bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Program Kartu Prakerja terhadap Penyerapan Tenaga Kerja Indonesia pada Masa Pandemi Covid - 19
Authors: Zaki Bahruddin , Kartika Pertiwi Tri
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified in 2020 so that many Indonesian workers have been laid off and unemployed. In order to increase the rate of employment during the pandemic and reduce the open unemployment rate, the Indonesian government has created a pre-employment card program that provides opportunities for job seekers to obtain job training and skills that are relevant to industry needs. This study was made with the aim of knowing the impact of the pre-employment card program on the absorption level of Indonesian workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study used samples from the entire population consisting of regencies and cities in Indonesia, with secondary data from employment data and information centers. This study uses a quantitative approach, using simple regression analysis to test and validate the hypothesis. The results showed that there was a significant positive effect between the provision of the pre-employment card program and the level of employment.
A randomised control trial assessing the impact of an investment-based intervention on weight-loss, glycated haemoglobin and psychological outcomes 1 year post bariatric surgery
Authors: Hollywood Amelia , Ogden Jane , Hashemi Majid
Published: May 2023

Background:  Whilst bariatric surgery remains the most effective form of weight management, some patients show less than optimal weight loss. This study evaluated the impact of focusing on the investment patients have made in surgery to improve health outcomes.

Methods:  The study used a randomised control trial design with patients allocated either to the control or investment intervention group. Patients were recruited from University College Hospital, London and half were randomly allocated to the intervention arm and described the investment they had made in their operation just before surgery then 3 and 6 months post-surgery. The primary outcomes were patient’s weight, body mass index (BMI) and HbA1c at 12 months.  Secondary psychological outcomes were also assessed at baseline and 12 months.

Results: By one year post-operation for 141 patients the mean change in weight was 35.2kg, for BMI it was 12.7 and for HbA1c it was 0.65.  At one year follow up there was no significant difference between groups for weight loss (kg and BMI) using both ITT analysis and explanatory analysis. Using explanatory analysis (n=119) a significant difference in HbA1c change was found with those in the control group showing a greater improvement in their blood sugars than those in the intervention group (5.44 vs 5.41; p=0.03).  Response rates for psychological outcomes were low (n=73).  No differences were found for most psychological outcomes, however, those in the intervention group reported lower levels of imposed control than those in the control group by 12 months. 

Conclusions: Highlighting the patients’ investment pre and post bariatric surgery had no impact on weight loss as measured by kg or BMI 1 year later. Furthermore, no changes were found for most psychological outcomes. Some detrimental impacts were found however relating to HBA1c and perceptions of control. 

ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT02045628
Prediction of Rock Tensile Strength Using Soft Computing and Statistical Methods
Authors: Zheng Jinhuo , Shen Minglong , Motahari Mohammad Reza , Khajehzadeh Mohammad
Published: May 2023

The tensile strength of the rocks is one of the effective factors in the rupture of structure foundations and underground spaces, the stability of rocky slopes, and the ability to drill and explode in rocks. This research was conducted to estimate tensile strength using methods such as simple regression (SR), multivariate linear regression (MVLR), support vector regression (SVR) with radial basis kernel function, multilayer feed-forward artificial neural network (MFF-ANN), Gaussian process regression (GPR) using squared exponential kernel (SEK) function, and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) based on Gaussian membership function. For this purpose, petrography, and engineering features of the limestone, sandstone, and argillaceous limestone samples in the south of Iran, were assessed. The results obtained from this study were compared with those of previous research, revealing a strong correlation (R2=0.95 to 1.00) between our findings and the published works. To estimate Brazilian tensile strength (BTS), the index properties including water absorption by weight, point load index (PLI), porosity%, P-wave velocity (Vp), and density were considered as inputs. Methods were compared using various criteria. The SVR precision (R=0.96) was higher than MFF-ANN (R=0.92), ANFIS (R=0.95), GPR (R=0.945), and MVLR (R=0.89) to estimate the tensile strength. The average BTS measured in the laboratory and predicted by all 5 methods is 6.62 and 6.71 MPa, respectively, which shows the very high precision of the investigated methods. Analysis of model criteria using statistical analysis for developed relationships revealed that there is sufficient accuracy to use the empirical equations.
Correlation between Postmortem Ethanol Production and Low Molecular Weight Volatiles (LMWVs) in a Thai Population
Authors: Hengcharoen Sutara , Kaeomun Darunrat , Phuangphung Peerayuht
Published: May 2023

Objective: To determine the relationship between postmortem ethanol production and low molecular weight volatiles (LMWVs) in a Thai population.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in 157 Thai cadavers. Various subject data were recorded, including degree of postmortem changes (transition period group vs. decomposition group classified by the total body score [TBS]) and blood profiles of ethanol, acetaldehyde, and 1-propanol concentrations from femoral blood samples that were diagnosed as postmortem production by vitreous humor analysis. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the correlations between these three analytes and the TBS and between postmortem ethanol and the other two analytes.

Results: This study comprised 44 females and 113 males with a mean age at death of 47.79 years old. Postmortem ethanol, acetaldehyde, and 1-propanol concentrations escalated along with the increased TBS (p<0.001). These three analytes were significantly correlated with the TBS (p<0.001) and the correlations of determination (R2) for postmortem ethanol and 1-propanol were better than for acetaldehyde (R2 = 0.488 and 0.414 vs. 0.269). Acetaldehyde and 1-propanol were positively correlated with postmortem ethanol (p<0.001). The correlations between postmortem ethanol and acetaldehyde, 1-propanol, and the combination of these two analytes produced R2 values of 0.413, 0.480, and 0.544, respectively.

Conclusion: Acetaldehyde and 1-propanol concentrations were significantly correlated with postmortem ethanol concentrations in Thai cadavers, and the combination of these two markers produced a better correlation with the postmortem ethanol concentration.
About The Physiology of Hearing
Authors:   Retired physician, Specialist in otolaryngology – pensioner, Poland, Jan Myjkowski
Published: May 2023

The membrana basilaris plays an important role in the theory of traveling wave. It originates from the ectoblast of the connective tissue, and is bereft of both afferent or efferent innervation. Vibrations of the membrana basilaris formed into a transverse wave occur together with the organ of Corti and a band of connective tissue on the inferior membrane surface. Vibrations take place in a fluid which has suppressive properties. The length and the mass of the membrana basilaris in mammals and birds are very different and there is no relationship between the membrane basilaris length and the length of the sound wave, especially in the range of low frequencies. Small sound intensities, supraliminal, have amplitudes within the limits of a few picometers upon the entrance into the auditory meatus. This amplitude disappears in cochlear fluids and cannot reach the receptor through cochlear fluids. It cannot be intensified by OHC contractions, since there is no depolarization of the external acoustic cell. Short sounds, whose duration time is equal to tenth parts of milliseconds, are perceived by the receptor and recognized is the frequency of those waves, although they do not generate any resonance with the membrana basilaris. Attention was paid to molecular, intracellular transformations responsible for the transfer of information and intracellular amplification. An important role in those processes is played by ion channels of sodium, potassium, calcium and chlorine in the lateral and inferior wall of the acoustic cell. They are responsible for the polarization and depolarization of a cell. Underlined is the role of calcium in the signal transmission and its amplification in an acoustic cell
Chapter 11: General epidemiology of TBE
Authors: Dobler Gerhard , Tkachev Sergey
Published: May 2023

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) exists in natural foci, which are areas where TBEV is circulating among its vectors (ticks of different species and genera) and reservoir hosts (usually rodents and small mammals). Based on phylogenetic studies, four TBEV subtypes (Far-Eastern, Siberian, European, Baikalian) and two putative subtypes (Himalayan and “178-79” group) are known. Within each subtype, some genetic lineages are described. The European subtype (TBEV-EU) (formerly known also as the “Western subtype”) of TBEV is prevalent in Europe, but it was also isolated in Western and Eastern Siberia in Russia and South Korea. The Far-Eastern subtype (TBEV-FE) was preferably found in the territory of the far-eastern part of Eurasia, but some strains were isolated in other regions of Eurasia. The Siberian (TBEV-SIB) subtype is the most common and has been found in almost all TBEV habitat areas. The Baikalian subtype is prevalent around Lake Baikal and was isolated several times from ticks and rodents. In addition to the four TBEV subtypes, one single isolate of TBEV (178-79) and two genetic sequences (Himalayan) supposed to be new TBEV subtypes were described in Eastern Siberia and China. The data on TBEV seroprevalence in humans and animals can serve as an indication for the presence or absence of TBEV in studied area.
TBE in Hungary
Authors: Nagy Anna , Schneider Ferenc , Mezei Ezster , Lakos András
Published: May 2023

Hungarian scientists were among the pioneers in Europe as the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was isolated in 1952. However, most of their observations were published in the Hungarian language, and therefore cannot easily be accessed by the international medical community. Here the relevant Hungarian data are summarized.
TBE in Lithuania
Authors: Mickienė Auksė
Published: May 2023

The first case of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) in Lithuania, diagnosed by clinical and epidemiologic criteria only, was reported in 1953. A forest worker became ill with the disease in April after a tick bite, had a typical clinical presentation with shoulder girdle muscle paralysis and bulbar syndrome, and died after 12 days from the start of clinical symptoms. Autopsy data were compatible with viral encephalitis. Serological diagnosis of TBE in Lithuania was started in 1970.
TBE in Mongolia
Authors: Tserennorov Damdindorj , Uyanga Baasandagva , Uranshagai Narankhuu , Tsogbadrakh Nyamdorj , Burmaajav Badrakh , Burmaa Khoroljav
Published: May 2023

In Mongolia, TBEV was first isolated (Kraminskii V.A) from marmot liver in Dornod province in 1979, while the Ixodes persulcatus tick was identified in 1987 by M. Dash. I. persulcatus is a taiga tick distributed in coniferous forests consisting mostly of pines, spruces and larches. Much of northern Mongolia is covered in coniferous forest, and the southern edge of the Siberian taiga is located along the Khangai and Khentii mountains.
TBE in Russia
Authors: Zlobin Vladimir Igorevich , Esyunina Maria , Syrochkina Maria
Published: May 2023

TBE was first revealed in the Far-East Taiga Forest in the Soviet Union in springs and summers between 1933–1935 and it was further investigated as of 1937 at a large multidisciplinary expedition led by Professor Lev Zilber, the Head of the Moscow Medical Virology laboratory. The expedition demonstrated that the disease develops in humans after a tick bite, and the “Taiga Tick” Ixodes persulcatus was established as the virus carrier. The viral etiology of the disease was confirmed and the first strain of TBE virus (TBEV) was isolated. The clinical disease spectrum in humans and the respective pathology were described and the effectiveness of immunoglobulin-therapy was shown. Based on morphological studies since 1937 TBE was assigned to the group of neuro-infections as an independent nosological entity.
TBE in Sweden
Authors: Lundkvist Åke
Published: May 2023

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) was isolated for the first time in Sweden in 1958 (from ticks and from 1 tick-borne encephalitis [TBE] patient). In 2003, Haglund and colleagues reported the isolation and antigenic and genetic characterization of 14 TBEV strains from Swedish patients (samples collected 1991–1994). The first serum sample, from which TBEV was isolated, was obtained 2–10 days after onset of disease and found to be negative for anti-TBEV immunoglobulin M (IgM) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), whereas TBEV-specific IgM (and TBEV-specific immunoglobulin G/cerebrospinal fluid [IgG/CSF] activity) was demonstrated in later serum samples taken during the second phase of the disease.
TBE in Bulgaria
Authors: Christova Iva
Published: May 2023

First cases of probable tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) were reported in 1961 by Andonov et al. in eastern regions of Bulgaria. Possible TBE cases with the typical two-wave fever, originating from consumption of raw goat milk, were described back in 1953 by Vaptzarov et al. in southern Bulgaria. Investigations in the 1960s were able to isolate 3 tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) strains from Haemaphysalis punctata and 1 from Dermacentor marginatus ticks from goats and sheep in the district of Plovdiv. The antigenic properties of these 4 virus strains were identical to the highly virulent strain “Hypr” of the European subtype of TBEV (TBEV-EU).
Chapter 5: TBE in adults
Authors: Borde Johannes P. , Zajkowska Joanna
Published: May 2023

TBE is the most important tick-borne arbovirus disease of humans. Epidemiological data indicate a trend towards an increasing severity with higher age.
A number of possible genetic and non-genetic risk factors have been identified, which might have an impact on the manifestation and severity of human disease.
Different TBEV strains seem to cause differing clinical courses of disease. While the TBE-EU mainly causes a biphasic course, the clinical course of TBEV-FE and TBEV-SIB are mainly monophasic.
The diagnosis of TBE is based on serological tests.
So far there is no effective treatment of TBEV infections.
Kerkgewaden in de verdrukking
Authors:   , de Beer Richardus Wilhelmus Maria
Published: May 2023

LITURGICAL VESTMENTS IN REPRESSION
Paraments in the Dutch Republic as Bearers of Identity, 1580-1650

Liturgical vestments are the most striking and most valuable components of the material culture of the Catholic Church. The Reformation that was implemented in the Northern Netherlands around 1580 and the subsequent innovations prescribed by Rome had major consequences for these treasures. During this period, the Catholics in the Dutch Republic were driven to the margins of society. They were initially forced to congregate in private houses. It was not until the course of the seventeenth century that hidden churches were created. Nevertheless, as early as the sixteenth century, a start was made on reassembling a church inventory and a basic wardrobe with salvaged items. At the same time, new liturgical vestments were made as well. How were design and symbolism applied in the liturgical vestments to confirm the past of the church (continuity) on the one hand and to renew the church from within (discontinuity) on the other?

In this interdisciplinary research, the unique collection of church vestments of Museum Catharijneconvent and the collections of several Old Catholic churches in our country form the research material. Combined with archival research, literature study and research in contemporary sources, a new story about identity and oppression emerges.
A romantikus partner dohányhasználattal kapcsolatos normatív attitûdje: mit és hogyan mérünk a kutatásban? – Scoping review
Authors: Brys Zoltán , Albert Fruzsina , Pénzes Melinda
Published: May 2023

HÁTTÉR ÉS CÉL – A dohányzás elleni küzdelemben kiemelten fontos teendô a leszokás támogatása. Elôzô kutatási eredmények arra utalnak, hogy a romantikus partnernek szerepe lehet a dohányzásról történô leszokásban. Tanulmányunk célja olyan módszerek feltárása a szakirodalomban, amelyek felnôttek körében a partner vélt vagy valós, dohányzással kapcsolatos normatív attitûdjét vizsgálják. MÓDSZER – PRISMA-ScR protokoll alapján, scoping review módszerrel, a PubMed, a Scopus és a Web of Science adatbázisaiban Boolean keresési stratégiával azo no - sítottunk olyan angol nyelvû közleményeket, amelyek a partner normatív attitûdjét vizsgálták a dohányzás vonatkozásában. EREDMÉNYEK – Ötvenhét közleményt azonosítottunk, amelyek közül hét került beválogatásra az elemzésekhez. A hétbôl hat vizsgálat kimenete a leszokási szándék volt; hat közlemény a Tervezett Cselekvés Elmélete modellt alkalmazta; öt vizsgálat specifikusan mérte a partner vélt normatív viselkedését, viszont egy felmérés sem kérdezett rá a partner valódi attitûdjére. KÖVETKEZTETÉSEK – Bár a leszokástámogatásban szerepe lehet a partner normatív attitûdjének, jelenleg ez nem kutatott terület az egészségpszichológiában, és az ehhez kapcsolódó társas lélektani mechanizmusok sem feltártak. A téma elméleti megalapozottsága miatt további kutatások javasolhatók.
Institutional Psychotherapy and the Institution as Strategy
Authors: Schaepelynck Valentin
Published: May 2023

‘Institution’ as a concept has a particular resonance in the collaborative work of Deleuze and Guattari. Looking at institutional psychotherapy and the way in which it traverses the works of Deleuze and Guattari, this article will attempt to offer some ways that the concept of institution can be put to work. To do so, it will begin with two statements about institutional psychotherapy made by the psychiatrist Jean Oury: ‘Institutional psychotherapy is perhaps the putting in place of all kinds of means to struggle, each day, against all that might make the whole of the “collective” topple over towards a segregative or concentrationary structure’, and ‘The establishment is a building and a contract agreed with the State, a price per day. The institution, when it exists, is a labour, a strategy to avoid a whole load of people fermenting, like a jar of jam with a poorly closed lid.’ These statements will open the door to a deeper exploration of what an institution can do and how it was activated in Guattari’s clinical practice and in the collaborative philosophy developed with Deleuze.
Félix Guattari and the 22nd of March Movement: For a Molecular Revolution of Institutions
Authors: Genosko Gary
Published: May 2023

This article examines Guattari’s broad political investment with regard to a molecular revolution of institutions through his reflection on one complex event, the 22nd of March Movement at Nanterre. I want to consider this example for two reasons. First, it is general enough to provide a non-clinical foundation for specific kinds of innovations that preoccupy many of his readers who comment on these issues and centre their work on historical clinical examples within the trajectory of institutional psychotherapy from Saint-Alban to La Borde. And second, it is not so far divorced from the orbit of cure where institutional analysts cut their teeth, as it were, in the early 1960s left-wing student groups devoted to health issues. The question of cure, here, remains tied to the recognition of the influence of an institution and how it may be changed, but shifts in my example from clinic to campus and factory and, ultimately, to all of French society.
Can the Systemic Immune Inflammation Index Predict the Treatment of Ectopic Pregnancy?
Authors: Sarikaya Sevcan , Uysal Emre , Günenç Oğuzhan
Published: May 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to predict the selection of treatment for ectopic pregnancy (EP) using the values of platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) obtained from hematological parameters routinely used in clinical practice.

Design: Retrospective observational study.

Place & duration of study: This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Konya City Hospital, between August 2020 and August 2022.

Methodology: The study included 140 patients who were diagnosed with EP in our hospital. The patients were separated as those who received medical treatment with methotrexate (MTX) (Group I) and those who underwent surgical procedures (Group II). The two groups were compared with respect to demographic characteristics and pre-treatment laboratory parameters.

Results: Of the 140 patients diagnosed with EP, 75 were in Group I, treated with MTX, and 65 were in Group II, treated with surgery. No significant difference was determined between the groups with respect to age, body mass index, and gravida-parity of the patients (p>0.05). The incidence of extrauterine mass, presence of yolk sac, and fetal heartbeat on ultrasonography was significantly higher in Group II than in Group I (p<0.05). NLR and MLR values in Group II were significantly lower than in Group I (p<0.05). The PLR value did not differ significantly between the groups (p>0.05). The SII value was significantly higher in Group II than in Group I (p<0.05).

Conclusion: NLR and MLR were found to be lower, and the SII was significantly higher in the patients who underwent surgery. Hematological parameters, especially SII, are potential markers that can be used in EP treatment selection.
Early Cumulus Cell Removal Increases Cumulative Live Birth Rate while Having No Negative Effect on the Malformation Rate in In vitro Fertilization: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Sun Li Juan , Liang Shan Shan , Liu Min Hao , Pan Jia Ping , Huang Mei Yuan , Teng Xiao Ming , Wu Hai Xia
Published: May 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of early cumulus cell removal (ECCR) during human in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed between January 2011 and December 2019. The study enrolled 1,131 couples who underwent IVF treatment with ECCR. After propensity score matching at a 1:1 ratio, 1,131 couples who underwent overnight coincubation of gametes were selected. The main outcome measure was the cumulative live birth rate. Secondary outcome measures included the cumulative pregnancy rate, polyspermy rate, available embryo rate, miscarriage rate, malformation rate, time to live birth, and oocyte-to-baby rate.

Results: There were no significant differences found between the two groups in the polyspermy rate, available embryo rate, miscarriage rate, time to live birth, oocyte-to-baby rate, and neonatal congenital anomalies rate. The results of the study showed that ECCR was associated with a significantly higher cumulative live birth rate and cumulative pregnancy rate, along with a significantly lower fertilization rate.

Conclusion: ECCR tended to confer increased cumulative live birth rate and had no negative effect on the neonatal malformation rate.
Impact assessment caused by bradyseism phenomena in the Campi Flegrei area
Authors: Perelli Francesca Linda , Di Maio Luigia Sara , De Gregorio Daniela , Magliulo Gennaro , De Martino Prospero , Zuccaro Giulio
Published: May 2023

Campi Flegrei (Italy) is among the areas with the greatest volcanic explosive risk in the world due to the dangerousness of the expected hazards, the high exposed value (about 500,000 people will be evacuated during the “alarm phase”), and the vulnerability of the urban settlements under the effect of the volcanic phenomena. The last two dramatic bradyseism phases occurred in 1969–1972 and 1982–1984 when Pozzuoli town was affected by rapid ground inflation, which brought an overall higher level of about 3.5 m and caused numerous earthquakes (M ≤ 4.2), with severe damage to buildings. During 1984, the seismicity was intense, with 33 events with 0.5 < M ≤ 3 and six with 3 < M ≤ 3.8. Subsequently, the Campi Flegrei caldera was characterized by general subsidence for about 20 years until 2005, when a new inflation period started and is still ongoing (∼1 m). The areal distribution of the recent uplift is characterized by the maximum vertical displacement in the town of Pozzuoli, with a radial decrease from the caldera center outwards. The need to better understand Campi Flegrei volcanic activity is fundamental to protecting the population from hazards linked to explosive volcanic eruptions and understanding the role of seismicity as a possible precursor of a potential eruption. In this perspective, as part of the activities of the PLINIVS Study Centre (Centre of Competence of Italian Civil Protection Department for Volcanic Risk), the authors developed a procedure, implemented in a web application, that relates the monitoring of the ground deformation with the behavior of buildings to evaluate the level of progressive damage to the ordinary Phlegraean buildings due to bradyseism in near real time. This study describes the models adopted for the three impact/risk factors (hazard, exposure, and vulnerability) used to estimate building damage.
Novel mutations in PLCZ1 lead to early embryonic arrest as a male factor
Authors: Lin Yunying , Huang Yi , Li Boyu , Zhang Ting , Niu Yichao , Hu Shuanggang , Ding Ying , Yao Guangxin , Wei Zhe , Yao Ning , Yao Yejie , Lu Yao , He Yaqiong , Zhu Qinling , Zhang Ling , Sun Yun
Published: May 2023

Early embryonic arrest is one of the causes of assist reproduction technology (ART) failure. We have previously reported that the first sperm-derived genetic factor, ACTL7a mutations, could lead to early embryonic arrest. However, whether there are other male genetic factors associated with early embryonic arrest remains elusive. Here, we reported bi-allelic mutations in PLCZ1, a well-known causal gene of total fertilization failure, in four infertile males. Among these mutations, p.403_404del, p.I489S, and p.W536X were newly reported in this study. Histological and Western blotting analysis of the patients’ sperm indicated these variants as loss-of-function mutations. These patients manifested normal conventional semen parameters and ultra-structures in sperm heads. However, among four in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles, 81.8% (18/22) of the oocytes were polyspermic fertilized, which was rarely reported in PLCZ1-related male patients. In the following six ICSI cycles, artificial oocyte activation (AOA) was applied and successfully rescued the fertilization failure and polyspermy phenotypes, with 31.3% (15/48) of the MII oocytes normally fertilized. However, 60.0% (9/15) of these normally fertilized zygotes were arrested at 2–5-cell stage, with one failing to cleave, indicating that PLCZ1 was not only necessary for fertilization, but also crucial for early embryonic development. However, these rescued zygotes showed a lower potential in developing into blastocysts when cultured in vitro. Thus, fresh cleavage transfer was tried and two live births were successfully achieved thereafter. In conclusion, this study provided novel mutations in PLCZ1 gene to expand the pathogenic mutational spectrum in male infertility and demonstrated that PLCZ1 was a crucial sperm-related genetic factor for early embryonic arrest. We also proposed that cleavage transfer after ICSI and AOA treatment could be a potential treatment method for male patients carrying bi-allelic mutations in PLCZ1.
Molecular transition of SARS-CoV-2 from critical patients during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mexico City
Authors: De La Cruz-Montoya Aldo Hugo , Díaz Velásquez Clara Estela , Martínez-Gregorio Héctor , Ruiz-De La Cruz Miguel , Bustos-Arriaga José , Castro-Jiménez Tannya Karen , Olguín-Hernández Jonadab Efraín , Rodríguez-Sosa Miriam , Terrazas-Valdes Luis Ignacio , Jiménez-Alvarez Luis Armando , Regino-Zamarripa Nora Elemi , Ramírez-Martínez Gustavo , Cruz-Lagunas Alfredo , Peralta-Arrieta Irlanda , Armas-López Leonel , Contreras-Garza Belinda Maricela , Palma-Cortés Gabriel , Cabello-Gutierrez Carlos , Báez-Saldaña Renata , Zúñiga Joaquín , Ávila-Moreno Federico , Vaca-Paniagua Felipe
Published: May 2023

Background

The SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused unprecedented mortality since its emergence in late 2019. The continuous evolution of the viral genome through the concerted action of mutational forces has produced distinct variants that became dominant, challenging human immunity and vaccine development.

Aim and methods

In this work, through an integrative genomic approach, we describe the molecular transition of SARS-CoV-2 by analyzing the viral whole genome sequences from 50 critical COVID-19 patients recruited during the first year of the pandemic in Mexico City.

Results

Our results revealed differential levels of the evolutionary forces across the genome and specific mutational processes that have shaped the first two epidemiological waves of the pandemic in Mexico. Through phylogenetic analyses, we observed a genomic transition in the circulating SARS-CoV-2 genomes from several lineages prevalent in the first wave to a dominance of the B.1.1.519 variant (defined by T478K, P681H, and T732A mutations in the spike protein) in the second wave.

Conclusion

This work contributes to a better understanding of the evolutionary dynamics and selective pressures that act at the genomic level, the prediction of more accurate variants of clinical significance, and a better comprehension of the molecular mechanisms driving the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 to improve vaccine and drug development.
Case Report: A case of Chlamydia psittaci infection in an HIV patient
Authors: Yao Wenwu , Yang Xuhui , Shi Jinchuan , Yang Zhangnv , Yao Ying , Kou Jun , Liu Shelan , Wang Linbo , Wu Zhuoyin , Shi Guoxiang , Yan Hao , Song Yajun
Published: May 2023

Chlamydia psittaci is the pathogen of psittacosis and infects a wide range of birds and even humans. Human infection occurs most commonly in those with a history of contact with birds or poultry. We describe a case of psittacosis in a human immunodeficiency virus infected patient in Zhejiang Province for the first time. C. psittaci infection was confirmed by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Real-Time PCR. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequences from the patient’s samples clustered with genotype A in the same branch. Our study highlights the possibility of diagnosing psittacosis in patients with a chronic disease such as HIV-infected patients, and should increase awareness and surveillance of psittacosis in China.
Revitalizing myocarditis treatment through gut microbiota modulation: unveiling a promising therapeutic avenue
Authors: Wang Jingyue , Zhang Xianfeng , Yang Xinyu , Yu Hang , Bu Mengmeng , Fu Jie , Zhang Zhengwei , Xu Hui , Hu Jiachun , Lu Jinyue , Zhang Haojian , Zhai Zhao , Yang Wei , Wu Xiaodan , Wang Yan , Tong Qian
Published: May 2023

Numerous studies have demonstrated that gut microbiota plays an important role in the development and treatment of different cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, and atherosclerosis. Furthermore, evidence from recent studies has shown that gut microbiota contributes to the development of myocarditis. Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease that often results in myocardial damage. Myocarditis is a common cause of sudden cardiac death in young adults. The incidence of myocarditis and its associated dilated cardiomyopathy has been increasing yearly. Myocarditis has gained significant attention on social media due to its association with both COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccinations. However, the current therapeutic options for myocarditis are limited. In addition, little is known about the potential therapeutic targets of myocarditis. In this study, we review (1) the evidence on the gut-heart axis, (2) the crosslink between gut microbiota and the immune system, (3) the association between myocarditis and the immune system, (4) the impact of gut microbiota and its metabolites on myocarditis, (5) current strategies for modulating gut microbiota, (6) challenges and future directions for targeted gut microbiota in the treatment of myocarditis. The approach of targeting the gut microbiota in myocarditis is still in its infancy, and this is the study to explore the gut microbiota-immune system-myocarditis axis. Our findings are expected to pave the way for the use of gut microbiota as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of myocarditis.
Flipped classroom in physics teacher education: (how) can students' expectations be met?
Authors: Bitzenbauer Philipp , Hennig Fabian
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we describe the development of a flipped classroom concept for physics teacher education along (a) design criteria from the literature, and (b) students' needs and expectations extracted from an exploratory pre-study (N = 21). We implemented it in a physics education course at Leipzig University, Germany, and report results of its empirical evaluation (N = 29). Our results hint at both, strengths and weaknesses of the developed flipped classroom concept, and hence, pave the way for further research into the use of flipped classroom scenarios in physics teacher education.
Analysis of regional differences in green energy efficiency in countries along “the Belt and Road” Initiative zone—Based on super efficiency DEA model and Malmquist index method
Authors: Li Sumin , Wu Meng , Song Meizhe
Published: May 2023

This study uses the super-efficiency DEA model and Malmquist index analysis to evaluate the green energy efficiency of 58 countries along “the Belt and Road” Initiative zone from 2012 to 2021 and uses Tobit regression to analyze the external environmental influences on their green energy efficiency. The results of the study show that in the static analysis, The overall green energy efficiency of 58 countries along the “the Belt and Road” initiative area is low, and there are obvious regional differences; In terms of dynamic analysis, the Malmquist Index shows a slight fluctuation trend from 2012 to 2021. Tobit regression models show that external factors such as economic strength, energy consumption structure, industrial structure, and R&D expenditure are significantly and positively related to green energy efficiency. Based on this, this study proposed that countries should make good use of their resource advantages to improve the overall green energy efficiency of “the Belt and Road” Initiative zone according to local characteristics; strengthen inter-regional cooperation and exchange among countries, and implement outbound strategies to create a favorable development environment for green energy efficiency in “the Belt and Road” Initiative zone. Create a favorable development environment for green energy efficiency in “the Belt and Road” Initiative region.
Functional inference of long non-coding RNAs through exploration of highly conserved regions
Authors: Liu Zhongpeng , Guo Tianbin , Yin Zhuoda , Zeng Yanluo , Liu Haiwen , Yin Hongyan
Published: May 2023

Background: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are generally less functionally characterized or less annotated, evolve more rapidly than mRNAs and substantially possess fewer sequence conservation patterns than protein-coding genes across divergent species. People assume that the functional inference could be conducted on the evolutionarily conserved long non-coding RNAs as they are most likely to be functional. In the past decades, substantial progress has been made in discussions on the evolutionary conservation of non-coding genomic regions from multiple perspectives. However, understanding their conservation and the functions associated with sequence conservation in relation to further corresponding phenotypic variability or disorders still remains incomplete.

Results: Accordingly, we determined a highly conserved region (HCR) to verify the sequence conservation among long non-coding RNAs and systematically profiled homologous long non-coding RNA clusters in humans and mice based on the detection of highly conserved regions. Moreover, according to homolog clustering, we explored the potential function inference via highly conserved regions on representative long non-coding RNAs. On lncRNA XACT, we investigated the potential functional competence between XACT and lncRNA XIST by recruiting miRNA-29a, regulating the downstream target genes. In addition, on lncRNA LINC00461, we examined the interaction relationship between LINC00461 and SND1. This interaction or association may be perturbed during the progression of glioma. In addition, we have constructed a website with user-friendly web interfaces for searching, analyzing, and downloading to present the homologous clusters of humans and mice.

Conclusion: Collectively, homolog clustering via the highly conserved region definition and detection on long non-coding RNAs, as well as the functional explorations on representative sequences in our research, would provide new evidence for the potential function of long non-coding RNAs. Our results on the remarkable roles of long non-coding RNAs would presumably provide a new theoretical basis and candidate diagnostic indicators for tumors.
Sexual knowledge, risk behavior, and access to reproductive health services among orphaned adolescents in Southwest Nigeria: implications for institutionalized care
Authors: Faramade Ifedola Olabisi , Olugbenga-Bello Adenike Iyanuoluwa , Goodman Olayinka Olufisayo
Published: May 2023

Introduction

An orphan has been defined as a child under 18 years of age who has lost one or both parents to any cause. It has been reported that for every 10 Nigerian children, 1 is likely to be an orphan. Adolescents are faced with a serious challenge in meeting their reproductive health need, which oftentimes becomes overwhelming especially when they are orphaned.

Objectives

We compared institutionalized and non-institutionalized orphaned adolescents for their knowledge of sexuality, risky sexual practice, and access to reproductive health services.

Methods

The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive study design conducted via structured, pretested, and interviewer-administered questionnaires among 205 orphaned adolescents (140 institutionalized and 65 non-institutionalized). Data were analyzed using the Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS version 25.0) and summarized using frequency, mean and percentages, and inferential statistics. All analyses were done at a 95% confidence interval and at a p < 0.05 level of significance.

Results

The knowledge levels of a majority of non-institutionalized respondents (73.8%) were good when compared with those in institutions (56.4%) (χ2 = 5.713, p = 0.017). Institutionalized orphans displayed better sexual behavior (80.7%) than non-institutionalized respondents (64.6%) (χ2 = 6.239, p = 0.011). Access to reproductive health services was found to be slightly higher among institutionalized respondents (66.4%) than among their non-institutionalized counterparts (64.6%).

Conclusion

Institutionalized and non-institutionalized orphans differed in terms of their knowledge of sexuality, sexual behavior, and risky practices, including access to reproductive health services. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of institutionalized care of orphans toward improved access to reproductive health services and good sexual practices. In the light of this, the government and relevant stakeholders should advocate the need for providing better sexuality education and understanding, make sure that access barriers for orphans are removed and orphans utilize the facilities for reproductive health that are available, and also make sure that adolescent health policies are implemented effectively.
Butyrate inhibits Staphylococcus aureus-aggravated dermal IL-33 expression and skin inflammation through histone deacetylase inhibition
Authors: Luo Chia-Hui , Lai Alan Chuan-Ying , Chang Ya-Jen
Published: May 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease caused by the disruption of skin barrier, and is dominated by the type 2 immune responses. Patients with AD have a high risk of developing Staphylococcus aureus infection. Interleukin-33 (IL-33), an alarmin, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of AD development. Butyrate, a short chain fatty acid known to be produced from the fermentation of glycerol by the commensal skin bacterium, Staphylococcus epidermidis, has been reported to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that suppress inflammatory dermatoses. However, little is known about the effects of butyrate on dermal IL-33 expression and associated immune response in S. aureus-aggravated skin inflammation in the context of AD. To decipher the underlying mechanism, we established an AD-like mouse model with epidermal barrier disruption by delipidizing the dorsal skin to induce AD-like pathophysiology, followed by the epicutaneous application of S. aureus and butyrate. We discovered that S. aureus infection exacerbated IL-33 release from keratinocytes and aggravated dermal leukocyte infiltration and IL-13 expression. Moreover, we showed that butyrate could attenuate S. aureus-aggravated skin inflammation with decreased IL-33, IL-13, and leukocyte infiltration in the skin. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that butyrate suppressed IL-33 expression and ameliorated skin inflammation through histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) inhibition. Overall, our findings revealed the potential positive effect of butyrate in controlling inflammatory skin conditions in AD aggravated by S. aureus infection.
Central nervous system demyelinating diseases: glial cells at the hub of pathology
Authors: Coutinho Costa Vinicius Gabriel , Araújo Sheila Espírito-Santo , Alves-Leon Soniza Vieira , Gomes Flávia Carvalho Alcantara
Published: May 2023

Inflammatory demyelinating diseases (IDDs) are among the main causes of inflammatory and neurodegenerative injury of the central nervous system (CNS) in young adult patients. Of these, multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent and studied, as it affects about a million people in the USA alone. The understanding of the mechanisms underlying their pathology has been advancing, although there are still no highly effective disease-modifying treatments for the progressive symptoms and disability in the late stages of disease. Among these mechanisms, the action of glial cells upon lesion and regeneration has become a prominent research topic, helped not only by the discovery of glia as targets of autoantibodies, but also by their role on CNS homeostasis and neuroinflammation. In the present article, we discuss the participation of glial cells in IDDs, as well as their association with demyelination and synaptic dysfunction throughout the course of the disease and in experimental models, with a focus on MS phenotypes. Further, we discuss the involvement of microglia and astrocytes in lesion formation and organization, remyelination, synaptic induction and pruning through different signaling pathways. We argue that evidence of the several glia-mediated mechanisms in the course of CNS demyelinating diseases supports glial cells as viable targets for therapy development.
Efficacy of radiotherapy in combination with first-line immunotherapy and chemotherapy for advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma: a propensity score analysis
Authors: Qin Jian , Yi Shouhui , Zhou Hanjing , Zeng Chuan , Zou Minghua , Zeng Xuan , Yang Zhenzhou , Huang Yusheng
Published: May 2023

Aim

To compare the efficacy and safety of radiotherapy in combination with immunotherapy after achieving disease control from the first-line combination therapy of platinum-based chemotherapy and immunotherapy for advanced lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC).

Methods

This study retrospectively evaluated the patients with advanced LUSC treated with the combination of radiotherapy with immunotherapy and chemotherapy (ICRT group, n = 52) or immunotherapy and chemotherapy (ICT group, n = 63) as the first-line treatment from April 2018 to April 2022. Using propensity score matching (PSM), 50 pairs were created, while the confounders and bias were controlled. The objective response rate (ORR), duration of overall response (DOR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and adverse events were analyzed in the two groups. The PFS and OS were re-analyzed separately for patients treated with thoracic radiotherapy.

Results

After PSM, the median PFS (12.23 vs. 7.43 months; P <0.001) and median OS (19.7 vs. 12.9 months; P <0.001) were significantly longer in the ICRT group than those in the ICT group. Both the PFS and OS rates were also significantly higher in the ICRT group than those in the ICT group, except for the OS rates in the 6th and 12th months. The mDOR of the ICRT group patients (17.10 vs. 8.27 months; P <0.001) was significantly higher than that of the ICT group patients. The median PFS, median OS, and local control rate were significantly longer in the thoracic radiotherapy group than in the control group. Radiation pneumonia was the most common adverse effect after radiotherapy; however, no treatment-related deaths occurred. The Cox regression analysis showed that ECOG scores 0-1, presence of necrosis in the tumor, radiotherapy, and optimal efficacy better than the stable disease (SD) were independent factors, affecting the PFS, while the patients with recurrent post-operative, pre-treatment NLR, radiotherapy, and optimal efficacy better than SD were the independent factors, affecting the OS.

Conclusions

The combination of radiotherapy with systematic immunotherapy and chemotherapy for the advanced LUSC was effective with tolerable adverse effects.
The role of PD-1 signaling in health and immune-related diseases
Authors: Chen Ru-Yue , Zhu Yun , Shen Yun-Yan , Xu Qin-Ying , Tang Han-Yun , Cui Ning-Xun , Jiang Lu , Dai Xiao-Mei , Chen Wei-Qing , Lin Qiang , Li Xiao-Zhong
Published: May 2023

Programmed cell death 1 receptor (PD-1) and its ligands constitute an inhibitory pathway to mediate the mechanism of immune tolerance and provide immune homeostasis. Significantly, the binding partners of PD-1 and its associated ligands are diverse, which facilitates immunosuppression in cooperation with other immune checkpoint proteins. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated the important immunosuppressive role of the PD-1 axis in the tumor microenvironment and in autoimmune diseases. In addition, PD-1 blockades have been approved to treat various cancers, including solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the PD-1 pathway, focusing on the structure and expression of PD-1, programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1), and programmed cell death 1 ligand 2 (PD-L2); the diverse biological functions of PD-1 signaling in health and immune-related diseases (including tumor immunity, autoimmunity, infectious immunity, transplantation immunity, allergy and immune privilege); and immune-related adverse events related to PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors.