bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti-Angiogenic Efficacy of PSORI-CM02 and the Associated Mechanism in Psoriasis In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Lu Yue , Yang Yuqi , Zhang Junhong , Zhang Hongyu , Ma Changju , Tang Xiaojuan , Wu Jingjing , Li Li , Wei Jianan , Chen Haiming , Lu Chuanjian , Han Ling
Published: April 2021

Psoriasis is a chronic proliferative autoimmune dermatologic disease characterised by abnormal angiogenesis. Thus, regulating angiogenesis in the skin is an important treatment strategy for psoriasis. PSORI-CM02, an empirical Chinese medicine formula optimised from Yin Xie Ling, was created by the Chinese medicine specialist, Guo-Wei Xuan. Clinical studies have shown that PSORI-CM02 is safe and effective for the treatment of psoriasis. However, its anti-psoriatic mechanisms remain to be further explored. In this study, we investigated the effects of PSORI-CM02 on angiogenesis in the skin and the underlying mechanisms in IL-17A-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and a murine model of imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis. In vitro, PSORI-CM02 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration of IL-17A-stimulated HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner. Further, it markedly regulated the antioxidative/oxidative status and inflammation; suppressed the expression of VEGF, VEGFR1, VEGFR2, ANG1, and HIF-1α; and reduced the phosphorylation of MAPK signalling pathway components in IL-17A-stimulated HUVECs. In vivo studies showed that PSORI-CM02 markedly reduced angiogenesis in the skin of mice with IMQ-induced psoriasis, while significantly rebalancing antioxidant/oxidant levels; inhibiting the production of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17A, and IL-17F; and repressing the synthesis of angiogenic mediators. In addition, PSORI-CM02 markedly reduced the activation of the MAPK signalling pathway in psoriatic skin tissue. Taken together, our results demonstrated that PSORI-CM02 inhibited psoriatic angiogenesis by reducing the oxidative status and inflammation, suppressing the expression of angiogenesis-related molecules, and inhibiting the activation of the MAPK signalling pathway in vitro and in vivo.
Neuronal-Activated ILC2s Promote IL-17A Production in Lung γδ T Cells During Sepsis
Authors: Chen Weiwei , Lai Dengming , Li Yuehua , Wang Xueke , Pan Yihang , Fang Xiangming , Fan Jie , Shu Qiang
Published: April 2021

Background

Studies have revealed important roles for IL-17A in the development of acute lung injury (ALI) following sepsis. However, the mechanism underlying the regulation of lung IL-17A remains to be fully addressed. Recent studies suggested the effect of neuromedin U (NMU) on immune cell activation and the role of group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) in the modulation of IL-17A production. We aimed to gain in-depth insight into the mechanism underlying sepsis-induced lung IL-17A production, particularly, the role of NMU in mediating neuronal regulation of ILC2s and IL-17A-producing γδ T cells activation in sepsis.

Methods

Wild type mice were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce sepsis with or without intraperitoneal injection of NMU. The levels of ILC2s, γδ T cells, IL-17A, NMU and NMU receptor 1 (NMUR1) in the lung were then measured. In order to determine the role of NMU signaling in ILC2 activation and the role of ILC2-released IL-9 in ILC2-γδ T cell interaction, ILC2s were sorted, and the genes of nmur1 and il9 in the ILC2s were knocked down using CRISPR/Cas9. The genetically manipulated ILC2s were then co-cultured with lung γδ T cells, and the levels of IL-17A from co-culture systems were measured.

Results

In septic mice, the levels of NMU, IL-17A, ILC2s, and IL-17A-producing γδ T cells in the lung are significantly increased, and the expression of NMUR1 in ILC2s is increased as well. Exogenous NMU further augments these increases. The main source of IL-17A in response to CLP is γδ T cells, and lung nmur1 is specifically expressed in ILC2s. In vitro co-culture of ILC2s and γδ T cells leads to increased number of γδ T cells and higher production of IL-17A from γδ T cells, and these alterations are further augmented by septic treatment and exogenous NMU. Genetic knockdown of nmur1 or il9 in ILC2s attenuated the upregulation of γδ T cells and IL-17A production.

Conclusion

In sepsis, NMU acting through NMUR1 in lung ILC2s initiates the ILC2 activation, which, in turn, promote IL-17A-producing γδ T cell expansion and secretion of IL-17A. ILC2-derived IL-9 plays an important role in mediating γδ T cell expansion and IL-17A production. This study explores a new mechanism underlying neuronal regulation of innate immunity in sepsis.
Next-Generation Sequencing Identification and Characterization of MicroRNAs in Dwarfed Citrus Trees Infected With Citrus Dwarfing Viroid in High-Density Plantings
Authors: Dang Tyler , Lavagi-Craddock Irene , Bodaghi Sohrab , Vidalakis Georgios
Published: April 2021

Citrus dwarfing viroid (CDVd) induces stunting on sweet orange trees [Citrus sinensis(L.) Osbeck], propagated on trifoliate orange rootstock [Citrus trifoliata(L.), syn.Poncirus trifoliata(L.) Raf.]. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding small RNAs (sRNAs) that play important roles in the regulation of tree gene expression. To identify miRNAs in dwarfed citrus trees, grown in high-density plantings, and their response to CDVd infection, sRNA next-generation sequencing was performed on CDVd-infected and non-infected controls. A total of 1,290 and 628 miRNAs were identified in stem and root tissues, respectively, and among those, 60 were conserved in each of these two tissue types. Three conserved miRNAs (csi-miR479, csi-miR171b, and csi-miR156) were significantly downregulated (adjustedp-value < 0.05) in the stems of CDVd-infected trees compared to the non-infected controls. The three stem downregulated miRNAs are known to be involved in various physiological and developmental processes some of which may be related to the characteristic dwarfed phenotype displayed by CDVd-infectedC. sinensisonC. trifoliatarootstock field trees. Only one miRNA (csi-miR535) was significantly downregulated in CDVd-infected roots and it was predicted to target genes controlling a wide range of cellular functions. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis performed on selected miRNA targets validated the negative correlation between the expression levels of these targets and their corresponding miRNAs in CDVd-infected trees. Our results indicate that CDVd-responsive plant miRNAs play a role in regulating important citrus growth and developmental processes that may participate in the cellular changes leading to the observed citrus dwarf phenotype.
Evidence for Peripheral Immune Activation in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Chen Xueping , Feng Weihua , Ou Ruwei , Liu Jiao , Yang Jing , Fu Jiajia , Cao Bei , Chen Yongping , Wei Qianqian , Shang Huifang
Published: April 2021

Background

Accumulating evidence has revealed that peripheral immunity is involved in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the results regarding the percentage of T-cell subsets are inconsistent, and the changes of immunoglobins levels have been seldom studied in PD patients.

Methods

Serum levels of the percentage of T-cell subsets and immunoglobulins were measured in 761 PD patients and 761 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. The correlations between the variables of peripheral immune activation (PIA) and the clinical characteristics of PD were analyzed using correlation analysis.

Results

The pooled results showed that PD patients had higher proportional levels of CD3+ T and CD4+ T lymphocytes than healthy controls. CD8+ T cell percentages were similar in PD patients and controls, and the CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly higher in the PD population. No significant differences in IgG, IgA, or IgM levels between these two groups were found. CD4+ T cell percentage was inversely correlated with the H&Y stage, and IgG level was positively correlated with disease duration and UPDRS part III. Subgroup analyses showed that these associations existed in female patients, but not in male patients.

Conclusion

The enhanced immune activation in the peripheral system is indicated in PD, and dynamic alterations in CD4+ T cell percentage and IgG level suggest an active role for peripheral immunity in the disease progression, especially in female PD patients.
Hepcidin Increases Cytokines in Alzheimer’s Disease and Down’s Syndrome Dementia: Implication of Impaired Iron Homeostasis in Neuroinflammation
Authors: Raha Animesh Alexander , Ghaffari Seyedeh Deniz , Henderson James , Chakraborty Subhojit , Allinson Kieren , Friedland Robert P. , Holland Anthony , Zaman Shahid H. , Mukaetova-Ladinska Elizabeta B. , Raha-Chowdhury Ruma
Published: April 2021

The liver-derived hormone hepcidin, a member of the defensin family of antimicrobial peptides, plays an important role in host defense and innate immunity due to its broad antibacterial and antiviral properties. Ferritin, an iron storage protein is often associated with iron deficiency, hypoferritinemia, hypoxia, and immune complications, which are all significant concerns for systemic infection in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Down’s syndrome (DS) dementia. Serum and post-mortem brain samples were collected from AD, DS and age-matched control subjects. Serum samples were analyzed with ELISA for ferritin, hepcidin and IL-6. Additionally, post-mortem brain sections were assessed by immunohistochemistry for iron-related and inflammatory proteins. A significant increase in serum hepcidin levels was found in DS, compared to controls and AD subjects (p < 0.0001). Hepcidin protein was visible in the epithelial cells of choroid plexus, meningeal macrophages and in the astrocytes close to the endothelium of blood vessels. Hepcidin co-localized with IL-6, indicating its anti-inflammatory properties. We found significant correlation between hypoferritinemia and elevated levels of serum hepcidin in AD and DS. Hepcidin can be transported via macrophages and the majority of the vesicular hepcidin enters the brain via a compromised blood brain barrier (BBB). Our findings provide further insight into the molecular implications of the altered iron metabolism in acute inflammation, and can aid towards the development of preventive strategies and novel treatments in the fight against neuroinflammation.
Dopaminergic Projections From the Ventral Tegmental Area to the Nucleus Accumbens Modulate Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Mice
Authors: Gui Huan , Liu Chengxi , He Haifeng , Zhang Jie , Chen Hong , Zhang Yi
Published: April 2021

The role of the dopaminergic pathway in general anesthesia and its potential mechanisms are still unknown. In this study, we usedc-Fos staining combined with calcium fiber photometry recording to explore the activity of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic neurons(VTA-DA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons during sevoflurane anesthesia. A genetically encoded dopamine (DA) sensor was used to investigate thefunction of the NAc in sevoflurane anesthesia. Chemogenetics and optogenetics were used to explore the role of the VTA-DA in sevofluraneanesthesia. Electroencephalogram (EEG) spectra, time of loss of righting reflex (LORR) and recovery of righting reflex (RORR) were recorded asassessment indicators. We found that VTA-DA and NAc neurons were inhibited during the induction period and were activated during the recoveryperiod of sevoflurane anesthesia. The fluorescence signals of dopamine decreased in the induction of and increased in the emergence from sevoflurane anesthesia.Activation of VTA-DA and the VTADA-NAc pathway delayed the induction and facilitated the emergence accompanying with thereduction of delta band and the augmentation of the gamma band. These data demonstrate that VTA-DA neurons play a critical role in modulating sevofluraneanesthesia via the VTADA-NAc pathway.
Neck and Trunk Muscle Strength in Children With Spinal Muscular Atrophy Is Lower Than in Healthy Controls and Depends on Disease Type
Authors: Stępień Agnieszka , Osiak Tomasz , Rekowski Witold , Wit Andrzej
Published: April 2021

Background: Neck and trunk muscle strength and relationship with motor function in individuals with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is not investigated well. Information on maximum muscle strength that children with SMA may develop considerably expands the possibilities of assessing the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment methods and therapeutic procedures. This study sought to assess neck and trunk muscle strength in patients with SMA and to compare it with values noted in healthy children.

Methods: The study involved 56 individuals with SMA aged 5–16 not treated pharmacologically, including 9 patients with SMA type 1 (SMA1), 27 with SMA type 2 (SMA2), and 20 with SMA type 3 (SMA3). The control group included 111 healthy individuals aged 5–16. Neck and trunk muscle strength was assessed by means of a maximum voluntary isometric contraction method with the use of a handheld digital muscle tester MICROFET2. Moreover, relative strength was also calculated by standardising the maximum voluntary isometric contraction according to body mass. The Kruskal–Wallis test, Mann–Whitney U-test, and Spearman's rank correlation were used for statistical analysis.

Results: The reliability of the neck and trunk muscle strength measurements with the handheld digital muscle tester was excellent with ICC > 0.9. The values of muscle strength in SMA groups were significantly lower than in the control group. The values of relative torque of the neck muscles expressed in percentage values calculated with regard to the control group were at the level of 47.6–51.6% in SMA1 group, 54.8–58.1% in SMA2 group and 80.6–90.3% in SMA3 group. The percentage values for upper and lower trunk muscle strength were at the level of 42.6–68.4% in SMA1 group, 56.9–75.4% in SMA2 group and 76.7–94.8% in SMA3 group.

Conclusion: Handheld dynamometry provides reliable measures of neck and trunk muscle strength in SMA children. Neck and trunk muscle strength in children with SMA is lower than in healthy controls and depends on disease type, which confirms the theory based on clinical observations. Further, study is needed to investigate the effect of pharmacological treatment on the strength of the neck/trunk muscles, and relationship between neck and trunk muscle strength and motor capabilities.
Case Report: Longitudinal Extensive Transverse Myelitis With Novel Autoantibodies Following Two Rounds of Pembrolizumab
Authors: Charabi Salma , Engell-Noerregaard Lotte , Nilsson Anna Christine , Stenör Christian
Published: April 2021

A 63-year-old male with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer developed longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) following two cycles of Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) targeting the programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed centromedullary contrast enhancement at several levels, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology showed lymphocytic pleocytosis, and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) on the primate cerebellum, pancreas, and intestine revealed strong binding of neuronal autoantibodies to unknown antigens. CSF C–X–C motif ligand 13 (CXCL13) was elevated. The patient was treated with plasma exchange (PEX) and intravenous (i.v.) methylprednisolone (MP) 1 g/day for 5 days followed by oral (p.o.) MP 100 mg/day for 10 days with clinical and radiological response. However, after discontinuation of MP, LETM relapsed and the patient developed paralytic ileus presumably due to autoimmune enteropathy and suffered a fatal gastrointestinal sepsis. Findings of novel neuronal autoantibodies and highly elevated CXCL13 in CSF suggest that the severe neurological immune-related adverse event (nirAE) was B-cell mediated contrary to the commonly assumed ICI-induced T-cell toxicity. An individual evaluation of the underlying pathophysiology behind rare nirAEs is essential for choosing treatment regimens and securing optimal outcome.
Role of the Peripheral Nervous System in PD Pathology, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors: Ma Chengxiao , Zhang Wen , Cao Maohong
Published: April 2021

Studies on Parkinson disease (PD) have mostly focused on the central nervous system—specifically, on the loss of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons and associated motor dysfunction. However, the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is gaining prominence in PD research, with increasing clinical attention being paid to non-motor symptoms. Researchers found abnormal deposition of α-synuclein and neuroinflammation in the PNS. Attempts have been made to use these pathological changes during the clinical diagnosis of PD. Animal studies demonstrated that combined transplantation of autologous peripheral nerves and cells with tyrosine hydroxylase activity can reduce dopaminergic neuronal damage, and similar effects were observed in some clinical trials. In this review, we will systematically explain PNS performance in PD pathology and its clinical diagnostic research, describe PNS experimental results [especially Schwann cell (SC) transplantation in the treatment of PD animal models] and the results of clinical trials, and discuss future directions. The mechanism by which SCs produce such a therapeutic effect and the safety of transplantation therapy are briefly described.
Drastic Effects on the Microbiome of a Young Rower Engaged in High-Endurance Exercise After a Month Usage of a Dietary Fiber Supplement
Authors: Jaago Mariliis , Timmusk Uku Siim , Timmusk Tõnis , Palm Kaia
Published: April 2021

Food supplements are increasingly used worldwide. However, research on the efficacy of such supplements on athlete's well-being and optimal sports performance is very limited. This study performed in junior academic rowing explores the effects of nutritional supplements to aid to the high energy requirements at periods of intense exercise. Herein, the effects of prebiotic fibers on the intestinal microbiome composition of an 18-year-old athlete exercising at high loads during an 8-month period in a “real-life” setting were examined using next-generation sequencing analysis. Results demonstrated that although the alpha diversity of the subject's microbiome drastically decreased [from 2.11 precompetition to 1.67 (p < 0.05)] upon fiber consumption, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio increased significantly [from 3.11 to 4.55, as compared with population average (p < 0.05)]. Underlying these macrolevel microbial alterations were demonstrable shifts from acetate- to butyrate-producing bacteria, although with stable effects on the Veillonella species. To our knowledge, this a unique study that shows pronounced changes in the gut microbiome of the young athlete at the competition season and their favorable compensation by the dietary fiber intake. The data here expand the overall understanding of how the high energy needs in high-intensity sports like academic rowing could be supported by dietary fiber supplement consumption.
Velvet Antler Ameliorates Cardiac Function by Restoring Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+-ATPase Activity in Rats With Heart Failure After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Shi Haoyue , Zhao Tianzi , Li Yanjun , Xiao Xiang , Wu Jiayun , Zhang Haojun , Qiao Jiajun , Huang Li , Li Lin
Published: April 2021

Objective: Velvet antler (VA; cornu cervi pantotrichum), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to exert cardioprotective effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of VA on heart failure (HF) caused by ischemia-reperfusion, and explore its possible mechanism from the regulation of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase 2 alpha (SERCA2a).

Methods: A rat model of HF was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery of male Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 88). One week after surgery, VA (200, 400, or 800 mg/[kg day−1]) or enalapril (1 mg/[kg day−1]) was administered daily for the next 4 weeks. Heart function was detected by echocardiography and histopathological analysis. The serum BNP level was measured by ELISA, and the expression of SERCA2a, PLB, PLB-Ser16, and PKA was determined by western blotting. SERCA2a and PLB mRNA levels were determined by real-time quantitative PCR.

Results: Compared with the sham group, cardiac function in the HF group, including the serum BNP level, heart mass index, myocardial collagen deposition, and left ventricular ejection fraction, was markedly reduced; however, these changes could be reversed by VA treatment. In addition, VA (200 mg/[kg·d−1]) inhibited the decrease of SERCA2a and PLB mRNA levels and SERCA2a, PLB, PLB-Ser16, and PKA protein expression and restored the activity of SERCA2a and PKA. Enalapril affected only PLB protein expression.

Conclusion: VA can improve myocardial fibrosis and ventricular remodeling in rats, thereby helping to restore cardiac function. The underlying mechanism may be related to the upregulation of the expression and activation of PKA and PLB and the restoration of the expression and activity of SERCA2a.
Model Based Evaluation of Hypersensitivity Adverse Drug Reactions to Antimicrobial Agents in Children
Authors: Elzagallaai Abdelbaset A. , Rieder Michael J.
Published: April 2021

Drug use in children is–in most cases–supported by extrapolation of data generated from clinical trials in adult populations. This puts children at higher risk of developing adverse drug reactions (ADRs) due to “off-label” use of drugs and dosing issues. Major types of ADRs are drug hypersensitivity reactions, an idiosyncratic type of ADRs that are largely unpredictable and can cause high morbidity and mortality in a hard-to-identify specific population of patients. Lack of a complete understanding of the pathophysiology of DHRs and their unpredictive nature make them problematic in clinical practice and in drug development. In addition, ethical and legal obstacles hinder conducting large clinical trials in children, which in turn make children a “therapeutic orphan” where clear clinical guidelines are lacking, and practice is based largely on the personal experience of the clinician, hence making modeling desirable. This brief review summarizes the current knowledge of model-based evaluation of diagnosis and management of drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) to antimicrobial drugs in the pediatric population. Ethical and legal aspects of drug research in children and the effect of different stages of child development and other factors on the risk of DHRs are discussed. The role of animal models,in vitromodels and oral provocation test in management of DHRs are examined in the context of the current understanding of the pathophysiology of DHRs. Finally, recent changes in drug development legislations have been put forward to encourage drug developers to conduct trials in children clearly indicate the urgent need for evidence to support drug safety in children and for modeling to guide these clinical trials.
Introducing the Concept of Consonance-Disconsonance of Best Practice: A Focus on the Development of ‘Student Profiling’
Authors: Phan Huy P. , Ngu Bing H.
Published: April 2021

The present study, using a non-experimental approach, investigated a theoretical concept of best practice, which we recently introduced – namely: a ‘state of consonance’ and a ‘state of disconsonance’ of best practice.Consonance of best practiceposits that different levels of best practice (e.g., low level of best practiceversusoptimal level of best practice), as well as other comparable psychological constructs (e.g., motivation towards learning) would cluster or ‘group’ together.Disconsonance of best practice, in contrast, would indicate non-overlapping of contrasting levels of best practice (i.e., low level of best practiceversusoptimal level of best practice). Taiwanese undergraduates (N= 831) from five private universities in Taipei City and New Taipei City, Taiwan took part in the study by responding to a suite of Likert-scale questionnaires (e.g., Best Practice Questionnaires, Motivation towards Learning Questionnaire), which took approximately 30–35 min to complete. Cluster analysis, commonly known asClA, was used to analyze the data and seek theoretical understanding into the nature of the consonance of best practice. Results, overall, showed support for our proposition, resulting in four distinct profiles: ‘a Balanced Profile,’ ‘an Intrinsic Motivation Profile,’ ‘a Current Best Practice + Interest Profile,’ and ‘a Current Best Practice + Motivation Profile.’ This evidence, helping to advance further research development, has a number of practical implications for consideration. For example, how could we use the Balanced Profile to develop learning objectives and/or pedagogical practices that would encourage students to enjoy their learning experiences?
The Learning to Be Project: An Intervention for Spanish Students in Primary Education
Authors: Resurrección Davinia M. , Jiménez Óliver , Menor Esther , Ruiz-Aranda Desireé
Published: April 2021

Despite the emphasis placed by most curricula in the development of social and emotional competencies in education, there seems to be a general lack of knowledge of methods that integrate strategies for assessing these competencies into existing educational practices. Previous research has shown that the development of social and emotional competencies in children has multiple benefits, as they seem to contribute to better physical and mental health, an increase in academic motivation, and the well-being and healthy social progress of children. This study aims at assessing the possible changes in children’s self-esteem, socio-emotional competencies, and school-related variables after participating in the Learning to Be project (L2B) project.

Methods:This quasi-experimental study included an intervention group (L2B) and a control group. The participants were 221 students in primary education (55.2% girls) between the ages of eight and 11 (M= 9.31; SD = 0.89). The L2B intervention program took place over a period of 5 months. The assessment was carried out twice, before and after the intervention through three main evaluation instruments: the Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem questionnaire, the Socio-Emotional competence questionnaire (SEQ), and self-report scales for measuring school difficulties, school engagement, opinions about school, and school absence. Ten schools from different Spanish provinces participated.

Results:The results indicate that those participants in the experimental group show higher self-esteem, better responsible decisions, and higher self-awareness than those in the control group. There were no other statistical differences between groups.

Conclusions:The results of this work suggest that the implementation of the L2B program did not improve social and emotional competencies in primary school students. Further research related to how include formative assessment in SEL programs is needed.
Correlates of Social Cognition and Psychopathic Traits in a Community-Based Sample of Males
Authors: Carroll Grace A. , Montrose V. Tamara , Burke Tom
Published: April 2021

Social cognition is the ability to identify, understand, and interpret mental states and emotions. Psychopathic traits are typically described in two ways; Primary: shallow affect, emotional detachment, and relationship difficulties, and Secondary Psychopathic Traits: antisocial traits, impulsiveness, and emotional dysregulation. People with high psychopathic traits tend to perform lower on measures of social cognition. This study investigated the relationship of social cognition (mentalising) to primary and secondary psychopathic traits in a non-clinical sample, and investigated the psychometric properties of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET) Short Forms (A and B). A community-based male sample (N = 1,000; age range 18–78) was recruited through an online platform. Psychopathic traits were measured using Levenson, Kiehl, and Fitzpatrick's Self-Report Psychopathy Scale, and stratified into Primary and Secondary Psychopathic traits. Secondary validation of the RMET Short Forms was completed investigating scale reliability, and validity. Findings suggest excellent psychometrics in a large community cohort for the RMET Short Forms (A and B), with significant negative correlations on social cognitive performance and high self-report psychopathy. The item valence within the social cognitive measure (positive, negative, and neutral affect stimuli) was also examined, and correlated significantly with both Primary and Secondary Psychopathic traits. This study provides further validation of the RMET Short Forms (A and B), and adds to the literature on the scale by investigating performance on short-form specific valence. This study further suggests that in a non-clinical community sample of males, that higher psychopathic traits correlated significantly, and negatively, with social cognitive performance.
Explorations in Reported Moral Behaviors, Values, and Moral Emotions in Four Countries
Authors: Myyry Liisa , Helkama Klaus , Silfver-Kuhalampi Mia , Petkova Kristina , Valentim Joaquim Pires , Liik Kadi
Published: April 2021

University students (n = 758) from Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, and Portugal were given a list of morally relevant behaviors (MRB), the Schwartz Value Survey (PVQ40) and Tangney’s TOSCA, measuring empathic guilt, guilt over norm-breaking, and shame. A factor analysis of MRB yielded 4 dimensions: prosocial behaviors, interpersonal transgressions, antisocial behaviors and secret transgressions. Prosocial behaviors were predicted by self-transcendence–self-enhancement (SET) value contrast only while the three transgression categories were associated with both SET and openness to change–conservation (hedonism–conformity) contrast. Norm-breaking guilt was more strongly associated with behaviors than were empathic guilt and shame. However, shame was (positively) associated with secret transgressions in three countries, after controlling for values. The associations were strongest in Bulgaria and Estonia while fewer associations were found in Finland and Portugal. The implications of the findings for the cross-cultural psychology of morality are discussed.
Creative Action at a Distance: A Conceptual Framework for Embodied Performance With Robotic Actors
Authors: Wicke Philipp , Veale Tony
Published: April 2021

Acting, stand-up and dancing are creative, embodied performances that nonetheless follow a script. Unless experimental or improvised, the performers draw their movements from much the same stock of embodied schemas. A slavish following of the script leaves no room for creativity, but active interpretation of the script does. It is the choices one makes, of words and actions, that make a performance creative. In this theory and hypothesis article, we present a framework for performance and interpretation within robotic storytelling. The performance framework is built upon movement theory, and defines a taxonomy of basic schematic movements and the most important gesture types. For the interpretation framework, we hypothesise that emotionally-grounded choices can inform acts of metaphor and blending, to elevate a scripted performance into a creative one. Theory and hypothesis are each grounded in empirical research, and aim to provide resources for other robotic studies of the creative use of movement and gestures.
Resistance Detection and Transmission Risk Analysis of Pig-Derived Pathogenic Escherichia coli in East China
Authors: Li Xiaoting , Liu Haibin , Cao Sai , Cheng Ping , Li Fulei , Ishfaq Muhammad , Sun Jichao , Zhang Xiuying
Published: April 2021

Objective: Antibiotics play an essential role in the treatment and prevention of diseases in pig farms. However, the irrational use of antibiotics leads to the emergence of multi-drug resistance of bacteria, which poses a critical threat to the efficacy of antibiotic treatments. Therefore, the study is designed to analyze the drug resistance of pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from large-scale pig farms in East China, which provides a theoretical basis for precisely targeted clinical drugs in swine farms.

Method: The pathogenic E. coli were isolated and identified from clinical samples of swine farms, and the drug resistance of pathogenic E. coli was detected by antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) and minimum inhibitory concentration test (MIC). Moreover, the prevalence of plasmid-mediated β-lactam resistance genes was analyzed by PCR.

Results: A total of 67 pathogenic E. coli were isolated from 152 samples collected from 20 large-scale pig farms in East China. All isolated pathogenic E. coli are associated with severe drug resistance. Moreover, 70% of isolated pathogenic E. coli is resistant to more than four antibiotics. Besides, there were 19 serotypes including O2, O4, O5, O6, O14, O26, O38, O42, O49, O57, O92, O93, O95, O101, O121, O131, O143, O158, and O161, of which the O4 and O92 serotype were the main serotypes in swine farms. The main extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs)-encoding genes in East China were blaCTX−M, blaTEM, and blaOXA by the detection of the ESBLs encoding genes of porcine pathogenic E. coli. The conjugation assays showed that a total of 30 transconjugants were obtained by conjugation, which indicated that drug resistance genes could be transmitted horizontally through conjugative plasmids.

Conclusion: The isolated pathogenic E. coli were all multi-drug resistant, and especially O4 and O92 were the main serotypes. The β-lactam resistance genes were prevalent in large-scale pig farms in East China, which provided a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of pig-derived pathogenic E. coli in the future.
Improvement in Lung Cancer Survival: 6-Year Trends of Overall Survival at Hungarian Patients Diagnosed in 2011–2016
Authors: Bogos Krisztina , Kiss Zoltan , Tamási Lilla , Ostoros Gyula , Müller Veronika , Urbán László , Bittner Nóra , Sárosi Veronika , Vastag Aladár , Polányi Zoltán , Nagy-Erdei Zsófia , Daniel Andrea , Vokó Zoltán , Nagy Balázs , Horváth Krisztián , Rokszin György , Abonyi-Tóth Zsolt , Barcza Zsófia , Gálffy Gabriella , Moldvay Judit
Published: April 2021

Objective: Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and its survival is still poor. The objective of our study was to estimate long-term survival of Hungarian lung cancer patients at first time based on a nationwide review of the National Health Insurance Fund database.

Methods: Our retrospective, longitudinal study included patients aged ≥20 years who were diagnosed with lung cancer (ICD-10 C34) between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2016. Survival rates were evaluated by year of diagnosis, patient gender and age, and morphology of lung cancer.

Results: 41,854 newly diagnosed lung cancer patients were recorded. Mean age at diagnosis varied between 64.7 and 65.9 years during study period. One- and 5-year overall survival rates for the total population were 42.2 and 17.9%, respectively. Survival was statistically associated with gender, age and type of lung cancer. Female patients (n = 16,362) had 23% better survival (HR: 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.75–0.79; p < 0.001) than males (n = 25,492). The highest survival rates were found in the 20–49 age cohort (5Y = 31.3%) and if the cancer type was adenocarcinoma (5Y = 20.5%). We measured 5.3% improvement (9.2% adjusted) in lung cancer survival comparing the period 2015–2016 to 2011–2012 (HR: 0.95 95% CI: 0.92–0.97; p = 0.003), the highest at females <60 year (0.86 (adjusted HR was 0.79), interaction analysis was significant for age and histology types.

Conclusion: Our study provided long-term Lung cancer survival data in Hungary for the first time. We found a 5.3% improvement in 5-year survival in 4 years. Women and young patients had better survival. Survival rates were comparable to–and at the higher end of–rates registered in other East-Central European countries (7.7%–15.7%).
Genetic Events Inhibiting Apoptosis in Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Leveille Etienne , Johnson Nathalie A.
Published: April 2021

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is curable with chemoimmunotherapy in ~65% of patients. One of the hallmarks of the pathogenesis and resistance to therapy in DLBCL is inhibition of apoptosis, which allows malignant cells to survive and acquire further alterations. Inhibition of apoptosis can be the result of genetic events inhibiting the intrinsic or extrinsic apoptotic pathways, as well as their modulators, such as the inhibitor of apoptosis proteins, P53, and components of the NF-kB pathway. Mechanisms of dysregulation include upregulation of anti-apoptotic proteins and downregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins via point mutations, amplifications, deletions, translocations, and influences of other proteins. Understanding the factors contributing to resistance to apoptosis in DLBCL is crucial in order to be able to develop targeted therapies that could improve outcomes by restoring apoptosis in malignant cells. This review describes the genetic events inhibiting apoptosis in DLBCL, provides a perspective of their interactions in lymphomagenesis, and discusses their implication for the future of DLBCL therapy.
The Current State of Antifungal Stewardship in Immunocompromised Populations
Authors: Alegria William , Patel Payal K.
Published: April 2021

Inappropriate antifungal use is prevalent and can lead to drug-resistant fungi, expose patients to adverse drug events, and increase healthcare costs. While antimicrobial stewardship programs have traditionally focused on antibiotic use, the need for targeted antifungal stewardship (AFS) intervention has garnered interest in recent years. Despite this, data on AFS in immunocompromised patient populations is limited. This paper will review the current state of AFS in this complex population and explore opportunities for multidisciplinary collaboration.
Effect of Alpha-1 Antitrypsin on CFTR Levels in Primary Human Airway Epithelial Cells Grown at the Air-Liquid-Interface
Authors: Stanke Frauke , Janciauskiene Sabina , Tamm Stephanie , Wrenger Sabine , Raddatz Ellen Luise , Jonigk Danny , Braubach Peter
Published: April 2021

The cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene is influenced by the fundamental cellular processes like epithelial differentiation/polarization, regeneration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Defects in CFTR protein levels and/or function lead to decreased airway surface liquid layer facilitating microbial colonization and inflammation. The SERPINA1 gene, encoding alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) protein, is one of the genes implicated in CF, however it remains unknown whether AAT has any influence on CFTR levels. In this study we assessed CFTR protein levels in primary human lung epithelial cells grown at the air-liquid-interface (ALI) alone or pre-incubated with AAT by Western blots and immunohistochemistry. Histological analysis of ALI inserts revealed CFTR- and AAT-positive cells but no AAT-CFTR co-localization. When 0.5 mg/mL of AAT was added to apical or basolateral compartments of pro-inflammatory activated ALI cultures, CFTR levels increased relative to activated ALIs. This finding suggests that AAT is CFTR-modulating protein, albeit its effects may depend on the concentration and the route of administration. Human lung epithelial ALI cultures provide a useful tool for studies in detail how AAT or other pharmaceuticals affect the levels and activity of CFTR.
Natural Disasters and Economic Growth: The Mitigating Role of Microfinance Institutions
Authors: Sseruyange John , Klomp Jeroen
Published: April 2021

In this study, we explore whether microfinance institutions (MFIs) can mitigate the adverse macroeconomic consequences of natural disasters. The provision of capital immediately following a natural event is recognized as one of the necessary conditions for a fast economic recovery. However, one concern is that a large majority of natural disasters occur in developing countries where households and the private sector have only limited access to the formal banking system. As an alternative, MFIs may fill up this gap in providing liquidity in the form of microcredit. The existing evidence on how MFIs respond to disaster effects is foremost based on case and micro-level evidence. In turn, the focus of this study is more on the macro impact of MFI activities after a natural disaster. Based on the finding obtained from an OLS-FE model using an unbalanced panel considering more than 80 developing countries and emerging economies, we can conclude that natural disasters harm macroeconomic performance primarily through their effect on the agricultural sector. However, access to lending facilities from MFIs mitigates a large part of this negative effect. Moreover, the extent to which MFIs are able to mitigate these effects depends to a great extent on their nature, i.e., their organizational structure, profitability, legal status, age, and the number of clients they serve.
MEJORA CONTINUA EN LAS ORGANIZACIONES A PARTIR DE LA SATISFACCIÓN DE LOS STAKEHOLDERS INTERNOS
Authors: Erazo Calvopiña Rina Monserrat , Salguero Barba Nelly Germania
Published: April 2021

La investigación tuvo como objetivo diseñar una propuesta para la mejora continua de la Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi con base en la satisfacción de los Stakeholders internos que aporte a la retención estudiantil. El enfoque de la investigación fue mixto. Tipo longitudinal, no experimental. Se usó el método inductivo. La población fue establecida por la matricula del período (19-20), el cual estuvo conformada por 9953 estudiantes. El tipo de muestreo, fue de 622 de estudiantes. Sin embargo, para la validación del instrumento se usó el 10% de la muestra. La técnica de investigación utilizada fue la encuesta y como instrumento se empleó un cuestionario. Como resultado se obtuvo un alto % de insatisfacción en los factores de espacios para quejas y sugerencias; en trámite de matrículas y en atención del personal administrativo. Por lo que se concluye que es preciso que la Universidad desarrolle un Sistema de Gestión de Organizaciones Educativas.
Editorial
Authors: Crespo Scherr M. Sc. Jaime Rodolfo
Published: April 2021

En estos tiempos donde la salud se ha visto afectada por una pandemia a nivel mundial, nos complace presentar a la comunidad académica el volumen 3, número 1 de la Revista Electrónica TALENTO, correspondiente al cuatrimestre enero-abril del año 2021. Demostrando que, ante las adversidades, una manera de continuar adelante es con la difusión del conocimiento, lo que se ha venido cultivando entre nuestros colaboradores al realizar sus investigaciones
Componentes de la calidad del servicio en las universidades públicas venezolanas
Authors: Alfonzo Antonio
Published: April 2021

El objetivo se enmarco en describir los componentes de calidad del servicio en las universidades públicas venezolanas. Metodológicamente se contextualizo dentro de la investigación descriptiva, con diseño no experimental, de campo y transeccional. Se tomó en cuenta una población intencional constituida por tres (03) universidades públicas, ubicadas en la Costa Oriental del Lago, de la cual se extrajo dos subpoblaciones. Como técnica de recolección de datos se utilizó la encuesta y el censo poblacional, mediante la aplicación de dos instrumentos del tipo cuestionario, los dos fueron validados por expertos y la confiabilidad a través del coeficiente Alfa Cronbach, cuyos resultados fueron de 0,91 y 0,66 respectivamente. El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante la estadística descriptiva, a través de las frecuencias relativas y la media aritmética. Se evidencio que quienes evalúan la calidad lo realizan a través de cinco componentes: tangibilidad, fiabilidad, capacidad de respuesta, seguridad y empatía.
PENGARUH INSIGHT SOSIAL MEDIA INSTAGRAM TERHADAP PENJUALAN PT INFIA NIAGA DIGITAL
Authors: Pramudita Aditia Sovia
Published: April 2021

Kemajuan teknologi dan Internet mempengaruhi perubahan gaya hidup di Indonesia. Perubahan dari retail ke digital juga sangat kentara saat ini dengan kemajuan sosial media dan E-commerce-nya, salah satunya adalah penggunaan Instagram sebagai media promosi. Mengacu kepada Promotion Mix, promosi yang dilakukan untuk meningkatkan penjualan di Instagram oleh PT Infia Niaga Digital terbagi menjadi konten campaign (promotion sales) dan konten produk (advertising). Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengukur pengaruh konten campaign dan konten produk terhadap penjualan di PT Infia Niaga Digital. Penelitian ini menggunakan Regresi Linear Berganda dimana terdapat dua atau lebih variabel  yang mempengaruhi  Variabel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Insight pada Instagram berupa likes, comment dan impression sebagai variabel  dengan  adalah Penjualan. Dengan menggunakan aplikasi SPSS, hasil yang didapatkan dari penelitian ini adalah promosi di Instagram dengan marketing mix yaitu konten campaign tidak berpengaruh terhadap penjualan dengan besar pengaruh 3,4% secara simultan sedangkan konten produk juga tidak berpengaruh terhadap penjualan dan berpengaruh terhadap penjualan sebesar 7,7% secara simultan.
THE STUDI KELAYAKAN LOKASI MELALUI ANALISA POTENSI PASAR DAN PROYEKSI KEUANGAN MENGGUNAKAN MAPPING BCG MATRIKS YANG DIMODIFIKASI PADA USAHA KECIL MENENGAH
Authors: Alamsyah Muhammad Iqbal , Berliani Kartika
Published: April 2021

Setiap tahun UKM baru yang menjual makanan dan minuman atau jajanan dalam bentuk cafe, restoran, rumah makan, gerobak, ataupun pedagang kaki lima muncul di Kota Bandung. Namun, diantara para UKM tersebut tidak dapat berlangsung lama, mereka berpendapat bahwa usahanya tutup dikarenakan lokasi usaha yang dimilikinya tidak strategis atau potensi daerahnya kurang menarik. Sedangkan pengambilan keputusan penentuan lokasi yang dilakukan oleh pemilik UKM biasanya hanya menggunakan pendapat mereka pribadi tanpa menggunakan analisis.

Penelitian ini yang memiliki tujuan untuk menghasilkan alat analisis yang dapat digunakan oleh UKM dalam menentukan lokasi usaha dalam bentuk studi kelayakan (feasibility study) lokasi usaha menggunakan alat ukur BCG-Matriks yang dimodifikasi dengan analisa potensi pasar dan proyeksi keuangan. Penelitian ini merupakan studi kasus pada salah satu UKM di kota Bandung Berdasarkan hasil perhitungan maka lokasi yang dipilih dan layak direkomendasikan untuk dibuka yaitu lokasi di daerah Buahbatu.

Kata Kunci : Feasibility Study, Potensi Pasar, Proyeksi Keuangan, BCG Matriks, Usaha Kecil Menengah
MENENTUKAN DETERMINAN FLEKSIBILITAS PASOKAN DAN PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP KINERJA PASOKAN
Authors: Ganika Gerry
Published: April 2021

Fleksibilitas pasokan dalam berbagai litelatur Manajemen Operasi dipahami sebagai respon perusahaan terhadap ketidakpastian pasokan. Walau bukan isu baru, fleksibilitas pasokan masih menjadi isu strategis, khususnya dalam menghadapi ketidakpastian pasokan di era industri digital (industri 4.0) dengan berbagai efek disrupsinya. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah ingin mengungkap berbagai determinan yang memperkuat fleksibilitas pasokan serta pengaruhnya terhadap kinerja rantai pasokan.