which encode phosphodiesterases (PDEs) that degrade the signaling molecule c-di-GMP. Numerous phenotypes are influenced by c-di-GMP in C. difficile including cell and colony morphology, motility, colonization, and virulence. In this study, we aimed to assess whether PdcB phase varies, identify the mechanism of regulation, and determine the effects on intracellular c-di-GMP levels and regulated phenotypes. We found that expression of pdcB is heterogeneous and the orientation of the invertible sequence, or ‘pdcB switch’, determines expression. The pdcB switch contains a promoter that when properly oriented promotes pdcB expression. Expression is augmented by an additional promoter upstream of the pdcB switch. Mutation of nucleotides at the site of recombination resulted in phase-locked strains with significant differences in pdcB expression. Characterization of these mutants showed that the pdcB locked-ON mutant has reduced intracellular c-di-GMP compared to the locked-OFF mutant, consistent with increased and decreased PdcB activity, respectively. These alterations in c-di-GMP had concomitant effects on multiple known c-di-GMP regulated processes, indicating that phase variation of PdcB allows C. difficile to coordinately diversify multiple phenotypes in the population to enhance survival.
Travelling the scenic landscape: Community, nationalism and precarity in Nomadland (2020)
Authors: Lindemann Tim
Published: July 2022

The aim of this article is to interrogate the use of US rural landscape in the 2020 film Nomadland and its account of contemporary precarity and poverty in the United States. I argue that while the film is ostensibly invested in locating alternative modes of living in the face
of neo-liberal marginalization, it ultimately reaffirms neo-liberalism’s core tenet, individualism, through its fascination with what Kenneth Olwig calls the ‘scenic’ landscape. This approach to landscape understands nature as an unchanging ‘stage’ on which a
nation’s history is played out and thus ultimately naturalizes nationalism. Thereby, the film reaffirms the myth of the ‘wide open spaces’ of American landscape which has historically been instrumental in the displacement of people excluded from US national identity on the
basis of class and race. This can be contrasted with a more interactive, more inclusive approach to landscape which understands landscape as the result of interaction between a community and its environment. Recent US films such as Leave No Trace (2018) identify precisely such an interactive
understanding as a basis for potential resistance against the forces of neo-liberalism which perpetuate precarity.
On the Fundamental Efficacy of Thyroid-Hormone Therapy in Eating Disorders: Review of Mechanisms and Case Study
Authors:   Association for the Advancement of Restorative Medicine, Shames Richard , Wenzel Stuart
Published: July 2022

Context: Calorie restriction reduces circulating triiodothyronine (T3) – the most active thyroid hormone – inducing hypothyroidism, constipation, and reduced appetite that inhibit eating, acting to sustain and sometimes precipitate eating disorders. Thyroid-hormone treatment can be effective but is rarely employed. Case description: A 12-year-old girl experienced chronic nausea and constipation after antibiotics for strep throat, resulting in restricted eating. Energy decreased for 2 months as anxiety and depression increased, culminating in withdrawal and school refusal. Blood tests were normal except for below-range free T3. She began a trial of incremental, 1-μg dose increases of T3 every 3 days using sustained-release capsules added to her established triiodothyronine–levothyroxine (T3–T4) protocol for hypothyroidism. Her energy and mood began improving after 10 days and depression resolved after 7 weeks. An 18-day stay in a hospital eating-disorders unit helped her regain some weight and strength. To address nausea and anxiety, the extended medical team then tried two antidepressants and cyproheptadine – each caused increased nausea and reduced eating – and a 5-day prednisone burst for possible neuroinflammation; all were ineffective and discontinued. After 14 weeks without improvement, we resumed adjusting thyroid-hormone dose. Anxiety, energy, food intake, and weight improved for 5 months. She began attending a new school, developed new friendships, and started menses. The major illness lasted 21 months. T3 intake increased from 5 to 27 μg, T4 from 50 to 110 μg, weight from 36.4 to 52.7 kg, and height from 1.63 to 1.71 m. Conclusions: Thyroid hormones should be studied further as fundamentally effective treatment for eating disorders. Keywords: Eating disorder; Low-triiodothyronine syndrome; Hypothyroidism
Risk factors and clinical and laboratory findings associated with feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus infections in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Rungsuriyawiboon Oumaporn , Jarudecha Thitichai , Hannongbua Supa , Choowongkomon Kiattawee , Boonkaewwan Chaiwat , Rattanasrisomporn Jatuporn
Published: July 2022

Background and Aim: Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are retroviruses associated with chronic and neoplastic diseases in domestic and non-domestic cats. There has been increasing interest in the clinical importance of feline retroviruses in Thailand and the identification of associated risk factors in domestic cats. To prevent the spread of retroviral diseases and improve the management of retrovirus-infected cats, risk factors and associated clinical laboratory data must be clearly understood. This study aimed to identify the influence of household, lifestyle, health status, sterilization, clinical presentations, and laboratory findings on FIV- and FeLV-infected cats in Bangkok, Thailand. Materials and Methods: A total of 480 cats were evaluated for FeLV p27 antigen and FIV antibodies using Witness FeLV-FIV Rapid Test and SNAP FIV/FeLV Combo Test at a veterinary hospital service. Results: Of the 480 cats tested, 113 were positivefor virus infection, including 60 for FeLV (12.5%), 40 for FIV (8.3%), and 13 for both FeLV and FIV (2.7%). The findings revealed that the risk factors for cats infected with FeLV, FIV, or both FeLV and FIV were significantly different compared with those for non-infected cats (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that multi-cat ownership is a risk factor for the high prevalence of feline retrovirus infection, as multi-cat households exhibited a higher prevalence of infection than single-cat households. Anemic and sick cats were also at a greater risk of testing positive for specific retrovirus infections. FeLV-infected cats had a higher risk of anemia and low erythrocyte and thrombocyte counts (p ≤ 0.0001), whereas FIV-infected cats were more likely to have anemia and leukocytopenia than controls. Conclusion: Knowledge of the risk factors for retroviral diseases and associated clinical and laboratory findings can be used to develop strategies to reduce FIV and FeLV infections in cats.
A járványhelyzet egzisztenciális megélésének és oktatásszociológiai vonatkozásainak elemzése egy felsőoktatási intézményben
Authors: Cseri Kinga , Boldizsár Boglárka
Published: July 2022

Tanulmányunkban a koronavírus járványhelyzet szubjektív megélési lehetőségeinek feltárására fókuszálunk. Kutatásunk lényegisége egyrészről a megváltozott élethelyzet hallgatói értelmezésének, megélésének pszichológiai vonatkozását foglalja magában, másrészről pedig az online oktatáshoz való hallgatói viszonyulás analizálása által kísérletet tesz az oktatásszociológiai vonatkozások feltárására.
A győri Széchenyi István Egyetem Apáczai Csere János Karán tanuló nappali és levelező tagozatos hallgatók körében végzett online kérdőíves vizsgálatunk célja a járványhelyzet által generált krízishelyzet egzisztenciális megélésének feltárása, továbbá az ebben az időszakban bekövetkezett életviteli változások  bemutatása, illetve a digitális platformon zajló oktatás során megélt szubjektív tapasztalatok összegzése.
Factors influencing the intention to use assistive technologies by older adults
Authors: Ejdys Joanna , Gulc Aleksandra
Published: July 2022

Society is ageing at an unprecedented pace worldwide creating implications for the health and social care. Gerontechnology has been recognized as a solution that increases and supports the independency and well-being of older adults at home. This article aims to identify the most critical success factors effecting the adoption of an assistive gerontechnology by older adults in Poland. The object of the authors' interest was Rudy robot, an AI-enabled mobile solution helping users remain physically healthy, mentally sharp, and socially connected. The data was collected among Polish citizens using the CATI technique between November and December 2020. The number of returned questionnaires amounted to 824. The authors used Generalized Least Squares (GLS) of Structural Equation Modelling (GLS-SEM) to verify the hypotheses. The obtained results confirmed statistically significant relationships between the variables of perceived usefulness of Rudy robot and attitude reflecting the willingness to use this technology, as well as between perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of robot. However, relationship between perceived ease of use and inclination to use this technology in the future was not statistically significant. The conducted research confirmed that the functionality of the analysed Rudy robot for older-adult care positively influences their intension to use it in the future for their own needs or family members. The obtained results confirmed usefulness of robots as assistive technology helping older adults.
A társadalmi vállalkozásokat fejlesztő szervezetek fejlesztési folyamatai és eszközei
Authors: Krátki Noémi
Published: July 2022

Jelen cikk célja, hogy bemutassa a hazai társadalmi vállalkozásokat fejlesztő szervezetek üzleti fejlesztő folyamatait, eszközeit. A kutatás fókuszában a fejlesztő szervezetek által használt eszközök, üzleti modellek, továbbá fejlesztési folyamataik hogyan kérdésének megválaszolása áll. A cikk a fejlesztő szervezeteket képviselő szakértői interjúkon alapszik. A kutatás során a szerző azonosította a hazai társadalmi vállalkozásokat fejlesztő szervezetek típusait, amelyek közé üzleti tanácsadó szervezetek és inkubátorházak tartoznak. Sok esetben egymással együttműködve végzik fejlesztő tevékenységeiket előre meghirdetett akcelerátorprogramjaikon keresztül. Kétféle fejlesztési folyamatot határozott meg: induló társadalmi vállalkozásokra specializált, illetve működő társadalmi vállalkozásokra specializált fejlesztések. A fejlesztők az általuk alkalmazott eszközöket, üzleti modelleket a hazai piac fejlettségi szintjéhez mérten választják ki, amelynek jelenlegi célja, hogy a társadalmi vállalkozók minél gyorsabban megértsék az üzleti szemlélet fontosságát és annak menetét, továbbá képesek legyenek a fejlődést szolgáló eszközök egyszerű felvázolására és használatára, mindezzel támogatva a társadalmi vállalkozók üzleti tudásának bővítését.
COVID-19 catalyst: emergent pedagogies and a DIAgram framework
Authors: Tregloan Kate , Samayoa Nancy , Chu Adrian , Jativa Fernando , Burns Sean , Wilson Matthew
Published: July 2022

The global COVID-19 pandemic has delivered extraordinary challenges across geographies as well as practices, and clearly academia has not been spared. While the events of 2020 and 2021 have revealed some limits to teaching in the ‘old (pre-pandemic) normal’, technology-supported pedagogies have been emerging for several years. This pandemic has been a potent catalyst, not only for ad-hoc adaptation, but potentially for long-term change and improvement. The ‘old normal’ is now long passed, and approaches to learning and teaching continue to explore new ground. This article draws on the work of Built Environments Learning + Teaching (BEL+T), an academic group within the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at the University of Melbourne. The BEL+T group applies creative problem-solving and design-led approaches, evidence-based research methodologies and project-focused consultancy to improve teaching quality and student engagement in built environment disciplines. The following sections introduce a learning design framework – the Delivery, Interaction, Assessment (DIA) framework – which was developed by BEL+T as a tool to communicate with and support staff throughout 2020 and 2021, and continues to be used to support teaching efforts. The translation of the elements of the DIA framework and its related ‘DIAgram’ to specific learning activities are presented in the following sections ‘on the (virtual) ground’. Some emergent pedagogies for virtual learning environments (VLEs) are outlined, exploring relationships between students, teachers, objects, sites and VLEs for learning, alongside implications for teacher presence and performance online. These key factors have influenced online approaches both before and since the onset of the pandemic. They deliver implications for emergent hybrid approaches such as dual delivery and blended synchronous learning, which are in turn driven by the needs of a still-distributed student cohort and the challenges of ongoing unpredictability.
Validation of a Model for Estimating Individual External Dose Based on Ambient Dose Equivalent and Life Patterns
Authors: Sato Rina , Yoshimura Kazuya , Sanada Yukihisa , Sato Tetsuro
Published: July 2022

Background: After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) accident, a model was developed to estimate the external exposure doses for residents who were expected to return to their homes after evacuation orders were lifted. However, the model’s accuracy and uncertainties in parameters used to estimate external doses have not been evaluated.Materials and Methods: The model estimates effective doses based on the integrated ambient dose equivalent (H*(10)) and life patterns, considering a dose reduction factor to estimate the indoor H*(10) and a conversion factor from H*(10) to the effective dose. Because personal dose equivalent (Hp(10)) has been reported to agree well with the effective dose after the FDNPS accident, this study validates the model’s accuracy by comparing the estimated effective doses with Hp(10). The Hp(10) and life pattern data were collected for 36 adult participants who lived or worked near the FDNPS in 2019.Results and Discussion: The estimated effective doses correlated significantly with Hp(10); however, the estimated effective doses were lower than Hp(10) for indoor sites. A comparison with the measured indoor H*(10) showed that the estimated indoor H*(10) was not underestimated. However, the Hp(10) to H*(10) ratio indoors, which corresponds to the practical conversion factor from H*(10) to the effective dose, was significantly larger than the same ratio outdoors, meaning that the conversion factor of 0.6 is not appropriate for indoors due to the changes in irradiation geometry and gamma spectra. This could have led to a lower effective dose than Hp(10).Conclusion: The estimated effective doses correlated significantly with Hp(10), demonstrating the model’s applicability for effective dose estimation. However, the lower value of the effective dose indoors could be because the conversion factor did not reflect the actual environment.
Spectral synthesis via moment functions on hypergroups
Authors: Fechner Żywilla , Gselmann Eszter , Székelyhidi László
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we continue the discussion about relations between exponential polynomials and generalized moment functions on a commutative hypergroup.
We are interested in the following problem: is it true that every finite-dimensional variety is spanned by moment functions?
Let m be an exponential on X.
In our former paper, we have proved that if the linear space of all m-sine functions in the variety of an m-exponential monomial is (at most) one-dimensional, then this variety is spanned by moment functions generated by m.
In this paper, we show that this may happen also in cases where the m-sine functions span a more than one-dimensional subspace in the variety.
We recall the notion of a polynomial hypergroup in d variables, describe exponentials on it and give the characterization of the so-called m-sine functions.
Next we show that the Fourier algebra of a polynomial hypergroup in d variables is the polynomial ring in d variables.
Finally, using the Ehrenpreis–Palamodov Theorem, we show that every exponential polynomial on the polynomial hypergroup in d variables is a linear combination of moment functions contained in its variety.
The Views and Characteristics of Chinese Film Esthetics in the First Half of the 20th Century
Authors: Wang Yiwen
Published: July 2022

Chinese cinema made remarkable achievements in the early twentieth century from which the basic esthetic characteristics of Chinese film were as formed. It is impossible to accurately cover the artistic practice of Chinese film, because Chinese filmmaking is based on “meaning” (yiyi), that is, the ideological content to be expressed in the film. In the first half of the twentieth century, Chinese film esthetics engaged a complex array of ideas: the traditional Chinese pragmatic view of art; the continuity of American narrative cinema; the Soviet principle of opposition and conflict; as well as the poetics of classical Chinese esthetics. Among these orientations, the pragmatic view of art emerged as the core of Chinese film esthetics, determining not only film content but film form.
Infrared nanoplasmonic properties of hyperdoped embedded Si nanocrystals in the few electrons regime
Authors: Zhang Meiling , Poumirol Jean-Marie , Chery Nicolas , Majorel Clément , Demoulin Rémi , Talbot Etienne , Rinnert Hervé , Girard Christian , Cristiano Fuccio , Wiecha Peter R. , Hungria Teresa , Paillard Vincent , Arbouet Arnaud , Pécassou Béatrice , Gourbilleau Fabrice , Bonafos Caroline
Published: July 2022

Using localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) as an optical probe we demonstrate the presence of free carriers in phosphorus doped silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) embedded in a silica matrix. In small SiNCs, with radius ranging from 2.6 to 5.5  nm, the infrared spectroscopy study coupled to numerical simulations allows us to determine the number of electrically active phosphorus atoms with a precision of a few atoms. We demonstrate that LSP resonances can be supported with only about 10 free electrons per nanocrystal, confirming theoretical predictions and probing the limit of the collective nature of plasmons. We reveal the appearance of an avoided crossing behavior linked to the hybridization between the localized surface plasmon in the doped nanocrystals and the silica matrix phonon modes. Finally, a careful analysis of the scattering time dependence versus carrier density in the small size regime allows us to detect the appearance of a new scattering process at high dopant concentration, which can be explained by P clustering inside the SiNCs.
Justificatory Moral Pluralism in Climate Change
Authors: Vaz Sofia Guedes , Campos Andre Santos
Published: July 2022

This paper adopts justificatory moral pluralism (JMP) – a multilevel framework for justifying the choice by different agents of the most appropriate norms and values to guide their decisions and actions – to climate change. Its main objective is to investigate how ethics may effectively help achieve a better result in deciding how to mitigate, adapt, or compensate by enhancing the moral acceptability of the available policies or actions that are most likely to counter the effects of climate change. JMP presents agents – individuals, nonstate, and state – with a thorough yet flexible process of matching policies and actions with ethical theories, raising the robustness of moral reasons for politically efficient and individually motivating courses of action against climate change. JMP triggers climate responsibility and sensibility in agents, engaging them in discussing and finding out individually and collectively the most acceptable paths for the decarbonisation transition that is fast approaching.
Factors influencing quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis: analyses from the BISCUITS study
Authors: Schepman Patricia , Robinson Rebecca , Blakeman Karin Hygge , Wilhelm Stefan , Beck Craig , Hallberg Sara , Liseth-Hansen Johan , De Geer Anna , Rolfson Ola , Arendt-Nielsen Lars
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Osteoarthritis can have a profound effect on patients’ quality of life. The Burden of Disease and Management of Osteoarthritis and Chronic Low Back Pain: Health Care Utilization and Sick Leave in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark (BISCUITS) study aimed to describe the impact of osteoarthritis on quality of life and determine the association with factors such as pain severity and pharmacological treatment.

Methods

An observational study was performed with a cross-sectional design including patients with a confirmed osteoarthritis diagnosis enrolled in the National Quality Register for Better management of patients with Osteoarthritis (BOA) between 2016 and 2017 in Sweden. Patient-reported information from BOA was linked to administrative data from three national health registers. The impact of osteoarthritis on quality of life was estimated using the EQ-5D-5L and the first developed experienced-based time-trade-off value set for Sweden to calculate the EQ-5D-5L index scores. EQ-5D-3L index scores were also estimated based on a UK hypothetical value set via a crosswalk method. Ordinary least squares regression models were used to analyse the association between quality of life and potential influencing factors.

Results

For the 34,254 patients evaluated, mean EQ-5D-5L index score was 0.792 (SD 0.126). Stratifications showed that the index score varied across different levels of pain severity. Increased pain severity and use of pain-relieving medications remained significantly associated with a lower quality of life index score when controlled for potential confounders. The mean EQ-5D-3L index score was 0.605 (SD 0.192).

Conclusions

This large population-based study from Sweden highlights the substantial impact of osteoarthritis on quality of life amongst different patient groups and that currently available treatment options for osteoarthritis pain do not appropriately address the needs for many osteoarthritis patients.
Polygrammaticalization: the morphemekoin the Miluo Xiang dialect
Authors: Lu Man
Published: July 2022

The present paper presents a descriptive and analytical account of the various functions of the morphemekoin Miluo, a Xiang variety of Chinese. This morpheme is used as a classifier, genitive, possessive, pronominal, relative clause marker, nominalizer and as a sentence-final stance-marking marker. We also illustrate the use ofkoas a demonstrative pronoun and prenominal topic marker. We discuss these functions in the light of the diachronic development of nominalizers and topic markers. Our findings provide support for proposals concerning the pathways of grammaticalization that have either been conjectured or attested in various languages, specifically the relation between adnominal markers and nominalization and the relation between demonstratives and topic markers.
Protective Immunity and Immunopathology in Ehrlichiosis
Authors: Ismail Nahed , Sharma Aditya , Soong Lynn , Walker David H.
Published: July 2022

Human monocytic ehrlichiosis, a tick transmitted infection, ranges in severity from apparently subclinical to fatal toxic shock-like disease. Models in immunocompetent mice range from abortive to uniformly lethal infection, depending on the Ehrlichia species, inoculum dose, and inoculation route. Effective immunity is mediated by CD4+ T lymphocytes and gamma interferon. Lethal infection occurs with early overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines and overproduction of TNF alpha and IL-10 by CD8+ T lymphocytes. Furthermore, fatal ehrlichiosis is associated with TLR 9/MyD88 signaling, upregulation of several inflammasome complexes, and secretion of IL-1 beta, IL-1 alpha, and IL-18 by hepatic mononuclear cells, thus suggesting activation of canonical and noncanonical inflammasome pathways, a deleterious role of IL-18, and a protective role of caspase 1. Autophagy promotes ehrlichial infection, whereas MyD88 signaling hinders ehrlichial infection by inhibiting autophagy induction and flux. During infection of hepatocytes by the lethal ehrlichial species, after interferon alpha receptor signaling, the activation of caspase 11 results in the production of inflammasome-dependent IL-1 beta, extracellular secretion of HMGB1, and pyroptosis. HMGB1 has high levels in lethal ehrlichiosis, thereby suggesting a role in toxic shock. Studies of primary bone marrow-derived macrophages infected by highly avirulent or mildly avirulent ehrlichiae have revealed divergent M1 and M2 macrophage polarization associated with the generation of pathogenic CD8 T cells and neutrophils, and excessive inflammation, or with strong expansion of protective Th1 and NKT cells, resolution of inflammation, and clearance of infection, respectively.