bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Covid-19 Pandemisinin Şirketlerin Finansal Göstergeleri Üzerindeki Etkileri: Gaziantep Tekstil Sektörü Üzerine Bir Araştırma
Authors: KAYGUSUZOĞLU Mehmet , KAYGUSUZOĞLU Hande , ÖZTÜRK Enes Said
Published: August 2023

Covid-19 salgını insanlık tarihinin karşılaştığı en önemli pandemilerden biri olmuştur. Toplam vaka sayısı 430 000 000’u ölü sayısı ise 5 920 000 kişiye ulaşmıştır. Covid-19 salgını sağlık sorunlarının yanı sıra birçok ekonomik sorunu da beraberinde getirmiştir. Dünyada daha önce yaşanan krizler genellikle ekonomik ve finansal nedenlerden kaynaklanır iken bu kriz bir virüsten kaynaklanmıştır. Salgın hastalık ekonomik ve finansal faaliyetlerde küresel ölçekte bir çöküşe neden olmuştur. Türkiye'de bu salgın hastalıktan ve bu hastalığın neden olduğu krizden önemli derecede etkilenmiştir. Uzun süren kapanmalar dolayısıyla üretimde, istihdamda, ihracatta ve daha birçok diğer alanda geriye gidişler yaşanmıştır. Bu çalışma ile Gaziantep'te Tekstil sektöründe faaliyet gösteren şirketlerin 2019 ve 2020 yılları finansal raporları esas alınarak finansal analizinin yapılması ve covid 19 sürecinin söz konusu işletmelerin finansal tabloları üzerindeki etkisinin ortaya konulması amaçlanmıştır. Bu kapsamda Gaziantep'te Tekstil sektöründe faaliyet gösteren ve İstanbul Sanayi Odası tarafından her yıl açıklanan Türkiye'nin ilk 500 sanayi Şirketi arasında yer alan Şirketlerden finansal raporlarına ulaşılan 12 adet şirket üzerinde değerlendirme yapılmıştır
Akademik Türkçe İçeriklerinde Üstsöylem Belirleyicilerin Görünümleri
Authors: ŞİMŞEK Ramazan , EROL Teymur
Published: August 2023

Hedef kitle ve söylemin kaynağı arasındaki bildirişim dil bilimsel yapılar aracılığıyla çok değişkenli bir yapıya bürünür. Bu yapısal süreç hedef kitleye gönderilen bildirimlerin ikna ediciliği, inandırıcılığı ve kabul edilebilirliği üzerinden şekillenmektedir. Akademik amaçlarla geliştirilen söylemde mesajların şekillendirilmesi, hiyerarşik sıralaması ve organizasyonu üstsöylem belirleyiciler aracılığı ile sağlanmaktadır. Üstsöylem belirleyiciler aracılığıyla yazar anlatmak istediği temel mesajları vurgulayıp muhatabını olumlu veya olumsuz bir kanıya ikna etmeye çalışabilir. Üstsöylem belirleyiciler ile ilgili son yıllarda yapılan çalışmalar dikkat çekmektedir. Nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden durum çalışmasının kullanıldığı bu araştırmada da akademik Türkçe eğitiminde kullanılan materyallerde üstsöylem belirleyicilerin görünümlerinin ve türlerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu çerçevede araştırmanın verisini oluşturan içerikler derlem tabanlı araçlarda kullanılacak formata dönüştürülerek veri tabanı inşa edilmiştir. İncelenen veri tabanı aracılığı ile akademik Türkçe eğitiminde kullanılan içeriklerde üstsöylem belirleyicilerin dengeli dağılmadığı saptanmış olup bağlayıcı türündeki etkileşimli üstsöylem belirleyicilerin baskın olduğu gözlenmiştir. Akademik gayelerle yabancı dil olarak Türkçe öğrenen bireylerin anlama ve anlatma becerilerinde oluşturacağı yansımalar üzerinde durulmuştur.
TÜKETİCİ SATIN ALMA NİYETİNDE İŞLETMELERİN SÜRDÜRÜLEBİLİR PAZARLAMA FAALİYETLERİNİN ETKİSİ: BİR ALAN ARAŞTIRMASI
Authors: YILDIZ Arif , KELEPÇE KARACIL Aysel
Published: August 2023

Bu çalışmanın temel amacı; işletmelerin yürüttüğü sürdürülebilir pazarlama faaliyetlerinin, tüketicilerin satın alma niyetlerinde etkili olup olmadığının tespit edilmesidir. Bu amaçla nicel araştırma veri toplama tekniklerinden biri olan anket formu hazırlanmıştır. Hazırlanan anket formunun katılımcılara uygulanabilmesi için gerekli olan etik kurul izni “Adıyaman Üniversitesi Sosyal ve Beşerî Bilimler Etik Kurulu’nun 30.06.2022 tarih- 295 sayılı kararı” ile alınmıştır. Öncelikle anket formunun geçerlilik ve güvenilirliğinin tespit edilmesi amacıyla Adıyaman Üniversitesinde görev yapan 40 akademik personel ile pilot uygulama gerçekleştirilmiştir. Sonrasında nihai çalışmada değerlendirilmek üzere 155’i online ve 152’si yüz yüze olmak üzere toplamda 307 geçerli anket formu elde edilmiştir. Elde edilen verilerin analizlerinde SPSS 25.0 paket programı kullanılmıştır. Yapılan analizler neticesinde cinsiyet ve medeni durum ile işletmelerin sürdürülebilir pazarlama uygulamaları alt boyutları ve satın alma niyeti boyutu arasında anlamlı bir farklılığa rastlanmamıştır. Ancak unvan ve yaş değişkeni ile işletmelerin sürdürülebilir pazarlama uygulamaları alt boyutları ve satın alma niyeti arasında anlamlı bir farklılığa rastlanmıştır. Bununla birlikte çevresel ve toplumsal alt boyutlarının satın alma niyeti üzerinde pozitif yönlü anlamlı bir etkisinin olduğu, ekonomik alt boyutunun ise satın alma niyeti üzerinde etkisinin olmadığı sonucu elde edilmiştir. Bu kapsamda, işletmelerin sürdürülebilir pazarlama uygulamalarının tüketicilerin satın alma niyeti üzerinde kısmen anlamlı bir etkisinin olduğu söylenebilir.
Correlation of Nutritional Status and Sleep Quality With Incidence Primary Dysmenorrhoea in Obstetric Students
Authors: Yuliani Anita , Rahmat Rahmat , Oktavia Rosa Hasti Ayu , Papila Diana
Published: August 2023

Women in worldwide had experienced dysmenorrhea, with 10-15% experiencing severe dysmenorrhea. The intensity and pain can affect sleep quality. Out of 51 female undergraduate midwifery students, 20 of them experienced dysmenorrhea. They reported having difficulty sleeping and often slept after 11 PM. During lectures, some of them felt exhausted. This study aimed to identify the correlation between nutritional status and sleep quality with the occurrence of primary dysmenorrhea in midwifery students. This research was a quantitative study with an analytic cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 107 undergraduate midwifery students selected using a total sampling technique. Data collection involved measuring the weight and height of respondents to categorize their body mass index (BMI), and then the respondents completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) questionnaire for primary dysmenorrhea. Data analysis was conducted using the Spearman rank correlation test. The results showed a significant negative correlation between nutritional status and the occurrence of dysmenorrhea, as well as a meaningful correlation between sleep quality and primary dysmenorrhea in midwifery students. Based on this research, we concluded that there was a correlation between nutritional status and sleep quality with the occurrence of primary dysmenorrhea.
The Relationship Between Personal Hygiene and Incidence of Helminthiasis in Elementary School Students in Indonesia
Authors: Krismahardi Adnindya , Metriana Metriana
Published: August 2023

Helminthiasis is an infectious disease caused by parasites in the form of worms that are usually transmitted through contaminated soil. Several things can be risk factors for disability in children. Risk factors for helminthiasis include Not washing hands with soap before eating; Not using footwear when going out of the house; Washing hands without soap after defecation; Frequent nail-biting; Playing on the dirty ground; Paying less attention to the food consumed.  The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between personal hygiene which consists of hand washing behavior, using footwear, and the habit of cleaning nails to the incidence of worms in elementary school students in Indonesia. This study used a meta-analysis method with secondary data obtained on the Google Scholar online database portal. Research articles obtained from Google Scholar and have gone through a selection process with inclusion criteria will enter the meta-analysis stage using JASP software. Based on the results of the meta-analysis, the personal hygiene variable was obtained which became the highest risk factor, namely handwashing behavior with a pooled PR value of 2,944 and 95% CI of 0.696-1,465, followed by variables of behavior using footwear with a pooled PR value of 2,351 and 95% CI of 0.326-1,384 and the smallest risk factor, namely nail cleaning behavior with a pooled PR value of 2,284 and 95% CI of 0.263-1,389. The sensitivity test results have variations with an increase in the pooled PR value from the fixed effect model to the random effect model as well as the widening of the Confident Interval value. In this study, it can be concluded that the behavioral variables of washing hands, using footwear, and cleaning nails can increase the risk of helminthiasis. Prevention efforts need to be carried out by educating children and parents to improve the personal hygiene of the child. Supervision efforts from parents are also needed to minimize the risk factor of helminthiasis in children.
Efek Proses Pengolahan Terhadap Kadar Fenol, Vitamin C dan Penerimaan Konsumen pada Teh Daun Tatat (Bauhinia acuminata)
Authors: Fitriarni Dian
Published: August 2023

Human awareness to maintain health provides an increase in consumption of natural products. This requires various efforts to explore natural products and process them into functional food. Herbal tea is one type of functional food from plant are produces in form dried herbs plant. Tatat leaves is rich in bioactive compounds such as alkaloid and polyphenols. This are actually quite well known in Sandai, which are believed to treat heat, lower blood sugar, hypertension, and immunomodulators. The purposes of this study is to make tatat leaf tea as functional food products with good quality especially for compotition and consumer preference using 2 different drying methods.

Based on the results, it was found that visually the color produced by tatat leaves from the processing results was brighter with a brownish orange color, in contrast to tatat leaves which were brewed without processing which resulted in a pale yellow color. Based on the results of hedonic analysis, panelists prefer the taste, aroma, and color of tatat leaves from the processing treatment. The results of the analysis of phenol levels showed that the tatat leaves tea from the processing process was 91.078 mgGAE / g higher than the tatat leaves tea without processing 40.643 mgGAE / g. The results of the vitamin C test showed that the percentage of tatat leaves tea from the processing process was lower at 29.74 mg / 100 g compared to the tatat leaves from the direct drying method of 44.92 mg / 100 g.
A Review on The Benefits of Probiotics as Fermented Food against Several Diseases
Authors: Nasri Nasri , Silalahi Jansen , Kaban Vera Estefania , Satria Denny
Published: August 2023

Fermentation is a natural process when microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria convert carbohydrates such as starch and sugar into alcohol or acid. Some fermented products from microorganisms can be processed into foods that can be consumed and provide good health effects for the body. Fermented foods such as kefir, tempeh, natto, and kimchi are foods that produce probiotic bacteria, which are good bacteria that have a beneficial effect on the host when consumed in sufficient quantities (about 108–1011 CFU/mL). If probiotics are consumed in combination with prebiotics, they will have a synergistic effect called "synbiotics" and will increase the benefits of probiotics. Several in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies have shown that probiotics can help with diseases like diarrhea, high cholesterol, diabetes, colon cancer, and dyslipidemia
SMART SHOPPING TROLLEY WITH AUTOMATED BILLING
Authors: Valli M.Shanmuga , Thrisha S , Aruna K , Manoharan P. S.
Published: August 2023

—It is very important issue with people all over India to stand in a long queue to shop particular products from shopping malls. It consumes a lot of time for people to shop products from shopping malls during billing and checkout of products. During situations like COVID pandemic people suffered a lot due to overcrowd in supermarkets during billing and checkout. The proposed system will consist of an Arduino UNO and RFID scanner is used to scan the RFID tags from the product and an Infrared (IR) sensor for theft control purpose and a LCD to display the item purchased and the total cost of the items purchased and a WIFI module to communicate with the shop owners with an app. Through that app the owners will come to know the items purchased in a particular trolley number and the amount to be paid. Through this the customer can pay through online/physical payment and checkout the product with less waste of time and can experience contactless and safe shopping.
THE APPLICATION OF CRIMINOLOGY TO VIOLATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL CODE OF ETHICS BY POLICE PERSONNEL
Authors: Nugroho Dwi Bintang , Priyana Puti , Iman Candra Hayatul
Published: August 2023

If the law is viewed from the perspective of law enforcement agencies, the Code of Ethics violations committed by police officers as users of online prostitution services are a slander against law enforcement in Indonesia, so criminology is needed to study more deeply the causes of these violations. The method used by the researcher in preparing this paper is a descriptive writing method with a normative juridical research approach, and the data collection method used is literature study. The purpose of this research is so that readers can understand the application of criminology to KEPP Violations by Police Officers and understand and analyze the resolution of KEPP violators based on PERKAP No. 14 Year 2011 related to the use of online prostitution services during the assignment by police officer.
ANALISIS PUTUSAN NOMOR 742/PDT.G/2017/PN MDN TENTANAG SENGKETA HARTA GONO-GINI
Authors: Pasaribu Jonathan Parulian , Sitepu Pranzheva Theotara , Simanjuntak Vrans Efesus , Pakpahan Emir Syarif Fatahillah , Alfarisi MS
Published: August 2023

During the marriage bond, the wife and husband work together for the benefit of married life. Talking about it here is not just about making money but also educating children and meeting children's needs. But the marriage bond does not last forever, after the husband and wife divorce, a joint property is formed. Joint property is the result of divorce. This has become the essence of Article 35 paragraph (1) of Law Number 1 of 1974 concerning Marriage. The formulation of the problem that arises as a result of the dispute is how the panel of judges views it in assessing the case and what are the consequences related to the occurrence of marriage breakups in Indonesia from a legal and justice point of view. This research is juridical-normative in nature, namely tracing laws and regulations related to joint assets and case studies.
LEGAL REVIEW OF LAND RIGHTS RELATED TO THE COMPLETE SYSTEMATIC LAND REGISTRATION PROGRAM BASED ON LEGAL CERTAIN VALUES
Authors: Rengganis Wulan Laraswati , Marlina Tina , Maulida Irma , Sutrisno Endang
Published: August 2023

The Ministry of ATR/BPN is authorized by the government to grant land rights and land registration activities. Therefore, the PTSL Program was created as a land registration program to achieve legal certainty. The results of the PTSL Program can be issued certificates which are proof of ownership that has legal certainty, but in fact even though they already have legal certainty they can still cause land disputes such as certificates that overlap ownership. Seeing the problems above, the author is interested in analyzing how the PTSL program is implemented for the purpose of legal certainty and efforts to resolve legal disputes in the PTSL program regarding overlapping land rights based on Permen ATR/BPN Number 21 of 2020?. The research method used is normative juridical. The results of the study show that the PTSL program with overlapping certificates of ownership has not fully obtained legal certainty due to administrative defects. Therefore, to obtain legal certainty, one of the certificates must be canceled and the process carried out according to the procedure. Efforts to resolve legal disputes in the PTSL Program regarding overlapping land rights in accordance with Article 6 Paragraph (1), Article 29 Paragraph (1), Article 34, and Article 35 of Permen ATR/BPN Number 21 of 2020. It was concluded that the PTSL Program even though can cause overlapping certificates of ownership, you can still get legal certainty with the handling regulated by Permen ATR/BPN Number 21 of 2020.
DOUBLE MYSTIFICATION OF THE DRAHOMANOV SISTERS
Authors: Burlaka Halyna
Published: August 2023

The subject of this research is the family correspondence of the Drahomanovs, a significant part of which remains unpublished. These archival materials have been prepared for publication in the upcoming issue of the annual journal “Heritage: Literary Source Studies. Textology”. They significantly enrich our knowledge of Mykhailo Drahomanov’s life and his circle, while also presenting some complex tasks for the commentator. In particular, the letters of M. Drahomanov’s youngest brother, Oleksandr, mention his daughters Oksana and Nina. The dates mentioned in these references contradict the commonly known information about their birth years. Therefore, there is a need to clarify their actual years of birth.

Oksana Drahomanova was a lawyer, a participant in Ukraine’s liberation struggle in 1918—1921, an international women’s movement activist, a writer, and a translator. Various mentions provide different birth dates for Oksana, most often 1894 but occasionally 1892. The information about Oksana and Nina Drahomanova that has been circulated in the scholarly literature is based mostly on the distant relatives’ and acquaintances’ memories, which are often unreliable in terms of dating. In addition, Oksana herself may have altered her passport data, ‘rejuvenating’ herself by at least three years during her emigration overseas. The present research incorporates modern sources and archival materials, including memories, photographs, correspondence, and other documents. A decisive piece of evidence was a photograph of little Oksana, about one and a half years old, with a gift inscription from her father, dated June 1892. Thus, it is proved that Oksana Drahomanova was actually born in early 1891, but the exact date has yet to be established.

Little is known about Nina Drahomanova, with her birth year commonly believed to be 1900 or 1901. However, based on the letters of her father Oleksandr from 1898—1912, it can confidently be stated that Nina was born in 1898.

In addition, through the study of sources, the exact birth date of Oleksandr Drahomanov is determined to be August 4, 1859, according to the old style.

The paper demonstrates how preparing texts for publication and scholarly commentary on archival materials (in this case, epistolary ones) lead to heuristic discoveries.
LESIA UKRAINKA’S SONNET POEM AS A DYNAMIC SYSTEM
Authors: Moisiienko Anatolii
Published: August 2023

A sonnet poem, typically consisting of a thesis, an antithesis, and a conclusion, is a dynamic entity by its very nature. In the sonnets by Lesia Ukrainka, various aspects of such dynamics can be observed at both the proper textual and intertextual levels. At the textual level, an important role in the dynamization of the text system is primarily played by numerous lexical and syntactic repetitions. While tradition has long prevented the use of lexical repetitions in sonnet texts, the experience of outstanding masters, such as Lesia Ukrainka, proves that disregarding this tradition occurs due to the author’s creative approach to the issue.

The figurative and semantic dynamics of Lesia Ukrainka’s sonnets are often initiated with the very first word, which is further actualized through anaphoric and other repeated elements. In the first version of the “Fa” sonnet, the highly expressive dynamics of gradation in rhetorical interrogative sentences, introduced in the second quatrain, reach their intense paradigmatic expression in the tercet endings. To a large extent, a different character of the figurative and intonation course, corresponding to the meaningful intra-dialogical unfolding of the literary canvas, can be traced in the compositional system of the sonnet “The Last Song of Maria Stewart”, where the initial interrogative construction finds a logical continuation in the final lines of the exclamatory sentence.

The sonnet “Breath of the Desert”, the figurative dynamics of which are realized mostly due to the intertextual situation, shows still another character of the compositional course. Based on the perception of Lesia Ukrainka’s poem “Khamsin”, written, by the way, on the same day as the sonnet (both poems belong to the “Spring in Egypt” cycle), the image of the free and capricious wind (‘khamsin’) acquires a deep meaning. Intertextual and apperceptive dynamics can also be observed in the Bakhchysarai triptych from the cycle “Crimean Memories”, which undoubtedly alludes to Adam Mickiewicz’s “Crimean Sonnets”. However, the perception of the literary heritage here is highly individual: unlike Mickiewicz’s generally romantic interpretation of events, Lesia Ukrainka discusses the affairs of long-gone days in her sonnet from the standpoint of a narrator ‒ a contemporary of the new age, who interprets historical processes in relation to present realities.
Shaping The Meaning Through Simulation and Constructing Alternative Reality in Ian Mcewan’s Machines Like Me
Authors: AVCU İsmail
Published: August 2023

Ian McEwan uses elements of science-fiction and puts forwards some vague issues about artificial intelligence in Machines Like Me, thus leaving the reader in a technologically advanced, sci-fi utopia dominated by hyperrealism, subjectivity, and consumerism, which later turns into a moral dystopia with discrepancies of humankind’s interaction with AI humanoid robots. He offers a retro-futuristic universe where notions such as morality, human nature, and free will are challenged in an environment generated by postmodern tactics of historiographic metafiction and intertextuality as well as simulation. McEwan also provides us with a postmodern picture of contemporary individuals and conditions in which thin lines between the intrusion of artificial intelligence into our lives and the representation of truth and reality are blurred.

Making use of theoretical concepts such as postmodern simulation, historicity, and production of knowledge under how McEwan presents the major subject matters in the novel with the reflection and depiction of a futuristic world of artificial intelligence, this article tries to answer the questions about the condition of the postmodern individual who struggles with the issues of discerning reality and truth haunted by the existence and intrusion of AI Adams and Eves.
Policy Agendas and Environmental Protection: How Agenda-Setting Matters
Authors: Yan Yang , Yang Zhusong , Christensen Tom
Published: August 2023

Agenda-setting is the initial stage in policymaking. This article investigates whether agenda-setting influences the outcome of the policy process. Based on data from the policy agendas of Chinese provincial governments, our empirical study discovered that more attention to environmental protection in core policy venues could help improve provincial air quality. However, because of limited space on the political agenda and competing issues, an increasing proportion of the issues with the highest priority on the policy agenda are associated with poorer environmental quality, illustrating how “top issues” tend to crowd out environmental concerns. Furthermore, we found no evidence that policymakers’ agendas influence provincial air quality. The findings enrich our understanding of the critical role of agenda-setting in the policy process. More broadly, this study seeks to apply agenda-setting literature and methodology to a one-party state in order to better understand the agenda dynamics.
Late Colonialism and Post-Colonial Development in Africa: A Comparative Historical Analysis of Former Italian Africa
Authors: Noor Salih
Published: August 2023

This paper analyzes the colonial institutions and development legacies of Italian colonialism in East and North Africa. Colonial Italy established “settler colonialism” in areas conducive to colonial settlement and large-scale exploitation, and “enclave colonialism” in areas with fewer resource and settlement opportunities. In the immediate aftermath of colonial rule (i.e., 1940s-1950s), settler colonialism had positive effects on economic development, whereas enclave colonialism exerted a negative impact on economic prosperity. However, both settler and enclave types of Italian colonialism had strong negative effects on human wellbeing. During the long-term postcolonial period (post-1960), postcolonial development was contingent on critical junctures in each country, which destabilized, redirected, and/or transformed the colonial institutional legacy and associated development trajectories. The paper finds colonizers' “national identity” with factor endowments as a critical source of variation in colonial institutions and long-run postcolonial development, and little empirical support for factor endowments per se or pre-colonial ethnic centralization.
Contributions of deep learning to automated numerical modelling of the interaction of electric fields and cartilage tissue based on 3D images
Authors: Che Vien Lam , Zimmermann Julius , Zhou Yilu , Lu X. Lucas , van Rienen Ursula
Published: August 2023

Electric fields find use in tissue engineering but also in sensor applications besides the broad classical application range. Accurate numerical models of electrical stimulation devices can pave the way for effective therapies in cartilage regeneration. To this end, the dielectric properties of the electrically stimulated tissue have to be known. However, knowledge of the dielectric properties is scarce. Electric field-based methods such as impedance spectroscopy enable determining the dielectric properties of tissue samples. To develop a detailed understanding of the interaction of the employed electric fields and the tissue, fine-grained numerical models based on tissue-specific 3D geometries are considered. A crucial ingredient in this approach is the automated generation of numerical models from biomedical images. In this work, we explore classical and artificial intelligence methods for volumetric image segmentation to generate model geometries. We find that deep learning, in particular the StarDist algorithm, permits fast and automatic model geometry and discretisation generation once a sufficient amount of training data is available. Our results suggest that already a small number of 3D images (23 images) is sufficient to achieve 80% accuracy on the test data. The proposed method enables the creation of high-quality meshes without the need for computer-aided design geometry post-processing. Particularly, the computational time for the geometrical model creation was reduced by half. Uncertainty quantification as well as a direct comparison between the deep learning and the classical approach reveal that the numerical results mainly depend on the cell volume. This result motivates further research into impedance sensors for tissue characterisation. The presented approach can significantly improve the accuracy and computational speed of image-based models of electrical stimulation for tissue engineering applications.
Case Report: Detection of Treponema phagedenis in cerebrospinal fluid of a neurosyphilis patient by metagenomic next-generation sequencing
Authors: Yuan Chenyan , Xu Wei , Zhao Chenggui , Gao Wei , Wu Guoqiu
Published: August 2023

Treponema phagedenis, a human commensal spirochete, has been reported world-wide as a key factor in the pathogenesis of bovine digital dermatitis. Here we report a case of T. phagedenis sequence detection in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of a patient. The patient was diagnosed with neurosyphilis, and T. phagedenis was detected as the only microorganism in his CSF by metagenomic sequencing. The patient went through a round of penicillin therapy previously (2.4 million units of Benzathine Penicillin intramuscularly once a week for three weeks) that did not resolve the symptoms; after the diagnosis of neurosyphilis he was treated with Penicillin G Sodium 4.0 million units q4h intravenous for 14 days then his symptoms resolved. To the best of our knowledge, T. phagedenis has never been reported to be detected in a human’s CSF before. This was also the first time it was detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing. We propose that more etiological tests should be performed including culture and sequencing for more patients with syphilis, which will contribute to a deeper understanding of the pathogenicity of the spirochete.
The characteristics of mcr-bearing plasmids in clinical Salmonella enterica in Sichuan, China, 2014 to 2017
Authors: Sun Xinran , Zhang Lin , Meng Jiantong , Peng Kai , Huang Weifeng , Lei Gaopeng , Wang Zhiqiang , Li Ruichao , Yang Xiaorong
Published: August 2023

Salmonella is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens and a major cause of foodborne illnesses, posing a serious global public health hazard. The emergence of plasmid-mediated mcr genes in Salmonella has greatly reduced the clinical choice of salmonellosis treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the plasmid characteristics of mcr-positive Salmonella identified from patients in Sichuan, China during 2014 to 2017 by whole genomes sequencing. In this study, a total of 12 mcr-positive isolates (1.15%, ; mcr-1, n=10; mcr-3, n=2) were identified from 1046 Salmonella isolates using PCR. Further characterization of these isolates was performed through antimicrobial susceptibility testing, conjugation assays, whole genome sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis. The mcr-1 gene in these isolates were carried by three types of typical mcr-1-bearing plasmids widely distributed in Enterobacteriaceae (IncX4, IncI2 and IncHI2). Of note, two mcr-1-harboring IncHI2 plasmids were integrated into chromosomes by insertion sequences. Two mcr-3-bearing plasmids were IncC and IncFIB broad-host-range plasmids respectively. Genetic context analysis found that mcr-1 was mainly located in Tn6330 or truncated Tn6300, and mcr-3 shared a common genetic structure tnpA-mcr-3-dgkA-ISKpn40. Overall, we found that mcr gene in clinical Salmonella were commonly carried by broad-host plasmids and have potential to transfer into other bacteria by these plasmids. Continuous surveillance of MDR Salmonella in humans and investigation the underlying transmission mechanisms of ARGs are vital to curb the current severe AMR concern.
Conceptualising teacher dialogic artistry: a nexus of pedagogical dispositions and language qualities
Authors: Hadjipanteli Angela , Vrikki Maria
Published: August 2023

Teacher pedagogical artistry is fundamental to good teaching. This paper attempts to conceptualise one perspective of pedagogical artistry, that of teacher dialogic artistry. This conceptualisation is built on two dimensions of teachers’ conduct aesthetically embodied in dialogic pedagogy: the pedagogical dispositions and language qualities. In this light, we suggest three dispositions that teachers need to develop a dialogic ecology in their class. These are togetherness, provisionality, and exploratory disposition. It is also essential that each of these dispositions be accompanied by a teacher’s code of verbal communication thoroughly harmonised with them. In the context of such dialogic ecology, students are offered the potential to shape their dialogic ethos.
Gut microbial change after administration of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei AO356 is associated with anti-obesity in a mouse model
Authors: Song Eun-Ji , Lee Eun-Sook , Kim Young In , Shin Dong-Uk , Eom Ji-Eun , Shin Hee Soon , Lee So-Young , Nam Young-Do
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The status of an impaired gut microbial community, known as dysbiosis, is associated with metabolic diseases such as obesity and insulin resistance. The use of probiotics has been considered an effective approach for the treatment and prevention of obesity and related gut microbial dysbiosis. The anti-obesity effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei AO356 was recently reported. However, the effect of L. paracasei AO356 on the gut microbiota has not yet been identified. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of L. paracasei AO356 on gut microbiota and ensure its safety for use as a probiotic.

Methods

Oral administration of L. paracasei AO356 (107 colony-forming units [CFU]/mg per day, 5 days a week, for 10 weeks) to mice fed a high-fat diet significantly suppressed weight gain and fat mass. We investigated the composition of gut microbiota and explored its association with obesity-related markers.

Results

Oral administration of L. paracasei AO356 significantly changed the gut microbiota and modified the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Oscillospira. Bacteroides and Oscillospira were significantly related to the lipid metabolism pathway and obesity-related markers. We also confirmed the safety of L. paracasei AO356 using antibiotics resistance, hemolysis activity, bile salt hydrolase activity, lactate production, and toxicity tests following the safety assessment guidelines of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS).

Discussion

This study demonstrated that L. paracasei AO356 is not only associated with an anti-obesity effect but also with changes in the gut microbiota and metabolic pathways related to obesity. Furthermore, the overall safety assessment seen in this study could increase the potential use of new probiotic materials with anti-obesity effects.
Acupuncture improves the emotion domain and lipid profiles in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Chang Hui , Shi Baichao , Ge Hang , Liu Chengdong , Wang Lirong , Ma Chengcheng , Liu Lifeng , Zhang Wanyu , Zhang Duojia , Wang Yong , Wang Chi Chiu , Wu Xiaoke
Published: August 2023

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on the emotion domain and metabolic parameters of Chinese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) by secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, conducted from 6 July 2012 to 7 October 2015.

Method

In this study, we investigated the effects of acupuncture (458 patients) and sham acupuncture (468 patients) on metabolic parameters, serum ions, and all quality-of-life scale scores related to PCOS. The quality of life of patients was evaluated using five relevant scales, operated by the research assistant, namely, PCOSQ, SF-36, and ChiQOL, as well as Zung-SAS and Zung-SDS. Metabolic parameters and serum ions were measured.

Results

A reduction in acne score, AN, Hcy, and LDL-C, and an increase in the level of lipoprotein α, Apo A1, and Apo A1/Apo B were observed in the acupuncture group after 4 months’ intervention after adjusting clomiphene and reproductive outcome (p< 0.05). An increase in SF-36 total scores, RP and RE scores, ChiQOL total scores, and emotion domain scores was observed in the acupuncture group after 4 months’ intervention, while PF and HT scores were decreased (adjusted p< 0.05). Those same changes were observed in sham acupuncture. Meanwhile, the serum levels of Ca, K, and Cl were elevated in the acupuncture group after the interventions (adjusted p< 0.005). There were no significant differences in HOMA-IR, MetS, FPG, FINS, HDL-C, TG, Apo B, and level of serum P, Mg, and Na. Also, no changes in BP, GH, VT, SF, physical form domain, and spirit domain were observed after treatment.

Conclusion

Acupuncture can improve not only the emotional changes in SF-36 scores and ChiQOL scores, but also lipid metabolism, implying that it may have a correlation between emotional change and lipid metabolism. Furthermore, acupuncture can also regulate the changes of serum Ca, K, and Cl.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT01573858.
The impact of digital finance on the modernization of China’s industrial chain
Authors: Xiao Quan , Fang Xubing , Su Lin , Chen Xinhe , Zhu Yaxi
Published: August 2023

In the pivotal era of global industrial transformation, digital finance has emerged as a key driver in enhancing the modernization of China’s industrial chain. This study, utilizing data from 30 Chinese provinces from 2012 to 2020, investigates the influence of digital finance on industrial chain modernization through fixed effects and spatial econometric models. Our findings indicate a significant, positive impact of digital finance on industrial chain modernization. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the eastern region benefits more from digital finance than central and western regions, and its influence has been more pronounced after 2016. Mechanistically, digital finance positively affects industrial agglomeration, industrial structure optimization, and facilitates Innovation Achievements Transformation, albeit with varying effectiveness across subindicators. Further, we observe positive spatial spillovers for both digital finance and industrial chain modernization. While digital finance significantly enhances industrial chain modernization, its impact on adjacent regions is negligible. Importantly, digital finance exerts a positive influence on industrial chain modernization in both short-term and long-term scenarios. This research elucidates the interplay between digital finance and the modernization of China’s industrial chain.
Clinical and molecular delineation of classical-like Ehlers–Danlos syndrome through a comprehensive next-generation sequencing-based screening system
Authors: Yamaguchi Tomomi , Yamada Kazuo , Nagai So , Nishikubo Toshiya , Koitabashi Norimichi , Minami-Hori Masako , Matsushima Masaaki , Shibata Yuka , Ishiguro Hiroki , Sanai Hiromi , Fujikawa Tomomi , Takiguchi Yuri , Matsumoto Ken-Ichi , Kosho Tomoki
Published: August 2023

Classical-like Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (clEDS) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by complete absence of tenascin-X resulting from biallelic variation in TNXB. Thus far, 50 patients from 43 families with biallelic TNXB variants have been identified. Accurate detection of TNXB variants is challenging because of the presence of the pseudogene TNXA, which can undergo non-allelic homologous recombination. Therefore, we designed a genetic screening system that is performed using similar operations to other next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel analyses and can be applied to accurately detect TNXB variants and the recombination of TNXA-derived sequences into TNXB. Using this system, we identified biallelic TNXB variants in nine unrelated clEDS patients. TNXA-derived variations were found in >75% of the current cohort, comparable to previous reports. The current cohort generally exhibited similar clinical features to patients in previous reports, but had a higher frequency of gastrointestinal complications (e.g., perforation, diverticulitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, rectal/anal prolapse, and gallstones). This report is the first to apply an NGS-based screening for TNXB variants and represents the third largest cohort of clEDS, highlighting the importance of increasing awareness of the risk of gastrointestinal complications.
Glial autoantibody prevalence in Chinese optic neuritis with onset after age 45: clinical factors for diagnosis
Authors: Song Honglu , Chuai Yucai , Yang Mo , Zhou Huanfen , Sun Mingming , Xu Quangang , Wei Shihui
Published: August 2023

Purpose

As glial autoantibody testing is not yet available in some areas of the world, an alternative approach is to use clinical indicators to predict which subtypes of middle-aged and elderly-onset optic neuritis (ON) have manifested.

Method

This study was a single-center hospital-based retrospective cohort study. Middle-aged and elderly-onset ON patients (age > 45 years) who had experienced the first episode of ON were included in this cohort. Single- and multi-parametric diagnostic factors for middle-aged and elderly-onset myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein immunoglobulin-associated ON (MOG-ON) and aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin-related ON (AQP4-ON) were calculated.

Results

From January 2016 to January 2020, there were 81 patients with middle-aged and elderly-onset ON, including 32 (39.5%) AQP4-ON cases, 19 (23.5%) MOG-ON cases, and 30 (37.0%) Seronegative-ON cases. Bilateral involvement (47.4%, P = 0.025) was most common in the MOG-ON group. The presence of other concomitant autoimmune antibodies (65.6%, P = 0.014) and prior neurological history (37.5%, P = 0.001) were more common in the AQP4-ON group. The MOG-ON group had the best follow-up best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (89.5% ≤ 1.0 LogMAR, P = 0.001). The most sensitive diagnostic factors for middle-aged and elderly-onset MOG-ON were ‘follow-up VA ≤ 0.1 logMAR’ (sensitivity 0.89), ‘bilateral involvement or follow-up VA ≤ 0.1 logMAR’ (sensitivity 0.95), ‘bilateral involvement or without neurological history’ (sensitivity 1.00), and ‘follow-up VA ≤ 0.1 logMAR or without neurological history’ (sensitivity 1.00), and the most specific factor was ‘bilateral involvement’ (specificity 0.81). The most sensitive diagnostic factors for middle-aged and elderly-onset AQP4-ON were ‘unilateral involvement’ (sensitivity 0.88), ‘unilateral involvement or neurological history’ (sensitivity 0.91), and ‘unilateral involvement or other autoimmune antibodies’ (sensitivity 1.00), and the most specific factor was neurological history (specificity 0.98).

Conclusion

Based on our cohort study of middle-aged and elderly-onset ON, MOG-ON is less prevalent than AQP4-ON and Seronegative-ON. Using multiple combined parameters improves the sensitivity and negative predictive value for diagnosing middle-aged and elderly-onset MOG-ON and AQP4-ON. These combined parameters can help physicians identify and treat middle-aged and elderly-onset ON early when glial autoantibody status is not available.
An integrative phenology and climatic suitability model for emerald ash borer
Authors: Barker Brittany S. , Coop Leonard , Duan Jian J. , Petrice Toby R.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Decision support models that predict both when and where to expect emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), are needed for the development and implementation of effective management strategies against this major invasive pest of ash (Fraxinus species) in North America and other regions such as Europe. We present a spatialized model of phenology and climatic suitability for EAB for use in the Degree-Days, Risk, and Phenological event mapping (DDRP) platform, which is an open-source decision support tool to help detect, monitor, and manage invasive threats.

Methods

We evaluated the model using presence records from three geographic regions (China, North America, and Europe) and a phenological dataset consisting primarily of observations from the northeastern and midwestern United States. To demonstrate the model, we produced phenological event maps for a recent year and tested for trends in EAB’s phenology and potential distribution over a recent 20-year period.

Results

Overall, the model exhibited strong performance. Presence was correctly estimated for over 99% of presence records and predicted dates of adult phenological events corresponded closely with observed dates, with a mean absolute error of ca. 7 days and low estimates of bias. Climate stresses were insufficient to exclude EAB from areas with native Fraxinus species in North America and Europe; however, extreme weather events, climate warming, and an inability for EAB to complete its life cycle may reduce suitability for some areas. Significant trends toward earlier adult emergence over 20 years occurred in only some areas.

Discussion

Near real-time model forecasts for the conterminous United States are available at two websites to provide end-users with decision-support for surveillance and management of this invasive pest. Forecasts of adult emergence and egg hatch are particularly relevant for surveillance and for managing existing populations with pesticide treatments and parasitoid introductions.
Association between retinol binding protein-4 and psoriasis vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Guangcheng , Cui Yuli , Cheng Haiyan
Published: August 2023

Background

Psoriasis vulgaris is a chronic skin disease which is related to cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. In the pathogenesis of these diseases, adipokines, including retinol binding protein-4 (RBP-4), play crucial roles. Studies have also shown that RBP-4 might be a meaningful factor in psoriasis however, relying on the analysis of a single study have some drawbacks.

Objective

To evaluate the association between RBP-4 and psoriasis vulgaris more comprehensively.

Methods

Six databases were searched to obtain relevant publications. The selection of the included studies was based on a criteria. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was used for analysis. A value of p < 0.05 was defined as significance.

Results

Seven studies were included, with 271 cases and 235 controls. In the comparison between patients and controls, the merged data suggested that levels of RBP-4 were significantly higher in patients (SMD = 0.61, 95%CI: 0.14, 1.07, p < 0.05). In five studies containing the data of RBP-4 levels before and after treatment, no significance was found, either for RBP-4 levels in the after-treatment group and control group in these five studies (p > 0.05). Subgroup analysis was conducted based on the therapy method. Patients with systematic treatment showed a significant decrease of BRP-4 level after the treatment (SMD = −0.64, 95%CI: −1.26, −0.03, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

For patients with psoriasis vulgaris, RBP-4 levels are elevated, and systematic treatment can lower these levels. RBP-4 might act as a key indicator for the diagnosis, efficacy assessment, and comorbidity monitoring of the patients. Further studies with well-designed protocols and enlarged populations are still needed.
Correlation analysis of endoscopic manifestations and eradication effect of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Luo Xin , Li Hui , He Li
Published: August 2023

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the most important risk factor for gastric cancer. Eradication of H. pylori significantly reduces the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer. H. pylori resistance to antibiotics and a gradual decline in eradication rates are gaining more and more attention. Our study aimed to address the correlation between endoscopic manifestations and the eradication effect of H. pylori.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed outpatients in our hospital with H. pylori infection undergoing eradication therapy from January 2022 to March 2023. Both the primary diagnosis and eradication of H. pylori after treatment were confirmed by a 13C urea breath test. Patients were treated with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based quadruple therapy. Clinical characteristics and endoscopy manifestations within 7 days before or after patients were diagnosed with H. pylori infection were analyzed.

Results

From January 2022 to March 2023, a total of 323 patients were enrolled in this study. There were 138 male patients and 185 female patients. The mean age of patients was 45.62 ± 13.04 years. The H. pylori initial eradication rate was 82.0%. Univariate analysis of factors affecting H. pylori eradication showed that sex, age, and endoscopic manifestations including diffuse redness, multiple white, and flat elevated lesions, and atrophy were significantly associated with the failure of H. pylori eradication therapy. A multivariable logistic regression model analysis of these five factors showed that patients aged over 60 years with multiple white and flat elevated lesions in the endoscopic examination are significantly less likely to eradicate H. pylori with empirical quadruple therapy. On the other hand, patients with diffuse redness were significantly more likely to eradicate H. pylori infection with empirical quadruple therapy.

Conclusion

Our study shows that age over 60 years old, multiple white and flat elevated lesions in endoscopic examination are independent risk factors of initial H. pylori eradication failure with empirical quadruple therapy, while diffuse redness in endoscopic examination is a protective factor of initial H. pylori eradication failure with empirical quadruple therapy, while diffuse redness in endoscopic examination is a protective factor. For patients with these risk factors, a drug sensitivity test or H. pylori resistance gene mutation detection may be more appropriate. However, further mechanism studies or prospective studies are needed to prove our findings.