bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A critical discourse analysis of Al Jazeera’s online coverage of the war in Yemen before and after the 5 June 2017 Gulf crisis
Authors: Alluhaidah Monther
Published: April 2023

In this study, Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) was utilised to examine the Al Jazeera Arabic news website with respect to its reports on the social actors in the Yemen war, particularly the KSA, UAE, Egypt and Bahrain coalition and the opposing Houthis, both before and after the Gulf crisis that occurred on 5 June 2017. The analysed data included a total of 32 news articles related to the war in Yemen, with 16 articles covering the period prior to the Crisis, from 2015 to 2017, and 16 covering the period following the onset of the crisis, from 2017 to 2019. The overall aim was to uncover the ideological implications of various linguistic elements, such as lexical choices, news headline creation, and de-legitimisation strategies, and the results revealed identifiable, distinct, and non-random changes in tone and angle of representation relating to the various social actors and their actions. Before the crisis, the coalition was represented positively while Houthis was presented negatively, while after the crisis, the tone towards these social actors was completely reversed. The various discursive strategies used in the articles across both periods thus show that the coverage of the Yemen crisis was intended to ideologically and politically guide readers’ understanding of the crisis.
Swadeshi Versus Global Brands: Mapping the Efficacy of the Self-reliance Invocation
Authors: Sharma Nidhi , Thakur Raksha , Singh Saurabh
Published: April 2023

A lot of things have changed since the deadly Coronavirus attack the world has changed upside down. There are changes in systems and operations of business, reforms in economic and financial policies all over the world and so in India. After the local pitch in support of local business by honourable Prime Minister of India, ‘go vocal for local’, as a step towards atmanirbhar economy, on one hand there are consumers who are prepared to buy only domestic brands while on the other hand some are unwilling to give up global brands completely or selectively. At this instance, it will be interesting to study the willingness of consumers to adopt swadeshi and give up global brands for some chosen product and service categories like electronics, apparels, FMCG, restaurants and services apps. This study was primary in nature. EFA and regression analysis were employed for analysing the data. The results suggested that nationalism and anti-China sentiments have a significant impact on consumer inclination for swadeshi Brands. Hence Government, Entrepreneurs and Industrialist must take suitable actions to use these sentiments for increasing the acceptability of domestic brands and hence invocate Atmnirbhar Bharat (Self Reliant India).
Ultra-Widefield Imaging of Presumed Vitreous Base–Associated Vasculopathy: Assessment of Peripheral Retinal Hemorrhages and Microaneurysms
Authors: Fairbanks Aaron M. , Hoyek Sandra , Patel Nimesh A.
Published: April 2023

Purpose: To describe cases of asymptomatic peripheral retinal hemorrhage attributed to presumed vitreous base traction seen on ultra-widefield (UWF) imaging. Methods: This retrospective consecutive series comprised asymptomatic patients with peripheral retinal hemorrhages, microaneurysms, or both. Imaging included UWF fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography (FA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), or a combination. Results: The series included 9 adult patients. The findings were observed on a routine eye examination or as an incidental finding in the contralateral eye of patients presenting with a retinal break or detachment. On UWF imaging, the distinguishing features of the peripheral retinal hemorrhages and microaneurysms presumably caused by vitreous base traction were their pinpoint shape and location at the vitreous base, in particular in the far temporal and superior retinal periphery. UWF FA showed punctate hyperfluorescent spots with no leakage. OCT showed signs of evolving posterior vitreous detachment. Management was limited to observation; with time, the microaneurysms were stable and the hemorrhages resolved. Conclusions: UWF imaging has led to the identification of presumed vitreous base vasculopathy. After a targeted workup is unrevealing, observation is appropriate.
Full-Thickness Macular Hole in Coats Disease Treated Using the Inverted Internal Limiting Flap Technique
Authors: Nawrocka Zofia Anna , Partyka Iwona , Nawrocka Zofia , Nawrocki Jerzy
Published: April 2023

Purpose: To report vitrectomy with the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique in a patient with a full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) and Coats disease. Methods: A case and its long-term findings were analyzed. Results: A 27-year-old patient with Coats disease who was treated 5 years earlier with laser photocoagulation presented with an FTMH. Vitrectomy with the temporal inverted ILM flap technique was performed. The macular hole decreased in size on serial OCT scans but did completely close until 18 months postoperatively. The final visual acuity was 20/40 (0.3 logMAR). The patient’s vision remained stable for the next 5 years. Conclusions: Although the healing process after vitrectomy with ILM peeling and the inverted flap technique in an FTMH coexisting with Coats disease is prolonged compared with an idiopathic FTMH, it is still possible to obtain satisfactory anatomic and functional results.
Role of Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication in Salvage Therapy for Recurrent Reflux
Authors: Lee Michelle E. , Ghosh Gaurav , Mahadev Srihari
Published: April 2023

Background:

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) occurs when anatomic barriers fail to prevent retrograde movement of stomach contents into the esophagus. When lifestyle and medications fail to relieve patients’ symptoms, anti-reflux procedures can be safe and effective options for addressing the mechanical deficits (such as reduced lower-esophageal sphincter pressure, hiatal hernia, and/or patulous diaphragmatic hiatus) contributing to GERD. When laparoscopic fundoplication treatment of GERD fails, repeat surgical treatment is an option—but comes with risk of increased morbidity when compared to the primary fundoplication. Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) is an endoscopic anti-reflux procedure that may be an alternative option for salvage therapy in patients with recurrent GERD.

Methods:

This review will explore fundoplication failure, the theoretical role for TIF in this setting, and the literature to support TIF as endoscopic rescue at this time. Literature review of studies reporting TIF for salvage therapy outcomes was performed, revealing 2 published papers.

Results:

TIF as salvage therapy has been shown in patients with minimal recurrent hiatal hernia but a loose fundoplication to be feasible, safe, and effective with improvement of GERD symptom scores and acid exposure time. However, this has only been shown in small, retrospective studies at this time.

Conclusion:

TIF may be a reasonable alternative to repeat laparoscopic fundoplication in patients with a small hiatal hernia.
Work Identity Among Differently Abled Employees
Authors: P. D. Harshith , Sanaria Apurva
Published: April 2023

Disability inclusion is increasingly becoming popular among many companies, both in small-scale and large MNCs, as a strategy for competitive advantage in recent years. However, researchers previously have identified a lack of attention to this area in the field of research. Consequently, with the phenomenon not being explored extensively, companies trying to form disability inclusion initiatives have been observed to lack sensitivity to the phenomenon on various levels. To bridge this gap, the present study attempts to understand the concept of disability identity, ableism, and its influence on the perceived inclusion of a differently abled employee within an organisation under different circumstances. Three propositions have been arrived at in this conceptual paper, which indicates the complexity associated with the concept of disability identity, which is eventually supposed to drive disability inclusion initiatives for a given organisation. Implications and future directions indicate the need for more quantitative studies in the area to provide data evidence as empirical support.
A new prediction model of hepatocellular carcinoma based on N7-methylguanosine modification
Authors: Yang Li , Wang Yi-ran , Mou Zhi-qiang , Xiong Ping-fu , Deng Kun , Wen Jian , Li Jing
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a kind of primary liver cancer. It is a common malignant tumor of digestive system that is difficult to predict the prognosis of patients. As an important epigenetic modification, N7 methyl guanosine (m7G) is indispensable in gene regulation. This regulation may affect the development and occurrence of cancer. However, the prognosis of long non coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in HCC is limited, especially how m7G-related lncRNAs regulate the development of HCC has not been reported.

Methods

The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) provides us with the expression data and corresponding clinical information of HCC patients we need. We used a series of statistical methods to screen four kinds of m7G-related lncRNAs related to HCC prognosis and through a series of verifications, the results were in line with our expectations. Finally, we also explored the IC50 difference and correlation analysis of various common chemotherapy drugs.

Result

Our study identified four differentially expressed m7g-related lncRNAs associated with HCC prognosis. Survival curve analysis showed that high risk lncRNAs would lead to poor prognosis of HCC patients. M7G signature's AUC was 0.789, which shows that the prognosis model we studied has certain significance in predicting the prognosis of HCC patients. Moreover, our study found that different risk groups have different immune and tumor related pathways through gene set enrichment analysis. In addition, many immune cell functions are significantly different among different risk groups, such as T cell functions, including coordination of type I INF response and coordination of type II INF response. The expression of PDCD1, HHLA2, CTLA-4 and many other immune checkpoints in different risk groups is also different. Additionally, we analyzed the differences of IC50 and risk correlation of 15 chemotherapeutic drugs among different risk groups.

Conclusion

A novel lncRNAs associated with m7G predicts the prognosis of HCC.
Ultra-short echo time MR imaging in assessing cartilage endplate damage and relationship between its lesion and disc degeneration for chronic low back pain patients
Authors: Ji Zhilin , Li Yue , Dou Weiqiang , Zhu Yaru , Shi Yin , Zou Yuefen
Published: April 2023

Objective

To investigate the feasibility of ultra-short echo time (UTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of cartilage endplate (CEP) damage and further evaluate the relationship between total endplate score (TEPS) and lumbar intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration for chronic low back pain patients.

Materials and methods

IVD were measured in 35 patients using UTE imaging at 3T MR. Subtracted UTE images between short and long TEs were obtained to depict anatomy of CEP. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated to assess the image quality quantitatively. A new grading criterion for endplate damage evaluation was developed based on Rajasekaran.S grading system in this study. Two radiologists were employed to evaluate CEP and bony vertebral endplates (VEP) using this new grading criterion and assess TEPS, independently. Cohen’s kappa analysis was applied to evaluate the inter-observer agreement of endplate damage assessment between two radiologists, and the Kendall’s TAU-B analysis was employed to determine the relationship between TEPS and IVD degeneration evaluated with Pfirrmann grading.

Results

Well structural CEP was depicted on subtracted UTE images and confirmed by high SNR (33.06±2.92) and CNR values (9.4±2.08). Qualified subtracted UTE images were used by two radiologists to evaluate the degree of CEP and VEP damage. Excellent inter-observer agreement was confirmed by high value in Cohen’s kappa test (0.839, P < 0.001). Ensured by this, 138 endplates from 69 IVDs of 35 patients were classified into six grades based on the new grading criterion and TEPS of each endplate was calculated. In addition, the degeneration degree of IVDs were classified into five grades. Finally, using Kendall’s TAU-B analysis, significant relationship was obtained between endplate damage related TEPS and IVD degeneration (r = 0.864, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Ensured by high image quality, UTE imaging might be considered an effective tool to assess CEP damage. Additionally, further calculated TEPS has shown strong positive association with IVD degeneration, suggesting that the severity of endplate damage is highly linked with the degree of IVD degeneration.
The use of Lutetium-177 PSMA radioligand therapy with high dose rate brachytherapy for locally recurrent prostate cancer after previous definitive radiation therapy: a randomized, single-institution, phase I/II study (ROADSTER).
Authors: Mendez Lucas C. , Dhar Aneesh , Laidley David , Moussa Madeleine , Gomez Jose A. , Chin Joseph , Lee T-Y , Thiessen Jonathan D. , Hoover Douglas , Surrey Kathleen , Helou Joelle , Velker Vikram , Correa Rohann J. , D’Souza David , Bayani Jane , Bauman Glenn
Published: April 2023

Background

Isolated local failure (ILF) can occur in patients who initially receive definitive radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Salvage therapy for ILF includes high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy. Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) can accurately detect ILF and can exclude extraprostatic disease. Lutetium-177 PSMA Radioligand Therapy (RLT) is a novel treatment for prostate cancer that can target prostate cancer accurately, while sparing radiation dose to normal tissues.

Methods

ROADSTER is a phase I/II randomized, single-institution study. Patients with an ILF of prostate cancer after definitive initial radiation therapy are eligible. The ILF will be confirmed with biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and PSMA PET. Patients will be randomized between HDR brachytherapy in two fractions (a standard of care salvage treatment at our institution) (cohort 1) or one treatment of intravenous Lutetium-177 PSMA RLT, followed by one fraction of HDR brachytherapy (cohort 2). The primary endpoints for the phase I portion of the study (n = 12) will be feasibility, defined as 10 or more patients completing the study protocol within 24 months of study activation; and safety, defined as zero or one patients in cohort 2 experiencing grade 3 or higher toxicity in the first 6 months post-treatment. If feasibility and safety are achieved, the study will expand to a phase II study (n = 30 total) where preliminary efficacy data will be evaluated. Secondary endpoints include changes in prostate specific antigen levels, acute toxicity, changes in quality of life, and changes in translational biomarkers. Translational endpoints will include interrogation of blood, urine, and tissue for markers of DNA damage and immune activation with each treatment.

Discussion

ROADSTER explores a novel salvage therapy for ILF after primary radiotherapy with combined Lutetium-177 PSMA RLT and HDR brachytherapy. The randomized phase I/II design will provide a contemporaneous patient population treated with HDR alone to facilitate assessment of feasibility, tolerability, and biologic effects of this novel therapy.

Trial registration

NCT05230251 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Bifrontal electroconvulsive therapy leads to improvement of cerebral glucose hypometabolism in frontotemporal dementia with comorbid psychotic depression – a case report
Authors: Schröder Sebastian , Bönig Lena , Proskynitopoulos Phileas Johannes , Janke Eva , Heck Johannes , Mahmoudi Nima , Groh Adrian , Berding Georg , Wedegärtner Felix , Deest-Gaubatz Stephanie , Maier Hannah Benedictine , Bleich Stefan , Frieling Helge , Schulze Westhoff Martin
Published: April 2023

Background

Differentiating depression and dementia in elderly patients represents a major clinical challenge for psychiatrists. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options for both conditions are often used cautiously due to fear of adverse effects. If a clinically indicated therapy is not initiated due to fear of adverse effects, the quality of life of affected patients may significantly be reduced.

Case presentation

Here, we describe the case of a 65-year-old woman who presented to the department of psychiatry of a university hospital with depressed mood, pronounced anxiety, and nihilistic thoughts. While several pharmacological treatments remained without clinical response, further behavioral observation in conjunction with 18F-fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) revealed the diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). To counter the pharmacological treatment resistance of psychotic depression, we decided to perform electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Remarkably, ten sessions of ECT yielded an almost complete remission of depressive symptoms. In addition, the patient’s delusional ideas disappeared. A follow-up 18F-FDG PET/CT after the ECT series still showed a frontally and parieto-temporally accentuated hypometabolism, albeit with a clear regression compared to the previous image. The follow-up 18F-FDG PET/CT thus corroborated the diagnosis of FTD, while on the other hand it demonstrated the success of ECT.

Conclusions

In this case, ECT was a beneficial treatment option for depressive symptoms in FTD. Also, 18F-FDG PET/CT should be discussed as a valuable tool in differentiating depression and dementia and as an indicator of treatment response.
Suubi + Adherence4Youth: a study protocol to optimize the Suubi Intervention for Adherence to HIV treatment for youth living with HIV in Uganda
Authors: Ssewamala Fred M. , Sauceda John A. , Brathwaite Rachel , Neilands Torsten B. , Nabunya Proscovia , Brown Derek , Sensoy Bahar Ozge , Namuwonge Flavia , Nakasujja Noeline , Mugarura Allan , Mwebembezi Abel , Nartey Portia , Mukasa Barbara , Gwadz Marya
Published: April 2023

Background

Suubi is an evidenced based multi-component intervention that targets psychosocial and economic hardships to improve ART adherence, viral suppression, mental health, family financial stability, and family cohesion for adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) in Uganda. Suubi was originally tested as a combined package of four components: 1) Financial Literacy Training; 2) incentivized matched Youth Savings Accounts with income-generating activities; 3) a manualized and visual-based intervention for ART adherence and stigma reduction; and 4) engagement with HIV treatment-experienced role models. However, it is unknown if each component in Suubi had a positive effect, how the components interacted, or if fewer components could have produced equivalent effects. Hence, the overall goal of this new study is to identify the most impactful and sustainable economic and psychosocial components across 48 health clinics in Uganda.

Methods

A total of 576 ALHIV (aged 11–17 years at enrollment) will be recruited from 48 clinics and each clinic will be randomized to one of 16 study conditions. Each condition represents every possible combination of the 4 components noted above. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 12, 24, 36 and 48- months post-intervention initiation. Using the multi-phase optimization strategy (MOST), we will identify the optimal combination of components and associated costs for viral suppression, as well as test key mediators and moderators of the component-viral suppression relationship.

Discussion

The study is a shift in the paradigm of research to use new thinking to build/un-pack highly efficacious interventions that lead to new scientific knowledge in terms of understanding what drives an intervention’s success and how to iterate on them in ways that are more efficient, affordable and scalable. The study advances intervention science for HIV care outcomes globally.

Trial Registration

This project was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05600621) on October, 31, 2022.https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05600621
Utility of vaginal vault cytology in the local recurrence of cervical cancer
Authors: Nakamura Kazuto , Yamashita Soichi , Kigure Keiko , Nishimura Toshio , Ito Ikuro , Azuma Anri , Nakao Kohshiro , Ando Ken , Kanuma Tatsuya
Published: April 2023

Background

In Japan, 8000 women were newly diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2018. The healthcare insurance policy in Japan allows physicians to utilize vaginal volt cytology tests and serum biomarker measurement at every visit and imaging analysis at an adequate interval with screening for recurrence after initial treatment. However, the major surveillance guidelines published in the United States and European countries recommend focusing on pelvic examinations and symptom reviews to avoid unnecessary tests. This study aimed to reassess the benefits of standard surveillance methods adopted in this study by retrospective analysis.

Methods

From January 2009 to December 2015, the medical records of patients with recurrence who were initially diagnosed with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage I–III cervical cancer were collected for this study. Clinicopathological data were statistically analyzed to identify significant factors. In the first 2 years, the patients underwent regular surveillance, including pelvic examination, serum tumor marker tests, vaginal vault cytology every 1–3 months, and imaging analysis at 6- to 12-month intervals. In the following 2 years, the patients received a regular check with the same methods every 4 months and an annual imaging analysis. Afterward, the patients had regular screening every 6 to 12 months.

Results

In the study period, 84 of the 981 patients experienced recurrence, and 88.1% had an asymptomatic recurrence. The disease-free interval was not related to the recurrence site. In univariate analysis, primary treatment, recurrence site, and diagnostic method were significant factors for survival outcomes. In contrast, multivariate analysis indicated that only primary treatment was a significant factor. In patients with local recurrence, multivariate analysis demonstrated that radiation as salvage therapy was an independent predictive factor for overall survival after recurrence.

Conclusions

In this retrospective study, routine imaging analysis and serum biomarker measurement did not contribute to patient prognosis after recurrence. In contrast, vaginal vault cytology can improve survival after recurrence in some patients. Tailored surveillance methods based on individual disease conditions and treatment modalities can improve post-recurrent survival outcomes.
Optimizing yeast for high-level production of kaempferol and quercetin
Authors: Tartik Musa , Liu Juan , Mohedano Marta Tous , Mao Jiwei , Chen Yun
Published: April 2023

Background

Two important flavonoids, kaempferol and quercetin possess remarkably potent biological impacts on human health. However, their structural complexity and low abundance in nature make both bulk chemical synthesis and extraction from native plants difficult. Therefore microbial production via heterologous expression of plant enzymes can be a safe and sustainable route for their production. Despite several attempts reported in microbial hosts, the production levels of kaempferol and quercetin still stay far behind compared to many other microbial-produced flavonoids.

Results

In this study, Saccharomyces cerevisiae was engineered for high production of kaempferol and quercetin in minimal media from glucose. First, the kaempferol biosynthetic pathway was reconstructed via screening various F3H and FLS enzymes. In addition, we demonstrated that amplification of the rate-limiting enzyme AtFLS could reduce the dihydrokaempferol accumulation and improve kaempferol production. Increasing the availability of precursor malonyl-CoA further improved the production of kaempferol and quercetin. Furthermore, the highest amount of 956 mg L− 1 of kaempferol and 930 mg L− 1 of quercetin in yeast was reached in fed-batch fermentations.

Conclusions

De novo biosynthesis of kaempferol and quercetin in yeast was improved through increasing the upstream naringenin biosynthesis and debugging the flux-limiting enzymes together with fed-batch fermentations, up to gram per liter level. Our work provides a promising platform for sustainable and scalable production of kaempferol, quercetin and compounds derived thereof.
IL-33/ST2 antagonizes STING signal transduction via autophagy in response to acetaminophen-mediated toxicological immunity
Authors: Wang Zengbin , Sun Pei , Pan Banglun , Qiu Jiacheng , Zhang Xiaoxia , Shen Shuling , Ke Xiaoling , Tang Nanhong
Published: April 2023

Background

Interleukin-33 (IL-33), defined as "alarming", exert diverse functions through signaling via the suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2). However, the physiological roles of IL-33/ST2 signaling during acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury are still poorly understood by modern medicine (AILI). This research aims to explore the relationship between IL-33/ST2 and stimulator of interferon (IFN) response cGAMP interactor 1 (STING)-mediated signal transduction.

Methods

C57BL/6N mice (WT) and IL-33-deficient mice (KO) were intraperitoneally injected with APAP (250 mg/kg). Recombinant IL-33 (500 ng/mouse) and the cGAS/STING inhibitor RU.521 (200 g/kg) were combined to treat AILI. For mechanistic research in vitro, CRISPR-mediated KD technology, immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry, and immunofluorescence were utilized.

Results

We discovered that IL-33 deficient mice had increased APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, DNA accumulation, and type 1 IFN production. Mechanistic analysis revealed that IL-33/ST2 enhanced the interaction between Beclin-1 and STING, disrupting STING dimerization, IRF3 phosphorylation, nuclear transport, and IFN-1 gene transcription in HepaRG and Huh7 cells. Beclin-1 interacted with the C-terminus of STING, causing Lys338 acetylation and autophagy degradation of STING. ST2 depletion increased STING signal transduction and IFN-1 promoter activity. Surprisingly, the cGAS/STING inhibitor RU.521 and recombinant IL-33 together improved AILI in vivo.

Conclusions

These results shed insight on the potential of inhibiting cGAS/STING as a therapy for AILI and emphasize the crucial role of IL-33/ST2 signaling in the regulation of APAP-induced STING signaling.

Graphical Abstract
MHC class I links with severe pathogenicity in C57BL/6N mice infected with SARS-CoV-2/BMA8
Authors: Qin Tian , Shen Beilei , Li Entao , Jin Song , Luo Rongbo , Zhang Yiming , Qi Jing , Deng Xiuwen , Shi Zhuangzhuang , Wang Tiecheng , Zhou Yifa , Gao Yuwei
Published: April 2023

Background

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes non-symptomatic infection, mild influenza-like symptoms to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, and even death, reflecting different clinical symptoms of viral infection. However, the mechanism of its pathogenicity remains unclear. Host-specific traits have a breakthrough significance for studying the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2. We previously reported SARS-CoV-2/BMA8, a mouse-adapted strain, was lethal to aged BALB/c mice but not to aged C57BL/6N mice. Here, we further investigate the differences in pathogenicity of BMA8 strain against wild-type aged C57BL/6N and BALB/c mice.

Methods

Whole blood and tissues were collected from mice before and after BMA8 strain infection. Viral replication and infectivity were assessed by detection of viral RNA copies and viral titers; the degree of inflammation in mice was tested by whole blood cell count, ELISA and RT-qPCR assays; the pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2/BMA8 in mice was measured by Histopathology and Immunohistochemistry; and the immune level of mice was evaluated by flow cytometry to detect the number of CD8+ T cells.

Results

Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2/BMA8 strain caused lower pathogenicity and inflammation level in C57BL/6N mice than in BALB/c mice. Interestingly, BALB/c mice whose MHC class I haplotype is H-2Kd showed more severe pathogenicity after infection with BMA8 strain, while blockade of H-2Kb in C57BL/6N mice was also able to cause this phenomenon. Furthermore, H-2Kb inhibition increased the expression of cytokines/chemokines and accelerated the decrease of CD8+ T cells caused by SARS-CoV-2/BMA8 infection.

Conclusions

Taken together, our work shows that host MHC molecules play a crucial role in the pathogenicity differences of SARS-CoV-2/BMA8 infection. This provides a more profound insight into the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, and contributes enlightenment and guidance for controlling the virus spread.
Applicability of working abroad for physicians with a specialization in Global Health and Tropical Medicine
Authors: Özcan Hasan , Overeem Loes , Bakker Maria , Telkamp Caroline , Duvivier Robbert , de Zeeuw Janine , Versluis Marco
Published: April 2023

Background

In The Netherlands, physicians specialized in global health and tropical medicine (Ps-GHTM) are trained to work in low-resource settings (LRS) after their training program of 27 months. After working for a period of time in LRS, many Ps-GHTM continue their careers in the Dutch healthcare system. While there is limited evidence regarding the value of international health experience for medical students and residents, it is unknown to what extent this applies to Ps-GHTM and to their clinical practice in the Netherlands.

Methods

In this qualitative study we conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with Ps-GHTM to explore the perceived applicability of their experience abroad for their subsequent return to the Netherlands. Topic guides were developed using literature about the applicability of working abroad. Findings from the interviews served as a starting point for FGDs. The interviews and FGDs were analysed using directed content analysis.

Results

15 themes are described relating experience abroad to healthcare delivery in The Netherlands: broad medical perspective, holistic perspective, adaptive communication skills, creativity, flexibility, cultural awareness, self-reliance, clinical competence, cost awareness, public health, leadership, open-mindedness, organization of care, self-development, and teamwork. Highlighting the variety in competencies and the complexity of the topic, not all themes were recognized by all respondents in the FGDs nor deemed equally relevant. Flexibility, cultural awareness and holistic perspective are examples of important benefits to work experience in LRS.

Conclusion

Ps-GHTM bring their competencies to LRS and return to the Netherlands with additionally developed skills and knowledge. These may contribute to healthcare delivery in the Netherlands. This reciprocal value is an important factor for the sustainable development of global health. Identifying the competencies derived from work experience in LRS could give stakeholders insight into the added value of Ps-GHTM and partly help in refining the specialization program.
Home-based exercise alters pulmonary function and cellular stress markers in overweight middle-aged men during covid-19 Home quarantine
Authors: Tartibian Bakhtyar , Azadpour Noushin , Eslami Rasoul , Khayat Sirwan Mohammad Amini
Published: April 2023

Background

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a combined home-based exercise program on potential indicators of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in overweight middle-aged men during home quarantine caused by COVID-19.

Methods

Forty men (aged 45–64 years) were assigned to the exercise (EXE, n = 20) or control (CON, n = 20) groups. A 6-week combined program was carried out three days/week, starting at 20 min per session at 50% maximal heart rate (HRmax) and advancing to 45 min at 70% HRmax. Pulmonary functional and cellular stress biomarkers were measured before and after the training program. Analysis of the covariance (ANCOVA) was used for comparison between the two groups considering the baseline values.

Results

Thirty-six participants (EXE, n = 17; CON, n = 19) completed the research protocol. The EXE group showed post-training improvements in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, Vital capacity (VC), and Forced expiratory flow at 25-75% (FEF25-75) compared to the CON group (P < 0. 05). Further, the plasma levels of fibrinogen, Interleukin (IL)-6, Interleukin (IL)-1β, D-dimer, and angiotensin (Ang II) decreased in the EXE group compared to the CON group (P < 0. 05). After six weeks of the training program, leukocyte counts increased in the EXE group compared to the CON group (P < 0. 05). There was a significant positive correlation between body mass index (BMI) with cardiovascular and inflammatory biomarkers other than white blood cells (WBC) in the EXE group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that combined home-based exercise during home quarantine improves risk factors for severe COVID-19 in overweight middle-aged men. These improvements were further correlated with changes in BMI. Future research is required to confirm the findings of this study.
A 10-year comparison of short versus long-term court-ordered psychiatric hospitalization: a follow-up study
Authors: Argo Daniel , Daibas Khaled , Barash Igor , Abramowitz Moshe Z.
Published: April 2023

Background

The Israel Mental Health Act of 1991 stipulates a process for court-ordered involuntary psychiatric hospitalization. As in many Western countries, this process is initiated when an individual is deemed “not criminally responsible by reason of mental disorder (NCR-MD)” or “incompetent to stand trial (IST).” A patient thus hospitalized may be discharged by the district psychiatric committee (DPC). The decision rendered by the DPC is guided by an amendment to the Mental Health Act that states that the length of the hospitalization should be in accordance with the maximum time of incarceration associated with the alleged crime. Little empirical research has been devoted to the psychiatric, medical, and social outcome of short versus long-term hospitalization under court order.

Methods

In our study we examined the outcomes of court-ordered criminal commitments over a 10-year period (2005–2015) at the Jerusalem Mental Health Center with a catchment area of 1.5 million. We found 136 cases (between the ages of 18 and 60) of criminal commitments during that period and used the average length of hospitalization, 205 days, as a cutoff point between short and long stays. We compared the outcomes of short and long hospitalizations of discharged patients using a follow-up phone survey (at least 7 years post-discharge) and data extracted from the Israel National Register to include recidivism, patient satisfaction and trust in the system, readmission, and demise.

Results

We found no statistically significant difference between short-term and long-term hospitalizations for reducing instances of re-hospitalization (p = 0.889) and recidivism (p = 0.54), although there was a slight trend toward short-term hospitalization vis-à-vis reduced recidivism. We did not find a statistical difference in mortality or incidents of suicide between the two groups, but the absolute numbers are higher than expected in both of them. Moreover, our survey showed that short-term hospitalization inspired more trust in the legal process (conduct of the DPC), in pharmacological treatment satisfaction, and in understanding the NCR-MD as a step toward avoiding future hospitalization and that it resulted in a higher level of patient satisfaction.

Conclusions

The results we present show that as far as recidivism and readmission are concerned, there is no evidence to suggest that there is an advantage to long-term hospitalization. Although there may be unmeasured variables not investigated in the present study that might have contributed to the discrepancy between long- and short-term hospitalization, we believe that longer hospitalizations may not serve the intended treatment purpose. Additionally, the high cost of long-term hospitalization and overcrowded wards are obviously major practical drawbacks. The impact of the clinical outcomes should be reflected in medico-legal legislation and in court-ordered hospitalization in particular.
Empirical transarterial embolization in angiographically negative lower gastrointestinal bleeding using vessel tracking and 3D navigation tools: report of 2 patients
Authors: Hermie Laurens , Defreyne Luc
Published: April 2023

Background

Recently, an empiric Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)-guided transarterial embolization (TAE) technique has been investigated for lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). Although this empirical strategy reduced the rate of rebleeding in hemodynamically unstable patients compared to a ‘wait and see’ strategy, the specified technique is challenging and time-consuming.

Case presentation

We present two methods to perform a prompt empiric TAE in LGIB when catheter angiography is negative. Based on the pre-procedural Computed Tomography Angiography bleeding site and using vessel detection and navigation software tools that are integrated in contemporary angiosuites, the culprit bleeding artery could be targeted with only one selective intraprocedural CBCT acquisition.

Conclusion

The proposed techniques are promising to reduce procedure time and facilitate the implementation of empiric CBCT-guided TAE in clinical practice when angiography is negative.
Self-supervised time-frequency representation based on generative adversarial networks
Authors: Liu Naihao , Lei Youbo , Yang Yang , Wei Shengtao , Gao Jinghuai , Jiang Xiudi
Published: April 2023

Time-frequency (TF) transforms are commonly used to analyze local features of nonstationary seismic data and to help uncover structural or geologic information. Traditional TF transforms, such as short-time Fourier transform, continuous wavelet transform, and S-transform, suffer from the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and their TF resolution is limited. The sparse TF (STF) transform has been proposed to address this disadvantage; however, expensive calculation and parameter selection present difficulties. We have developed a self-supervised TF representation based on a generative adversarial networks (STFR-GANs) model to map a 1D seismic signal into a 2D STF image. This model includes three components: a generator, a discriminator, and a reconstruction module. The generator is used to generate the STF spectrum of the input seismic trace, whereas the discriminator distinguishes if this generated STF spectrum is optimal. The reconstruction module serves as a physical constraint to ensure the accuracy of the generated STF spectrum. When implementing model training, the discriminator learns to identify the ideal STF and guides the generator to produce a TF spectrum closer to the ideal one. After model training, we applied the model to synthetic and field data to demonstrate its effectiveness and stability in characterizing the TF features of seismic data. Our results find that STFR-GAN can effectively provide TF representations with higher readability than those of traditional TF methods, further benefiting fluvial channel delineation.
Optimized time-lapse acquisition design via spectral gap ratio minimization
Authors: Zhang Yijun , Yin Ziyi , López Oscar , Siahkoohi Ali , Louboutin Mathias , Kumar Rajiv , Herrmann Felix J.
Published: April 2023

Modern-day reservoir management and monitoring of geologic carbon storage increasingly call for costly time-lapse seismic data collection. We demonstrate how techniques from graph theory can be used to optimize acquisition geometries for low-cost sparse 4D seismic data. Based on midpoint-offset-domain connectivity arguments, our algorithm automatically produces sparse nonreplicated time-lapse acquisition geometries that favor wavefield recovery.
Time-averaged approach to the dewetting problem at evaporation
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Nikolayev Vadim S.
Published: April 2023

Dewetting of liquid films on solid surfaces in the presence of evaporation is a common phenomenon and has been studied by many researchers. The previous numerical approach has revealed that evaporation accelerates the dewetting speed of the triple contact line and established correlations between the dewetting speed and the surface wettability and superheating. However, such a numerical calculation is time- and resource-consuming. We examine dewetting physics and propose a time-averaged approach based on the multiscale theory. The new approach averages the dewetting process over time and consists of only several algebraic equations, making the problem easier to solve. It can produce time-averaged values of essential quantities, such as the dewetting speed and contact angle as a function of superheating, which agrees with the previous numerical results. This simple approach is valuable for many applications, such as modeling pulsating heat pipes and describing the microlayer dynamics under growing vapor bubbles in nucleate boiling.
Transnational Memory in 1960s Protest Movements
Authors: Salvanou Emilia
Published: April 2023

The paper will trace the intertwinement of social activism and memory activism in the case of the Greek 1960s, which resulted in the emergence of a transnational framework of memory. Drawing on cultural practices that emerged in the protest movements of the Greek sixties, it will scrutinise how they mobilised the past in terms that reframed national memory in a transnational context while integrating transnational frameworks of memory in the national context. It was a process through which a new memoryscape emerged that was aligned with the orientation of protest movements towards the shaping of a revolutionary present that would facilitate the closure of the post-civil war political regime, without abandoning familiar references to major national sites of memory.
Enemies and Heroes
Authors: Pelekanidis Theodoros
Published: April 2023

The article highlights the parallels between the historiographical narratives developed in Greece and Estonia in recent decades on the existentially vital events of the 1940s. It shows that, despite the different and even antithetical political directions the two countries took during the Cold War, similar patterns may be observed. By examining these patterns, we can identify the similarities in the evolution of their historical consciousness and arrive at conclusions concerning the impact of political change in the public historiographical consciousness and the subsequent impact of this constructed consciousness on new political directions.
Transnationalism in the Field of Art in Greece
Authors: Papandreopoulou Katia
Published: April 2023

The study examines the artistic production of the early twentieth century in Greece in the light of the transnational approach. The static myths prevalent in the historiography of Greek art in the twentieth century are revised through the study of the circulation of artists, sources, exchanges, connections, or resistances, as well as local or international participation in exhibitions regarding this period. The study of the case of the International Exhibition of Athens, including its curation and the artists who entered it, that took place in the Zappeion Megaron in 1903, proves that the Greek artistic production of the period was not marginal and belated. On the contrary, Athens, a periphery with particular geographical and cultural dynamics, interacted with the Mediterranean and the Balkans, highlighted its own networks and routes, thus managing to function as a crossroads of innovations and traditions of the wider region at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Η συμβολή της Θράκης κατά την διάρκεια της Ελληνικής Επανάστασης
Authors: Καλιούνη Ελένη
Published: April 2023

Ο σκοπός της παρούσας εργασίας είναι να εξετάσει τα στοιχεία τα οποία μπορούν να αποτυπώσουν την συμβολή της Θράκης στους Απελευθερωτικούς Αγώνες και την εκπαιδευτική κατάσταση η οποία επικρατούσε την περίοδο 1821. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, αυτή η εργασία, μελετά δεδομένα τα οποία προκύπτουν μέσα από τις βιβλιογραφικές αναφορές για την περίοδο εκείνη. Ένα σημείο άξιο αναφοράς ήταν ότι παρά τους δυσμενείς παράγοντες που οδηγούσαν στην αποτυχία του επαναστατικού κινήματος στη Θράκη, εν τούτοις και ένοπλες εξεγέρσεις πραγματοποιήθηκαν σε διάφορες περιοχές της, αλλά και ένοπλες ομάδες Θρακών υπήρχαν και δρούσαν κατά την διάρκεια της μακραίωνης τουρκικής δουλείας. Ένα εξίσου σημαντικό τμήμα αυτού του άρθρου αποτελεί και η αναφορά ότι κατά τη διάρκεια της Ελληνικής Επανάστασης του 1821 ήταν αναμενόμενο να ανακοπεί η εκπαιδευτική ανάπτυξη, όχι όμως εντελώς. Στην επαναστατημένη Ελλάδα, εξαιτίας των σκληρών διωγμών που επικρατούσαν, ήταν συχνό φαινόμενο άλλα σχολεία να κλείνουν, ενώ σε άλλα να μειωθεί ο αριθμός των μαθητών και δασκάλων.
Η αντίληψη της εμπειρίας στο νομοθετικό έργο του Μίλτου Κουντουρά.
Authors: ΤΣΙΝΤΖΑ ΔΕΣΠΟΙΝΑ
Published: April 2023

Ο Μίλτος Κουντουράς αποτέλεσε ένας από τους σημαντικότερους Έλληνες παιδαγωγούς που έδρασαν στην περίοδο του Μεσοπολέμου. Το όνομά του συνδέθηκε με την εκπαιδευτική πολιτική που ακολούθησε ο Ελευθέριος Βενιζέλος κατά την τελευταία τετραετία της πρωθυπουργίας του (1928-1932) και συγκεκριμένα, με την εκπαιδευτική μεταρρύθμιση του 1929, υπό την υπουργία του Γεωργίου Παπανδρέου. Ως στενός συνεργάτης του τελευταίου και μέλος του Εκπαιδευτικού Γνωμοδοτικού Συμβουλίου, συνέταξε νόμους με σκοπό την αναγέννηση της παιδείας, η οποία για να καταστεί εφικτή έπρεπε να πηγάζει από την εμπειρία. Η εκπαίδευση έπρεπε να αφήσει πίσω της το παρελθόν και να χτίσει ένα μέλλον το οποίο θα στηρίζεται στις ρίζες της ελληνικής κοινωνίας χωρίς να ριζώνει σε εποχές παρωχημένες, να βασίζεται στη γλώσσα που αποτελεί την ίδια την εμπειρία, δηλαδή τη δημοτική. «Το πρόβλημα […] δεν είναι μονάχα το αν θα μπει και πώς θα μπει ο δημοτικισμός στην όλη Παιδεία μας […] αλλά το αν θα βγει και πως θα βγει η καθαρεύουσα και ο καθαρευουσιανισμός, όσο μπορεί πιο γρήγορα, από το Σχολειό κι από τη ζωή μας» (Κουντουράς, 1933). Η καθαρεύουσα ήταν ο τύπος της γλώσσας που πρόσφερε «μια ψεύτικη και απατηλή εικόνα ζωής» σε αντίθεση με τη δημοτική που οδηγούσε «μιαν αγνή ψυχή να ιδεί, να συλλάβει και να νιώσει βαθιά μια επίσης αγνή και αληθινή πραγματικότητα» (ο.π.). Η αντίληψη, λοιπόν, του Μ. Κουντουρά ότι η βιωμένη εμπειρία αντανακλάται μέσω της γλώσσας που γίνεται εύκολα αντιληπτή και δεν παγιδεύει την παιδική ψυχή και την παιδαγωγική επιστήμη αντανακλάται στις εισηγήσεις του για τη δημοτική γλώσσα και την εγκαθίδρυσή της στο σύγχρονο σχολείο.
Ο θεσμός της Αυτοαξιολόγησης στο ελληνικό σχολείο: Επισκόπηση και εξέλιξη
Authors: ΖΗΚΑ ΒΑΓΙΑ
Published: April 2023

Η αυτοαξιολόγηση είναι μια αυτονόητη διαδικασία για κάθε οργανισμό. Σε επίπεδο εκπαιδευτικού συστήματος διασφαλίζει την ποιότητα του παρεχόμενου εκπαιδευτικού έργου, καθώς περιλαμβάνει προγραμματισμό, αποτίμηση και προτάσεις βελτίωσής του. Προκύπτουν ζητήματα σχετικά με το ποιος αξιολογεί ποιον, με ποιον τρόπο και για ποιον σκοπό. Σε χώρες όπως η Ελλάδα, στις οποίες δεν υπάρχει γενικότερα κουλτούρα αξιολόγησης σημειώνονται αρκετές διαφοροποιήσεις και παλινδρομήσεις σε σύγκριση με άλλες χώρες. Στην Ελλάδα η αυτοαξιολόγηση εμφανίζεται σε ημιτυπικό πλαίσιο αλλά και στη νομοθεσία κυρίως μετά τη δεκαετία του ’90, με πιο συστηματική προσπάθεια αυτή του 2013 (Αξιολόγηση Εκπαιδευτικού Έργου). Αυτή τη στιγμή εφαρμόζεται για πρώτη φορά το πλαίσιο του Ν. 4692/2020.