bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyrotropin and body mass index, are they related?
Authors: Ivo Catarina R. , Duarte Vitória , Veríssimo David , Silva João , Passos Dolores , Lopes Luís , Jácome de Castro João , Marcelino Mafalda
Published: September 2022

Objectives

It is well recognized that overt thyroid dysfunction is associated with changes in body mass index (BMI). However, there is ongoing debate regarding the influence of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) on BMI, in euthyroid subjects. The aim of this study is to examine the association of TSH with BMI in an outpatient population without evidence of thyroid disease.

Methods

Cross-sectional study conducted in an Endocrinology Department. We identified the latest TSH and BMI measurements in 923 patients from the reference euthyroid population. All patients with positive thyroid autoimmunity and nodules were excluded. We performed a linear regression analysis using SPSSv.025.

Results

923 adult patients were evaluated. 79.4% were males, with a mean age of 67.6 years old. Mean TSH level was 1.78 mIU/L and mean BMI was 29.2 kg/m2. A significant negative correlation between serum TSH concentration and BMI was evident (p=0.04; r=−0.067). Statistical significance was lost when performing subgroup analysis, for males and females (p=0.19 and p=0.075), elderly (≥65 years) and non-elderly (p=0.55 and p=0.32) and also obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and non-obese (p=0.39 and p=0.13).

Conclusions

The relationship between BMI and TSH is not consensual in the literature. This study included a large cohort sample of euthyroid patients, majority men and with negative autoimmunity. Our results support the hypothesis that variation in thyroid status within the normal range, could have a negative effect on BMI, contrary to most published studies.
Spider-based FOPID controller design for temperature control in aluminium extrusion process
Authors: Murugesan Ramasubramanian , Marimuthu Thirumarimurugan
Published: September 2022

Based on the exit temperature in the aluminium extrusion process, the quality of the aluminium bars is obtained in the industries. Control of temperature plays a significant role to obtain the quality of the aluminium bars or rods. Problems are still encountered in the design of proper temperature control schemes in the industries. A new control scheme is presented here, to address the temperature control in the aluminium extrusion process. Spider-based fractional-order PID controller scheme is simulated for the aluminium extrusion plant using MATLAB and its toolbox. It gives the improved result for reducing the time delay, rise time and settling time in the process. Integral square error performance criteria are considered an objective function. The minimization of objective function gives good results. Comparisons of the presented control scheme with the conventional control methods are presented.
Marginal Communities and Cooperative Strategies in the Kerma Pastoral State
Authors: Walsh Carl
Published: September 2022

This paper examines the relationship between marginal Nubian communities—who are culturally different and who occupy peripheral contexts—and the Kerma “pastoral state” in Upper Nubia during the Classic Kerma period (1750–1550 BCE). It is argued that the funerary assemblages of two such communities—Mirgissa and al-Widay I—document localized identities and active roles in cross-cultural interactions with other cultural groups. These interactions and identities may have been intentionally encouraged and utilized by the Kerma state in order to gain access to exchange systems and maintain power within a more decentralized “pastoral state.” Cooperative processes such as commensality and social reception presented mechanisms for forming friendly relationships with these communities and a variety of Nile valley and desert groups and polities. It is argued that these communities were not marginalized and exploited by the state and but instead used their marginality to achieve degrees of autonomy and form their own localized practices.
Off the pitch: semiotics of liminality between space and play
Authors: Ragonese Ruggero
Published: September 2022

Playing fields are “spaces where the communitas suspends its everyday life and structures” and “The internal logic of sporting games is connected to values from the social context” (Parlebas, Pierre. 2013. Motor praxeology: A new scientific paradigm. In Mariann Vaczi (ed.), Playing fields: Power, practice, and passion in sport, 127–144. Reno: University of Nevada Press). But what about the space in between? What kind of semiotics organisation can be detected in the membrane between player and liminal space where spectators are not allowed yet specific characters needed to carry out an event? We can therefore identify a liminality that can be connected either to the controlled or the wild playing field and depending on which of the two is the case can be analysed according to the degree of regulated system of signs which they produce. This implies different pathways and rituals: as matches are played, a variety of bodily activities may be taking place concurrently. Furthermore, it is inevitable that these activities attract the attention of the audience or alternately lead a player to interact with a non-player.

In this article, I will first try to identify certain semiotics features, especially connected to Eco’s Peircian concept of Encyclopedia, that characterize the status of liminal space around the playing field. Then I will focus on liminality in soccer, investigating what kinds of interaction exist outside the playing area.
Single-cell analysis of gene expression in the substantia nigra pars compacta of a pesticide-induced mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Khan Arshad H. , Lee Lydia K. , Smith Desmond J.
Published: September 2022

Exposure to pesticides in humans increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but the mechanisms remain poorly understood. To elucidate these pathways, we dosed C57BL/6J mice with a combination of the pesticides maneb and paraquat. Behavioral analysis revealed motor deficits consistent with PD. Single-cell RNA sequencing of substantia nigra pars compacta revealed both cell-type-specific genes and genes expressed differentially between pesticide and control, includingFam241b,Emx2os,Bivm,Gm1439,Prdm15, andRai2. Neurons had the largest number of significant differentially expressed genes, but comparable numbers were found in astrocytes and less so in oligodendrocytes. In addition, network analysis revealed enrichment in functions related to the extracellular matrix. These findings emphasize the importance of support cells in pesticide-induced PD and refocus our attention away from neurons as the sole agent of this disorder.
Symptom severity and presentation in comorbid OCD and PTSD: A clinical replication
Authors: Pinciotti Caitlin M. , Wetterneck Chad T. , Riemann Bradley C.
Published: September 2022

Individuals with comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experience more severe OCD symptoms and poorer treatment response. Despite some evidence linking OCD symptom domains to trauma, only one study to date has examined typical OCD and PTSD presentations in individuals with OCD+PTSD, and findings were based on a nonclinical sample. The current study sought to replicate findings in a clinical sample of 1,014 patients diagnosed with OCD (n = 928), PTSD (n = 40), and OCD+PTSD (n = 46) in specialty OCD and anxiety treatment programs. Consistent with previous research, patients with OCD+PTSD reported more severe OCD yet similar severity PTSD symptoms and did not evidence a unique phenotypic presentation once symptom overlap and comorbid mood and personality disorders were considered. OCD+PTSD is equally as heterogeneous as OCD and PTSD alone. Implications for the research and treatment of OCD+PTSD are discussed, and assessment and treatment recommendations are provided.
Fast Event-Related Mapping of Population Fingertip Tuning Properties in Human Sensorimotor Cortex at 7T
Authors: Khalife Sarah , Francis Susan T. , Schluppeck Denis , Sánchez-Panchuelo Rosa-Maria , Besle Julien
Published: September 2022

fMRI studies that investigate somatotopic tactile representations in the human cortex typically use either block or phase-encoded stimulation designs. Event-related (ER) designs allow for more flexible and unpredictable stimulation sequences than the other methods, but they are less efficient. Here, we compared an efficiency-optimized fast ER design (2.8-s average intertrial interval; ITI) to a conventional slow ER design (8-s average ITI) for mapping voxelwise fingertip tactile tuning properties in the sensorimotor cortex of six participants at 7 Tesla. The fast ER design yielded more reliable responses compared with the slow ER design, but with otherwise similar tuning properties. Concatenating the fast and slow ER data, we demonstrate in each individual brain the existence of two separate somatotopically-organized tactile representations of the fingertips, one in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) on the postcentral gyrus, and the other shared across the motor and premotor cortices on the precentral gyrus. In both S1 and motor representations, fingertip selectivity decreased progressively, from narrowly-tuned Brodmann area (BA) 3b and BA4a, respectively, toward associative parietal and frontal regions that responded equally to all fingertips, suggesting increasing information integration along these two pathways. In addition, fingertip selectivity in S1 decreased from the cortical representation of the thumb to that of the pinky.
The Role of Social Media for Disasters in The Era of Disruption (Analysis of Responsiveness to COVID-19 Pandemics on Twitter)
Authors: Rahmanto Fajar , Rafi Muhammad
Published: September 2022

Social media has become the choice as a means to access various information related to disasters. This article aims to determine the level of public responsiveness to the COVID-19 pandemic disaster through social media Twitter. The research method uses descriptive qualitative with a literature study approach. Sources of information were collected from Twitter using N-Capture regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. For data analysis techniques using the NVivo12 Plus software with a query analysis approach. The results showed the community's responsiveness to the COVID-19 pandemic disaster since the advent of the COVID-19 outbreak in Indonesia in early March was enlivened with hashtags (# lawancovid19) of 14,930 counts. Through hashtag # lawancovid19, the bnpb-Indonesia account with (35.24%) and the ministry of health ministry account (20.68%) are the two twitter accounts used most the taggar. The #lawancovid19 narrative on Twitter developed by the Government is a form of information and education communication (IEC) actions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a preventive effort to prevent the spread of an increasingly widespread pandemic outbreak. Thus, social media can be utilized by the Government and the community to increase effectiveness and efficiency in disseminating disaster information.
Evaluating the Impact of “Work From Home Policy” on Job Performance (Study Case in Indonesia)
Authors: Hutajulu Richard Surungan
Published: September 2022

To determine the effect of work-from-home on job performance. It proposes work environment, job satisfaction and work motivation as mediating variables, and answers how work-from-home affects employee performance through them in Indonesia. A total of 713 valid respondents who answered the questionnaire came from employees in Indonesia, which were obtained from online social media. The data were tested for validity and reliability with SPSS 25.0 software, then the model was analyzed using Structural Equation Model (SEM) using AMOS 23.0 software. Based on statistical data processing it is known that working from home employees experience greater work motivation so that it can improve job performance, but it has no relationship with job satisfaction and work environment. The study has implications for business practitioner who intend to measure the effectiveness of their work-from-home policies. This is especially pertinent during the Work from Home policy. The original contribution of this study lies within its questionnaire that has been attuned to changes caused by Work from Home policy. This paper offers an important contribution on how the perception of work from home implication to job performance in human resources management academic.
Village Elite Role on The Productive Migrant Village Program in Banyumas Indonesia
Authors: Muslihudin Muslihudin , Wulan Tyas Retno , Sugiarto Tri , Wardhianna Sotyania , Wijayanti Sri
Published: September 2022

Within social structure inside society, there is a group called the elite group consists of small number of people who are at the top of the stratum of the community. The group has a big role in various activities in the community. Banyumas is one of the regencies that receive a Productive Migrant Village Program (PMVP) whose implementation is related to the group of village elite. The purpose of this paper is to show how the role of the village elite in the village community empowerment, especially in the implementation of the programs. The method of the research is a critical qualitative research method. The data are obtained by interview, observation, and documentation. An analysis of the study was conducted interactively. The results of the study are; 1) The implementation of the programs are driven by village elites, 2) village political elites are responsible for the success since the beginning of the program, 3) political elites and economic elites ally in the implementation of the productive migrant village program. Such pattern of village elite alliances can be used as a useful model for the success of development programs or the empowerment of rural communities, not only in the programs, but also in other community empowerment programs.
Degradation Of Lampung Language On Marga Sekampung Community In Gunung Raya East Lampung
Authors: Septiyana Linda , Sari Yeasy Agustina , Muhammad Hasanuddin
Published: September 2022

This study aims to: 1) describe the existence of Lampung language on Marga Sekampung community in Gunung Raya  2) analyze the factors that influence the Lampung language degradation on Marga Sekampung community in Gunung Raya. This study is a qualitative research. This study was carried out in Gunung Raya, Marga Sekampung, East Lampung. The findings of this study are 1) the existence of Lampung language on Marga Sekampung community in Gunung Raya in the cultural and social environment so far is still well maintained. However, there is a language shifting in the existence of Lampung language of Marga Sekampung community in family environment, especially the use of the Lampung language between parents and children as well as the use of Lampung Language between children and children. 2) The factors that influence the Lampung language degradation  on Marga Sekampung community in Gunung Raya especially on children or teenangers are their own selves factors, lack of socialization in the family environment, and interaction with their friends. Based on the results of this study, it should be for children and parents of Marga Sekampung community in Gunung Raya get used to using Lampung language in their daily life so that it does not become extinct.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Socio-Economic Change of Post-Reclamation Community in South Wenang Urban Village, Manado City
Authors: Kerebungu Ferdinand , Fathimah Siti
Published: September 2022

The reclamation of the beach in Manado city developed as a functional area resulted in a change in the face of the city in coastal areas. As a large company and taking up public space, it must give social responsibility to the community who are deprived of their area of social activity. The purpose of this paper is to review whether CSR programs have been implemented by the developer to communities affected by coastal reclamation and whether socio-economic changes have occurred in the community after coastal reclamation. This study uses a qualitative approach with data collection techniques through observation, interview, and documentation studies. The research found that CSR programs have not been implemented by developers, and there are significant socioeconomic changes among the fishing families after the reclamation taking place in the village of South Wenang. There is  a change in the source of livelihood from fishermen to the informal sector (among others food stalls, selling pulses, stalls, retail gasoline sales, parking lots, construction workers). But from the change of livelihood source to the informal sector, the life of the fishing family has not improved significantly.
Sociology of Designs: Pot Designs Favored by Residents of Middle-Class Housing Cluster for Gardening Activities During the Pandemic
Authors: Ariani Ariani , Rizali Awang Eka Novia , Armas Anita , Ferbian Kelvin
Published: September 2022

Currently, gardening is one of the popular activities during the COVID-19 pandemic situation to relieve boredom and psychological pressure. The phenomenon that occurs in people's behavior in responding to this trend, especially residents of middle-class housing clusters, is an interesting research subject. Specifically, this qualitative research with a design sociology approach aims to determine the criteria for pot design that people are interested in, as well as to provide recommendations for suitable pot designs for home gardening activities. Residents of the middle-class housing cluster were chosen as the target for obtaining data, based on the limitation of yard that leads to pots usage for planting. The data was collected from 104 respondents through questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. Based on the results of data analysis, the following pot design criteria were obtained: using clay material, minimalist shape, easy to move, come in different sizes, natural color, easy to obtain, and affordable in price. The results of the study in the form of design recommendations were then implemented with reference to these criteria, involving pottery craftsmen from the pottery center of Pundong, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta.
Bowongso Coffee Shop; More Than Just A Holiday and Place for Rural Youth Lifestyle in Indonesia
Authors: Muryanti Muryanti
Published: September 2022

Subsistence farming is the main job of farmers in Bowongso Village, Wonosobo, Indonesia.  Coffee is one of the commercial crops since it provides much profits and changes the pattern of agricultural management. The purpose of this paper was to find out how the creativity of youth in rural areas plays a role in developing agricultural innovation. Data were obtained from interviews with members of farmer groups, farmers, and consumers of the Bowongso coffee shop. The results showed that the commercialization of agriculture needs to be improved in increasing innovation and production to maintain the prosperity of rural communities. The Bowongso Coffee Shop is an innovation in the development of the agricultural sector from upstream to downstream driven by young farmers who are members of the Bina Sejahtera farmer group. The teenagers make coffee as a commercial plant and coffee shop as a place to gather and discuss the development of farmer groups or agricultural conditions in the village. The social movement of rural teenagers plays a role in the development of agriculture where they run coffee shops as a way of life for rural communities that are not much different from urban communities and further improve the village economy.
Agrarian Conflict Resolution, Forestry Companies Versus Plantation Companies in North Kalimantan
Authors: Brata Nugroho Trisnu , Setyowati Dewi Liesnoor , Setiaji Khasan
Published: September 2022

Agrarian conflict often occurs when two or more concerned parties have different interests in the same land. This study aims to analyzing the conflict between PT. NJL and PT. Adindo. The research employed qualitative method, the location in Sei Menggaris, Nunukan, North Kalimantan was carried out in August 2020. The results showed that the status of area, which has the permit of Cultivation Right owned by PT. NJL for an area of 17,000 hectares, there is an area of 3,510 hectares for Industrial Plantation Forest overlaps with the Business Permit that has already been owned by PT. Adindo which is engaged in the industrial plantation forest. As conclusion, a resolution that did not harm all parties, including workers. An agreement was reached that an area of approximately 2,800 ha which was not the object of the conflict and had been cultivated into oil palm plantations by PT. NJL would be continued so that local people would not lose their jobs.
Pica Magz/Pica Fest: Creative Economy In Bali Subculture
Authors: Bastari Rendy Pandita , Resmadi Idhar , Utama Jiwa
Published: September 2022

.Bali's creative economy in 2020 shows that 26.26% was dominated by music, 12.64% from performing arts, 8.29% from culinary, and 52.81% from other sub-sectors. By looking at the data, there are one sub-sector  that is not quite as significant as the others and that is fashion. One subculture actor who is quite active in the local fashion industry is Pica, subdivided by Picamagz and Pica Fest. They are quite constant in holding subcultural events such as music shows and fashion festival. This proves that local fashion industry can give contribution and can also be supported by other industry. The purpose of this study is to analyze the social creative field of Picamagz and Pica Fest. The method used for this study is qualitative descriptive with the validation from interviews and observation. The result of this study shows that that the field of expression, production, dissemination and appreciation filled with active actors who holds their respective role.
Transcriptional comparison of testicular adrenal rest tumors with fetal and adult tissues
Authors: Schröder Mariska A M , Sweep Fred C G J , van Herwaarden Antonius E , Mitchell Rod T , Eliveld Jitske , van Pelt Ans M M , Rowan Alan E , Korbie Darren , Stikkelbroeck Nike M M L , Claahsen-van der Grinten Hedi L , Span Paul N
Published: September 2022

Background

Testicular adrenal rest tumors (TART) are a common complication of unknown cellular origin in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). These benign tumors have both adrenal and testicular characteristics and are hypothesized to either derive from cells of adrenal origin from the fetal adrenogonadal primordium or by atypical differentiation of adult Leydig-progenitor cells.

Objective

This study aims to unravel the identity and etiology of TART.

Methods

Co-expression of adrenal-specific CYP11B1 and Leydig cell-specific HSD17B3 in TART was studied using immunohistochemistry. We studied the possibility of TART being derived from atypical differentiation of adult Leydig-progenitor cells by the quantification of adrenal-specific enzyme expression upon adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-like stimulation of ex vivo cultured platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha-positive cells. By comparing the transcriptome of TART (n = 16) with the transcriptome of fetal adrenal (n = 13), fetal testis (n = 5), adult adrenal (n = 11), and adult testis (n = 10) tissues, we explored the identity of TART.

Results

We demonstrate co-expression of adrenal-specific CYP11B1 and testis-specific HSD17B3 in TART cells, indicating the existence of a distinct TART cell exhibiting both adrenal and testicular characteristics. Ex vivo cultured adult Leydig-progenitor cells did not express the ACTH-receptor MC2R but did express CYP11B1 upon stimulation. Unsupervised clustering of transcriptome data showed that TART was most similar to adult adrenal tissue, followed by adult testis tissue, and least similar to either fetal tissue.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that TART is induced — most likely via activation of a cAMP/protein kinase A-dependent receptor — from a progenitor cell into a unique mature adrenal-like cell type, sometimes exhibiting both adrenal and testicular features.
Interfacial bonding mechanisms of natural fibre-matrix composites: An overview
Authors: Mohammed Mohammed , Rasidi MSM , Mohammed Aeshah , Rahman Rozyanty , Osman Azlin , Adam Tijjani , Betar Bashir , Dahham Omar
Published: September 2022

The development of natural fiber (NFr) composites for a variety of applications is on the rise. The optimization of the interfacial bonding (IFB) between the reinforcing NFr and polymer matrix is perhaps the single most critical aspect in the development of natural fibre polymer composites (NFPCs) with high mechanical performance. While the IFB is critical in determining the mechanical properties of the NFPCs, such as stress transfer, it is one of the least understood components. This article offers a summary of IFB mechanisms, different modification approaches targeted at lowering incompatibility and improving IFB, and evaluation of the impact of IFB. It has been found that 1) In general, interdiffusion, electrostatic adhesion, chemical reactions, and mechanical interlocking are accountable for the IFB; 2) the incompatibility of the fibre and matrix, which results in poor dispersion of the fiber, weak IFB, and ultimately worse composite quality, may be addressed through strategic modifications; and 3) Interfacial interactions between polymers and nanoparticles (NPs) are significantly improving their performance in areas like thermal, mechanical, robust IFB, and moisture absorption. As a result, this review study could be an important resource for scholars interested in coating and treating NFr to further enhance their surface characteristics.
Modeling Analysis, Findings, Development, Organizing the Material and Learning for Students in Islamic Boarding Schools
Authors: Apdoludin Apdoludin , Martinisyamin Martinisyamin
Published: September 2022

This study aims to determine the effect of a learning model called AFDOL (Analyzing, Finding, Developing, Organizing, and Learning (AFDOL) to increase students' critical thinking skills to find and gain new knowledge in learning Islamic traditional book at pesantren. This research is an R&D. It was carried out in class XII at pesantren in Jambi City. Two parallel classes were used, one class serving as the control group and one class as the experimental group. The result shows that AFDOL learning model can further improve students' critical thinking skills compared to conventional learning models. The learning model can improve studentsâ€™ critical thinking skills to find new knowledge in learning Islamic traditional books. It enables teachers to deliver a more systematic learning process to improve students' understanding and critical thinking skills in learning Islamic traditional books.
Developing Pesantren Education Quality through Radicalism Prevention Program for Santri
Authors: Sadiah Dewi
Published: September 2022

Pesantren (Islamic boarding schools) institutions in the current era are chosen for education destinations for the Muslim community to foster the quality of Islamic education, especially in countering ideas of religious radicalism. In this context, pesantren role in preventing radicalism are considered important to investigate. The present study investigates the education program carried out by pesantren in preventing radicalism. It was conducted at the Miftahul Huda Islamic Boarding School, Citangkolo, Banjar City. It applied qualitative approach using descriptive method. The data were collected using observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The results showed that the pesantren designs and delivers education using several dimensions including intellectual, skills, and character education. These three educational dimensions are implemented in classroom learning using various models, approaches, and learning strategies. For character building, education is supported by hidden curriculum. The curriculum is carried out in student activities according to the rules that is applied at pesantren. In pesantren, Kiai serves as a role model in education to boost all education program to develop santri character. Those education programs are used to prevent santri from radicalism in pesantren.
Developing Arabic Language Teachersâ€™ Competence and Performance through Teacher Profession Education
Authors: Ruhendi Ateng , Kosim Nanang
Published: September 2022

This study aims to investigate the Arabic language teachersâ€™ competence and performance who participated in PPG (Pendidikan Profesi Guru/ Teacher Profession Education) at LPTK (Lembaga Pendidik dan Tenaga Kependidikan/ Education Staff and Teacher College) UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. The present study applied a qualitative approach and analytical descriptive method. Data were collected using observation techniques, interviews, questionnaires, and documentation. Data were analyzed through several steps: organizing data, translating data into units, synthesizing, analyzing, and making conclusions. The validity of the data was tested using the triangulation technique. The results showed that the Arabic language teachersâ€™ level of competence before joining PPG was taken from their Initial Competency Test and their average academic test score was 62.53 (medium category). After they joined PPG, there was an increase in their competence and performance. Their gain can be seen from several indicators: discipline, dedication, motivation, work ethic. The average value of each indicator was 6.5%.
Investigation of serum IL-12, IL-16, and IL-17A as diagnostic biomarkers in children with cow’s milk protein allergy
Authors: Mao Kangwei , Li Dalei , Liu Jiangyan , Sun Jun , Zhang Rui
Published: September 2022

Background: Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is an abnormal immune response caused by milk proteins and is most common in infancy and early childhood. Statistics revealed up to 7.5% of children suffered from milk allergy. Its clinical symptoms were characterized by diversity, non-specificity, and can affect multiple systems, including the digestive tract, skin, and respiratory tract. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of IL-12, IL-16, and IL-17A on diagnosing and monitoring CMPA in children for clinical treatment.
Methods: A total of 158 infants with CMPA and 89 healthy babies were recruited and evaluated. Demographic and clinical information of all participants were recorded. An extensive analysis of inflammatory cytokine levels, including IL-12, IL-16, and IL-17A, was performed in blood samples from 247 infants younger than 9 months. Meanwhile, the serological specificity immunoglobulin E (sIgE) levels were evaluated. In addition, the area under the curve (AUC) values of IL-12, IL-16, and IL-17A in differentiating CMP from healthy babies were measured by receiver operating characteristic analysis. Finally, the correlation between sIgE and IL-12, IL-16, and IL-17A levels were detected using Spearman correlation analysis.
Results: Compared with healthy control, infants who developed CMPA had decreased IL-12, increased IL-16, and IL-17A. Moreover, a significant correlation between serum IL-12, IL-16, IL-17A and sIgE levels was observed in the CMPA group. In addition, AUC values of IL-12, IL-16, and IL-17A in discriminating CMPA from healthy infants were 0.8425, 0.9196, and 0.8813, respectively. Finally, IL-12 was increased while IL-16 and IL-17A levels were decreased in the CMPA group after three months of milk avoidance treatment.
Conclusions: We found that IL-12, IL-16, and IL-17A levels in children with CMPA were associated with SCORAD scores, sIgE levels, and disease severity, functioning as valuable disease-monitor markers in CMPA.
Impact of COVID-19 in allergen immunotherapy: An Italian survey
Authors: Sánchez-López Jaime , Heffler Enrico , Canonica Giorgio Walter
Published: September 2022

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a common treatment for patients with allergic asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. There is evidence that the COVID-19 pandemic could have altered the administration of AIT in patients in some countries, as the pandemic caused major limitations to healthcare access and delivery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the disruption imposed by the pandemic on the perceptions and administration of AIT therapies in Italy. An online survey was carried out among Italian allergists between 22 February 2021 and 12 April 2021. The results show that Italian physicians (N=66) did not consider that the COVID-19 pandemic presented an added risk to patients with allergic asthma or rhinitis receiving AIT. Although most treatments continued, there were reduced rates of AIT therapy initiations and sublingual AIT was favored over subcutaneous AIT.
Deoxyelephantopin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced septic lung injury through inhibiting NF-ĸB/STAT3 axis
Authors: Wang Shu , Chen Yuefeng
Published: September 2022

Sepsis induces multiple organ dysfunction syndromes, such as acute kidney, liver, or lung injury. Septic lung injury is associated with excessive apoptosis and inflammatory responses in hepatocytes. Deoxyelephantopin is a sesquiterpene lactone found in Elephantopus scaber L, and has immunomodulatory, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. The role of deoxyelephantopin in sepsis-associated lung injury was investigated. First, human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) and human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC) were treated with lipopolysaccharide to induce cytotoxicity. Treatment with lipopolysaccharide reduced cell viability of BEAS-2B and HPAEC, and promoted cell apoptosis through down-regulation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and up-regulation of cleaved PARP and B-cell lymphoma-associated X protein (Bax). Second, lipopolysaccharide-treated BEAS-2B and HPAEC were incubated with increasing concentrations of deoxyelephantopin, that is, 1, 5, or 10 μM. Deoxyelephantopin enhanced cell viability and reduced cell apoptosis of lipopolysaccharide-treated BEAS-2B and HPAEC. Third, deoxyelephantopin attenuated lipopolysaccharide-induced decrease of superoxide dismutase and glutathione, and increase of malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase in BEAS-2B and HPAEC. Moreover, deoxyelephantopin also weakened lipopolysaccharide-induced increase of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. Finally, deoxyelephantopin decreased protein expression of p-p65 and p-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in lipopolysaccharide-treated BEAS-2B and HPAEC. In conclusion, deoxyelephantopin exhibited anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects against lipopolysaccharide-treated BEAS-2B and HPAEC through inactivation of nuclear factor kappa B/STAT3 signaling.
Cornus iridoid glycoside alleviates sepsis-induced acute lung injury by regulating NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways
Authors: Tang Xuhui , Tang Haimin
Published: September 2022

Background: Sepsis-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is a syndrome associated with inflammation. Cornus iridoid glycoside (CIG), a bioactive component isolated from Corni Fructus, exhibits anti-inflammatory activities. However, the function and underlying mechanisms of CIG in mice with sepsis-induced ALI remain elusive.
Methods: The sepsis-elicited ALI model of mice was established by the induction of cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The wet/dry (W/D) ratio of lung tissues was examined, and the pathological alterations were determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions and serum levels of Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent serologic assay, respectively. The concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were assessed by biochemical kits. In addition, the relative protein levels of p-p65, p65, phosphorylated- nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha (p-IκBα), IκBα, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene were analyzed by Western blotting analysis.
Results: CLP enhanced W/D ratio and aggravated pathological changes and scores in mice, which were obviously alleviated by the two concentrations of CIG treatment. CIG treatment notably decreased the CLP-induced mRNA expressions and serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MDA, but enhanced the decreased concentrations (caused by CLP) of SOD and GSH-Px. Moreover, CIG treatment significantly decreased the ratios of p65/p-p65 and IκBα/p-IκBα caused by CLP, but aggravated the CLP-induced relative protein levels of Nrf2 and HO-1.
Conclusions: CIG obviously ameliorated the sepsis-induced ALI in mice by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress, which was closely associated with nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and Nrf2–HO-1 signaling pathways.
Cinnamtannin D1 ameliorates DSS-induced colitis by preventing Th17/Treg imbalance through activation of the AMPK/mTOR pathway
Authors: Yang Ying Xue , Yuan Yuan , Xia Boning
Published: September 2022

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic idiopathic gastrointestinal disease, including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), which is typically characterized by chronicity and relapse. Cinnamtannin D1 (CTD1), extracted from Cinnamomum tamala, has been found to exert good immunosuppressive activity. However, the role of CTD1 in IBD is unclear.
Methods: The colitis mice model was established by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) treatment. Protein levels (p-STAT3/STAT3, ROR-γt, p-STAT5/STAT5, FOXP3, p-AMPK/AMPK, and p-mTOR/mTOR) were examined using Western blotting analysis. Changes in histopathology were detected through hematoxylin and eosin staining. The proportion of T helper 17 (Th17) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells was measured by flow cytometry analysis.
Results: CTD1 improved body weight and colon length, and alleviated inflammation and histological damage in DSS-induced colitis mice model. DSS treatment also demonstrated a negative effect on Th17–Treg cells balance whereas CTD1 restored the balance of Th17– Treg cells in DSS-induced colitis mice model. Regulatory factors (such as STAT3, ROR-γt, STAT5, and FOXP3) that closely related to the balance of Th17–Treg cells were regulated by CTD1. In addition, AMPK phosphorylation was increased and mTOR phosphorylation was inhibited by CTD1 in DSS-induced colitis mice model.
Conclusion: These findings established that CTD1 improved DSS-induced colitis by suppressing Th17–Treg cells balance by activating the AMPK/mTOR pathway. This study provided a new strategy for developing novel treatments for patients with IBD.
Zeaxanthin attenuates OVA-induced allergic asthma in mice by regulating the p38 MAPK/β-catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Jin Xiaosheng , Jin Weijing , Li Guoping , Zheng Jisheng
Published: September 2022

Background: Asthma is a heterogeneous and complex chronic airway disease with a high incidence rate, characterized by chronic airway inflammation. Although the anti-inflammatory effect of zeaxanthin has been demonstrated in various disease models, its explicit role in allergic asthma remains elusive.
Methods: An allergic asthma model was established by ovalbumin (OVA) stimulation in BALB/c nude mice. The pathological examination, collagen deposition and expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in lung tissues were determined by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), MASSON and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Besides, the effect of zeaxanthin on inflammation and oxidative stress was assessed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and spectrophotometry measure. Moreover, the underlying mechanism was analyzed by detecting the expression of phosphorylated p38 (p-p38), p38, β-catenin, p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) and JNK with western blot assays.
Results: The distinct infiltration of inflammatory cells was observed in the OVA-induced asthma mice model with significantly increased concentrations of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-13 and eotaxin (p˂0.001), which were prominently reversed by zeaxanthin treatment (p˂0.001). In addition, zeaxanthin treatment decreased the OVA-induced collagen deposition and α-SMA expression. A similar inhibitory effect of zeaxanthin on the oxidative stress was also observed in the OVA-induced asthma mice model, as evidenced by the prominent decrease of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and the remarkable increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S transferase (GST) and Glutathione (GSH) concentrations (p˂0.001). Moreover, zeaxanthin introduction markedly reduced the relative expressions of p-p38/p38, β-catenin and p-JNK/JNK in the OVA-induced asthma mice model (p˂0.001), indicating that zeaxanthin suppressed the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK)/β-catenin signaling pathway in the OVA-induced asthma mice model.
Conclusions: Zeaxanthin attenuated OVA-induced allergic asthma in mice via modulating the p38 MAPK/β-catenin signaling pathway.
¿Hacia una ciudad incluyente? Efectos de los cambios estético-corporales de varones transmasculinos
Authors: Santillán Sofía Luciana
Published: September 2022

El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar los efectos en la percepción, acceso y disfrute de la ciudad derivados de las transformaciones estético-corporales que realizan los varones transmasculinos. Se enfoca en particular el caso de los miembros de la Fraternidad Transmasculina Ecuador (FTM), organización radicada en Quito. En un primer momento, se identifican los cambios estético-corporales de quienes integran la Fraternidad en cuanto procesos anclados a la lucha por el reconocimiento de la identificación masculina dentro del espacio público. Tales cambios son el resultado de procedimientos de hormonización, mediante la administración periódica de testosterona, y de la adecuación a determinadas prácticas asociadas a la masculinidad. En un segundo momento, se contextualiza a la población transmasculina que pertenece a la FTM para finalmente analizar la influencia de la estética masculina en la percepción del espacio público. Se utilizó metodología cualitativa basada en la observación participante, entrevistas en profundidad y la técnica del relato de vida. Los resultados muestran cómo las transformaciones estético-corporales, que conducen a la masculinización de los cuerpos, cambian las percepciones que tenían quienes participaron del estudio sobre el espacio público e intervienen en las diferentes formas de habitar la ciudad. Se concluye, según los entrevistados, que este espacio se siente menos violento y más amigable con los cuerpos que encarnan la masculinidad, incluso durante la noche.
Paridad de género entre las autoridades del sistema de educación superior ecuatoriano
Authors: Escobar-Jiménez Christian
Published: September 2022

En este artículo se analiza la paridad de género entre las autoridades del sistema de educación superior ecuatoriano. El objetivo es evaluar la evolución temporal de la incorporación de mujeres en cargos directivos universitarios. Se entiende por autoridades universitarias a las personas encargadas de los rectorados, vicerrectorados y cargos intermedios –decanatos, direcciones y coordinaciones–. Para la discusión teórica se toman en cuenta los conceptos de techo de cristal y segregación vertical que permiten explicar los hallazgos. Se trabajó con dos bases de datos construidas con la información de los reportes que las universidades hacen al Consejo de Educación Superior, entidad que controla dicho sistema. Con estos datos, se realiza una aproximación estadística descriptiva de la composición relativa de hombres y mujeres en las directivas considerando las siguientes variables: título académico, edad, tipo de financiamiento de la institución, tiempo de enrolamiento en la universidad y tiempo hasta la promoción; estos últimos son requisitos necesarios para acceder a un cargo directivo. Se comprueba que la composición relativa de hombres en los cargos altos ha sido una tradición en la educación superior ecuatoriana, situación que se ha revertido en los últimos años, sobre todo en los cargos intermedios, pero que todavía no se ha reflejado en los puestos más prominentes, como es el caso de los rectorados.
La pornografía del confinamiento. Expresiones porno sobre el coronavirus
Authors: Sequeira-Rovira Paula
Published: September 2022

En el presente texto se analizan los videos que han erotizado algunas situaciones ligadas a la covid-19, como el uso de guantes, mascarillas, alcohol en gel o trajes de protección para representar el contexto específico de la pandemia y que aquí se denomina “pornografía del confinamiento”. Los objetivos del artículo son explorar las características de este tipo de pornografía y analizar los vínculos entre tales videos y la exigencia hacia el sujeto biopolítico de que se responsabilice por su salud. Se revisaron alrededor de veintisiete videos de la página Pornhub, prestando especial atención a diez que fueron titulados The Cleanest Porn Ever. Todos estos materiales buscan promover el “sexo seguro” basado en el distanciamiento social, en la visualización de pornografía o en el aprendizaje de técnicas higiénicas para evitar el contagio. En el análisis se utilizaron diversas teorías, noticias y estadísticas sobre el tema. Entre los hallazgos encontrados sobresale que la pornografía del confinamiento es un reflejo de la subjetividad liberal, en la que los individuos no están interesados en fortalecer el lazo social o participar en modificaciones culturales, sino en atender sus necesidades inmediatas e individuales. Finalmente, se concluye que con este tipo de pornografía se simplifica la realidad al conectar a las personas con emociones “positivas”, descartando la potencia de las modificaciones que implican vínculos con la comunidad.
Interacción y práctica reflexiva del docente en la sala de clase
Authors: Villalta-Paucar Marco Antonio , Martinic-Valencia Sergio , Assael-Budnik Cecilia
Published: September 2022

En este artículo de investigación se analiza la relación entre la práctica reflexiva y la interacción profesora-alumnos en salas de clases de primer grado de primaria de escuelas urbanas y rurales de Chile. Con una metodología de casos múltiple, se analizaron discursos y prácticas de 8 profesoras, con diferente tiempo de participación (Alta/Baja) en un Programa de Acompañamiento de la Práctica pedagógica en aula (pap), que promueve diálogos basados en los criterios de la teoría de Experiencia de Aprendizaje Mediado. Se filmaron las clases y se entrevistaron a las profesoras antes y al finalizar el pap. Entre los resultados, destaca que las profesoras de alta participación en el pap tienen una interacción en el aula con más uso de estructuras dialogales mediadas y una reflexión de mayor elaboración sobre su práctica. Se observan, a la vez, diferencias en el uso de estas estructuras dialogales, según el tiempo de experiencia docente, percepción que tienen las docentes de los niños y contextos urbano-rural de la escuela.