bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes of transarterial chemoembolization in Child–Turcotte Pugh class A patients with a single small (≤3 cm) hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lee Jungnam , Jin Young‐Joo , Shin Seung Kak , Kwon Jung Hyun , Kim Sang Gyune , Yu Jung Hwan , Lee Jin‐Woo , Kwon Oh Sang , Nahm Soon Woo , Kim Young Seok
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is one of the standard modalities used to treat unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the effectiveness of TACE for treating patients with a solitary small (≤3 cm) HCC and well‐preserved liver function has not been definitively established. This study aimed to determine the therapeutic impact of TACE in patients with these characteristics.

Methods

This multicenter (four university hospitals) retrospective cohort study analyzed the medical records of 250 patients with a solitary small (≤3 cm) HCC and Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) class A liver function diagnosed over 10 years. Posttreatment outcomes, including overall survival (OS), recurrence‐free survival (RFS), and adverse events, were assessed following TACE therapy.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐eight of the 250 patients (55.2%) treated with TACE achieved complete remission (CR). Overall median OS was 77.7 months, and median OS was significantly longer in the CR group than in the non‐CR group (89.1 vs. 58.8 months, P = 0.001). Median RFS was 19.1 months in the CR group. Subgroup analysis identified hypertension, an elevated serum albumin level, and achieving CR as significant positive predictors of OS, whereas diabetes, hepatitis c virus infection, and tumor size (>2 cm) were poor prognostic factors of OS.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates the effectiveness of TACE as a viable alternative for treating solitary small (≤3 cm) HCC in CTP class A patients.
Mechanical properties, collagen and glycosaminoglycan content of equine superficial digital flexor tendons are not affected by training
Authors: Yeung Ching‐Yan Chloé , Svensson René B. , Mogensen Nikoline M. B. , Merkel Max F. R. , Schjerling Peter , Jokipii‐Utzon Anja , Zhang Cheng , Carstensen Helena , Buhl Rikke , Kjaer Michael
Published: May 2024

Physical activity can activate extracellular matrix (ECM) protein synthesis and influence the size and mechanical properties of tendon. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether different training histories of horses would influence the synthesis of collagen and other matrix proteins and alter the mechanical properties of tendon. Samples from superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) from horses that were either (a) currently race trained (n = 5), (b) previously race trained (n = 5) or (c) untrained (n = 4) were analysed for matrix protein abundance (mass spectrometry), collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, ECM gene expression and mechanical properties. It was found that ECM synthesis by tendon fibroblasts in vitro varied depending upon the previous training history. In contrast, fascicle morphology, collagen and GAG content, mechanical properties and ECM gene expression of the tendon did not reveal any significant differences between groups. In conclusion, although we could not identify any direct impact of the physical training history on the mechanical properties or major ECM components of the tendon, it is evident that horse tendon cells are responsive to loading in vivo, and the training background may lead to a modification in the composition of newly synthesised matrix.
The effect of bubbles on production: The state of the literature
Authors: Fernández‐González Cristhian , Hierro Luis A. , Domínguez‐Torres Helena
Published: May 2024

In this paper, a comprehensive review is carried out on the strand of the literature related to the effects of bubbles on production, which includes the scarce empirical literature. The content is structured according to the bubble phase, since a major part of the literature considers that during the boom, there can be a crowding‐in effect that can even offset the crowding‐out effect derived from the bursting of the bubble. This possibility is due to the influence of two opposing mechanisms: a substitution effect derived from the possible diversion of resources previously allocated to productive investments, and an income effect derived from the fact that investors have more resources obtained from the sale of the bubble assets and from the role of these assets as collateral in loan operations. Studies also show the negative effect derived from the involvement of banks in bubbles. In this paper, both the results of the research and the main methodological framework are reviewed, thereby identifying as a gap in the literature to be considered for future research: the scarcity of empirical research, of studies that include demand factors, of papers that address bubbles in nonfinancial and nonhousing markets, and in undeveloped and emerging countries.
Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in an inflammatory pericardial effusion of a dog
Authors: Murdock Betsy K. , Bach Jonathan F. , Qurollo Barbara A. , Lashnits Erin W. , Friedrichs Kristen R.
Published: May 2024

An 11‐year‐old female spayed German Wirehaired Pointer with a 1‐week history of lethargy, hyporexia, diarrhea, and coughing presented with pericardial effusion causing cardiac tamponade. An echocardiogram revealed no structural cause for pericardial effusion. The pericardial effusion was an exudate with mixed macrophagic and neutrophilic inflammation. Morulae occasionally were found within neutrophils. The pericardial fluid and blood were qPCR and cPCR positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum (NC State University, Vector‐borne Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Raleigh, NC). The dog's blood was negative by ELISA (Vetscan Flex4 Rapid Test, Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ) for A. phagocytophilum antibodies at initial presentation and subsequently positive (SNAP4DxPlus, IDEXX, Westbrook, ME) 7 days later. After pericardiocentesis and administration of doxycycline (5 mg/kg PO q12h for 14 days), a repeat echocardiogram performed 1 month later showed no recurrence of pericardial effusion.
Evaluation of fate of organic matter in sediment through microcosm experiments
Authors: Gardade Laxman , Khandeparker Lidita
Published: May 2024

Laboratory microcosm experiments help to understand the degradation pattern of different sources derived from organic matter (OM) at the sediment–water interface and relate it to field processes. Microcosm experiments were carried out for 65 days to assess the degradation of organic materials such as diatoms, zooplankton, and mangrove leaves using source‐specific fatty acid (FA) biomarkers. The viable bacterial population in the microcosm sediment was low on day 1, but on day 3, it increased substantially by two to threefold in all the treatments. An increase in the bacterial population resulted in a decrease in the FAs specific to organic materials during the initial incubation phase (10 days), suggesting the degradation of organic materials derived from different sources. The FAs specific to diatoms showed faster degradation when compared to zooplankton and mangrove‐specific FAs. The degradation of FAs was influenced by the nature of the source material, unsaturation of FAs, and the sediment type. Sandy sediment facilitated higher degradation of diatom and zooplankton‐specific FAs, whereas mangrove‐specific FAs showed higher degradation in silty‐clay sediment. Thus, bacterial community composition coupled with the habitat characteristics, the OM composition, and the grain size of the sediment, influenced the degradation of FAs. The degradation of mangrove‐specific long‐chain FAs was ~1.11–2.5 times higher when spiked with plankton‐derived labile OM from mixed sources, which otherwise took a longer time for degradation pointing toward co‐metabolism (priming effect), which could play a significant role in the cycling of terrestrial plant‐derived OM in an estuarine ecosystem.
Involving Young Learners in Mind, Brain and Education Research
Authors: Massonnié Jessica , Tokuhama‐Espinosa Tracey , Fern‐Pollak Liory
Published: May 2024

For two decades, the field of Mind, Brain and Education (MBE) has shed light on learning mechanisms. However, the direct involvement of young learners in the design and creation of research projects, while steadily emerging, is still rare. More researchers are beginning to see the benefits of co‐construction of not only research questions but also experimental design and analysis based on young learners' ideas. Recognizing that learning is inseparable from social relationships and well‐being, the papers in this special issue respond to two main questions: (1) Why co‐production? (2) How is co‐production achieved? We hope that this special issue will invite discussions about the different domains within MBE research in which learners' input and collaboration can be valuable. We invite readers to take into consideration the diversity of methods which are represented in this special issue to engage young learners and collect their perspectives.
A novel indirect ELISA for serodiagnosis of mucormycosis using antigens from Rhizopus arrhizus
Authors: Choudhary Hansraj , Kaur Harsimran , Singh Shreya , Singh Rachna , Muthu Valliappan , Verma Roshan , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M. , Agarwal Ritesh , Jain Sanjay , Bal Amanjit , Ghosh Anup K. , Chakrabarti Arunaloke
Published: May 2024

Background

Due to a delay in diagnosis by conventional techniques and high mortality, the development of a standardised and rapid non‐culture‐based technique is an unmet need in pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and disseminated forms of mucormycosis. Though limited studies have been conducted for molecular diagnosis, there are no established serologic tests for this highly fatal infection.

Objective

To develop and evaluate an indirect in‐house enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) utilising antigens of Rhizopus arrhizus for detecting anti‐Rhizopus antibodies (IgG and IgM) in sera of patients with mucormycosis.

Methods

We extracted both secretory and mycelial Rhizopus antigens using standardised protocols. Bradford assay was used for protein quantification. We then standardised an indirect ELISA using R. arrhizus mycelial and secretory antigens (10.0 μg/mL in bicarbonate buffer pH 9.2) for detecting anti‐Rhizopus IgG and IgM antibodies in patient sera. We included patients with mucormycosis, other fungal infections, and healthy controls. Antibody index value (E‐value) was calculated for each patient sample.

Results

Asparagine broth culture filtrate utilising 85% ammonium sulphate salt fractionation and mycelial homogenate grown in yeast extract peptone dextrose (YPD) broth precipitated with trichloroacetic acid (TCA) yielded a large amount of good‐quality protein for the assay. We included 55 patients with mucormycosis (rhino‐orbito‐cerebral mucormycosis [ROCM, n = 39], pulmonary [n = 15], gastrointestinal [n = 1]), 24 with other fungal infections (probable aspergillosis [n = 14], candidiasis [n = 10]), and healthy controls (n = 16). The sensitivity of the antibody test for diagnosing mucormycosis ranged from 83.6–92.7% for IgG and 72.7–87.3% for IgM, with a specificity of 91.7–92.5% for IgG and 80–82.5% for IgM. The sera from patients with other fungal infections and healthy individuals did not show significant cross‐reactivity.

Conclusion

The detection of anti‐Rhizopus IgG antibody performed significantly better in comparison to IgM‐based ELISA for diagnosing both ROCM (sensitivity of 84.6% vs. 69.2%) and pulmonary cases (86.6% vs. 80.0%). More extensive studies are required to confirm our findings.
A cerebellar ataxia patient harboring 229 pure GAA repeat units in FGF14 presenting with grip myotonia
Authors: Mori Yasuko , Miyatake Satoko , Kunieda Kenjiro , Yoshikura Nobuaki , Hayashi Yuichi , Higashida Kazuhiro , Kimura Akio , Koshimizu Eriko , Matsumoto Naomichi , Shimohata Takayoshi
Published: May 2024

Spinocerebellar ataxia 27 B (SCA27B) is caused by the expansion of GAA repeats in the intron of the fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14) on chromosome 13 and is inherited dominantly. An 80‐year‐old male visited the hospital complaining of ataxic gait and harboring 229 pure GAA repeat units in the FGF14. Almost all the clinical features were similar to that of SCA27B. However, the patient initially presented with episodic grip myotonia, which has not been previously reported.
Strong habitat and seasonal phenology effects on the evolution of self‐compatibility, clonality and pollinator shifts in Lachenalia (Asparagaceae: Scilloideae)
Authors: Duncan Graham D. , Ellis Allan G. , Forest Félix , Verboom G. Anthony
Published: May 2024

Plants employ a diversity of reproductive safeguarding strategies to circumvent the challenge of pollen limitation. Focusing on southern African Lachenalia (Asparagaceae: Scilloideae), we test the hypothesis that the evolution of reproductive safeguarding traits (self‐compatibility, autonomous selfing, bird pollination and clonal propagation) is favoured in species occupying conditions of low insect abundance imposed by critically infertile fynbos heathland vegetation and by flowering outside the austral spring insect abundance peak.

We trace the evolution of these traits and selective regimes on a dated, multi‐locus phylogeny of Lachenalia and assess their evolutionary associations using ordinary and phylogenetic regression.

Ancestral state reconstructions identify an association with non‐fynbos vegetation and spring flowering as ancestral in Lachenalia, the transition to fynbos vegetation and non‐spring flowering taking place multiple times. They also show that self‐compatibility, autofertility, bird pollination and production of multiple clonal offsets have evolved repeatedly.

Regression models suggest that bird pollination and self‐compatibility are selected for in fynbos and in non‐spring flowering lineages, with autofertility being positively associated with non‐spring flowering. These patterns support the interpretation of these traits as reproductive safeguarding adaptations under reduced insect pollinator abundance. We find no evidence to support the interpretation of clonal propagation as a reproductive safeguarding strategy.
Connecting calcium signaling with boron transport: the crucial role of CPK10 protein kinase
Authors: Huang Chao‐Feng
Published: May 2024

This article is a Commentary on Wang et al. (2024), 243: 1795–1809.
Medication and supplement pharmacokinetic changes following bariatric surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lajeunesse‐Trempe Fannie , Okroj Dominika , Ostarijas Eduard , Ramalho Alan , Tremblay Eve‐Julie , Llewellyn David , Harlow Chris , Chandhyoke Nikhil , Chew Nicholas W. S. , Vincent Royce P. , Tchernof Andre , Piché Marie‐Eve , Poirier Paul , Biertho Laurent , Morin Marie‐Philippe , Copeland Caroline S. , Dimitriadis Georgios K.
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of bariatric surgery on the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of orally administered medications and supplements.

Methods

Systematic searches of bibliographic databases were conducted to identify studies. Pooled effect estimates from different surgical procedures were calculated using a random‐effects model.

Results

Quantitative data were synthesized from 58 studies including a total of 1985 participants. Whilst 40 medications and 6 supplements were evaluated across these studies, heterogeneity and missing information reduced the scope of the meta‐analysis to the following medications and supplements: atorvastatin, paracetamol, omeprazole, midazolam, vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and iron supplements. There were no significant differences in PK parameters post‐surgery for the drugs atorvastatin and omeprazole, and supplements calcium, ferritin, and zinc supplements. Paracetamol showed reduced clearance (mean difference [MD] = −15.56 L/hr, p = 0.0002, I2 = 67%), increased maximal concentration (MD = 6.90 μg/ml, p = 0.006, I2 = 92%) and increased terminal elimination half‐life (MD = 0.49 hr, p < 0.0001, I2 = 3%) post‐surgery. The remaining 36 medications and 2 supplements were included in a systematic review. Overall, 18 of the 53 drugs and supplements showed post‐operative changes in PK parameters.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates heterogeneity in practice and could not reach conclusive findings for most PK parameters. Prospective studies are needed to inform best practice and enhance patient healthcare and safety following bariatric surgery.
Small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 plays a role in orthodontic tooth movement by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation
Authors: Feng Jingjing , Tan Anqi , Li Weiran , Zheng Yunfei
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives

The alveolar bone remodelling promoted by reasonable mechanical force triggers orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). The generation of osteoclasts is essential in this process. However, the mechanism of mechanical force mediating osteoclast differentiation remains elusive. Small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5), which was reported to mediate the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in our previous study, was downregulated in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) under mechanical force. At the same time, the RANKL/OPG ratio increased. Based on this, we probed into the role of SNHG5 in osteoclast formation during OTM and the relevant mechanism.

Materials and Methods

SNHG5 and the RANKL/OPG ratio under different compressive forces were detected by western blotting (WB) and qRT‐PCR. Impact of overexpression or knockdown of SNHG5 on osteoclast differentiation was detected by qRT‐PCR, WB and transwell experiments. The combination of SNHG5 and C/EBPβ was verified by RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull‐down assays. The expression of SNHG5 and osteoclast markers in gingiva were analysed by qRT‐PCR and the paraffin sections of periodontal tissues were used for histological analysis.

Results

Compressive force downregulated SNHG5 and upregulated the RANKL/OPG ratio in hPDLCs. Overexpression of SNHG5 inhibited RANKL's expression and osteoclast differentiation. SNHG5 combined with C/EBPβ, a regulator of osteoclast. The expression of SNHG5 in periodontal tissue decreased during OTM.

Conclusion

SNHG5 inhibited osteoclast differentiation during OTM, achieved by affecting RANKL secretion, which may provide a new idea to interfere with bone resorption during orthodontic treatment.
Salutogenesis intervention improves cardio‐cerebrovascular health in at‐risk office workers: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Moon Ji Hyun , Ryu Hosihn
Published: May 2024

Objective

Cardio‐cerebrovascular disease is the major cause of work‐related deaths. Salutogenesis indicates individual differences in health levels occur owing to differences in the sense of coherence (SOC). A salutogenesis‐based intervention may promote cardio‐cerebrovascular health at work. This study examined the effects of a SOC promotion program based on salutogenesis.

Design

Quasi‐experimental study.

Sample

Fifty‐six office workers who were above the “low risk” of cardio‐cerebrovascular disease from two workplaces were included in the final analysis.

Measurements

Data collected pre‐ and postintervention. To determine the intervention's effectiveness, repeated‐measures analysis of variance was used.

Intervention

The intervention group was provided with the SOC promotion program, whereas the control group was provided with educational materials alone for 12 weeks.

Results

Generalized resistance resources (GRRs; knowledge of cardio‐cerebrovascular disease prevention, stress‐coping strategies, and social support) and SOC significantly improved in the intervention group. The intervention group showed significant improvements in occupational stress, physical activity, dietary behavior, total cholesterol level, fasting glucose level, hemoglobin A1C level, body mass index, waist circumference, diastolic and systolic blood pressure, and cardio‐cerebrovascular risk.

Conclusions

Systematic salutogenesis‐based SOC promotion programs should be established to enhance the cardio‐cerebrovascular health of office workers at‐risk of cardio‐cerebrovascular diseases.

Trial Registration

Trial Registration Number is KCT0007029. The date of registration is February 23, 2022.
State and politics in the transitional era of globalization: Twisting and turning toward authoritarian and hybrid regimes
Authors: Rahman Hafijur , Islam Md Saidul , Gounjaria Nageeb
Published: May 2024

Beyond its discontented thesis, globalization has had a difficult time in the last few years, owing to the global financial crises of 2008–2009 when its vacuous premises and promises were widely contested for being an unfair deal. The recent rise of nationalist and populist movements across the West and the East, boosted by the COVID‐19 pandemic, now threatens its survival. However, globalization experts are largely divided in charting its future; while some predict the demise of the existing world order, others believe globalization will continue with some restructuring. By analyzing the global political dynamics and reviewing political and scholarly news and views, we argue that globalization is currently undergoing a transitional era with a new paradox—one characterized by the emergence of a multipolar world but with local identity and tradition‐based politics. The upshot is that the state with the border is re‐emerging alongside authoritarian and hybrid regimes.

Related Articles

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Quinn, Adam. 2007. “The Great Illusion: Chimeras of Isolationism and Realism in Post‐Iraq U.S. Foreign Policy.” Politics & Policy 35(3): 522–47. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00071.x.

Zaidi, Syed Muhammad Saad. 2021. “American Global Supremacy Under Threat? The Chinese Factor.” Politics & Policy 49(2): 502–28. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12402.
How does climate change risk affect energy poverty? International evidence
Authors: Chen Jinyu , Luo Xianfeng , Ding Qian
Published: May 2024

Based on cross‐country data from 2002 to 2019, we explore the impact of climate change risk (CCR) on energy poverty (EP), and the moderating role in the CCR–EP nexus is also discussed. The empirical results suggest that CCR can exacerbate EP, especially for rural areas. Moderating effect analysis shows that financial development, technological innovation, and adaptation readiness can modify the negative impacts of CCR on EP to some extent. Moreover, the impact of CCR on EP is heterogeneous, demonstrating that CCR is more likely to exacerbate EP in countries with low economic development, low economic freedom, high carbon intensity, and the Africa region. Our findings emphasize the challenge of balancing EP alleviation with climate change response and provide the policy guidance to promote coordinated development of CCR management and energy supply security.
Fairness in markets and market experiments: insights from a field‐plus‐lab study and a failed replication
Authors: Engelmann Dirk , Friedrichsen Jana , Kübler Dorothea
Published: May 2024

We investigate how fairness in a laboratory experiment framed as a market exchange relates to preferences for fair trade products elicited before and at the end of the experiment. We collected two samples, 10 years apart. In the original sample, fairness in the market experiment measured by the willingness to buy at a higher price when higher wages are paid to the worker correlates both with the choice of a fair trade product and with the willingness to pay a positive fair trade premium. These correlations are not significant in the replication experiment, which indicates at best a weak relationship.
Pentecostalism and the (de)construction of ‘Otherness’: Experiences of black African students at a South African University
Authors: Gukurume Simbarashe
Published: May 2024

Drawing on fieldwork conducted at a South African University, this qualitative study examines the lived experiences of black foreign students studying and living in South Africa. The study sought to understand the role that Pentecostalism plays in mediating the everyday experiences of black foreign students within and beyond the university campus spaces. A total of 30 student patrons from two Pentecostal churches were purposively sampled for the study. Data were collected using qualitative methods, including in‐depth interviews, participant observation, and informal conversations. Data were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. The study findings revealed that for many African foreign students in South Africa, Pentecostalism mediated their sense of being on campus and allowed them to deal with the real and perceived social disarticulation fashioned by xenophobic terrains and attendant socio‐material anxieties. I assert that Pentecostal communities helped African foreign students to embed themselves and adjust to life on campus. These communities allowed them to forge convivial relationships and mutuality with fellow students and other Church members. Building on extant scholarly arguments and debates on Pentecostalism and student mobilities, I argue that Pentecostalism play(ed) a central role in the (de)construction of a sense of ‘Otherness’ through socio‐spiritual rituals including, sermons (the word), proselytisation and other social practices, albeit with varying degrees of success. Although Pentecostal networks strongly mediated black African foreign students' everyday navigation in precarious social spaces, the anxiety and the feeling of otherness are not completely removed.
Writing from a colonised English
Authors: Abad‐Jugo Cyan
Published: May 2024

This article argues for the validity of using English to express Philippine identities and realities. It is an exercise in substantiating what my father, Philippine poet Gémino H. Abad (and National Artist for Literature since 2022), has written in so many essays about the writing of our literature in and from and through English because: ‘We have our own way of feeling by which we then use this language called English. So that English is ours. We have colonized it too’ (Abad et al.). It accounts for a writer's possible journey or process, as I grapple with what my father means and consider how it might apply in my own writing, particularly in Salingkit: A 1986 diary, set during the EDSA Revolution, and Letters from Crispin, set during both the Philippine Revolution and the EDSA Revolution. In writing these books in and from and through English, I affirm that English becomes less the language of subjugation, and more the language of liberation.
Translanguaging in multilingual elementary classrooms in the Philippines
Authors: Reyes Robin Atilano De Los
Published: May 2024

This article attempts to describe the translanguaging practices of third‐grade teachers and learners during English language teaching and learning, as well as the patterns and purposes the practices seek to achieve. Using nonparticipatory classroom observations, the study found that the participants produced at least three patterns where three languages were involved, and these patterns seem to allow learners to maximize their linguistic resources in discussions, in accomplishing assessment mechanisms and in keeping them on track for better understanding. With this, the study recommends legitimizing the said practice as it is not only consistent with multilinguals’ use of languages but also pedagogically beneficial for learning another language such as English.
Do Indigenismo Integracionista aos Protocolos Autônomos de Consulta: A América Latina nos Caminhos do Protagonismo dos Povos Indígenas
Authors: Silva Julianne Holder da Câmara
Published: May 2024

O objetivo de “civilizar” e “integrar” o indígena mais do que uma ideologia juridicamente consolidada constituiu-se em uma política pública institucionalizada e oficialmente destinada aos povos indígenas pela grande maioria dos países do continente latino-americano. Com respaldo na pressuposta incapacidade civil do indígena, a política integracionista legitimou a marginalização dos povos e a apropriação de suas terras e recursos. Partindo dessas bases históricas, através de uma pesquisa explicativa e exploratória, o presente trabalho abordará a transformação ideológica ocorrida nos debates internacionais das últimas décadas, voltada à superação do paradigma integracionista e fortalecimento da diversidade e do protagonismo dos povos. Investigará como os movimentos indígenas do continente se articularam na busca por alternativas que privilegiassem sua autonomia e o respeito a sua identidade. Para tanto, coletou dados através da documentação indireta, a partir da pesquisa bibliográfica e documental e dos métodos histórico e comparativo. As pesquisas evoluíram de modo a indicar que ações de iniciativa dos próprios povos indígenas, como a elaboração dos protocolos de consulta, revelaria um grande potencial emancipador. Além de colocar cada povo na centralidade dos processos de tomada de decisões, o respeito a cada protocolo pode significar a redução de conflitos. Diferentes experiências na elaboração de protocolos indígenas também foram estudadas. Como conclusão percebe-se que a grande dificuldade em colocar em prática um real processo de escuta está justamente nos governos dos estados nacionais, que asseguram abstratamente direitos aos povos indígenas sem, contudo, reconhece-los e engendrá-los na prática.
Uma Análise Neoinstitucional das Medidas Provisionais da Corte Interamericana de Direitos Humanos no Complexo Prisional do Curado
Authors: Bitencourt Nóbrega Flavianne Fernanda , Maranhão de Queiroz Figueiredo João Augusto
Published: May 2024

O presente artigo se propõe a desenvolver uma análise neoinstitucional das medidas provisionais da Corte Interamericana de Direitos Humanos (Corte IDH) para o complexo prisional do Curado com a finalidade de se compreender a origem da medida mais concreta do cômputo em dobro da pena e os desafios de sua implementação por parte dos atores institucionais no âmbito nacional. Para tanto, foi utilizado o framework analítico do neoinstitucionalismo no direito, em que as instituições reais são compreendidas como “regras do jogo”. Assim, o marco teórico que acompanha toda a análise desta pesquisa foram as construções sobre fortalecimento e fragilidade institucional de Daniel Brinks, Steven Levitsky e Maria Murillo para a América Latina. Além da pesquisa bibliográfica, documental, jurisprudencial, foram coletados dados primários na cidade de Recife de 2016-2023, com atuações dos pesquisadores como observadores participantes do Fórum de Monitoramento local sobre as decisões da Corte IDH, visita técnica ao complexo prisional, atividades acadêmicas com peticionários das vítimas, Conselho Nacional de Justiça e Universidade. Como resultado da análise neoinstitucional, foi desvelado que a imposição da contagem em dobro de pena foi uma reação da Corte IDH ao cumprimento aparente das medidas anteriores. Conclui-se que essa medida provisional do cômputo em dobro e a construção de uma comunidade de prática entre os órgãos do Estado e a Clínica de Direitos Humanos - Acesso ao Sistema Interamericano de Direitos Humanos - da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco potencializa pavimentar caminhos para um maior fortalecimento institucional dos direitos das pessoas privadas de liberdade do Curado.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Corte Interamericana; Direitos Humanos; Sistema Prisional; Cômputo em Dobro; Análise neoinstitucional.
LOS SENTIDOS DE LA ESPIRITUALIDAD INDÍGENA Y SU APLICACIÓN POR LA CORTE INTERAMERICANA DE DERECHOS HUMANOS
Authors: Frizzo Bragato Fernanda , De Almeida Rosa Marina
Published: May 2024

La espiritualidad no desempeña un papel central solo en la determinación de un lugar como territorio indígena, sino también en la vida cotidiana de las comunidades indígenas. Prácticas consideradas triviales por las culturas occidentales están impregnadas de un significado espiritual y, a menudo, son sagradas para estas comunidades. Además, ciertas acciones, como la eliminación de una comunidad o la prohibición de acceso a un lugar sagrado, constituyen daños espirituales que también pueden implicar violaciones a varios derechos humanos. Buscando acercarse a un concepto de espiritualidad indígena e identificando su previsión en el Derecho Internacional, este artículo analiza cómo la jurisprudencia de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos trata los daños a la espiritualidad como una forma de violación de diferentes derechos humanos establecidos en la Convención Americana. Reconociendo las limitaciones cognitivas propias de aquellos que no viven la cultura que intentan comprender, las autoras de este artículo se basan en una revisión bibliográfica para aproximarse al concepto de espiritualidad y, además, en una revisión documental para analizar el tratamiento jurídico del tema y la jurisprudencia de la Corte IDH. El artículo concluye que, cuando se trata de pueblos indígenas, la Corte IDH tiene en cuenta el componente espiritual de varios derechos de la Convención y, en ocasiones, considera que el daño a la espiritualidad constituye una violación de ciertos derechos. Por otro lado, la Corte aún no ha llegado a reconocer la espiritualidad como un derecho humano indígena autónomo, aunque hay espacio para este avance.
Impossibilidades Multiculturais em Três Decadas de Constitucionalismo na Colômbia
Authors: Ariza Santamaria Rosembert
Published: May 2024

Três décadas de gramática constitucional são revistas e questionadas no que diz respeito às minorias, grupos diferenciados, povos indígenas, povos negros, afrodescendentes, raizales, palenqueros (NARP), Rrom (ciganos) ou referenciados como grupos étnicos, a progressividade do reconhecimento dos seus direitos e as inconsistências judiciais e institucionais das suas principais reivindicações face à narrativa sociocultural do viver melhor (vivir sabroso) destas populações como sujeitos de uma abordagem multicultural que continua presa num círculo conservador de respeito pelo status quo jurídico tradicional, a ineficácia das decisões a diferentes níveis do Estado, como a persistência da desigualdade, do racismo e da falta de concretização material dos direitos territoriais coletivos, da consulta prévia e da participação destas chamadas minorias no processo de decisão da vida social.
Rational Hodge isometries of hyper-Kähler varieties of type are algebraic
Authors: Markman Eyal
Published: May 2024

Let $X$ and $Y$ be compact hyper-Kähler manifolds deformation equivalent to the Hilbert scheme of length $n$ subschemes of a $K3$ surface. A class in $H^{p,p}(X\times Y,{\mathbb {Q}})$ is an analytic correspondence, if it belongs to the subring generated by Chern classes of coherent analytic sheaves. Let $f:H^2(X,{\mathbb {Q}})\rightarrow H^2(Y,{\mathbb {Q}})$ be a rational Hodge isometry with respect to the Beauville–Bogomolov–Fujiki pairings. We prove that $f$ is induced by an analytic correspondence. We furthermore lift $f$ to an analytic correspondence $\tilde {f}: H^*(X,{\mathbb {Q}})[2n]\rightarrow H^*(Y,{\mathbb {Q}})[2n]$, which is a Hodge isometry with respect to the Mukai pairings and which preserves the gradings up to sign. When $X$ and $Y$ are projective, the correspondences $f$ and $\tilde {f}$ are algebraic.
An open auscultation dataset for machine learning-based respiratory diagnosis studies
Authors: Zhou Guanyu , Liu Chengjian , Li Xiaoguang , Liang Sicong , Wang Ruichen , Huang Xun
Published: May 2024

Machine learning enabled auscultating diagnosis can provide promising solutions especially for prescreening purposes. The bottleneck for its potential success is that high-quality datasets for training are still scarce. An open auscultation dataset that consists of samples and annotations from patients and healthy individuals is established in this work for the respiratory diagnosis studies with machine learning, which is of both scientific importance and practical potential. A machine learning approach is examined to showcase the use of this new dataset for lung sound classifications with different diseases. The open dataset is available to the public online.
Maximal Aerobic Power, Quality of Life, and Ejection Fraction in Survivors of Childhood Cancer Treated with Anthracyclines
Authors: Martínez Tagle Maritza , Loeza Magaña Pavel , Benito Reséndiz Alma Edith , Lucatero Lecona Iliana , Arreguín González Farina Esther , Chávez Delgado Alberto
Published: May 2024

Background: Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity is a frequent complication that can occur at any stage of treatment, even in survivors. Objective: To determine maximum aerobic power, quality of life, and left ventricular ejection fraction in childhood cancer survivors treated with anthracyclines. Design: Cross-sectional, observational study. Methods: The left ventricular ejection fraction was obtained from the transthoracic echocardiogram report in the medical records. Each patient underwent a 6-minute walk test, assessment of maximum aerobic power on a cycle ergometer, and evaluation of perceived exertion using the EPInfant scale, and finally, their quality of life was evaluated using the pediatric quality of life inventory model. Results: A total of 12 patients were studied, with an average of 16.2 years of age. All patients exhibited a left ventricular ejection fraction >60%, the mean distance covered in the 6-minute walk test was 516.7 m, and the mean of the maximum aerobic power was 70 W. Low quality of life scores were obtained in the physical and psychosocial aspects. In the Pearson test, a weak correlation without statistical significance was found between all the variables studied. Conclusions: Simultaneously with the detection of cardiotoxicity in childhood cancer survivors, it is pertinent to perform physical evaluations as physical condition and cardiotoxicity seem to be issues that are not necessarily dependent.
Comprehensive lipidomic analysis of the genus
Cutibacterium
Authors: Chudzik Anna , Bromke Mariusz A. , Gamian Andrzej , Paściak Mariola
Published: May 2024

Cutibacterium
are part of the human skin microbiota and are opportunistic microorganisms that become pathogenic in immunodeficient states. These lipophilic bacteria willingly inhabit areas of the skin where sebaceous glands are abundant; hence, there is a need to thoroughly understand their metabolism. Lipids are no longer considered only structural elements but also serve as signaling molecules and may have antigenic properties. Lipidomics remains a major research challenge, mainly due to the diverse physicochemical properties of lipids. Therefore, this study aimed to perform a large comparative lipidomic analysis of eight representatives of the
Cutibacterium
genus, including four phylotypes of
C. acnes
and two strains of
C. granulosum
,
C. avidum
, and
C. namnetense
. Lipidomic analysis was performed by liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in both positive and negative ion modes, allowing the detection of the widest range of metabolites. Fatty acid analysis by gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC-MS) corroborated the lipidomic data. As a result, 128 lipids were identified, among which it was possible to select marker compounds, some of which were characteristic even of individual
C. acnes
phylotypes. These include phosphatidylcholine PC 30:0, sphingomyelins (SM 33:1, SM 35:1), and phosphatidylglycerol with an alkyl ether substituent PG O-32:0. Moreover, cardiolipins and fatty acid amides were identified in
Cutibacterium
spp. for the first time. This comparative characterization of the cutibacterial lipidome with the search for specific molecular markers reveals its diagnostic potential for clinical microbiology.

IMPORTANCE

Cutibacterium
(previously
Propionibacterium
) represents an important part of the human skin microbiota, and its role in clinical microbiology is growing due to opportunistic infections. Lipidomics, apart from protein profiling, has the potential to prove to be a useful tool for defining the cellular fingerprint, allowing for precise differentiation of microorganisms. In this work, we presented a comparative analysis of lipids found in eight strains of the genus
Cutibacterium
, including a few
C. acnes
phylotypes. Our results are one of the first large-scale comprehensive studies regarding the bacterial lipidome, which also enabled the selection of
C. acnes
phylotype-specific lipid markers. The increased role of lipids not only as structural components but also as diagnostic markers or potential antigens has led to new lipid markers that can be used as diagnostic tools for clinical microbiology. We believe that the findings in our paper will appeal to a wide range of researchers.
Bacterial metallothionein, PmtA, a novel stress protein found on the bacterial surface of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and involved in management of oxidative stress and phagocytosis
Authors: Maltz-Matyschsyk Michele , Melchiorre Clare K. , Knecht David A. , Lynes Michael A.
Published: May 2024

Metallothioneins (MTs) are small cysteine-rich proteins that play important roles in homeostasis and protection against heavy metal toxicity and oxidative stress. The opportunistic pathogen,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
expresses a bacterial MT known as PmtA. Utilizing genetically modified
P. aeruginosa
PAO1 strains (a human clinical wound isolate), we show that inducing
pmtA
increases levels of pyocyanin and biofilm compared to other PAO1 isogenic strains, supporting previous results that
pmtA
is important for pyocyanin and biofilm production. We also show that overexpression of
pmtA in vitro
provides protection for cells exposed to oxidants, which is a characteristic of inflammation, indicating a role for PmtA as an antioxidant in inflammation. We found that a
pmtA
clean deletion mutant is phagocytized faster than other PAO1 isogenic strains in THP-1 human macrophage cells, indicating that PmtA provides protection from the phagocytic attack. Interestingly, we observed that monoclonal anti-PmtA antibody binds to PmtA, which is accessible on the surface of PAO1 strains using both flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. Finally, we investigated intracellular persistence of these PAO1 strains within THP-1 macrophages cells and found that the phagocytic endurance of PAO1 strains is affected by
pmtA
expression. These data show for the first time that a bacterial MT (
pmtA
) can play a role in the phagocytic process and can be found on the outer surface of PAO1. Our results suggest that PmtA plays a role both in protection from oxidative stress and in the resistance to the host’s innate immune response, identifying PmtA as a potential therapeutic target in
P. aeruginosa
infection.

IMPORTANCE

The pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a highly problematic multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen with complex virulence networks. MDR
P. aeruginosa
infections have been associated with increased clinical visits, very poor healthcare outcomes, and these infections are ranked as critical on priority lists of both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. Known P. aeruginosa virulence factors have been extensively studied and are implicated in counteracting host defenses, causing direct damage to the host tissues, and increased microbial competitiveness. Targeting virulence factors has emerged as a new line of defense in the battle against MDR
P. aeruginosa
strains. Bacterial metallothionein is a newly recognized virulence factor that enables evasion of the host immune response. The studies described here identify mechanisms in which bacterial metallothionein (PmtA) plays a part in
P. aeruginosa
pathogenicity and identifies PmtA as a potential therapeutic target.
Effect of ceftazidime-avibactam combined with different antimicrobials against carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Wu Yun , Yu Wei , Chu Xiaobing , Zhang Jingjia , Jia Peiyao , Liu XiaoYu , Zhu Ying , Xu YingChun , Yang Qiwen
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to assess the
in vitro
efficacy of ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) in combination with various antimicrobial agents against carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(CRKP). We selected 59 clinical CRKP isolates containing distinct drug resistance mechanisms. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of meropenem (MEM), colistin (COL), eravacycline (ERA), amikacin (AK), fosfomycin (FOS), and aztreonam (ATM), both individually and in combination with CZA, were tested using the checkerboard method. The interactions of antimicrobial agent combinations were assessed by fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) and susceptible breakpoint index (SBPI). The time-kill curve assay was employed to dynamically evaluate the effects of these drugs alone and in combination format. In the checkerboard assay, the combination of CZA+MEM showed the highest level of synergistic effect against both KPC-producing and carbapenemase-non-producing isolates, with synergy rates of 91.3% and 100%, respectively. Following closely was the combination of FOS+CZA . For metallo-beta-lactamases (MBLs) producing strains, ATM+CZA displayed complete synergy, while the combination of MEM+CZA showed a synergy rate of only 57.14% for NDM-producing strains and 91.67% for IMP-producing strains. In the time-kill assay, MEM+CZA also demonstrated significant synergistic effects against the two KPC-2-producing isolates (Y070 and L70), the two carbapenemase-non-producing isolates (Y083 and L093), and the NDM-1-producing strain L13, with reductions in log
10
CFU/mL exceeding 10 compared to the control. Against the IMP-producing strain Y047, ATM+CZA exhibited the highest synergistic effect, resulting in a log
10
CFU/mL reduction of 10.43 compared to the control. The combination of CZA and MEM exhibited good synergistic effects against KPC-producing and non-enzyme-producing strains, followed by the FOS+CZA combination. Among MBL-producing strains, ATM+CZA demonstrated the most pronounced synergistic effect. However, the combinations of CZA with ERA, AK, and COL show irrelevant effects against the tested clinical isolates.

IMPORTANCE

Our study confirmed the efficacy of the combination CZA+MEM against KPC-producing and non-carbapenemase-producing strains. For metalloenzyme-producing strains, CZA+ATM demonstrated the most significant synergy. Additionally, CZA exhibited a notable synergy effect when combined with FOS. These combination therapies present promising new options for the treatment of CRKP infection.
$$D^+ \rightarrow K_s^0 \pi ^+ \eta $$ reaction and $$a_0(980)^+$$
Authors: Ikeno Natsumi , Dias Jorgivan M. , Liang Wei-Hong , Oset Eulogio
Published: May 2024

We study the $$D^+ \rightarrow {\bar{K}}^0 \pi ^+ \eta $$

D
+

→

K

¯

0

π
+

η

reaction where the $$a_0(980)$$

a
0

(
980
)

excitation plays a dominant role. We consider mechanisms of external and internal emission at the quark level, hadronize the $$q {\bar{q}}$$

q

q

¯

components into two mesons and allow these mesons to undergo final state interaction where the $$a_0(980)$$

a
0

(
980
)

state is generated. While the $$a_0(980)$$

a
0

(
980
)

production is the dominant term, we also find other terms in the reaction that interfere with this production mode and, through interference with it, lead to a shape of the $$a_0(980)$$

a
0

(
980
)

significantly different from the one observed in other experiments, with an apparently much larger width.
Evaluation of a Cascaded Deep Learning–based Algorithm for Prostate Lesion Detection at Biparametric MRI
Authors: Lin Yue , Yilmaz Enis C. , Belue Mason J. , Harmon Stephanie A. , Tetreault Jesse , Phelps Tim E. , Merriman Katie M. , Hazen Lindsey , Garcia Charisse , Yang Dong , Xu Ziyue , Lay Nathan S. , Toubaji Antoun , Merino Maria J. , Xu Daguang , Law Yan Mee , Gurram Sandeep , Wood Bradford J. , Choyke Peter L. , Pinto Peter A. , Turkbey Baris
Published: May 2024

A deep learning–based algorithm automatically detected cancerous lesions on prostate biparametric MRI scans with reasonable performance and reliably predicted clinically significant prostate cancer at biopsy.