bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR AND METAMODERN STRUCTURE OF FEELING
Authors: Shymchyshyn Mariya
Published: March 2023

The study takes into the consideration the existing dynamic relationship between metamodernism and the Russia-Ukraine war. The article aims to draw the parallels between metamodern structure of feeling and the harsh reality of war in Ukraine. The author has summarized the conceptual foundations of metamodernism and its paradigmatic benchmarks such as historicity, affect, and depth. It has been argued that these markers of metamodernism, conceptualized by Timotheus Vermeulen and Robin van den Akker, have intensified in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war. In particular, the past and the narrative of a nation problematized by the postmodern thinkers are re-activated within the Russia-Ukraine war. They are necessary to tie the past with our present and our future as well as to join disconnected presents. Metamodern historicity compensates historical amnesia of postmodernism and gives grounds to imagine a historical moment. Affect as a metamodern intensity through which we articulate the emotional reactions and responses has gained new currency during the Russia-Ukrainian war. Thousands of Ukrainian refugees are receiving help and support from the governments of different countries and people across the world. This situation exemplifies a desire of metamodern subjectivity for a meaningful personal emotional experience and interconnectedness. It has been concluded that metamodern logic has been forged during the Russia-Ukraine war and metamodern touchstones (historicity, affect, and depth) are contextualized in the reality of the 21st-century barbaric bloodshed. Moreover, the Russia-Ukraine war has disclosed that the intellectual life under the postmodern negation of grand narratives, truth, tradition, center, and other categories led us to intellectual and practical dead ends. The clash of civilizations that we experience today confirms the end of postmodern skepticism and irony, fragmentation, and playfulness. The postmodern logic blocked out our ability to respond to the tragedies and deaths brought by the war. We need a metamodern return to emotionality and sincerity to heal the traumas of war.
ІНКОНҐРУЕНТНІСТЬ ЯК СПОСІБ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ ДІАЛЕКТИЧНОГО ЕЛЕМЕНТА САТИРИ У БРИТАНСЬКОМУ МЕДІА ДИСКУРСІ
Authors: ЮРЧИШИН Віта
Published: March 2023

Стаття присвячена характеризації інконґруентності як способу реалізації діалектичного елемента сатири у британському медіа дискурсі. Матеріалом дослідження слугували статті британського сатиричного журналу Private Eye за 2019-2022 рр. У ході дослідження використовувалися загальні та спеціальні наукові методи: описово-аналітичний метод, синтез, узагальнення, а також метод дискурс-аналізу та функціонально-прагматичний аналіз. Наукова новизна дослідження визначається тим, що в цьому дослідженні вперше було здійснено спробу охарактеризувати інконґруентність як спосіб реалізації діалектичного елемента сатири у британському медіа дискурсі, а також виокремлено основні прийоми порушення норм на лінгвоситуативному та лінгвальному рівнях на основі аналізу статей із британського сатиричного журналу Private Eye. Встановлено, що діалектичний елемент сатири формується на основі інконґруентності на обох рівнях – лінгвоситуативному, через порушення дискурсивних, текстово-жанрових, логіко-поняттєвих, онтологічних та валоративних норм за допомогою таких технік, як інтертекстуальність, дискурсивна інтеграція, стилістистична несумісність, пародія, антитези, алогізми та зміщення ціннісних орієнтирів. Інконґруентність на лінгвальному рівні реалізується через порушення норм на: а) фонологічному рівні за допомогою омонімії, ономатопеї та рими; б) на морфологічному рівні за допомогою акронімів; в) на лексичному рівні за допомогою каламбурів; г) на синтаксичному рівні за допомогою порушення синтаксичних норм, а також за допомогою оказіоналізмів, неологізмів та сленгу на словотвірному рівні та за допомогою трансформованих сталих виразів та ідіом на фразеологічному рівні. Проаналізовано принцип передачі дисоціативного ставлення сатирика до об’єкта сатири і з’ясовано, що саме інконґруентність як спосіб реалізації діалектичного елемента сатири є тригером пошуку імпліцитно вираженого критичного ставлення сатирика до об’єкта сатиричної критики. Відтак, зроблено висновок, що діалектичний елемент, утворений за допомогою інконґруентності на всіх мовних рівнях, діє як обмануте очікування у британському медіа дискурсі та допомагає читачу розпізнати інтенції автора виразити критичне ставлення до невідповідності між ідеальним та актуальним станом речей.
Chlorine Dioxide Reprograms Rhizosphere Microbial Communities to Enrich Interactions with Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)
Authors: QI SHI , ZHANG JILI , LUAN XINBO , LI JUNLIN , HE ZIKANG , LONG JUNRU , XU MENGYUN , LI PING , CHEN ZEPENG , WEI JIANYU , YAN JIAN
Published: March 2023

For decades chlorine dioxide has been used in water disinfection with excellent results. As the scope of application expands, chlorine dioxide has the potential for soil disinfection. We used amplicon sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to compare the changes of four mixed rhizosphere microbial community samples and 12 tobacco leaf volatile samples four months after the flood irrigation with chlorine dioxide in different concentrations (0, 2, 4, 8 mg/l). Phenotypic data of 60 tobacco plants were also collected. The effects of chlorine dioxide on rhizosphere microorganisms were positively correlated with dose gradients. Bacteria responded more strongly in both community structure and metabolic pathways than fungi. Five new bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Myxococcota, Patescibacteria, Verrucomicroboata) appeared in chlorine dioxide treatment groups, while the fungal community only appeared as one new fungal phylum (Basidomycota). Alterations in 271 predicted metabolic bacterial pathways were found. However, in the fungal community were only 10 alternations. The correlations between leaf volatile compounds and rhizosphere microorganisms under the influence of chlorine dioxide treatment could be observed based on network results. However, natural connectivity had already been declining rapidly when less than 20% of the network’s nodes were removed. Therefore, the microbe-metabolite network is not stable. It might be why chlorine dioxide treatments did not significantly affect tobacco quality (p = 0.754) and phenotype (p = 0.867). As a comprehensive investigation of chlorine dioxide in agriculture, this study proves the effectiveness and safety of chlorine dioxide soil disinfection and widens the application range of chlorine dioxide.
Effectiveness of Foreign Aid in Poverty Reduction in Africa: The Role of Fiscal Policy
Authors: Iwegbu Onyebuchi , Dauda Risikat
Published: March 2023

This study examines foreign aid effectiveness in poverty reduction in Africa with focus on the role of regional fiscal policy on education and health. The study employs panel dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) estimation technique and covers the period 1980-2017. The results reveal that foreign aid augmented with effective fiscal policy on education significantly improves the income level in all the regions except Central Africa, and consumption in the Western and Central regions. When augmented with effective fiscal policy on health foreign aid enhances households’ income in West and Central Africa and consumption in West and Southern regions. Furthermore, foreign aid augmented with effective fiscal policy in education (health) reduces poverty headcount in the West and Central (in all regions except Central) regions of Africa. The study concludes that foreign aid augmented with fiscal policy on education improves income in all regions except Central Africa; and West and East Africa when augmented with health expenditure. To sustain the effectiveness of foreign aid in Africa there is the need to improve governments’ allocation to the health and education sectors to deepen households’ income.
Lignin-derived carbon material for electrochemical energy storage applications: Insight into the process-structure-properties-performance correlations
Authors: Li Wenqi , Shi Jian
Published: March 2023

As increasing attention has been paid to applications of lignin-derived energy storage materials in the last decade, most studies pursue the improvement of electrochemical performance obtained from novel lignin sources, or structure and surface modifications of synthesized materials, while the study on the mechanisms of lignin thermochemical conversion is rare. This review emphasizes on establishing a process-structure-properties-performance correlation across multiple key aspects associated with valorizing lignin from a byproduct of biorefineries to high performance energy storage materials. Such information is the key to a rationally designed process for the low-cost production of carbon materials from lignin.
Effects of exogenous retinoic acid on ocular parameters in Guinea pigs with form deprivation myopia
Authors: Wu Yajun , Feng Yuliang , Yang Jiasong , Fan Hua , Yu Zitong , Xie Xiaolin , Dai Yumeng , Huang Xin , Li Wensheng
Published: March 2023

Aim: Myopia is a common chronic eye disease, this study is to investigate the effects of exogenous retinoic acid (RA) on intraocular parameters, especially choroidal thickness (CT) and retinal thickness (RT), in guinea pigs with form deprivation myopia (FDM).

Methods: A total of 80 male guinea pigs were divided randomly into 4 groups: Control, FDM, FDM + RA, and FDM + Citral groups. The FDM + RA group was given 24 mg/kg RA dissolved in 0.4 mL peanut oil; the FDM + Citral group was given citral 445 mg/kg dissolved in 0.4 mL peanut oil; The other two groups were given 0.4 mL peanut oil. After 4 weeks, the refractive error (RE), axial length (AL), and intraocular pressure (IOP) of all guinea pigs were measured, and the parameters of RT and CT were obtained using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT).

Results: After 4 weeks, both the RE and AL in the FDM and FDM + RA groups were increased, and the RT and CT in both groups were smaller than those in the Control group (p < 0.05). Only the IOP of the right eye in the FDM + RA group increased significantly (p < 0.05). The RT of the right eye of the 4 groups was compared: Control group > FDM + Citral group > FDM group > FDM + RA group. Compared with the RT of the left eye and the right eye among the 4 groups, the RT of the right eye in the FDM and FDM + RA groups was significantly less than that in the left eye (p < 0.05). Moreover, the CT of the right eye in the Control group was greater than that in the other three groups (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the CT among the FDM, FDM + RA, and FDM + Citral groups (p > 0.05). In contrast to the RT results, the CT results of the left and right eyes in the FDM + Citral group showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: RA participates in the progression of FDM as a regulatory factor. Exogenous RA can increase the RE, AL, and IOP of FDM guinea pigs, and might aggravate the retinal thinning of FDM guinea pigs. Citral can inhibit these changes, but RA might not affect the thickness of the choroid.
Functional liposome loaded curcumin for the treatment of Streptococcus mutans biofilm
Authors: Hu Zhimin , Tang Ying , Jiang Bulin , Xu Yue , Liu Siying , Huang Cui
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Plaque biofilms, mainly formed by Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), play an important role in the occurrence and development of dental caries. Antibiotic treatment is the traditional way to control plaque. However, problems such as poor drug penetration and antibiotic resistance have encouraged the search for alternative strategies. In this paper, we hope to avoid antibiotic resistance through the antibacterial effect of curcumin, a natural plant extract with photodynamic effects, on S. mutans. However, the clinical application of curcumin is limited due to its low water solubility, poor stability, high metabolic rate, fast clearance rate, and limited bioavailability. In recent years, liposomes have become a widely used drug carrier due to their numerous advantages, such as high drug loading efficiency, high stability in the biological environment, controlled release, biocompatibility, non-toxic, and biodegradability. So, we constructed a curcumin-loaded liposome (Cur@LP) to avoid the defect of curcumin.

Methods: Cur@LP functioned with NHS can adhere to the surface of the S. mutans biofilm by condensation reaction. Liposome (LP) and Cur@LP was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The cytotoxicity of Cur@LP was evaluated by CCK-8 assay and LDH assay. The adhesion of Cur@LP to S. mutans biofilm was observed by confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). The antibiofilm efficiency of Cur@LP were evaluated by crystal violet staining, CLSM, and scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Results: The mean diameter of LP and Cur@LP were 206.67 ± 8.38 nm and 312 ± 18.78 nm respectively. The ζ-potential of LP and Cur@LP were ∼−19.3 mV and ∼−20.8 mV respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of Cur@LP was (42.61 ± 2.19) %, and curcumin was rapidly released up to ±21% at 2 h. Cur@LP has negligible cytotoxicity, and can effectively adhered to the S. mutans biofilm and inhibited its growth.

Discussion: Curcumin has been widely studied in many fields such as cancer, which can be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. At present, there are few studies on the delivery of curcumin to S. mutans biofilm. In this study, we verified the adhesion and antibiofilm of Cur@LP to S. mutans biofilm. This biofilm removal strategy has the potential to be translated into the clinic.
dupA+H. pylori reduces diversity of gastric microbiome and increases risk of erosive gastritis
Authors: Chen Ruiyan , Li Ying , Chen Xiaodong , Chen Jianhui , Song Jie , Yang Xiaoqiao , Ye Lifang , Wu Zizhong , Xie Peng , Zhong Qiong , Yang Runshi , Wu Jiachuan
Published: March 2023

Helicobacter pylori is believed to induce gastropathy; however, the exact pathogenic molecules involved in this process have not been elucidated. Duodenal ulcer promoting gene A (DupA) is a virulence factor with a controversial role in gastric inflammation and carcinogenesis. To explore and confirm the function of DupA in gastropathy from the perspective of the microbiome, we investigated the microbial characteristics of 48 gastritis patients through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. In addition, we isolated 21 H. pylori strains from these patients and confirmed the expression of dupA using PCR and qRT-PCR. Bioinformatics analysis identified diversity loss and compositional changes as the key features of precancerous lesions in the stomach, and H. pylori was a characteristic microbe present in the stomach of the gastritis patients. Co-occurrence analysis revealed that H. pylori infection inhibits growth of other gastric inhabiting microbes, which weakened the degradation of xenobiotics. Further analysis showed that dupA+ H. pylori were absent in precancerous lesions and were more likely to appear in erosive gastritis, whereas dupA− H. pylori was highly abundant in precancerous lesions. The presence of dupA in H. pylori caused less disturbance to the gastric microbiome, maintaining the relatively richness of gastric microbiome. Overall, our findings suggest that high dupA expression in H. pylori is correlated with a high risk of erosive gastritis and a lower level of disturbance to the gastric microbiome, indicating that DupA should be considered a risk factor of erosive gastritis rather than gastric cancer.
Examining the relationship between big data analytics capabilities and organizational ambidexterity in the Malaysian banking sector
Authors: Aziz Norzalita Abd , Long Fei
Published: March 2023

Drawing on previous literature on dynamic capability view (DCV), we examine the effects of data analytics capabilities (BDAC) on organizational ambidexterity and the paradoxical tensions between exploration and exploitation in the Malaysian banking sector. Although banks are often considered as mature commercial organizations, they are not free of issues concerning technological advancement and organizational changes for long-term competitiveness. Through statistical analysis by using data from 162 bank managers in Malaysia, it is confirmed that BDAC positively influences the two contradictory aspects of organizational ambidexterity (i.e., explorative dynamic capabilities and exploitative dynamic capabilities), and explorative dynamic capabilities also mediate the positive relationship between BDAC and exploitative marketing capabilities. The findings provide meaningful insights to researchers and bank managers on how to obtain sustainable competitive advances in the current digital era.
New Qinscyphus material from the Fortunian of South China
Authors: Zhang Yanan , Liu Yunhuan , Shao Tiequan , Qin Jiachen
Published: March 2023

Microscopic medusozoans from the Cambrian Fortunian stage of South China are well known for their exceptionally preserved embryos and elongated tubes. However, additional details of their morphology remain unclear. This paper describes new medusozoan fossils showing the whole apical complement and covering the morphological integrity of Qinscyphus. The apical part of Qinscyphus is considered to be soft during early ontogeny, and the inverted pentagonal pyramid may gradually form with growth and development. This discovery of the apical complement of Qinscyphus is novel and essential to complement the external morphology of early medusozoan fossils. More importantly, the new specimens have different annuli with triangular thickenings, providing a more comprehensive view on the developmental sequence of Qinscyphus. Therefore, this work allows a better understanding of early medusozoans ecology and evolution.
The future scribe: Learning to write the world
Authors: Lindberg Ylva , Öberg Lena-Maria
Published: March 2023

This study takes its point of departure in academic scholarship that points to how programming – reading and writing code – is the literacy of the future, in other words, non-specialized competence that should be acquired in education in parity with traditional reading and writing skills. The goal is to shed light on how programming can be orchestrated in education to break with the outworn dichotomy between the ‘two cultures’ that C. P. Snow formulated as a gap between, on the one hand, natural sciences, mathematics, and technology, and, on the other hand, the humanities, and social sciences. A discursive analysis of Swedish policy documents and curricula forms the empirical ground for discussing how reading and writing code are introduced, taught, and learnt within Swedish compulsory school. The results show that Swedish curricula are framing programming as specialized knowledge within technology and mathematics, rather than allowing it to be a dimension of several subjects, such as the humanities and social sciences. These findings are discussed in the light of recent studies in education that have explored interrelations between coding and reading and writing texts. The discussion leads up to suggestions for implementing reading and writing code as digital literacy in education.
Pregnancy incidence and associated risk factors of dichorionic triamniotic triplet under assisted reproduction: A large sample of clinical data analysis
Authors: Liu Shuhua , Xu Qianhua , Wang Yafen , Song Bing , Wei Zhaolian
Published: March 2023

Background

Dichorionic triamniotic (DCTA) triplet pregnancies are rare in spontaneous pregnancy. The aim was to characterize the incidence and risk factors of DCTA triplet pregnancies after assisted reproductive technology (ART).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 10,289 patients, including 3,429 fresh embryo transfer (ET) cycle and 6,860 frozen ET cycle, was performed from January 2015 to June 2020. The effect of different ART parameters on the incidence of DCTA triplet pregnancies was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results

Among all clinical pregnancies after ART, the incidence of DCTA was 1.24%. 1.22% occurred in the fresh ET cycle, while 1.25% occurred in the frozen ET cycle. The number of ET and cycle type has no effect on the occurrence of DCTA triplet pregnancies (p = 0.987; p = 0.056, respectively). There were significant differences in DCTA triplet pregnancies rate among receiving intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF) [1.92% vs. 1.02%, p < 0.001, OR = 0.461, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.315–0.673], blastocyst transfer (BT) versus cleavage-ET (1.66% vs. 0.57%, P < 0.001, OR = 0.329, 95% CI 0.315–0.673), and maternal age ≥ 35 years versus maternal age < 35 years (1.00% vs. 1.30%, P = 0.040, OR = 1.773, 95% CI 1.025–3.066). Based on the regression analysis of cycle type, DCTA triplet pregnancies rate was higher in maternal age < 35 years than in maternal age ≥ 35 years (1.35% vs. 0.97%, P < 0.001, OR = 5.266, 95% CI 2.184–12.701), BT versus cleavage-ET (1.47% vs. 0.94%; P = 0.006, OR = 0.346, 95% CI 0.163–0.735), and receiving ICSI was higher than receiving IVF (3.82% vs. 0.78%, p < 0.001, OR = 0.085, 95% CI 0.039–0.189) in fresh ET cycle. However, DCTA triplet pregnancies rate did not show difference in maternal age, insemination methods, and number of ET, and only BT was found to be associated with a higher DCTA triplet pregnancies rate in the frozen ET cycle (1.73% vs. 0.30%, p < 0.001, OR = 0.179, 95% CI 0.083–0.389).

Conclusion

The prevalence of DCTA triplet pregnancies has increased after ART. Maternal age < 35 years, BT, and receiving ICSI are risk factors for DCTA triplet pregnancies, also in fresh ET cycle. However, in frozen ET cycle, BT is an independent risk factor for increased DCTA triplet pregnancies rate.
Caregiving burden and special needs of parents in the care of their short-statured children – a qualitative approach
Authors: Lackner Lea , Quitmann Julia Hannah , Witt Stefanie
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To explore caregiving burden, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), stress, and individual resources of parents in the care of children with isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) or idiopathic short stature (ISS).

Methods

Focused interview analysis of previously, within the Quality of Life in Short Stature Youth (QoLISSY) project, conducted structured focus group discussions (n=7) with parents (n=33) of children with IGHD/ISS aged 4 to 18 years were performed.

Results

26 out of the 33 parents reported mental stress due to their child’s growth disorder. Social pressure and stigmatization were also mentioned as being demanding. Some parents reported having trouble with human growth hormone (hGH) treatment. Several parents wished for parent support groups with other like-minded parents of short-statured children.

Conclusion

For physicians, it is essential to understand the parents’ caregiving burden, stress, and individual resources in caring for IGHD/ISS children. If an impaired HRQOL is detected, psychological intervention for these parents may be scheduled, and coping mechanisms may be discussed. Furthermore, it seems essential for parents to be educated by their healthcare provider about the possible side effects of hGH treatment or to know where to find evidence-based information about it.
Effect of acupuncture on the opening time of implantation window and endometrial receptivity in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation rats during peri-implantation period
Authors: Hu Runan , Huang Yanjing , Song Yufan , Wu Xiao , Song Kunkun , Huang Guangying , Zhang Mingmin , Dong Haoxu
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To investigate the effect of acupuncture for improving the pregnancy rate of COH rats from the viewpoint of regulating the opening time of the implantation window and endometrial receptivity.

Methods

Experimental rats were randomly divided into normal group (N), model group (M) and acupuncture group(A), and samples were collected on Day 4, 5 and 6 after mating. COH rats were treated with acupuncture at SP6, LR3, and ST36 once a day for 7 times. The pinopodes were observed under a scanning electron microscope. Serum estrogen and progesterone levels were measured via ELISA. The protein and mRNA levels of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), integrin β3, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) in the endometrium were evaluated via West-blot, immunohistochemistry, and PCR.

Results

Compared with group N, the pregnancy rate of group M was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the abnormal serum hormone levels and implantation window advancement were observed. Compared with group M, the pregnancy rate of group A was significantly increased (P<0.05), the supraphysiological serum progesterone levels were restored to normalcy (P<0.05), and the advanced implantation window was restored to a certain extent. Further, the abnormal ER, PR, LIF, integrin β3, VEGF, and FGF-2 expression levels of the endometrium got recovered to varying degrees.

Conclusion

Acupuncture may restore the estrogen and progesterone balance in COH rats and the forward shift of the implantation window to a certain extent, improving the endometrial receptivity and finally improving the pregnancy rate of COH rats.
Genetic and clinical characteristics including occurrence of testicular adrenal rest tumors in Slovak and Slovenian patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency
Authors: Saho Robert , Dolzan Vita , Zerjav Tansek Mojca , Pastorakova Andrea , Petrovic Robert , Knapkova Maria , Trebusak Podkrajsek Katarina , Suput Omladic Jasna , Bertok Sara , Avbelj Stefanija Magdalena , Kotnik Primoz , Battelino Tadej , Pribilincova Zuzana , Groselj Urh
Published: March 2023

Objective

To analyze the mutational spectrum, clinical characteristics, genotype–phenotype correlations, testicular adrenal rests tumor prevalence, and role of neonatal screening in congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) patients from Slovakia and Slovenia.

Design and methods

Data were obtained from 104 patients with CAH registered in Slovak and Slovenian databases. Low-resolution genotyping was performed to detect the most common point mutations. To detect deletions, conversions, point mutations, or other sequence changes in the CYP21A2 gene, high-resolution genotyping was performed. Genotypes were classified according to residual 21-hydroxylase activity (null, A, B, C).

Results

64% of the individuals had the salt-wasting form (SW-CAH), 15% the simple virilizing form (SV-CAH), and 21% the non-classic (NC-CAH). CYP21A2 gene deletion/conversion and c.293-13A/C>G pathogenic variant accounted together for 55.5% of the affected alleles. In SV-CAH p.Ile172Asn was the most common pathogenic variant (28.13%), while in NC-CAH p.Val282Leu (33.33%), CYP21A2 gene deletion/conversion (21.43%), c.293-13A/C>G (14.29%), Pro30Leu (11.90%). The frequency of alleles with multiple pathogenic variants was higher in Slovenian patients (15.83% of all alleles). Severe genotypes (0 and A) correlated well with the expected phenotype (SW in 94.74% and 97.3%), while less severe genotypes (B and C) correlated weaklier (SV in 50% and NC in 70.8%). The median age of SW-CAH patients at the time of diagnosis was 6 days in Slovakia vs. 28.5 days in Slovenia (p=0.01). Most of the Slovak patients in the cohort were detected by NBS. (24 out of 29). TARTs were identified in 7 out of 24 male patients, of whom all (100%) had SW-CAH and all had poor hormonal control. The median age at the diagnosis of TARTs was 13 years.

Conclusion

The study confirmed the importance of neonatal screening, especially in the speed of diagnosis of severe forms of CAH. The prediction of the 21-OH deficiency phenotype was reasonably good in the case of severe pathogenic variants, but less reliable in the case of milder pathogenic variants, which is consistent compared to data from other populations. Screening for TARTs should be realized in all male patients with CAH, since there is possible remission when identified early.
Is preclinical diabetic retinopathy in diabetic nephropathy individuals more severe?
Authors: Yao Hongyan , Li Zijing
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To analyse the retinal vessel density and thickness characteristics of diabetic nephropathy (DN) individuals with preclinical diabetic retinopathy (DR) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods

This retrospective case−control study included 88 eyes of 88 type 2 DM patients with preclinical DR [44 non-DN (NDN) and 44 DN]. OCTA images and data were acquired using AngioVue 2.0 of the spectral domain OCT device. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus vessel densities, ganglion cell complex (GCC) and full retinal thicknesses, peripapillary capillary density and nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness were compared between the NDN and DN groups. The relationship between each renal function parameter and each OCTA parameter was analysed.

Results

SCP vessel density, GCC thickness and full retinal thickness were significantly reduced in DN individuals compared to NDN individuals [(NDN versus DN) SCP vessel density: 46.65 ± 3.84% versus 44.35 ± 5.25%, p=0.030; GCC thickness: 100.79 ± 5.92 μm versus 93.28 ± 8.66 μm, p<0.001; full retinal thickness: whole area: 287.04 ± 13.62 μm versus 277.71 ± 15.10 μm, p=0.005). Within the peripapillary area, capillary density was also significantly reduced in the whole area (50.19 ± 3.10% versus 47.46 ± 5.93%, p=0.016) and some sectors in the DN group, though RNFL thickness was only decreased in some sectors. For all individuals, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) correlated significantly with most OCTA parameters and then showed a significantly negative correlation with FAZ area (β=−16.43, p=0.039) in multivariate linear regression analysis. In the NDN group, eGFR showed a significantly negative correlation with FAZ area (β=−18.746, p=0.048) and a significantly positive correlation with SCP vessel density (β=0.580, p=0.036).

Conclusion

Preclinical DR may be more severe in DN individuals than in NDN individuals with regard to microvascular and microstructural impairment. Moreover, eGFR may be a good indicator for retinal microvascular impairment.
Glucocorticoid replacement therapy for primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency and their impact on cognition
Authors: Harbeck Birgit , Kropp Peter , Kreitschmann-Andermahr Ilonka
Published: March 2023

Patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) are treated with conventional or modified-release glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy (GRT). Although current GRT regimens aim to mimic the physiological circadian pattern of cortisol secretion, temporary phases of hypo- and hypercortisolism are common. There is good evidence that prolonged phases of hypo- or hypercortisolism are associated with impaired cognitive functioning. However, little is known about cognitive functioning in patients with AI regarding the effects of dosage and duration of glucocorticoid replacement therapy. There is also little data available comparing the effects of GC therapy on patients with primary and secondary forms of AI as well as with respect to different formulas. This Mini-Review gives an overview of the current studies on GRT for primary and secondary AI and their impact on cognition. Strengths and weaknesses of the studies and their Implications for clinical daily routine are discussed with a special emphasis on practical considerations for the treating endocrinologist.
A comprehensive wind speed forecast correction strategy with an artificial intelligence algorithm
Authors: Zhao Xueliang , Sun Qilong , Tang Wanru , Yu Shuang , Wang Boyu
Published: March 2023

Wind speed forecasting is critical to renewable energy generation, agriculture, and disaster prevention. Due to the uncertainty and intermittence of wind, conventional forecasting methods with numerical weather prediction (NWP) models fall short of achieving satisfactorily high accuracy. Post-processing of the predicted results is necessary for enhancing the prediction accuracy. The industry generally employs time-series prediction (TSP) methods for error correction, yet it is time-consuming since repeated modeling is needed if the location changes. Aiming at addressing this problem, this paper discusses the application of a deep learning algorithm in the post-processing period of wind speed prediction. NWP results are utilized as the forecasting basis, and deep learning algorithms are used for minimizing errors. An experimental study is conducted with industrial data. The functionality and performance of TSP-based algorithms including rolling mean, exponential smoothing, and autoregressive integrated moving average algorithms are compared with deep learning-based algorithms, including long-short term memory and convolutional neural network. From the numerical results, both TSP and deep-learning error-correction methods can effectively increase the accuracy of day-level NWP model prediction results, while deep-learning methods are data-driven, and no modeling process is needed. This work also poses an insight into the future development of wind speed prediction in meteorology.
The network analysis of organizations in watershed management toward sustainability in Northern Iran
Authors: Rezaei-Moghaddam Kurosh , Fatemi Mahsa
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The integrated water resource management is considered for development planning and water and soil resources management with an emphasis on the socio-economic features of the region for sustainability. The main purpose of study was to identify the organizations involved in the watershed management of Chehelchay of Golestan province in Iran, as well as analyzing the types of communications and interactions between organizations in terms of intensity and type.

Methods: Three networks of information exchange, coordination and participation were studied due to network analysis. Thus, the related organizations involved in participatory and comprehensive management of Chehelchay watershed (30 organizations) were introduced during the trips of the research team to the site and using special questionnaire. Then, the other specialized questionnaires were collected from the informed panels of each organization to provide the required data in the network analysis. A total of 84 specialists were interviewed. About half of the respondents (42 individuals) had graduate education and their average work experience was about 15 years. One third of the respondents (28 individuals) were women. The data analysis process was performed with UCINET6.631 and NetDraw.

Results and Discussion: The results indicated that the density index in information exchange (31.5%), coordination (27.5%) and participation (10%) networks were less than average. In the participation network, the values of the density index are very low and coherence is the same among the networks (information exchange, coordination, and participation). The results of reciprocity index among the organizational actors in the networks of information exchange (31.10%), coordination (33.52%) and participation (10.13%) were also less than average. Therefore, identifying the key actors with high social power in the network of local natural resources is a requirement of watershed participatory management plan. The runtime and cost of implementing natural resource projects can be significantly decreased by understanding and deploying these organizations and individuals. Social power and comprehensive participatory management is generally the key tools for building trust between local natural resource users. A systematic shift is also required from governmental management toward governance in order to achieve sustainable natural resource and watershed management.
Using stable isotopes to measure the dietary responses of Costa Rican forest birds to agricultural countryside
Authors: Şekercioğlu Çağan H. , Fullwood Melissa J. , Cerling Thure E. , Brenes Federico Oviedo , Daily Gretchen C. , Ehrlich Paul R. , Chamberlain Page , Newsome Seth D.
Published: March 2023

How human modification of native habitats changes the feeding patterns and nutritional ecology of tropical birds is critical to conserving avian biodiversity, but tropical bird diets are laborious to investigate using the traditional methods of diet analysis. Stable isotope analysis provides a cost-effective and efficient proxy to identify general foraging patterns, especially when dietary shifts spanning multiple trophic levels have occurred due to ecosystem disturbance or transformation. To characterize the diets of forest bird species that persist in tropical agricultural countryside, we compared feather carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope values of four species caught and radio-tracked in a 270 hectare forest reserve, smaller forest remnants (including mature forest, secondary forest, and riparian strips), and coffee plantations in mid-elevation (ca. 800–1,400 m) southern Costa Rica. Bird habitat choice had a significant effect on diet composition as revealed by δ13C and δ15N values. Three of the four species studied showed evidence of significantly reduced consumption of invertebrates in coffee plantations, with the isotope values of two species (Tangara icterocephala and Mionectes oleaginous) indicating, by comparison, nearly a doubling of invertebrate consumption in forest remnants. Our results suggest that coffee plantations are deficient in invertebrates preferred by forest generalist birds that forage in both native forest remnants and coffee plantations. In this region, typical of mountainous American tropics, small forest remnants and a larger forest reserve provide critical dietary resources for native forest birds that utilize the agricultural countryside.
Selective genotyping to implement genomic selection in beef cattle breeding
Authors: Esrafili Taze Kand Mohammaddiyeh Maryam , Rafat Seyed Abbas , Shodja Jalil , Javanmard Arash , Esfandyari Hadi
Published: March 2023

Genomic selection (GS) plays an essential role in livestock genetic improvement programs. In dairy cattle, the method is already a recognized tool to estimate the breeding values of young animals and reduce generation intervals. Due to the different breeding structures of beef cattle, the implementation of GS is still a challenge and has been adopted to a much lesser extent than dairy cattle. This study aimed to evaluate genotyping strategies in terms of prediction accuracy as the first step in the implementation of GS in beef while some restrictions were assumed for the availability of phenotypic and genomic information. For this purpose, a multi-breed population of beef cattle was simulated by imitating the practical system of beef cattle genetic evaluation. Four genotyping scenarios were compared to traditional pedigree-based evaluation. Results showed an improvement in prediction accuracy, albeit a limited number of animals being genotyped (i.e., 3% of total animals in genetic evaluation). The comparison of genotyping scenarios revealed that selective genotyping should be on animals from both ancestral and younger generations. In addition, as genetic evaluation in practice covers traits that are expressed in either sex, it is recommended that genotyping covers animals from both sexes.
Immunometabolism in the pathogenesis of vitiligo
Authors: Lyu Chen , Sun Yonghu
Published: March 2023

Vitiligo is a common depigmenting skin disorder characterized by the selective loss of melanocytes. Autoimmunity, genetic, environmental, and biochemical etiology have been proposed in vitiligo pathogenesis. However, the exact molecular mechanisms of vitiligo development and progression are unclear, particularly for immunometabolism. Sporadic studies have suggested mitochondrial dysfunction, enhanced oxidative stress, and specific defects in other metabolic pathways can promote dysregulation of innate and adaptive immune responses in vitiligo. These abnormalities appear to be driven by genetic and epigenetic factors modulated by stochastic events. In addition, glucose and lipid abnormalities in metabolism have been associated with vitiligo. Specific skin cell populations are also involved in the critical role of dysregulation of metabolic pathways, including melanocytes, keratinocytes, and tissue-resident memory T cells in vitiligo pathogenesis. Novel therapeutic treatments are also raised based on the abnormalities of immunometabolism. This review summarizes the current knowledge on immunometabolism reprogramming in the pathogenesis of vitiligo and novel treatment options.
Complement as a vital nexus of the pathobiological connectome for acute respiratory distress syndrome: An emerging therapeutic target
Authors: Yang Zhangsheng , Nicholson Susannah E. , Cancio Tomas S. , Cancio Leopoldo C. , Li Yansong
Published: March 2023

The hallmark of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) pathobiology is unchecked inflammation-driven diffuse alveolar damage and alveolar-capillary barrier dysfunction. Currently, therapeutic interventions for ARDS remain largely limited to pulmonary-supportive strategies, and there is an unmet demand for pharmacologic therapies targeting the underlying pathology of ARDS in patients suffering from the illness. The complement cascade (ComC) plays an integral role in the regulation of both innate and adaptive immune responses. ComC activation can prime an overzealous cytokine storm and tissue/organ damage. The ARDS and acute lung injury (ALI) have an established relationship with early maladaptive ComC activation. In this review, we have collected evidence from the current studies linking ALI/ARDS with ComC dysregulation, focusing on elucidating the new emerging roles of the extracellular (canonical) and intracellular (non-canonical or complosome), ComC (complementome) in ALI/ARDS pathobiology, and highlighting complementome as a vital nexus of the pathobiological connectome for ALI/ARDS via its crosstalking with other systems of the immunome, DAMPome, PAMPome, coagulome, metabolome, and microbiome. We have also discussed the diagnostic/therapeutic potential and future direction of ALI/ARDS care with the ultimate goal of better defining mechanistic subtypes (endotypes and theratypes) through new methodologies in order to facilitate a more precise and effective complement-targeted therapy for treating these comorbidities. This information leads to support for a therapeutic anti-inflammatory strategy by targeting the ComC, where the arsenal of clinical-stage complement-specific drugs is available, especially for patients with ALI/ARDS due to COVID-19.
Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in follicular fluids and their association with assisted reproduction
Authors: Chillon Thilo Samson , Weiss Gregor , Demircan Kamil , Minich Waldemar B. , Schenk Michael , Schomburg Lutz
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Every second woman suffering from infertility asks for medical help. There is public concern that vaccination-induced antibodies (Ab) are negatively associated with fertility. A recent study has demonstrated an association between SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and a lower pregnancy rate in the subsequent 60 days. Consequently, Ab could affect fertility success in assisted reproduction.

Methods

To address this question, we compared fertilization outcomes of vaccinated (n=35) and nonvaccinated (n=34) women. Paired serum samples and multiple follicular fluids (FF) (up to 10 from the same donor) were collected during the course of assisted reproduction and characterized for oocyte quality, the presence of Ab and trace element concentrations.

Results

The results showed a positive correlation of vaccination-induced neutralizing activity of SARS-CoV-2-Ab in serum and FF. On average, Ab concentrations in serum were higher than in the corresponding FF. However, wide variations in SARS-CoV-2 Ab titers were observed between different FF, correlating to trace element levels, even when retrieved from the same donor.

Discussion

Overall, FF contents are highly variable, but no negative association was observed between Ab in serum or FF and fertilization success and oocyte development, supporting the safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination during assisted reproduction.
Varicella Zoster Virus infects mucosal associated Invariant T cells
Authors: Purohit Shivam K. , Corbett Alexandra J. , Slobedman Barry , Abendroth Allison
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T cells that respond to conserved pathogen-derived vitamin B metabolites presented by the MHC class I related-1 molecule (MR1) antigen presentation pathway. Whilst viruses do not synthesize these metabolites, we have reported that varicella zoster virus (VZV) profoundly suppresses MR1 expression, implicating this virus in manipulation of the MR1:MAIT cell axis. During primary infection, the lymphotropism of VZV is likely to be instrumental in hematogenous dissemination of virus to gain access to cutaneous sites where it clinically manifests as varicella (chickenpox). However, MAIT cells, which are found in the blood and at mucosal and other organ sites, have yet to be examined in the context of VZV infection. The goal of this study was to examine any direct impact of VZV on MAIT cells.

Methods

Using flow cytometry, we interrogated whether primary blood derived MAIT cells are permissive to infection by VZV whilst further analysing differential levels of infection between various MAIT cell subpopulations. Changes in cell surface extravasation, skin homing, activation and proliferation markers after VZV infection of MAIT cells was also assessed via flow cytometry. Finally the capacity of MAIT cells to transfer infectious virus was tested through an infectious center assay and imaged via fluorescence microscopy.

Results

We identify primary blood-derived MAIT cells as being permissive to VZV infection. A consequence of VZV infection of MAIT cells was their capacity to transfer infectious virus to other permissive cells, consistent with MAIT cells supporting productive infection. When subgrouping MAIT cells by their co- expression of a variety cell surface markers, there was a higher proportion of VZV infected MAIT cells co-expressing CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ MAIT cells compared to the more phenotypically dominant CD8+ MAIT cells, whereas infection was not associated with differences in co-expression of CD56 (MAIT cell subset with enhanced responsiveness to innate cytokine stimulation), CD27 (co-stimulatory) or PD-1 (immune checkpoint). Infected MAIT cells retained high expression of CCR2, CCR5, CCR6, CLA and CCR4, indicating a potentially intact capacity for transendothelial migration, extravasation and trafficking to skin sites. Infected MAIT cells also displayed increased expression of CD69 (early activation) and CD71 (proliferation) markers.

Discussion

These data identify MAIT cells as being permissive to VZV infection and identify impacts of such infection on co- expressed functional markers.
Advances in the potential roles of Cullin-RING ligases in regulating autoimmune diseases
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Liu Yu’e , Zhang Tong , Tan Yuying , Dai Xiangpeng , Yang Yong-Guang , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: March 2023

Cullin-RING ligases (CRLs) are the largest class of E3 ubiquitin ligases regulating the stability and subsequent activity of a large number of important proteins responsible for the development and progression of various diseases, including autoimmune diseases (AIDs). However, the detailed mechanisms of the pathogenesis of AIDs are complicated and involve multiple signaling pathways. An in-depth understanding of the underlying regulatory mechanisms of the initiation and progression of AIDs will aid in the development of effective therapeutic strategies. CRLs play critical roles in regulating AIDs, partially by affecting the key inflammation-associated pathways such as NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and TGF-β. In this review, we summarize and discuss the potential roles of CRLs in the inflammatory signaling pathways and pathogenesis of AIDs. Furthermore, advances in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for AIDs through targeting CRLs are also highlighted.