bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adequacy of using a single nasal swab for rapid influenza diagnostic testing, PCR, and whole genome sequencing
Authors: Temte Jonathan L. , Bell Cristalyne , Goss Maureen D. , Reisdorf Erik , Tamerius John , Reddy Sushruth , Griesser Richard , Barlow Shari , Temte Emily , Wedig Mary , Shult Peter A.
Published: May 2023

Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDT) demonstrate varying sensitivities, often necessitating reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to confirm results. The two methods generally require separate specimens. Using the same anterior nasal swab for both RIDT and molecular confirmation would reduce cost and waste and increase patient comfort. The aim of this study was to determine if RIDT residual nasal swab (rNS) specimens are adequate for RT-PCR and whole genome sequencing (WGS). We performed RT-PCR and WGS on paired rNS and nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal (NP/OP) swab specimens that were collected from primary care patients across all ages. We randomly selected 199 and 40 paired specimens for RT-PCR and WGS, respectively, from the 962 paired surveillance specimens collected during the 2014–2015 influenza season. Sensitivity and specificity for rNS specimens were 81.3% and 96.7%, respectively, as compared to NP/OP specimens. The mean cycle threshold (Ct) value for the NP/OP specimen was significantly lower when the paired specimens were both positive than when the NP/OP swab was positive and the nasal swab was negative (25.5 vs 29.5; p<0.001). Genomic information was extracted from all 40 rNS specimens and 37 of the 40 NP/OP specimens. Complete WGS reads were available for 67.5% (14 influenza A; 13 influenza B) of the rNS specimens and 59.5% (14 influenza A; 8 influenza B) of the NP/OP specimens. It is feasible to use a single anterior nasal swab for RIDT followed by RT-PCR and/or WGS. This approach may be appropriate in situations where training and supplies are limited. Additional studies are needed to determine if residual nasal swabs from other rapid diagnostic tests produce similar results.
Unrecognized hypertension among a general adult Ghanaian population: An urban community-based cross-sectional study of prevalence and putative risk factors of lifestyle and obesity indices
Authors: Anto Enoch Odame , Boadu Wina Ivy Ofori , Korsah Emmanuel Ekow , Ansah Ezekiel , Adua Eric , Frimpong Joseph , Nyarkoa Patience , Tamakloe Valentine Christian Kodzo Tsatsu , Acheampong Emmanuel , Asamoah Evans Adu , Opoku Stephen , Afrifa-Yamoah Ebenezer , Annani-Akollor Max Efui , Obirikorang Christian
Published: May 2023

Hypertension (HTN) is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, most individuals in developing countries are unaware of their blood pressure status. We determined the prevalence of unrecognized hypertension and its association with lifestyle factors and new obesity indices among the adult population. This community-based study was conducted among 1288 apparently healthy adults aged 18–80 years in the Ablekuma North Municipality, Ghana. Sociodemographic, lifestyle characteristics, blood pressure and anthropometric indices were obtained. The prevalence of unrecognized HTN was 18.4% (237 / 1288). The age groups 45–54 years [aOR = 2.29, 95% CI (1.33–3.95), p = 0.003] and 55–79 years [aOR = 3.25, 95% CI (1.61–6.54), p = 0.001], being divorced [aOR = 3.02 95% CI (1.33–6.90), p = 0.008], weekly [aOR = 4.10, 95% CI (1.77–9.51), p = 0.001] and daily alcohol intake [aOR = 5.62, 95% CI (1.26–12.236), p = 0.028] and no exercise or at most once a week [aOR = 2.25, 95% CI (1.56–3.66), p = 0.001] were independently associated with HTN. Among males, the fourth quartile (Q4) of both body roundness index (BRI) and waist to height ratio (WHtR) [aOR = 5.19, 95% CI (1.05–25.50), p = 0.043] were independent determinants of unrecognized HTN. Among females, the third quartile (Q3) [aOR = 7.96, 95% CI (1.51–42.52), p = 0.015] and Q4 [aOR = 9.87 95% CI (1.92–53.31), p = 0.007] of abdominal volume index (AVI), the Q3 of both BRI and WHtR [aOR = 6.07, 95% CI (1.05–34.94), p = 0.044] and Q4 of both BRI and WHtR [aOR = 9.76, 95% CI (1.74–54.96), p = 0.010] were independent risk factors of HTN. Overall, BRI (AUC = 0.724) and WHtR (AUC = 0.724) for males and AVI (AUC = 0.728), WHtR (AUC = 0.703) and BRI (AUC = 0.703) for females yielded a better discriminatory power for predicting unrecognized HTN. Unrecognized hypertension is common among the apparently healthy adults. Increased awareness of its risk factors, screening, and promoting lifestyle modification is needed to prevent the onset of hypertension.
Genomic architecture and evolutionary relationship of BA.2.75: A Centaurus subvariant of Omicron SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Basheer Atia , Zahoor Imran , Yaqub Tahir
Published: May 2023

In this study, we explored the genomic architecture and phylogenomic relationship of BA.2.75, a subvariant of Omicron SARS-CoV-2. A set of 1468 whole-genome sequences of BA.2.75, submitted by 28 countries worldwide were retrieved from GISAID and used for finding genomic mutations. Moreover, the phylogenetic analysis of BA.2.75 was performed by using 2948 whole-genome sequences of all sub-variants of Omicron along with the Delta variant of SAS-CoV-2. We detected 1885 mutations, which were further grouped into 1025 missense mutations, 740 silent mutations, 72 mutations in non-coding regions, 16 in-frame deletions, 02 in-frame insertions, 8 frameshift deletions, 8 frameshift insertions and 14 stop-gained variants. Additionally, we also found 11 characteristic mutations having a prevalence of 81–99% and were not observed in any of the previously reported variant of SARS-CoV-2. Out of these mutations K147E, W152R, F157L, E210V, V213G, G339H were found in the NTD, and G446S & N460K in the RBD region of the Spike protein, whereas S403L and T11A were present in the NSP3, and E protein respectively. The phylogenetic relationship of this variant revealed that BA.2.75 is descended from the Omicron sub-variant BA.5. This evolutionary relationship suggests that the surge of BA.5 infections can reduce the severity of the infections accredited to BA.2.75. These findings would also improve our knowledge and understanding that how genetic similarities in different variants of SARS-CoV-2 can prime the immune system to fight off the infection caused by one subvariant, after defeating the other.
Cognitive proximity for innovation: Why matters? an applied analysis
Authors: Sánchez-García Eduardo , Martínez-Falcó Javier , Marco-Lajara Bartolomé , Pizoń Jakub
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this research is to deepen the study of the influence of cognitive proximity has on the innovative performance of firms, as well as the mediating effect of potential and realized absorptive capacity in this relationship. For this purpose, an empirical analysis has been carried out. The primary data have been analyzed by means of PLS-SEM technique. The results show that the cognitive proximity of firms has both a direct and an indirect impact on their innovative performance, through their potential and realized absorptive capacity. We conclude that cognitive proximity matters for the innovation performance of firms, as it facilitates the understanding and establishment of positive reciprocity agreements between the companies, especially in terms of knowledge. Nevertheless, firms must develop a great capability to absorb new knowledge to exploit the advantages derived from its cognitive proximity to its stakeholders and leverage all the knowledge within their reach.
Non-pharmacological interventions for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in older adults: A systematic review
Authors: Co Melissa , Moreno-Agostino Darío , Wu Yu-Tzu , Couch Elyse , Posarac Ana , Wi Teodora , Sadana Ritu , Carlisle Sophie , Prina Matthew
Published: May 2023

Background

STIs in older adults (adults aged 50 years and older) are on the rise due to variable levels of sex literacy and misperceived susceptibility to infections, among other factors. We systematically reviewed evidence on the effect of non-pharmacological interventions for the primary prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and high-risk sexual behaviour in older adults.

Methods

We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, PSYCINFO, Global Health and the Cochrane Library from inception until March 9th, 2022. We included RCTs, cluster-randomised trials, quasi-RCTs, interrupted time series (ITS) and controlled and uncontrolled before-and-after studies of non-pharmacological primary prevention interventions (e.g. educational and behaviour change interventions) in older adults, reporting either qualitative or quantitative findings. At least two review authors independently assessed the eligibility of articles and extracted data on main characteristics, risk of bias and study findings. Narrative synthesis was performed.

Results

Ten studies (two RCTs, seven quasi-experiment studies and one qualitative study) were found to be eligible for this review. These interventions were mainly information, education and communication activities (IECs) aimed at fostering participants’ knowledge on STIs and safer sex, mostly focused on HIV. Most studies used self-reported outcomes measuring knowledge and behaviour change related to HIV, STIs and safer sex. Studies generally reported an increase in STI/HIV knowledge. However, risk of bias was high or critical across all studies.

Conclusions

Literature on non-pharmacological interventions for older adults is sparse, particularly outside the US and for STIs other than HIV. There is evidence that IECs may improve short-term knowledge about STIs however, it is not clear this translates into long-term improvement or behaviour change as all studies included in this review had follow-up times of 3 months or less. More robust and higher-quality studies are needed in order to confirm the effectiveness of non-pharmacological primary prevention interventions for reducing STIs in the older adult population.
To troll or not to troll: Young adults’ anti-social behaviour on social media
Authors: Soares Felipe Bonow , Gruzd Anatoliy , Jacobson Jenna , Hodson Jaigris
Published: May 2023

Background

Online anti-social behaviour is on the rise, reducing the perceived benefits of social media in society and causing a number of negative outcomes. This research focuses on the factors associated with young adults being perpetrators of anti-social behaviour when using social media.

Method

Based on an online survey of university students in Canada (n = 359), we used PLS-SEM to create a model and test the associations between four factors (online disinhibition, motivations for cyber-aggression, self-esteem, and empathy) and the likelihood of being a perpetrator of online anti-social behaviour.

Results

The model shows positive associations between two appetitive motives for cyber-aggression (namely recreation and reward) and being a perpetrator. This finding indicates that young adults engage in online anti-social behaviour for fun and social approval. The model also shows a negative association between cognitive empathy and being a perpetrator, which indicates that perpetrators may be engaging in online anti-social behaviour because they do not understand how their targets feel.
Individual differences in self-reported lie detection abilities
Authors: Fernandes Mélanie , Jonauskaite Domicele , Tomas Frédéric , Laurent Eric , Mohr Christine
Published: May 2023

Previous literature on lie detection abilities bears an interesting paradox. On the group level, people detect others’ lies at guessing level. However, when asked to evaluate their own abilities, people report being able to detect lies (i.e., self-reported lie detection). Understanding this paradox is important because decisions which rely on credibility assessment and deception detection can have serious implications (e.g., trust in others, legal issues). In two online studies, we tested whether individual differences account for variance in self-reported lie detection abilities. We assessed personality traits (Big-Six personality traits, Dark Triad), empathy, emotional intelligence, cultural values, trust level, social desirability, and belief in one’s own lie detection abilities. In both studies, mean self-reported lie detection abilities were above chance level. Then, lower out-group trust and higher social desirability levels predicted higher self-reported lie detection abilities. These results suggest that social trust and norms shape our beliefs about our own lie detection abilities.
Gut microbiome dysbiosis in Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jemimah Sherlyn , Chabib Chahd Maher Musthafa , Hadjileontiadis Leontios , AlShehhi Aamna
Published: May 2023

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes gradual memory loss. AD and its prodromal stage of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are marked by significant gut microbiome perturbations, also known as gut dysbiosis. However, the direction and extent of gut dysbiosis have not been elucidated. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis and systematic review of 16S gut microbiome studies to gain insights into gut dysbiosis in AD and MCI.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, EBSCO, and Cochrane for AD gut microbiome studies published between Jan 1, 2010 and Mar 31, 2022. This study has two outcomes: primary and secondary. The primary outcomes explored the changes in α-diversity and relative abundance of microbial taxa, which were analyzed using a variance-weighted random-effects model. The secondary outcomes focused on qualitatively summarized β-diversity ordination and linear discriminant analysis effect sizes. The risk of bias was assessed using a methodology appropriate for the included case-control studies. The geographic cohorts’ heterogeneity was examined using subgroup meta-analyses if sufficient studies reported the outcome. The study protocol has been registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022328141).

Findings

Seventeen studies with 679 AD and MCI patients and 632 controls were identified and analyzed. The cohort is 61.9% female with a mean age of 71.3±6.9 years. The meta-analysis shows an overall decrease in species richness in the AD gut microbiome. However, the phylum Bacteroides is consistently higher in US cohorts (standardised mean difference [SMD] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37 to 1.13, p < 0.01) and lower in Chinese cohorts (SMD -0.79, 95% CI -1.32 to -0.25, p < 0.01). Moreover, the Phascolarctobacterium genus is shown to increase significantly, but only during the MCI stage.

Discussion

Notwithstanding possible confounding from polypharmacy, our findings show the relevance of diet and lifestyle in AD pathophysiology. Our study presents evidence for region-specific changes in abundance of Bacteroides, a major constituent of the microbiome. Moreover, the increase in Phascolarctobacterium and the decrease in Bacteroides in MCI subjects shows that gut microbiome dysbiosis is initiated in the prodromal stage. Therefore, studies of the gut microbiome can facilitate early diagnosis and intervention in Alzheimer’s disease and perhaps other neurodegenerative disorders.
Environment, subsistence strategies and settlement seasonality in the Negev Highlands (Israel) during the Bronze and Iron Ages: The palynological evidence
Authors: Langgut Dafna , Finkelstein Israel
Published: May 2023

The Negev Highlands arid region (southern Levant) shows evidence of sharp settlement fluctuations, with several periods of strong human activity separated by centuries with no evidence of sedentary life. In this study, we used the palynological method in order to shed light on the region’s demographic history in the Bronze and Iron Ages. Fifty-four samples of pollen were collected and analyzed from secure archaeological contexts in four Negev Highlands sites: Nahal Boqer 66, dated to the Early Bronze Age and Early Intermediate Bronze Age (ca. 3200–2200 BCE); Ein Ziq, dated to the Early Intermediate Bronze Age (ca. 2500–2200 BCE); Mashabe Sade, dated to the Intermediate Bronze Age (ca. 2500–2000 BCE); and Haroa, dated to the Iron Age IIA (ca. late 10th through 9th centuries BCE). Our study revealed no evidence of cereal cultivation, with some hints that the inhabitants’ diets may have included plants gathered from the wild. Only one of the sites, Nahal Boqer 66, showed micro-indicators of animal dung remains, suggesting that the inhabitants herded animals. The palynological evidence did, however, emphasize that the livestock there were not fed or supplemented with agricultural by-products but rather grazed freely on wild vegetation. The pollen data also suggest that all four sites were occupied only during late winter and spring. The activity in the Negev Highlands during the third millennium BCE was probably related to the copper industry in the Arabah and to copper transportation to settled neighboring lands, especially Egypt. A relatively humid climate supported the trade through the Negev Highlands. Deterioration in both climate conditions and settlement activity was documented in the second half of the Intermediate Bronze Age.
Impact of vented and condenser tumble dryers on waterborne and airborne microfiber pollution
Authors: Cummins Amber M. , Malekpour Adam K. , Smith Andrew J. , Lonsdale Suzanne , Dean John R. , Lant Neil J.
Published: May 2023

Laundering of textiles is a significant source of waterborne microfiber pollution, and solutions are now being sought to mitigate this issue including improvements in clothing technology and integration of filtration systems into washing machines. Vented tumble dryers are a potential source of airborne microfiber pollution, as their built-in lint filtration systems have been found to be inefficient with significant quantities of textile microfibers being released to the external environment through their exhaust air ducts. The present study is the first to evaluate the impact of condenser dryers, finding that they are significant contributors to waterborne microfiber pollution from the lint filter (if users clean this with water), the condenser and the condensed water. Microfiber release from drying of real consumer loads in condenser and vented tumble dryers was compared, finding that real loads release surprisingly high levels of microfibers (total 341.5 ± 126.0 ppm for those dried in a condenser dryer and 256.0 ± 74.2 ppm for those dried in a vented dryer), similar in quantity to microfibers produced during the first highly-shedding drying cycle of a new T-shirt load (total 321.4 ± 11.2 ppm) in a condenser dryer. Vented dryers were found to be significant contributors to waterborne microfiber pollution if consumers clean the lint filter with water in accordance with some published appliance usage instructions, as most (86.1 ± 5.5% for the real consumer loads tested) of the microfibers generated during vented tumble drying were collected on the lint filter. Therefore, tumble dryers are a significant source of waterborne and (for vented dryers) airborne microfiber pollution. While reducing the pore size of tumble dryer lint filters and instructing consumers to dispose of fibers collected on lint filters as municipal solid waste could help reduce the issue, more sophisticated engineering solutions will likely be required to achieve a more comprehensive solution.
Defects in immune response to Toxoplasma gondii are associated with enhanced HIV-1-related neurocognitive impairment in co-infected patients
Authors: Escobar-Guevara Edwin Eliel , de Quesada-Martínez María Esther , Roldán-Dávila Yhajaira Beatriz , Alarcón de Noya Belkisyolé , Alfonzo-Díaz Miguel Antonio
Published: May 2023

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and Toxoplasma gondii can invade the central nervous system and affect its functionality. Advanced HIV-1 infection has been associated with defects in immune response to T. gondii, leading to reactivation of latent infections and development of toxoplasmic encephalitis. This study evaluates relationship between changes in immune response to T. gondii and neurocognitive impairment in HIV-1/T. gondii co-infected patients, across different stages of HIV-1 infection. The study assessed the immune response to T. gondii by measuring cytokine production in response to parasite antigens, and also neurocognitive functions by performing auditory and visual P300 cognitive evoked potentials, short term memory (Sternberg) and executive function tasks (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test-WCST) in 4 groups of individuals: HIV-1/T. gondii co-infected (P2), HIV-1-infected/T. gondii-non-infected (P1), HIV-1-non-infected/T. gondii-infected (C2) and HIV-1-non-infected/T. gondii-non-infected (C1). Patients (P1 and P2) were grouped in early/asymptomatic (P1A and P2A) or late/symptomatic (P1B/C and P2B/C) according to peripheral blood CD4+ T lymphocyte counts (>350 or <350/μL, respectively). Groups were compared using T-student or U-Mann-Whitney tests as appropriate, p<0.05 was considered as significantly. For P300 waves, HIV-1-infected patients (P1) had significantly longer latencies and significantly smaller amplitudes than uninfected controls, but HIV-1/T. gondii co-infected patients (P2) had significantly longer latencies and smaller amplitude than P1. P1 patients had significantly poorer results than uninfected controls in Sternberg and WCST, but P2 had significantly worse results than P1. HIV-1 infection was associated with significantly lower production of IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ in response to T. gondii from early/asymptomatic stages, when comparing P2 patients to C2 controls. These findings may indicate impairment in anti-parasitic response in co-infected patients, facilitating early limited reactivation of the parasitic latent infection, therefore creating cumulative damage in the brain and affecting neurocognitive functions from asymptomatic stages of HIV-1 infection, as suggested by defects in co-infected patients in this study.
‘Mummy told me that I have HIV, that is the only thing she told me’: Experiences of HIV status disclosure to children in Masaka Region, Uganda
Authors: Kairania Robert , Onyango-Ouma Washington , Ondicho Tom G. , Kagaayi Joseph , Kigozi Godfrey
Published: May 2023

Background

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), disclosure of HIV status to children remains low. Few studies have examined how children navigate and come to terms with their HIV status. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of children about disclosure of their HIV status.

Methods

Between October 2020 and July 2021, 18 purposively selected children aged between 12–17 whose HIV status had been disclosed to them by their caregivers or healthcare providers (HCPs) were recruited for this study. We conducted 18 in-depth interviews (IDIs) to collect data for this study. Data were analyzed using the semantic thematic analysis approach.

Results

Primary data obtained through IDIs revealed that disclosure of HIV status to children occurred as a one-time event without pre—disclosure preparatory planning or focused post disclosure follow-up counseling irrespective of the discloser. Post disclosure psycho-social experiences elicited mixed responses. Some children experienced insults and belittlement and stigma and discrimination in the family and community for out-of-school children and at school for school-going children. Positive disclosure experiences involved receiving support to improve ART adherence through constantly being reminded to take their medications timely at the workplace, by supervisors, for working children and by teachers, at school for school-going children.

Conclusions

This research contributes to knowledge about children’ s experiences of being HIV infected and can specifically be used to improve disclosure strategies.
Head motion synchrony in unidirectional and bidirectional verbal communication
Authors: Kwon Jinhwan , Kotani Hiromi
Published: May 2023

Interpersonal communication includes verbal and nonverbal communication. Verbal communication comprises one-way (e.g., a speech or lecture) and interactive verbal communication (e.g., daily conversations or meetings), which we frequently encounter. Nonverbal communication has considerable influence on interpersonal communication, and body motion synchrony is known to be an important factor for successful communication and social interaction. However, most research on body motion synchrony has been elucidated by either the setting of one-way verbal transmission or the verbal interaction setting, and it remains unclear whether verbal directionality and interactivity affect body motion synchrony. One-way and two-way (interactive) verbal communication is implicated in designed or undesigned leader–follower relationships, and also in the complexity and diversity of interpersonal interactions, where two-way verbal communication is more complex and diverse than in the one-way condition. In this study, we tested head motion synchrony between the one-way verbal communication condition (in which the roles of the speaker and listener are fixed) and the two-way verbal communication condition (where the speaker and listener can freely engage in a conversation). Therefore, although no statistically significant difference in synchrony activity (relative frequency) was found, a statistically significant difference was observed in synchrony direction (temporal lead-lag structure as mimicry) and intensity. Specifically, the synchrony direction in two-way verbal communication was close to zero, but this in one-way verbal communication was synchronized with the listener’s movement predominantly delayed. Furthermore, synchrony intensity, in terms of the degree of variation in the phase difference distribution, was significantly higher in the one-way verbal communication than in the two-way condition, with bigger time-shifts being observed in the latter. This result suggests that verbal interaction does not affect the overall frequency of head motion synchrony but does affect the temporal lead-lag structure and coherence.
Correlation between chromatin epigenetic-related lncRNA signature (CELncSig) and prognosis, immune microenvironment, and immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xiong Zhuolong , Han Zenglei , Pan Weiyi , Zhu Xiao , Liu Caixin
Published: May 2023

Chromatin regulators drive cancer epigenetic changes, and lncRNA can play an important role in epigenetic changes as chromatin regulators. We used univariate Cox, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression analysis to select epigenetic-associated lncRNA signatures. Twenty-five epigenetic-associated lncRNA signatures (CELncSig) were identified to establish the immune prognostic model. According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, the overall survival of the high-risk group was significantly lower than the low-risk group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, C-index, survival curve, nomogram, and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed to validate the risk model. In GO/KEGG analysis, differentially expressed lncRNAs were correlated with the PI3K−Akt pathway, suggesting that they were highly associated with the metastasis of LUAD. Interestingly, in the immune escape analysis, the TIDE score was lower, and the possibility of immune dysfunction is also slighter in the high-risk group, which means they still have the potential to receive immunotherapy. And CELncsig is highly correlated with immune pathways T_cell_co-inhibition and Check-point. Also, the IMvigor210 cohort analysis indicated that our risk-scoring model has significant potential clinical application value in lung cancer immunotherapy. And we also screened out ten potential chemotherapy agents using the ‘pRRophetic’ package.
Reliability of online dental final exams in the pre and post COVID-19 era: A comparative study
Authors: Hoang Hung Trong , Nguyen Phuong Thao , Huynh Nam Cong-Nhat , Nguyen Tam Thi-Thanh , Tu Trang Thi Huyen , Botelho Michael George , Van Nguyen Lan , Shima Kaori , Sasahira Tomonori
Published: May 2023

Amidst the fourth COVID-19 wave in Viet Nam, national lockdowns necessitated the closure of numerous dental schools. To assess DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) graduation exams, this study analyzed their 2021 implementation in comparison to onsite exams conducted in 2020 and 2022 at the Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam (FOS-UMPH). The final online examination comprises two main sessions: a synchronous online examination using FOS-UMPH e-Learning for theories (consisting of 200 MCQs and 3 written tests with 3 clinical situations needed be solved) and a synchronous online examination using Microsoft Teams for practicum (comprising of 12 online OSCE stations). The final grades were evaluated using the same metrics in face-to-face final examinations in 2022 and 2020. A total of 114, 112 and 95 students were recruited for the first-time exams in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. In order to analyze the reliability, histogram and k-mean clustering were employed. The histograms from 2020, 2021 and 2022 showed a striking similarity. However, fewer students failed in 2021 and 2022 (13% and 12.6%, respectively) compared to 2020 (28%), with clinical problem-solving part grades (belonging to theory session) being notably higher in 2021 and 2022. Intriguingly, the MCQ Score results showed the identical patterns. The courses of orthodontics, dental public health, and pediatrics subjects (in the group of prevention and development dentistry) stood out for their exceptional accuracy across both sessions. After examining data gathered over three years, we identified three distinct clusters: the first comprised of scattered average and low scores, the second characterized by high scores but unstable and scattered and the third cluster boasting consistently high and centered scores. According to our study, online and onsite traditional graduation exam results are relatively equivalent, but additional measures are necessary to standardize the final examination and adapt to the new normal trend in dental education.
For fear of the Other: Simulation of Indigenous presence in horror fiction
Authors: Łaszkiewicz Weronika
Published: May 2023

The following article examines the portrayal of Indigenous peoples and traditions in modern horror fiction written by non-Indigenous Euro-American authors. While the figures of the noble savage, beautiful maiden and victim of white progress are some of the most enduring stereotypes associated with indigeneity, in this article I demonstrate how in modern horror Indigenous characters and traditions serve as the embodiment of evil, which the White protagonists need to defeat to ensure their own survival. If any Indigenous characters appear in these narratives, they do so mostly in the roles of helpers, which contributes to the marginalization of Indigenous characters in the genre. To illustrate these problems, I draw examples from a number of horror stories ranging from classic to pulp fiction in order to expose the genre’s latent colonial rhetoric, which reinforces the simulation of Indigenous presence in contemporary culture – a phenomenon analysed by the Anishinaabe scholar, Gerald Vizenor, whose work will provide a theoretical background for my investigation.
Hammer re-reads Dracula: The second time as farce, or, keeping a stiff upper lip in the ruins
Authors: Leicester H. Marshall
Published: May 2023

This interpretation questions the standard critical assumptions about Hammer Studios’ Dracula that despite its transient improprieties, Dracula offered audiences temporary refuge from the strains of contemporary British life by having absolute good (vampire hunters) triumphing over (absolute evil) vampire. My reading explores the film’s agency through its self-conscious relation to its pre-texts in novel and films, showing how its plot conspicuously alters former cultural expectations and assumptions about the ‘rules’ of vampirism. This deliberate slippage in the stability of prior conventions generates tension between two modes of reading Dracula – as a conventional horror movie about the melodramatic struggle between good and evil – or a depiction of domestic life as a tissue of improvisations that highlight the instabilities and contradictions of desire and gender, family organization, personal and class relations. This article shows how Dracula gradually shifts emphasis from the melodrama to agential improvisation, re-reading the horror movie and its pretensions in order to blur the distinctions between good and evil in both its imagined Victorian fiction and modern life.
Factors that Influence Post-traumaic Growth of Nurses in a National Designated Infectious Disease Hospital Nurses’ Post-traumatic Growth
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Kim Jieun , Shin Gisoo
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to identify the level of post-traumatic stress, resilience and post-traumatic growth among nurses who care for COVID-19 patients in a national designated infectious disease hospital and to investigare the factors influencing their post-traumatic growth. We performed a cross-sectional descriptive study, and data were collected from June 20 to July 4, 2022. A total 166 nurses participated in this study. As a result, the mean score of post-traumatic stress was 21.13±14.83, the mean score of resilience was 57.54±13.30, and the mean score of post-traumatic growth was 36.98±12.84. In this study, there was a significant correlation among post-traumatic growt, post-traumatic stress and resilience. Religion and resilience were factors influenced post-traumatic growth among nurses, and the explanatory power was 43.7% in the regression model. Based on the results, it is necessary to develop interventions that can help post-traumatic growth of nurses in national designated infectious disease hospitals.
An Exploratory Analysis of the Generational Gap in the Relationship between Communication and Fairness within Organizations: Focusing on Members of Public Enterprises
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Park Jung Ho , Ryu Eun Young
Published: May 2023

This study analyzed the moderating effect of generational differences on the impact of intra-organizational communication on organizational fairness among members of public enterprises, and the results are as follows. The perception of fairness that individuals feel is relevant to communication within the organization. It was found that horizontal information sharing (H-I), vertical (bottom-up) communication of presentation and proposal (V-S), and social-relational communication (V-CU, etc.) had a positive effect on fairness perception. Even for communication with the same purpose, the effects varied by generation. In the 40s, it was analyzed that there was a reinforcement and reduction effect in vertical consideration and understanding (effect reinforcement control), horizontal exchange, and empathy communication (effect reduction control). In the thirties, communication became less effective. Based on these results, it seems that there is a need to differentiate the approach of communication within the organization by recognizing the generational differences in the organizational management level of the current public organization.
Factor Analysis of the Polish Version of Godspeed Questionnaire (Gqs)
Authors: Szczepanowski Remigiusz , Niemiec Tomasz , Cichoń Ewelina , Arent Krzysztof , Florkowski Marcin , Sobecki Janusz
Published: May 2023

The rapid development of robotics involves human-robot interaction (HRI). There is a necessity to assess user satisfaction to develop HRI effectively. Thus, HRI calls for interdisciplinary research, including psychological instruments such as survey questionnaire design. Here, we presented a factor analysis of a Polish version of the Godspeed Questionnaire (GSQ) used to measure user satisfaction. The scale was administered to 195 participants. Then, the factor analysis of the GSQ was performed. Finally, the reliability analysis of the Polish version of GSQ was done. The adapted version of the survey was characterized by a four-factor structure, i.e. anthropomorphism, perceived intelligence, likeability, and perceived safety, with good psychometric properties.
Historická sociologie hudby: Mysliveček a Mozart
Authors: Šalanda Bohuslav
Published: May 2023

Editorial
Veľké i malé dejiny druhej polovice 80. rokov v zrkadle priateľskej korešpondencie
Authors: Chorvát Ivan
Published: May 2023

Review article
15. konference European Association for Urban History (EAUH), Antverpy, 31. 8. – 3. 9. 2022
Authors: Ira Jaroslav
Published: May 2023

Conference report: 15. konference European Association for Urban History (EAUH), Antverpy, 31. 8. – 3. 9. 2022
Czech and Polish Mathematicians Facing the Choice Between Transnational and Slavic Contacts
Authors: Pavlíček Tomáš W.
Published: May 2023

The paper examines the forming of national academic communities in successor states and in the situation after the First World War when scholars (mainly those working in life sciences) participated in the scientific legitimisation of the emerging states. The young generation of scientists faced the question of how prestigious the tradition of contacts with Slavic scholars was and if it was justifiable to limit contacts with German scientists. The author points out the need for examining academic networks, social interaction of scholars, and the transfer of scientific knowledge to qualitatively assess the development of different disciplines of science. Using the example of Czech mathematicians, the author demonstrates their efforts in establishing professional and social contacts with German mathematicians, although in the academic world after the First World War these relations were otherwise officially limited. Czech mathematicians, however, did not want to stay behind in the dynamic development of new theoretical disciplines (e.g. non-Euclidean geometry or topology) and limit the relations to those with their Slavic counterparts, even though the cooperation with the Polish School of Mathematics was still valuable to them. The author of the paper asks to what extent this was the case of the generation of scientists starting their career in the interwar period, namely Václav Hlavatý or Eduard Čech, and concludes that in the history of science it is necessary to distinguish between strategies and social communication of scholars in the disciplines of formal and natural science. The subject is approached from the perspective of transnational history and the formation of Czech and Polish academic networks.
How many Welsh, Sámi, Sorbs … Are There? Numeric Data on Ethnicity and Language Speakers as Controversial Phenomenon
Authors: Šatava Leoš
Published: May 2023

In connection with professional texts, statistics, encyclopedic entries or other information about ethnic communities, data on their abundance are also commonly mentioned. However, an apparently straightforward fact as ethnicity/ethnic identity, seemingly easy to measure exactly, is highly debatable, as it hides a number of pitfalls and difficult-to-answer questions; it is also easy to manipulate and misuse politically. The same applies to the no less vague and difficult-to-measure phenomena of knowledge/use of language or mother tongue and their registration. The main emphasis of the text is on the current specific problems of ethnic and linguistic records, which are documented and analyzed: 1/ at a general level; 2/ on several current examples of European minority ethnic groups (Welsh, Sámi, Sorbs, Kalmyks, Rusyns). The tradition of ethnic/linguistic censuses is strong especially in Central and Eastern Europe. The author documents this fact on the Czech example, which is still based on the Austro-Hungarian model. It follows from the above that the standard publication of results of ethnic and linguistic censuses – despite their widespread and apparent exactness – must be received, due to the controversial dimension present, with considerable caution.
Návrat „domů“: přistěhovalecké vlny do Arménie po druhé světové válce
Authors: Košťálová Petra
Published: May 2023

The paper deals with the repatriation wave of Armenians from the Diaspora to Soviet Armenia in the years 1946–1948. It was the largest targeted and systematic immigration back to the Republic of Armenia, perceived primarily as a motherland and Promised Land; the migration wave and its impact could be considered in the frame of Hebrew aliyahs, or “ascension upward” (toward the Holy City). Returning from exile is called nergaghth in Armenian. The collective memory of Soviet Armenia has usually depicted this immigration as a success, a rescue of a nation threatened by genocide and an afflux of “new blood”; however, the repatriation was perceived as disappointment and historical injustice by repatriates and considered one of the reasons for tensions between the Diaspora and its motherland. After 1956, the majority of repatriates returned to their original host countries; those who remained in Armenia are (even after several generations) called by the pejorative term akhpar.
Oral nifedipine and phytosterol, intravenous nicardipine, and oral nifedipine only: Three-arm, retrospective, cohort study for management of severe preeclampsia
Authors: Ma Shanduo , Zhu Limei , Zhou Tiantian , Qi Ting , Wang Weijun
Published: May 2023

The treatment of preeclampsia is delivering women and extracting the placenta, but the Chinese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology guidelines do not recommend the delivery of babies without severe features. The objectives of the study were to compare the effectiveness and safety of nifedipine and phytosterol in combination with nicardipine for the management of severe preeclampsia. Women (19–32 years; gestation age ≥ 30 weeks) with the complication of severe preeclampsia have received 10 mg of oral nifedipine (pregnant women received 10 mg of oralnifedipine, n = 112) or 1 mg/h intravenous nicardipine (pregnant women received 1 mg/h intravenous nicardipine (ND cohort), n = 115) or oral 10 mg nifedipine and 500 mg phytosterol (pregnant women received oral 10 mg nifedipine and 500 mg phytosterol (np cohort), n = 111) until 150/100 mmHg blood pressure was achieved. The time required to achieve the desired blood pressure control was 13 minutes shorter in the NP cohort compared to the NF (p < 0.0001, t = 11.605), and 3 minutes shorter compared to the ND (p < 0.0001, t = 2.79) cohorts. Stillbirths were reported in 14 (13%), 28 (24%), and 10 (9%) infants, and 13 (12%), 26 (23%), and 10 (9%) infants died from the NF, ND, and NP cohorts, respectively. The undesirable tocolytic effect was reported in 17 (15%) women of the ND cohort. Phytosterol with nifedipine has a synergistic or additive effect on the management of preeclampsia with fewer adverse outcomes.
Scientometric analysis of flood forecasting for Asia region and discussion on machine learning methods
Authors: Li Peiying , Zhao Yanjie , Sufian Muhammad , Deifalla Ahmed Farouk
Published: May 2023

Flood forecast models have become better through research as they led to a lower risk of flooding, policy ideas, less human death, and less destruction of property, so this study uses Scientometric analysis for floods. In this analysis, citation-based data are used to uncover major publishing areas, such as the most prominent keywords, top best commonly used publications, the most highly cited journal articles, countries, and authors that have achieved consequent distinction in flood analysis. Machine learning (ML) techniques have played a significant role in the development of prediction systems, which have improved results and more cost-effective strategies. This study intends to give a review of ML methods such as decision trees, artificial neural networks, and wavelet neural networks, as well as a comparison of their precision, speed, and effectiveness. Severe flooding has been recognized as a significant source of massive deaths and property destruction in several nations, including India, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. This study presents far more effective flood forecast approaches. This analysis is being used as a guide for experts and climate researchers when deciding which ML algorithm to utilize for a particular forecasting assignment.
Socio-economic Circumstances at Birth and Early Motherhood: The Case of the “Daughters of the Wall”
Authors: Kleinjans Kristin J.
Published: May 2023

The fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 resulted in a severe economic downturn and a stark temporary decline in fertility in East Germany. But did it also affect the fertility of future generations? In this paper, I investigate early motherhood – a marker of lifetime disadvantage – of those born in the years immediately after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Using data from the German Socioeconomic Panel and a difference-in-differences specification comparing the “Daughters of the Wall” with East Germans born in adjacent years and with West Germans in order to control for region fixed-effects and time-varying confounders, I find that these Daughters of the Wall were more likely to have children in young adulthood if they did not grow up with both of their parents. These results suggest that severe recessions increase early motherhood of those born into disadvantage, increasing the transmission of disadvantage across generations.
The crystal structure of fac-tricarbonyl(N-benzoyl-N,N-cyclohexylmethylcarbamimidothioato-κ2
S,O)-(pyridine-κN)rhenium(I), C23H24N3O4ReS
Authors: Makhakhayi Luleka , Malan Frederick P. , Tembu Vuyelwa J. , Nkambule Comfort M. , Manicum Amanda-Lee E.
Published: May 2023

C23H24N3O4ReS, orthorhombic, Pbca (no. 61), a = 15.1264(4) Å, b = 15.1167(5) Å, c = 20.1500 Å, V = 4607.5(2) Å3, Z = 8, T = 150(2) K, R

gt
(F) = 0.0416, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0691.
Synthesis and crystal structure of 3-methyl-2-(methylthio)-4H-chromen-4-one, C12H12O2S
Authors: Liu Feng , Zhang Yuming , Zhao Zhimeng , Liu Yi , Chen Yang , Xiao Tao
Published: May 2023

C12H12O2S, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 7.4771(1) Å, b = 8.6860(1) Å, c = 16.0445(2) Å, β = 

95.374

(
1
)

∘

$95.374{\left(1\right)}^{\circ }$

, V = 1037.45(2) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0311, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1156, T = 293(2) K.
CISD2 protects against Erastin induced hepatocellular carcinoma ferroptosis by upregulating FSP1
Authors: Hou Wanyun , Long Puze , Liu Xilin , Liu Fahui , Liang Jiadong , Huang Yunmei , Su Qunying , Jiang Lihe , Luo Chunying
Published: May 2023

Objectives

CDGSH iron sulfur domain 2 (CISD2) is essential to maintain iron (Fe) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis, and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) can protect cells from ferroptosis by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Here, we investigate the role and potential mechanism of CISD2 and FSP1 in ferroptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Human HCC cells were exposed to ferroptosis inducer Erastin, and the expression changes of CISD2 and FSP1 during ferroptosis were detected. Subsequently, we investigated the effect of overexpression of CISD2 on ferroptosis and FSP1 expression in HCC cells. Finally, we also investigated the effect of overexpression of FSP1 on ferroptosis in HCC cells.

Results

Erastin induced ferroptosis in hepatoma cells, and HepG2 cells were sensitive to Erastin. In addition, it was found that the expression of CISD2 was significantly upregulated and the expression of FSP1 was significantly downregulated in Erastin treated HepG2 cells. Subsequently, CISD2 was found to be highly expressed in HCC tissues, and overexpression of CISD2 reversed ferroptosis induced by Erastin in HepG2 cells and upregulated the expression of FSP1. Meanwhile, FSP1 showed a low expression level in HCC tissues and cells, and overexpression of FSP1 could reverse the ferroptosis induced by Erastin in HepG2 cells.

Conclusion

CISD2 and FSP1 are involved in the ferroptosis process of HCC induced by Erastin. CISD2 protects against the ferroptosis of HCC induced by Erastin by upregulating the expression of FSP1.