bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The person-based development and realist evaluation of a pre-consultation form for GP consultations
Authors: Murphy Mairead , Salisbury Chris , Scott Anne , Sollazzi-Davies Lucia , Wong Geoff
Published: July 2022

Background: Use of telephone, video and e-consultations is increasing. These can make consultations more transactional, potentially missing patients’ concerns. This study aimed to develop a complex intervention to address patients’ concerns more comprehensively in general practice and test the feasibility of this in a cluster-randomised framework.

The complex intervention used two technologies: a patient-completed pre-consultation form used at consultation opening and a doctor-provided summary report provided at consultation closure. This paper reports on the development and realist evaluation of the pre-consultation questionnaire.

Methods: A person-based approach was used to develop the pre-consultation form.  An online questionnaire system was designed to allow patient self-completion of a form which could be shared with GPs. This was tested with 45 patients in three rounds, with iterative adjustments made based on feedback after each round.

Subsequently, an intervention incorporating the pre-consultation form with the summary report was then tested in a cluster-randomised framework with 30 patients per practice in six practices: four randomised to intervention, and two to control. An embedded realist evaluation was carried out. The main feasibility study results are reported elsewhere.

Results:

Intervention Development: 15 patients were recruited per practice. Twelve patients, six GPs and three administrators were interviewed and 32 changes were made iteratively in three rounds. Recruitment rates (proportion of patients responding to the text) increased from 15% in round one to 50% in round three.

Realist evaluation: The pre-consultation form was most useful for people comfortable with technology and with hidden concerns or anxiety about the consultation. It resulted in more issues being discussed and support provided, more effective use of time and greater patient satisfaction.

Conclusions: The person-based approach was successful. The pre-consultation form uncovers more depth and improves satisfaction in certain consultations and patients. Technological improvements are required before this could be rolled out more widely.
LA ECONOMÍA DOBLE X: LA DESIGUALDAD ECONÓMICA DE LAS MUJERES EN LOS DIFERENTES ENTORNOS GLOBALES. UN CAMBIO DE PARADIGMA NECESARIO
Authors: Echazarreta Carmen , Costa Albert , Montenegro Gálvez Dr. Diego Ignacio , Juárez Postigo Dra. Laura , Álvarez Gómez Dr. Fernando
Published: July 2022

RESEÑA DEL LIBRO "LA ECONOMÍA DOBLE X: LA DESIGUALDAD ECONÓMICA DE LAS MUJERES EN LOS DIFERENTES ENTORNOS GLOBALES. UN CAMBIO DE PARADIGMA NECESARIO"

¿Cómo puede funcionar un mundo que ignora a la mitad de su población? Esto es, a grandes rasgos, lo que se pregunta la economista Linda Scott en La economía Doble X, un término acuñado para designar el fenómeno por el que el sistema económico ignora a las mujeres, pero también los enormes beneficios a los que se renuncia por esta misma lógica machista. La autora propone una corriente que apoya e impulsa la igualdad en el trato económico de las mujeres, potenciando su inclusión en el trabajo, salario, propiedad privada, capital y mercados. 

Nuestra intención en esta comunicación es dar notoriedad al término Economía Doble X, aportando algunos datos y observaciones que permitan aumentar la concienciación y promuevan el empoderamiento de las mujeres.
Türkiye’deki Afgan Sığınmacılar ve Medya Temsilleri Bağlamında Görüşleri
Authors: Erol Hilal , Göktuna Yaylacı Filiz
Published: July 2022

Bu araştırma, Türkiye’de zorunlu göç ve entegrasyona ilişkin alanyazında genel olarak daha az görünür olan Afgan sığınmacılar üzerine odaklanmıştır. Bu araştırmanın amacı Afgan sığınmacıların medya temsillerini ve Afgan sığınmacıların bu temsiller hakkındaki görüşlerini irdelemektir. Nitel bir araştırma olarak desenlenen bu çalışmada veriler, gazete haberlerinin incelenmesi ve Afgan sığınmacılarla yapılan görüşmelerle elde edilmiştir. Amaçlı örneklem yoluyla belirlenen haberler, eleştirel söylem analizi ile çözümlenmiştir. Çalışmanın saha boyutunda Konya ilinde yaşayan 28 Afgan sığınmacı ile derinlemesine görüşmeler yapılmıştır. Görüşmelerden elde edilen veriler betimsel olarak analiz edilmiştir. Araştırmada elde edilen bulgular çalışma grubundaki gazetelerde son yıllarda Afgan sığınmacılara ilişkin haberlerin sayılarında artış olduğunu göstermiştir. Bulgulara göre Afgan sığınmacılar haberlerde genel olarak olumsuz nitelikte temsil edilmektedir. Katılımcıların medyada temsillerine ilişkin görüşleri ise genellikle haberleri takip edip etmeme durumuna göre şekillenmektedir. Katılımcıların medyayı takip etmemelerinin temel nedenleri olarak dil yoksunluğu ve psikolojik olarak etkilenme ifade edilmiştir.
Foreign Workers’ Recruitment and Reconsideration of Crucial Factors: A Sequential Exploratory Mixed-Methods Study of Migrant Labourers in Malaysia
Authors: Al Masud Sheikh Mohammad Maniruzzaman , Binti Hamzah Rohana , Ahmad Hasan
Published: July 2022

Malaysia has witnessed an influx of foreign workers, mainly due to its rapidly expanding economy. However, low-skilled or uneducated migrants prevail in the labour market, which places immense pressure on the Malaysian economy. This study aimed to identify some crucial factors related to foreign workers requiring reconsideration at the recruitment phase. It was a sequential exploratory mixed-method study. Data were collected using qualitative (in-depth interviews) and quantitative (face-to-face surveys) methods. The study found that some recruitment factors should be reassessed, such as fixing the minimum educational qualification at the recruitment level, mandatory skill tests and compulsory pre-departure training for selected workers. The findings of this study will help in redesigning foreign worker recruitment policies. Moreover, the results will also assist in guiding the sustainable enhancement of workforce contributions to society and the Malaysian economy.
Minijaturne
željeznodobne posude iz svetišta u Vilinoj špilji
Authors: Perkić Domagoj
Published: July 2022

Rad obrađuje minijaturne votivne posude iz ilirskoga svetišta u Vilinoj špilji iznad izvora Omble kod Dubrovnika. Istraživanjima Dubrovačkih muzeja iz 2014. i 2015. godine sveukupno je pronađeno najmanje 45 minijaturnih posuda u barem 6 različitih oblika. Svima je zajedničko da pripadaju lokalnoj, rukom rađenoj prapovijesnoj keramici. Uglavnom je riječ o keramici lošije kvalitete, grublje fakture, s dosta primjesa kalcita i vapnenca. Pojedine od minijaturnih posuda oblikom i ukrasom oponašaju izvorne posude, normalne veličine, što nam u tim slučajevima omogućuje datiranje na osnovi njihovih tipološko-oblikovnih karakteristika. No, u većini slučajeva minijaturne posude su krajnje jednostavnoga oblika, neukrašene i tada je datiranje moguće samo indirektno, promatrajući ih u kontekstu svetišta, gdje se i svi ostali nalazi datiraju u kraj 5. i kroz cijelo 4. st. pr. Kr. Usporedba ovdje obrađenih minijaturnih posuda moguća je s ostalim lokalitetima sličnoga konteksta i funkcije, prije svega svetištima željeznoga doba u široj okolici te Grčkoj i na italskome poluotoku.
Entre el “vale todo” y la “marca-país”. balance mínimo del Patrimonio Mundial en Perú
Authors: Hayakawa Jose Carlos
Published: July 2022

Sólo hasta diez años después (1982) el Perú ratificó la Convención de 1972 para la Protección del Patrimonio Mundial Cultural y Natural (1972), participando desde aquella fecha en la dinámica del Patrimonio Mundial. Este hito ha significado innumerables impactos positivos en diversos aspectos de la sociedad peruana y en los mismos sitios patrimoniales, pero también ha implicado desequilibrios y ausencias que han sido aprovechados por diversos actores nacionales e internacionales, en desmedro de las comunidades locales, frecuentemente los grandes olvidados de estas mega operaciones político-económicas. La pandemia por el Covid-19 ha desnudado la fragilidad estructural del Estado peruano en innumerables aspectos y la gestión del patrimonio no ha sido la excepción sino la confirmación de la regla. Este artículo tiene como objetivo realizar un balance de los primeros 50 años de vigencia de esta convención e identificar las temáticas emergentes para construir una agenda de futuro en función de esos desafíos.
REDESIGN PAI LEARNING MODEL DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Kholifuddin Aan Trias , Zafi Ashif Az
Published: July 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has now resulted in all activities changing, one of which is education. This change is feared that there will be a setback in the future of Islamic Religious Education. The issuance of an SKB (joint decree) regarding the implementation of learning at the beginning of the 2020/2021 academic year carried out by four ministers and the Decree of the Director-General of Islamic Education Number 2791 of 2020 concerning Emergency Curriculum Guidelines for Madrasas hereby as evidence that Islamic Religious Education supports learning during the covid-19 pandemic. Following the policy of the decree, Islamic Religious Education also adapts according to the conditions of doing social and physical distancing, Work From Home (WHF) Policies, Learning From Home (BDR) using an online learning system. This research uses qualitative research with a descriptive method. The purpose of this study is to discuss the redesign of the PAI learning model during the Covid-19 pandemic. The indications from the ministerial decision above show that it is time for reorientation and the format of Islamic education learning is starting to need acceleration. The period of the Covid-19 pandemic demands that the adaptation of Islamic Religious Education is a must to answer the existing challenges
WALI ASUH SEBAGAI TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE DALAM MENINGKATKAN MUTU BELAJAR SANTRI DI PONDOK PESANTREN NURUL JADID
Authors: Baharun Hasan
Published: July 2022

Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian pengembangan dalam meningkatkan mutu belajar santri. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap peranan wali asuh sebagai technical assistance (pembantu teknis) dalam meningkatkan mutu belajar santri, dalam penelitian pengembangan ini dilakukan 4 tahapan peningkatan mutu belajar : (1) Learning Assistance (Pendampingan Belajar) tujuannya santri dapat memahami materi – materi belajar secara baik. (2) Giving Motivation (Pemberian Motivasi) merupakan tahapan untuk membangkitkan daya minat belajar santri sehingga dapat mengembangkan skill pengetahuan santri minimal juga bisa memberikan motivasi untuk dirinya dan temannya (3) Upgrading Student Abilities (Peningkatan Kemampuan Santri) metode pengulangan kembali materi yang sudah disampaikan. (4) Lembaga Motivasi Nurul Jadid (LMNJ) lembaga pendukung dalam pemberian motivasi yang tujuannya meningkatkan moralitas dan kesadaran para santri dalam meningkatkan mutu belajar. Metode yang digunakan untuk peningkatan mutu belajar adalah dengan teknik analisis deskriptif kualitatif yang di ungkap berdasarkan wawancara dengan wali asuh maupun yang di asuh berdsarkan hasil maka peningkatan mutu belajar santri santri melalui peranan wali asuh sebagai technical Assistence sangat berpengaruh terhadap daya minat belajar dan pengembangan skill pengetahuan santri.
INCREASING STUDENTS' LEARNING MOTIVATION WITH SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE PROGRAM
Authors: Junaedi Achmad , Suhartini Titik
Published: July 2022

The low learning outcomes of students are caused by a lack of student motivation in learning. This study aimed to determine the effect of spiritual guidance on students' learning motivation. This study uses a pre-experimental research design with a one-group pretest-posttest design method. The population is SMKN 1 Kraksaan students, with a sample of 40 Class X students who meet the inclusion criteria at SMKN 1 Kraksaan. The sampling technique used is stratified random sampling. The data analysis with the Kendal Tau test determines the influencing variable with a significance level of p 0.05. The research results on respondents' satisfaction before spiritual guidance were mostly moderate motivation (65%) and low motivation (35%). While learning motivation after spiritual guidance mostly comes from high inspiration (80%) and moderate motivation (20%). The results of the data analysis test obtained P = 0.000, so the conclusion is that there is an effect of spiritual guidance on students' learning motivation. The implications obtained from the program guidance carried out continuously by the teacher will impact student learning outcomes.
THE PROBLEM OF IMPLEMENTATION OF ISLAMIC EDUCATION CURRICULUM IN THE ASPECT OF MODERATION LEARNING AND HOTS EVALUATION
Authors: Hamdi Saibatul , Wahdah Nurul , Ahmadi Ahmadi , Musthofa Khabib
Published: July 2022

Changes and improvements to the curriculum are absolutely done by looking at the Changes and improvements to the curriculum are carried out by looking at the various needs and developments of the times. The urgency of improving this curriculum has also made the Ministry of Religion perfect the PAI curriculum as stated in KMA 183 and implementation guidelines at KMA 184 in 2019. However, it has not been fully implemented in the field like at MA Sabilal Muhtadin. The approach used in this research is qualitative with case study type. The research location is in MA Sabilal Muhtadin. Data collection techniques using interviews, observation, and documentation. While the data analysis technique using analysis according to Miles, Huberman, includes data collection, condensation, presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results showed that the main problems faced in HOTS-based moderation and evaluation learning at MA Sabilal Muhtadin were incompetent teacher resources, low levels of professionalism, and the absence of special attention from the ministry of religion regarding coaching and others at MA Sabilal Muhtadin. The implication of this research is as a material for criticism and input for madrasas and the ministry of religion to pay more attention to the preparation of the PAI curriculum implementation in madrasah.
Penerapan Guided Imagery Untuk Mengatasi Kecemasan pada Pasien Stroke
Authors: Sugiyanto Emilia Puspitasari
Published: July 2022

Stroke adalah penyakit serebrovaskuler (pembuluh darah otak) yang ditandai dengan gangguan fungsi otak akibat adanya kerusakan atau kematian jaringan otak karena berkurang atau tersumbatnya aliran darah dan oksigen ke otak. Aliran darah ke otak dapat berkurang karena pembuluh darah otak yang mengalami penyempitan, penyumbatan, atau pendarahan karena pecahnya pembuluh darah tersebut. Kecemasan terjadi karena adanya penurunan fungsi tubuh pada pasien stroke sehingga mempengaruhi akivitas sehari-hari. Guided imagery atau imajinasi terpimpin yaitu suatu teknik yang dilakukan menggunakan imajinasi individu dengan imajinasi yang terarah untuk mrngurangi kecemasan.Metode studi kasus dengan menggunakan rancangan one group pretest posttest. Subjek pada studi kasus ini yaitu dua pasien stroke yang mengalami kecemasan ringan hingga sedang yang tidak mengalami masalah penurunan pendengaran, gangguan konsentrasi. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah lembar kuisiooner Hamilton Anxiery Rating Scale dan standar prosedur terapi guide imagery. Studi kasus ini pada responden I dilakukan pada tanggal 28 Juni 2021 dan responden II dilakukan pada tanggal 5 Juli 2021. Penerapan guide imagery dilakukan setiap satu kali sehari selama 3 hari. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya perubahan skor kecemasan, pada subjek I terjadi perubahan dari skor 24 atau kecemasan sedang menjadi 20 atau kecemasan ringan. Sementara subjek II terjadi perubahan dari skor 15 atau kecemasan ringan menjadi 10 atau tidak ada kecemasan. Studi kasus ini menunjukkan adanya perubahan skor kecemasan sebelum dan setelah dilakukan guide imagery. Penerapan guide imgery menurunkan kecemasan pada pasien stroke.
Neuroscience from the comfort of your home: Repeated, self-administered wireless dry EEG measures brain function with high fidelity
Authors: Barbey Florentine M. , Farina Francesca R. , Buick Alison R. , Danyeli Lena , Dyer John F. , Islam Md. Nurul , Krylova Marina , Murphy Brian , Nolan Hugh , Rueda-Delgado Laura M. , Walter Martin , Whelan Robert
Published: July 2022

Recent advances have enabled the creation of wireless, “dry” electroencephalography (EEG) recording systems, and easy-to-use engaging tasks, that can be operated repeatedly by naïve users, unsupervised in the home. Here, we evaluated the validity of dry-EEG, cognitive task gamification, and unsupervised home-based recordings used in combination. Two separate cohorts of participants—older and younger adults—collected data at home over several weeks using a wireless dry EEG system interfaced with a tablet for task presentation. Older adults (n = 50; 25 females; mean age = 67.8 years) collected data over a 6-week period. Younger male adults (n = 30; mean age = 25.6 years) collected data over a 4-week period. All participants were asked to complete gamified versions of a visual Oddball task and Flanker task 5–7 days per week. Usability of the EEG system was evaluated via participant adherence, percentage of sessions successfully completed, and quantitative feedback using the System Usability Scale. In total, 1,449 EEG sessions from older adults (mean = 28.9; SD = 6.64) and 684 sessions from younger adults (mean = 22.87; SD = 1.92) were collected. Older adults successfully completed 93% of sessions requested and reported a mean usability score of 84.5. Younger adults successfully completed 96% of sessions and reported a mean usability score of 88.3. Characteristic event-related potential (ERP) components—the P300 and error-related negativity—were observed in the Oddball and Flanker tasks, respectively. Using a conservative threshold for inclusion of artifact-free data, 50% of trials were rejected per at-home session. Aggregation of ERPs across sessions (2–4, depending on task) resulted in grand average signal quality with similar Standard Measurement Error values to those of single-session wet EEG data collected by experts in a laboratory setting from a young adult sample. Our results indicate that easy-to-use task-driven EEG can enable large-scale investigations in cognitive neuroscience. In future, this approach may be useful in clinical applications such as screening and tracking of treatment response.
Sensory neuroecology and multimodal evolution across the genus Drosophila
Authors: Keesey Ian W.
Published: July 2022

The neural basis and genetic mechanisms for sensory evolution are increasingly being explored in depth across many closely related members of the Drosophila genus. This has, in part, been achieved due to the immense efforts toward adapting gene-editing technologies for additional, non-model species. Studies targeting both peripheral sensory variations, as well as interspecies divergence in coding or neural connectivity, have generated numerous, tangible examples of how and where the evolution of sensory-driven animal behavior has occurred. Here, we review and discuss studies that each aim to identify the neurobiological and genetic components of sensory system evolution to provide a comparative overview of the types of functional variations observed across both perceptual input and behavioral output. In addition, we examined the roles neuroecology and neuroevolution play in speciation events, such as courtship and intraspecies communication, as well as those aspects related to behavioral divergence in host navigation or egg-laying preferences. Through the investigation of comparative, large-scale trends and correlations across diverse, yet closely related species within this highly ecologically variable genus of flies, we can begin to describe the underlying pressures, mechanisms, and constraints that have guided sensory and nervous system evolution within the natural environments of these organisms.
Peptide Centric Vβ Specific Germline Contacts Shape a Specialist T Cell Response
Authors: Wang Yang , Tsitsiklis Alexandra , Devoe Stephanie , Gao Wei , Chu H. Hamlet , Zhang Yan , Li Wei , Wong Wing Ki , Deane Charlotte M. , Neau David , Slansky Jill E. , Thomas Paul G. , Robey Ellen A. , Dai Shaodong
Published: July 2022

Certain CD8 T cell responses are particularly effective at controlling infection, as exemplified by elite control of HIV in individuals harboring HLA-B57. To understand the structural features that contribute to CD8 T cell elite control, we focused on a strongly protective CD8 T cell response directed against a parasite-derived peptide (HF10) presented by an atypical MHC-I molecule, H-2Ld. This response exhibits a focused TCR repertoire dominated by Vβ2, and a representative TCR (TG6) in complex with Ld-HF10 reveals an unusual structure in which both MHC and TCR contribute extensively to peptide specificity, along with a parallel footprint of TCR on its pMHC ligand. The parallel footprint is a common feature of Vβ2-containing TCRs and correlates with an unusual Vα-Vβ interface, CDR loop conformations, and Vβ2-specific germline contacts with peptides. Vβ2 and Ld may represent “specialist” components for antigen recognition that allows for particularly strong and focused T cell responses.
ILC2s expanded by exogenous IL-33 regulate CD45+CD11b+F4/80high macrophage polarization to alleviate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhang Hai-Ming , Chen Xiao-Jie , Li Shi-Peng , Zhang Jin-Ming , Sun Jie , Zhou Liu-Xin , Zhou Guang-Peng , Cui Bin , Sun Li-Ying , Zhu Zhi-Jun
Published: July 2022

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is an adverse consequence of hepatectomy or liver transplantation. Recently, immune mechanisms involved in hepatic IRI have attracted increased attention of investigators working in this area. In specific, group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), have been strongly implicated in mediating type 2 inflammation. However, their immune mechanisms as involved with hepatic IRI remain unclear. Here, we reported that the population of ILC2s is increased with the development of hepatic IRI as shown in a mouse model in initial stage. Moreover, M2 type CD45+CD11b+F4/80high macrophages increased and reached maximal levels at 24 h followed by a significant elevation in IL-4 levels. We injected exogenous IL-33 into the tail vein of mice as a mean to stimulate ILC2s production. This stimulation of ILC2s resulted in a protective effect upon hepatic IRI along with an increase in M2 type CD45+CD11b+F4/80high macrophages. In contrast, depletion of ILC2s as achieved with use of an anti-CD90.2 antibody substantially abolished this protective effect of exogenous IL-33 and M2 type CD45+CD11b+F4/80high macrophage polarization in hepatic IRI. Therefore, this exogenous IL-33 induced potentiation of ILC2s appears to regulate the polarization of CD45+CD11b+F4/80high macrophages to alleviate IRI. Such findings provide the foundation for the development of new targets and strategies in the treatment of hepatic IRI.
m6A-related metabolism molecular classification with distinct prognosis and immunotherapy response in soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Huang Zhen-Dong , Fu Yong-Cheng , Liu Shu-Yan , Mao Ya-Juan , Zhang Yan , Hu Chao , Wei Ren-Xiong
Published: July 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, one of the most crucial RNA modifications, has been proven to play a key role that affect prognosis of soft tissue sarcoma (STS). However, m6A methylation potential role in STS metabolic processes remains unknown. We comprehensively estimated the m6A metabolic molecular subtypes and corresponding survival, immunity, genomic and stemness characteristics based on 568 STS samples and m6A related metabolic pathways. Then, to quantify the m6A metabolic subtypes, machine learning algorithms were used to develop the m6A-metabolic Scores of individual patients. Finally, two distinct m6A metabolic subtypes (Cluster A and Cluster B) among the STS patients were identified. Compared to Cluster B subtype, the Cluster A subtype was mainly characterized by better survival advantages, activated anti-tumor immune microenvironment, lower gene mutation frequency and higher anti-PD-1 immunotherapy response rates. We also found that the m6A-metabolic Scores could accurately predict the molecular subtype of STS, prognosis, the abundance of immune cell infiltration, tumor metastasis status, sensitivity to chemotherapeutics and immunotherapy response. In general, this study revealed that m6A-regulated tumor metabolism processes played a key role in terms of prognosis of STS, tumor progression, and immune microenvironment. The identification of metabolic molecular subtypes and the construction of m6A-metabolic Score will help to more effectively guide immunotherapy, metabolic therapy and chemotherapy in STS.
Radiosensitivity in patients affected by ARPC1B deficiency: a new disease trait?
Authors: Chiriaco Maria , Ursu Giorgiana Madalina , Amodio Donato , Cotugno Nicola , Volpi Stefano , Berardinelli Francesco , Pizzi Simone , Cifaldi Cristina , Zoccolillo Matteo , Prigione Ignazia , Di Cesare Silvia , Giancotta Carmela , Anastasio Elisa , Rivalta Beatrice , Pacillo Lucia , Zangari Paola , Fiocchi Alessandro G. , Diociaiuti Andrea , Bruselles Alessandro , Pantaleoni Francesca , Ciolfi Andrea , D’Oria Valentina , Palumbo Giuseppe , Gattorno Marco , El Hachem Maya , de Villartay Jean-Pierre , Finocchi Andrea , Palma Paolo , Rossi Paolo , Tartaglia Marco , Aiuti Alessandro , Antoccia Antonio , Di Matteo Gigliola , Cancrini Caterina
Published: July 2022

Actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 1B (ARPC1B) deficiency is a recently described inborn error of immunity (IEI) presenting with combined immunodeficiency and characterized by recurrent infections and thrombocytopenia. Manifestations of immune dysregulation, including colitis, vasculitis, and severe dermatitis, associated with eosinophilia, hyper-IgA, and hyper-IgE are also described in ARPC1B-deficient patients. To date, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation seems to be the only curative option for patients. ARPC1B is part of the actin-related protein 2/3 complex (Arp2/3) and cooperates with the Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein (WASp) in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton remodeling and in driving double-strand break clustering for homology-directed repair. In this study, we aimed to investigate radiosensitivity (RS) in ARPC1B-deficient patients to assess whether it can be considered an additional disease trait. First, we performed trio-based next-generation-sequencing studies to obtain the ARPC1B molecular diagnosis in our index case characterized by increased RS, and then we confirmed, using three different methods, an increment of radiosensitivity in all enrolled ARPC1B-deficient patients. In particular, higher levels of chromatid-type aberrations and γH2AX foci, with an increased number of cells arrested in the G2/M-phase of the cell cycle, were found in patients’ cells after ionizing radiation exposition and radiomimetic bleomycin treatment. Overall, our data suggest increased radiosensitivity as an additional trait in ARPC1B deficiency and support the necessity to investigate this feature in ARPC1B patients as well as in other IEI with cytoskeleton defects to address specific clinical follow-up and optimize therapeutic interventions.
Plasma protein profiling reveals dynamic immunomodulatory changes in multiple sclerosis patients during pregnancy
Authors: Papapavlou Lingehed Georgia , Hellberg Sandra , Huang Jesse , Khademi Mohsen , Kockum Ingrid , Carlsson Hanna , Tjernberg Ivar , Svenvik Maria , Lind Jonas , Blomberg Marie , Vrethem Magnus , Mellergård Johan , Gustafsson Mika , Jenmalm Maria C. , Olsson Tomas , Ernerudh Jan
Published: July 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Pregnancy represents a natural modulation of the disease course, where the relapse rate decreases, especially in the 3rd trimester, followed by a transient exacerbation after delivery. Although the exact mechanisms behind the pregnancy-induced modulation are yet to be deciphered, it is likely that the immune tolerance established during pregnancy is involved. In this study, we used the highly sensitive and specific proximity extension assay technology to perform protein profiling analysis of 92 inflammation-related proteins in MS patients (n=15) and healthy controls (n=10), longitudinally sampled before, during, and after pregnancy. Differential expression analysis was performed using linear models and p-values were adjusted for false discovery rate due to multiple comparisons. Our findings reveal gradual dynamic changes in plasma proteins that are most prominent during the 3rd trimester while reverting post-partum. Thus, this pattern reflects the disease activity of MS during pregnancy. Among the differentially expressed proteins in pregnancy, several proteins with known immunoregulatory properties were upregulated, such as PD-L1, LIF-R, TGF-β1, and CCL28. On the other hand, inflammatory chemokines such as CCL8, CCL13, and CXCL5, as well as members of the tumor necrosis factor family, TRANCE and TWEAK, were downregulated. Further in-depth studies will reveal if these proteins can serve as biomarkers in MS and whether they are mechanistically involved in the disease amelioration and worsening. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved may identify new treatment strategies mimicking the pregnancy milieu.
Pathophysiology of RAGE in inflammatory diseases
Authors: Dong Hanbing , Zhang Yue , Huang Yu , Deng Hui
Published: July 2022

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a non-specific multi-ligand pattern recognition receptor capable of binding to a range of structurally diverse ligands, expressed on a variety of cell types, and performing different functions. The ligand-RAGE axis can trigger a range of signaling events that are associated with diabetes and its complications, neurological disorders, cancer, inflammation and other diseases. Since RAGE is involved in the pathophysiological processes of many diseases, targeting RAGE may be an effective strategy to block RAGE signaling.
A first look at the biodiversity of Loricifera in the southern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Neves Ricardo Cardoso , Kristensen Reinhardt Møbjerg , Rocha-Olivares Axayacatl , Rivas Gerardo
Published: July 2022

Loricifera is a group of marine, meiobenthic invertebrates of microscopic size that are found worldwide. The Loriciferan fauna of the Southern Gulf of Mexico (SGM) remains unknown. In the present study we report on the first exploration of the Loriciferans from the SGM, which is a strategic area for oil exploitation. The Loriciferan specimens were collected during deep-sea cruises XIXIMI-4 (August-September 2015) and XIXIMI-6 (August 2017), in which six out of 22 stations yielded specimens of Loricifera. A total of six specimens were found (although one of them was lost), namely two adults and four larval stages. Preliminary analyses based on the peculiarity of their morphological features indicate that the specimens include representatives of new species of Pliciloricus and Rugiloricus, an undescribed genus of Pliciloricidae and, possibly, an undescribed genus of Nanaloricidae. None of the specimens found could be assigned to previously described species. Since all specimens are either intermediate life cycle stages or poorly preserved, only a short description based on their morphological traits is provided here. Our findings are discussed from a comparative perspective with known Loriciferan species.
Cutaneous dirt-adherent disease complicated with Darier’s disease, schizophrenia, and cutis verticis gyrata: A case report
Authors: Zhu Qing , Guo Shu-Jing , Wang Bin , Xu Lu-Lu , Zhang Guo-Qiang
Published: July 2022

The patient was a 25-year-old man presented with cutaneous dirt-adherent disease with a past medical history of schizophrenia. Both the patient and his mother had Darier’s disease, genetic screening revealed that the patient carried a heterozygous frameshift mutation in ATP2A2 gene, which was inherited from his mother. Cutis verticis gyrata was also found in the patient.
Epicuticular wax of sweet sorghum influenced the microbial community and fermentation quality of silage
Authors: Tang Wei , Liao Longxing , Xiao Yu , Zhai Jianrong , Su Hang , Chen Yingjie , Guo Yanjun
Published: July 2022

Epicuticular wax, as secondary metabolites (hydrophobic compounds) covering plant surface, plays important roles in protecting plants from abiotic and biotic stresses. However, whether these compounds will influence fermentation process of silage is still not clear. In this study, two sweet sorghum cultivars with varying epicuticular wax on sheath (bloom), Yajin 2 (YJ, less bloom), and Jintian (JT, dense bloom), were harvested at flowering and maturing stages, and ensiled with or without bloom, aiming to evaluate the effects of bloom on fermentation quality, feed nutrition and microbial community. The bloom was collected manually with de-waxed cotton and extracted with chloroform. The results showed that the bloom reduced the concentrations of water-soluble carbohydrate and crude protein of the two cultivars at both stages, reduced lactic acid (LA) for YJ at both stages and for JT at flowering stage, and increased LA for JT at mature stage. The α-diversity of bacterial communities of the silage fermentation with bloom was significantly lower than that without bloom. Bloom increased the abundance of Lactobacillus, reduced that of Bacillus and Weissella, and significant correlations were observed between fermentative qualities and bacterial abundances. However, decreased diversity of bacterial community and the contents of LA implied that shifts in bacterial community might exert negative effects on silage fermentation. Our results suggest that bloom wax could alter the microbial community composition of ensiled sweet sorghums, which thus influence the fermentation qualities.
Efforts towards overcoming drought stress in crops: Revisiting the mechanisms employed by plant growth-promoting bacteria
Authors: Fadiji Ayomide Emmanuel , Santoyo Gustavo , Yadav Ajar Nath , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti
Published: July 2022

Globally, agriculture is under a lot of pressure due to rising population and corresponding increases in food demand. However, several variables, including improper mechanization, limited arable land, and the presence of several biotic and abiotic pressures, continually impact agricultural productivity. Drought is a notable destructive abiotic stress and may be the most serious challenge confronting sustainable agriculture, resulting in a significant crop output deficiency. Numerous morphological and physiological changes occur in plants as a result of drought stress. Hence, there is a need to create mitigation techniques since these changes might permanently harm the plant. Current methods used to reduce the effects of drought stress include the use of film farming, super-absorbent hydrogels, nanoparticles, biochar, and drought-resistant plant cultivars. However, most of these activities are money and labor-intensive, which offer limited plant improvement. The use of plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) has proven to be a preferred method that offers several indirect and direct advantages in drought mitigation. PGPB are critical biological elements which have favorable impacts on plants’ biochemical and physiological features, leading to improved sugar production, relative water content, leaf number, ascorbic acid levels, and photosynthetic pigment quantities. This present review revisited the impacts of PGPB in ameliorating the detrimental effects of drought stress on plants, explored the mechanism of action employed, as well as the major challenges encountered in their application for plant growth and development.
Early increase of cerebrospinal fluid 14-3-3ζ protein in the alzheimer's disease continuum
Authors: Lu Yuanyuan
Published: July 2022

Background

The earlier research has shown that the 14-3-3ζ is increased in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) of human Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains and stimulates the tau phosphorylation. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) 14-3-3ζ along the AD continuum remains to be explored.

Methods

We analyzed 113 cognitive normal (CN) controls, 372 patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 225 patients with AD dementia from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database. CSF 14-3-3ζ protein was measured by Mass Spectrometry.

Results

We observed higher CSF 14-3-3ζ in the MCI group vs. the CN group and in the AD group vs. the MCI or CN group. The 14-3-3ζ was able to distinguish AD from CN and MCI. High 14-3-3ζ predicted conversion from MCI to AD. In CSF, phosphorylated tau at threonine 181 and total-tau were associated with 14-3-3ζ in MCI and AD groups, and beta-amyloid (Aβ) 42 correlated with 14-3-3ζ in the MCI group. Baseline high 14-3-3ζ was associated with cognitive decline, brain atrophy, glucose hypometabolism, and Aβ deposition in MCI and AD at baseline and follow-up.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed the potential diagnostic and prognostic utility of CSF 14-3-3ζ in the AD continuum. The 14-3-3ζ could be a promising therapeutic target for the intervention of AD.
Why antidiabetic drugs are potentially neuroprotective during the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic: The focus on astroglial UPR and calcium-binding proteins
Authors: Gonçalves Carlos-Alberto , Sesterheim Patrícia , Wartchow Krista M. , Bobermin Larissa Daniele , Leipnitz Guilhian , Quincozes-Santos André
Published: July 2022

We are living in a terrifying pandemic caused by Sars-CoV-2, in which patients with diabetes mellitus have, from the beginning, been identified as having a high risk of hospitalization and mortality. This viral disease is not limited to the respiratory system, but also affects, among other organs, the central nervous system. Furthermore, we already know that individuals with diabetes mellitus exhibit signs of astrocyte dysfunction and are more likely to develop cognitive deficits and even dementia. It is now being realized that COVID-19 incurs long-term effects and that those infected can develop several neurological and psychiatric manifestations. As this virus seriously compromises cell metabolism by triggering several mechanisms leading to the unfolded protein response (UPR), which involves endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ depletion, we review here the basis involved in this response that are intimately associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The discussion aims to highlight two aspects—the role of calcium-binding proteins and the role of astrocytes, glial cells that integrate energy metabolism with neurotransmission and with neuroinflammation. Among the proteins discussed are calpain, calcineurin, and sorcin. These proteins are emphasized as markers of the UPR and are potential therapeutic targets. Finally, we discuss the role of drugs widely prescribed to patients with diabetes mellitus, such as statins, metformin, and calcium channel blockers. The review assesses potential neuroprotection mechanisms, focusing on the UPR and the restoration of reticular Ca2+ homeostasis, based on both clinical and experimental data.
The gesture imitation test in dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease dementia
Authors: Li Xudong , Shen Miaoxin , Han Ziling , Jiao Jinsong , Tong Xiaopeng
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common type of neurodegenerative dementia following Alzheimer's disease dementia (ADD). This study investigated the diagnostic role of the gesture imitation test in detecting DLB and differentiating DLB from ADD.

Methods

A total of 63 patients with DLB, 93 patients with ADD, and 88 healthy controls were included in this study. All participants were administered the gesture imitation test, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the clock drawing test (CDT), and other neuropsychological tests.

Results

The patients with DLB performed worse than the healthy controls in the global scores and on every item of the gesture imitation test (p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for the global scores was 0.889 (p < 0.001) in differentiating the DLB and control groups. Item 4 was a better discriminator, with a sensitivity of 79.37% and a specificity of 79.55%. The AUC for the global scores decreased to 0.593 and the difference was marginal (p = 0.079) in differentiating the DLB and ADD groups. The patients with DLB performed worse on Items 1 and 4 compared with the patients with ADD (p = 0.040, 0.004). The gesture imitation test was positively correlated with the scores of the MMSE (r = 0.355, p = 0.017), the MoCA (r = 0.382, p = 0.010), and the CDT (r = 0.407, p = 0.005) in patients with DLB.

Conclusion

The gesture imitation test is an easy, rapid tool for detecting DLB and has a role in differentiating DLB from ADD, especially in Items 1 and 4.
How to orchestrate a soccer team: Generalized synchronization promoted by rhythmic acoustic stimuli
Authors: Müller Manfred A. , Martínez-Guerrero Antonieta , Corsi-Cabrera Maria , Effenberg Alfred O. , Friedrich Armin , Garcia-Madrid Ignacio , Hornschuh Matthias , Schmitz Gerd , Müller Markus F.
Published: July 2022

Interpersonal coordination requires precise actions concerted in space and time in a self-organized manner. We found, using soccer teams as a testing ground, that a common timeframe provided by adequate acoustic stimuli improves the interplay between teammates. We provide quantitative evidence that the connectivity between teammates and the scoring rate of male soccer teams improve significantly when playing under the influence of an appropriate acoustic environment. Unexpectedly, female teams do not show any improvement under the same experimental conditions. We show by follow-up experiments that the acoustic rhythm modulates the attention level of the participants with a pronounced tempo preference and a marked gender difference in the preferred tempo. These results lead to a consistent explanation in terms of the dynamical system theory, nonlinear resonances, and dynamic attention theory, which may illuminate generic mechanisms of the brain dynamics and may have an impact on the design of novel training strategies in team sports.
Identifying and validating subtypes of Parkinson's disease based on multimodal MRI data via hierarchical clustering analysis
Authors: Cao Kaiqiang , Pang Huize , Yu Hongmei , Li Yingmei , Guo Miaoran , Liu Yu , Fan Guoguang
Published: July 2022

Objective

We wished to explore Parkinson's disease (PD) subtypes by clustering analysis based on the multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indices amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and gray matter volume (GMV). Then, we analyzed the differences between PD subtypes.

Methods

Eighty-six PD patients and 44 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. We extracted ALFF and GMV according to the Anatomical Automatic Labeling (AAL) partition using Data Processing and Analysis for Brain Imaging (DPABI) software. The Ward linkage method was used for hierarchical clustering analysis. DPABI was employed to compare differences in ALFF and GMV between groups.

Results

Two subtypes of PD were identified. The “diffuse malignant subtype” was characterized by reduced ALFF in the visual-related cortex and extensive reduction of GMV with severe impairment in motor function and cognitive function. The “mild subtype” was characterized by increased ALFF in the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and sensorimotor cortex, and a slight decrease in GMV with mild impairment of motor function and cognitive function.

Conclusion

Hierarchical clustering analysis based on multimodal MRI indices could be employed to identify two PD subtypes. These two PD subtypes showed different neurodegenerative patterns upon imaging.
Cerebellum regulating cerebral functional cortex through multiple pathways in complete thoracolumbar spinal cord injury
Authors: Zheng Weimin , Wang Ling , Yang Beining , Chen Qian , Hu Yongsheng , Du Jubao , Li Xuejing , Chen Xin , Qin Wen , Li Kuncheng , Lu Jie , Chen Nan
Published: July 2022

The previous studies have found significant brain structural and functional changes in cerebral regions after spinal cord injury (SCI), but few studies have explored the cerebellar–cerebral circuit changes in SCI. This study aims to study the brain structural changes of cerebellar subregions and its functional connectivity (FC) changes with cerebrum in complete thoracolumbar SCI (CTSCI), and screen out the regions that play relatively important roles in affecting sensorimotor function. Eighteen CTSCI patients and 18 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to characterize the brain structural changes of cerebellar subregions [from the Anatomical Automatic Labeling (AAL116)], seed-based FC was used to evaluate the cerebellar–cerebral FC changes and support vector machine (SVM) analysis was used to search for sensitive imaging indicators. CTSCI patients showed slightly structural atrophy in vermis_3 (p = 0.046) and significantly decreased FC between cerebellum and cerebral sensorimotor-, visual-, cognitive-, and auditory-related regions (cluster-level FWE correction with p < 0.05). Additionally, SVM weight analysis showed that FC values between vermis_10 and right fusiform gyrus had the greatest weight in functional changes of CTSCI. In conclusion, different degrees of structural and functional changes occurred in each subregion of cerebellum following CTSCI, and FC change between vermis_10 and right fusiform gyrus plays the most important role in dysfunction and may become an important neural network index of rehabilitation therapy.
Modulation of entorhinal cortex–hippocampus connectivity and recognition memory following electroacupuncture on 3×Tg-AD model: Evidence from multimodal MRI and electrophysiological recordings
Authors: Lin Bingbing , Zhang Lanlan , Yin Xiaolong , Chen Xiaocheng , Ruan Chendong , Wu Tiecheng , Liu Zhizhen , Huang Jia
Published: July 2022

Memory loss and aberrant neuronal network activity are part of the earliest hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Electroacupuncture (EA) has been recognized as a cognitive stimulation for its effects on memory disorder, but whether different brain regions or neural circuits contribute to memory recovery in AD remains unknown. Here, we found that memory deficit was ameliorated in 3×Tg-AD mice with EA-treatment, as shown by the increased number of exploring and time spent in the novel object. In addition, reduced locomotor activity was observed in 3×Tg-AD mice, but no significant alteration was seen in the EA-treated mice. Based on the functional magnetic resonance imaging, the regional spontaneous activity alterations of 3×Tg-AD were mainly concentrated in the accumbens nucleus, auditory cortex, caudate putamen, entorhinal cortex (EC), hippocampus, insular cortex, subiculum, temporal cortex, visual cortex, and so on. While EA-treatment prevented the chaos of brain activity in parts of the above regions, such as the auditory cortex, EC, hippocampus, subiculum, and temporal cortex. And then we used the whole-cell voltage-clamp recording to reveal the neurotransmission in the hippocampus, and found that EA-treatment reversed the synaptic spontaneous release. Since the hippocampus receives most of the projections of the EC, the hippocampus-EC circuit is one of the neural circuits related to memory impairment. We further applied diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) tracking and functional connectivity, and found that hypo-connected between the hippocampus and EC with EA-treatment. These data indicate that the hippocampus–EC connectivity is responsible for the recognition memory deficit in the AD mice with EA-treatment, and provide novel insight into potential therapies for memory loss in AD.