bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalized R′-Implications: A Hyper Class of R- and R′-Implications
Authors: Grammatikopoulos Dimitrios S. , Papadopoulos Basil
Published: May 2023

In this paper, generalized

R

′

-implications are introduced and studied. Although they are not always fuzzy implications, the sufficient and necessary condition such that a generalized

R

′

-operation is a fuzzy implication is discovered and proved. The satisfaction or violation of some basic properties of fuzzy implications, such as the left neutrality property, the identity principle, and the left ordering property, is also investigated and presented. The intersections among the classes of generalized

R

′

-implications (respectively, operations), R-implications, and

R

′

-implications (respectively, operations) are also studied. It is demonstrated that the generalized

R

′

-implications class is a hyper class of the known R- and

R

′

-implications classes. This research also completes the investigation into

R

′

-operations and improves the outcomes of the intersection of R- and

R

′

-implications.
Small RNA sR158 Participates in Oxidation Stress Tolerance and Pathogenicity of Edwardaiella piscicida by Regulating TA System YefM-YoeB
Authors: Dong Jinggang , Gu Hanjie , Huang Huiqin , Tang Xiaoqian , Hu Yonghua
Published: May 2023

In recent years, the role of bacterial sRNAs in adversity tolerance and pathogens has attracted increasing attention. A great number of virulence-related sRNAs were reported in a variety of human pathogens. However, only a few sRNAs from aquatic pathogens were reported. In our previous study, a novel sRNA, sR158, was identified in Edwardsiella piscicida, an important aquatic pathogen, but its function remains unknown. In the same aquatic pathogen, we also identified a type II TA system, YefM-YoeB, in another study. In the current report, we found that the expression of yefM-yoeB in E. piscicida was regulated by sR158, which is dependent on the RNA chaperon Hfq. The deletion of sR158 reduced bacterial tolerance to oxidation pressure, enhanced bacterial capacity for biofilm formation, increased bacterial adhesion and invasion of host cells and immune tissues, and boosted bacterial general virulence, which are consistent with the effects caused by the deletion of YefM-YoeB. These findings indicate that sR158 participates in the stress resistance and virulence of E. piscicida by regulating YefM-YoeB. Our result is the first report that the type II TA system is regulated by sRNA, which provides new insights into the regulatory role of bacterial sRNA.
Absence of Either Ripk3 or Mlkl Reduces Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Independent of Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Mohammed Sabira , Thadathil Nidheesh , Ohene-Marfo Phoebe , Tran Albert L. , Van Der Veldt Michael , Georgescu Constantin , Oh Sangphil , Nicklas Evan H. , Wang Dawei , Haritha Nair Hariprasad , Luo Wenyi , Janknecht Ralf , Miller Benjamin F. , Wren Jonathan D. , Freeman Willard M. , Deepa Sathyaseelan S.
Published: May 2023

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the etiologies that contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and chronic inflammation is one of the proposed mediators of HCC. Because necroptosis is a cell death pathway that induces inflammation, we tested whether necroptosis-induced inflammation contributes to the progression of NAFLD to HCC in a mouse model of diet-induced HCC. Male and female wild-type (WT) mice and mouse models where necroptosis is blocked (Ripk3−/− or Mlkl−/− mice) were fed either a control diet, choline-deficient low-fat diet or choline-deficient high-fat diet. Blocking necroptosis reduced markers of inflammation [proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL6, and IL1β), F4/80+ve macrophages, CCR2+ve infiltrating monocytes], inflammation-associated oncogenic pathways (JNK, PD-L1/PD-1, β-catenin), and HCC in male mice. We demonstrate that hepatic necroptosis promotes recruitment and activation of liver macrophages leading to chronic inflammation, which in turn trigger oncogenic pathways leading to the progression of NAFLD to HCC in male mice. Whereas in female mice, blocking necroptosis reduced HCC independent of inflammation. Our data show a sex-specific difference in the development of inflammation, fibrosis, and HCC in WT mice. However, blocking necroptosis reduced HCC in both males and females without altering liver fibrosis. Thus, our study suggests that necroptosis is a valid therapeutic target for NAFLD-mediated HCC.

Implications:

Necroptosis is a major contributor to hepatic inflammation that drives the progression of NAFLD to HCC and therefore represents a valid target for NAFLD-mediated HCC.
Data from Analysis of Donor Pancreata Defines the Transcriptomic Signature and Microenvironment of Early Neoplastic Lesions
Authors: Carpenter Eileen S. , Elhossiny Ahmed M. , Kadiyala Padma , Li Jay , McGue Jake , Griffith Brian D. , Zhang Yaqing , Edwards Jacob , Nelson Sarah , Lima Fatima , Donahue Katelyn L. , Du Wenting , Bischoff Allison C. , Alomari Danyah , Watkoske Hannah R. , Mattea Michael , The Stephanie , Espinoza Carlos E. , Barrett Meredith , Sonnenday Christopher J. , Olden Nicholas , Chen Chin-Tung , Peterson Nicole , Gunchick Valerie , Sahai Vaibhav , Rao Arvind , Bednar Filip , Shi Jiaqi , Frankel Timothy L. , Pasca di Magliano Marina
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The adult healthy human pancreas has been poorly studied given the lack of indication to obtain tissue from the pancreas in the absence of disease and rapid postmortem degradation. We obtained pancreata from brain dead donors, thus avoiding any warm ischemia time. The 30 donors were diverse in age and race and had no known pancreas disease. Histopathologic analysis of the samples revealed pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) lesions in most individuals irrespective of age. Using a combination of multiplex IHC, single-cell RNA sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics, we provide the first-ever characterization of the unique microenvironment of the adult human pancreas and of sporadic PanIN lesions. We compared healthy pancreata to pancreatic cancer and peritumoral tissue and observed distinct transcriptomic signatures in fibroblasts and, to a lesser extent, macrophages. PanIN epithelial cells from healthy pancreata were remarkably transcriptionally similar to cancer cells, suggesting that neoplastic pathways are initiated early in tumorigenesis.
Significance:
Precursor lesions to pancreatic cancer are poorly characterized. We analyzed donor pancreata and discovered that precursor lesions are detected at a much higher rate than the incidence of pancreatic cancer, setting the stage for efforts to elucidate the microenvironmental and cell-intrinsic factors that restrain or, conversely, promote malignant progression.
Volunteered Geographic Information: a 10-year bibliometric investigation
Authors: Olivatto Tatiane Ferreira
Published: May 2023

Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) has become more evident at the same time as open-source platforms become worldwide popular, both resulting from people easily accessing geographic information on their smartphones. Aiming to investigate the main aspects of this research field, a bibliometric investigation was developed focusing on 10-year period (2011-2020). The analyses were performed based on Scopus database, VOS Viewer and Bibliometrix softwares, approaching: publications over years, document types, subject areas, core sources, main papers, countries, authors and most recurrent keywords. The initial results indicated that: publications have increased at an annual rate of 21.69%, the most published document type was article and only 16 journals were responsible for 33.33% of those 1200 articles published. USA, Germany and UK are major countries researching VGI and the last two are also host countries of the main authors. Although the term VGI has been defined among Citizen Science, the network of keywords occurrence showed that GIS (Geographic Information Systems) is an outstanding study field. However, the network visualization based on average publication per year revealed Citizen Science as a research field still moving forward. Keywords such as OpenStreetMap, data quality, accuracy assessment, social media and crowdsourcing showed to be more widespread among the field, the opposite occurs with applications in urban areas, land use and ecosystem services. Overall, the bibliometric indicators have revealed to be effective in order to access VGI as a research topic and indicated a promising trend in themes involving social media, remote sensing, urban area, crowdsourcing and PPGIS.
Proposições de gestão ambiental na zona costeira de Icaraí de Amontada (CE), Nordeste, Brasil
Authors: Sousa Hugo Vicente Cordeiro Martins de , Moura Francisco José Maciel de , Souza Ana Caroline Damasceno
Published: May 2023

Nos últimos séculos a zona costeira tem sido intensamente ocupada, causando diversas pressões e impactos negativos nos ecossistemas. Como forma de gerenciar essa problemática, a gestão ambiental surge como alternativa viável ao planejamento das ações humanas e monitoramento ambiental. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo propor medidas de gestão ambiental a partir da análise de impactos socioambientais no distrito de Icaraí de Amontada, município de Amontada (CE), Nordeste, Brasil. A metodologia empregada consistiu de pesquisa exploratória voltada à identificação e compreensão dos impactos ambientais, utilizando-se de matriz de Leopold para avaliação e mensuração dos danos para indicação das medidas de gestão aplicáveis a cada caso. As principais problemáticas ambientais identificadas foram: gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos, falta de implementação do saneamento ambiental e tratamento de água da região, ocupação irregular em Áreas de Preservação Permanente (APP) e indícios de erosão costeira. A partir disto, constatou-se a necessidade de aplicação das medidas propostas para um gerenciamento eficaz da zona costeira. As principais ações propostas foram: construção da rede coletora de esgoto; disponibilização de água canalizada; coleta, tratamento e destinação adequada dos resíduos sólidos; desenvolver projetos de educação ambiental nas escolas do distrito; fiscalização e monitoramento ambiental, com concomitante implementação do Projeto Orla como ferramenta de gestão costeira; e programa de gestão ambiental para monitoramento e contenção da erosão costeira.
Updating of the Köppen and Thornthwaite and Mather (1955) climate classification system for the Southern Amazonas
Authors: Martins Paulo André da Silva , Querino Carlos Alexandre dos Santos , Querino Juliane Kayse Albuquerque da Silva , Moura Marcos Antônio Lima , Nunes Dorisvalder Dias , Machado Nadja Gomes , Biudes Marcelo Sacardi
Published: May 2023

The Climate Classification Systems (CCS) play an important role to define the geographic boundaries and agroclimatic zone. Thus, the main aim of this paper was to determine and evaluate the Köppen and Thornthwaite and Matter (1955) climatic classification for the Southern mesoregion of Amazonas. The data have been collected throughout 10 years (April 2008 through April 2018) by the National Meteorological Institute (INMET) automatic weather stations installed in the municipalities of Humaitá, Apuí, Manicoré, Boca do Acre, and Lábrea, Amazonas State, Brazil. The results have shown that Köppen’s CCS has presented the same type and subtype of climate, to the entire analyzed region. Thornthwaite and Mather's (1955) classification showed greater sensitivity to thermal and water climate variation, totaling 4 (four) types and 5 (five) climate subtypes considering the information generated by the respective water balances such as water deficit and surplus, real and potential, which can serve as a subsidy for studies of land or arable areas. On the other hand, the Koppen classification indicated more general results that are better suited to the macroscale. In this way, the climate classification of Thornthwaite and Mather (1955) showed better accuracy than the Köppen method for the study region.
Proposta metodológica de mapeamento da vulnerabilidade à erosão: aplicação na bacia hidrográfica do Rio Santa Maria, RS
Authors: Petsch Carina , Sccoti Anderson Augusto Volpato , Trentin Romario , Robaina Luís Eduardo de Souza
Published: May 2023

A espacialização de informações físico-naturais e antrópicas em bacias hidrográficas propicia um entendimento sistêmico da unidade e o desenvolvimento de estratégias de planejamento frente a processos erosivos. Sendo assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa é propor um método de mapeamento da vulnerabilidade à erosão para a Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Santa Maria (BHRSM), localizada no sudoeste gaúcho. A área de estudo foi escolhida por apresentar o desenvolvimento de feições erosivas documentadas por outros autores. A metodologia envolveu a atribuição de pesos para as variáveis de geologia, solos, uso da terra, erosividade da chuva e elementos de Geomorphons com posterior cruzamento em ambiente SIG. O modelo demonstrou que a BHRSM apresenta uma vulnerabilidade natural à erosão decorrente da presença de rochas sedimentares friáveis, embora o sobrepastoreio na porção ocupada pelo gado venha aumentado a degradação do solo e fomentando o transporte de sedimentos. Ademais, a introdução da soja propicia a exposição do solo em determinados períodos do ano, ocasionando a erosão. O modelo indicou, de forma inédita, a associação das porções com maior presença de feições erosivas à maior erosividade média anual da chuva na BHRSM. O modelo também apresentou como vantagem a possibilidade de mudança de classe de vulnerabilidade em decorrência da variação da erosividade e uso da terra, dados que apresentam mudanças anuais na BHRSM. Tendo em vista a situação de vulnerabilidade à erosão, é necessário desenvolver estratégias de manejo, sobretudo para a formação campestre e culturas temporárias, a fim de minimizar os danos dos processos erosivos.
Espaços penhorados: expansão e captura da vida nas franjas da metrópole
Authors: Santos César Simoni
Published: May 2023

Eventos de natureza territorialmente expansionista estão inscritos na história da formação territorial brasileira. Na escala metropolitana, o espraiamento do tecido urbano constitui ato contínuo ao longo do século XX, ainda que com variações. Contudo, no âmbito dos conteúdos, nota-se atualmente uma importante ruptura. Enquanto nos anos 1960 e 1970 a expansão das periferias metropolitanas respondia às solicitações de uma economia industrial, hoje a dinâmica de espraiamento passou a responder a regimes de acumulação distintos. Ligado às transformações no mundo do trabalho, o mercado do crédito ao consumidor se tornou um imperativo na ordem da reprodução social. A correlação entre a dívida e a dinâmica de expansão do tecido urbano define os conteúdos de um cotidiano atravessado por novas formas de exploração.
Tecnología lítica, uso de materias primas y análisis tafonómicos en la localidad arqueológica Arroyo Verde, Río Negro, Argentina
Authors: Cardillo Marcelo , Alberti Jimena , Carranza Eugenia
Published: May 2023

Debido a su cronología, localización, extensión e historia formacional, la localidad arqueológica de Arroyo Verde (provincia de Río Negro, Argentina) presenta características relevantes para entender las estrategias de ocupación costera en esta región de Norpatagonia. La mencionada localidad abarca una serie de depósitos arqueológicos de superficie y en estratigrafía, de diferentes tamaños y densidades, con características particulares. En este trabajo abordamos el análisis de la tecnología lítica desde un punto de vista tecnológico, tafonómico y de materias primas, con el fin de caracterizar los conjuntos de superficie. Los resultados señalan diferencias en la composición de las muestras analizadas, aún en las procedentes de un mismo punto pero recuperadas en distintos momentos. Esto estaría relacionado en parte con la variabilidad del registro subsuperficial, las características de las materias primas líticas que fueron utilizadas para manufacturar los artefactos y con las posibles actividades que se habrían llevado a cabo en los loci estudiados. Por otro lado, los análisis tafonómicos sugieren que procesos como el enterramiento, exposición subaérea y agentes eólicos han contribuido sustancialmente a la configuración actual de estos conjuntos.
El largo funeral del rio. La deposión de basura en la ciudad de La Paz (Bolívia) en perspectiva histórica
Authors: Villanueva Criales Juan
Published: May 2023

Este artículo presenta una historia de la deposición de basura en la ciudad de La Paz, en Bolivia, sistematizando la información existente desde tiempos coloniales hasta la actualidad. El texto refleja las diferencias en la escala de la ciudad y la cantidad de basura tratada, en los lugares y técnicas de deposición, e incluso en los conceptos de basura, higiene y salubridad, y el rol del gobierno en su manejo. Describe para ello, a grandes rasgos, tres momentos: (1) desde el establecimiento de La Paz en 1548 hasta inicios del siglo XX, caracterizado por la formación descontrolada de “muladares” o basurales; (2) desde los años 10 hasta los años 90, en que el gobierno de la ciudad provee un servicio de deposición de la basura en botaderos municipales; y (3) la implementación reciente de los rellenos sanitarios y el reciclaje. Sin embargo, el texto también apunta a una constante relación de estos desechos con las cuencas del río La Paz y a un severo problema creciente –y aún presente- de contaminación debida a la inestabilidad del suelo y la presión del crecimiento poblacional urbano. El texto termina reflexionando en torno a las complejidades del manejo del suelo y la basura en una ciudad construida, básicamente, encima de los ríos, y señala el carácter de agente del propio río, tomando muchas veces venganza por la constante agresión de la que es sujeto por parte de la población urbana.
As “ecologias” na arqueologia: bases teóricas para o estudo das interações entre pessoas e o ambiente
Authors: Watling Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Este ensaio apresenta uma breve história das teorias antropológicas utilizadas para compreender as interações milenares entre as pessoas e o ambiente, particularmente em relação à arqueologia. Com destaque especial na região amazônica, pretende-se fornecer um panorama dos paradigmas principais, começando com a Ecologia Cultural da primeira metade do século XIX, passando pelas abordagens paleoeconômicas e comportamentais da Nova Arqueologia, até chegar às contribuições mais recentes da Ecologia Histórica, da Teoria de Construção de Nichos e das perspectivas indígenas.
Cerâmica de figuras negras de Tasos em contexto arqueológico: uma proposta metodológica
Authors: Hora Juliana Figueira da
Published: May 2023

Procuramos justificar a aplicação de um método de análise contextual arqueológico a partir de um recorte amostral da cerâmica de figuras negras da ilha de Tasos, norte do Egeu, do período arcaico. Esse material foi encontrado em santuários femininos, a maior parte no Santuário de Ártemis, localizado em Limenas, ásty da pólis de Tasos. Esse método contribuiu para as interpretações advindas de um aprofundamento dos contextos arqueológicos nas áreas onde foram documentados os achados dos fragmentos cerâmicos de figuras negras, catalogados por Anne Coulié na publicação La céramique thasienne à figures noires, de 2002. Apresentaremos também nossas ferramentas principais para a montagem do corpus documental. Enfatizo a natureza própria e específica deste trabalho com a cerâmica, no sentido de acentuar as informações contidas em relatórios de escavação, dinamizando a leitura dos espaços, da paisagem e do histórico local, a fim de organizá-los de modo que façam sentido para a compreensão da sociedade. Essa metodologia nos trouxe desdobramentos bastante intensos e extensos nas discussões ao longo da tese.
Molecular characterization of the nearly complete nuclear ribosomal DNA sequence of the Neotropical freshwater copepod Arctodiaptomus dorsalis (Marsh, 1907) (Copepoda, Calanoida, Diaptomidae)
Authors: Guinto S. K. P. , Machida R. J. , Papa R. D. S.
Published: May 2023

Arctodiaptomus dorsalis has been reported in the Philippines as an invasive species, which originated from Central America. Apart from its wide distribution in the United States and Central America, it is now widely distributed in many lakes in the Philippine islands, such as Luzon Island and southwestern Mindanao, making it an ideal specimen for studies on population dynamics and population genetics. Recently, new techniques have been emerging as important zooplankton monitoring tools, such as metabarcoding and the use of environmental DNA/environmental RNA. However, these would only be useful if good-quality reference DNA sequences are available before utilizing these techniques. This study sequenced the nearly complete nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) of A. dorsalis from 202 individuals from Lake Taal, Batangas. The total length was 5887 bp, which includes the partial 18S sequences, and the complete 5.8S, ITS and 28S sequences with an organization that is typical for any eukaryotic organism. This is the first record of a nearly complete nrDNA sequence for freshwater calanoid copepods and is considered an important stepping stone for further molecular studies in freshwater Copepoda.
Eriocheir hepuensis Dai, 1991 (Brachyura, Grapsoidea, Varunidae, Varuninae): reporting the southerly distribution to northern Vietnam
Authors: Clark Paul F. , Ngô Văn Trí , Ng Ngan Kee , Gan Lydia Xinjie , Kamanli Seyit Ali , Ng Peter K. L.
Published: May 2023

Eriocheir hepuensis Dai, 1991, the Hepu mitten crab, is here formally reported from Thanh Hoa and Quang Ninh Provinces, northern Vietnam. Previous reports of “E. sinensis” and “E. japonicus” from “Cua lông”, Thai Binh Province, northern Vietnam, require clarification, are probably misidentifications of E. hepuensis, and highlight the problems of species identification within Eriocheir. The taxonomy of E. hepuensis is also discussed.
The Limits of Abstraction: Towards a Phenomenologically Reformed Understanding of Science
Authors: Berghofer Philipp
Published: May 2023

Husserl argued that psychology needs to establish an abstraction that is opposite to the abstraction successfully established in the natural sciences. While the natural sciences abstract away the psychological or subjective, psychology must abstract away the physical or worldly. However, Husserl and other phenomenologists such as Iso Kern have argued that there is a crucial systematic disanalogy between both abstractions. While the abstraction of the natural sciences can be performed completely, the abstraction of psychology cannot. In this context, Husserl argues that the psychological reduction leads to paradoxes. In this paper, I critically discuss whether it is true that the natural sciences can successfully abstract away the subjective. Or more precisely, I raise the question of whether they should.
A revision of the genus Photinopygus Chatzimanolis (Staphylinidae: Xanthopygina)
Authors: CHATZIMANOLIS STYLIANOS
Published: May 2023

The xanthopygine genus Photinopygus Chatzimanolis, 2021 is revised. An identification key along with distribution maps and illustrations of structural features are provided for all 30 species. Nine species are described as new: P. akrodontis Chatzimanolis new species, P. alloportokalis Chatzimanolis new species, P. assingi Chatzimanolis new species, P. chryselytros Chatzimanolis new species, P. cotopaxi Chatzimanolis new species, P. koptopeos Chatzimanolis new species, P. mexicanus Chatzimanolis new species, P. schedonapicalis Chatzimanolis new species, P. thafmasios Chatzimanolis new species. Xanthopygus elegans Bernhauer and Xanthopygus collaris Bernhauer are placed into synonymy with Staphylinus cyanelytrius Perty, new synonymy; Xanthopygus violaceipennis Bernhauer is placed into synonymy with Xanthopygus cyanipennis Sharp, new synonymy; Xanthopygus depressus Sharp is placed into synonymy with Staphylinus faustus Erichson, new synonymy; Xanthopygus violaceus Sharp and Xanthopygus puncticollis Sharp are placed into synonymy with Staphylinus haemorrhoidalis Germar, new synonymy; Xanthopygus nigripes Sharp and Xanthopygus alienus Bernhauer are placed into synonymy with Staphylinus tepidus Erichson, new synonymy; and Xanthopygus flohri Sharp is placed into synonymy with Xanthopygus viridipennis Sharp, new synonymy. Lectotypes are designated for 24 species: Philonthus mirabilis Erichson, Staphylinus calidus Erichson, Staphylinus chrysopygus Nordmann, Staphylinus chrysurus Nordmann, Staphylinus faustus Erichson, Staphylinus haemorrhoidalis Germar, Staphylinus hilaris Erichson, Staphylinus iopterus Erichson, Staphylinus janthinipennis Blanchard, Staphylinus pyraster Erichson, Staphylinus sapphirinus Erichson, Staphylinus tepidus Erichson, Xanthopygus apicalis Sharp, Xanthopygus chapareanus Scheerpeltz, Xanthopygus cyanipennis Sharp, Xanthopygus dimidiatus Bernhauer, Xanthopygus depressus Sharp, Xanthopygus puncticollis Sharp, Xanthopygus punctatus Bernhauer, Xanthopygus rufipennis Sharp, Xanthopygus solskyi Sharp, Xanthopygus violaceipennis Bernhauer, Xanthopygus violaceus Sharp, and Xanthopygus viridipennis Sharp. A neotype is designated for Staphylinus cyanelytrius Perty.
When “Global” Becomes a Challenge: The Role of Freshness in Food Brand Preference Formation
Authors: Baršytė Justina , Ruzeviciute Ruta , Neciunskas Paulius , Schlegelmilch Bodo B.
Published: May 2023

This research provides evidence that globally positioned food brands face an inherent trade-off: the advantages of wide global availability and global sourcing can be outweighed by unfavorable perceptions related to freshness. Through five experiments, with participants from developed and emerging markets, the authors demonstrate that global (vs. local) brand positioning cues dampen product purchase intentions; this happens because globally (vs. locally) positioned brands evoke lower freshness perceptions. This effect is particularly pronounced for minimally or moderately (vs. highly) processed product categories, for which freshness considerations are more important. In addition, the negative effects of globally positioned brands can be reduced with secondary freshness cues, such as freshness seals or guarantees, and such a strategy is particularly effective for individuals high in perceived vulnerability to disease.
CircPrime: a web-based platform for design of specific circular RNA primers
Authors: Sharko Fedor , Rbbani Golam , Siriyappagouder Prabhugouda , Raeymaekers Joost A. M. , Galindo-Villegas Jorge , Nedoluzhko Artem , Fernandes Jorge M. O.
Published: May 2023

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed-loop RNAs with critical regulatory roles in cells. Tens of thousands of circRNAs have been unveiled due to the recent advances in high throughput RNA sequencing technologies and bioinformatic tools development. At the same time, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cross-validation for circRNAs predicted by bioinformatic tools remains an essential part of any circRNA study before publication.

Results

Here, we present the CircPrime web-based platform, providing a user-friendly solution for DNA primer design and thermocycling conditions for circRNA identification with routine PCR methods.

Conclusions

User-friendly CircPrime web platform (http://circprime.elgene.net/) works with outputs of the most popular bioinformatic predictors of circRNAs to design specific circular RNA primers. CircPrime works with circRNA coordinates and any reference genome from the National Center for Biotechnology Information database).
GraphSNP: an interactive distance viewer for investigating outbreaks and transmission networks using a graph approach
Authors: Permana Budi , Beatson Scott A. , Forde Brian M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Cluster and transmission analysis utilising pairwise SNP distance are increasingly used in genomic epidemiological studies. However, current methods are often challenging to install and use, and lack interactive functionalities for easy data exploration.

Results

GraphSNP is an interactive visualisation tool running in a web browser that allows users to rapidly generate pairwise SNP distance networks, investigate SNP distance distributions, identify clusters of related organisms, and reconstruct transmission routes. The functionality of GraphSNP is demonstrated using examples from recent multi-drug resistant bacterial outbreaks in healthcare settings.

Conclusions

GraphSNP is freely available at https://github.com/nalarbp/graphsnp. An online version of GraphSNP, including demonstration datasets, input templates, and quick start guide is available for use at https://graphsnp.fordelab.com.
Association between sleep parameters and chronic kidney disease: findings from iranian ravansar cohort study
Authors: Hemati Niloofar , Shiri Farshad , Ahmadi Farrokhlegha , Najafi Farid , Moradinazar Mehdi , Norouzi Ebrahim , Khazaie Habibolah
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The relationship between sleep duration and chronic kidney disease (CKD) has received relatively little attention in the Kurdish community. Considering the ethnic diversity of Iran and the importance of the Kurdish community, the present study investigated the association between sleep parameters and CKD among a large sample of Iranian-Kurds.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 9,766 participants (Mage: 47.33, SD = 8.27, 51% female) from the Ravansar Non Communicable Disease (RaNCD) cohort study database. Logistic regression analyses were applied to examine the association between sleep parameters and CKD.

Results

Results showed that prevalence of CKD was detected in 1,058 (10.83%) individuals. Time to fall asleep (p = 0.012) and dozing off during the day (p = 0.041) were significantly higher in the non-CKD group compared to the CKD group. Daytime napping and dozing off during the day in females with CKD were significantly more than males with CKD. A long sleep duration (> 8 h/day) was associated with 28% (95% CI: 1.05, 1.57) higher odds of CKD compared to normal sleep duration (7 h/d), after adjusting for confounding factors. Participants who experienced leg restlessness had a 32% higher probability of developing CKD than those who did not experience leg restlessness (95% CI: 1.03, 1.69).

Conclusion

Results suggest that sleep duration and leg restlessness may be associated with an increased likelihood of CKD. Consequently, regulating sleep parameters may play a role in improving sleep and preventing CKD.
CCL19/CCR7 drives regulatory T cell migration and indicates poor prognosis in gastric cancer
Authors: Xu Danhua , Liu Xu , Ke Shouyu , Guo Yixian , Zhu Chunchao , Cao Hui
Published: May 2023

Background

Gastric cancer is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in the world. Blocking programmed cell death protein 1 pathway have been approved for the treatment of a variety of tumors and have achieved remarkable clinical therapeutic effects. However, immune checkpoint inhibitors failed to achieve satisfactory results in gastric cancer. There is a need to identify novel immunotherapy targets in gastric cancer.

Methods

We analysed the correlation between Treg cells and CD8 + T cells in gastric cancer samples. We studied the relationship between chemokines and Treg cells or CD8 + T cells in gastric cancer. We compared CCL19/CCR7 expression in gastric cancer patients in TCGA database. We performed transwell experiments to determine the influence of CCL19 on Treg cells and CD8 + T cells migratory capacity. We conducted survival analysis of CCL19 and CCR7 in gastric cancer database.

Results

Treg cells show positive correlation with CD8 + T cells in gastric cancer. Treg cell expression was significantly upregulated in tumor tissues. Patients with high FOXP3 expression had worse overall survival than those with low FOXP3 expression. CCL19 had strong correlation with FOXP3 and weak correlation with CD8A. CCL19 had strong impact on the migratory capacity of Treg cells but weak impact on the migratory capacity of CD8 + T cells. Both CCL19 and CCR7 expression were significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissues. Survival analysis demonstrated that both CCL19 and CCR7 indicate poor prognosis in gastric cancer.

Conclusions

CCL19/CCR7 may be a potential novel therapeutic target in gastric cancer.
Symmetric offset versus asymmetric offset ablation with transepithelial refractive keratectomy
Authors: de Ortueta Diego , von Rüden Dennis , Arba Mosquera Samuel
Published: May 2023

Background

In eyes with hyperopia, astigmatism, and mixed astigmatism Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TransPRK) is a modality of surface ablation surgery. We center on the corneal vertex for all our treatments (all have an offset to the center of the pupil) and wanted to compare the visual results of symmetrical profile treatments versus asymmetrical profile treatments (the center of the treatment on the vertex and the boundaries with the pupil center) using TransPRK as corneal refractive surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed two consecutive groups of eyes treated with TransPRK in the Aurelios Augenlaserzentrum Recklinghausen: 47 eyes treated with symmetrical offset and 51 eyes treated with asymmetrical offset. The intergroup comparisons were assessed using unpaired Student’s T-tests, whereas preoperative to postoperative changes were assessed using paired Student’s T-tests.

Results

Refractive outcomes were good for both groups. 83 and 88% of eyes were within the spherical equivalent of 0.5 D from the target in the symmetric and asymmetric offset groups, respectively. 85 and 84% of eyes had a postoperative astigmatism of 0.5 D or lower in the symmetric and asymmetric offset groups, respectively.

Conclusion

We have not found a significant difference in the refractive outcomes between the symmetric group and the asymmetric group of eyes treated both with TransPRK for preoperatively hyperopic or mixed astigmatism.
Pulmonary syphilis with a cicatricial variant of organizing pneumonia: a case report
Authors: Goda Ken , Katsurada Masahiro , Doi Takefumi , Saga Nobuyuki , Maniwa Yoshimasa , Kenzaka Tsuneaki
Published: May 2023

Background

Syphilis is a chronic disease that progresses in the primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary stages. Pulmonary manifestations of syphilis are rare, and their histological features have not been well-described.

Case presentation

A 78-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of a solitary nodular shadow in the right middle lung field on a chest radiograph. Five years prior, a rash appeared on both legs. He was tested for syphilis at a public health center, and the non-treponemal test result was negative. When he was approximately 35 years old, he had unspecified sexual intercourse. Chest computed tomography showed a 13-mm nodule with a cavity in S6 of the right lower lobe of the lung. Robot-assisted resection of the right lower lobe was performed because of suspected localized right lower lobe lung cancer. A cicatricial variant of organizing pneumonia (CiOP) was observed, and immunohistochemistry identified Treponema pallidum inside the macrophages in the nodule cavity. The rapid plasma regain (RPR) value was negative, and the Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay was positive. The patient was diagnosed as having secondary syphilis with pulmonary involvement. Insidious progression of secondary syphilis may result in CiOP and a negative RPR test result.

Conclusions

We report the first case of pulmonary syphilis with a histological pattern of CiOP. It may be asymptomatic and difficult to diagnose because the RPR test may be negative for a long period of time. When either non-treponemal or treponemal test results are positive, the possibility of pulmonary syphilis should be considered along with appropriate medical treatment.
Effect of Kinesio tape and Compression sleeves on delayed onset of muscle soreness: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xue Xiali , Hao Yuerong , Yang Xinwei , Zhang Chaoyang , Xu Jie , Wu Xiaolei , Deng Zhongyi , Li Ning
Published: May 2023

Background

Both Kinesio Tape (KT) and Compression Sleeves (CS) can relieve Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) to a certain extent, but there is no study report on the difference in the effectiveness of the KT and CS whether the effect is better when used at the same time. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of KT and CS on the recovery of muscle soreness, isokinetic strength, and body fatigue after DOMS.

Methods

In this single-blinded randomized controlled trial, 32 participants aged 18 to 24 years were randomly divided into Control group (CG), Compression Sleeves group (CSG), Kinesio Tape group (KTG), Compression Sleeves and Kinesio Tape group (CSKTG), between October 2021 and January 2022. KTG uses Kinesio Tape, CSG wears Compression Sleeves, and CSKTG uses both Compression Sleeves and Kinesio Tape. Outcomes were performed at five-time points (baseline, 0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h), Primary outcome was pain level Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Secondary outcomes were Interleukin 6, Peak Torque/Body Weight, Work Fatigue. Statistical analyses were performed using the repeated measures analysis of variance method. Setting: Laboratory.

Results

After the intervention, VAS reached the highest at 24 h after exercise-induced muscle soreness, while the KTG and CSG at each time point were less than CG, and the scores of CSKTG at 24 h and 48 h were less than those of KTG and CSG in the same period (P < 0.05). Interleukin 6, at 24 h, CSKTG is lower than KTG 0.71(95%CI: 0.43 to 1.86) and CG 1.68(95%CI: 0.06 to 3.29). Peak Torque/Body Weight, at 24 h, CG was lower than CSKTG 0.99(95%CI: 0.42 to 1.56), KTG 0.94(95%CI: 0.37 to 1.52), and CSG 0.72(95%CI: 0.14 to 1.29); at 72 h, CG was lower than CSKTG 0.65(95%CI: 0.13 to 1.17) and KTG 0.58(95%CI: 0.06 to 1.10). Work Fatigue, at 24 h, CG was lower than KTG 0.10(95%CI: 0.02 to 1.78) and CSKTG 0.01(95%CI: -0.07 to 0.09). At 48 h, CG was lower than KTG 0.10(95%CI: 0.13 to 1.17) and CSKTG 0.11(95%CI: 0.03 to 0.18).

Conclusions

Kinesio Tape can significantly reduce DOMS pain, and Kinesio Tape has a better recovery effect on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness than Compression Sleeves. Kinesio Tape combined with Compression Sleeves is helpful to alleviate the Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness pain, speeding up the recovery of muscle strength, and shortening the recovery time after Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness.

Trial registration

Registration number: This study was also registered on 11/10/2021, at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100051973).
Surgical management outcome and its associated factors among intestinal obstruction patients admitted to adult surgical ward of Wollega University Referral Hospital, Ethiopia
Authors: Shama Adisu Tafari , Terefa Olana , Gadisa Iyasu , Feyera Gemechu , Tamiru Getnet , Terefa Dufera Rikitu , Merdassa Emiru
Published: May 2023

Background

Globally, bowel obstruction is the most common cause of surgical emergencies. It remains a challenge to healthcare workers in spite of improvements in management techniques. There is a lack of the study to determine the surgical management outcome and its associated factors in the area of study. Hence, this study aimed to determine management outcome and its associated factors among surgically treated intestinal obstruction patients at Wollega University Referral Hospital, 2021.

Methods

Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among all cases surgically managed for intestinal obstruction between September 1, 2018 and September 1, 2021. Data were collected using a structured checklist. The collected data were checked for completeness and entered into data entry software and then exported to SPSS version 24 for data cleaning and analysis. Both bi-variable and multivariable logistic regressions were run. P-value < 0.05 was used to declare a statistically significant association in multivariable logistic regression. The odds ratio along with 95%CI was estimated to measure the strength of the association.

Result

116 (59.2%) patients had favorable surgical management outcome for intestinal obstruction. Male sex (AOR = 3.694;95%CI:1.501,9.089), absence of fever (AOR = 2.636; 95%CI:1.124,6.18), ≤ 48 h duration of illness before operation (AOR = 3.045; 95%CI:1.399,6.629), viable intraoperative bowel condition (AOR = 2.372; 95%CI:1.088, 5.175), having bowel resection and anastomosis (AOR = 0.234; 95%CI:0.101,0.544) were the significantly associated factors of the favorable surgical management outcome for intestinal obstruction.

Conclusion and recommendation

The favorable management outcome of patients with intestinal obstruction who were treated surgically in this study was low. Factors like sex, fever, short duration of illness, viable intraoperative bowel condition, and bowel resection and anastomosis were found to influence the surgical management outcome of patients with intestinal obstruction. The patient with intestinal obstruction should seek health care on time. Health professionals have to be skilled and provide appropriate care for the patients to reduce the risk of complications.
The effect of short-term training about depth predicting score on the diagnostic ability of invasion depth for differentiated early gastric Cancer among non-expert endoscopists
Authors: Li Hui , Hu Hui , Geng Ping , Guo Panhui , Zhu Yuanrong , Zeng Lulu , Liu Jun , Hu Xiangpeng
Published: May 2023

Background

The depth-predicting score (DPS) was proposed based on conventional white-light imaging (C-WLI) endoscopic features of early gastric cancer (EGC) to determine the invasion depth of the neoplasm. However, the effect of DPS on training endoscopists remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of short-term DPS training on improving the diagnostic ability of EGC invasion depth and compare the training effect among non-expert endoscopists at different levels.

Methods

In the training session, the definitions and scoring rules of DPS were instructed, and classic C-WLI endoscopic example graphics were exhibited to the participants. Another C-WLI endoscopic images of 88 cases of histologically proven differentiated EGC were selected as an independent test dataset for evaluating the training effect. Each participant was tested, and the diagnostic accuracy rate of invasion depth was calculated differently one week before the training and after the completion of training.

Results

A total of 16 participants were enrolled and completed the training. Participants were divided into a trainee group and a junior endoscopist group according to the total number of C-WLI endoscopies performed. The total number of C-WLI endoscopies performed showed a significant difference between the trainee group and junior endoscopist group (350 vs. 2500, P = 0.001). No significant difference between the trainee group and junior endoscopist group was observed for pre-training accuracy. The overall diagnostic accuracy of invasion depth was improved significantly after completing DPS training compared with before (68.75 ± 5.71% vs. 61.58 ± 9.61%, P = 0.009). In the subgroup analysis, the post-training accuracy was higher than the pre-training accuracy, but significant improvement was observed only in the trainee group (61.65 ± 7.33% vs. 68.32 ± 5.71%, P = 0.034). In addition, no significant difference in post-training accuracy between the two groups was observed.

Conclusion

Short-term DPS training can improve the diagnostic ability of the invasion depth of EGC and homogenize the diagnostic ability of non-expert endoscopists at different levels. The depth-predicting score was convenient and effective for endoscopist training.
Psychological distress and academic self-efficacy of nursing undergraduates under the normalization of COVID-19: multiple mediating roles of social support and mindfulness
Authors: Xu Ting , Zhu Pingting , Ji Qiaoying , Wang Wen , Qian Meiyan , Shi Guanghui
Published: May 2023

Background

Nursing undergraduates’ academic self-efficacy is a significant factor in determining their learning motivation, cognition, and emotions. It has a significant impact on improving academic performance and achieving learning goals.

Methods

To explore the mechanism of psychological distress affecting the academic self-efficacy of nursing undergraduates, the generalized anxiety disorder scale-7, patient health questionnaire-9, academic self-efficacy scale, perceived social support scale and mindful attention awareness scale were conducted.

Results

Model fitness indexes of the structural equation model is good (CMIN/DF = 1.404, RMSEA = 0.042, GFI = 0.977, IFI = 0.977, TLI = 0.954, CFI = 0.975, NFI = 0.923). Structural equation model analysis showed that social support and mindfulness were the mediating variables of psychological distress on academic self-efficacy. Mediating variables accounted for 44% of the total effect value (− 0.3) with a value of − 0.132. Three paths were verified: psychological distress indirectly affected academic self-efficacy through social support (− 0.064); psychological distress indirectly affected academic self-efficacy through mindfulness (− 0.053); psychological distress indirectly affected academic self-efficacy through social support and mindfulness (− 0.015).

Conclusions

Social support and mindfulness play significant mediating roles in the effect of psychological distress on academic self-efficacy, and the chain mediating role of social support and mindfulness is also significant. Educators may mitigate the impact of psychological distress on academic self-efficacy by enhancing students’ social support and mindfulness.
Exploring the core competencies of clinical nurses in chinese tertiary hospitals: a qualitative content analysis
Authors: Chen Meihan , Wang Aiping , Zhou Baosen
Published: May 2023

Background

With the changes in social and medical environments and people’s health needs, the nursing core competency should be updated and developed promptly. This study aimed to explore the core competencies of nurses in Chinese tertiary hospitals under the new health development strategy.

Methods

Descriptive qualitative research was conducted using qualitative content analysis. 20 clinical nurses and nursing managers from 11 different provinces and cities were interviewed via purposive sampling.

Results

Data analysis revealed 27 competencies, which were grouped into three major categories according to the onion model. These categories were motivation and traits (responsibility, enterprise, etc.), professional philosophy and values (professionalism, career perception, etc.), and knowledge and skills (clinical nursing competency, leadership and management competency, etc.).

Conclusion

Based on the onion model, core competencies for nurses in Chinese tertiary hospitals were established, revealing three layers of core competencies and giving a theoretical reference for nursing managers to conduct competency training courses based on the competency levels.