bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accounting Information System Reporting the Use of School Operational Costs (Case Study: SDIT Daar Ilmi Waykanan)
Authors: Amara Rclani , Suaidah Suaidah
Published: July 2022

Every school that operates always issues and records the use of operational costs. Operational costs are commercial costs incurred by companies/agencies to support or support the operating activities of companies/agencies. These expenditures usually use the existing cash funds in the company/institution with a relatively small nominal. Similar to the process of managing school operational activities in general, SDIT Daar Ilmi Waykanan has used computers and manual bookkeeping in managing all financial recording activities. The computer application used is Microsoft Excel. Even though they already use a computer, there are still very frequent calculation errors and difficulties in manual recording. Because reporting on the use of operational costs must be done every month the school also needs time in conducting reports. There are frequent loss of documents and miscalculations and very wasteful of books/papers.Therefore, as a solution to the problems above, the authors build a web-based reporting system for the use of school operational costs, so that recording and reporting can be timely and more efficient. The recording method used in the development of the accounting information system for reporting the use of operational costs is the Imprest method where monthly recording is carried out repeatedly with the same nominal and time period. The method in developing this system uses the Prototype method, the prototype method itself is a software development method that intermediaries between developers and potential users, also described as an early version of a detailed description of a system desired by potential users. The results of this study indicate that the accounting information system for reporting the use of operating costs is very helpful for the school. Documents in reporting have been developed by adding several types of documents including general journals, cash receipts journals, cash disbursements journals and ledgers. This system can also generate reports of all incoming and outgoing funds.
Importância dos revestimentos comestíveis ativos como estratégia para proteção das oleaginosas contra processos de oxidação lipídica encontrados na literatura
Authors: Nascimento Debora Ribeiro , Guerra Itatiane Catarina , Mesquita Juliana de Andrade , Hernandes Thais , Takeuchi Katiuchia Pereira
Published: July 2022

A castanha-do-Brasil (Bertholletia Excelsa) é rica em ácidos graxos monoinsaturado (MUFA) e poli-insaturado (PUFA) como o ácido oleico, ácido linoleico e ácido linolênico. Por apresentar alto conteúdo desses ácidos torna-o um alimento perecível, e assim susceptível a sofrer reações de oxidações lipídicas que modificam as propriedades físicas, químicas e sensoriais do produto, portanto, diminui o seu tempo de vida de prateleira e o valor agregado. Uma das soluções encontradas na literatura é a aplicação de embalagens ativas, como filmes e revestimentos que são elaborados à base de biopolímeros como proteínas, polissacarídeos ou lipídeos, que possuem uma matriz de fácil interação com aditivos que podem agregar novas funções na produção de embalagens antioxidantes, antimicrobiana, com baixa permeabilidade ao vapor d’água, e entre outras atividades. A presente revisão literária tem como objetivo buscar artigos e apresentar os resultados da aplicação de filmes e revestimento em oleaginosas, além de dissertar um pouco sobre o que seria oxidação lipídica, o que favorece a reação e como minimizá-las. Com o resultado da pesquisa, pode-se concluir que a aplicação de filmes e revestimentos com compostos antioxidantes auxilia na proteção da oxidação dos lipídeos em oleaginosas, contribuindo no shelf life do produto, mantendo as características sensoriais que os caracterizam como alimentos de alto valor nutritivo.
New floristic records from Central Europe 9 (reports 122-133)
Authors: Dudáš (ed.) Matej , Király Gergely , Kobiv Yuriy , Pliszko Artur
Published: July 2022

The presented ninth part of the series includes twelve new chorological records, one from Poland, one from Romania, two from Slovakia and eight from Ukraine. New locality of regionally invasive species Erechtites hieraciifoliusin Poland was recorded. In Slovakia, two aliens were reported, Vinca major and Persicaria capitata which is a new alien species for the flora of Slovakia. Based on the revision of the Rubus collections in BP, new records of Rubus perrobustus in Romania, furthermore R. bicolor, R. orthostachys, R. perperus and R. radula in Ukraine, were found. Also Cortusa matthioli, Gentiana lutea, Pinguicula vulgaris and Waldsteinia geoides were reported from the Ukrainian Carpathians. URL: https://www.upjs.sk/pracoviska/botanicka-zahrada/odborne-aktivity/contents-abstracts/
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS IN PROMOTING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR DURING COVID-19 CRISIS AMONGST A SAMPLE OF USERS IN SAUDI SOCIETY: TWITTER AS A MODEL
Authors: ALGARNI ABDULLAH AHMED
Published: July 2022

This study seeks analysing Twitter social network role in promoting positive behaviour during COVID-19 crisis and exploring the relationship between them. It targets identifying Twitter positive behaviour level differences through variables of gender, age, marital status, residence status, administrative region, and Twitter using size. An online questionnaire was used on a validity-and-stability verified sample of (586) individual Twitter users in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sample members approved Twitter users’ positive behaviour during COVID-19 crisis. They agreed that the positive behaviour level was medium with a Twitter effect of (19.4%). There were both a positive, medium-strong correlation between Twitter daily use and a statistically significant correlation between one - session Twitter using and positive behaviour promotion. However, there were statistically significant differences in positive behaviour promotion when using Twitter between social status favouring singles, residence status favouring residents, age favouring those under 21, administrative region favouring the southern region, usage period favouring network daily and two days - users, and browsing time favouring much Twitter users .The study recommends conducting studies on positive social behaviour and its dimensions to broadly generalise results. Studies on the Internet of behaviour and artificial intelligence are needed to analyse the positive behaviour expected by social networks users to enhance opportunities. It also stressed children and adolescents’ digital social education to prepare community members for effective online participation, the activation of public and private services-providing agencies Twitter accounts, interacting positively with users' questions and responses, and substituting fixed stereotypes by interesting interactive patterns.
Barthes, Beckett and Lacan: The Image, the One and the Real
Authors: Brown Llewellyn
Published: July 2022

This article brings together Roland Barthes and Samuel Beckett into a dialogue devoid of hierarchy, with Jacques Lacan as mediator. Both writers were intent on escaping the sway of the image considered as formatted by meanings. For Barthes, the themes of love and photography point to the existence of unicity within the dispersal of meanings and the reality of loss. Rather than undoing the image like Barthes, Beckett starts from an inaugural absence of instituted reality: from an original absence of any ‘that-has-been’, as expressed in the motif of the mask. Both authors locate vision within speech, and the alterity contained within the latter.
MAKNA PENGISIAN JABATAN HAKIM AGUNG YANG DAPAT MENUJU KUALIFIKASI PERADILAN PADA MAHKAMAH AGUNG REPUBLIK INDONESIA YANG KOMPETEN DAN BERINTEGRITAS
Authors: Bachmid Fahmi Hafid , Syahruddin Erwin
Published: July 2022

Negara Indonesia jelas merupakan negara yang berfondasikan pada prinsip demokrasi-konstitusional atau menganut negara hukum yang demokratis. Ciri pertama bahwa ajaran demokrasi sebagai landasan utama di Indonesia, antara lain nampak dalam salah satu tujuan Indonesia sebagai negara hukum adalah untuk melindungi segenap bangsa Indonesia dan seluruh tumpah darah Indonesia, memajukan kesejahteraan umum, mencerdaskan kehidupan bangsa, dan ikut melaksanakan ketertiban dunia yang berdasarkan kemerdekaan, perdamaian abadi dan keadilan sosial. Perlu ada perubahan terhadap rumusan Pasal 24A ayat (3) UUD NRI Tahun 1945 untuk menegaskan dan memastikan kewenangan DPR. Perubahan tersebut harus diikuti dengan peruabahn terhadap UU Nomor 17 Tahun 2014 sebagaimana telah diubah dengan UU Nomor  2  Tahun 2018 tentang MPR, DPR, dan DPD. Perlu dilakukan perubahan atas undang-undang yang terkait dengan  pengisian jabatan Hakim Agung.
Computation Method for the Summation of Series of Binomial Expansions and Geometric Series with its Derivatives
Authors: Annamalai Chinnaraji
Published: July 2022

Nowadays, the growing complexity of mathematical and computational modelling demands the simplicity of mathematical, combinatorial, and numerical equations for solving today’s scientific problems and challenges. Combinatorics involves integers, factorials, binomial coefficients, binomial series, and numerical computation with geometric series for finding solutions to the problems in computing and computational science. This paper presents computation method for the summation of series of binomial expansions and geometric series with its derivatives in an innovative way and also theorems and relationship between the binomial expansions and geometric series. These computational approaches refer to the methodological advances which are useful for researchers who are working in computational science. Computational science is a rapidly growing multi-and inter-disciplinary area where science, engineering, computation, mathematics, and collaboration use advance computing capabilities to understand and solve the most complex real life problems.
Searching for Genetic Biomarkers for Hereditary Angioedema Due to C1-Inhibitor Deficiency (C1-INH-HAE)
Authors: Parsopoulou Faidra , Loules Gedeon , Zamanakou Maria , Csuka Dorottya , Szilagyi Agnes , Kompoti Maria , Porebski Grzegorz , Psarros Fotis , Magerl Markus , Valerieva Anna , Staevska Maria , Obtulowicz Krystyna , Maurer Marcus , Speletas Matthaios , Farkas Henriette , Germenis Anastasios E.
Published: July 2022

Existing evidence indicates that modifier genes could change the phenotypic outcome of the causal SERPING1 variant and thus explain the expression variability of hereditary angioedema due to C1-inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE). To further examine this hypothesis, we investigated the presence or absence of 18 functional variants of genes encoding proteins involved in the metabolism and function of bradykinin, the main mediator of C1-INH-HAE attacks, in relation to three distinct phenotypic traits of patients with C1-INH-HAE, i.e., the age at disease onset, the need for long-term prophylaxis (LTP), and the severity of the disease. Genetic analyses were performed by a validated next-generation sequencing platform. In total, 233 patients with C1-INH-HAE from 144 unrelated families from five European countries were enrolled in the study. Already described correlations between five common functional variants [F12-rs1801020, KLKB1-rs3733402, CPN1-rs61751507, and two in SERPING1 (rs4926 and rs28362944)] and C1-INH-HAE severity were confirmed. Furthermore, significant correlations were found between either the age at disease onset, the LTP, or the severity score of the disease and a series of other functional variants (F13B-rs6003, PLAU-rs2227564, SERPINA1-rs28929474, SERPINA1-rs17580, KLK1-rs5515, SERPINE1-rs6092, and F2-rs1799963). Interestingly, correlations uncovered in the entire cohort of patients were different from those discovered in the cohort of patients carrying missense causal SERPING1 variants. Our findings indicate that variants other than the SERPING1 causal variants act as independent modifiers of C1-INH-HAE severity and could be tested as possible prognostic biomarkers.
The Invisible Suffering of Farm Animals in Traffic Accidents: As Sentient Beings They Are Low Ranked in Life as Well as in Death
Authors: Anneberg Inger , Mc Loughlin Eimear
Published: July 2022

Farm animals killed in traffic accidents during transport are seldom described as individuals. Often the focus is on the traffic problems caused by accidents, rather than on the animals themselves. Further still, central to the way that these accidents are reported is that very few if any emotions or details are conveyed in the language used in relation to the condition of the farm animals. In this contribution, we discuss why facts dominate and suffering is sidelined when accidents are reported by the media, We suggest that this is in line with how humans reflect an inner scale placing farm animals lower than companion animals and in line with a long history of distancing ourselves from animal death.
Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 With Good Efficiency on a Nanostructured Cu-Al Catalyst
Authors: Zeng Juqin , Castellino Micaela , Fontana Marco , Sacco Adriano , Monti Nicolò B. D. , Chiodoni Angelica , Pirri Candido F.
Published: July 2022

Carbon monoxide (CO) and formic acid (HCOOH) are suggested to be the most convenient products from electrochemical reduction of CO2 according to techno-economic analysis. To date, tremendous advances have been achieved in the development of catalysts and processes, which make this research topic even more interesting to both academic and industrial sectors. In this work, we report nanostructured Cu-Al materials that are able to convert CO2 to CO and HCOOH with good efficiency. The catalysts are synthesized via a green microwave-assisted solvothermal route, and are composed of Cu2O crystals modified by Al. In KHCO3 electrolyte, these catalysts can selectively convert CO2 to HCOOH and syngas with H2/CO ratios between 1 and 2 approaching one unit faradaic efficiency in a wide potential range. Good current densities of 67 and 130 mA cm−2 are obtained at −1.0 V and −1.3 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), respectively. When switching the electrolyte to KOH, a significant selectivity up to 20% is observed for C2H4 formation, and the current densities achieve 146 and 222 mA cm−2 at −1.0 V and −1.3 V vs. RHE, respectively. Hence, the choice of electrolyte is critically important as that of catalyst in order to obtain targeted products at industrially relevant current densities.
Nasopharyngeal Bacterial Microbiota Composition and SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody Maintenance in Asymptomatic/Paucisymptomatic Subjects
Authors: Ferrari Luca , Favero Chiara , Solazzo Giulia , Mariani Jacopo , Luganini Anna , Ferraroni Monica , Montomoli Emanuele , Milani Gregorio Paolo , Bollati Valentina ,   UNICORN Consortium
Published: July 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), ranging from asymptomatic conditions to severe/fatal lung injury and multi-organ failure. Growing evidence shows that the nasopharyngeal microbiota composition may predict the severity of respiratory infections and may play a role in the protection from viral entry and the regulation of the immune response to the infection. In the present study, we have characterized the nasopharyngeal bacterial microbiota (BNM) composition and have performed factor analysis in a group of 54 asymptomatic/paucisymptomatic subjects who tested positive for nasopharyngeal swab SARS-CoV-2 RNA and/or showed anti-RBD-IgG positive serology at the enrolment. We investigated whether BNM was associated with SARS-CoV-2 RNA positivity and serum anti-RBD-IgG antibody development/maintenance 20–28 weeks after the enrolment. Shannon’s entropy α-diversity index [odds ratio (OR) = 5.75, p = 0.0107] and the BNM Factor1 (OR = 2.64, p = 0.0370) were positively associated with serum anti-RBD-IgG antibody maintenance. The present results suggest that BNM composition may influence the immunological memory against SARS-CoV-2 infections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the link between BNM and specific IgG antibody maintenance. Further studies are needed to unveil the mechanisms through which the BNM influences the adaptive immune response against viral infections.
Immunization With Lipopolysaccharide-Activated Dendritic Cells Generates a Specific CD8+ T Cell Response That Confers Partial Protection Against Infection With Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Biscari Lucía , Kaufman Cintia Daniela , Farré Cecilia , Huhn Victoria , Pacini María Florencia , Balbi Camila Bulfoni , Gómez Karina Andrea , Pérez Ana Rosa , Alloatti Andrés
Published: July 2022

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces the activation of dendritic cells (DCs) throughout the engagement of toll-like receptor 4. LPS-activated DCs show increased capacity to process and present pathogen-derived antigens to activate naïve T cells. DCs-based vaccines have been successfully used to treat some cancer types, and lately transferred to the field of infectious diseases, in particular against HIV. However, there is no vaccine or DC therapy for any parasitic disease that is currently available. The immune response against Trypanosoma cruzi substantially relies on T cells, and both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes are required to control parasite growth. Here, we develop a vaccination strategy based on DCs derived from bone marrow, activated with LPS and loaded with TsKb20, an immunodominant epitope of the trans-sialidase family of proteins. We extensively characterized the CD8+ T cell response generated after immunization and compared three different readouts: a tetramer staining, ELISpot and Activation-Induced Marker (AIM) assays. To our knowledge, this work shows for the first time a proper set of T cell markers to evaluate specific CD8+ T cell responses in mice. We also show that our immunization scheme confers protection against T. cruzi, augmenting survival and reducing parasite burden in female but not male mice. We conclude that the immunization with LPS-activated DCs has the potential to prime significant CD8+ T cell responses in C57BL/6 mice independently of the sex, but this response will only be effective in female, possibly due to mice sexual dimorphisms in the response generated against T. cruzi.
Rapid Detection of Candida tropicalis in Clinical Samples From Different Sources Using RPA-LFS
Authors: Wang Lei , Xu Aiguo , Zhou Ping , Zhao Mengdi , Xu Chenglai , Wang Yan , Wang Kun , Wang Fang , Miao Yongchang , Zhao Weiguo , Gao Xuzhu
Published: July 2022

Candida tropicalis is one of the few Candida species besides Candida albicans that is able to produce true hyphae. At present, the commonly used clinical methods for the identification of this organism are traditional fungal culture, CTB staining, and color development. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) are also used to identify this fungus. Since the course of C. tropicalis infection progresses rapidly, there is an urgent need for rapid, sensitive, real-time field assays to meet the needs of clinical diagnosis. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with lateral flow strip (LFS) can rapidly amplify and visualize target genes within 20 min, and by pre-processing samples from different sources, the entire process can be controlled within 30 min. In this study, RPA-LFS was used to amplify the internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS2) gene of C. tropicalis, and primer-probe design was optimized by introducing base mismatches to obtain a specific and sensitive primer-probe combination for clinical sample detection. LFS assay for 37 common clinical pathogens was performed, sensitivity and specificity of the detection system was determined, reaction temperature and time were optimized, and 191 actual clinical samples collected from different sources were tested to evaluate the detection performance of the established RPA-LFS system to provide a reliable molecular diagnostic method for the detection of C. tropicalis, the results show that the RPA-LFS system can specifically detect C. tropicalis without cross-reacting with other fungi or bacterial, with a sensitivity of 9.94 CFU/µL, without interference from genomic DNA of other species, at an optimal reaction temperature of 39°C, and the whole reaction process can be controlled within 20 min, and to meet the clinical need for rapid, sensitive, real-time, and portable field testing.
Decline in Cryptosporidium Infection in Free-Ranging Rhesus Monkeys in a Park After Public Health Interventions
Authors: Jia Ruilian , Wen Xi , Guo Yaqiong , Xiao Lihua , Feng Yaoyu , Li Na
Published: July 2022

Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are considered an important source of parasitic zoonoses. A study in 2010 revealed high prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in free-ranging rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) in a public park in Guiyang, southwestern China, which called for the control of disease in animals and long-term epidemiological tracking of Cryptosporidium spp. After the initiation of a series of public health interventions, we collected 2,402 fecal samples from monkeys and 123 water samples from lakes in the park on six occasions during 2013-2019. They were analyzed and genotyped for Cryptosporidium spp. using PCR and sequence analyses of the small subunit rRNA gene. The C. hominis and C. parvum identified were further subtyped by sequence analysis of the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene. Compared with the high prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in fecal samples (10.9% or 45/411) and water samples (47.8% or 11/23) in 2010, only 18 (0.7%) fecal samples and 3 (2.4%) water samples collected in the present study were positive for Cryptosporidium spp., including C. hominis (n = 9) and C. parvum (n = 12). The former belonged to the NHP-adapted IfA17G2R3 subtype, while the latter mostly belonged to rodent-adapted IIpA9. Therefore, the detection rate and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp. during this study period were much lower than those before the public health interventions, and there was a switch from common occurrence of anthroponotic C. hominis subtypes to sporadic occurrence of NHP-adapted C. hominis and rodent-adapted C. parvum subtypes.
Pathogenic or Therapeutic: The Mediating Role of Gut Microbiota in Non-Communicable Diseases
Authors: Bu Fan , Yao Xingran , Lu Zhihua , Yuan Xiaomin , Chen Chen , Li Lu , Li Youran , Jiang Feng , Zhu Lei , Shi Guoping , Chen Yugen
Published: July 2022

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) lead to 41 million deaths every year and account for 71% of all deaths worldwide. Increasing evidence indicates that gut microbiota disorders are closely linked to the occurrence and development of diseases. The gut microbiota, as a potential transmission medium, could play a key role in the transmission and treatment of diseases. The gut microbiota makes noncommunicable diseases communicable. New methods of the prevention and treatment of these diseases could be further explored through the gut microbiota.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae Limits Chlamydia trachomatis Inclusion Development and Infectivity in a Novel In Vitro Co-Infection Model
Authors: Onorini Delia , Borel Nicole , Schoborg Robert V. , Leonard Cory Ann
Published: July 2022

Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng) are the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. The primary site of infection for both bacteria is the epithelium of the endocervix in women and the urethra in men; both can also infect the rectum, pharynx and conjunctiva. Ct/Ng co-infections are more common than expected by chance, suggesting Ct/Ng interactions increase susceptibility and/or transmissibility. To date, studies have largely focused on each pathogen individually and models exploring co-infection are limited. We aimed to determine if Ng co-infection influences chlamydial infection and development and we hypothesized that Ng-infected cells are more susceptible to chlamydial infection than uninfected cells. To address this hypothesis, we established an in vitro model of Ct/Ng co-infection in cultured human cervical epithelial cells. Our data show that Ng co-infection elicits an anti-chlamydial effect by reducing chlamydial infection, inclusion size, and subsequent infectivity. Notably, the anti-chlamydial effect is dependent on Ng viability but not extracellular nutrient depletion or pH modulation. Though this finding is not consistent with our hypothesis, it provides evidence that interaction of these bacteria in vitro influences chlamydial infection and development. This Ct/Ng co-infection model, established in an epithelial cell line, will facilitate further exploration into the pathogenic interplay between Ct and Ng.
Plasma-Derived Exosomal SncRNA as a Promising Diagnostic Biomarker for Early Detection of HBV-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Xu Wenli , Yu Mingxue , Wu Yuankai , Jie Yusheng , Li Xiangyong , Zeng Xinxin , Yang Fangji , Chong Yutian
Published: July 2022

Objectives

The small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) including microRNAs and the noncanonical sncRNAs [i.e., tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) and rRNA-derived small RNAs (rsRNAs)] are a vital class of gene regulators in response to a variety of diseases. We focus on an sncRNA signature enriched in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) to develop a plasma exosome-based noninvasive biomarker for human ACLF.

Methods

In this work, sncRNAs related to HBV-ACLF were identified by small RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in plasma exosomes collected from 3 normal subjects, 4 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with flare, and 6 HBV-ACLF patients in the discovery cohort. Thereafter, the differentially expressed sncRNAs were further verified in a validation cohort (n = 313) using the newly developed molecular signature incorporating different mi/ts/rsRNAs (named as MTR-RNAs) through qRT-PCR assays. Subsequently, using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression (LR) model analysis, we developed an MTR-RNA classifier for early detection of ACLF.

Results

The identified sncRNAs (hsa-miR-23b-3p, hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-339-5p, tsRNA-20, tsRNA-46, and rsRNA-249) were specifically differentially expressed in plasma exosomes of HBV-ACLF. The MTR-RNA signature (AUC = 0.787) containing the above sncRNAs distinguished HBV-ACLF cases among normal subjects with 71.67% specificity and 74.29% sensitivity, CHB patients with flare (AUC = 0.694, 85.71% sensitivity/59.5% specificity), and patients with CHB/cirrhosis (AUC = 0.785, 57.14% sensitivity/94.59% specificity). Notably, it revealed 100% specificity/94.80% sensitivity in detecting patients or normal people.

Conclusions

Our as-constructed plasma-derived exosomal sncRNA signature can serve as a reliable biomarker for ACLF detection and also be adopted to be the pre−triage biomarker for selecting cases that can gain benefits from adjuvant treatment.
Role of Immunity and Vaginal Microbiome in Clearance and Persistence of Human Papillomavirus Infection
Authors: Ntuli Lungelo , Mtshali Andile , Mzobe Gugulethu , Liebenberg Lenine JP , Ngcapu Sinaye
Published: July 2022

Cervical cancer disproportionately affects women of reproductive age, with 80% of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes has been described as the most common non-systemic biological risk factor for the development of cervical cancer. The mucosal immune system plays a significant role in controlling HPV infection by acting as the first line of host defense at the mucosal surface. However, the virus can evade host immunity using various mechanisms, including inhibition of the antiviral immune response necessary for HPV clearance. Pro-inflammatory cytokines and the vaginal microbiome coordinate cell-mediated immune responses and play a pivotal role in modulating immunity. Recently, diverse vaginal microbiome (associated with bacterial vaginosis) and genital inflammation have emerged as potential drivers of high-risk HPV positivity and disease severity in women. The potential role of these risk factors on HPV recurrence and persistence remains unclear. This article reviews the role of cellular or cytokine response and vaginal microbiome dysbiosis in the clearance, persistence, and recurrence of HPV infection.
The Microbiological Etiology of Fracture-Related Infection
Authors: Depypere Melissa , Sliepen Jonathan , Onsea Jolien , Debaveye Yves , Govaert Geertje A. M. , IJpma Frank F. A. , Zimmerli Werner , Metsemakers Willem-Jan
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Fracture-related infection (FRI) is an important complication related to orthopaedic trauma. Although the scientific interest with respect to the diagnosis and treatment of FRI is increasing, data on the microbiological epidemiology remains limited. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological epidemiology related to FRI, including the association with clinical symptoms and antimicrobial susceptibility data. The secondary aim was to analyze whether there was a relationship between the time to onset of infection and the microbiological etiology of FRI.

Methods

FRI patients treated at the University Hospitals of Leuven, Belgium, between January 1st 2015 and November 24th 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. The microbiological etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility data were analyzed. Patients were classified as having an early (<2 weeks after implantation), delayed (2-10 weeks) or late-onset (> 10 weeks) FRI.

Results

One hundred ninety-one patients with 194 FRIs, most frequently involving the tibia (23.7%) and femur (18.6%), were included. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated pathogen, regardless of time to onset (n=61; 31.4%), followed by S. epidermidis (n=50; 25.8%) and non-epidermidis coagulase-negative staphylococci (n=35; 18.0%). Polymicrobial infections (n=49; 25.3%), mainly involving Gram negative bacilli (GNB) (n=32; 65.3%), were less common than monomicrobial infections (n=138; 71.1%). Virulent pathogens in monomicrobial FRIs were more likely to cause pus or purulent discharge (n=45;54.9%; p=0.002) and fistulas (n=21;25.6%; p=0.030). Susceptibility to piperacillin/tazobactam for GNB was 75.9%. Vancomycin covered 100% of Gram positive cocci.

Conclusion

This study revealed that in early FRIs, polymicrobial infections and infections including Enterobacterales and enterococcal species were more frequent. A time-based FRI classification is not meaningful to estimate the microbiological epidemiology and cannot be used to guide empiric antibiotic therapy. Large multicenter prospective studies are necessary to gain more insight into the added value of (broad) empirical antibiotic therapy.
Relationship Between Morphological Remodeling and Angiographic Types of Spontaneous Isolated Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissection After Conservative Management: Determinant Affecting Serial Radiologic Courses
Authors: Yuan Zihui , Sheng Shi , You Yun , Li Defu , Wei Qi , Yan Kai , Wang Jian
Published: July 2022

Objective

To monitor the radiological courses of symptomatic spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (SISMAD) after conservation, clarify the relationship between its morphological change and initial imaging classification, and identify these factors that affect dissection remodeling.

Methods

Eighty-nine conservative patients with SISMAD who underwent periodic follow-up of computed tomography angiography (CTA) were enrolled. Initial morphologic classification, imaging features and dissection remodeling were analyzed retrospectively. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors for remodeling. Receiver operating characteristics were performed for cutoff threshold.

Results

Zerbib classification was adapted and initial CT appearance divided eighty-nine patients into: type I (15.7%), patent false lumen (FL) with both entry and re-entry; type II (37.1%), “cul-de-sac” shaped FL without re-entry; type III (27.0%), thrombosed FL with ulcer-like-projection (ULP); type IV (18%), intramural hematoma; type V (0%), dissecting aneurysm; and type VI (2.2%), total or partial occlusion of superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Follow-up CTA revealed complete remodeling (33.7%), partial remodeling (16.9%), no change (25.8%), type change (13.5%) and dissection progression (10.1%). There was no dissection-related mortality. Type I (92.9%) sustained patent FL and no angiographic change. Type II showed partial remodeling (42.4%), no change (27.3%) and dissection progression (27.3%), and the length of FL enhancement positively predicted dissection progression with the cutoff of 40.3 millimeters. Type III achieved complete remodeling (58.3%) or evolved into type II (41.7%), and the distance between SMA orifice and ULP negatively predicted type change with the cutoff of 23.5 millimeters. Type IV (87.5%) achieved complete remodeling due to hematoma absorption. One patient underwent stent placement for the evolution of ULP into an enlarged blind-ending FL 2 months after conservation.

Conclusion

After conservation, patent FL with a distal re-entry is no morphological change, FL thrombosis tends to be resolved, and the “cul-de-sac” shaped FL without re-entry is partially shortened, no change or progressively dilated. FL enhancement length ≥ 40.3 millimeters is a predictor for the blinding-end FL enlargement. Thrombosed FL with ULP evolves into a patent “cul-de-sac” shaped FL when the distance between SMA orifice to ULP is less than 23.5 millimeters. A careful follow-up is necessary for the lesions with demonstrated predictors.
Inscriptions in Science Teaching: From Realism to Abstraction
Authors: Pantidos Panagiotis , Fragkiadaki Glykeria , Kaliampos George , Ravanis Konstantinos
Published: July 2022

This article attempts to highlight inscriptions, i.e., photographs, drawings, diagrams, or graphs as autonomous carriers of meaning that can illuminate the different dimensions of a scientific concept. In addition, the article examines the inherent potential of diverse types of inscriptions to be combined with each other creating conceptual sequences and thus, crafting a narrative for the formation of a concept. For the formation of conceptual sequences the proper synthesis of both naturalistic and abstractive inscriptions that hold different types of information and complement each other is suggested. That is, inscriptions such as photographs that hold morphological relevance with their referent describing at the same time the everyday knowledge, as well as inscriptions such as graphs or equations that, from a morphological perspective, have a no linear connection to their referent and are related to the typical visual code of school knowledge. Thus, existing, transformed, or novel inscriptions can create conceptual continuums offering logical connections between visual codes from everyday experience and the codes of diagrams, graphs, and equations. From both the teachers and the students, when inscriptions cooperate with the human body, oral language, and other elements of the space, constitute a critical aspect in multimodal communication within school classrooms.
In Vivo Reductionist Approach Identifies miR-15a Protecting Mice From Obesity
Authors: Murgia Nicola , Ma Yuan , Najam Syeda Sadia , Liu Yu , Przybys Joanna , Guo Chenkai , Konopka Witold , Vinnikov Ilya A.
Published: July 2022

Obesity is a growing medical and social problem worldwide. The control of energy homeostasis in the brain is achieved by various regions including the arcuate hypothalamic nucleus (ARH). The latter comprises a number of neuronal populations including the first order metabolic neurons, appetite-stimulating agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons and appetite-suppressing proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons. Using an in vivo reductionist approach and POMCCre-dependent CRISPR-Cas9, we demonstrate that miR-15a-5p protects from obesity. Moreover, we have identified Bace1, a gene previously linked to energy metabolism imbalance, as a direct target of miR-15a-5p. This work warrants further investigations of non-coding RNA-mediated regulation of energy homeostasis and might contribute to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to treat metabolic diseases.
Parathyroid Carcinoma All-In-One, a Rare Life-Threatening Case With Multiple Systemic Manifestations: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Zelano Lorenzo , Locantore Pietro , Rota Carlo Antonio , Policola Caterina , Corsello Andrea , Rossi Esther Diana , Rufini Vittoria , Zagaria Luca , Raffaelli Marco , Pontecorvi Alfredo
Published: July 2022

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is an extremely rare disease. Although it may occasionally occur in genetic syndromes, it is more often sporadic. It is usually associated with a consistent secretion of PTH, causing severe hypercalcemia and potentially all clinical conditions due to primary hyperparathyroidism. Management of PC can be challenging: some clinical, biochemical, and radiological features may be useful, but the final diagnosis of malignancy strictly relies on histological criteria. To date, radical surgery is the first-choice treatment and is the only effective therapy to control hypercalcemia and other clinical manifestations. On the other hand, chemo- or radiotherapy, local treatments, or novel drugs should be reserved for selected cases. We report an exceptionally unusual case of life-threatening PC, associated with several systemic manifestations: moderate pancreatitis, portal thrombosis, kidney stones, brown tumors, osteoporosis, hungry bone syndrome (HBS), chondrocalcinosis, neuropathy, and depression. The clinical case also represents an opportunity to provide a review of the recent literature, associated with a complete evaluation of the main diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
How Does Algerian Trade Respond to Shocks in Oil Prices and Uncertainty?
Authors: Wang Ke , Liu Zhen , Wei Zhen , Lou Siyuan , Hicham Ayad , Aissa Djedaiet , Meo Muhammad Saeed
Published: July 2022

Oil prices and uncertainties have a direct impact on producers, exporters, governments, and consumers. Therefore, this study investigates the relationship between oil prices, uncertainty, and trade in Algeria from 1990Q1 to 2020Q4. This study primarily built two models: the first model examines how oil prices affect uncertainty and the second model examines how oil prices and uncertainty affect trade. To achieve the objective of the study we applied a novel multiple threshold nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (MTNARDL) model. The findings confirm that small shocks in oil prices have a negative effect on uncertainty. While medium and large shocks in oil prices increase exports and imports. Finally, we discover that uncertainty has no significant effect on exports, while medium and large shocks in uncertainty reduce imports. Overall, the findings support the existence of an asymmetric relationship between oil prices, uncertainty, and trade. The decision-makers should consider preparing for remedial reforms and a peaceful transition from a mono-export to a diversified economy.
Perspectives on Antiphonal Calling, Duetting and Counter-Singing in Non-primate Mammals: An Overview With Notes on the Coordinated Vocalizations of Bamboo Rats (Dactylomys spp., Rodentia: Echimyidae)
Authors: Vanderhoff E. Natasha , Bernal Hoverud N.
Published: July 2022

Temporally coordinated interactive vocalizations are important means of communication between individuals in various animal taxa. In mammals, interactive calling and singing can be highly synchronized to create either overlapping or antiphonal duets while in others, competitors antagonistically vocalize, engaging in counter-singing. Among non-primate mammals these vocalizations are considered rare and poorly understood. We provide an overview of antiphonal calling, duetting and counter-singing in non-primate mammals. Many of these coordinated vocalizations play a role in social interactions and allow mammals to convey information to other members of the social unit in visually inaccessible environments. South American Bamboo ratsDactylomysspp. are arboreal bamboo specialists found in dense bamboo thickets in Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil and Colombia. These nocturnal rodents are rarely seen but can be easily heard because of their loud and distinctive staccato vocalizations. We provide some evidence that Bamboo rats engage in duetting, and as such they provide another case of a mammalian species, in which to investigate temporally coordinated interactive singing. We urge researchers to work toward common definitions of temporally coordinated vocalizations and to search for more mammals that utilize such vocalizations.
Extensive Non-Coding Sequence Divergence Between the Major Human Pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus and its Relatives
Authors: Brown Alec , Mead Matthew E. , Steenwyk Jacob L. , Goldman Gustavo H. , Rokas Antonis
Published: July 2022

Invasive aspergillosis is a deadly fungal disease; more than 400,000 patients are infected worldwide each year and the mortality rate can be as high as 50-95%. Of the ~450 species in the genus Aspergillus only a few are known to be clinically relevant, with the major pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus being responsible for ~50% of all invasive mold infections. Genomic comparisons between A. fumigatus and other Aspergillus species have historically focused on protein-coding regions. However, most A. fumigatus genes, including those that modulate its virulence, are also present in other pathogenic and non-pathogenic closely related species. Our hypothesis is that differential gene regulation – mediated through the non-coding regions upstream of genes’ first codon – contributes to A. fumigatus pathogenicity. To begin testing this, we compared non-coding regions upstream of the first codon of single-copy orthologous genes from the two A. fumigatus reference strains Af293 and A1163 and eight closely related Aspergillus section Fumigati species. We found that these non-coding regions showed extensive sequence variation and lack of homology across species. By examining the evolutionary rates of both protein-coding and non-coding regions in a subset of orthologous genes with highly conserved non-coding regions across the phylogeny, we identified 418 genes, including 25 genes known to modulate A. fumigatus virulence, whose non-coding regions exhibit a different rate of evolution in A. fumigatus. Examination of sequence alignments of these non-coding regions revealed numerous instances of insertions, deletions, and other types of mutations of at least a few nucleotides in A. fumigatus compared to its close relatives. These results show that closely related Aspergillus species that vary greatly in their pathogenicity exhibit extensive non-coding sequence variation and identify numerous changes in non-coding regions of A. fumigatus genes known to contribute to virulence.
Genomic Diversity and Selection Signatures for Weining Cattle on the Border of Yunnan-Guizhou
Authors: Liu Yangkai , Cheng Haijian , Wang Shikang , Luo Xiaoyv , Ma Xiaohui , Sun Luyang , Chen Ningbo , Zhang Jicai , Qu Kaixing , Wang Mingjin , Liu Jianyong , Huang Bizhi , Lei Chuzhao
Published: July 2022

Weining cattle is a Chinese indigenous breed influenced by complex breeding and geographical background. The multi-ethnic breeding culture makes Weining cattle require more attention as livestock resources for its genetic diversity. Here, we used 10 Weining cattle (five newly sequenced and five downloaded) and downloaded another 48 genome data to understand the aspects of Weining cattle: genetic diversity, population structure, and cold-adapted performance. In the current study, a high level of genetic diversity was found in Weining cattle, and its breed comprised two potential ancestries, which were Bos taurus and Bos indicus. The positive selective sweep analysis in Weining cattle was analyzed using composite likelihood ratio (CLR) and nucleotide diversity (θπ), resulting in 203 overlapped genes. In addition, we studied the cold adaptation of Weining cattle by comparing with other Chinese cattle (Wannan and Wenshan cattle) by three methods (FST, θπ-ratio, and XP-EHH). Of the top 1% gene list, UBE3D and ZNF668 were analyzed, and these genes may be associated with fat metabolism and blood pressure regulation in cold adaptation. Our findings have provided invaluable information for the development and conservation of cattle genetic resources, especially in southwest China.
A Rare Heterozygous TINF2 Deletional Frameshift Mutation in a Chinese Pedigree With a Spectrum of TBDs Phenotypes
Authors: Ren Hai-Long , Zheng Ying-Chun , He Guo-Qian , Gao Ju , Guo Xia
Published: July 2022

Telomere biology disorders (TBDs) induced by TINF2 mutations manifest clinically with a spectrum of phenotypes, from silent carriers to a set of overlapping conditions. A rare TINF2 frameshift mutation (c.591delG) encoding a truncated mutant TIN2 protein (p.W198fs) was identified in a 6-years-and-3-month-old Chinese girl with neuroblastoma (NB) by next generation sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. To explore the possible implications of TINF2 mutations in TBDs development, the TINF2 mutant was transfected into the human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T cells, and mRNA expression of the shelterin complex components as well as the cellular distribution of mutant TIN2 were examined. The TINF2 mutation was phenotypically associated with short stature in the proband, nail dystrophy and spotted hypopigmentation in her mother, and psoriasis in her older brother. I-TASSER modeling analysis revealed conformational changes of the mutant TIN2 protein and loss of pivotal domains downstream of the 198th amino acid. Additionally, mRNA expression of the shelterin components was downregulated, and TIN2 mutant protein expression was reduced in HEK293T cells transfected with mutant TINF2. Furthermore, instead of being restricted to the nucleus, the mutant TIN2 was identified in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. The TINF2 gene mutation might impair the function of the shelterin complex and the telomere maintenance mechanisms, both of which are involved in the development of TBDs. TBDs have been associated with increased cancer risk. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of NB in patients with TBDs. The relationship between the TINF2 mutation and NB may need to further study.