bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bariatrik Cerrahi Hastalarının Sağlıklı Yeme İndeksi ile Diyet Kalitelerinin Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: IŞIK Yasin , ERDEM Nihal Zekiye , SEVEN AVUK Hande , DEMİREL Birsen
Published: September 2023

Amaç: Bu çalışmada, Sağlıklı Yeme İndeksi (SYİ) ile bariatrik cerrahi hastalarında diyet kalitelerinin değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır.

Gereç ve Yöntemler: Araştırma Kasım 2018 – Mart 2019 tarihlerinde Sleeve Gastrektomili (SG), en az 3 ayını doldurmuş, toplam 44 (%75’i kadın, %25’i erkek) gönüllü birey üzerinde 40 sorudan oluşan anket formu ile yüz yüze görüşme yöntemiyle yapılmıştır. Bireylerin diyet kaliteleri Sağlıklı Yeme İndeksi-2010 ile değerlendirilmiştir.

Bulgular: SYİ toplam puan ortalaması 62,15±6,13’tür ve cinsiyetler arasında farklılık görülmemiştir (p=0,586). SYİ alt gruplarına göre süt, protein ve sebze, meyve grubu yiyecekleri yüksek diyet kalitesinde ve tam tahıllı yiyecekleri ise düşük diyet kalitesinde tükettikleri saptanmıştır. Cerrahi sonrasında beslenme desteği alanların diyet kalitesinde toplam sebze puan ortancası, beslenme desteği almayanlardan daha yüksek; yağ asitleri puanı ise daha düşük bulunmuştur (p=0,038, p=0,019). Kadınların günlük enerji alım ortalaması 963,2±134 kkal, protein alımı 45,2±9,1 g iken erkeklerin sırasıyla 1049,8±121,5 kkal ve 53,5±5,3 g olarak bulunmuştur. Erkek bireylerin günlük protein alım miktarı kadınlardan istatistiksel olarak önemli fazla saptanmıştır (p=0,007). Her iki cinsiyette folat, D vitamini ve tiamin günlük alımının yetersiz olduğu saptanmıştır. Günlük kalsiyum, folat, sodyum alım düzeyinin erkeklerde; çinko alım düzeyinin ise kadınlarda daha fazla olduğu belirlenmiştir (p
İşitme Engelli ve Normal Gelişim Gösteren Çocuklara Sahip Ailelerin Sosyal Destek, Yılmazlık ve Tükenmişlik Düzeylerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: NAZİK Ayşenur , DOĞAN Özcan , PALANCI Mehmet
Published: September 2023

Amaç: Yapılan araştırma işitme engelli ve normal gelişim gösteren çocuklara sahip ailelerde sosyal destek, tükenmişlik ve yılmazlık düzeylerinin karşılaştırmalı incelenmesi amacıyla yürütülmüştür.

Gereç ve Yöntemler: Özel eğitim gerektiren çocuklara sahip olmak travmatik stres bozukluğu, duygu durumuna ilişkin sorunlar ve evlilik sürecine ilişkin yaşam sorunları üretebilmektedir. Bu yaşantılara neden olabilecek aracı değişkenlerin tür, düzey ve ilişkilerinin ortaya konulması çocuk gelişim süreci ve ailelere sağlanacak çok yönlü destek için destek sağlayacaktır. Bu amaçlara erişmek için kurgulanan araştırmada her iki gruba düşen ebeveynlere Yenilenmiş Anne-Baba Sosyal Destek Ölçeği (YABSDÖ), Aile Yılmazlık Ölçeği (AYÖ) ve Maslach Tükenmişlik Ölçeği (MTÖ) uygulanmıştır. Araştırıma grubunu Samsun, Trabzon, Ordu, Rize ve Ankara il merkezlerinde yaşayan takvim yaşı 5-17 arası olan, işitme engeli olan ve normal gelişim gösteren çocukların aileleri oluşturmuştur. Araştırma grubunu 315 anne baba oluşturmaktadır. İstatistiksel hesaplamalarda iki grup arasındaki karşılaştırma için t testi, ailelerin yılmazlık düzeylerini sosyal destek ve tükenme düzeyi ile ortak bir model içerisinde yordamak içinse korelasyon ve aşamalı regresyon analizinden yararlanılmıştır.

Bulgular: Araştırma sonuçları, işitme engelli ve normal gelişim gösteren çocuğa sahip ebeveynlerin sosyal destek (YABSDÖ), yılmazlık (AYÖ) ve tükenmişlik (MTÖ) puanlarının anlamlı düzeyde farklılık gösterdiğini; işitme engelli çocuğa sahip ebeveynlerin normal gelişim gösteren çocuğa sahip ebeveynlere kıyasla sosyal destek ve yılmazlık düzeylerinin anlamlı ölçüde daha düşük, tükenmişlik düzeylerinin anlamlı ölçüde daha yüksek olduğunu göstermektedir.

Sonuç: İşitme engelli olan ve normal gelişim gösteren çocuğa sahip ailelerin yılmazlık düzeylerini yordamak için gerçekleştirilen aşamalı regresyon analizinde sosyal destek ve tükenmişlik değişkenlerinin yılmazlık için anlamlı bir yordayıcı olduğu ortaya koyulmuştur.
Dr. Ersin Arslan Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi Mikrobiyoloji Laboratuvarı’nda 2016-2022 Yılları Arasında Saptanan Bağırsak Parazitlerinin Dağılımı; Pandemi Öncesi ve Sonrası Değerlendirme
Authors: ÖZKEKLİKÇİ Ahmet , CİRİT Osman Sezer
Published: September 2023

Amaç: Bu çalışmada, Gaziantep Dr. Ersin Arslan Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi mikrobiyoloji laboratuvarına 1 Ocak 2016-31 Aralık 2022 tarihleri arasında çeşitli gastrointestinal şikayetlerle başvuran hastaların dışkı örneği incelenmiştir. Bağırsak parazitlerinin yıllar içindeki dağılımı ve COVID-19 pandemisinin parazit dağılımına etkisinin araştırılması amaçlanmıştır.

Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmada 15107 dışkı ve 164 selofan bant örneğinin sonuçları retrospektif olarak araştırıldı. Makroskobik incelemeden sonra nativ-lugol ve tuzlu su yüzdürme yöntemleriyle 100’lük ve 400’lük büyütmelerde dışkı örnekleri incelendi. Entamoeba histolytica veya şüpheli protozoon içeren örnekler ise trikrom boyama yöntemi ile incelendi.

Bulgular: Toplam1673 dışkı örneğinde bir veya birden fazla parazit saptanmıştır. Erkek hastaların (n=875) %10,54’ünde, kadın hastaların (n=798) %11,73’ünde parazit saptanmıştır. En sık rastlanan parazit %4,67 (n=712) Blastocystis hominis olarak tespit edilmiştir. Parazit saptanan olguların 369’unda (%2,42) Entamoeba coli, 215’inde (%1,41) Giardia intestinalis, 182’sinde (%1,19) E. histolytica/dispar olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Pozitif saptadığımız dışkı örneklerinin 139’unda (%8,3) birden fazla parazit bir arada görülmüş olup, en sık E. histolytica/dispar-B. hominis birlikteliği saptanmıştır. Toplam 164 selofan bant örneğinin 32’sinde (%19,51) helmint yumurtası saptanmıştır (19’u Enterobius vermicularis, 13’ü Taenia spp. yumurtası). Yıllara göre parazit görülme oranı incelendiğinde 2016’da %13,77 olan oranın 2022’de %8,36’ya düştüğü tespit edilmiştir.

Sonuç: Sosyoekonomik alanlardaki gelişmelere ve yerel yönetimlerin sanitasyon alanlarındaki yatırımlarına rağmen paraziter hastalıklar ilimizde önemli bir halk sağlığı sorunu olarak varlığını göstermektedir.
The Effect of Probiotic Consumption Status and Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia
Authors: CELİK YALCİN Seher , PASİN Tuğçe , ANKARALİ Seyit
Published: September 2023

Aim: Recent studies have suggested that disruptions in the gut microbiota could potentially contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic pain and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) by affecting the gut microbiota-brain axis. The increasing prevalence of fibromyalgia syndrome has prompted investigations into the impact of probiotic food consumption, which regulates the microbiota, on quality of life.

Material and Methods: The study included 99 patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome who presented to our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinic. A questionnaire was administered to assess the patients' knowledge and consumption of probiotic foods, and the Short Form-12 Health Survey(SF-12) was used to gather data and assess health-related quality of life.

Results: Of the 99 patients who completed the questionnaire, 89 were female and 10 were male. In response to the question, "Do you know what probiotics are?"7.4% of primary school graduates,64.7% of high school graduates, and 78.6% of university graduates answered affirmatively. When asked, "Have you experienced any benefits from probiotic foods?" 21.2% responded positively, and among those who experienced benefits, the most common accompanying issue (37.04%) was Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS). Fibromyalgia syndrome patients who consumed yogurt as a probiotic had higher physical function subdomain scores on the SF-12 Health Survey.

Conclusion: The high level of education in FMS patients increased the awareness of probiotics. Probiotic consumption may have a improving effect on irritable bowel syndrome and constipation associated with FMS.Training on probiotics and increasing the frequency of use of probiotics, the quality of life of FMS patients can be increased and accompanying symptoms can be reduced.
POLITICAL BRANDING AKUN INSTAGRAM @ANIES BASWEDAN DALAM ISU PILPRES INDONESIA 2024
Authors: Arnanda Arnanda Nopriandika
Published: September 2023

The emergence of Instagram as a new media has made many people take advantage of Instagram in several aspects of life, including as a medium of communication as well as a medium for marketing products or services, and media for political party campaigns and media for partitioning themselves for public figures and politicians. As was done by Anies Baswedan who is a presidential candidate in the 2024 Indonesian Presidential Election. Anies Baswedan branded himself through Instagram by displaying content related to daily activities and activities when he visited several regions in Indonesia. The formulation of the problem of this research is how the political branding of the Instagram account @aniesbaswedan in the 2024 Indonesian presidential election issue. The research conducted aims to determine the political branding of the Instagram account @aniesbaswedan in the 2024 Indonesian presidential election issue. This type of research is qualitative, using interpretive qualitative methods and approaches that used is direct content analysis. The data collection method in this study was Miles and Huberman with four stages consisting of data collection, data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The results of this study indicate that Anies Baswedan divides himself into four categories in his uploads on Instagram, the first category is an honest leader, the second category is a smart leader, the third category is a visionary leader, the fourth category is a leader who is able to become a trendsetter.
EFEKTIVITAS DISKRESI KEPOLISIN MELALUI PENDEKATAN RESTORATIVE JUSTICE DALAM PENYELESAIAN TINDAK PIDANA KEKERASAN DALAM RUMAH TANGGA DI KOTA BATAM (STUDI KASUS POLRESTA BARELANG)
Authors: Manik Doni Sugara , Husna Lenny
Published: September 2023

The formation of Law Number 23 of 2004 concerning the Elimination of Domestic Violence (PKDRT) which is one of the government's supports to eliminate all forms of violence as a form of crime of Domestic Violence (KDRT) can be subject to sanctions such as imprisonment or confinement. In this case the Effectiveness of Police Discretion through the application of Restorative Justice in criminal acts of domestic violence. Based on Law Number 2 of 2002 concerning the Indonesian National Police in article 18 paragraph 1 related to police discretion which reads For the public interest officials of the Indonesian National Police in carrying out their duties and authorities can act according to their own judgment. So in this case the police explained that for police discretion in terms of restorative justice the effectiveness here is to reduce the high rate of divorce and the existence of this Restorative justice is applied to restore the situation to how it was before and to provide a deterrent effect for perpetrators not to repeat it. With the existence of restorative justice, the police also stated that 80% had a deterrent effect on the perpetrators and 20% had repeated crimes due to light hands or economic aspects.
HAMBATAN KOMUNIKASI INTERAKSIONAL PADA DPAC PDIP DI KECAMATAN BATU AJI KOTA BATAM
Authors: Muarif Dwi Safitri Rahmadani
Published: September 2023

Indonesia is a country that uses a democratic system, so political communication is one of the main keys to the establishment of politics in this democratic country. Communication can be in the form of conveying information to the public by political party candidates to convey their goals to become a politician. Political communication is also intended as a vessel for channeling people's aspirations to prospective political members who will advance as power holders in a democratic country like Indonesia. Therefore the purpose of this study is to find out how the communication barriers that occur in the Batu Aji sub-district community are carried out by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle and to find out what causes the delay in the political communication process. This study used descriptive research with qualitative research methods located in Batu Aji District. Data collection techniques used were observation and interview techniques and continued with documentation. The results of the discussion obtained are that the success achieved by political actors depends on how political communication goes well and smoothly without any obstacles, by building relationships with the community and building trust so that there is no miscommunication that occurs in politics.

 

Keywords: Obstacles, Politic, Communication, Democratic
Bringing the treatable traits approach to primary care asthma management
Authors: Pfeffer Paul E. , Rupani Hitasha , De Simoni Anna
Published: September 2023

Asthma continues to be a major cause of illness with a significant mortality, despite its increasing range of treatments. Adoption of a treatable traits approach in specialist centres has led to improvements in control of asthma and reduced exacerbations in patients with severe asthma. However, most patients with this illness, particularly those with mild-to-moderate asthma, are cared for in primary care according to guidelines that emphasise the use of pharmacotherapeutic ladders uniformly implemented across all patients. These pharmacotherapeutic ladders are more consistent with a “one-size-fits-all” approach than the treatable traits approach. This can be harmful, especially in patients whose symptoms and airway inflammation are discordant, and extra-pulmonary treatable traits are often overlooked. Primary care has extensive experience in patient-centred holistic care, and many aspects of the treatable traits approach could be rapidly implemented in primary care. Blood eosinophil counts, as a biomarker of the treatable trait of eosinophilia, are already included in routine haematology tests and could be used in primary care to guide titration of inhaled corticosteroids. Similarly, poor inhaler adherence could be further assessed and managed in primary care. However, further research is needed to guide how some treatable traits could feasibly be assessed and/or managed in primary care, for example, how to best manage patients in primary care, who are likely suffering from breathing pattern disorders and extra-pulmonary treatable traits, with frequent use of their reliever inhaler in the absence of raised T2 biomarkers. Implementation of the treatable traits approach across the disease severity spectrum will improve the quality of life of patients with asthma but will take time and research to embed across care settings.
Medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy with microfracture in treatment of varus medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis: clinical outcomes and second-look arthroscopic results
Authors: Bai Yunpeng , Lin Binhui , Wang Miao , Ding Haoliang , Sun Weibing , Sun Jian
Published: September 2023

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of medial opening high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) combined with arthroscopic microfracture in the treatment of varus medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis and to assess cartilage regeneration using second-look arthroscopy.

Methods: This study involved 86 patients (86 knees) who underwent MOWHTO and microfracture from August 2016 to August 2020, including 15 men and 71 women with an average age of 55.3 ± 7.6 years (range, 42–71 years). The patients underwent a second-look arthroscopy to evaluate the status of cartilage regeneration at the time of plate removal, an average of 2 years after the initial osteotomy. Clinical and radiological examinations were performed preoperatively and at the final follow-up visit. The radiologic evaluation included the weight-bearing line ratio (WBL ratio), mechanical femorotibial angle (FTA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), posterior tibial slope angle (PTS) and Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Knee Society score (KSS) and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. Arthroscopic findings were assessed by macroscopic evaluation of cartilage repair according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grading system.

Results: The mean KSS and IKDC scores significantly improved at the final follow-up compared to the scores obtained preoperatively (p < 0.05). At the time of plate removal, a second-look arthroscopic examination showed that the ICRS grade of the medial femoral condyle was as follows: grade I −11 cases, grade II -56, grade III-12, and grade IV-7, and cartilage regeneration was seen in 85% of knees (73/86). The ICRS grade of medial tibial plateau was grade I-12 cases, grade II-44, grade III-22, and grade IV-8, and cartilage regeneration was seen in 63% of knees (54/86). Significant differences were observed between cartilage regeneration and clinical outcomes (p < 0.05). Clinical results were better in the good cartilage regeneration group (grades I and II) than were in the poor cartilage regeneration group (grades III and IV).

Conclusion: MOWHTO combined with arthroscopic microfracture can effectively improve clinical outcomes in the treatment of varus medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis. Cartilage regeneration can be promoted by correcting varus deformities, which affect clinical outcomes.
Distinct laccase expression and activity profiles of Trametes versicolor facilitate degradation of benzo[a]pyrene
Authors: Sun Yueming , Li Ying , Liang Hong , Li Ming , Liu Ye , Wang Litao , Lai Weijian , Tang Teng , Diao Yongzhao , Bai Yuhong , Jørgensen Christian Isak , Xu Wanghui , Gao Dawen
Published: September 2023

A Trametes versicolor isolate from the Changbai Mountain showed promising activity in degrading benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), which is a high molecular weight (HMW) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compound. It was hypothesized that the T. versicolor isolate encode BaP-degrading enzymes, among which laccase is mostly sought after due to significant commercial potential. Genome of the T. versicolor isolate was sequenced and assembled, and seven laccase homologues were identified (TvLac1-7) as candidate genes potentially contributing to BaP degradation. In order to further identify the BaP responsive laccases, time-course transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were conducted in parallel on the T. versicolor isolate upon BaP treatment. Homologous laccases showed distinct expression patterns. Most strikingly, TvLac5 was rapidly induced in the secreted proteomes (secretomes), while TvLac2 was repressed. Recombinant laccase expression and biochemical characterization further showed corresponding enzymatic activity profiles, where TvLac5 was 21-fold more effective in BaP degradation compared to TvLac2. Moreover, TvLac5 also showed 3.6-fold higher BaP degrading activity compared to a commercial laccase product of T. versicolor origin. Therefore, TvLac5 was concluded to be a BaP-responsive enzyme from T. versicolor showing effective BaP degradation activity.
Adult tissue-specific stem cell interaction: novel technologies and research advances
Authors: Luo Xutao , Liu Ziyi , Xu Ruoshi
Published: September 2023

Adult tissue-specific stem cells play a dominant role in tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Various in vivo markers of adult tissue-specific stem cells have been increasingly reported by lineage tracing in genetic mouse models, indicating that marked cells differentiation is crucial during homeostasis and regeneration. How adult tissue-specific stem cells with indicated markers contact the adjacent lineage with indicated markers is of significance to be studied. Novel methods bring future findings. Recent advances in lineage tracing, synthetic receptor systems, proximity labeling, and transcriptomics have enabled easier and more accurate cell behavior visualization and qualitative and quantitative analysis of cell-cell interactions than ever before. These technological innovations have prompted researchers to re-evaluate previous experimental results, providing increasingly compelling experimental results for understanding the mechanisms of cell-cell interactions. This review aimed to describe the recent methodological advances of dual enzyme lineage tracing system, the synthetic receptor system, proximity labeling, single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics in the study of adult tissue-specific stem cells interactions. An enhanced understanding of the mechanisms of adult tissue-specific stem cells interaction is important for tissue regeneration and maintenance of homeostasis in organisms.
Hierarchical self-assembly of a reflectin-derived peptide
Authors: Dias Ana Margarida Gonçalves Carvalho , Moreira Inês Pimentel , Lychko Iana , Lopes Soares Cátia , Nurrito Arianna , Moura Barbosa Arménio Jorge , Lutz-Bueno Viviane , Mezzenga Raffaele , Carvalho Ana Luísa , Pina Ana Sofia , Roque Ana Cecília Afonso
Published: September 2023

Reflectins are a family of intrinsically disordered proteins involved in cephalopod camouflage, making them an interesting source for bioinspired optical materials. Understanding reflectin assembly into higher-order structures by standard biophysical methods enables the rational design of new materials, but it is difficult due to their low solubility. To address this challenge, we aim to understand the molecular self-assembly mechanism of reflectin’s basic unit—the protopeptide sequence YMDMSGYQ—as a means to understand reflectin’s assembly phenomena. Protopeptide self-assembly was triggered by different environmental cues, yielding supramolecular hydrogels, and characterized by experimental and theoretical methods. Protopeptide films were also prepared to assess optical properties. Our results support the hypothesis for the protopeptide aggregation model at an atomistic level, led by hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions mediated by tyrosine residues. Protopeptide-derived films were optically active, presenting diffuse reflectance in the visible region of the light spectrum. Hence, these results contribute to a better understanding of the protopeptide structural assembly, crucial for the design of peptide- and reflectin-based functional materials.
Role of lamp type in conventional batch and micro-photoreactor for photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Meinhardová Vendula , Dubnová Lada , Drobná Helena , Matějová Lenka , Kočí Kamila , Čapek Libor
Published: September 2023

The use of an irradiation source with a homogeneous distribution of irradiation in the volume of the reaction mixture belongs to the essential aspects of heterogeneous photocatalysis. First, the efficacy of six lamps with various radiation intensity and distribution characteristics is contrasted. The topic of discussion is the photocatalytic hydrogen production from a methanol-water solution in the presence of a NiO-TiO2 photocatalyst. The second section is focused on the potential of a micro-photoreactor system–the batch reactor with a micro-reactor with a circulating reaction mixture, in which the photocatalytic reaction takes place using TiO2 immobilized on borosilicate glass. Continuous photocatalytic hydrogen generation from a methanol-water solution is possible in a micro-photoreactor. This system produced 333.7 ± 21.1 µmol H2 (252.8 ± 16.0 mmol.m−2, the hydrogen formation per thin film area) in a reproducible manner during 168 h.
Mucormycosis in 2023: an update on pathogenesis and management
Authors: Alqarihi Abdullah , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Ibrahim Ashraf S.
Published: September 2023

Mucormycosis (MCR) is an emerging and frequently lethal fungal infection caused by the Mucorales family, with Rhizopus, Mucor, and Lichtheimia, accounting for > 90% of all cases. MCR is seen in patients with severe immunosuppression such as those with hematologic malignancy or transplantation, Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and immunocompetent patients with severe wounds. The recent SARS COV2 epidemy in India has resulted in a tremendous increase in MCR cases, typically seen in the setting of uncontrolled DM and corticosteroid use. In addition to the diversity of affected hosts, MCR has pleiotropic clinical presentations, with rhino-orbital/rhino-cerebral, sino-pulmonary and necrotizing cutaneous forms being the predominant manifestations. Major insights in MCR pathogenesis have brought into focus the host receptors (GRP78) and signaling pathways (EGFR activation cascade) as well as the adhesins used by Mucorales for invasion. Furthermore, studies have expanded on the importance of iron availability and the complex regulation of iron homeostasis, as well as the pivotal role of mycotoxins as key factors for tissue invasion. The molecular toolbox to study Mucorales pathogenesis remains underdeveloped, but promise is brought by RNAi and CRISPR/Cas9 approaches. Important recent advancements have been made in early, culture-independent molecular diagnosis of MCR. However, development of new potent antifungals against Mucorales remains an unmet need. Therapy of MCR is multidisciplinary and requires a high index of suspicion for initiation of early Mucorales-active antifungals. Reversal of underlying immunosuppression, if feasible, rapid DKA correction and in selected patients, surgical debulking are crucial for improved outcomes.
The front page as a canvas for multimodal argumentation: Brexit in the Greek press
Authors: Serafis Dimitris , Tseronis Assimakis
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we analyze the front pages of mainstream Greek newspapers with the highest circulation reporting the official result of the Brexit referendum in 2016. Our analysis seeks to extract the standpoints and arguments that circulated in the Greek mainstream press on that day by studying the headlines and visuals on the front page. We study the front page not merely as an informative genre but crucially as an argumentative one, where the arguments can be reconstructed with the help of tools from argumentation theory combined with principles from multimodal critical discourse analysis. The proposed approach makes it possible to compare how the different ideological orientations in the Greek public sphere were steered by the representation of this piece of news. We show that, despite their ideological background, the newspapers under study converge to the construction of Brexit as a menacing phenomenon that puts the EU integration to the test and, as such, as an event that should have been avoided.
From cup to dish: how to make and use endometrial organoid and stromal cultures derived from menstrual fluid
Authors: Hewitt Sylvia C. , Dickson Mackenzie J. , Edwards Nicole , Hampton Kathleen , Garantziotis Stavros , DeMayo Francesco J.
Published: September 2023

Diseases impacting the female reproductive tract pose a critical health concern. The establishment of in vitro models to study primary endometrial cells is crucial to understanding the mechanisms that contribute to normal endometrial function and the origins of diseases. Established protocols for endometrial stromal cell culture have been in use for decades but recent advances in endometrial organoid culture have paved the way to allowing study of the roles of both epithelial and stromal endometrial cells in vitro. Due to inter-individual variability, primary cell cultures must be established from numerous persons. Generally, endometrial epithelial and stromal cells can be isolated from an endometrial biopsy, however, this is collected in a clinical setting by an invasive transcervical procedure. Our goal was to develop a non-invasive method for the isolation of paired endometrial epithelial organoids and stromal cells from menstrual fluid collected from individual women, based on recent reports describing the isolation of endometrial epithelial organoids or endometrial stromal cells from menstrual fluid. Participants recruited by the NIEHS Clinical Research Unit were provided with a menstrual cup and instructed to collect on the heaviest day of their menstrual period. Endometrial tissue fragments in the menstrual fluid samples were washed to remove blood, minced, and digested with proteinases. Following digestion, the solution was strained to separate epithelial fragments from stromal cells. Epithelial fragments were washed, resuspended in Matrigel, and plated for organoid formation. Stromal cells were separated from residual red blood cells using a Ficoll gradient and then plated in a flask. Once established, estrogen responsiveness of endometrial epithelial organoids was assessed and the decidual response of stromal cells was evaluated. Following treatments, qPCR was performed on organoids for genes induced by estradiol and on stromal cells for genes induced by decidualization. In this manner, the relative responsiveness of paired organoid and stroma cell cultures isolated from each woman could be assessed. In conclusion, we can isolate both epithelial and stromal cells from a single menstrual fluid sample, allowing us to establish organoids and cells in a paired manner. This protocol can greatly enhance our knowledge of the role of epithelial and stromal cells alone and in coordination.
Analysis of genetic variability in Turner syndrome linked to long-term clinical features
Authors: Suntharalingham Jenifer P. , Ishida Miho , Cameron-Pimblett Antoinette , McGlacken-Byrne Sinead M. , Buonocore Federica , del Valle Ignacio , Madhan Gaganjit Kaur , Brooks Tony , Conway Gerard S. , Achermann John C.
Published: September 2023

Background

Women with Turner syndrome (TS) (45,X and related karyotypes) have an increased prevalence of conditions such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypothyroidism, autoimmunity, hypertension, and congenital cardiovascular anomalies (CCA). Whilst the risk of developing these co-morbidities may be partly related to haploinsufficiency of key genes on the X chromosome, other mechanisms may be involved. Improving our understanding of underlying processes is important to develop personalized approaches to management.

Objective

We investigated whether: 1) global genetic variability differs in women with TS, which might contribute to co-morbidities; 2) common variants in X genes - on the background of haploinsufficiency - are associated with phenotype (a “two-hit” hypothesis); 3) the previously reported association of autosomal TIMP3 variants with CCA can be replicated.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing was undertaken in leukocyte DNA from 134 adult women with TS and compared to 46,XX controls (n=23), 46,XX women with primary ovarian insufficiency (n=101), and 46,XY controls (n=11). 1) Variability in autosomal and X chromosome genes was analyzed for all individuals; 2) the relation between common X chromosome variants and the long-term phenotypes listed above was investigated in a subgroup of women with monosomy X; 3) TIMP3 variance was investigated in relation to CCA.

Results

Standard filtering identified 6,457,085 autosomal variants and 126,335 X chromosome variants for the entire cohort, whereas a somatic variant pipeline identified 16,223 autosomal and 477 X chromosome changes. 1) Overall exome variability of autosomal genes was similar in women with TS and control/comparison groups, whereas X chromosome variants were proportionate to the complement of X chromosome material; 2) when adjusted for multiple comparisons, no X chromosome gene/variants were strongly enriched in monosomy X women with key phenotypes compared to monosomy X women without these conditions, although several variants of interest emerged; 3) an association between TIMP3 22:32857305:C-T and CCA was found (CCA 13.6%; non-CCA 3.4%, p<0.02).

Conclusions

Women with TS do not have an excess of genetic variability in exome analysis. No obvious X-chromosome variants driving phenotype were found, but several possible genes/variants of interest emerged. A reported association between autosomal TIMP3 variance and congenital cardiac anomalies was replicated.
Differences in spinal postures and mobility among adults with Prader-Willi syndrome, essential obesity, and normal-weight individuals
Authors: Bayartai Munkh-Erdene , Luomajoki Hannu , Tringali Gabriella , De Micheli Roberta , Grugni Graziano , Sartorio Alessandro
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Spinal kinematics/motion are reported to be altered in adolescents and adults with essential obesity, while no information is available in patients with Prader-Willi syndrome so far. The aim of this study was to examine cross-sectionally the characteristics of spinal postures and mobility in 34 patients with PWS, in 35 age- and sex-matched adults with essential obesity, and in 37 normal-weight individuals.

Methods

Spinal posture and mobility were assessed using a radiation-free back scan, the Idiag M360 (Idiag, Fehraltorf, Switzerland). Differences in spinal posture and mobility between the three groups were determined using a two-way analysis of variance.

Results

Adults with Prader-Willi syndrome had greater thoracic kyphosis [difference between groups (Δ) = 9.60, 95% CI 3.30 to 15.60, p = 0.001], less lumbar lordosis (Δ = -6.50, 95% CI -12.70 to -0.30, p = 0.03) as well as smaller lumbar and hip mobility than those with normal weight.

Discussion

Although the characteristics of the spine in patients with Prader-Will syndrome appear to be similar to that found in subjects with essential obesity, Prader-Willi syndrome was found to influence lumbar movements more than thoracic mobility. These results provide relevant information about the characteristics of the spine in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome to be taken into careful consideration in the management of spinal conditions. These findings also highlight the importance of considering the musculoskeletal assessment of spinal postures and approaches targeting spinal and hip flexibility in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome.
Iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction: a scientometric study and visualization analysis
Authors: Gong Boshen , Wang Xichang , Wang Chuyuan , Yang Wanyu , Shan Zhongyan , Lai Yaxin
Published: September 2023

Objective

Iodine is essential in thyroid hormone production. Iodine deficiency is associated with serious complications (i.e miscarriage and stillbirth), whereas excess can cause thyroid dysfunction (i.e hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid autoimmunity). We conducted this scientometric study to visualize hot spots and trends in iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction over past two decades. The aim of this paper was to help scholars quickly understand the development and potential trend in this field, and guide future research directions.

Methods

Articles on iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction from 2000 to 2022 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) using the following search terms: (((((TS=(hypothyroid*)) OR TS=(hyperthyroid*)) OR TS= (“TSH deficiency”)) OR TS= (“thyroid stimulating hormone deficiency”)) AND TS=(Iodine)) NOT TS=(radioiodine). Only publications in English were selected. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Tableau, Carrot2, and R software were used to analyze the contribution and co-occurrence relationships of different countries, institutes, keywords, references, and journals.

Results

A total of 2986 publications from 115 countries and 3412 research institutions were included. From 2000 to 2022, research on iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction progressed over a three-stage development period: initial development (2000-2009), stable development (2010-2016), and rapid development (2016-2022) period. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism had the most co-citations followed and China Medical University (n=76) had the most publications. The top three clusters of co-citation references were isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia, subclinical hyperthyroidism, and brain development. Various scientific methods were applied to reveal acknowledge structure, development trend and research hotspots in iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction.

Conclusion

Our scientometric analysis shows that investigations related to pregnant women, epidemiology surveys, and iodine deficiency are promising topics for future iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction research and highlights the important role of iodine on thyroid function.
Risk factors and predictive model for recurrence in papillary thyroid carcinoma: a single-center retrospective cohort study based on 955 cases
Authors: Li Yin , Tian Jiahe , Jiang Ke , Wang Zhongyu , Gao Songbo , Wei Keyang , Yang Ankui , Li Qiuli
Published: September 2023

Background

The 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines proposed recurrence risk stratification of differentiated thyroid carcinoma, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), but this stratification excluded non–initial treatment patients with worse outcomes. This study aimed to explore the potential risk factors for recurrence in PTC and develop a predictive model for both initial and non–initial treatment of patients with PTC.

Methods

A total of 955 patients were included in this study. Differences between the recurrence (−) and recurrence (+) groups were compared. The 955 patients were randomized into two groups: the training group (671 cases) and the validation group (284 cases). All variables were selected using the LASSO regression analysis. A nomogram was developed based on the results of the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. The nomogram performance was evaluated using discrimination and calibration.

Results

Patients aged ≥55 years, extranodal extension (ENE), metastatic LN ratio (LNR) >0.5, and non–initial treatment were identified as potential risk factors for recurrence through LASSO regression and univariate and multivariate analyses. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) showed high efficiency, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.819 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.729–0.909) and 0.818 (95% CI, 0.670–0.909) in the training and validation groups, respectively. The calibration curve indicated that the nomogram had a good consistency.

Conclusion

In patients with PTC, age ≥55 years, ENE, LNR >0.5, and non–initial treatment are potential risk factors for recurrence. The predictive model of recurrence was confirmed to be a practical and convenient tool for clinicians to accurately predict PTC recurrence.
Implications of climate change on surface temperature in North Indian states: evidence from CMIP6 model ensembles
Authors: Awasthi Amit , Pattnayak Kanhu Charan , Tandon Aayushi , Sarkar Abhijit , Chakraborty Monojit
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The significant impact of climate change on temperature is an important topic of discussion as it rises globally. Hence, the present study is designed to investigate the profound influence of climate change on temperature by considering the North Indian States.

Methods: In this comprehensive case study, CMIP6 models are used to investigate temperature behaviour in the states of North India under 1.5°C and 2°C warming scenarios. Comparisons are made between observed surface temperature data from the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) and ensemble mean simulations from CMIP6.

Results and Discussion: Results indicate that CMIP6 ensemble mean simulations effectively depict observed climatological patterns of surface temperature with negligible discrepancies. Under both the 1.5°C and 2°C warming scenarios, extreme temperatures show an increase compared to the preindustrial and present periods, suggesting an elevated risk of future severe heat events. Temperature changes relative to the preindustrial period are around 1.5°C, 3°C, and 4.5°C for the present, 1.5°C, and 2°C scenarios, respectively. Return period analysis shows a significant temperature rise of approximately 4.5° over a return time of 60 years. These findings highlight the importance of climate models, valuable for impact studies, and emphasize the need to accurately enhance future model iterations’ precision in simulating regional climates. Urgent climate change mitigation strategies are vital to curb temperature rise and mitigate potential adverse impacts on the region.

Conclusion: The study provides critical insights into North India’s climate behavior, underscoring the significance of proactive measures to effectively address climate change challenges within the region.
Habitat quality assessment and multi-scenario prediction of the Gansu-Qinghai section of the Yellow River Basin based on the FLUS-InVEST model
Authors: Yang Jie , Xie Baopeng , Zhang Degang , Mak-Mensah Erastus , Pei Tingting
Published: September 2023

Research on the impact of land use change on regional habitat quality, in various future scenarios, can effectively aid planning and decision-making for sustainable development at a regional level. The study conducted its research in the Gansu-Qinghai Yellow River section and used ArcGIS and a land use transfer matrix to analyze the spatiotemporal pattern of land use and land cover changes. The study assessed the changes in habitat quality in the Gansu-Qinghai Yellow River region between 1990 and 2020, using the Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model, by evaluating the gains and losses. Simultaneously, 15 elements of the natural economy were chosen and examined for their temporal and spatial impact on habitat quality using the random forest model and spatially weighted regression model. To forecast land use changes in the Gansu-Qinghai Yellow River section for 2030, the Future Land Use Simulation Model (FLUS) model was utilized and a series of four scenarios (cultivated land protection scenario, ecological protection scenario, natural development scenario, and rapid development scenario) were employed. The research results indicate that over 70% of the Gansu-Qinghai Yellow River is occupied by grasslands, and only a small portion of the area, about 0.22%, is developed for construction purposes. The quality of the habitat in the Gansu-Qinghai Yellow River had a minor drop between 1990 and 2020, followed by an improvement. Habitat quality changes are primarily attributed to improvements, with variations across different areas, i.e., enhanced in the east and reduced in the central and western parts. The habitat quality of the Gansu-Qinghai Yellow River has improved in all four scenarios compared to 2020, as evidenced by the decrease in low-value habitats and increase in high-value areas. The ecological protection scenario has the highest average habitat quality value. These research results can be used to support policy development and ecological restoration initiatives in the Gansu-Qinghai Yellow River.
Contrasting impacts of climate change on protection forests of the Italian Alps
Authors: Hillebrand Laurin , Marzini Sebastian , Crespi Alice , Hiltner Ulrike , Mina Marco
Published: September 2023

Protection forests play a key role in protecting settlements, people, and infrastructures from gravitational hazards such as rockfalls and avalanches in mountain areas. Rapid climate change is challenging the role of protection forests by altering their dynamics, structure, and composition. Information on local- and regional-scale impacts of climate change on protection forests is critical for planning adaptations in forest management. We used a model of forest dynamics (ForClim) to assess the succession of mountain forests in the Eastern Alps and their protective effects under future climate change scenarios. We investigated eleven representative forest sites along an elevational gradient across multiple locations within an administrative region, covering wide differences in tree species structure, composition, altitude, and exposition. We evaluated protective performance against rockfall and avalanches using numerical indices (i.e., linker functions) quantifying the degree of protection from metrics of simulated forest structure and composition. Our findings reveal that climate warming has a contrasting impact on protective effects in mountain forests of the Eastern Alps. Climate change is likely to not affect negatively all protection forest stands but its impact depends on site and stand conditions. Impacts were highly contingent to the magnitude of climate warming, with increasing criticality under the most severe climate projections. Forests in lower-montane elevations and those located in dry continental valleys showed drastic changes in forest structure and composition due to drought-induced mortality while subalpine forests mostly profited from rising temperatures and a longer vegetation period. Overall, avalanche protection will likely be negatively affected by climate change, while the ability of forests to maintain rockfall protection depends on the severity of expected climate change and their vulnerability due to elevation and topography, with most subalpine forests less prone to loosing protective effects. Proactive measures in management should be taken in the near future to avoid losses of protective effects in the case of severe climate change in the Alps. Given the heterogeneous impact of climate warming, such adaptations can be aided by model-based projections and high local resolution studies to identify forest stand types that might require management priority for maintaining protective effects in the future.
Uncovering structural variants associated with body weight and obesity risk in labrador retrievers: a genome-wide study
Authors: Antkowiak Michal , Szydlowski Maciej
Published: September 2023

Although obesity in the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) is known to decrease well-being and shorten lifespan, the genetic risk variants associated with canine obesity remain largely unknown. In our study, which focused on the obesity-prone Labrador Retriever breed, we conducted a genome-wide analysis to identify structural variants linked to body weight and obesity. Obesity status was based on a 5-point body condition score (BCS) and the obese dog group included all dogs with a BCS of 5, along with dogs with the highest body weight within the BCS 4 group. Data from whole-gene sequencing of fifty dogs, including 28 obese dogs, were bioinformatically analyzed to identify potential structural variants that varied in frequency between obese and healthy dogs. The seven most promising variants were further analyzed by droplet digital PCR in a group of 110 dogs, including 63 obese. Our statistical evidence suggests that common structural mutations in or near six genes, specifically ALPL, KCTD8, SGSM1, SLC12A6, RYR3, and VPS26C, may contribute to the variability observed in body weight and body condition scores among Labrador Retriever dogs. These findings emphasize the need for additional research to validate the associations and explore the specific functions of these genes in relation to canine obesity.
Genetic diversity, tissue-specific expression, and functional analysis of the ATP7A gene in sheep
Authors: Li Hao , Du Xiaolong , Li Xinyue , Feng Pingjie , Chu Mingxing , Jin Yi , Pan Zhangyuan
Published: September 2023

In humans, variation of the ATP7A gene may cause cranial exostosis, which is similar to “human horn,” but the function of the ATP7A gene in sheep is still unknown. Tissue expression patterns and potential functional loci analysis of the ATP7A gene could help understand its function in sheep horn. In this study, we first identified tissue, sex, breed, and species-specific expression of the ATP7A gene in sheep based on the RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data. Second, the potential functional sites of the ATP7A gene were analyzed by using the whole genome sequencing (WGS) data of 99 sheep from 10 breeds. Last, the allele-specific expression of the ATP7A gene was explored. Our result showed the ATP7A gene has significantly higher expression in the big horn than in the small horn, and the ATP7A gene has high expression in the horn and skin, suggesting that this gene may be related to the horn. The PCA results show that the region around the ATP7A can distinguish horned and hornless groups to some extent, further indicating that the ATP7A may be related to horns. When compared with other species, we find seven ruminate specific amino acid sites of the ATP7A protein, which can be important to the ruminate horn. By analyzing WGS, we found 6 SNP sites with significant differences in frequency in horned and hornless populations, and most of these variants are present in the intron. But we still find some potential functional sites, including three missenses, three synonymous mutations, and four Indels. Finally, by combining the RNA-seq and WGS functional loci results, we find three mutations that showed allele-specific expression between big and small horns. This study shows that the ATP7A gene in sheep may be related to horn size, and several potential functional sites we identified here can be useful molecular markers for sheep horn breeding.