bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The (In)visible Romá mobility
Authors: Baldino Norma
Published: March 2022

The Roma issue is a complex, multifaced phenomenon. Existing research on Roma communities in Italy has examined the ways in which recent political debate and policy initiatives have succeeded in reframing the Roma issue exclusively in terms of emergency and public security (Maneri 2018, Piasere 2015, Solimene 2014, Tosi Cambini 2012). Few empirical studies, however, have analysed how the social construction of the Gypsy Problem in Italy is reflected in everyday life. Based on ethnographic research conducted in Cagliari from 2010 until today, this article analyses and discusses how a Xoraxané Romá community’s everyday life changed after the eviction from the nomad camp where they had lived for 30 years. Focusing on cultural processes, three main issues are explored: the “sense of place” and the spatially representation of their identity in the nomad camp; the effects of housing policies promoted in Cagliari; the relation between antigypsism and Romá mobility.
PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION ON THE TURKISH ADAPTATION OF THE SCIENTIFIC ATTITUDE INVENTORY
Authors: Önder Fatih , Çelik Pinar , Silay İlhan
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study is to adapt Scientific Attitude Inventory-II into Turkish and to examine its factor structure. The English and Turkish versions of the scale were tested out on the students in the Department of English Language Teaching (N=40) at Dokuz Eylul University a week apart and a high degree of correlation was found between the scores of the two applications. Then Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted with the data collected from 292 students in order to examine the factor structure of the scale. Following the CFA, 12, 6, 3 and 1 factor structures did not fit the data. When Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted with the same data set, it was determined that the items in the scale could be grouped under four factors. The scale was tested out on different 255 students and CFA was conducted again. After the CFA, the four-factor structure was found to be adequate fit with the data.
Key words: confirmatory analyses, exploratory analyses, psychometric evaluation, scientific attitude inventory.
PORTFOLIOS IN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION: THE TEPEE PROJECT
Authors: Chetcuti Deborah , Pace Paul
Published: March 2022

Teaching and assessment in Environmental Education (EE) is rather complex because it needs to address the learners’ ability to ask questions, solve problems, and develop positive values. Portfolio assessment is a holistic way to evaluate the growth and development of skills and values in EE by providing a cumulative record of work carried out by students in a variety of contexts and allowing students to reflect on the process of how their views and values change. The main aim of this paper was to discuss the process of the development and implementation of a European Portfolio for Environmental Education by TEPEE (Towards a European Portfolio for Environmental Education) Network, within seven European countries. The paper narrates the development and implementation of EPEE through the eyes of the TEPEE scientific committee coming from the seven partner countries. Their views about the advantages and disadvantages of the use of portfolios within the context of EE were collected by means of questionnaires using open-ended questions. The results of the study suggest that the main advantage of using portfolio assessment is that it provides a holistic picture of the learning and growth of students in different contexts and situations. The major asset was the enthusiasm and motivation it raised among the teachers using it. The major difficulty was trying to change the assessment culture of teachers who were used to more traditional forms of assessment.
Key words: environmental education, education for sustainable development, portfolio assessment, learning and assessment in environmental education.
BEHAVIOR IN UNCERTAIN ENVIRONMENTS, AND PRONE TO RISK OR CAUTION
Authors: Kalva Ilona , Shyryaev Dmitry
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to appreciate the possibility to use the method of study of probabilistic forecasting for staff selection needs. Indicators of probabilistic forecasting, prone to risk were studied in a stochastic environment. This is a pilot study, because a well known technique: Bayesian logic applied to decision making with probability inference - using the knowledge of prior events to predict future events - in the new modification was used. The novelty lies in the fact that, besides the opportunity to study the prognostic abilities of the brain in a situation of uncertainty, was made an attempt to study the impact on the forecasting process of emotions associated with possible monetary gain or loss. Differences in effectiveness and dynamics of probabilistic activity were revealed in persons with differing extent of gain and temperament type.
Key words: individual differences, probability learning risky behavior, type of temperament.
LOVE STYLES FROM A BILINGUAL (HUNGARIAN-SERBIAN) AND A MONOLINGUAL (SERBIAN) PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Grabovac Beata
Published: March 2022

Recently there has been a growing body of research interested in the concept of love and in the emotional life of bilinguals. The aim of this research was twofold. One aim was to explore the love styles of young people in Vojvodina, Serbia in the context of Hungarian and Serbian language. On the other hand, a monolingual Serbian group and a bilingual group of Hungarian-Serbian young people were studied to see if there were significant differences in their intimate relationships in Serbian, as the dominant language and in Hungarian, as a minority language. The goal was to explore if there were different love styles connected to each language in a majority and a minority group. Additionally, we wanted to see if there were detectable language dominance effects in bilinguals, whether bilinguals had different romantic relationship constructs in their two languages.
In this research, Susan and Clyde Hendrick's Love Attitude Scale-Short form was applied. The scale was translated into Hungarian and Serbian. The equality of the meaning of the two scale versions was carefully matched.
The results showed that comparing the monolingual group and the bilingual group in the first language there were group differences in Eros and Agape. In the monolingual Hungarian and bilingual Serbian answers we can find the same differences: Eros and Agape were found to be more powerfully expressed in the bilingual group in both of their languages compared to the monolingual group. Considering bilinguals' first and second language results, two styles have been found to differ. These were Mania and Storge, which were present in different amounts in the first and the second language.
The relevance of this study lies in the fact that there is a rising number of multiethnic and multicultural intimate relationships. Many of the partners have to use a second language to express love and affection. Expression and understanding of emotions may depend on the language which is used in communication and on cultural variation in values and norms. This research has important implications for the study of ethnocultural differences and first- and second language modulated affective functioning.
Keywords: bilingualism, monolingualism, love, Love Attitude Scale, Hungarian, Serbian.
Trabalho informal e espaço público: de quem são as ruas?
Authors: Cantanhêde dos Reis Gustavo
Published: March 2022

O objeto desta pesquisa é a complexa relação existente entre o trabalho informal e o espaço público, sobretudo em relação às razões e consequências da desproteção jurídica do trabalho de rua. Para tanto, parte-se de um estudo de caso dos vendedores ambulantes da Rodoviária do Plano Piloto do Distrito Federal, com o exame das principais normas direcionadas e relacionadas aos ambulantes, em conjunto de outros documentos que qualificam o fenômeno e entrevistas exploratórias com as partes envolvidas. Nesse contexto, o projeto de embranquecimento e a escolha pela formalização do trabalho livre em torno da figura do imigrante europeu, em detrimento da inserção da força de trabalho negra no mercado de trabalho formal, durante a transição do mercado de trabalho escravizado para o mercado de trabalho assalariado, impeliram os livres e libertos para a ocupação do espaço para a subsistência. Em continuidade histórica desse processo, a exclusão da proteção trabalhista deixa os trabalhadores de rua vulneráveis a formas perversas de controle social, como a remoção por intenções higienistas ou a proibição do seu trabalho, seja pela via administrativa ou penal. Entretanto, o comércio de rua continua em operação nas ruas da cidade, seja pelas estratégias de resistência criadas e aperfeiçoadas historicamente por este grupo, seja pelas atividades essenciais de reprodução da classe trabalhadora, funcionais ao sistema de produção capitalista, que os trabalhadores ambulantes desempenham ao promover a circulação da mercadoria em determinados espaços. Nessa perspectiva, as ruas são palco do trabalho do povo e da reivindicação cotidiana de direitos.
Ganhadores do Século XXI: motoristas de aplicativos, informalidade e relações raciais
Authors: De Souza Fernandes Luiz Vinícius
Published: March 2022

Este ensaio se dedica a explorar a condição dos ganhadores na Bahia do século XIX e suas práticas de organização como referências de um fenômeno mais amplo, que muito nos informa sobre a realidade dos trabalhadores de aplicativos no século XXI. O artigo estrutura-se em três pequenos passos: de início, identificar os elementos marcantes do trabalho de ganho para, então, refletir sobre os contornos do trabalho de aplicativos atualmente; em um segundo momento, recuperar os discursos de controle consumados pelas autoridades da província da Bahia quando da iminência do irrompimento da greve negra de 1857 e, em seguida, refletir sobre as reações do Poder Judiciário diante da mobilização dos trabalhadores de aplicativos; por último, fazer um balanço crítico sobre as potencialidades da articulação coletiva e autônoma desses trabalhadores. A hipótese que atravessa as três etapas é a de que, no Brasil, a ordem jurídica trabalhista foi conformada historicamente por uma lógica escravista e precarizante e estruturada a partir da exclusão da informalidade. Concluiremos avaliando que a precarização como processo e projeto pode ser freada pela auto-organização da classe proletária. Sobre a metodologia, o trabalho foi subsidiado por uma revisão interdisciplinar da bibliografia temática disponível. Concomitantemente, analisou-se alguns precedentes judiciais exemplificativos sobre a matéria.
Антропогенетическое исследование процессов воспроизводства популяции Элисты
Authors: Спицына Н.Х. , Балинова Н.В.
Published: March 2022

В статье представлен анализ процессов воспроизводства населения г. Элисты Республики Калмыкия 2007 г. Исследуется собранный репрезентативный популяционно-генетический материал с привлечением материалов переписей населения и других официальных статистических источников информации. В среднем в Элисте на каждую женщину пострепродуктивного возраста приходится 5.82 беременности, 2.15 рождений и 3.32 абортов. Исследование показало, что в городских семьях практикуется регулируемый тип рождаемости. Снижена пропорция спонтанных абортов, выкидышей и внематочных беременностей 0.28. Таким образом, только 37% всех беременностей завершилась родами; соответственно 57% беременностей искусственно прерывается. Применение метода J.F. Crow и его модификации позволили впервые количественно оценить вклад социальной компоненты в величину коэффициента отбора в популяции Элисты. Выявлено значительное возрастание вклада небиологических факторов в величину коэффициента максимально возможного потенциального отбора.
in English:
The article analyzes the processes of population reproduction in the city of Elista, the Republic of Kalmykia, in 2007. The collected representative population genetic material is investigated with the data from the All-Russia Census and other official statistical sources. On average, there are 5.82 pregnancies, 2.15 births and 3.32 abortions for every woman of post-reproductive age in Elista. The study demonstrates that birth control is practiced in urban families. The proportion of spontaneous abortions, miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies is as low as 0.28. Thus, only 37% of all pregnancies resulted in livebirth; accordingly 57% of pregnancies are terminated artificially. The contribution of the social component to the value of the natural selection coefficient in the population of Elista was calculated applying the method of J.F. Crow and its modifications. A significant increase in the contribution of non-biological factors to the value of the coefficient of the maximum possible potential selection was revealed.
К вопросу о методологии антропологии движения
Authors: Кошелева А.Ю. , Никитин М.А.
Published: March 2022

Понятие мобильности в гуманитарных и общественных науках авторы рассматривают с точки зрения методологии науки и предлагают четко отграничивать мобильность как объект (предмет) исследования и мобильность методов исследования. Соблюдая логику исследования, авторы обращаются к истории вхождения темы мобильности в науку и рассматривают ее в методологическом ключе – мобильность как научный предмет и мобильность как научный метод. Авторы согласны с концепцией «мобильного поворота» в части развития предметного поля науки и поддерживают стремление изучать социальные и гуманитарные процессы именно как движущиеся, а не статичные объекты. Это современное понимание объекта науки открывает интересные исследовательские перспективы в научном отображении картины мира. В статье авторы выдвигают тезис: мобильность как самостоятельный объект исследования – это, во-первых, движение как перемещение и, во-вторых, движение как изменение. Это два разных представления движения, которые возможно изучать как совместно, так и раздельно, в зависимости от обозначения предмета исследования. Вместе с тем авторы призывают с осторожностью относиться к идее радикальной смены научного метода и так называемой четвертой парадигме и предлагают оставаться в методологических вопросах более консервативными, не принимая «мобильный поворот» сам по себе за смену способов научного познания мира.
In English:
This essay analyzes the dilemma of mobility in anthropological and social studies. Understanding culture as a “process” or rather as a “product” reflects the idea of the “mobility turn” suggested by J. Urry. The authors agree that adapting static methods to dynamic subjects is a non-starter. However, while some may think it takes a paradigmatical change to study dynamical subjects, it can be done with basic epistemic rules and instruments enriched with a mobile approach and enormous digital data. The authors consider possible collaboration with other disciplines to use their experience in mobile studies. This brings us to the experimental part of cultural anthropology. Acknowledging the importance of mobile methods, the authors distinguish between technical aspects and gnoseology. The dynamic nature of the subject requires the researcher to trace its substantial changes. It is thus essential for mobile research to synchronize all the multiple processes to be successful.
Sulfated Alginate Reduces Pericapsular Fibrotic Overgrowth on Encapsulated cGMP-Compliant hPSC-Hepatocytes in Mice
Authors: Syanda Adam M. , Kringstad Vera I. , Blackford Samuel J. I. , Kjesbu Joachim S. , Ng Soon Seng , Ma Liang , Xiao Fang , Coron Abba E. , Rokstad Anne Mari A. , Modi Sunil , Rashid S. Tamir , Strand Berit Løkensgard
Published: March 2022

Intra-peritoneal placement of alginate encapsulated human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes (hPSC-Heps) represents a potential new bridging therapy for acute liver failure. One of the rate-limiting steps that needs to be overcome to make such a procedure more efficacious and safer is to reduce the accumulation of fibrotic tissue around the encapsulated cells to allow the free passage of relevant molecules in and out for metabolism. Novel chemical compositions of alginate afford the possibility of achieving this aim. We accordingly used sulfated alginate and demonstrated that this material reduced fibrotic overgrowth whilst not impeding the process of encapsulation nor cell function. Cumulatively, this suggests sulfated alginate could be a more suitable material to encapsulate hPSC-hepatocyte prior to human use.
Long Term Results of a Rotating Hinge Total Knee Prosthesis With Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Poly-Ether-Ether-Ketone (CFR-PEEK) as Bearing Material
Authors: Vertesich Klemens , Staats Kevin , Böhler Christoph , Koza Richard , Lass Richard , Giurea Alexander
Published: March 2022

Background: The use of rotating hinge (RH) prostheses for severe primary as well as revision arthroplasty is widely established. Due to the steadily increasing number of RH prostheses, we aimed to assess the complication frequencies, complication types and clinical outcomes of a modern RH hinge prosthesis using a new bearing material with a minimum follow-up of 7 years.

Methods: Fifty-six consecutive patients who received the EnduRo® RH prosthesis using carbon-fiber reinforced poly-ether-ether-ketone (CFR-PEEK) as bearing material were included in this prospective study: 21 patients (37.5%) received the prosthesis as a primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and 35 patients (62.5%) underwent revision total knee arthroplasties (rTKA). Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed preoperatively, postoperatively after three and 12 months and annually thereafter. Clinical scores were documented for each patient. Competing risk analysis was assessed with respect to indication and failure mode.

Results: Knee Society Score (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and range of motion (ROM) improved significantly compared to preoperative values (p < 0.0001). The overall cumulative incidence for revision surgery was 23.6% at 7 years and the cumulative incidence for complications associated with failure of the prothesis was 5.6% at 7 years, respectively. Complications occurred more frequently in the revision group (p = 0.002).

Conclusion: The evaluated RH prosthesis provided reliable and durable results for a minimum follow-up of 7 years. Prosthesis survival was successful considering the complexity of the cases. The use of this RH system in primary patients showed high survival rates and long-term functional outcomes and clinical outcomes proved to be satisfying in both revision and primary cases. No adverse events were associated with the new bearing material CFR-PEEK.
D-arginine Enhances the Effect of Alpha-Amylase on Disassembling Actinomyces viscosus Biofilm
Authors: Li Baosheng , Cai Qing , Wang Zixuan , Qiao Shuwei , Ou Yanzhen , Ma Rui , Luo Chuanfu , Meng Weiyan
Published: March 2022

Peri-implantitis is the leading cause of dental implant failure, initially raised by biofilm accumulation on the implant surface. During the development of biofilm,Actinomyces viscosus(A. viscosus) plays a pivotal role in initial attachment as well as the bacterial coaggregation of multispecies pathogens. Hence, eliminating theA. viscosus-associated biofilm is fundamental for the regeneration of the lost bone around implants. Whereas clinical evidence indicated that antimicrobials and debridement did not show significant effects on the decontamination of biofilm on the implant surface. In this study, alpha-amylase was investigated for its effects on disassemblingA. viscosusbiofilm. Then, in order to substantially disperse biofilm under biosafety concentration, D-arginine was employed to appraise its enhancing effects on alpha-amylase. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations and molecular docking were conducted to elucidate the mechanism of D-arginine enhancing alpha-amylase. 0.1–0.5% alpha-amylase showed significant effects on disassemblingA. viscosusbiofilm, with definite cytotoxicity toward MC3T3-E1 cells meanwhile. Intriguingly, 8 mM D-arginine drastically enhanced the eradication ofA. viscosusbiofilm biomass by 0.01% alpha-amylase with biosafety in 30 min. The exopolysaccharides of biofilm were also thoroughly hydrolyzed by 0.01% alpha-amylase with 8 mM D-arginine. The biofilm thickness and integrity were disrupted, and the exopolysaccharides among the extracellular matrix were elusive. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that with the hydrogen bonding of D-arginine to the catalytic triad and calcium-binding regions of alpha-amylase, the atom fluctuation of the structure was attenuated. The distances between catalytic triad were shortened, and the calcium-binding regions became more stable. Molecular docking scores revealed that D-arginine facilitated the maltotetraose binding process of alpha-amylase. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that D-arginine enhances the disassembly effects of alpha-amylase onA. viscosusbiofilm through potentiating the catalytic triad and stabilizing the calcium-binding regions, thus providing a novel strategy for the decontamination of biofilm contaminated implant surface.
Enriched Environment and Exercise Enhance Stem Cell Therapy for Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, and Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Berlet Reed , Galang Cabantan Dorothy Anne , Gonzales-Portillo Daniel , Borlongan Cesar V.
Published: March 2022

Stem cells, specifically embryonic stem cells (ESCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs), and neural progenitor stem cells (NSCs), are a possible treatment for stroke, Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD). Current preclinical data suggest stem cell transplantation is a potential treatment for these chronic conditions that lack effective long-term treatment options. Finding treatments with a wider therapeutic window and harnessing a disease-modifying approach will likely improve clinical outcomes. The overarching concept of stem cell therapy entails the use of immature cells, while key in recapitulating brain development and presents the challenge of young grafted cells forming neural circuitry with the mature host brain cells. To this end, exploring strategies designed to nurture graft-host integration will likely enhance the reconstruction of the elusive neural circuitry. Enriched environment (EE) and exercise facilitate stem cell graft-host reconstruction of neural circuitry. It may involve at least a two-pronged mechanism whereby EE and exercise create a conducive microenvironment in the host brain, allowing the newly transplanted cells to survive, proliferate, and differentiate into neural cells; vice versa, EE and exercise may also train the transplanted immature cells to learn the neurochemical, physiological, and anatomical signals in the brain towards better functional graft-host connectivity.
Identification and Development of Inflammatory Response–Related Genes Signature Associated With Prognosis Evaluation and Immune Status of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Zheng Haoxiang , Luo Weihan , Li Yuqing , Peng Guoyu , Zhou Dewang , Tang Dongdong , Cheng Jiwen , Wu Song
Published: March 2022

Background: Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA) is one of the most common malignant tumors with high morbidity and recurrence rate. The study aims to establish a prediction model to elaborate the relation between inflammatory response and prognosis of BLCA and thus to evaluate the potential prognostic value of inflammatory response–related genes (IRGs) in therapeutic choices.

Methods: The study utilized the gene expression profiles from the The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE32894) datasets. Differentially expressed IRGs between normal and tumor tissues were identified, and 10 of them were correlated with overall survival (OS) (p < 0.05). Then, the LASSO–Cox regression analysis was applied to optimize the signature. RNA sequencing data of patients with BLCA from GSE32894 were applied as a validation set. Cox regression analyses of the seven-gene signature were performed to examine the efficiency of signature in predicting prognosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was applied to measure the predictive performance of the risk score for OS. Analysis of independent prognostic factors, downstream functional enrichment, drug sensitivity, and immune features were included in this study.

Results: The IRG signature (LDLR, ROS1, MMP14, TNFAIP6, MYC, PTGER4, and RIPK2) was used to divide patients into high- and low-risk groups. Cox regression analyses revealed that the risk score was an independent predictive factor. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that genes were enriched in prognosis-related molecular functions and immune-related biological processes. Drug sensitivity and tumor microenvironment correlation analysis indicated that the signature was related to immunotherapy effect.

Conclusion: The study defined a new prognostic signature consisting of seven IRGs, which could effectively predict the prognosis of patients with BLCA and reveal relationship of immune features in BLCA with different risk scores. The study also provided a possible indicator for targeted therapy.
Cell Hypertrophy: A “Biophysical Roadblock” to Reversing Kidney Injury
Authors: Lavecchia Angelo Michele , Pelekanos Kostas , Mavelli Fabio , Xinaris Christodoulos
Published: March 2022

In anamniotes cell loss can typically be compensated for through proliferation, but in amniotes, this capacity has been significantly diminished to accommodate tissue complexity. In order to cope with the increased workload that results from cell death, instead of proliferation highly specialised post-mitotic cells undergo polyploidisation and hypertrophy. Although compensatory hypertrophy is the main strategy of repair/regeneration in various parenchymal tissues, the long-term benefits and its capacity to sustain complete recovery of the kidney has not been addressed sufficiently. In this perspective article we integrate basic principles from biophysics and biology to examine whether renal cell hypertrophy is a sustainable adaptation that can efficiently regenerate tissue mass and restore organ function, or a maladaptive detrimental response.
Recent Advances in Mechanochromism of Metal-Organic Compounds
Authors: Wang Xiao-Yan , Lv Liqiang , Sun Li , Hou Yue , Hou Zhenghao , Chen Zhao
Published: March 2022

Smart luminescent materials, which can respond to the changing of external environment (light, electricity, force, temperature, etc.), have always been one of the research hotspots. Mechanochromism refers to the materials whose emission color or intensity can be altered under the stimulation of external mechanical force. This kind of smart materials have been widely used in data storage, information encryption and sensors due to its simple operation, obvious and rapid response. The introduction of metal atoms in metal-organic compounds brings about fascinating metalophilic interactions and results in more interesting and surprising mechanochromic behaviors. In this mini-review, recent advances in mechanochromism of metal-organic compounds, including mono-, di-, multinuclear metal-organic complexes and metallic clusters are summarized. Varies mechanisms are discussed and some design strategies for metal-organic compounds with mechanochromism are also presented.
Recruitment of LC3 by Campylobacter jejuni to Bacterial Invasion Site on Host Cells via the Rac1-Mediated Signaling Pathway
Authors: Fukushima Shiho , Shimohata Takaaki , Inoue Yuri , Kido Junko , Uebanso Takashi , Mawatari Kazuaki , Takahashi Akira
Published: March 2022

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of food-borne disease worldwide. The pathogenicity of C. jejuni is closely associated with the internalization process in host epithelial cells, which is related to a host immune response. Autophagy indicates a key role in the innate immune system of the host to exclude invasive pathogens. Most bacteria are captured by autophagosomes and degraded by autophagosome-lysosome fusion in host cells. However, several pathogens, such as Salmonella and Shigella, avoid and/or escape autophagic degradation to establish infection. But autophagy involvement as a host immune response to C. jejuni infection has not been clarified. This study revealed autophagy association in C. jejuni infection. During infection, C. jejuni activated the Rho family small GTPase Rac1 signaling pathway, which modulates actin remodeling and promotes the internalization of this pathogen. In this study, we found the LC3 contribution to C. jejuni invasion signaling via the Rac1 signaling pathway. Interestingly, during C. jejuni invasion, LC3 was recruited to bacterial entry site depending on Rac1 GTPase activation just at the early step of the infection. C. jejuni infection induced LC3-II conversion, and autophagy induction facilitated C. jejuni internalization. Also, autophagy inhibition attenuated C. jejuni invasion step. Moreover, Rac1 recruited LC3 to the cellular membrane, activating the invasion of C. jejuni. Altogether, our findings provide insights into the new function of LC3 in bacterial invasion. We found the interaction between the Rho family small GTPase, Rac1, and autophagy-associated protein, LC3.
Substantial Intestinal Microbiota Differences Between Patients With Ulcerative Colitis From Ghana and Denmark
Authors: Mirsepasi-Lauridsen Hengameh Chloé , Vranckx Katleen , Nielsen Henrik Vedel , Andersen Lee O’Brien , Archampong Timothy , Krogfelt Karen Angeliki , Petersen Andreas Munk
Published: March 2022

Background

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a relapsing nontransmural inflammatory disease that is restricted to the colon and is characterized by flare-ups of bloody diarrhea. In this study, we aimed to investigate intestinal bacterial diversity in healthy controls and patients with UC with and without active disease, from Ghana and Denmark.

Methods

The study included 18 UC patients (9 with active and 9 with inactive disease) and 18 healthy controls from Ghana. In addition 16 UC patients from Denmark (8 UC with active and 8 UC with inactive disease) and 19 healthy controls from Denmark. Microbiota diversity analysis relied on sequencing of ribosomal small subunit genes. Purified genomic DNA was submitted to PCR using a primer set targeting prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The purified DNA was sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq system in a 2 × 250 bp set up (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). Blinded analysis of the taxonomy table was performed using BioNumerics-7.5 (Applied Maths NV, Sint-Martens-Latem, Belgium).

Results

When analyzing the taxonomy data for prokaryotes, cluster and principal component analysis shows Danish healthy controls clustered together, but separate from healthy controls from Ghana, which also clustered together. The Shannon diversity index (SDI) for prokaryotes shows significant differences between Danish healthy controls and patients in comparison with the corresponding groups from Ghana (p = 0.0056). Significant increased abundance of Escherichia coli was detected in healthy controls from Ghana in comparison with healthy controls from Denmark. The SDI of the prokaryotes ranges between 0 and 3.1 in the Ghana study groups, while in the Danish study groups it ranges between 1.4 and 3.2, the difference is however not significant (p = 0.138). Our data show a significant increased abundance of eukaryotes species in the healthy control group from Ghana and Denmark in comparison with patient groups from Ghana and Denmark.

Conclusion

Overall, healthy controls and patients with UC from Denmark have increased diversity of prokaryotes. Healthy controls from Denmark and Ghana have increased abundance of eukaryotes in comparison with UC patient groups from Denmark and Ghana.
Views on “Good English” and “Nordic Exceptionalism” in Finland
Authors: Peterson Elizabeth
Published: March 2022

In the Nordic countries, widespread proficiency in English is positioned as a positive and even critical component of overall global competitiveness and competence. Indeed, maps illustrating who speaks the “best” English in Europe show a swath across the Nordic countries, and the number of people in the Nordic countries claiming proficiency in English is only a few percentage points below those in places such as the UK and Ireland. At the same time, the Nordic countries are routinely listed as the “happiest,” the most egalitarian, the most classless, least corrupt, and an epicenter for so-called “tender values.” In recent years, there has been a spate of publications highlighting how Nordic exceptionalism carries with it some unfortunate downsides, including the possibility for people to ignore or fail to acknowledge issues such as racism, sexism, and other social inequalities because of the affordance: “But our society is equal.” There is a parallel in the use of English. The entrenched notion that “everyone is good at English” overlooks that certain segments of the population—such as the elderly, immigrants and rural inhabitants—do not have the same level of access to the symbolic capital represented through facility in English. In this sense, the use of English presents social/class-based barriers that the national languages do not. This article offers a critique of the social realities relating to the use of English in the Nordic Countries within the context of the social welfare system and “Nordic exceptionalism,” focusing mostly on Finland. Making use of examples of discourse in newspapers, previous research and language policy documents, the chapter highlights how aspects of the use of English in Finland parallel other potentially hyped yet unequitable social issues.
Role of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Patients With Suspected Renal Arterial Stenosis
Authors: Wang Yang , Li Yan , Wang Siyu , Ma Na , Ren Junhong
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To explore the role of Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the evaluation of patients with suspected renal artery stenosis and analyze the causes of the misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

Methods

The data of 40 patients (80 renal arteries) diagnosed with RAS by CEUS in Beijing Hospital from September 2018 to October 2020 were compared with their digital subtraction angiography (DSA) results to analyze the causes underlying missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of RAS by CEUS.

Results

1. Compared with the gold standard DSA results, the AUC of the ROC curve of CEUS in detecting normal renal artery and renal artery stenosis was 0.961, the sensitivity was 96.4%, the specificity was 95.8%, and the Kappa value of the consistency analysis was 0.912 (P < 0.01); 2. Compared with the gold standard DSA results, the ROC curve of CEUS in distinguishing renal artery stenosis ≥70% from <70% stenosis has an AUC of 0.916, a sensitivity of 90.9%, a specificity of 92.3%, and the Kappa value of the consistency analysis is 0.77 (P < 0.01); 3. CEUS missed two cases (one for mild stenosis and one for moderate stenosis), and the detection rate of renal artery stenosis was 97.5% (78/80); A total of 65 renal arteries diagnosed by CEUS were consistent with DSA, and the diagnostic accuracy of CEUS for the degree of stenosis was 81.25% (65/80); Among the 13 misdiagnosed renal arteries, 4 of them can be corrected to the same degree as DSA by the reference to hemodynamic index, and the diagnosis rate of the degree of renal artery stenosis by ultrasonography (combined with CEUS and hemodynamic indicators) can be improved to 86.25%.

Conclusions

1. CEUS can clearly show the renal arteries, and is consistent with DSA in distinguishing normal renal artery stenosis from renal artery stenosis, as well as renal artery stenosis ≥70% and <70% stenosis; 2. CEUS showed good performance in detecting normal renal artery and renal artery stenosis, and the missed diagnosis is concentrated on mild and moderate stenosis; 3. CEUS combined with hemodynamic indicators (Doppler ultrasound) can improve the accurate diagnosis rate of renal artery stenosis by ultrasonography; 4. The most important factor for the accurate diagnosis of renal artery stenosis by CEUS is the operator's standardized examination, which is not only related to the duration of the operator has been engaged in this inspection, but also related to whether the operator has received professional training in relevant aspects. These all indicate the necessity and importance of the standardized operation of renal artery contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination, and professional training should be given to operators.
Influence of Different Segmentations on the Diagnostic Performance of Pericoronary Adipose Tissue
Authors: Wen Didi , An Rui , Lin Shushen , Yang Wangwei , Jia Yuyang , Zheng Minwen
Published: March 2022

Objective

To investigate the influence of different segmentations on the diagnostic performance of pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) CT attenuation and radiomics features for the prediction of ischemic coronary artery stenosis.

Methods

From June 2016 to December 2018, 108 patients with 135 vessels were retrospectively analyzed in the present study. Vessel-based PCAT was segmented along the 40 mm-long proximal segments of three major epicardial coronary arteries, while lesion-based PCAT was defined around coronary lesions. CT attenuation and radiomics features derived from two segmentations were calculated and extracted. The diagnostic performance of PCAT CT attenuation or radiomics models in predicting ischemic coronary stenosis were also compared between vessel-based and lesion-based segmentations.

Results

The mean PCAT CT attenuation was −75.7 ± 9.1 HU and −76.1 ± 8.1 HU (p = 0.395) for lesion-based and vessel-based segmentations, respectively. A strong correlation was found between vessel-based and lesion-based PCAT CT attenuation for all cohort and subgroup analyses (all p < 0.01). A good agreement for all cohort and subgroup analyses was also detected between two segmentations. The diagnostic performance was comparable between vessel-based and lesion based PCAT CT attenuation in predicting ischemic stenosis. The radiomics features of PCAT based on vessel or lesion segmentation can both adequately identify the ischemic stenosis. However, no significant difference was detected between the two segmentations.

Conclusions

The quantitative evaluation of PCAT can be reliably measured both from vessel-based and lesion-based segmentation. Furthermore, the radiomics analysis of PCAT may potentially help predict hemodynamically significant coronary artery stenosis.
Unraveling Intricacies of Monsoon Attributes in Homogenous Monsoon Regions of India
Authors: Saini Atul , Sahu Netrananda , Duan Weili , Kumar Manish , Avtar Ram , Mishra Manoranjan , Kumar Pankaj , Pandey Rajiv , Behera Swadhin
Published: March 2022

India observes the summer monsoon in June–July–August–September (JJAS) season, and the livelihood security of a huge population depends on it. The impact of the monsoon onset timing, length of monsoon season, rainfall amount, and related extreme events is huge on the Indian economy. Therefore, understanding the inherent intricacies needed a detailed investigation. In five homogenous monsoon regions of India, the trend of monsoon onset and the length of monsoon season are examined. The association between 1) monsoon onset ∼ rainfall amount, 2) length of monsoon season ∼ rainfall amount, and 3) monsoon onset ∼ length of monsoon season is investigated. Subsequently, the behavior of rainfall and extreme excess days in the ±1 standard deviation (SD) length of monsoon season is also examined in detail. The trend for monsoon onset shows late onset in all the homogenous monsoon regions except the northeast region. The length of monsoon season is found increasing significantly with high magnitude in west central and northwest regions. A significantly strong negative correlation (∼−0.6) for monsoon onset timing ∼ length of monsoon season is observed. Therefore, the change in rainfall anomaly, extreme excess days, and rainy days is done concerning the length of the monsoon season. In the cases of the −1 SD (+1 SD) length of monsoon season, rainfall anomaly and extreme excess days are low (high) in most parts of the homogenous monsoon regions. Extreme excess days showed a significant association with rainy days, which indicates a high possibility of rainy days converting into extreme excess days. However, the increase in extreme excess days in the +1 SD length of monsoon season is limited to a great extent in JJAS and June only. Morlet wavelet power spectrum shows the delay (advance) of power in −1SD (+1 SD) length of monsoon season.
Estimating P- and S-Wave Velocities in Fluid Mud Using Seismic Interferometry
Authors: Ma Xu , Kirichek Alex , Heller Karel , Draganov Deyan
Published: March 2022

Fluid mud plays an important role in navigability in ports and waterways. Characterizing and monitoring the seismic properties of the fluid mud can help understand its geotechnical behavior. Estimation of the wave velocities in fluid mud with high accuracy and repeatability enables investigating the behavior of parameters like the yield stress in a nonintrusive and reliable way. We perform ultrasonic reflection measurements in a laboratory to investigate the wave propagation in a water/fluid-mud layered system. The component of wave propagation in the water layer inevitably brings kinematic dependence on the characteristics of that layer, making the estimation of exact velocities in the fluid mud more challenging. In order to extract the wave velocities only in the fluid-mud layer, we use a reflection geometry imitating field measurement to record the ultrasonic data from sources and receivers in the water layer. We then use seismic interferometry to retrieve ghost reflections from virtual sources and receivers placed directly at the water-mud interface. Using velocity analysis applied to the ghost reflections, we successfully obtain the P-wave and S-wave velocities only inside the fluid-mud layer, and investigate the velocity change during the self-weight consolidation of the fluid mud. Our results indicate that the S-wave velocities of the fluid mud increase with consolidation time, and show that reflection measurements and ghost reflections can be used to monitor the geotechnical behavior of fluid mud.
The Fractured Model Study of Low-Permeability Reservoir in Xinli Oil Field
Authors: Xue Yongchao , Wang Longjun , Zhao Xiaoliang , Tian Hua
Published: March 2022

With the development of the petroleum industry, the importance of low-permeability reservoirs becomes clear. The fracture, which serves as the notable characteristic of a low-permeability reservoir, controls the flow system of reservoir fluid and restrains the development effect. Finding ways to recognize the fracture by using the normal data and building the fracture 3-D model are the important and difficult points of low-permeability development. According to this problem, the authors use a helpful probe. First, from similar outcrop and drilling core study of the fractured original model, the knowledge base of the fracture was built. Second, based on the analysis of the principle of dual-later log identification fracture, the core calibration was used to make logging, and using dual-later log, the fracture in wells was recognized. Third, based on the analysis of the principle of the fractal kriging method, the inter-well fractures were predicted. Finally, the 3-D model of fracture was built with fractural random simulation. The result shows that the 3-D model is in accordance with the fact of the development. So, the method is correct.
The Strength Behavior and Desiccation Crack Development of Silty Clay Subjected to Wetting–Drying Cycles
Authors: Tu Yiliang , Zhang Rui , Zhong Zuliang , Chai Hejun
Published: March 2022

It is commonly accepted that wetting–drying cycles have an effect on the soil strength behavior. Crack development in soil is observed by many engineers during wetting–drying cycles, which may give a good explanation for the change in soil strength. A series of laboratory tests were conducted in this study to investigate the desiccation crack development and the strength change law for silty clay subjected to different numbers of wetting–drying cycles. The results show that the desiccation cracks at the end of drying process developed in two stages: the stage of rapid growth and the stage of steady state. The change law of soil strength is similar to the cracking that decreases quickly in the former stage and slowly in the latter stage, which indicates that the cracking in the soil is the main reason for strength reduction. Based on the assumption of an isotropic and linear elastic soil mass at rest earth pressure conditions, an equation for the depth of desiccation cracking after different numbers of wetting–drying cycles was obtained with soil mechanics for unsaturated soils. Finally, the applicability of the equation was verified compared with the experiment results.
Neuropsychological Outcomes in Individuals With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Putnam Nathaniel M. , Reynolds Evan L. , Banerjee Mousumi , Mizokami-Stout Kara , Albright Dana , Lee Joyce , Pop-Busui Rodica , Feldman Eva L. , Callaghan Brian C.
Published: March 2022

Objective

To determine the prevalence of neuropsychological outcomes in individuals with type 1 diabetes compared to individuals with type 2 diabetes or without diabetes, and to evaluate the association of diabetes status and microvascular/macrovascular complications with neuropsychological outcomes.

Patients and Methods

We used a nationally representative healthcare claims database of privately insured individuals (1/1/2001-12/31/2018) to identify individuals with type 1 diabetes. Propensity score matching was used as a quasi-randomization technique to match type 1 diabetes individuals to type 2 diabetes individuals and controls. Diabetes status, microvascular/macrovascular complications (retinopathy, neuropathy, nephropathy, stroke, myocardial infarction, peripheral vascular disease, amputations), and neuropsychological outcomes (mental health, cognitive, chronic pain, addiction, sleep disorders) were defined using ICD-9/10 codes. Logistic regression determined associations between diabetes status, microvascular/macrovascular complications, and neuropsychological outcomes.

Results

We identified 184,765 type 1 diabetes individuals matched to 524,602 type 2 diabetes individuals and 522,768 controls. With the exception of cognitive disorders, type 2 diabetes individuals had the highest prevalence of neuropsychological outcomes, followed by type 1 diabetes, and controls. After adjusting for the presence of microvascular/macrovascular complications, type 1 diabetes was not significantly associated with a higher risk of neuropsychological outcomes; however, type 2 diabetes remained associated with mental health, cognitive, and sleep disorders. The presence of microvascular/macrovascular complications was independently associated with each neuropsychological outcome regardless of diabetes status.

Conclusion

Microvascular/macrovascular complications are associated with a high risk of neuropsychological outcomes regardless of diabetes status. Therefore, preventing microvascular and macrovascular complications will likely help reduce the likelihood of neuropsychological outcomes either as the result of similar pathophysiologic processes or by preventing the direct and indirect consequences of these complications. For individuals with type 2 diabetes, risk factors beyond complications (such as obesity) likely contribute to neuropsychological outcomes.