bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formal help for persons with multiple sclerosis—Background factors associated with usage of personal assistance and home help in Sweden
Authors: Ståhl Daniel , Friberg Emilie
Published: May 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that may cause several different symptoms, some which may entail the need for help in daily life. The aim of this study was to explore the association between sociodemographic background factors and the use of personal assistance and home help services (home help) among persons with MS in Sweden. The study was based on cross-sectional survey data merged with register data and included 3,863 persons with MS aged 20–51. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the use of personal assistance and home help. The central finding of this study was that grade of impairment, as determined by the Expanded Disability Status Scale for Multiple Sclerosis (EDSS), was the most important variable associated with the use of both personal assistance (p < 0.001, OR 18.83) and home help (p < 0.001, OR 6.83). Living alone and receiving sickness benefit were also both associated with the use of personal assistance (p < 0.001, OR 3.32; p 0.001, OR 3.32) and home help (p 0.004, OR 2.56; p 0.011, OR 2.56). Stating a visible symptom of MS as being the most limiting factor of the disease (p 0.001, OR 2.73) and having a disposable income below the limit for poverty risk (p 0.02, OR 2.16) was associated with the use of personal assistance. Receiving informal, meaning unpaid, help (p 0.049, OR 1.89) was associated with the use of home help. Several background factors were controlled for but were not related to differences in the usage of formal help. The results indicated no significant differences in demographic characteristics that could be linked to unequal distribution. However, differences were found between those using personal assistance and home help. The latter were mainly affected by invisible symptoms, suggesting a plausible influencing factor in the chances of obtaining more comprehensive help in the form of personal assistance. Users of home help were also more likely to receive informal help than users of personal assistance, which may suggest that home help is not sufficient.
The host-directed therapeutic imatinib mesylate accelerates immune responses to Mycobacterium marinum infection and limits pathology associated with granulomas
Authors: Cleverley Tesia L. , Peddineni Siri , Guarner Jeannette , Cingolani Francesca , Garcia Pamela K. , Koehler Heather , Mocarski Edward S. , Kalman Daniel
Published: May 2023

Infections caused by members of the mycobacterium tuberculosis complex [MTC] and nontuberculous mycobacteria [NTM] can induce widespread morbidity and mortality in people. Mycobacterial infections cause both a delayed immune response, which limits rate of bacterial clearance, and formation of granulomas, which contain bacterial spread, but also contribute to lung damage, fibrosis, and morbidity. Granulomas also limit access of antibiotics to bacteria, which may facilitate development of resistance. Bacteria resistant to some or all antibiotics cause significant morbidity and mortality, and newly developed antibiotics readily engender resistance, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches. Imatinib mesylate, a cancer drug used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia [CML] that targets Abl and related tyrosine kinases, is a possible host-directed therapeutic [HDT] for mycobacterial infections, including those causing TB. Here, we use the murineMycobacterium marinum[Mm] infection model, which induces granulomatous tail lesions. Based on histological measurements, imatinib reduces both lesion size and inflammation of surrounding tissue. Transcriptomic analysis of tail lesions indicates that imatinib induces gene signatures indicative of immune activation and regulation at early time points post infection that resemble those seen at later ones, suggesting that imatinib accelerates but does not substantially alter anti-mycobacterial immune responses. Imatinib likewise induces signatures associated with cell death and promotes survival of bone marrow-derived macrophages [BMDMs] in culture following infection with Mm. Notably, the capacity of imatinib to limit formation and growth of granulomasin vivoand to promote survival of BMDMsin vitrodepends upon caspase 8, a key regulator of cell survival and death. These data provide evidence for the utility of imatinib as an HDT for mycobacterial infections in accelerating and regulating immune responses, and limiting pathology associated with granulomas, which may mitigate post-treatment morbidity.
In vitro evidence against productive SARS-CoV-2 infection of human testicular cells: Bystander effects of infection mediate testicular injury
Authors: Giannakopoulos Stefanos , Strange Daniel P. , Jiyarom Boonyanudh , Abdelaal Omar , Bradshaw Aaron W. , Nerurkar Vivek R. , Ward Monika A. , Bakse Jackson , Yap Jonathan , Vanapruks Selena , Boisvert William A. , Tallquist Michelle D. , Shikuma Cecilia , Sadri-Ardekani Hooman , Clapp Philip , Murphy Sean V. , Verma Saguna
Published: May 2023

The hallmark of severe COVID-19 involves systemic cytokine storm and multi-organ injury including testicular inflammation, reduced testosterone, and germ cell depletion. The ACE2 receptor is also expressed in the resident testicular cells, however, SARS-CoV-2 infection and mechanisms of testicular injury are not fully understood. The testicular injury could be initiated by direct virus infection or exposure to systemic inflammatory mediators or viral antigens. We characterized SARS-CoV-2 infection in different human testicular 2D and 3D culture systems including primary Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, mixed seminiferous tubule cells (STC), and 3D human testicular organoids (HTO). Data shows that SARS-CoV-2 does not productively infect any testicular cell type. However, exposure of STC and HTO to inflammatory supernatant from infected airway epithelial cells and COVID-19 plasma decreased cell viability and resulted in the death of undifferentiated spermatogonia. Further, exposure to only SARS-CoV-2 Envelope protein caused inflammatory response and cytopathic effects dependent on TLR2, while Spike 1 or Nucleocapsid proteins did not. A similar trend was observed in the K18-hACE2 transgenic mice which demonstrated a disrupted tissue architecture with no evidence of virus replication in the testis that correlated with peak lung inflammation. Virus antigens including Spike 1 and Envelope proteins were also detected in the serum during the acute stage of the disease. Collectively, these data strongly suggest that testicular injury associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection is likely an indirect effect of exposure to systemic inflammation and/or SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Data also provide novel insights into the mechanism of testicular injury and could explain the clinical manifestation of testicular symptoms associated with severe COVID-19.
Grabado y memoria
Authors: Pinto Zangróniz Maite
Published: May 2023

El artículo pretende visibilizar la importancia de reactivar imágenes archivísticas por medio de la creación artística y en concreto, por medio del grabado. Para ello, se van a nombrar a diversos artistas que trabajan con imágenes archivísticas desde el grabado, y por último se muestran desde mi práctica artística ejemplos de cómo estas creaciones han establecido vínculos con los espectadores.
imprenta y el happening 'Provo'
Authors: Gómez Galera Esmeralda
Published: May 2023

Provo fue un movimiento contracultural que desarrolló su actividad en Ámsterdam entre 1965 y 1967. Sus integrantes mostraron una gran creatividad en sus publicaciones y acciones, generando un universo estético propio aparejado a sus ideas políticas contestatarias. En el presente artículo se analizan algunos aspectos ligados a la estética del movimiento, especialmente a través de su imprenta clandestina, el color blanco y la reinvención del happening en un contexto urbano de revuelta.
Grabado sobre matrices de aluminio
Authors: Hernández Muñoz Silvia María , López Alonso Francisco
Published: May 2023

El siguiente texto investiga el empleo de cinco modelos de planchas de aluminio como soporte alternativo de grabado sustituyendo a los metales utilizados frecuentemente. Se analiza la composición de las planchas por medio de microscopía electrónica de barrido y se presentan las características principales de las planchas y su composición, fundamental para comprender la resistencia que ofrecen a los medios corrosivos.  Como segunda parte del ensayo se establece una comparativa de precios en el mercado entre aluminio cobre y zinc y se muestran los diferentes tipos de resultados y procesos de grabado que se pueden llevar a cabo  sobre el metal.  Finalmente se hace un estudio de la reacción química que se produce con cloruro de hierro sobre aluminio, para comparar todos los resultados y establecer cuáles son los mas adecuados para grabar y se presentan ejemplos de algunos resultados exclusivos que se consiguen únicamente al grabar sobre este material con mordidas en superficie, mordidas por baño y la de impresión planográfica sobre planchas fotosensibles junto con sus resultados.
Gráfica expandida en el cambio de milenio
Authors: Arteagoitia Garcia David
Published: May 2023

El presente artículo explora las conexiones entre la gráfica y otras disciplinas del arte contemporáneo a través del estudio cronológico de la obra de tres relevantes artistas del cambio de milenio. Su trabajo amplía la concepción del grabado mediante el cuestionamiento de sus límites técnico/conceptuales y evidencia una evolución de la gráfica a un terreno expandido donde las fronteras se desdibujan y el lenguaje se enriquece. Analizaremos el caso de Lucian Freud y su vínculo no mimético con la pintura en su particular revisión de las técnicas tradicionales, Kiki Smith y la ampliación de su trabajo escultórico con el cuerpo convertido en matriz, y el suelo como registro de la memoria colectiva e individual en las xilografías site specific de Thomas Kilpper. Analizando varias de sus obras más relevantes trataremos de mostrar las derivas generadas en su hibridación con otros medios así como profundizar en los aspectos conceptuales y procesuales la gráfica expandida.
METHOD OF SEPARATING OVIS ARIES PAIRED ASTRAGALUS IN CLOSED ARCHAEOLOGICAL COMPLEXES (USING THE EXAMPLE OF THE MEDIEVAL TREASURE OF ALCHIKS FROM THE TOROPOVO-7A IN THE KUZNETSK BASIN)
Authors:   T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, S. Onishchenko , A. Ilyushin ,   T.F. Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University
Published: May 2023

The article examines a collection of dice, of 91 talus bones or astragalus from domestic sheep (Ovis aries), found during the excavations at the Toropovo-7A cult site in the valley of the Kasma river in the Kuznetsk basin. These archaeological objects were found in one cluster in the upper filling of the soil pit. The archaeological site according to analogies of the totality of finds was dated back to the 11th–14th centuries and attributed to the Shandin archaeological culture. The preliminary analysis of the astragalus collection from the Toropovo-7A cult site showed that it was formed by versatile bones, of which 44 were left and 47 were right, and on 20 bones there were traces of artificial damage. These data led to the question of the real number of sheep that could belong to the found alchiki, since their number could range from 47 to 91. To solve this problem, based on the approach of L. Lyman, a method was developed to identify versatile paired astragalas potentially belonging to one individual. It is based on the classification of bones by cluster analysis, taking into account morphometric differences between the left and right astragalus belonging to the reference individual. The Euclidean distance, calculated from two dimensions: the length of the astragalus along the lateral side and the width of its lower articular block, was used as a measure of distance in the construction of the similarity dendrogram by the arithmetic mean method. As a threshold value, the level of association of reference astragalus served, below which versatile astragalus, united in separate clusters, were considered as potentially belonging to one species. As a result of cluster analysis, versatile pairs of astragalus were singled out from a sample of 75 samples, which hypothetically can belong to 9 animals. Taking into account the results obtained, it is assumed that the minimum number of rams whose astragalus appeared in the collection at Toropovo-7A was at least 80 species.
PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE TECHNICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CERAMICS FROM THE POTAPOVY LUZHKI-III SETTLEMENT (THE TOMSK OB RIVER REGION)
Authors:   Tomsk State University, A. Idimeshev ,   Tomsk State Pedagogical University, E. Bogaichuk ,   Tomsk State Pedagogical University, N. Stepanova ,   Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography SB RAS
Published: May 2023

The article presents the results of a technical and technological analysis of the developed and late Bronze Age ceramics from the Potapovy Luzhki-III settlement in the Tomsk Ob river region. The studies were carried out within the framework of the historical and cultural approach according to A.A. Bobrinsky’s method. The main task was to identify the specific features of cultural traditions in the selection of raw materials and the preparation of the pottery paste, and a comparative analysis of the data obtained. As a result of the study, it was established that iron-rich and non-iron non-sanded and heavily sanded clays were used for the making of ceramics. The Samus ceramics are made mainly from plastic clays differing in their degree of iron content, and the vessels of the late Bronze Age are made from low iron content clays with high content of fine sand. A single recipe was revealed: clay + crushed stone + organic matter. A comparative analysis with previously obtained data showed that the discovered tradition to use low iron content clays and non-iron clays for the ancient ceramics of the Tomsk Ob river region is also characteristic of the Bronze Age ceramics from the Potapovy Luzhki-III settlement. Also characteristic of this area is the addition of crushed stone to the pottery paste. It is noteworthy that there are no signs of mixing of cultural traditions in the preparation of the pottery paste on the site.
TOOL COMPLEX OF THE ALAKUL POPULATION FROM THE ZOLOTOE-1 SETTLEMENTS IN THE FOREST-STEPPE TOBOL REGION
Authors:   Tyumen Scientific Centre of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yu. Kostomarova , I. Novikov ,   Кurgan State University, V. Kostomarov ,   Tyumen State University
Published: May 2023

The article presents the results of a typological and experimental traceological study of the tool complex of the Alakul time of the Zolotоe-1 settlement, located in the Tobol-Ishim interfluve. About 40 items made of stone, clay, bone, and bronze have been analyzed. As a result, the range of products has been determined and the functional purpose of most of them has been established. The tool complex includes ceramic spindle whorls, hammers for forging, passive tiles for grinding and grinding, piercers, blunt axe, agalus, etc. The inventory set finds numerous analogies in Alakul and other Bronze Age and later Bronze Age sites. It is concluded that the Alakul population in the area of the village was engaged in the processing of leather, metal, stone, bone, the manufacture of dishes, spinning — the main industries characteristic of the pastoral tribes of the Late Bronze Age (the authors adhere to the Eastern European chronological scale). Thus, the conducted studies made it possible to supplement the characteristics of the livestock economy of the Alakul population with data on production activities and confirm the earlier conclusions about the absence of differences in the traditions of farming among the population living along the rivers and in the interfluve.
¿Es COVID-19 una enfermedad que afecta la médula ósea? Experiencia en donantes sanos de células hematopoyéticas en un centro de trasplante.
Authors: Noreña Gomez Sara Isabel , Morales Suárez Angie Carolina , Tirado Giraldo Ángela Maria , Escobar González Andres Felipe
Published: May 2023

Objetivo: escribir y analizar el efecto de la infección por el virus SARS-CoV-2 sobre la movilización de células en donantes de precursores hematopoyéticos que acudieron a la unidad de trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos de una institución médica de alta complejidad en Medellín, Colombia. Métodos:  estudio transversal retrospectivo analítico basado en registros médicos de pacientes sometidos a trasplante de médula ósea en una entre marzo de 2020 y marzo de 2021.Resultados: de 64 donantes y receptores de células hematopoyéticas, el 22.2  % de los receptores con antecedentes positivos de infección del donante tuvieron fracaso del injerto de granulocitos en comparación con el 9.1 % de los receptores sin estos antecedentes; no hubo diferencia en la tasa de mortalidad. La mediana de células CD34 movilizadas en población donante con antecedente de infección fue de 5 437 965 [RIC 5 070 714 – 7 215 985], similar a los donantes sin antecedente (Mediana de 5 976 773 [RIC 5 046 689 – 7 276 463]) sin encontrar diferencias (p=0.28).Conclusiones: no es posible determinar que la infección por SARS-CoV-2  genere cambios en las células que se movilizan de un donante de células madre hematopoyéticas por lo demás sano, con base en el análisis estadístico que realizamos, no creemos que los datos varíen si se amplía la población estudio, sin embargo se requieren más estudios prospectivos en el futuro.
Situación y salud laboral de los pediatras en Colombia antes de la pandemia (2019)
Authors: Barbosa Samuel Ardila , Ramos Nicolás , Hernández Rincón Erwin Hernando , Baquero Haeberlin Roberto , Romero Tapia Álvaro Enrique , Buitrago Reyes Lina Andrea
Published: May 2023

Introducción: los profesionales de la salud son necesarios para garantizar el estado de salud de la población, por lo cual, se requieren condiciones laborales adecuadas para proteger su desempeño profesional y personal. La pediatría es una especialidad que está expuesta a diversos riesgos, situación que se exacerbó por la pandemia; por lo cual, se realizó un estudio para describir el panorama de la situación y salud laboral de los especialistas en pediatría en Colombia antes del COVID-19. Metodología: se realizó un estudio de corte transversal que exploró la situación laboral (n=291) y el agotamiento profesional (n=308) en médicos pediatras en Colombia en el primer semestre del 2019. Resultados: el 63.6 % de los pediatras trabajaban en más de dos sitios y el 76.9 % tenía una jornada laboral superior a 176 horas mensuales; así mismo, el 81.1 % manifestó haber tenido problemáticas laborales, la mayoría relacionada con el pago de su salario. Con relación al agotamiento profesional, el 63 % presentaba alto cansancio emocional. Conclusiones: la investigación identificó las condiciones salariales y contractuales que contribuyen a la sobrecarga profesional de los pediatras, lo cual, se pudo evidenciar con la evaluación del burnout en los especialistas. La situación y salud mental de los pediatras no era la mejor antes de la pandemia, por lo cual, resulta importante explorar e intervenir los efectos en la salud de los pediatras consecuencia de la pandemia por COVID-19.
Divertículo de Meckel complicado con una invaginación intestinal ileocecal en una paciente de siete años: reporte de caso y revisión de literatura.
Authors: Daniels Garcia Maria Jose , Velasquez Vanegas Karen Julieth , Mindiola Joly Daniela , Thomas Olivares Pastor
Published: May 2023

Antecedentes: el divertículo de Meckel es un remanente del conducto onfalomesentérico que puede tener una complicación excepcional como la invaginación intestinal generando un fenómeno de obstrucción y abdomen agudo quirúrgico. Se ha descrito una prevalencia en lactantes de sexo masculino y edad comprendida entre los cinco meses a tres años. Reporte de caso: se presenta un caso de divertículo de Meckel complicado con una invaginación intestinal en una paciente de siete de años, se enfoca inicialmente como un dolor abdominal agudo a estudio con primera impresión diagnostica apendicitis aguda, sin datos concluyentes en examen físico ni paraclínicos, por lo que se indica tomografía de abdomen con reporte de imagen en diana o en «donut» sugestiva de invaginación intestinal secundaria. Fue intervenida quirúrgicamente sin complicaciones con hallazgos macroscópicos que confirman el diagnóstico y además se identifica la causa. Conclusiones: es uno de los diagnósticos diferenciales para tener en cuenta en abdomen agudo en la edad pediátrica, siendo la resección quirúrgica el tratamiento definitivo. En este caso es llamativa la edad y la presentación clínica, siendo uno de los motivos de descripción del caso en mención.
A matheuristic approach combining genetic algorithm and mixed integer linear programming model for production and distribution planning in the supply chain
Authors: Guzman E. , Poler R. , Andres B.
Published: May 2023

A number of research studies have addressed supply chain planning from various perspectives (strategical, tactical, operational) and demonstrated the advantages of integrating both production and distribution planning (PDP). The globalisation of supply chains and the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) mean that companies must be more agile and resilient to adapt to volatile demand, and to improve their relation with customers and suppliers. Hence the growing interest in coordinating production-distribution processes in supply chains. To deal with the new market’s requirements and to adapt business processes to industry’s regulations and changing conditions, more efforts should be made towards new methods that optimise PDP processes. This paper proposes a matheuristic approach for solving the PDP problem. Given the complexity of this problem, combining a genetic algorithm and a mixed integer linear programming model is proposed. The matheuristic algorithm was tested using the Coin-OR Branch & Cut open-source solver. The computational outcomes revealed that the presented matheuristic algorithm may be used to solve real sized problems.
Integracja krajów regionu Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej: potencjał i priorytety na światowych rynkach
Authors: Czapla Tomasz , Chebotarov Iegor , Glinkowska-Krauze Beata , Chebotarov Viacheslav
Published: May 2023

Można przypuszczać, że wojna rosyjsko-ukraińska doprowadzi do nowej konfiguracji wzajemnych relacji w gospodarczej i politycznej sytuacji wielu krajów europejskich. Przyczyni się to do szybkiego powstawania sojuszy strategicznych pomiędzy krajami sąsiadującymi, o podobnych kulturach narodowych i „uzupełniającym” się potencjale. Region Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej wydaje się dobrym przykładem takiego integracji. W kontekście tworzenia takiego sojuszu nasuwają się pytania o jego trwałość, przesłanki, korzyści i potencjalne zagrożenia. Autorzy tego opracowania odnoszą się do przesłanek tworzenia sojuszu krajów Europy Środkowo-Wschodniej i jego potencjalnej słuszności i trwałości (z perspektywy historycznej, geograficznej, surowcowej, logistyczno-transportowej).
THE DEVELOPMENT AND ANALYSIS OF ECO-PRINT AND SCREEN PRINTING COMBINATION USING NATURAL DYES
Authors: TRI YULIANA , NOORYAN BAHARI
Published: May 2023

Natural dye is one of the solutions to alleviate environmental damage caused by the textile industry. Existing synthetic dyes have been proven to adversely affect the environment and human. Hence, revisiting natural dyes becomes a correct decision to alleviate existing environmental problems. Eco-print is one of the natural dyeing methods done by using plants typically found in the surroundings. This method has become the subject of various developments, both in its mordanting and making processes. Its visual aesthetics should also receive attention to avoid stagnation. Further development and innovation are necessary. The purpose of this study was to develop the visual aesthetic aspect of the eco-print method. It particularly focused on developing the design and production technique in terms of concepts, materials, and working techniques. This work also adopted a screen printing technique to enrich the motifs and colors. The method utilized in this research was art-based research with the premise of adapting artistic creativity to social research using an artistic practice approach because both are holistic and dynamic. The result showed that eco-print and screen printing methods could be combined, as the latter significantly enhance the eco-print product’s visual aesthetics. However, the result of this combination exhibited poor color fastness, implying the need for further study.
Anticolonialism’s “Homosexual Territory”
Authors: Chakravorty Mrinalini
Published: May 2023

Frantz Fanon’s powerful conception of racial anticolonialism occurs in the shadow of his vexed treatment of homosexuality. This essay considers the traffic between Fanon’s anticoloniality and the recalcitrance of queer transnational writers to argue that sexuality obtains a political force in their fiction through specific citational practices. It explores how fabulation and farce enable a citational queer of color aesthetics that circulates around, unsettles, and adapts Fanon’s historical signatures. The essay ultimately traces a sphere of influence between literature and political culture that makes sexual politics the ground zero for statist decolonization and yet also always a sign of more radical possibility.
Knots in the Throat
Authors: León Christina
Published: May 2023

This essay concentrates on the figural knots that both refuse and suture readings across Raquel Salas Rivera’s Preguntas frecuentes and X/Ex/Exis. Tracing self-translations, the essay reads how Salas Rivera steals back from English and binary gender in the poetic and translation decisions to withhold, or hold onto, loss as itself incommensurable or untranslatable. His poetics situates Latinx at the hinge and limit of two colonial languages, requiring us to contend with ongoing problems of reference and translation. Through material tropes, Salas Rivera’s poetry registers entanglements and displacements of colonial grammars, transgender terms, and the material remains of empire.
Forget Decolonizing
Authors: Jarvis Jill
Published: May 2023

This paper considers the possibilities and limits of anticolonial resistance alongside the transmedial artworks of Tuareg poet and artist Mahmoudan Hawad, setting what he calls his “furigraphies” in a radioactive historical and geographical context that presently extends from Taourirt Tan Afela (Algeria) to Arlit (Niger) because of indelible—and currently unfolding—French nuclear imperialism that includes both nuclear bomb and uranium extraction infrastructures.
THE EXPRESSION OF TLR4, IFN-γ, TGF-β AND TNF-αLL LINE OF HUMAN SMALL CELL LUNG CARCINOMA NCI-H69 AND IN CISPLATIN-RESISTANT SUBLINE NCI-H69/CPR
Authors:   Educational and Scientific Centre “Institute of biology and medicine”, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, Stupak I.
Published: May 2023

Aim: to investigate the effect of teichoic acid Staphylococcus aureus for expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and of TLR4 in a human small cell lung carcinoma cell line NCI-H69, and cisplatin resistant subline NCI-H69/CPR. Methods. Incubation of cells with teichoic acid (1 ng/m) conducted for 2 days. Expression level of TLR4, TGF-β, INF-γ, TNF-α was evaluated by the real time PCR on 7500 Real-Time PCR System, using specific primers and fluorochrome SYBR Green. The reverse transcription reaction was performed with High-Capacity cDNA Reverse Transcription Kit carried out under the conditions: 25 °C - 10 min, 37 °C ‒ 120 min and 85 °C ‒ 5 min. Results. In cell line culture NCI-H69 addition of teichoic acid increased expression of TLR4 by 1.3 times, and IFN-γ – by 1,1 times. Expression of TGF-β and TNF-α was decreased 2.5 and 4.9 times respectively. In cell line culture NCI-H69/CPR the addition of teichoic acid inhibited the expression of all studied parameters. Expression TLR4 decreased by 4.2 times, IFN-γ – by 1.4 times. Expression TGF-β and TNF-α was depressed 1.6 and 1.2 times. The presented data indicate that teichoic acid of bacterial origin provided the effect of modulating the inflammatory effect in lung cancer cell culture, sensitive and resistant to cisplatin. Conclusions. Teichoic acid as a ligand of TLR4 modulates the expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in small cell lung cancer cell culture and suppresses the expression of TLR4 and all investigated cytokines in the cisplatin-resistant cell line NCI-H69.
Molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolated from patients in COVID-19 wards and ICUs in a Bulgarian University Hospital
Authors: Savova Dobromira , Niyazi Denis , Bozhkova Milena , Stoeva Temenuga
Published: May 2023

Many studies report an increase in antimicrobial resistance of Gram – negative bacteria during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our aim was to evaluate the epidemiological relationship between carbapenem-resistant (CR) Enterobacteriaceae isolates from patients in COVID-19 wards and to investigate the main mechanisms of carbapenem resistance in these isolates during the period April 2020–July 2021. A total of 45 isolates were studied: Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 37), Klebsiella oxytoca (n = 2), Enterobacter cloacae complex (n = 4) and Escherichia coli (n = 2). Multiplex PCR was used for detection of genes encoding carbapenemases from different classes (blaKPC, blaIMP, blaVIM, blaNDM, blaOXA-48). For epidemiological typing and analysis, ERIC PCR was performed. Two clinical isolates of E. cloacae, previously identified as representatives of two dominant hospital clones from the period 2014–2017, were included in the study for comparison. In the CR K. pneumoniae group, 23 (62.2%) carried blaKPC, 13 (35.1%) blaNDM, 10 (27.0%) blaVIM, and 9 (24.3%) were positive for both blaKPC and blaVIM. The blaKPC was identified also in the two isolates of K. oxytoca and blaVIM in all E. cloacae complex isolates. The two CR isolates of E. coli possessed blaKPC and blaOXA-48 genes. Epidemiological typing identified 18 ERIC profiles among K. pneumoniae, some presented as clusters of identical and/or closely related isolates. The carbapenem resistance in the studied collection of isolates is mediated mainly by blaKPC. During the COVID-19 pandemic intrahospital dissemination of CR K. pneumoniae, producing carbapenemases of different molecular classes, as well as continuing circulation of dominant hospital clones of multidrug-resistant E. cloacae complex was documented.
The American Anti-Vaxxer COVID Dead: A Dynamic Chronicle of Failed Sacrifices
Authors: Strenski Ivan
Published: May 2023

Unlike earlier pandemics, where a “politics of blame” was directed against those who spread infection, the COVID pandemic in the United States has created occasions for the deployment of a “politics of commendation” for performing acts of sacrifice. Frontline healthcare workers have been celebrated for sacrificing themselves in service to their patients, even as critics have charged their being hapless victims of “social murder” at the hands of irresponsible medical administrators. Governmental officials, notably in Texas, have also recommended the elderly to refuse COVID care, die and thus sacrifice themselves selflessly for the benefit of the younger generation. Lately, COVID vaccine-refusal has been seen as an act of noble political sacrifice—typically to further individual liberty against the coercive power of the Federal government’s promotion or mandating of vaccination. Anti-vaxxers embracing the role of such political sacrifices, however, generally fail to realize this aspiration, insofar they are often just culpable of their own demise by neglecting public health advisories. Furthermore, the partisan politicization of their deaths militates against the normal recognition of their being sacrifices. Party political calculations have frequently demanded denial of the COVID origins of the anti-vaxxer deaths, and also effectively eliminated any normal attendant rites of reciprocation, memorialization or sacralization of the victims, typical of sacrifices, proper.
“Lostˮ Russian Media Generations in a Changing Social and Digital Environment
Authors: Sumskaya Anna S.
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the concept of “digitalˮ media generations, their formation, and the phenomenon of “lostˮ generations from the perspective of media-focused and anthropological approaches. The restrictions on social media and some media access following the beginning of Russia’s special military operation in Ukraine in 2022 has resulted in a turbulent media environment detrimental to the subjective well-being of Russian “digitalˮ media generations, especially young adults. Analysis of the reasons behind the emergence of “lostˮ generations in the history of Russia and other countries allows us to conclude that geopolitical factors such as wars, economic shocks, and major epidemics can lead to generational “lossˮ. From the perspective of digital divide theory, it may be said that we are now dealing with a new kind of digital inequality. The discreteness of the media flow, whose continuity is crucial primarily for “digitalˮ media generations and their media identity, has created a unique combination of factors contributing to further exacerbation of the digital divide. To minimize the destructive consequences of emerging media transformations, it is important to ensure comprehensive media and information support for Russian “digital nativesˮ, along with socio-political and psychological assistance.
The Impact of Digital Divide on Household Participation in Risky Financial Investments: Evidence From China
Authors: Kefeng Yuan , Xiaoxia Zhang , Nedospasova Olga P.
Published: May 2023

The digital divide has now become a worldwide problem and has the potential to lead to greater inequality. This paper empirically analyses the impact of the “digital access divide”, “digital use divide” and “digital inequality divide” on household participation in risky financial investments using micro data from China. The results show that all three digital divides have a positive and significant impact on the probability of households participating in risky financial investments; in addition, the digital divide between urban and rural areas and between households is also significant. Finally, the authors propose strategies for bridging the digital divide based on China’s national context, such as building a national cultivation and evaluation system of digital literacy, reducing the family’s parenting burden, improving the investment environment for residents, developing the power resources of the younger elderly, and promoting intergenerational digital feedbacks.
The Dark Triad and Non-Normative Collective Action in the Save KPK Movement in Indonesia: The Mediation Effect of Contempt
Authors: Nugraha Ahmad Helmi , Julian Raehan Kautsar , Adiguna Rudy , Hartono Veronica Lioni , Kusuma Donna , Shadiqi Muhammad Abdan , Rusli Rusdi
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to examine the role of group-based contempt and the Dark Triad of personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) in the intention to participate in non-normative collective action in the Save KPK (Save the Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission) movement. The data was collected via the distribution of an online questionnaire and on-campus recruitment of university students. A total of 409 students were involved as the participants through a purposive sampling strategy. The multiple regression tests found that only the variables group-based contempt and psychopathy significantly could predict non-normative collective action, albeit partially; the other Dark Triad variables (Machiavellianism and narcissism), in this case, were found to be insignificant. A path analysis model showed that Machiavellianism and psychopathy could significantly predict non-normative collective action under the mediation of group-based contempt. Narcissism was found to have no significance. This study results, by considering the Dark Triad and emotional factors, help people understand why and how individuals or groups of students commit violence.
Markers of Sensory Well-Being in the Learning Environment for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Tokarskaya Lyudmila V. , Bystrova Tatyana Yu.
Published: May 2023

The article describes the results of interdisciplinary research focusing on the concept of “sensory well-being” and its application to construct sensory-friendly learning environments. The article analyzes the relationship between sensory characteristics of a learning environment and its impact on children’s well-being and progress. It is shown that the current standards for learning environments in Russian schools fail to meet the sensory needs of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The study relies on the case study method to compare the sensory needs a student with ASD and the characteristics of the classroom environment where she studies. The assessment encompasses auditory, visual, olfactory, tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive modalities. Based on the data obtained, the authors formulate a set of markers that can be used to build a sensory-friendly learning environment. These markers can be used by specialists when designing new or renovating the already existing environments at schools and other educational institutions.
Fatty Acid Profiles of Fish Oil Derived by Different Techniques from By-Products of Cultured Black Sea Salmon, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: DUYAR Hünkar Avni , BAYRAKLI Barış
Published: May 2023

The fatty acid profiles of fish oil extracted from by-products of cultured Black Sea salmon, Oncorhynchus mykiss, using conventional (CFO) and dry freezing oil (DFO) techniques were investigated. In the CFO and DFO groups, MUFA+PUFA comprised 74.00% and 72.68% of total fatty acids, respectively. The highest PUFA was linoleic acid (CFO = 14.22%, DFO = 13.15%). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n3) was the second most concentrated fatty acid for PUFA in the CFO (8.12%) and DFO (8.02%) groups, followed by eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n3) (CFO = 4.39%, DFO = 2.87%). Similarly, the difference between groups in omega-3 was statistically significant (p<0.05) and the CFO ratio was higher in the DFO. The PI, AI, TI, h/H, and UI percentages in the CFO group were 0.99, 0.37, 0.26, 2.98, and 1.73, respectively, while in the DFO group they were 0.80, 0.35, 0.31, 2.83, and 1.61, respectively. It was concluded that the oils obtained from Black Sea salmon by-products were rich in omega-3 fatty acids and had good lipid quality indexes.
PCK1 Protects against Mitoribosomal Defects in Diabetic Nephropathy in Mouse Models
Authors: Hasegawa Kazuhiro , Sakamaki Yusuke , Tamaki Masanori , Wakino Shu
Published: May 2023

Significance Statement

Renal gluconeogenesis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Proximal tubular phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase1 (PEPCK1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in gluconeogenesis. However, the functions of PEPCK1 have not been elucidated. We describe the novel role of PEPCK1 as a mitoribosomal protector using Pck1 transgenic (TG) mice and knockout mice. Pck1 blocks excessive glycolysis by suppressing the upregulation of excess HK2 (the rate-limiting enzyme of glycolysis). Notably, Pck1 overexpression retains mitoribosomal function and suppresses renal fibrosis. The renal and mitoribosomal protective roles of Pck1 may provide important clues for understanding DN pathogenesis and provide novel therapeutic targets.

Background

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) is part of the gluconeogenesis pathway, which maintains fasting glucose levels and affects renal physiology. PEPCK consists of two isoforms—PEPCK1 and PEPCK2—that the Pck1 and Pck2 genes encode. Gluconeogenesis increases in diabetic nephropathy (DN), escalating fasting and postprandial glucose levels. Sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors increase hepatic and renal gluconeogenesis. We used genetically modified mice to investigate whether renal gluconeogenesis and Pck1 activity are renoprotective in DN.

Methods

We investigated the expression of Pck1 in the proximal tubule (PTs) of streptozotocin (STZ)-treated diabetic mice. We studied the phenotypic changes in PT-specific transgenic (TG) mice and PT-specific Pck1 conditional knockout (CKO) mice.

Results

The expression of Pck1 in PTs was downregulated in STZ-treated diabetic mice when they exhibited albuminuria. TG mice overexpressing Pck1 had improved albuminuria, concomitant with the mitigation of PT cell apoptosis and deposition of peritubular type IV collagen. Moreover, CKO mice exhibited PT cell apoptosis and type IV collagen deposition, findings also observed in STZ-treated mice. Renal fibrotic changes in CKO mice were associated with increasing defects in mitochondrial ribosomes (mitoribosomes). The TG mice were protected against STZ-induced mitoribosomal defects.

Conclusion

PCK1 preserves mitoribosomal function and may play a novel protective role in DN.
A Study on the Structural Relationship of the Gentrification of the Cultural Capital on Perceived Value and Urban Regeneration in the Region
Authors:   The Korea International Trade Research Institute, Lee Jung-Eun
Published: May 2023

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to consider the structural relationship of the gentrification of the cultural capital to perceived value and urban regeneration. Design/Methodology/Approach – In order to achieve the research purpose, theoretical research and empirical research were conducted in parallel. An empirical study was collected by requesting an Internet research company as a tourist with domestic travel experience in 2021. Findings – The structural relationship of the gentrification of the cultural capital to perceived value and urban regeneration was identified. There are 3 upper hypotheses, each with a total of 9 hypotheses as lower hypotheses. Each upper hypothesis was partially accepted or rejected. As a result of the verification of the model, it can be seen that some of the statistical standard values are insufficient, but it is considered appropriate when judged comprehensively. Research Implications – First, the relationship between the cultural capital and gentrification partially supports the results of previous studies that have established research hypotheses. Second, in the relationship between gentrification and perceived value, a significant relationship was shown in research questions, excluding some research questions that appear in some sub-categories. Finally, there are many studies on the relationship between behavioral intentions with perceived value as an antecedent variable, parameter, and outcome variable. However, in this study, the changing urban environment perceived by tourists was identified from the perspective of urban regeneration. In the research hypothesis, the results of previous research that set the research hypothesis on the relationship between perceived value and urban regeneration were supported.
Stock Market Prediction Based on LSTM Neural Networks
Authors:   The Korea International Trade Research Institute, You Yue , Kim Woo-Hyoung , Cho Yong-Seok
Published: May 2023

Purpose – This study aims to more accurately and effectively predict trends in portfolio prices by building a model using LSTM neural networks, and investigating the risk and profit prediction of investment portfolios. Design/Methodology/Approach – To obtain a return on stocks, this study used 60 monthly transaction data from major countries, including the United States and Korea, for five ETFs, BNDX, BND, VXUS, VTI, and 122630.KS, for five years from January 2016 to December of 2021. In addition, a related portfolio was constructed using modern portfolio theory. Through Min-Max normalization, five ETFs and closing data from April 20 to July 20, 2022 were normalized. The input data were classified into two characteristic dimensions, and an LSTM time series model was constructed with the number of nodes in six hidden layers. Findings – By establishing a portfolio and making regression predictions, it was possible to effectively reduce situations in which prediction accuracy was lowered due to large fluctuations in index-based stocks. Research Implications – The predicted results were tested using OLS regression analysis. The relationship between the risk of building a tangential portfolio with the same composition with different weights, the accuracy of stock price prediction by effectively reducing the low prediction accuracy of highly volatile stocks in the portfolio, and changing the set risk-free interest rate were examined.
Volatility, Volume, and FX Policy Uncertainty: Evidence from Seoul and Shanghai Chinese-Korean Direct Exchange Rate Market
Authors:   The Korea International Trade Research Institute, Nam Soojoong , Lu Guimin , Moon Ji-Young
Published: May 2023

Purpose – This paper empirically analyzed the effect of the FX policy uncertainty (FX EPU) of Korea and the trading volume in the direct Korean won/Chinese yuan (KRW-RMB) exchange market agreed on in June 2014 on the volatility of the won/yuan exchange rate. Design/Methodology/Approach – In this paper, we first collected monthly data on the trading volume in the direct Korean won/Chinese yuan (KRW-RMB) exchange market from July 2016 to March 2021. We adopted the linear autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach proposed by Pesaran et al. (2001) to study the impact of the FX EPU of Korea and the trading volume on the volatility of the won/yuan exchange rate. This paper uses direct Korean won/Chinese yuan (KRW-RMB) exchange market data for the first time. Findings – The main findings are as follows. First, the empirical results suggest that an increase in trading volume decreases short-run exchange rate volatility, while an increase in FX EPU increases short-run exchange rate volatility. Second, we also find that the long-run effects of trading volume are negative, while the effects of FX EPU are not. Third, the effects on volatility of trading volume and FX EPU are negative or positive in both simultaneous and dynamic relationships, which is consistent with the mixture distribution hypothesis. Research Implications – The estimation result of the ARDL model shows the long- and short-run effects of volume and FX EPU on volatility. We provide new empirical evidence for the way in which ﬁnancial markets process information.
Bicycle Parking Use Patterns, Occupancy and Rotation Rates in the Streets of Barcelona
Authors: Honey-Rosés Jordi , Ortega Victoria , Dejaegher Sofie , Corbera Esteve
Published: May 2023

Bicycle parking is a critical piece of cycling infrastructure and yet there is little known about who and how often these facilities are used. This study investigates the use patterns, occupancy, duration times and rotation rates of on-street bike parking in Barcelona, Spain. We sampled all city districts with rectangular plots (20 ha) that included 163 bike parking locations. We visited them 4-15 times during two field work campaigns in spring and summer 2021. We measured total occupancy, bicycle type (bike-share, kid, abandoned, private) and developed a method to estimate rotation rates, turnover and service levels. We estimate that Barcelona has approximately 18,730 bicycles parked on the street every day, of which 8% are dockless shared bikes, 5% are kid bikes and 3% are abandoned bikes or bike parts. We find that 10% of bike parking locations were saturated (average occupancy 90%+) and 30% reached saturation in at least one measurement. Contrary to our hypothesis, we do not find strong diurnal temporal variations, as occupancy rates are remarkably stable over the day across the city. We estimate that 35% of bicycles parked on the streets are for long term parking (1 week+) or storage, while only 12% of bicycles are short-term day-users. To improve the management of on-street bicycle parking, cities must maintain an updated spatial data set of bike parking locations and understand the patterns of who and when they are used.