bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subclinical versus advanced forms of alcohol-related liver disease: Need for early detection
Authors: Gómez-Medina Concepción , Melo Luma , Martí-Aguado David , Bataller Ramón
Published: April 2022

Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) consists of a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and pathological features, ranging from asymptomatic patients to decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients with heavy alcohol intake and advanced fibrosis often develop a subacute form of liver failure called alcohol-induced hepatitis (AH). Globally, most patients with ALD are identified at late stages of the disease, limiting therapeutic interventions. Thus, there is a need for early detection of ALD patients, which is lacking in most countries. The identification of alcohol misuse is hampered by the existence of alcohol underreporting by many patients. There are useful biomarkers that can detect recent alcohol use. Moreover, there are several non-invasive techniques to assess the presence of advanced fibrosis among patients with alcohol misuse, which could identify patients at high risk of liver related events or early death. In this review, we discuss differences between early stages of ALD and AH as the cornerstone of advanced forms. A global overview of epidemiological, anthropometric, clinical, analytical, histological, and molecular differences is summarized in this article. We propose that campaigns aimed at identifying patients with subclinical forms can prevent the development of life-threatening forms.
PEMAKNAAN LOGO RUMAH ATSIRI INDONESIA DALAM DISKURSUS KONSERVASI ARSITEKTURAL
Authors: Majid Ainun
Published: April 2022

AbstrakLogo adalah bahasa visual yang merupakan abstraksi dan representasi dari banyak hal. Logo sering berisi kode atau tanda artistik yang hanya dimengerti oleh konvensi tertentu. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk memahami pemaknaan logo Rumah Atsiri Indonesia baik secara tekstual maupun kontekstual. Kajian tekstual membahas elemen-elemen pembentuk visual logo, seperti bentuk dasar, warna, dan teks. Pada pemaknaan kontekstual lebih mendalami perihal aspek kesejarahan yang melatarbelakangi pembentukan pemilihan logo itu sendiri. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Studi kasus dipilih agar data yang digali lebih spesifik dan mendalam melalui observasi, wawancara, dan studi literatur. Pada tahap analisis, data dari lapangan akan dielaborasi dengan data dari literatur seperti, buku, jurnal, dan penelusuran website. Hasil yang diperoleh dari penelitian ini antara lain, bentuk logo mengambil bentuk dasar fasad bangunan lama, dan pemilihan nama Rumah Atsiri Indonesia (kedua hal tersebut) merupakan abstraksi dari tindakan penerusan spirit cita-cita lama Pabrik Citronella 1963; warna pada logo adalah hasil perpaduan nuansa tanah dan cahaya matahari sebagai respon terhadap alam sekitar; pemilihan font memiliki kesamaan nuansa dengan gaya arsitektur bangunan lama dan sejarah keberadaan bangunan tersebut. Proses kreatif tersebut merupakan upaya untuk membentuk otentisitas Rumah Atsiri Indonesia melalui logo. Kata Kunci: logo, revitalisasi, Rumah Atsiri Indonesia, sejarah, semiotika AbstractThe Logo is one of polysemic sign language. It contains multiple subjective and objective meanings. This research will textually and contextually discuss the logo of Rumah Atsiri Indonesia. In textual area, the limit of this research will be on logo’s visual elements such as form, color, and body text. In contextual area, it will discuss historical reason behind the creative process of the logo. This research is qualitative study uses case study approaching. Case study is the best approach to lead researcher to a dept and specific information through observation, interview, and literature study. The datas both from field research and literature will be elaborated. Findings show that the main idea of the logo’s form is created from the roaster shape in old building’s façade. The name ‘Rumah Atsiri Indonesia’ and the fact that the logo’s form is taking from roaster’s design were derived by a willing of physically and historically conservation of the past 1963 company ‘Citronella Factory’; the color of the logo represents soil, sunlight and is a response to embrace the nature; typeface design follows the antiquity of old company and its historycal aspects. Thus, the discussion conclued that the logo of Rumah Atsiri Indonesia is symbol of its authenticity. Keywords: conservation, history, logo, Rumah Atsiri Indonesia, semiotic
MENAKAR KUALIFIKASI PEMERAN JAGOAN PEREMPUAN PADA FILM LAGA INDONESIA
Authors: Setyanto Daniar Wikan , Soewarlan Santosa , Tinarbuko Sumbo
Published: April 2022

AbstrakKesetaraan gender menjadi salah satu isu yang sering diangkat dalam dunia perfilman. Film-film laga populer saat ini mudah ditemukan karakter perempuan yang tampil sebagai seorang jagoan yang kuat dan mahir bela diri. Meskipun belum sebanyak Hollywood, film-film di Indonesia mulai memperkenalkan karakter jagoan perempuan di film-film layar lebar. Namun karakter jagoan perempuan dalam film Indonesia masih dianggap sebagai karakter minor, kemunculan mereka juga masih dianggap belum bisa menaikkan film dari segi kualitas dan perolehan penonton. Penelitian ini mencoba untuk mencari tahu alasan dibalik mengapa karakter tersebut masih belum berhasil mencuri hati penonton, yaitu dengan cara menakar kualifikasi setiap artis yang memerankan jagoan perempuan tersebut. Teori yang digunakan adalah teori dikotomi antara aktor (actrees) dan bintang (star). Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu metode campuran (mixed method) dengan teknik pencarian data dengan wawancara tokoh salah satu sutradara terkenal Indonesia yaitu Garin Nugroho. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah film jangan hanya mengeksploitasi tubuh perempuan dengan menonjolkan visualisasi kecantikan dan kemolekan tubuh perempuan tetapi perlunya kemampuan akting dan keahlian dalam bela diri sebagai nilai tambah pemainnya. Selain itu perlunya memperkuat penulisan naskah film laga dan pendalaman karakter sehingga kualitas film laga di Indonesia akan semakin berjaya dan bisa bersaing di kancah film Internasional. Kata Kunci: artis peran, film Indonesia, jagoan perempuan, kajian film AbstractGender equality is an issue that is often raised in the world of cinema. Popular action films nowadays are easy to find female characters who appear as strong and proficient in martial arts. Although not as many as in Hollywood, films in Indonesia have begun to introduce female hero characters in big screen films. However, female hero characters in Indonesian films are still considered minor characters, their appearance is also still considered unable to increase the quality of the film and the audience gain. This study tries to find out the reason behind why the character still hasn't been liked by the audience, that is by measuring the qualifications of each artist who plays the female hero. The theory used is the dichotomy theory between actors and stars. The research method used is a mixed method with data search techniques by interviewing the famous Indonesian directors, namely Garin Nugroho. The result is that the film does not only exploit women's bodies by highlighting the visualization of the beauty and beauty of the female body, but also the need for acting skills and martial arts skills as an added value for actresses. In addition, it is necessary to strengthen the writing of action film scripts and character development so that the quality of action films in Indonesia will be more victorious and can compete in the international film scene. Keywords: artists, Indonesian film, female heroes, film studies
Search Popularity of Common Gastrointestinal Symptoms; an Infodemiological Study
Authors: SEVİNÇ Barış , DAMBURACI Nurullah , TURAN Ersin
Published: April 2022

Background: Functional disorders of the gastrointestinal system are very common in general population. In the digital era, search for information about their disorders is very popular especially in young population. The current study aimed to evaluate the Google search statistics of common gastrointestinal symptoms.
Material and method: This infodemiological study was performed using Google Trends data; which simply gives the search popularity of a given search term according to the given time period and region.
Results: Related search volumes for terms constipation and diarrhea showed seasonal variations. Related search volume for diarrhea was detected to be higher in summer time. Whereas, other gastrointestinal symptoms showed no seasonal variations.
Conclusion: Seasonal viral gastroenteritis outbreaks shows correlation with the Google Trends data. Related search volumes can be an alternative way to show seasonality of other disorders.
Balance of the territorial organization of agricultural landscapes of the eastern division: scientific-methodical and practical approaches
Authors: Mudrak O. , Gаnchuк M. , Mudrak Н. , Shevchenko I. , Zinovchuk N. , Hayetsky G.
Published: April 2022

«Sustainable Development Strategy of Ukraine until 2030» provides for the introduction of effective and scientifically sound methods of agricultural production, which would contribute to the preservation of agro-ecosystems, increase their adaptive capacity to withstand climate change (adverse weather events, droughts, floods), improve environmental lands and soils. However, without the balance of the territorial organization of the state of agricultural landscapes it is impossible to achieve this goal. We analyzed the balance of the territorial organization of modern agricultural landscapes of Eastern Podillya, which is 4.4% of the total area of Ukraine, where the share of the region in total agricultural production is 12.3%. Currently, the main destabilizing factors of agricultural land in the structure of agricultural landscapes of Eastern Podillya are: high plowing of agricultural land (average in the region is 75.2%), low level of humus in soils (2.7%), insufficient levels of nutrients (nitrogen 82.0 mg/kg, phosphorus 83.5 mg/kg, potassium 109.9 mg/kg), practically no crop rotations (53% are occupied by cereals and legumes, 32% by industrial crops, 8% by potatoes and vegetables). According to our calculations, it has been established that part of the land of district communities belongs to the ecologically unstable or stably unstable category of land. The lowest level of environmental stability is observed in the central and south-eastern communities. For further balanced development of agrolandscapes of the East Podolsk region, scientific-theoretical and practical approaches to the functioning of agroecosystems are substantiated and a set of measures to comply with the environmentally friendly state of agricultural land use is proposed. The priority areas of balan­cing the territorial organization of agro-landscapes of the region and improving their ecological condition are measures of regulatory, institutional, technical and economic and organizational and land management. Observance of these measures will provide an opportunity to use significant reserves to increase agricultural production, ensure significant «rehabilitation» of agricultural landscapes and improve the living conditions of the rural population.
Ecological assessment of dead woodvolume in hornbeam-oak forest in «Medobory» Nature Reserve
Authors: Khodyn O. , Chornobrov O.
Published: April 2022

The volume of coarse woody detritus in the 139year-old hornbeam-oak forest stand of natural origin on the territory of the «Medobory» Nature Reserve have been studied. The study of dead wood was carried out on a sample plot (0.24 ha) by the method of continuous accounting. It was found that the volume of woody detritus in the forest ecosystem is 108.8 m3∙ha–1 and consists of fallen (32.1%) and standing (67.9%) deadwood. The main part of the dead wood volume is formed by two tree species — common oak (Quercus robur L.) (49.1%) and wychelm (Ulmus glabra Huds.) (48.4%). In general, woody detritus is characterized by I–V classes of decomposition, while detritus of decomposition stage II prevails (40.9%), shares of other stages are slightly smaller: I (27.8%), III (18.6%) and IV (11. 1%). The share of detritus of the last (V) decomposition stage is insignificant (1.6%). The volume of standing dead wood is 73.9 m3∙ha–1 and is formed by whole and broken dead trees. In terms of tree species composition, common oak has a significant advantage (65.4%), wychelm has a much smaller share (33.7%), and the share of hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) and small-leaved linden is insignificant (Tilia cordata Mill) (less than 1.0%). In the total standing dead wood volume, wood of decomposition stage IIsignificantly predominates (43.6 m3∙ha–1, 59.0%), compared with stage I (30.3 m3∙ha–1, 41.0%). Volume of fallen dead wood is 35.0 m3∙ha–1 and is formed by whole fallen trees, fragments of felled trees (trunks) and rough branches. In terms of species composition, woody detritus of which elm predominates (27.8 m3∙ha–1, 79.7%), much less common oak wood (5.1 m3∙ha–1, 14.6%) and common hornbeam (2.0 m∙ha–1, 5.7%). Fallen dead wood is represented by four stages of decomposition (II–V). In terms of volume, decomposition stage III has an absolute advantage (20.2 m3∙ha–1, 57.9%), detritus of stage II is much less (12.1 m3∙ha–1, 34.7%), and the shares of other stages are insignificant. The predominance of standing dead wood in the total dead wood volume, as well as the dominance of detritus of I and II decomposition stages due to the relatively short period of strict regime of nature conservation, during which the forest ecosystem developed without human intervention, and the impact of forestry activities (selective sanitary cuttings and fallen dead wood removal) in the past.
Turtledove Streptopelia turtur in the North Western Black Sea region
Authors: Nakonechnyi I. , Melnychuk S. , Serebrakov V.
Published: April 2022

The results of field surveys, regarding seasonal migration and nesting numbers, of the turtle dove S. turtur in the North-Western Black Sea region show that in 2021 they were close to the average long-term levels. However, the change of the migration corridor and the departure of the turtle dove, before the beginning of the hunting season (August 7), caused a false picture of the small number of species. This situation is similar to 2020. The main reason was unfavorable meteorological conditions of the spring-summer period. Due to the delay in ripening sunflower, which is a key high-energy feed for migrating turtledoves. Therefore, the lack of ripe sunflower 2020–2021 caused the early flight of birds in order to make up for the forage potential in the fields in the Balkans and Asia Minor. The peak of summer-autumn migration fell on August 9–13, which is 12–12 days earlier than the average long-term period. This situation indicates a sufficient ecological plasticity of the species, expressed in the ability of local and migratory turtledoves to vary the timing of migration and migration corridors, thus responding to changes in environmental conditions. Also, this situation indicates a sharp decrease in the volume of hunting turtle dove — in the hunting season of 2021. Only 5.7 thousand individuals were harvested, which is much less than in 1985–1991. Summarizing the above, the study is evidence that the reduction of migratory birds from 1.5–1.7 million recorded in 1996–2004 to the existing to date 0.9 million. The prospects for further research are in more advanced and in-depth studies of local and flying necks using special accounting methods based on the mass labeling of birds.
Remote sensing of agrophytocenoses from the UAV platform to assess the level of plant nutrition
Authors: Pasichnyk N. , Opryshko О. , Tarariko O.
Published: April 2022

Unmanned (remotely controlled) aircrafts (UAVs) are innovative equipment for monitoring fields that are free from a lot of the disadvantages of satellites such as availability, low cost, and high image resolution. However, the quality, reproducibility and suitability of spectral monitoring data of plantations for crop management processes remain topical issues. Since spectral monitoring is a necessary component in the concept of crop management, the development of a methodology for assessing the suitability of remote monitoring spectral data for the calculation of agrochemical practices was the purpose of the work. According to the publications, the dependence of the number of pixels on the values of the intensity of color components for plants and soil is described by the Gaussian distribution. Deviation from such distribution is caused by the imposing of distributions from various objects fixed on a photo. The experimental test was carried out on the basis of wheat, using the results obtained during 2017–2020 when considering the stresses of nutrient deficiency. UAVs with a specialized Slantrange spectral complex with standard Slantview software and an FC200 visible spectrum camera (from the Phantom 2 UAV) were used for monitoring. The investigation found experimental evidence that the pixel distribution of plantations on the example of the wheat crop is described by the Gaussian distribution. It was found that the analysis of the correspondence of the nature of the distribution on the spectral channels, namely the presence of several max peaks that affects the value of the distribution maximum may indicate the presence of foreign inclusions or a transitional stage of vegetation. The suitability of the data can be assessed on the basis of the reference values of the width of the distribution on the spectral channels. This determines the feasibility of introducing in the sets of regular vegetation indices of geographic information systems additional packages that reflect the spectral channels.
PENGARUH SKARIFIKASI DAN LAMA PENYIMPANAN BENIH TERHADAP VIABILITAS BENIH KAYU KUKU (Pericopsis mooniana[Thw]Thw.)
Authors: Husna Husna , Mahmud Andi , Tuheteru Faisal Danu , Arif Asrianti , Albasri Albasri , Basrudin Basrudin , Nurdin Wiwin Rahmawati , Karepesina Sedek
Published: April 2022

Abstrak: Kayu kuku (Pericopsis mooniana [Thw] Thw.) merupakan jenis dari famili Fabaceae. Kayu kuku dilaporkan termasuk dalam jenis kayu lokal sulawesi yang saat ini masuk kategori terancam punah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui viabilitas benih kayu yang dipengaruhi pengikiran dan lama penyimpanan. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Rumah Asosiasi Mikoriza Indonesia (AMI) cabang Sulawesi Tenggara selama 1 bulan (Mei). Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap (Ral Faktorial) dengan tiga kali ulangan dan tiap unit 50 biji. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa benih tanpa skarifikasi memiliki nilai tertinggi pada peubah rata-rata waktu untuk berkecambah yaitu 10.58 hari. Penyimpanan benih 1 tahun mempunyai nilai tertinggi pada peubah persentase kecambah = 67,50%, daya kecambah = 66,50% dan rata-rata benih berkecambah perhari = 1,12 benih dan tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap perkecambahan benih. Perlakuan skarifikasi signifikan terhadap persen kecambah = 91.33%, daya kecambah = 91.00%, dan rata-rata benih berkecambah perhari = 1.52 benih. Benih kayu kuku perlu diskarifikasi sebelum dikecambahkan untuk mempercepat perkecambahan. Kata Kunci: kayu kuku, skarifikasi, perkecambahan The Effect of Scarification and Seed Storage Duration on The Viability of Kuku Wood Seeds (Pericopsis mooniana[Thw]Thw.)Abstract: Kayu kuku [Pericopsis mooniana (Thw) Thw.] is one of the species in the family Fabaceae. Kayu kuku is reportedly included in the local Sulawesi timber species which is currently in endangered category. This study aims to determine the viability of kayu kuku seeds which influences by scarification and the length of seed storage. This research carried out at the Indonesian Mycorrhiza Association greenhouse in the Southeast Sulawesi for one month (May 2019). This study used a completely randomized design on Factorial Ral with three replications and each unit of 50 seeds.The results showed that the seed without scarification had the highest value on the average time to germinate variable, which was 10.58 days. One year seed storage has the highest value on the variable percentage of germination = 67.50%, sprouts power = 66.50% and the average germination rate per day = 1.12 seeds and no significant effect on seed germination.Significant scarification treatment of sprout percent = 91.33%, germination power = 91.00%, and average germinating seeds per day = 1.52 seeds. The seed of Kayu Kuku needs to be clarified before germination to accelerate germination. Key words: Kayu kuku, scarification, Germination
Analysis and Development of a Methodological Approach to Structuring the List of Documents Regulating Science and Technology, Formed through the Activities of Federal Executive Bodies and Organisations Subordinate to Them
Authors: Soldatova Svetlana , Ushakova Svetlana
Published: April 2022

Introduction.The target of our research is the methodology of creating government lists of documents generated by the activities of federal executivebodiesandorganisationssubordinatetothem.Thegoal of the study is to analyse and formulate a methodological approach to structuring a list of documents resulting from the activities of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, as well as various science and technology organisations subordinate tothis Ministry.Methods.Theoretical (analysis, synthesis, analogy) and empirical (document analysis, generalisation, classification) research methods have been used to achieve the research goal specified. The theoretical foundation of our research was formed by the works of Russian authors on the problems of archive management and archival studies. The empirical foundation, in turn, is made out of the regulatory legal acts that assign a specific set of functions to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, acts that control the creation of document lists reflecting the activities of federal executive bodies, approved and valid departmental lists, and decrees by the Ministry.ResultsandDiscussion.The study results in suggestions on structuring a list of documents generated by the activities of federal executive bodies and organisations subordinate to them, with mentions of storage terms relevant to science and technology. Methodologically, the creation of a structure for such a list is based on the results of analysing the lists of documents associated with other government institutions, analysing the functions of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, as specified in Decree No. 682 of the Government of the Russian Federation of 15.06.2018 (amended on 19.06.2021), and analysing the activities of organisations subordinate to the Ministry. To split the list into interconnected segments, we have developed a special principle for distributing the science and technology functions of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federationacrosstiersandspecialisations.Conclusion.Ourstudy results in the formulation of a structural and segmentation diagram that will facilitate the creation of a list of documents resulting from the activities of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and its subordinate organisations, including storage terms relevant to regulating science and technology. The structural diagram of this part of the list has three sections, while the segmentation diagram has five elements. With the framework thus established, the list can be filled with content (specific documents).
The Legal Status of Scientists in Russia and Abroad
Authors: Vasiliev Anton , Pechatnova Yulia
Published: April 2022

Introduction.The article examines the ambiguity of the terms ‘scientist’, ‘research associate’ etc. in Russia and abroad, indicates the absence of a clear, regulation-backed definition of the concept of ‘scientist’ and emphasises the imperfection of the doctrinal approach to defining this term, reflected in the model legislation in particular. The study aims to analyse the legal status of scientists in Russia and abroad, considering the regulatory ambiguity and the existence of numerous adjacent terms. Methods.The methodological basis of the study is represented both by general scientific methods and specialised (legal) methods, as well as a set of concepts, approaches and principles relevant to the legal regulation of the status of actors involved in research activity in Russia and abroad. We also use the comparative legal method, which helps us draw a parallel between the legal status of Russian and foreign scientists. In turn, the formal legal method gets applied while analysing the current legislation and doctrinal approaches to the legal meaning behind the term ‘scientist’ and adjacent categories. The methods used do have some notable limitations: for instance, it is impossible to fully apply the formal legal approach.Results and Discussion.Based on the results of the study and assessment of the opinions of researchers that have already discussed similar issues, we arrive at three main conclusions. Firstly, in order to make terminology legally unambiguous, clear distinctions must be drawn between the names of essential science-related professions: scientist, researcher, educator etc. Secondly, the development of international research collaboration requires unified global standards that determine the legal status of scientists. Thirdly, we suggest improving the system of science funding to prevent the ‘drain’ of research personnel.Conclusion.We emphasise that the ongoing modernisation of national legislation on science is already making progress in bringing the legal status of scientists in Russia in line with international standards. That said, so far, the results of the work done indicate only superficial terminological borrowings, without any significant content processing.
Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension in Young Adults (20–39 Years) in Kerala, South India
Authors: Geevar Zachariah , Krishnan Mangalath Narayanan , Venugopal Krishnannair , Sanjay Ganesh , Harikrishnan S. , Mohanan Padinhare Purayil , Mini G. K. , Thankappan Kavumpurathu Raman
Published: April 2022

Objective

We sought to study the prevalence of hypertension and the levels of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in the young adults in Kerala, India compared to older adults.

Methods

We identified 1,221 young adults (men 36.7%) in the age group 20–39 years from the 5,150 participants of the Cardiological Society of India Kerala Coronary artery disease (CAD) and its Risk factors Prevalence (CSI Kerala CRP) Study. We determined prevalence and levels of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among them compared to older adults

Results

We found that among the young adults, 11.2% had hypertension and 33.3% had prehypertension. Hypertension was nearly three times more prevalent among men than women (20.5 vs. 7.5% p < 0.001) while in older adults there was no difference between men and women in its prevalence. Male sex (OR 3.36, 95% CI 2.15–5.25 p-value <0.001), urban residence (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.52–3.22 p-value <0.001), abdominal obesity (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.06–2.87 p-value 0.028) and hypercholesterolemia (OR 1.64 95% CI 1.12–2.40 p-value 0.011) were significant factors favoring hypertension in the young adults. Awareness and treatment of hypertension were significantly poor among younger adults compared to older adults. In young adults, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were significantly lower among men compared to women (23.9 vs. 51.7% p-value 0.001, 12.0 vs. 25.9% p-value 0.045, and 18.5 vs. 37.9% p-value 0.012, respectively). Participants who had checked blood pressure at least once during the previous year had significantly better awareness and treatment (58.7 vs. 24.0% and 41.3 vs. 19.2%, respectively).

Conclusions

We found that one eighth of young subjects had hypertension with three times higher prevalence of hypertension among men compared to women. Awareness, treatment and control of hypertension were less among young adults and worse in young men compared to young women. Identifying hypertension and measures to control it are important and should be specifically targeted to young men.
The Tricky Task of Fisher-Gardener Research in Conservation Paleobiology
Authors: Assumpção Anna Clara Arboitte de , Caron Felipe , Erthal Fernando , Barboza Eduardo Guimarães , Pinotti Raphael Mathias , Ritter Matias do Nascimento
Published: April 2022

The study of sambaquis (ancient shell mounds) in conservation paleobiology is a complicated subject, especially when comparing body sizes of current and past mollusk valves to observe possible changes. There is a lack of information regarding how ancient fisher-gardeners collected these shellfish. Another obstacle is finding the hypothesis tests and data that can be used to compare current and past body sizes. To this end, we use the t-test (tt), Mann-Whitney (mw), and Bootstrap (bt) analyses to determine data scenarios for yellow clam (Amarilladesma mactroides) shells from two sambaquis units, and from two transects along the beaches of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. The study finds that the average body size of an Amarilladesma mactroides adult specimen is greater in sambaquis than the current valves across all tests (tt, p = 0.0005; mw, p = 0.006; bt, p = 0.04), even after reducing the sample number. However, when the comparison is only between valves that are larger than average, this does not hold true for two of the statistics (tt, p = 0.24; mw, p = 0.04; bt, p = 0.25). By refining the comparison for recent valves from different levels in the swash zone (upper, middle, and lower levels) with the past valves, we find that body sizes only differ at the middle level of the swash zone (tt, p = 0.004; mw, p = 0.004; bt, p = 0.005), where smaller adults, recruits, and juveniles live. This result could indicate that fisher-gardeners collected large organisms at distinct levels depending on the season (i.e., adults are collected in the upper level during summer and in the lower level during winter).
Case Report: An Ulceration With a Stalactite Appearance on the Index Finger
Authors: Zhang Liangliang , Dai Yalan , Lin Mengting , Xu Qiuyun , Lin Tingting , Gong Ting , Cheng Bo , Ji Chao , Cai Donghua
Published: April 2022

Proteus mirabilis, the most widespread species of all Proteus spp. bacteria, is proven to be one of the most universal pathogens in chronic wounds. In this case, a woman in her 40s consulted a physician about an asymptomatic ulceration with a stalactite appearance at the distal end of the index finger after she was exposed to a needle when vaccinating chickens. The patient did not response to ceftazidime. Physical examination revealed a well-demarcated violescent ulceration with a stalactite appearance at the distal end of the index finger. A biopsy of the lesion showed dense infiltration of multinucleated giant cells, histiocytes, and lymphocytes in the dermis. The result of metagenomics next-generation sequencing (NGS) showed 306 unique sequence reads of P. mirabilis, covering 33.49% of the nucleotide sequences. The pathogen was identified as P. mirabilis, which was resistant to ceftazidime. The patient was treated with ciprofloxacin hydrochloride and improved considerably. This case reported a distinctive cutaneous lesion of P. mirabilis on human infection and showed a successful use of NGS in P. mirabilis.
The Relationship Among Intestinal Bacteria, Vitamin K and Response of Vitamin K Antagonist: A Review of Evidence and Potential Mechanism
Authors: Yan Han , Chen Yi , Zhu Hong , Huang Wei-Hua , Cai Xin-He , Li Dan , Lv Ya-Juan , Si-Zhao  , Zhou Hong-Hao , Luo Fan-Yan , Zhang Wei , Li Xi
Published: April 2022

The vitamin K antagonist is a commonly prescribed effective oral anticoagulant with a narrow therapeutic range, and the dose requirements for different patients varied greatly. In recent years, studies on human intestinal microbiome have provided many valuable insights into disease development and drug reactions. A lot of studies indicated the potential relationship between microbiome and the vitamin K antagonist. Vitamin K is absorbed by the gut, and the intestinal bacteria are a major source of vitamin K in human body. A combined use of the vitamin K antagonist and antibiotics may result in an increase in INR, thus elevating the risk of bleeding, while vitamin K supplementation can improve stability of anticoagulation for oral vitamin K antagonist treatment. Recently, how intestinal bacteria affect the response of the vitamin K antagonist remains unclear. In this review, we reviewed the research, focusing on the physiology of vitamin K in the anticoagulation treatment, and investigated the potential pathways of intestinal bacteria affecting the reaction of the vitamin K antagonist.
Genetic Association of rs1021188 and DNA Methylation Signatures of TNFSF11 in the Risk of Conductive Hearing Loss
Authors: Bouzid Amal , Chelly Ameni , Tekari Adel , Singh Neha , Hansdah Kirtal , Achour Imen , Ben Ayed Ikhlas , Jbeli Fida , Charfeddine Ilhem , Ramchander Puppala Venkat , Hamoudi Rifat , Masmoudi Saber
Published: April 2022

Otosclerosis (OTSC) is a complex bone disorder of the otic capsule, which causes conductive hearing impairment in human adults. The dysregulation of the signaling axis mediated by the receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa-B (RANK), RANK ligand (RANKL), and osteoprotegerin has been widely attributed to the context of metabolic bone disorders. While genetic associations and epigenetic alterations in the TNFSF11 gene (RANKL) have been well-linked to metabolic bone diseases of the skeleton, particularly osteoporosis, they have never been addressed in OTSC. This study aimed to assess whether the genetic association of rs1021188 polymorphism in the upstream of TNFSF11 and the DNA methylation changes in its promoter CpG-region reveal the susceptibility of OTSC. Peripheral blood DNA samples were collected from unrelated Tunisian-North African subjects for genotyping (109 cases and 120 controls) and for DNA methylation analysis (40 cases and 40 controls). The gender-stratified analysis showed that the TNFSF11 rs1021188 C/T was associated with OTSC in men (p = 0.023), but not in women (p = 0.458). Individuals with CC genotype were more susceptible to OTSC, suggesting an increased risk to disease development. Using publicly available data, the rs1021188 was within a cluster grouping the subpopulations with African ethnicity. Moreover, 26 loci in the TNFSF11 gene were in linkage disequilibrium with rs1021188, revealing relative similarities between different populations. Significant differences in both DNA methylation and unmethylation status were detected with 4.53- and 4.83-fold decreases in the global DNA methylation levels in female and male OTSC groups, respectively. These changes could contribute to an increased risk of OTSC development. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that each of the rs1021188 variations and the DNA methylation changes in the promoter CpG-sites within TNFSF11 may play an important role in its transcription regulation. To our knowledge, this is the first study that investigates an independent effect of the rs1021188 polymorphism and DNA hypomethylation of TNFSF11 promoter in OTSC. Genetic and epigenetic changes in the regulatory regions of TNFSF11 could offer new molecular insights into the understanding of the complexity of OTSC.
Response of the Anaerobic Methanotrophic Archaeon Candidatus “Methanoperedens nitroreducens” to the Long-Term Ferrihydrite Amendment
Authors: Cai Chen , Ni Gaofeng , Xia Jun , Zhang Xueqin , Zheng Yue , He Bingqing , Marcellin Esteban , Li Weiwei , Pu Jiaoyang , Yuan Zhiguo , Hu Shihu
Published: April 2022

Anaerobic methanotrophic (ANME) archaea can drive anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) using solid iron or manganese oxides as the electron acceptors, hypothetically via direct extracellular electron transfer (EET). This study investigated the response of Candidatus “Methanoperedens nitroreducens TS” (type strain), an ANME archaeon previously characterized to perform nitrate-dependent AOM, to an Fe(III)-amended condition over a prolonged period. Simultaneous consumption of methane and production of dissolved Fe(II) were observed for more than 500 days in the presence of Ca. “M. nitroreducens TS,” indicating that this archaeon can carry out Fe(III)-dependent AOM for a long period. Ca. “M. nitroreducens TS” possesses multiple multiheme c-type cytochromes (MHCs), suggesting that it may have the capability to reduce Fe(III) via EET. Intriguingly, most of these MHCs are orthologous to those identified in Candidatus “Methanoperedens ferrireducens,” an Fe(III)-reducing ANME archaeon. In contrast, the population of Ca. “M. nitroreducens TS” declined and was eventually replaced by Ca. “M. ferrireducens,” implying niche differentiation between these two ANME archaea in the environment.
d-Alanylation of Lipoteichoic Acids in Streptococcus suis Reduces Association With Leukocytes in Porcine Blood
Authors: Öhlmann Sophie , Krieger Ann-Kathrin , Gisch Nicolas , Meurer Marita , de Buhr Nicole , von Köckritz-Blickwede Maren , Schütze Nicole , Baums Christoph Georg
Published: April 2022

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a common swine pathogen but also poses a threat to human health in causing meningitis and severe cases of streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome (STSLS). Therefore, it is crucial to understand how S. suis interacts with the host immune system during bacteremia. As S. suis has the ability to introduce d-alanine into its lipoteichoic acids (LTAs), we investigated the working hypothesis that cell wall modification by LTA d-alanylation influences the interaction of S. suis with porcine blood immune cells. We created an isogenic mutant of S. suis strain 10 by in-frame deletion of the d-alanine d-alanyl carrier ligase (DltA). d-alanylation of LTAs was associated with reduced phagocytosis of S. suis by porcine granulocytes, reduced deposition of complement factor C3 on the bacterial surface, increased hydrophobicity of streptococci, and increased resistance to cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMPs). At the same time, survival of S. suis was not significantly increased by LTA d-alanylation in whole blood of conventional piglets with specific IgG. However, we found a distinct cytokine pattern as IL-1β but not tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels were significantly reduced in blood infected with the ΔdltA mutant. In contrast to TNF-α, activation and secretion of IL-1β are inflammasome-dependent, suggesting a possible influence of LTA d-alanylation on inflammasome regulation. Especially in the absence of specific antibodies, the association of S. suis with porcine monocytes was reduced by d-alanylation of its LTAs. This dltA-dependent phenotype was also observed with a non-encapsulated dltA double mutant indicating that it is independent of capsular polysaccharides. High antibody levels caused high levels of S. suis—monocyte—association followed by inflammatory cell death and strong production of both IL-1β and TNF-α, while the influence of LTA d-alanylation of the streptococci became less visible. In summary, the results of this study expand previous findings on d-alanylation of LTAs in S. suis and suggest that this pathogen specifically modulates association with blood leukocytes through this modification of its surface.
The Effect of Dietary Lactic Acid Bacteria on Intestinal Microbiota and Immune Responses of Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus) Under Water Temperature Decrease
Authors: Liu Yuan , Lv Haoxin , Xu Liping , Zhang Kun , Mei Yan , Chen Jun , Wang Min , Guan Yifei , Pang Huili , Wang Yanping , Tan Zhongfang
Published: April 2022

Temperature changes have a great impact on fish feeding, intestinal microorganisms, metabolism, and immune function. Therefore, it is necessary to develop effective methods to enhance the survival rates and growth of fish under water temperature changes. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are promising immunostimulatory feed additive, as demonstrated by their beneficial effects in several fish species. This study investigated the short-term effects of dietary LAB on intestinal microbiota composition and immune responses of crucian carp (Carassius auratus) when water temperature decreased from 30 ± 1°C to 18 ± 1°C. Lactococcus (L.) lactis 1,209 and L. lactis 1,242 with potential probiotics isolated from the intestine of Qinghai naked carp (Gymnocypris przewalskii) were selected as feed additives for the crucian carp feeding experiment. A total of 225 commercially available healthy crucian carp (250 ± 10 g) of similar age were kept in 30°C water for a week and then immediately transferred to 18 ± 1°C water, assigned to three dietary treatments for a 16-day feeding trial randomly: (1) HC, diets without additives (the control group); (2) HT, diets with 106 CFU/ml L. lactis 1,209; and (3) HL, with 106 CFU/ml L. lactis 1,242. Each group was set up with 3 replicates and each with 25 fish. The results showed that the mortality rate of crucian carp in HC, HT, and HL group was 50, 27, and 33%, respectively. High-throughput sequencing results displayed that the composition of the intestinal microorganism varied dynamically in response to different treatments and water temperature decrease. Among them, compared with the HC group, a higher abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, and a lower of Actinobacteria appeared in HT and HL. The cytokines heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70) in crucian carp intestinal tract significantly decreased when water temperature decreased (p < 0.05).
Colpodella sp. (Phylum Apicomplexa) Identified in Horses Shed Light on Its Potential Transmission and Zoonotic Pathogenicity
Authors: Xu Ming , Hu Yang , Qiu Hongyu , Wang Jingyuan , Jiang Jiafu
Published: April 2022

Colpodella species, which mainly feed on protists and algae, are free-living close relatives of apicomplexans. Recent reports have identified Colpodella sp. infections in an immunocompromised individual and a suspected case of tick-transmitted infection resulting in neurological symptoms. Our molecular examination of piroplasmosis-infected horses in China identified nearly whole 18S rRNA gene sequences that are closely related to Colpodella sp. ATCC 50594 isolated from brown woodland soil at Gambrill State Park, located in Frederick, MD, shedding light on an underreported emerging zoonotic pathogen.
It Takes Two to Tango: Combining Conventional Culture With Molecular Diagnostics Enhances Accuracy of Streptococcus pneumoniae Detection and Pneumococcal Serogroup/Serotype Determination in Carriage
Authors: Miellet Willem R. , van Veldhuizen Janieke , Litt David , Mariman Rob , Wijmenga-Monsuur Alienke J. , Badoux Paul , Nieuwenhuijsen Tessa , Thombre Rebecca , Mayet Sanaa , Eletu Seyi , Sheppard Carmen , van Houten Marianne Alice , Rots Nynke Y. , Miller Elizabeth , Fry Norman K. , Sanders Elisabeth A. M. , Trzciński Krzysztof
Published: April 2022

Background

The specificity of molecular methods for the detection of Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage is under debate. We propose a procedure for carriage surveillance and vaccine impact studies that increases the accuracy of molecular detection of live pneumococci in polymicrobial respiratory samples.

Methods

Culture and qPCR methods were applied to detect pneumococcus and pneumococcal serotypes in 1,549 nasopharyngeal samples collected in the Netherlands (n = 972) and England (n = 577) from 946 toddlers and 603 adults, and in paired oropharyngeal samples collected exclusively from 319 Dutch adults. Samples with no live pneumococci isolated at primary diagnostic culture yet generating signal specific for pneumococcus in qPCRs were re-examined with a second, qPCR-guided culture. Optimal Cq cut-offs for positivity in qPCRs were determined via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis using isolation of live pneumococci from the primary and qPCR-guided cultures as reference.

Results

Detection of pneumococcus and pneumococcal serotypes with qPCRs in cultured (culture-enriched) nasopharyngeal samples exhibited near-perfect agreement with conventional culture (Cohen’s kappa: 0.95). Molecular methods displayed increased sensitivity of detection for multiple serotype carriage, and implementation of qPCR-guided culturing significantly increased the proportion of nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples from which live pneumococcus was recovered (p < 0.0001). For paired nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples from adults none of the methods applied to a single sample type exhibited good agreement with results for primary and qPCR-guided nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal cultures combined (Cohens kappa; 0.13–0.55). However, molecular detection of pneumococcus displayed increased sensitivity with culture-enriched oropharyngeal samples when compared with either nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal primary cultures (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The accuracy of pneumococcal carriage surveillance can be greatly improved by complementing conventional culture with qPCR and vice versa, by using results of conventional and qPCR-guided cultures to interpret qPCR data. The specificity of molecular methods for the detection of live pneumococci can be enhanced by incorporating statistical procedures based on ROC curve analysis. The procedure we propose for future carriage surveillance and vaccine impact studies improves detection of pneumococcal carriage in adults in particular and enhances the specificity of serotype carriage detection.
Efficacy and Safety of Pharmacological and Physical Therapies for Bell's Palsy: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shi Jianwei , Lu Dafeng , Chen Hairong , Shu Mingzhu , Xu Yang , Qian Jiaojiao , Ouyang Ke , Huang Huaying , Luo Zhengxiang , Wang Chunhui , Zhang Yansong
Published: April 2022

Objective

The objective was to comprehensively assess the efficacy and safety of all pharmacological and physical treatments (short-term, ≤ 1 month) for patients with acute Bell's palsy.

Methods

The electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CNKI were searched for the randomized controlled trials comparing two or more regimens in patients with the Bell's palsy to be included in a Bayesian network meta-analysis. Odds ratios and CIs for the primary outcome of the House–Brackmann scale and secondary outcomes of sequelae (synkinesis and crocodile tears) and adverse events were obtained and subgroup analyses of steroids and antivirals were conducted.

Results

A total of 26 studies representing 3,609 patients having undergone 15 treatments matched our eligibility criteria. For facial recovery, acupuncture plus electrical stimulation, steroid plus antiviral plus Kabat treatment, and steroid plus antiviral plus electrical stimulation were the top three options based on analysis of the treatment ranking (probability = 84, 80, and 77%, respectively). Steroid plus antiviral plus electrical stimulation had the lowest rate of sequelae but were more likely to lead to mild adverse events. Subgroup analysis revealed that methylprednisolone and acyclovir were likely to be the preferred option.

Conclusions

This network meta-analysis indicated that combined therapies, especially steroid plus antiviral plus Kabat treatment, were associated with a better facial function recovery outcome than single therapy. Other physical therapies, such as acupuncture plus electrical stimulation, may be a good alternative for people with systemic disease or allergies. More high-quality trials of physical regimens are needed in the future.

Systematic Review Registration

Our registered PROSPERO number is CRD42021275486 and detailed information can be found at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/.