bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning of empathy among first-year medical students
Authors: Hermasari Bulan Kakanita , Nugroho Dian
Published: August 2022

Empathy is one of the core competencies that doctors must possess. Teaching empathy is carried out since students are in undergraduate medical education. One of the learning activities that can be used to improve empathy skills is reflection. Many studies have reported on the empathic abilities of medical students. In addition, there have also been many scientific articles discussing the factors that affect the ability of empathy. However, how medical students learn empathy is still unclear, especially for first-year students who have just been exposed to medical science after graduating from high school. This study aimed to understand how first-year medical students learn empathy. A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was carried out. We selected randomly, a total of 30 medical student reflection journals were analyzed using content analysis techniques. There are three themes, namely stimulus, process, and effect. Medical students learn empathy driven by internal and external stimuli so that a thinking process occurs through several learning activities. The existence of this stimulus and process influences both the self and the patient/client. The whole process of empathy learning can show how early-year students learn and the factors that influence student empathy learning. This study supports other research that discusses the learning process and factors that affect medical students' empathy. This result can encourage curriculum planners to design appropriate empathy learning for students.
A emergência de Galo, entregador antifascista: análise de uma entrevista midiática
Authors: Sena Ercio , Serelle Marcio
Published: August 2022

Este artigo investiga, por meio da análise de entrevista midiática na Folha de S.Paulo, aspectos da construção da figura pública de Paulo Roberto da Silva Lima, o Galo, que, durante a pandemia de covid-19, liderou o movimento dos entregadores antifascistas. Em contexto de valorização desses entregadores, Galo emerge como personagem com habilidades comunicativas que o projetam e contribuem para o debate social acerca da precarização do mundo do trabalho. A análise demonstra que, por meio de uma fala consciente das interações jornalísticas, Galo desvela as estratégias da uberização e se utiliza de um saber narrativo para a construção de um discurso solidário que desafia a racionalidade neoliberal e recupera o sentido de classe trabalhadora.
As faces do trabalho: representações sociais nas telas Trabalhadoras e Operários e no filme Nomadland
Authors: Almeida Lucas Gamonal Barra de , Moratelli Valmir , Siciliano Tatiana
Published: August 2022

Da homogeneização do operário no começo do século XX à individualização exacerbada no século XXI, este trabalho investiga as possíveis interpretações sobre a representação do trabalhador em três obras: Trabalhadoras (1900), do pintor alemão Hans Baluschek (1870-1935), Operários (1933), da pintora brasileira Tarsila do Amaral (1886-1973), e o filme estadunidense Nomadland (2020), da chinesa Chloé Zhao. Usando como metodologia a descrição interpretativa desses objetos, possibilita-se uma discussão sobre as alterações nas formas de trabalho nas grandes cidades a partir de leituras sobre o tema. Como conclusão, traz-se uma visão crítica das práticas capitalistas, diante da precarização do trabalho e da supressão da sensação de pertencimento de classe entre os indivíduos. Assim, o olhar melancólico representado nessas diferentes telas traduz a percepção sobre o modo de vida a que essas pessoas são submetidas.
Distopia e gêneros narrativos: a hipertrofia do presente
Authors: Figueiredo Vera Lúcia Follain de , Silva Eduardo Miranda
Published: August 2022

Como se sabe, o campo da arte vem se apropriando de procedimentos e formatos da cultura de massa. No texto, aborda-se essa aproximação na ficção brasileira do século XXI, com o objetivo de analisar a relação entre o uso de matrizes de gêneros narrativos e a composição de um quadro distópico do país e do mundo atual. Trata-se de pensar os efeitos críticos da interseção de gêneros narrativos diversos na abordagem das questões sociais e de verificar como convenções da narrativa de terror, da ficção científica e do western são acionadas para representação das tensões do mundo contemporâneo. Dentre outras, são discutidas obras como o filme Divino amor (2019), de Gabriel Mascaro, e o livro A nova ordem (2019), de Bernardo Kucinski.
Entre comunicação pública e promoção política: interações de Emmanuel Macron e youtubers na gestão da pandemia de covid-19
Authors: Petters Lorreine , Paes Paula de Souza
Published: August 2022

Frequentemente criticado por seu caráter “jupiteriano” e distante do povo, o presidente da França, Emmanuel Macron, tem feito diferentes ações de comunicação nas redes sociais digitais. Este artigo se concentra num estudo sociodiscursivo de uma operação do governo Macron com youtubers na luta contra a covid-19. Tais iniciativas chamam atenção tanto pela presença desses “novos” mediadores e uma tentativa de “horizontalizar” a comunicação governamental quanto pelas críticas que emergem sobre a suposta utilização desses canais para promoção política. Questiona-se também a maneira com a qual é tratada a operação por jornalistas e mídias online, mostrando o potencial de líderes políticos de “fazerem acontecimento” a partir de campanhas ou declarações (e não de ações públicas concretas) e de exercerem um certo controle sobre a agenda midiática.
Sharenting e engajamento nos perfis de celebridade: o caso @mariaalice
Authors: Tomaz Renata Oliveira
Published: August 2022

Este trabalho está vinculado a um projeto de pesquisa que investiga a relação entre infâncias, visibilidade e participação na internet. O objetivo é avaliar a repercussão da presença das crianças no contexto da cultura digital. Este artigo aborda o fenômeno do sharenting, iniciativa, por parte de pais e mães, de compartilhar imagens e informações de seus filhos. Trata-se de análise quanti-quali do perfil @mariaalice, filha do cantor Zé Felipe e da influenciadora Virgínia Fonseca. O corpus do estudo consiste em métricas, postagens, comentários e notícias publicados na semana de 31 de maio a 6 de junho de 2021, em que o perfil teve sua maior adesão de novos seguidores, desde sua criação até a data da coleta. O estudo de caso mostrou que, embora a figura da criança seja o tema das publicações, a produção discursiva está amparada em uma perspectiva adultocêntrica.
Educação, intelectualidade e desenvolvimento na Nova China: breve apresentação histórica
Authors: Oliveira Ingrid Torquato , Silva Wesley da
Published: August 2022

Este artigo busca apresentar um apanhado histórico demonstrativo sobre como a educação, a intelectualidade e o desenvolvimento foram se consolidando a partir dos eventos que culminaram na formação da República Popular da China. Identificando impasses, estratégias políticas e desafios que o governo e a população atravessaram. A maneira como os planos governamentais influenciaram culturalmente e impactaram a China nestes importantes componentes sociais ajudam a explicar muitos acontecimentos marcantes do período como o Grande Salto Adiante e o Novo Quatro de Maio. O estudo elaborado também aponta mudanças de paradigma que impactaram os intelectuais e a ligação direta que isto teve no sistema educacional do período. A partir deste cenário, é possível evidenciar um distanciamento em relação às características antigas que conhecemos da China.
Tradução para o português do Discurso sobre Cavalos《马说: Uma metáfora sobre reconhecer e auxiliar no desenvolvimento das potencialidades dos indivíduos
Authors: Huang Alice Yuelong
Published: August 2022

Este trabalho visa traduzir o Discurso sobre Cavalos 《马说》de Han Yu (韩愈). Trata-se de um ensaio publicado durante a dinastia Tang que elucida a importância de identificarem os talentos dos indivíduos e de aproveitá-los no desenvolvimento de tais habilidades.
Fonologia Diacrônica do Mandarim: a contribuição da literatura portuguesa de viagens
Authors: Reis Amilton
Published: August 2022

O estudo diacrônico da fonologia chinesa requer o cotejo de dados de múltiplas fontes. Na reconstrução do guanhua 官話 dos períodos Ming e Qing, as descrições feitas por gramáticos estrangeiros entre os séculos XVI e XVIII têm sido instrumentais. Esse, contudo, não é o único recurso: a literatura portuguesa de viagens pode trazer mais elementos para essa discussão.
Cinema at a Standstill
Authors: McDonough Tom
Published: August 2022

“Cinema at a Standstill” examines the theory and practice of film within the Situationist International, circa 1968. Questioning Guy Debord's refusal to document the group's participation in the abortive revolution of May-June ‘68, the essay explores the Situationists' ambivalence to the image as mnemonic device. Their refusal of film's iconicity did not, however, mean a complete refusal of its logic: The austere, text-based posters produced by the SI during the uprising are here read as a species of revolutionary intertitle for a film running in real time along the streets. Sharing the aniconic quality found at the same moment in the work of Daniel Buren and Jean-Luc Godard, this Situationist imageless cinema is read through the dialectic of repetition and stoppage first developed by Giorgio Agamben.
Angelica Mesiti's World Citizens
Authors: Rodowick D. N.
Published: August 2022

In this essay, I review a 2019 exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo entitled When Saying Is Doing, which featured work by Angelica Mesiti, a contemporary Australian artist who works on questions of performance, immigration, and non-verbal communication in multi-screen moving image installations. On the contemporary global stage, if we do not share the same linguistic community or communities, how is human interrelatedness expressed through other forms of ordinary language, where “language” is now considered not as speech but rather as human expressiveness in its most diverse and complex manifestations? What happens when shared language is neither “speech” nor conversation in the linguistic sense? Needed here is a newly imagined vision of the communicability of human community that I refer to as “neighboring.” Putting Mesiti's work in productive dialogue with Stanley Cavell and other critics, I examine how skeptical problems of isolation, privacy, and unknownness are potentially addressed and responded to in contemporary art.
Typification and checklist of the names in Trichospermum (Malvaceae, Grewioideae)
Authors: GERACE SAMUELE , PERUZZI LORENZO
Published: August 2022

An alphabetical list of all the validly published names of the genus Trichospermum, including those first published in Althoffia, Belotia, Bixagrewia, Diclidocarpus, Graeffea, Halconia, and Eroteum, is presented. We provide details of all nomenclatural types, including thirty new typifications (twenty-one lectotypifications, one second-step lectotypification, seven neotypifications, and one second-step neotypification).
Rediscovery of Ivania juncalensis Al-Shehbaz (Thelypodieae; Brassicaceae), an endemic and threatened species from the Andes of Central Chile
Authors: CÁDIZ-VÉLIZ ARÓN , MARÍN ROMÁN NICOLÁS , URBINA-CASANOVA RAFAEL , GARCÍA BERGUECIO NICOLÁS , PALMA-VILLALOBOS BÁRBARA , SAPAJ-AGUILERA GUILLERMO
Published: August 2022

The genus Ivania is endemic to the Andes in Central Chile and comprises two species of range-restricted perennial herbs. Ivania juncalensis was described based on a single herbarium specimen collected in 1976, at a high elevation in the Río Juncal watershed. Given that the population site and status were unknown for more than 30 years, this species was considered potentially extinct. In this article we report the rediscovery of I. juncalensis in the Andes of Valparaiso region. Additionally, we provide an expanded description and new information about its distribution, habitat, ecology, and conservation status.
Camellia hainingii, a new species of Theaceae in China
Authors: YE PIN-MING , HUANG YU-SONG , HUAN JIAN-FENG , LIU EN-DE , MA JIN-LIN , YANG SHI-XIONG
Published: August 2022

Camellia hainingii S.X.Yang et Y.S. Huang, a new species from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to C. pachyandra Hu but can be easily distinguished from the latter by its glabrous leaf blade (vs. pubescent along the midvein abaxially), glabrous (vs. pubescent) petiole, bracteoles and sepals 9–11 (vs. 6) with dense pubescent (vs. glabrous) on the inner face, stamens 80–110 (vs. 40–50), slender (vs. thickening) inner filaments, glabrous (vs. dense tomentum) ovary and furfuraceous (vs. smooth) pericarp. The conservation status of this new species was assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).
Nomenclatural correction to ‘Classification of the Relhania generic group (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae) revisited using molecular phylogenetic analysis’, Phytotaxa 344 (2): 120 (2018)
Authors: BERGH NICOLA G.
Published: August 2022

N/A
Taxonomy of the genus Begonia (Begoniaceae) in Mindanao, Philippines IV: Begonia bangsamoro subsp. bagasa (Begonia section Petermannia), a new subspecies from Zamboanga del Sur
Authors: NAIVE MARK ARCEBAL K. , CALIMBO LIBERTY GRACE L. , CUDAL MARICRIS G. , ALEJANDRO GRECEBIO JONATHAN D. , YU WEN-BIN
Published: August 2022

A subspecies new to science, Begonia bangsamoro subsp. bagasa Naive (section Petermannia) discovered in Zamboanga del Sur, Western Mindanao, Philippines is herewith described and illustrated. The new subspecies differs significantly from the type subspecies in having staminate and pistillate flowers with very narrow tepals. A colour plate, notes on its distribution, habitat, phenology, proposed conservation assessment based on IUCN criteria as well as a checklist of Begonia species present in Zamboanga Peninsula are provided. With this discovery, Zamboanga Peninsula now holds a total of 17 Begonia taxa, and the very first subspecies described for the Philippine archipelago.
miR-127-3p Inhibits Breast Cancer Cell Behaviors via Targeting Benzodiazepine Receptor-Associated Protein 1 (BZRAP1)
Authors: Wen Xiaoqiang , Dai Yinhai , Wu Shaofeng , Li Junqiang
Published: August 2022

microRNAs are key regulators of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and anti-cancer immune response. This study intends to evaluate miR-127-3p’s role in breast cancer cells (BC). After transfection, miR-156 and BZRAP1 expression was assessed by qRT-PCR and Western blotting along with
analysis of cell proliferation and apoptosis by MTT and flow cytometry. Finally, an in vivo tumor model was established to verify miR-127-3p’s in vivo effect. Transfection of si-BZRAP1/miR-127-3p into MCF-7 cells reduced BZRAP1 expression, inhibited cell proliferation and
promoted apoptosis. miR-127-3p is confirmed to target BZRAP1 and exerts tumor suppressor activity by inhibiting BZRAP1. miR-127-3p inhibited BC cell growth and promote apoptosis by targeting BZRAP1, indicating that it is expected to be a target for the treatment of BC. The significance of
this study is to confirm that miR-127-3p may participate in tumor progression via BZRAP1, and may become a potential target for treating tumor. Further analysis of the pathogenesis of breast cancer and detection of miR-127-3p/BZRAP1 in BC has important application value in the treatment.
A History of Regulatory Animal Testing: What Can We Learn?
Authors: Swaters Doortje , van Veen Anne , van Meurs Wim , Turner Janette Ellen , Ritskes-Hoitinga Merel
Published: August 2022

The contemporary pharmaceutical industry is voicing growing concerns about the translatability and reproducibility of animal models. In addition, the usefulness of certain of the required regulatory safety tests in animals is being increasingly questioned. It remains difficult, however, to make the move toward alternative testing methods, not least because of legislative demands. A historical analysis was performed, in order to study how the mandatory animal studies in legislative requirements came about. This article reflects on the role that specific public health disasters played in the creation of (more) regulatory requirements for animal testing. It will show how the regulatory changes prompted by the sulfanilamide elixir disaster in the 1930s and the thalidomide disaster in the early 1960s were based on the belief that extensive animal testing would prevent similar future human health tragedies. As scientists increasingly highlight issues with translatability between non-human animals and humans, the belief that current regulatory requirements ensure safety becomes more difficult to maintain. In addition, it means that some of the regulations now in place require animal tests that do not contribute to the safety of a drug, as shown in a third case study of the court case by Vanda industries against the FDA. We finally argue that regulations should be critically examined and altered where necessary, so that they are no longer a barrier in the transition toward animal-free testing and more human-relevant science.
Microbial Indoor Air Quality and Associated Factors in Jimma Town Prison Administration, Southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Ahmednur Mahmud , Awel Hanan , Haile Gutama
Published: August 2022

Indoor air quality determines the well-being of occupants. It has been linked to sick building syndrome and building-related diseases which lead to many socio-economic problems including reduced productivity and impaired learning. Indoor air quality problem is more serious for prisoners, due to their confinement and exposure condition. However, it has not been studied in our study setting. Thus, this study aimed to determine the indoor air microbial quality and associated factors in Jimma town prison administration, Southwestern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study design was employed in August 2021. Data on the general condition of the prison rooms and occupancy were collected by trained data collectors using an observational checklist. The microbial sample was collected using a sterilized Petri dish. A total of 19 triplicate air samples were collected using Mannitol salt agar and Sabouroad dextrose agar media for the growth of S. aureus and fungi respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 and presented using tables and a graph. The effect of predictor variables on the microbial load was also analyzed by using linear regression. The finding of this study revealed that the microbial load of indoor air at Jimma town prison administration ranged from 891 to 15 439 and 315 to 3067 CFU/m³ for S. aureus and fungi respectively. Both S. aureus and the fungal load of the indoor environment were positively affected by the temperature of the room. Whereas, the floor space per inmate affects the concentration of S. aureus alone. Almost all rooms of the prison administration had microbial load beyond the acceptable limit. Higher temperature, less floor space per inmate, bad floor cleanness conditions, inadequate ventilation, and dampness were contributing factors to the high load of S. aureus and fungus. Thus, additional rooms are required to reduce overcrowding and keep room temperature.
Chloroquine Attenuates Oxidative Stress in Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Brkić Branislava Medić , Rovčanin Branislav , Stojanović Marko , Srebro Dragana , Vučković Sonja , Savić Vujović Katarina
Published: August 2022

The wider application of gentamicin is limited by potential adverse effects (nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity). The goal of our study was to investigate the effects of chloroquine on biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Animals were randomly divided into 1 of 5 groups. First was Sham group (0.9% NaCl) (n = 8); second group received gentamicin (n = 8); while third (n = 8), fourth (n = 8) and fifth group (n = 8) received gentamicin and chloroquine in a dose of 0.3, 1 and 3 mg/kg, respectively. The urea and creatinine levels were significantly lower in chloroquine treated groups in doses of 0.3 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg ( P < 0.001). Total oxidant status and the oxidative stress index showed significantly lower values in all chloroquine treated groups ( P < 0.001; P < 0.005). Malondialdehyde was lower in chloroquine treatment in doses of 0.3 mg/kg ( P < 0.005) and 3 mg/kg ( P < 0.05). Chloroquine treatment markedly reduced the level of superoxide dismutase in doses of 1 mg/kg ( P < 0.01) and 3 mg/kg ( P < 0.05). Our study showed that chloroquine attenuates gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats regarding biochemical and oxidative stress parameters.
Donor natural killer cells trigger production of β-2-microglobulin to enhance post–bone marrow transplant immunity
Authors: Ruggeri Loredana , Urbani Elena , Chiasserini Davide , Susta Federica , Orvietani Pier Luigi , Burchielli Emanuela , Ciardelli Sara , Sola Rosaria , Bruscoli Stefano , Cardinale Antonella , Pierini Antonio , Piersma Sander R. , Pasquino Stefano , Locatelli Franco , Ramarli Dunia , Velardi Enrico , Binaglia Luciano , Jimenez Connie R. , Holländer Georg A. , Velardi Andrea
Published: August 2022

Allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation is a powerful treatment for hematologic malignancies. Posttransplant immune incompetence exposes patients to disease relapse and infections. We previously demonstrated that donor alloreactive natural killer (NK) cells ablate recipient hematopoietic targets, including leukemia. Here, in murine models, we show that infusion of donor alloreactive NK cells triggers recipient dendritic cells (DCs) to synthesize β-2-microglobulin (B2M) that elicits the release of c-KIT ligand and interleukin-7 that greatly accelerate posttransplant immune reconstitution. An identical chain of events was reproduced by infusing supernatants of alloreactive NK/DC cocultures. Similarly, human alloreactive NK cells triggered human DCs to synthesize B2M that induced interleukin-7 production by thymic epithelial cells and thereby supported thymocyte cellularity in vitro. Chromatography fractionation of murine and human alloreactive NK/DC coculture supernatants identified a protein with molecular weight and isoelectric point of B2M, and mass spectrometry identified amino acid sequences specific of B2M. Anti-B2M antibody depletion of NK/DC coculture supernatants abrogated their immune-rebuilding effect. B2M knock-out mice were unable to undergo accelerated immune reconstitution, but infusion of (wild-type) NK/DC coculture supernatants restored their ability to undergo accelerated immune reconstitution. Similarly, silencing the B2M gene in human DCs, before coculture with alloreactive NK cells, prevented the increase in thymocyte cellularity in vitro. Finally, human recombinant B2M increased thymocyte cellularity in a thymic epithelial cells/thymocyte culture system. Our studies uncover a novel therapeutic principle for treating posttransplant immune incompetence and suggest that, upon its translation to the clinic, patients may benefit from adoptive transfer of large numbers of cytokine-activated, ex vivo–expanded donor alloreactive NK cells.
Azithromycin promotes relapse by disrupting immune and metabolic networks after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Vallet Nicolas , Le Grand Sophie , Bondeelle Louise , Hoareau Bénédicte , Corneau Aurélien , Bouteiller Delphine , Tournier Simon , Derivry Lucille , Bohineust Armelle , Tourret Marie , Gibert Delphine , Mayeur Ethan , Itzykson Raphael , Pacchiardi Kim , Ingram Brian , Cassonnet Stéphane , Lepage Patricia , Peffault de Latour Régis , Socié Gérard , Bergeron Anne , Michonneau David
Published: August 2022

Administration of azithromycin after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancies has been associated with relapse in a randomized phase 3 controlled clinical trial. Studying 240 samples from patients randomized in this trial is a unique opportunity to better understand the mechanisms underlying relapse, the first cause of mortality after transplantation. We used multi-omics on patients’ samples to decipher immune alterations associated with azithromycin intake and post-transplantation relapsed malignancies. Azithromycin was associated with a network of altered energy metabolism pathways and immune subsets, including T cells biased toward immunomodulatory and exhausted profiles. In vitro, azithromycin exposure inhibited T-cell cytotoxicity against tumor cells and impaired T-cell metabolism through glycolysis inhibition, down-regulation of mitochondrial genes, and up-regulation of immunomodulatory genes, notably SOCS1. These results highlight that azithromycin directly affects immune cells that favor relapse, which raises caution about long-term use of azithromycin treatment in patients at high risk of malignancies. The ALLOZITHRO trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01959100.
Dietary methionine starvation impairs acute myeloid leukemia progression
Authors: Cunningham Alan , Erdem Ayşegül , Alshamleh Islam , Geugien Marjan , Pruis Maurien , Pereira-Martins Diego Antonio , van den Heuvel Fiona A. J. , Wierenga Albertus T. J. , ten Berge Hilde , Dennebos Robin , van den Boom Vincent , Hogeling Shanna M. , Weinhäuser Isabel , Knops Ruth , de Blaauw Pim , Heiner-Fokkema M. Rebecca , Woolthuis Carolien , Günther Ulrich L. , Rego Eduardo M. , Martens Joost H. A. , Jansen Joop H. , Schwalbe Harald , Huls Gerwin , Schuringa Jan Jacob
Published: August 2022

Targeting altered tumor cell metabolism might provide an attractive opportunity for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). An amino acid dropout screen on primary leukemic stem cells and progenitor populations revealed a number of amino acid dependencies, of which methionine was one of the strongest. By using various metabolite rescue experiments, nuclear magnetic resonance−based metabolite quantifications and 13C-tracing, polysomal profiling, and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing, we identified that methionine is used predominantly for protein translation and to provide methyl groups to histones via S-adenosylmethionine for epigenetic marking. H3K36me3 was consistently the most heavily impacted mark following loss of methionine. Methionine depletion also reduced total RNA levels, enhanced apoptosis, and induced a cell cycle block. Reactive oxygen species levels were not increased following methionine depletion, and replacement of methionine with glutathione or N-acetylcysteine could not rescue phenotypes, excluding a role for methionine in controlling redox balance control in AML. Although considered to be an essential amino acid, methionine can be recycled from homocysteine. We uncovered that this is primarily performed by the enzyme methionine synthase and only when methionine availability becomes limiting. In vivo, dietary methionine starvation was not only tolerated by mice, but also significantly delayed both cell line and patient-derived AML progression. Finally, we show that inhibition of the H3K36-specific methyltransferase SETD2 phenocopies much of the cytotoxic effects of methionine depletion, providing a more targeted therapeutic approach. In conclusion, we show that methionine depletion is a vulnerability in AML that can be exploited therapeutically, and we provide mechanistic insight into how cells metabolize and recycle methionine.
Low serum insulin-like growth factor-1 in patients with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Otunctemur Alper , Ozbek Emin , Sahin Suleyman , Ozcan Levent , Dursun Murat , Polat Emre Can , Cekmen Mustafa , Ozsoy Ozgur Doga , Erkoc Mustafa , Danis Eyup , Bozkurt Muammer
Published: August 2022

Objective

Endothelial dysfunction and microvascular damage play a crurical role in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED). Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is one of the growth factors that have a wide range of biologic effects. IGF-1 is an important mediator of cell growth, differentiation and transformation in various tissues. The purpose of the current study was to determine the association between IGF-1 levels and ED.

Materials and methods

All men were evaluated for ED and divided into two groups: 80 patients suffering from ED for > 1 year and 80 subjects without ED were enrolled as a control group in this study. Diagnosis of ED was based on the International Index of Erectile Function Score-5. IGF-1 levels were measured in serum by an automated chemiluminescence immunoassay. The relationship between IGF-1 levels and ED scores in patients was statistically evaluated.

Results

The mean age of patients in ED group was 60.4 ± 11.3 years and 55.4 ± 9.6 in control group. The plasma IGF-1 levels were significantly lower in ED than in control group (96.5 ± 38.3 and 132.5 ± 53.3 ng/ mL, respectively, P < 0.001). The IGF-1 levels were positively correlated with ED score (r = 0.623, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

In this study serum IGF-1 levels were found to be associated with endothelial dysfunction that predicts ED. Serum IGF-1 level appears to be a specific predictor of ED, and it might be used in early prediction of ED in male population.
Semen quality of 4480 young cancer and systemic disease patients: baseline data and clinical considerations
Authors: Auger Jacques , Sermondade Nathalie , Eustache Florence
Published: August 2022

Background

Except for testicular cancer and Hodgkin’s disease, baseline data on semen quality in case of cancers as well as systemic pathologies of the young adult are scarce or based on low sample size.

Methods

Semen quality in patients having testicular cancer (TGCT, n = 2315), Hodgkin’s disease (HD, n = 1175), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL, n = 439), leukemia (L, n = 360), sarcoma (S, n = 208), brain tumour (BT, n = 40), Behcet’s disease (Behcet’s, n = 68) or multiple sclerosis (MS, n = 73) was studied and compared to that of 1448 fertile men candidates for sperm donation (CSD) and 208 partners of pregnant women (PPW). All samples were studied following the same methodology in a single laboratory. Post freezing and thawing semen characteristics were also studied.

Results

The percentage of normozoospermic men was only 37 % for L patients and lower than 60 % for TGCT, NHL, S and BT. The level of sperm production was differently decreased according to pathologies, the median total sperm count in TC and L patients being four times lower (p < 0.01 when compared to CSD and PPW). The lowest percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa was found for L and BT patients (both, p < 0.01 compared to CSD and PPW). The percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa was also reduced in cancer patients, especially in BT patients. Progressive motility after thawing in patients was about half that observed among candidates for sperm donation. In almost half of the semen of patients with testicular cancer or leukemia, the total number of motile spermatozoa per straw was less than 0.5 × 106 compared to 4.3 × 106 in CSD.

Conclusions

The present data confirm on large series the deleterious impact of various cancers of the young adult on semen quality, establishing thus baseline data for future studies. Owing to the post-thaw quality of the frozen straws, future fertility projects for the majority of the patients studied (in case there is no post-treatment recovery of spermatogenesis) should necessitate an ICSI to provide the best chance of paternity whatever the fertility check-up in the female partner.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of rice cultivars resistant and susceptible to Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA
Authors: Wang Yan , Luo Hang , Wang Haining , Xiang Zongjing , Wei Songhong , Zheng Wenjing
Published: August 2022

Background

Rice sheath blight, which is caused by Rhizoctonia solani, is the most destructive disease affecting rice production, but the resistance mechanism to this pathogen has not been fully elucidated.

Results

In this study, we selected two rice cultivars based on their resistance to the pathogen and analyzed and compared the transcriptomic profiles of two cultivars, the moderately resistant variety Gangyuan8 and the highly susceptible variety Yanfeng47, at different time points after inoculation. The comparative transcriptome profiling showed that the expression of related genes gradually increased after pathogen inoculation. The number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Yanfeng47 was higher than that in Gangyuan8, and this result revealed that Yanfeng47 was more susceptible to fungal attack. At the early stage (24 and 48 h), the accumulation of resistance genes and a resistance metabolism occurred earlier in Ganguan8 than in Yanfeng47, and the resistance enrichment entries were more abundant in Ganguan8 than in Yanfeng47.

Conclusions

Based on the GO and KEGG enrichment analyses at five infection stages, we concluded that phenylalanine metabolism and the jasmonic acid pathway play a crucial role in the resistance of rice to sheath blight. Through a comparative transcriptome analysis, we preliminarily analyzed the molecular mechanism responsible for resistance to sheath blight in rice, and the results lay the foundation for the development of gene mining and functional research on rice resistance to sheath blight.
Phenotypic, chemical component and molecular assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of Morinda officinalis germplasm
Authors: Luo Zhenhua , Chen Zien , Liu Mengyun , Yang Li , Zhao Zhimin , Yang Depo , Ding Ping
Published: August 2022

Background

Morinda officinalis How (MO) is a perennial herb distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, which known as one of the “Four Southern Herbal Medicines”. The extent of genetic variability and the population structure of MO are presently little understood. Here, nine morphological traits, six chemical components and Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used in integrative research of MO germplasm variation among 88 individuals collected from ten populations across four geographical provinces of China.

Results

Both phenotype and chemical composition have significant genetic variation, and there is a certain correlation between them such as root diameter and the nystose content, as well as geographical distribution. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed the leaf length, leaf width, nystose, 1F-furanosaccharide nystose, and the section color were the major contributors to diversity. The cluster analysis based on phenotypic and oligosaccharide data distinguished three significant groups, which was consistent with the result of a corresponding analysis with 228,615 SNP markers, and importantly, they all showed a significant correlation with geographical origin. However, there was little similarity between two cluster results. The Shannon’s information index (I) varied from 0.17 to 0.53 with a mean of 0.37, suggesting a high level of genetic diversity in MO populations, which mainly existed among individuals within populations, accounting for 99.66% of the total according to the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) results. Each population also maintains the connection because of certain gene communication, so that the genetic differentiation between populations was not very significant. The STRUCTURE software was used to analyse the population structure and the result showed that 88 accessions were clustered into three groups, and 67% of them were pure type, which was also confirmed through PCA.

Conclusions

The comprehensive study of phenotypic, chemical and molecular markers will provide valuable information for future breeding plans and understanding the phylogenetic relationship of MO population.
Left bundle branch potential predicts better electrical synchrony in bradycardia patients receiving left bundle branch pacing
Authors: Huang Jingjuan , Guo Lina , Zhang Weiwei , Li Ruogu , He Ben
Published: August 2022

Background

Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) is a novel physiological pacing technology. We aim to explore the relation between LBB potential (LBB Po) and left ventricular (LV) electrical/mechanical synchrony in bradycardia patients without heart failure (HF) receiving LBBP.

Methods

A total of 62 patients undergoing LBBP were categorized by LBB Po: the LBB Po positive (+) group and the LBB Po negative (−) group. The perioperative electrocardiographic and echocardiography parameters related to cardiac synchrony were analyzed.

Results

There were 42 (67.74%) patients in the LBB Po (+) group and 20 patients in the LBB Po (−) group. Paced QRS duration (113.50 ± 17.65 ms vs. 123.40 ± 13.18 ms, P = 0.031) and stimulus left ventricular activation time (71.76 ± 3.53 ms vs. 74.45 ± 3.12 ms, P = 0.005) were shorter in the LBB Po (+) group than in the LBB Po (−) group. No significant differences in the LV mechanical synchrony (Ts-SD-12, 36.55 ± 19.76 vs. 39.95 ± 16.04, P = 0.505; PSD, 51.14 ± 17.69 vs. 45.65 ± 10.55, P = 0.205) between the two groups. There was not statistically difference in ventricular lead parameters measured intraoperative between the two groups. Compared with the LBB Po (−) group, the LBB Po (+) group showed a dramatically higher total procedure duration time (93.52 ± 9.18 min vs. 86.25 ± 10.54 min, p = 0.007) and fluoroscopy time for ventricle lead implantation (18.95 ± 3.43 min vs. 14.00 ± 3.16 min, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The appearance of LBB Po may suggest better electrical synchrony during LBBP, but similar in LV mechanical synchrony. However, the total operation duration and fluoroscopy time of ventricular lead implantation in the LBB Po (+) group were longer. Therefore, it may be unnecessary to deliberately recognize the LBB Po when it is difficult to detect LBB Po and meet the LBBP criterion.
“Leopards do not change their spots:” tick borne disease symptomology case report
Authors: Abernathy Haley , Alejo Aidin , Arahirwa Victor , Mansour Odai , Brown-Marusiak Amanda , Giandomenico Dana , Boyce Ross M.
Published: August 2022

Background

Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis is caused by infection with the bacteria Ehrlichia chaffeensis through the bite of an infected lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum). Patients infected with Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis often present with symptoms including fever, headache, myalgia, and occasionally a macular rash. The presence of other endemic tick-borne diseases with similar symptoms, such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, complicate the diagnosis of Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis.

Case presentation

A patient developed a fever, diffuse myalgia, headache, and a non-productive cough 5 days after a fishing trip in late May in central North Carolina. Over the course of the illness the patient’s symptoms worsened, with arthralgia, bilateral lower extremity erythema and edema, and a developing bilateral rash on the palms. With testing that revealed elevated liver enzymes, a potential for recent tick exposure (e.g., fishing trip), presentation during tick season, and the development of a rash, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis were considered. The patient was prescribed a seven-day course of oral doxycycline and cefalexin, which would provide coverage from Rickettsia, Ehrlichia and gram-positive bacteria typically responsible for cellulitis. Many of the patient’s symptoms resolved or improved, although the right shoulder remained painful to active movement. The patient was prescribed another seven-day course of doxycycline due to his perceived incomplete response to the first course. Approximately 5 weeks after symptom onset (D0 + 36), the patient followed up with a provider for convalescent testing and counseling. Convalescent Ehrlichia and Rickettsia serological tests were ordered. The acute Ehrlichia serology and acute Rickettsia serology were originally non-reactive with both titers measured at < 1:64. Convalescent serology, ordered 28 days after the acute sample collection, showed a greater than four-fold increase in the Ehrlichia IgG titer (1:256), satisfying clinical and laboratory case definitions for ehrlichiosis. In follow-up, 3 weeks later (D0 + 57), the patient reported that most of his pain had subsided, though he still occasionally got shooting nerve pain when exercising.

Conclusion

This case of Human Monocytic Ehrlichiosis in North Carolina exemplifies the need for a knowledge of spatial epidemiological patterns and clinical manifestations in the diagnosis of tick-borne diseases.
Efficacy and safety of butylphthalide in secondary prevention of stroke: study protocol for a multicenter, real world trial based on Internet
Authors: Lv Junchao , Zhao Di , Zhao Gang , Xie Zhen
Published: August 2022

Background

As one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, stroke and its recurrence has attracted more and more attention. Dl-3-n-butylphthalidle(NBP) has been widely used for treating acute ischemic stroke in China and shows a great clinical effect. NBP plays a role in different pathophysiological processes in the treatment of ischemic stroke, including antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-thrombosis, and mitochondrial protection. Many randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trials suggest that NBP is a safe and effective treatment for ischemic stroke. To sum up, the current research is mainly focused on the short-term treatment of stroke patients with RCT (randomized controlled trial). Therefore, we designed this study to confirm the role of butylphthalide in secondary stroke prevention in the real world.

Methods

This study will be a multicenter, prospective real-world trial. We would recruit 8000 patients with ischemic stroke from 78 public hospitals in China. All participants will be allocated to one of two parallel treatment groups according to their own wills: (1) butylphthalide group: 0.2 g of butylphthalide capsules three times daily plus routine treatment (aspirin 50-300 mg/d, clopidogrel 75 mg/d, etc.); (2) control group: routine treatment (aspirin 50-300 mg/d, clopidogrel 75 mg/d, etc.). Treatment duration is 90 consecutive days or more. The primary outcome is recurrence rate of stroke within 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year in butylphthalide group and control group. The secondary outcomes included NIHSS score, the mRS score, other clinical cardiovascular events within one year (sudden death / myocardial infarction / arrhythmia / heart failure, etc.), and adverse events of patients in groups. NIHSS will be captured in the first month after discharge, and the others will be captured at the same time points as the primary end point.

Discussion

This trial will be exploring the efficacy and safety of butylphthalide in secondary prevention of ischemic stroke to expand the scope of application of butylphthalide soft capsules and provide new ideas for enriching the secondary prevention of stroke.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR). Trial registration number: ChiCTR2000034481. Registered on 6 July 2020,http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=55800
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy or immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome after fingolimod cessation? A case report
Authors: Mickeviciene D. , Baltusiene A. , Afanasjeva B. , Afanasjevas D. , Gleizniene R. , Rastenyte D. , Berger JR.
Published: August 2022

Background

Fingolimod is associated with an increased risk of developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML); however, its discontinuation may cause severe immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). As both of these conditions (especially fingolimod induced PML) are rarely described in medical case reports distinguishing between PML-IRIS and MS-IRIS may be diagnostically challenging.

Case presentation

We report a patient with severe clinical decline (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) increasing from 3.5 to 7.5) and multiple, large, contrast-enhancing lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) a few months after fingolimod withdrawal. The diagnostic possibilities included IRIS due to fingolimod withdrawal versus PML-IRIS. The JC virus (JCV) antibody index was positive (2.56); however, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) JCV real-time polymerase chain reaction (JCV-PCR) was negative and brain biopsy was not performed. After a long course of aggressive treatment (several pulsed methylprednisolone infusions, plasmapheresis, intravenous dexamethasone, oral mirtazapine) the patient gradually recovered (EDSS 2.5) and MRI lesions decreased.

Conclusions

This case report demonstrates the importance of monitoring patients carefully after the discontinuation of fingolimod for PML-IRIS and rebound MS with IRIS as these conditions may manifest similarly.
What is the “cost” of reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus - risk factors for perinatal complications in a retrospective cohort of pregnant women with GDM
Authors: Oleszczuk-Modzelewska Luiza , Malinowska-Polubiec Aneta , Romejko-Wolniewicz Ewa , Zawiejska Agnieszka , Czajkowski Krzysztof
Published: August 2022

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a frequent pregnancy complication, affecting the maternal and neonatal health. The new diagnostic strategy for GDM, proposed by the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups in 2010 and World Health Organization in 2013, raised hope to reduce perinatal complications. The purpose of the study was to compare risk factors influencing maternal and foetal outcomes in a group of pregnant women diagnosed with GDM, and in a group of pregnant women without GDM, regardless of the adopted diagnostic criteria. Also, the aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of risk factors on perinatal results and the “cost” of reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with GDM.

Methods

It was a retrospective study based on the analysis of births given after 37 weeks of pregnancy at the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Warsaw Medical University during the years 2013 to 2015. All pregnant women had a 75 g OGTT between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. The study compared risk factors for perinatal complications in 285 GDM patients and in 202 randomly selected women without GDM. The impact of selected risk factors on perinatal outcomes was analysed.

Results

Both the diagnosis of GDM and maternal BMI prior to pregnancy, significantly modified the risk of excessive and insufficient weight gain during pregnancy. The parameters significantly influencing the risk of the composite adverse maternal outcome were the maternal abdominal circumference [OR: 1.08 (1.04; 1.11)] and multiparity, which reduced the risk by almost half [OR: 0.47 (0.30; 0.75)]. The maternal abdominal circumference before the delivery was a strong factor correlating with the occurrence of perinatal complications in both the mother and the foetus in the entire cohort. A circumference over 100 cm increased the risk of at least one maternal complication (increased blood loss, soft tissue injury, pre-eclampsia) by almost 40% (OR 1.38, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

No differences were found in maternal and foetal outcomes in GDM and non-GDM women except gestational weight gain below Institute of Medicine recommendations. The only “cost” of reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes in GDM patients seems to be lowering gestational weight gain, the future impact of which on GDM pregnant population should be assessed. The maternal abdominal circumference measured before delivery not the severity of carbohydrate intolerance, remained the main predictor for significant perinatal complications.