bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Urgency of Regulation of Electric Bikes in Gorontalo City in a Progressive Legal Perspective
Authors: Puluhulawa Mohamad Rusdiyanto U. , Puluhulawa Jufryanto , Swarianata Vifi , Biya Fitriana Nur
Published: August 2023

The use of electric bicycles is currently becoming a primadonna among the community. The combination of transportation and technology makes it a creative and revolutionary innovation. High public interest and also based on the thought of the movement to save the Earth from carbon emissions has increasingly popularized the use of electric bicycles.  The purpose of this study was to determine and analyze the urgency of regulating electric bicycles in Gorontalo City in a progressive legal perspective.  The research method used is statute approach and conceptual approach.  Electric bicycles have begun to be traded in the Gorontalo Province. Of course, this indicates that Gorontalo Province has good market potential. Nationally, the rules for the use of electric bicycles have indeed been accommodated in the Minister of Transportation Regulation, but their embodiment in regional regulations is still needed considering that Gorontalo Province in general and Gorontalo City in particular certainly have special conditions. which must also be accommodated in a regulation because the facilities and infrastructure as well as local wisdom that live in the community are certainly not at the same level nationally. It is appropriate that the use of electric bicycles as a means of transportation is made a legal umbrella in the regions. Law through the lens of progressiveness must move faster than society itself considering that law is rigid while society is dynamic
Criminal Policy on Destructive Fishing Activities in Serutbar, Indonesia
Authors: Lewerissa Yanti Amelia , Hehanussa Deassy Antoneta , Adam Sherly
Published: August 2023

Fishing communities around the North Seram and North West Seran (Serutbar) Marine Protected Areas often carry out destructive fishing activities. This study aimed to examine and analyze criminal policies for destructive fishing activities in the Serutbar Marine Conservation Area. The research method used is normative legal research supplemented by a socio-legal approach. The approach used in this study is a statutory approach and a conceptual approach. The data collection technique is a literature study complemented by field data obtained through observation and in-depth stakeholder interviews. Furthermore, the data were analyzed qualitatively. Based on the research results, Gale-Gale Village and Sawai Village's fishing communities around the Serutbar Waters Conservation Area often carry out destructive fishing activities. The factors that cause them to carry out destructive fishing are economic needs; very simple fishing gear; the provision of assistance needs to be put on target; Pokmaswas being less empowered; and a lack of inter-agency oversight. Meanwhile, countermeasures to overcome destructive fishing can be carried out through penal and non-penal approaches. And a need for inter-agency oversight. Meanwhile, countermeasures to overcome destructive fishing can be carried out through penal and non-penal approaches. And a need for inter-agency oversight. Meanwhile, countermeasures to overcome destructive fishing can be carried out through penal and non-penal approaches.
‘Slaves’ Without Coercion? Work-Related Classification Patterns Among Romanian Migrant Workers
Authors: Sperneac-Wolfer Christian , Botorog Andrei , Sutterlüty Ferdinand
Published: August 2023

Tens of thousands of Romanian migrants work in the German construction sector. Their work is often characterized by unpaid wages, long workdays and by the withholding of sick or holiday payments. The risky and exploitative nature of the conditions under which Romanian migrants work on German construction sites is reflected in their negative evaluation of their engagements as “slave labor” by Romanian workers. Starting from such a clearly negative evaluation, the paper asks how Romanian construction workers in Germany classify their work and what role such classifications have within the context of labor exploitation. Based on qualitative interviews with and participant observation among Romanian construction site workers in Germany and in Romania, the article reconstructs four work classifications. Work may be interpreted as the fulfillment of obligations or as necessary for economic revenue; hard work itself can be a symbolic contribution to one’s own sense of identity or it can have the meaning of being part of everyday normalcy. Each of the work classifications offers a different reason to make hard work plausible in the eyes of the workers and employers actively turn such interpretations into a mechanism of vulnerability. Without direct physical coercion, these ideas motivate workers to take on work that they themselves criticize as ‘slave labor.’ The paper concludes by arguing that the recognition of such classifications and their social effects are crucial for an understanding of labor exploitation.
INFLUENCE OF IMPROVED TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE CREATION AND USE OF LEGUME-CEREAL GRASS STANDS ON THE YIELD AND FERTILITY OF SOD-PODZOLIC SOIL OF MEADOW HAYFIELDS
Authors: Kutuzova Anel , Provornaya Elena
Published: August 2023

To solve the problems posed in the Doctrine to ensure the food security of the population of Russia (2020), it is important to increase the productivity and quality of voluminous fodder on meadow hayfields. In the Federal Scientific Center "VIK named after V.R. Williams", improved technologies have been developed for the creation and use of legume-grass stands (with the participation of four legume species) using presowing inoculation of seeds with complementary strains of nodule bacteria, as well as an agricultural technique — changing the predecessor during overplanting (in order to eliminate the phenomenon of soil fatigue). Articles published in recent years (2008, 2020, 2021, 2023) show the high efficiency of the creation and use of these hayfields. Promising technologies make it possible to obtain 5.8–6.2 thousand feed units/ha with high quality hay with a content of metabolic energy of 9.13–9.65 MJ per 1 kg of dry matter and availability of digestible protein per feed unit — 118–164 g. The payback of capital investments is 1–1.5 years, and the cost of 1 feed unit is 26–30% lower than the prevailing prices for 1 kg of fodder oats. For the first time in the article, materials are presented on the impact of the developed technologies on the change in the fertility of soddy-podzolic soils of the Non-Chernozem zone.
Intelligent prediction of lower extremity loadings during badminton lunge footwork in a lab-simulated court
Authors: Yu Lin , Jiang Hanhui , Mei Qichang , Mohamad Nur Ikhwan , Fernandez Justin , Gu Yaodong
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Playing badminton has been reported with extensive health benefits, while main injuries were documented in the lower extremity. This study was aimed to investigate and predict the knee- and ankle-joint loadings of athletes who play badminton, with “gold standard” facilities. The axial impact acceleration from wearables would be used to predict joint moments and contact forces during sub-maximal and maximal lunge footwork.

Methods: A total of 25 badminton athletes participated in this study, following a previously established protocol of motion capture and musculoskeletal modelling techniques with the integration of a wearable inertial magnetic unit (IMU). We developed a principal component analysis (PCA) statistical model to extract features in the loading parameters and a multivariate partial least square regression (PLSR) machine learning model to correlate easily collected variables, such as the stance time, approaching velocity, and peak accelerations, with knee and ankle loading parameters (moments and contact forces).

Results: The key variances of joint loadings were observed from statistical principal component analysis modelling. The promising accuracy of the partial least square regression model using input parameters was observed with a prediction accuracy of 94.52%, while further sensitivity analysis found a single variable from the ankle inertial magnetic unit that could predict an acceptable range (93%) of patterns and magnitudes of the knee and ankle loadings.

Conclusion: The attachment of this single inertial magnetic unit sensor could be used to record and predict loading accumulation and distribution, and placement would exhibit less influence on the motions of the lower extremity. The intelligent prediction of loading patterns and accumulation could be integrated to design training and competition schemes in badminton or other court sports in a scientific manner, thus preventing fatigue, reducing loading-accumulation-related injury, and maximizing athletic performance.
Chiral “doped” MOFs: an electrochemical and theoretical integrated study
Authors: Kawondera Rufaro , Bonechi Marco , Maccioni Irene , Giurlani Walter , Salzillo Tommaso , Venuti Elisabetta , Mishra Debabrata , Fontanesi Claudio , Innocenti Massimo , Mehlana Gift , Mtangi Wilbert
Published: August 2023

This work reports on the electrochemical behaviour of Fe and Zn based metal-organic framework (MOF) compounds, which are “doped” with chiral molecules, namely: cysteine and camphor sulfonic acid. Their electrochemical behaviour was thoroughly investigated via “solid-state” electrochemical measurements, exploiting an “ad hoc” tailored experimental set-up: a paste obtained by carefully mixing the MOF with graphite powder is deposited on a glassy carbon (GC) surface. The latter serves as the working electrode (WE) in cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements. Infrared (IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and absorbance (UV-Vis) techniques are exploited for a further characterization of the MOFs’ structural and electronic properties. The experimental results are then compared with DFT based quantum mechanical calculations. The electronic and structural properties of the MOFs synthesized in this study depend mainly on the type of metal center, and to a minor extent on the chemical nature of the dopant.
Skill-based differences in the impact of opponent exposure during anticipation: the role of context-environment dependency
Authors: Gredin N. Viktor , Thomas Joseph L. , Broadbent David P. , Fawver Bradley , Williams A. Mark
Published: August 2023

Introduction

We examined skilled-based differences in the impact of exposure to an opponent with action tendencies that were either independent of, dependent on, or both independent of and dependent on evolving environmental information during anticipation.

Methods

A video-based two-vs.-two soccer task was employed, where 14 expert and 14 novice soccer players had to predict an attacking opponent's imminent actions, before and after exposure to the preceding actions of the opponent.

Results

Anticipation accuracy, number of responses congruent with the opponent's action tendencies, response confidence, and visual dwell time on the opponent in possession increased following opponent exposure, both in experts and novices. When compared to novices, experts demonstrated higher anticipation accuracy, more congruent responses, and greater response confidence. Novices performed at their best when the opponent exhibited action tendencies that were independent of the environment, whereas experts demonstrated their highest performance when the opponent had action tendencies that were both independent of and dependent on unfolding environmental information.

Discussion

Our findings provide novel insights into the role of context-environment dependency and support the notion that experts are superior to novices in detecting and utilizing opponents' action tendencies and integrating this information with unfolding environmental information during anticipation.
Bioprosthetic valve thrombosis after transcatheter aortic valve replacement and pulmonary embolism due to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: a case report
Authors: Faucher Loïc , Marchandot Benjamin , Carmona Adrien , Ohana Mickael , Trimaille Antonin , Morel Olivier
Published: August 2023

Background

Bioprosthetic valve thrombosis is a complication of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). It is believed to be platelet independent, mainly driven by contact phase activation, and more likely to be targeted by oral anticoagulant (OAC).

Case summary

We report case of an 86-year-old man with history of TAVR, who presented an early TAVR aortic valve thrombosis occurring in the context of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and pulmonary embolism. The patient rapidly recovered and was discharged 17 days after readmission. OAC by Coumadin was administered for 3 months. Chest tomography after 3 months showed the disappearance of the hypoattenuated leaflet thickening.

Discussion

Although HIT has been fully described and is known for being a prothrombotic disorder, this is the first case report of aortic valve thrombosis after TAVR due to HIT. HIT is rare but possibly lethal. Diagnosis is based on pre-test probability evaluation with the 4T clinical score and confirmation with laboratory evidence of anti-PF4/heparin complexes and positivity of a functional test. Management of HIT is based on heparin discontinuation, and treatment of thrombotic complication with direct anti-IIa inhibitor or anti-Xa inhibitor. According to our knowledge, this case represents the first report of bioprosthetic valve thrombosis after TAVR due to HIT.
Acute pulmonary embolism with arrhythmia associated with minimal change disease in adults: a case report
Authors: Rong Chunyan , Liu Xuhan , Wang Baoguo , Zhang Weihua
Published: August 2023

Background

Minimal change disease (MCD) is a common pathological type of nephrotic syndrome (NS), and is one of the most common causes of NS in children, but is not common in adults. MCD is sensitive to corticosteroid therapy and has a good prognosis, but is prone to relapse. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is less common in MCD.

Case presentation

We report a case of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) with arrhythmia associated with MCD in adults. The hypercoagulable state caused by MCD through multiple systems may be one of the important causes of thrombosis in this patient. In addition to the conventional corticosteroid therapy, he was started on anticoagulation for VTE and PE. His hospital course was complicated by atrial tachyarrhythmias initially controlled by amiodarone but he required readmission due to recurrent atrial flutter. His clinical condition became more stable after radiofrequency ablation.

Conclusion

VTE associated with MCD in adults is rare. Treatment of MCD with corticosteroids may be associated with a higher risk of developing blood clots. This type of case is relatively rare and should be paid attention to. The mechanism of VTE in MCD is still a direction worthy of further research.
Foreign language provision in English primary schools: making evidence-based pedagogical choices
Authors: Whiting Sue B. , Marshall Chloë Ruth
Published: August 2023

Fluency in more than one language is generally accepted as being advantageous in our modern global age. However, in addition to the obvious personal, social, cultural and economic benefits of being bilingual, it has been claimed that bilingualism enhances cognitive development in a range of areas relevant to educational outcomes. Given the poor track record of teaching children foreign languages in England, schools that are not required to follow the National Curriculum are understandably keen to investigate innovative methods for teaching languages, with the aim of not only enhancing language learning but also of stimulating heightened cognitive functioning. Our purpose in writing this paper is to arm education professionals with a critical awareness of the evidence supporting the bilingual advantage and innovative but unproven foreign language taster courses, in order to support them in making evidence-based pedagogical choices. We explain how young children effortlessly learn their first language(s) and argue that it is unrealistic to expect this process to be replicated in the foreign-language-learning classroom. We then review some of the evidence supporting the so-called ‘bilingual advantage’ and argue that the advantage is found in only specific, as yet undetermined, narrow circumstances and not in the bilingual population as a whole. We scrutinize the suitability of unproven foreign language taster courses for young children and argue that their claims are unlikely to be justified. Finally, we provide some objective criteria to help schools, from early years settings to the end of primary, to judge the efficacy of novel ways of teaching languages before adopting them.
Association between weight-adjusted-waist index and female infertility: a population-based study
Authors: Wen Zujun , Li Xiang
Published: August 2023

Aims

Obesity is detrimental to infertility. The association between weight-adjusted-waist index (WWI, a recently developed adiposity indicator) and infertility has not previously been confirmed.

Methods

The data for this study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013-2018. Each participant’s WWI was calculated as their waist circumference in centimeters by the square root of weight in kilograms. Multivariable logistic regression and generalized additive model were utilized to investigate the relationship between WWI with infertility. We used smoothed curve fitting to explore the non-linear relationship. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests were also conducted.

Results

A total of 3,526 participants with ages from18 to 45 were enrolled, 364 of whom were infertile. With the higher WWI, infertility was more prevalent (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.22-1.65), and this association was still consistent in subgroups (all P for interaction> 0.05). Smoothed curve fitting showed a positive non-linear relationship between WWI and infertility. Furthermore, we discovered that WWI had a stronger connection with the risk of infertility than other markers of obesity including WC, body mass index (BMI) and a body shape index (ABSI).

Conclusions

Weight-adjusted-waist index levels were positively linked to an increased risk of infertility in American females and showed a stronger association than other markers of obesity. Our research indicated WWI could help identify women with infertility, and managing obesity as determined by WWI may help to reduce the risk of infertility.
Evaluation method for reservoir damage of cementing slurry
Authors: Li Ji , Wu Dapeng , Zhang Ran , Li Chenguang , Zou Qiang
Published: August 2023

The damage of cement slurry to the reservoir is directly related to the production of oil and gas wells, and is a problem that must be solved for the efficient and economic development of oil and gas reservoirs. According to the characteristics and field conditions of reservoir damage caused by cement slurry, this paper analyzes the main factors affecting the degree of reservoir damage, puts forward the technical index requirements of the evaluation device, and establishes the evaluation method of reservoir damage caused by cement slurry in case of loss of injection. The results show that the influence of temperature on the damage of the cement slurry layer is small, and the influence of pressure difference on the damage to the cement slurry layer is large; When the pressure difference is 22 Mpa, the penetration damage rate caused by cement slurry to the pore center without mud cake attachment is about 43%. After a day of core maintenance, the permeability damage rate will reach 61.2%; The damage of cement slurry to the pore micro-fractured core is very serious. After 1 day of maintenance, the damage to the core permeability after cement slurry solidification is as high as 83%, with an average of 76.5%; When the risk of leakage is low, the cement slurry system with low density and low water loss can be used for cementing operation. The filtrate of cement slurry should be better matched with the formation clay minerals, formation water, and drilling fluid filtrate. When the risk of leakage is high, high-density cement slurry, balanced pressure cementing, pressure control cementing, and other technologies to avoid leakage can be used for cementing operations. When the cementing conditions are more difficult, the cementing slurry system can be used to dissolve the cementing slurry system at a later stage. The research results provide theoretical data support for the study of reducing the damage of cement slurry to the reservoir.
Case report: Progressive pulmonary artery hypertension in a case of megalencephaly-capillary malformation syndrome
Authors: Yoh Yuri , Shiohama Tadashi , Uchida Tomoko , Ebata Ryota , Kobayashi Hironobu , Okunushi Kentaro , Kato Mitsuhiro , Watanabe Kazuki , Nakashima Mitsuko , Saitsu Hirotomo , Hamada Hiromichi
Published: August 2023

Megalencephaly-capillary malformation syndrome (MCAP, OMIM # 602501) is caused by hyperactivity of the thephosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)–Vakt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT)–mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which results in megalencephaly, capillary malformations, asymmetrical overgrowth, and connective tissue dysplasia. Herein, we report the case of a 7-month-old girl with MCAP due to a PIK3CA somatic mosaic variant who presented with atrial tachycardia, finally diagnosed as pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Oxygen therapy and sildenafil decreased pulmonary blood pressure and improved atrial tachycardia. Previous studies reported an association between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and abnormal pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell proliferation, which may be associated with PAH. PAH should be considered a potentially lethal complication in MCAP patients, even when no structural cardiac abnormalities are identified in the neonatal period.
Rituximab at lower dose for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: a multicenter, open-label, self-controlled, prospective follow-up study
Authors: Zhao Daidi , Ren Kaixi , Lu Jiarui , Liu Zhiqin , Li Zunbo , Wu Jun , Xu Zhihao , Wu Songdi , Lei Tao , Ma Chao , Zhao Sijia , Bai Miao , Li Hongzeng , Guo Jun
Published: August 2023

Objective

To address a novel lower-dose rituximab (RTX) therapy strategy based on our clinical experience and assess its efficacy and safety in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD).

Methods

A multicenter, open-label, self-controlled, prospective follow-up study. Totally, 108 NMOSD patients were enrolled and a lower-dose RTX strategy was applied including 100 mg weekly for 3 weeks and then reinfusions every 6 months. Annualized relapse rate (ARR), the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score and length of spinal cord lesions were included to evaluate the efficacy. Side effects were recorded to assess the safety profile.

Results

Of 108 patients, 80 (74.1%) initiated low-dose RTX therapy immediately after acute attack treatment and 33 (30.6%) initiated it after the first attack. During a median treatment period of 35.5 (22.0–48.8) months, significant decreases were observed in median ARR (1.1 [0.8–2.0] versus 0 [0–0.2], p < 0.001), EDSS score (3.5 [2.5–4.0] versus 2.0 [1.0–3.0], p < 0.001) and spinal cord lesion segments (5.0 [4.0–8.0] versus 3.0 [1.0–6.0], p < 0.001). The cumulative risk of relapses significantly decreased during the post- versus pre-RTX period (HR 0.238, 95%CI 0.160–0.356, p < 0.001) and on early therapy initiated within 24 months after disease onset versus delayed therapy (HR 0.506, 95%CI 0.258–0.994, p = 0.041). No serious side effects were recorded and all the subjects did not discontinue treatment due to RTX-related side effects.

Conclusion

Our research provided evidence supporting the lower-dose RTX strategy in treating NMOSD and reopened the issues of optimal dosage and therapy initiation timing.
Neat1 lncRNA organizes the inflammatory gene expressions in the dorsal root ganglion in neuropathic pain caused by nerve injury
Authors: Maruyama Motoyo , Sakai Atsushi , Fukunaga Tsukasa , Miyagawa Yoshitaka , Okada Takashi , Hamada Michiaki , Suzuki Hidenori
Published: August 2023

Primary sensory neurons regulate inflammatory processes in innervated regions through neuro-immune communication. However, how their immune-modulating functions are regulated in concert remains largely unknown. Here, we show that Neat1 long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) organizes the proinflammatory gene expressions in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in chronic intractable neuropathic pain in rats. Neat1 was abundantly expressed in the DRG and was upregulated after peripheral nerve injury. Neat1 overexpression in primary sensory neurons caused mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity, whereas its knockdown alleviated neuropathic pain. Bioinformatics analysis of comprehensive transcriptome changes indicated the inflammatory response was the most relevant function of genes upregulated through Neat1. Consistent with this, upregulation of proinflammatory genes in the DRG following nerve injury was suppressed by Neat1 knockdown. Expression changes of these proinflammatory genes were regulated through Neat1-mRNA interaction-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Notably, Neat1 increased proinflammatory genes by stabilizing its interacting mRNAs in neuropathic pain. Finally, Neat1 in primary sensory neurons contributed to spinal inflammatory processes that mediated peripheral neuropathic pain. These findings demonstrate that Neat1 lncRNA is a key regulator of neuro-immune communication in neuropathic pain.
The benefit and risk of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors plus anti-angiogenic agents as second or later-line treatment for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis of prospective clinical trials
Authors: Chen Shubin , Mo Wanying , Jiang Wei , Zhou Shaozhang , Gan Haijie , Yu Qitao
Published: August 2023

Background

Previous studies revealed that Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/Programmed cell death-Ligand protein 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors plus anti-angiogenic agents had extensive anti-tumor activities. However, almost all studies on the efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors plus anti-angiogenic agents as second or later-line treatment for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer are non-randomized controlled trials with small sample sizes, which might lead to a lack of effective metrics to assess the effectiveness and safety of the therapeutic regimen. Here, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors plus anti-angiogenic agents as second or later-line treatment for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Methods

A single-arm meta-analysis was performed, and published literature from PubMed, Web of Science and Embase databases as of January 13, 2023, was systematically retrieved. We used the Cochrane risk of bias tool and methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) Methodological items to evaluate the quality of eligible clinical trials. Outcomes including overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events (AEs) were extracted for further analysis. The random effect model is used to calculate the pooled parameters.

Results

19 studies (16 were non-comparative single-arm clinical trials and 3 were randomized controlled trials) were enrolled in this meta-analysis. In terms of tumor response, the pooled ORR and DCR were 22.4% (95% CI, 16.6-28.1%) and 76.8% (95% CI, 72.6-81.1%), respectively. With regard to survival analysis, the pooled PFS and OS were 5.20 (95% CI, 4.46-5.93) months and 14.09 (95% CI, 13.20-14.97) months, respectively. The pooled grade ≥3 adverse effect (AE) rate was 47.6% (95% CI, 33.1-62.0%)

Conclusion

PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors plus anti-angiogenic agents has promising efficacy and safety as second or later-line treatment in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023407559.
Dexamethasone attenuates interferon-related cytokine hyperresponsiveness in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Engel Job J. , van der Made Caspar I. , Keur Nick , Setiabudiawan Todia , Röring Rutger J. , Damoraki Georgia , Dijkstra Helga , Lemmers Heidi , Ioannou Sofia , Poulakou Garyfallia , van der Meer Jos W. M. , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J. , Kumar Vinod , van de Veerdonk Frank L. , Netea Mihai G. , Ziogas Athanasios
Published: August 2023

Background

Dexamethasone improves the survival of COVID-19 patients in need of supplemental oxygen therapy. Although its broad immunosuppressive effects are well-described, the immunological mechanisms modulated by dexamethasone in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 remain to be elucidated.

Objective

We combined functional immunological assays and an omics-based approach to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of dexamethasone in the plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of COVID-19 patients.

Methods

Hospitalized COVID-19 patients eligible for dexamethasone therapy were recruited from the general care ward between February and July, 2021. Whole blood transcriptomic and targeted plasma proteomic analyses were performed before and after starting dexamethasone treatment. PBMCs were isolated from healthy individuals and COVID-19 patients and stimulated with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 ex vivo in the presence or absence of dexamethasone and transcriptome and cytokine responses were assessed.

Results

Dexamethasone efficiently inhibited SARS-CoV-2-induced in vitro expression of chemokines and cytokines in PBMCs at the transcriptional and protein level. Dexamethasone treatment in COVID-19 patients resulted in down-regulation of genes related to type I and II interferon (IFN) signaling in whole blood immune cells. In addition, dexamethasone attenuated circulating concentrations of secreted interferon-stimulating gene 15 (ISG15) and pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines correlating with disease severity and lethal outcomes, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), C-X-C motif ligand 8 (CXCL8), and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10). In PBMCs from COVID-19 patients that were stimulated ex vivo with multiple pathogens or Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands, dexamethasone efficiently inhibited cytokine responses.

Conclusion

We describe the anti-inflammatory impact of dexamethasone on the pathways contributing to cytokine hyperresponsiveness observed in severe manifestations of COVID-19, including type I/II IFN signaling. Dexamethasone could have adverse effects in COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms by inhibiting IFN responses in early stages of the disease, whereas it exhibits beneficial effects in patients with severe clinical phenotypes by efficiently diminishing cytokine hyperresponsiveness.
Mesoscale-driven dispersion of early life stages of European eel
Authors: Munk P. , Buongiorno Nardelli B. , Mariani P. , Bendtsen J.
Published: August 2023

The larvae of the European eel travel an extensive distance of approximately 5,000 km from the spawning area in the Sargasso Sea to the European coasts. We here study the larval drift with focus on the effects of mesoscale processes, analyzing data from a targeted survey and modeling possible drift trajectories. The survey covered the initial distribution of larvae in the Subtropical Convergence Zone (STCZ), which is characterized by complex patterns of oceanic fronts and mesoscale eddies. During March–April 2014, sampling was carried out along north–south transects. Hydrography was described using vertical CTD casts and UCTD profiles, and larval distributions assessed from hauls of a large ring net. Patterns in water mass distribution and particle dispersion dynamics were analyzed by reconstruction and diagnosis of mesoscale dynamics, combining satellite observations and Argo profiles. Lagrangian drift trajectories of eel larvae were subsequently simulated starting from a data-driven high-resolution 3D reconstruction of the modeled flow. We found the area of larval distribution delimited by frontal zones, defined by the combined effects of marked longitudinal salinity gradients and large-scale zonal temperature variations. Modeled patterns of eel larvae dispersion were predominantly influenced by the current shear and eddy strain, and while the direction was mainly westward, a significant dispersal was also observed in northeastward directions. Such almost isotropic transport of European eels is supported by historical data on larval size distribution, and results challenge common interpretations of eel larval drift, which propose an initial westward advection of the entire population to the Gulf Stream along the offshore edge of the Antilles current.
From rookeries to foraging grounds: understanding regional connectivity and genetic diversity in hawksbill turtles
Authors: Madden Hof Christine A. , Desbiens Amelia A. , Kinch Jeff , Fitzsimmons Nancy N. , Versace Hayley , Amon Angelique , McIntyre Nathan , Townsend Kathy A. , Jensen Michael P.
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the genetic structure, diversity, and migratory patterns of hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) from two nesting locations in Papua New Guinea (PNG) using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing and satellite telemetry. Tissue samples collected from nesting female hawksbill turtles (n=75) in PNG revealed a total of 6 haplotypes from the Conflict Group site and 5 haplotypes from Kavieng site, with the Conflict Group and Kavieng samples significantly differing from one another and all other known Asia-Pacific stocks. This finding expands our understanding of the genetic stock structure of hawksbill turtles in the Asia-Pacific region, resulting in 9 Management Units (MUs) now published. Satellite tracking of 15 hawksbill turtles revealed that all individuals migrated from the Conflict Group westerly towards foraging areas in eastern Australia (93%) and PNG (7%). With a mean migration path distance of 1241 ± 108 km, three distinct migration strategies were used by the 10 hawksbill turtles that made it to their foraging grounds in the I) eastern Torres Strait, II) Far North Queensland, and III) western PNG waters. A broad scope of home-range strategies and sizes (95% UD) were used, and in comparison to other studies further postulates that hawksbills are connected to non-specific foraging grounds associated with food source availability. This study provides for the first time in PNG essential insights into hawksbill turtle population structure and connectivity in the western Pacific region, highlighting the importance of effectively conserving and managing this critically endangered species as distinct population stocks. Furthermore, we make recommendations for national and regional conservation strategies and transboundary management to ensure the long-term survival and recovery of western Pacific’s hawksbill turtle populations.
Eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/non-Hodgkin’s B lymphoma: a single center prospective clinico-pathological study
Authors: Michelerio Andrea , Tomasini Carlo , Fiandrino Giacomo , De Amici Mara , Varettoni Marzia , Defrancesco Irene , Cavalloni Chiara , Brazzelli Valeria , Derlino Federica , Paulli Marco , Arcaini Luca , Vassallo Camilla
Published: August 2023

Background

The pathogenesis of eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy (EDHM) is poorly understood. Previously thought to be a hypersensitivity reaction to insect bites, immune dysregulation and cytokine imbalance are now thought to be responsible. Its prognostic significance is unclear.

Objective

To describe the clinical, pathological and immunological findings in a series of oncohematological patients with EDHM.

Methods

An observational prospective cohort study of oncohematological patients receiving a diagnosis of EDHM between April 2017 and December 2018.

Results

A total of 15 patients with EDHM (10 females and 5 males) were identified among 422 oncohematological patients. Disease presentation varied from firm erythematous papules to more polymorphic presentations. The lesions were most prevalent on the exposed sites, 8/15 patients recalled an insect bite. Lesion seasonality was reported in 13/15 patients. IgE levels were elevated in six patients, circulating IL-4 and IL-5 were within a normal range. Twelve out of 15 patients developed skin manifestations after chemotherapy. The infiltrate could be eosinophil-rich or lymphocytic-rich. Interestingly, the histopathologic findings were in accordance with arthropod bites.

Conclusion

A role for insect bites in EDHM is supported by our findings. EDHM may be related to aggressive hematologic disease.
Effectiveness and safety of bimekizumab for the treatment of plaque psoriasis: a real-life multicenter study—IL PSO (Italian landscape psoriasis)
Authors: Gargiulo Luigi , Narcisi Alessandra , Ibba Luciano , Balato Anna , Bianchi Luca , Brianti Pina , Buononato Dario , Burlando Martina , Caldarola Giacomo , Campanati Anna , Campione Elena , Carrera Carlo G. , Carugno Andrea , Cristaudo Antonio , Cusano Francesco , Dapavo Paolo , Dattola Annunziata , De Simone Clara , Gaiani Francesca M. , Gisondi Paolo , Giunta Alessandro , Loconsole Francesco , Maione Vincenzo , Mortato Edoardo , Marzano Angelo V. , Maurelli Martina , Megna Matteo , Mercuri Santo R. , Offidani Annamaria , Orsini Diego , Parodi Aurora , Pellacani Giovanni , Potestio Luca , Quaglino Pietro , Richetta Antonio G. , Romano Francesca , Sena Paolo , Venturini Marina , Malagoli Piergiorgio , Costanzo Antonio
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Bimekizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets Interleukin-17 A and F, approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. While bimekizumab has been evaluated in several phase-III clinical trials, real-world evidence is still very limited.

Method

This multicenter retrospective study included patients affected by plaque psoriasis treated with bimekizumab from May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023, at 19 Italian referral hospitals. Patients affected by moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis eligible for systemic treatments were included. The effectiveness of bimekizumab was evaluated in terms of reduction in psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) compared with baseline at weeks 4 and 16. The main outcomes were the percentages of patients achieving an improvement of at least 75% (PASI75), 90% (PASI90) and 100% (PASI100) in PASI score.

Results

The study included 237 patients who received at least one injection of bimekizumab. One hundred and seventy-one patients and 114 reached four and 16 weeks of follow-up, respectively. Complete skin clearance was achieved by 43.3% and 75.4% of patients at weeks 4 and 16, respectively. At week 16, 86.8% of patients reported no impact on their quality of life. At week 16, there were no significant differences between bio-naïve and bio-experienced patients in terms of PASI75, PASI90 and PASI100. The most commonly reported adverse events (AEs) were oral candidiasis (10.1%). No severe AEs or AEs leading to discontinuation were observed throughout the study.

Conclusion

Our experience supports the effectiveness and tolerability of bimekizumab in a real-world setting with similar results compared with phase-III clinical trials.
Impact of Candida railenensis during fermentation on the aromatic profile of Vidal blanc icewine
Authors: Li Jing , Hong Mengnan
Published: August 2023

Mixed culture fermentation with non-Saccharomyces yeasts and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as multi-starters has more advantages than spontaneous fermentation, and wine products with distinctive and pleasant aromas can fulfill the diverse demands of consumers. This study was carried out to illuminate the effect of sequential inoculation of indigenous Candida railenensis and S. cerevisiae on alcoholic fermentation behavior and chemical and aromatic characteristics of Vidal blanc icewine. During the mixed culture fermentation, C. railenensis was present in the initial and middle stages but was absent after 14 days. The results of basic chemical parameters showed that the glycerol content in the mixed culture-fermented icewine was higher than that of the pure fermented icewine, but the acetic acid content was the opposite. In terms of volatile aroma compounds, C. railenensis in the mixed culture fermentation reduced some metabolites such as lower alcohols, 1-hexanol, 3-methylthiopropanol, and their unpleasant notes and increased the production of some desired volatile aroma compounds such as benzaldehyde, β-damascenone, 2-furanmethanol, and 5-methyl furfural associated with rose, honey, nut, and caramel characteristics. Furthermore, C. railenensis also changed the sensory performance of icewine by participating in the fermentation of S. cerevisiae. These findings suggest that C. railenensis with positive enological properties has the ability to be used in icewine production, which has never been reported before.
A nerve-wracking buzz: lessons from Drosophila models of peripheral neuropathy and axon degeneration
Authors: Bhattacharya Martha R. C.
Published: August 2023

The degeneration of axons and their terminals occurs following traumatic, toxic, or genetically-induced insults. Common molecular mechanisms unite these disparate triggers to execute a conserved nerve degeneration cascade. In this review, we will discuss how models of peripheral nerve injury and neuropathy in Drosophila have led the way in advancing molecular understanding of axon degeneration and nerve injury pathways. Both neuron-intrinsic as well as glial responses to injury will be highlighted. Finally, we will offer perspective on what additional questions should be answered to advance these discoveries toward clinical interventions for patients with neuropathy.
A parallel heterogeneous policy deep reinforcement learning algorithm for bipedal walking motion design
Authors: Li Chunguang , Li Mengru , Tao Chongben
Published: August 2023

Considering the dynamics and non-linear characteristics of biped robots, gait optimization is an extremely challenging task. To tackle this issue, a parallel heterogeneous policy Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) algorithm for gait optimization is proposed. Firstly, the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithm is used as the main architecture to run multiple biped robots in parallel to interact with the environment. And the network is shared to improve the training efficiency. Furthermore, heterogeneous experience replay is employed instead of the traditional experience replay mechanism to optimize the utilization of experience. Secondly, according to the walking characteristics of biped robots, a biped robot periodic gait is designed with reference to sinusoidal curves. The periodic gait takes into account the effects of foot lift height, walking period, foot lift speed and ground contact force of the biped robot. Finally, different environments and different biped robot models pose challenges for different optimization algorithms. Thus, a unified gait optimization framework for biped robots based on the RoboCup3D platform is established. Comparative experiments were conducted using the unified gait optimization framework, and the experimental results show that the method outlined in this paper can make the biped robot walk faster and more stably.
A systematic review and metanalysis of questionnaires used for auditory processing screening and evaluation
Authors: Samara Myrto , Thai-Van Hung , Ptok Martin , Glarou Eleni , Veuillet Evelyne , Miller Simone , Reynard Pierre , Grech Helen , Utoomprurkporn Nattawan , Sereti Afroditi , Bamiou Doris-Eva , Iliadou Vasiliki Maria
Published: August 2023

The recognition of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) as a distinct clinical condition that impacts hearing capacity and mental health has gained attention. Although pure tone audiometry is the gold standard for assessing hearing, it inadequately reflects everyday hearing abilities, especially in challenging acoustic environments. Deficits in speech perception in noise, a key aspect of APD, have been linked to an increased risk of dementia. The World Health Organization emphasizes the need for evaluating central auditory function in cases of mild hearing loss and normal audiometry results. Specific questionnaires play a crucial role in documenting and quantifying the difficulties faced by individuals with APD. Validated questionnaires such as the Children’s Auditory Processing Performance Scale, the Fisher’s Auditory Problems Checklist, and the Auditory Processing Domains Questionnaire are available for children, while questionnaires for adults include items related to auditory functions associated with APD. This systematic review and meta-analysis identified six questionnaires used for screening and evaluating APD with a total of 783 participants across 12 studies. The questionnaires exhibited differences in domains evaluated, scoring methods, and evaluation of listening in quiet and noise. Meta-analysis results demonstrated that individuals with APD consistently exhibited worse scores compared to healthy controls across all questionnaires. Additionally, comparisons with clinical control groups showed varying results. The study highlights (i) the importance of standardized questionnaires in identifying and assessing APD, aiding in its diagnosis and management, and (ii) the need to use sub-scores as well as overall scores of questionnaires to elaborate on specific hearing and listening situations. There is a need to develop more APD specific questionnaires for the adult population as well as for more focused research on APD diagnosed individuals to further establish the validity and reliability of these questionnaires.
Impact of a French social marketing campaign promoting pulse and whole grain consumption: results from a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Fassier Philippine , Rabès Anaëlle , Ducrot Pauline , Serry Anne-Juliette
Published: August 2023

Background

Despite the health benefits, fiber intake is insufficient among French adults. To promote the consumption of pulses and whole grains, defined as priority food groups because they are rich in fiber, readily available, and affordable, the French National Public Health Agency implemented a social marketing campaign in 2019 to improve knowledge, self-efficacy, and consumption of pulses and whole grains.

Objective

To evaluate the short-and long-term effects of this social marketing campaign.

Methods

A 8-month prospective study was conducted on the Internet. A sample of 4,001 French adults was interviewed before the social media campaign (T0), immediately afterwards (T1), and after 8 months (T2). Analysis was performed on 2,422 adults responding at T1 and T2. Outcomes associated with campaign recall were investigated by mixed models with random effects using generalized estimating equations.

Results

Overall, 59.5% of subjects recalled the campaign. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, no significant difference was found in terms of knowledge, self-efficacy, and consumption of pulses and whole grains between those recalling and not recalling the campaign (value of p > 0.05). When the analyses were stratified by educational level (p-interaction<0.10), a significant positive association was found between campaign recall and variation of knowledge about whole grain fiber content in subjects with lower educational level (value of p = 0.002 at T1 and value of p = 0.008 at T2). For small consumers of pulses, subjects recalling the campaign improved both their knowledge (OR [95%CI] = 1.47 [1.14–1.90], value of p = 0.003 at T2) and consumption of pulses (1.44 [1.14–1.86], value of p = 0.002 at T1, 1.50 [1.16–1.94], value of p = 0.002 at T2).

Conclusion

This first French social marketing campaign promoting pulses and whole grains had a positive impact on specific subgroups of particular interest in terms of public health (i.e., people with low educational level and small consumers of pulses). These results will allow us to improve the communication materials used for the second edition of this social marketing campaign.