bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistencia desde el margen: El beso de la mujer araña de Manuel Puig
Authors: Villagarcia Martin
Published: May 2023

En 1976 Manuel Puig publicó El beso de la mujer araña, su cuarta novela. El contexto en la Argentina era sumamente peligroso, las turbulencias del tercer peronismo habían dado lugar al autodenominado Proceso de reorganización nacional, la dictadura más dura y violenta que experimentó el país. Sin embargo, Puig ya se encontraba exiliado en México, luego de haber sido perseguido por su libro The Buenos Aires Affair, que le valió una amenaza de muerte de la Triple A (Alianza Anticomunista Argentina) en 1974. Era la primera vez que Puig publicaba la primera edición de uno de sus libros fuera de Argentina, donde la Junta Militar había renovado la prohibición que pesaba sobre su nombre. A pesar de la distancia impuesta con su lectorado, El beso de la mujer araña estaba claramente dirigida al público argentino a manera de un ajuste de cuentas y, al mismo tiempo, resistencia.
Las posibilidades del movimiento: dinámicas narrativas en la obra de Mariana Docampo
Authors: Punte María José
Published: May 2023

En su libro Tango Queer (2018), Mariana Docampo detalla sus vínculos con esta danza a la que imprimió un giro fundamental: es una de les fundadores de la Milonga Queer. El libro es un ensayo que narra la nueva vida queer del tango, pero también incluye un manifiesto que explica en qué consiste esa modificación que se ofrece como propuesta para las epistemologías feministas. En la idea de que “bailar tango constituye por sí mismo una performance de género” (2018, 103) radica su posible cambio de orientación, al intervenir en aquello que se ubica en el centro nodal del tango, para subvertirlo: la comprensión binaria de los roles. Este artículo analiza cómo la noción de movimiento atraviesa la obra troncal publicada hasta la fecha por Docampo (un libro de cuentos, cinco novelas, el mencionado ensayo) y que se presenta como una reflexión sobre los modos de estar en el mundo desde una mirada oblicua, que trabaja contra una noción centrada y unívoca de la subjetividad. Se tendrán en cuenta para los marcos teóricos a las pensadoras feministas y queer Teresa de Lauretis y Sara Ahmed.
Precariedad enunciativa y fracaso marica en la literatura argentina reciente
Authors: Rubino Atilio
Published: May 2023

Este artículo aborda algunas líneas en común de lo que se puede considerar la emergencia de una literatura marica argentina reciente. A partir de elaboraciones conceptuales en torno al éxito y el fracaso en relación con el heterocapitalismo actual se analizan dos textos de publicación reciente: Diario de una marica mala (2019) de Ulises Rojas y El cuerpo marica (2021) de Facundo Saxe. Ambos dan cuenta de una experiencia que no es programática ni sigue los lineamientos de la corrección política, sino que a partir de la negatividad enunciativa dan cuenta de las tensiones y contradicciones de la identidad marica como una zona de enorme potencia transformadora. De este modo instalan una dimensión negativa de la disidencia sexual que se fuga de la lógica de los logros en términos capitalistas, pero también de la producción de un mundo mejor, de la asimilación, de la tolerancia y de los imperativos del buen ciudadano.
La fuerza de juntarnos. La villa como fiesta queer en La Virgen Cabeza de Gabriela Cabezón Cámara
Authors: Sánchez Silvina
Published: May 2023

El artículo analiza La Virgen Cabeza, primera novela de Gabriela Cabezón Cámara, abordando especialmente la transformación de los cuerpos y las subjetividades; la configuración de los afectos, de lo familiar y de las maternidades, y la construcción de modos de lo común alternativos a la racionalidad neoliberal. Postula que las vidas de las protagonistas se afirman como “políticas del cruce” (Preciado), hacen del tránsito un modo de subjetivación, al mudar sus identidades y sus cuerpos, volverse disidentes del sistema de sexo-género y de la ficción de normalidad. La villa se configura como una comunidad queer, que propicia el flujo de los sujetos en posiciones móviles y cambiantes, donde es posible inventar con otros una nueva organización de las formas de vida, en disputa con la hegemonía del mercado y con la gestión individualizadora (Butler, Lorey). La novela relata la experiencia del duelo por la comunidad perdida, un cementerio de cuerpos prescindibles, residuales y precarios. La memoria se convierte en narración coral y múltiple, el tráfico de los afectos se conjuga con el don de las palabras.
Cuirizar a educação linguística em espanhol: estranhando famílias
Authors: Mazzaro Daniel , Freitas Luciana Maria Almeida de
Published: May 2023

Este artigo visa apresentar uma proposta de atividade didática para o ensino médio problematizando a abordagem, na educação linguística em língua espanhola, de questões relativas à família. Apresenta-se uma discussão sobre educação linguística como processo formativo que articula a ampliação da competência linguístico-discursiva de estudantes e o desenvolvimento do pensamento crítico relativo a questões socialmente relevantes (Mazzaro, 2021). Em seguida, o foco se dirige, mais especificamente, a uma educação linguística cuir (Mazzaro, 2021) como proposta para combater o apagamento de identidades dissidentes na escola, principalmente as queer/cuir, tanto no sentido interseccional de raça, etnia e classe social com gênero e sexualidade, em especial, sexualidades não heterossexuais. A atividade apresentada tem como base um texto jornalístico cubano com relatos de diferentes famílias e o aborda a partir de diferentes estratégias de leitura com o objetivo de ‘estranhar’ a naturalização da constituição de famílias.
Morfología lingüística, saberes metalingüísticos y formación discursiva: desafíos del lenguaje inclusivo en la Argentina actual
Authors: Glozman Mara
Published: May 2023

El presente artículo se propone analizar dimensiones y desafíos del lenguaje inclusivo en la coyuntura argentina actual, considerando el lenguaje inclusivo como problemática que involucra un haz de cuestiones de diversa índole. En particular, el trabajo distingue dos dimensiones. Una primera dimensión aborda un estudio de discursos y saberes metalingüísticos, entre los cuales se detiene en las guías producidas por organismos estatales argentinos. Esta dimensión considera tanto las definiciones de lenguaje y concepciones sobre la relación entre lenguaje y género que anidan en los documentos como las modalidades con las cuales se inscriben las recomendaciones y ejemplos concretos. La segunda dimensión se dedica al tratamiento de las prácticas lingüísticas y discursivas, atendiendo específicamente a cuestiones de variación morfológica entre en las formas flexivas (masculinas, femeninas, no binarias). Para esta segunda dimensión, la propuesta consiste en una aproximación a fenómenos de morfología lingüística a la luz del concepto pecheutiano de formación discursiva.
“Vencidos, vencemos”. Confrontaciones de la memoria de la Generación de la Gran Cosa: Max Aub versus Cecilio Benítez de Castro
Authors: Lluch-Prats Javier
Published: May 2023

En 1939, Max Aub escribe en París una novela sobre la Guerra Civil española: Campo cerrado (1943), primera del ciclo El laberinto mágico. En Barcelona, Cecilio Benítez de Castro publica “Se ha ocupado el kilómetro 6…” (Contestación a Remarque), novela bélica en torno a la batalla del Ebro. Ambas son paradigmáticas de la gestación y la recepción de textos en los cuales, desde bien temprano, con distinto signo y desigual factura, no pocos escritores se propusieron abordar la guerra, la Gran Cosa, mediante prismas ficcionales. A partir de ellas se analiza aquí cómo actuaron los testigos del conflicto procurando generar memoria. Con tal fin en este artículo se examinan y confrontan estas novelas desde una perspectiva comparativa, complementaria e interdisciplinar: la historiografía literaria; los estudios en torno a la memoria; la filología y la historia de la edición.
Transitando pela cidade narrada: a cidade de Cali no romance ¡Que viva la música!, de Andrés Caicedo
Authors: Sampayo Andrés Eloy Palencia , Corrêa Gabriel Vidinha
Published: May 2023

A partir da segunda metade do século XX, na América Latina, a migração de pessoas para a cidade grande gerou uma superpopulação e espaços socioculturais heterogêneos, onde os habitantes têm diferentes modos de viver, representar e identificar-se com o espaço urbano. Nesta perspectiva, nosso objetivo é analisar a representação da cidade de Cali, Colômbia, no romance ¡Que viva la música!  (1977), do escritor colombiano Andrés Caicedo, levando em consideração as expressões, sensações e socialização dos personagens em relação a cada um dos espaços da cidade. Em nossa análise, se evidenciou que o romance está marcado por uma “estética narrativa do deslocamento” que ocorre em vários níveis: geográfico (de Norte a Sul da cidade); do discurso dos personagens (fala cotidiana, expressões idiomáticas e coloquiais da classe alta à fala dos habitantes das áreas periféricas) e no gênero musical (do rock à salsa).
Humans in Love Are Singing Birds: Socially-Mediated Brain Activity in Language Production
Authors: Martin Clara , Quiñones Ileana , Carreiras Manuel
Published: May 2023

This functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study investigated whether and how the human speech production circuit is mediated by social factors. Participants recited a poem in the MRI scanner while viewing pictures of their lover, unknown persons, or houses to simulate different social contexts. The results showed, as expected, the recruitment of the speech production circuit during recitation. However, for the first time, we demonstrated that this circuit is tightly linked to the network underlying social cognition. The socially relevant contexts (familiar and unfamiliar persons) elicited the recruitment of a widespread bilateral circuit including regions such as the amygdala, anterior cingulate, and orbitofrontal cortex, in contrast to the non-socially relevant context (houses). We also showed a neural gradient generated by the differences in the social relevance of affective and nonaffective contexts. This study opens up a novel line of research into socially mediated speech production, revealing drastic differences in brain activation when performing the same speech production task in different social contexts. Interestingly, the analogous avian anterior neural pathway in the zebra finch is also differentially activated when the bird sings facing a (potential) mate or alone. Thus, this study suggests that despite important phylogenetic differences, speech production in humans is based, as in songbirds, on a complex neural circuitry that is modulated by evolutionarily primordial aspects such as the social relevance of the addressee.
The diversity of molluscan faunas in marine lakes of Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia
Authors: Aji Ludi P. , Goud Jeroen , van der Steeg Sean , Tapilatu Ricardo , Maas Diede L. , Becking Leontine E.
Published: May 2023

Marine lakes are bodies of seawater that are land-locked and maintain a subterranean connection to the surrounding sea. Here, we document the species diversity of benthic molluscs in 11 marine lakes in Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, using the roving diving survey method. We specifically tested for relationships between species richness and lake size and the degree of connection to the surrounding sea, and tested potential environmental drivers of community structure. We recorded 73 species, belonging to the classes Gastropoda (48 species, comprising 36 genera and 25 families), Bivalvia (24 species, consisting of 17 genera and 12 families), and Polyplacophora (one species). Molluscs from marine lakes are a subset of species also occurring in coral, seagrass, mangrove, and rocky shore habitats in the open sea. We found lake communities to mostly consist of grazers and filter feeders. The number of mollusc species significantly increased with increasing connection to the surrounding sea, but not with increasing surface area, indicating that dispersal potential may be the main driving force. Furthermore, we observed no significant influence of the environment on the variation in mollusc species composition among marine lakes. Still, we observed certain species to be exclusively present in either high or low-connected lakes, indicating a potential effect of environmental filtering. Marine lakes provide a unique ecosystem for diverse mollusc assemblages and as such should be protected.
The Right to Education and the Spirit of Bandung: Critical Reflections
Authors: Amin Samir
Published: May 2023

This article is a reflection on the social processes that had taken place sixty years after the 1955 unprecedented historical meeting in Bandung organized by the nations and peoples of Africa and Asia to declare their right to reclaim their independence, which subsequently took place over several decades until the 1990s. But Bandung claimed more than regaining political independence to the extent that this had to be complemented by the reconstruction of the concerned societies, economically, socially and culturally. The right to education is a fundamental human right, which is inseparable from economic development and people’s aspirations to a full and a wholly authentic democracy. Even in the real existing world governed by capitalism, development must be holistic as economic progress must mean progress of society and individuals, and access to, and the effective exercise of, all individual and collective rights, and in all domains of social existence, including education.
Samir Amin the African, Global Giant, and Epitome of uBuntu in Tireless Pursuit of the ‘Highest Level of Human Civilization’
Authors: Assié-Lumumba N’Dri Thérèse
Published: May 2023

This article is the English version of a presentation delivered at the international symposium that was held on February 10–12, 2020, in Dakar (Senegal) in honor and memory of Professor Samir Amin. In what could be read as an autoethnography of more than four decades of observation and evolution the intellectual journey has been enriched from the status and experiences as students to adult academics with critical perspectives shaped the uBuntu-inspired life vision of Samir Amin. The journey of this global giant evolved with extraordinary consistency from childhood questioning social inequality to the global arena as the ultimate advocate of the marginalized everywhere. He inspired generations with his unsurpassed prolific knowledge production, his intellectual rigor and his humanity. The article also recognizes the role of his comrade and spouse, Isabelle Eynard Amin. Samir Amin’s unwavering commitment to the struggle to create a new world of equality and respect of our common humanity to achieve the highest level of human civilization. Beside the economy as the substructure articulated in Marxist analysis, formal education, as part of the superstructure, plays a more critical role than conceived by the classical Marxist and dependency theory as a critical tool for colonial and neo-colonial control. Indeed, formal education also contains the seed for possible social transformation.
‘uMuntu nguMuntu ngaBantu’: Toward an Equitably Infused Global Epistemological Orientation and Global (Philosophy of) Education
Authors: Cossa José
Published: May 2023

The core question in this article is whether, or not, uBuntu and Humanism can simultaneously inform a pursuit of an equitably infused global epistemological orientation and, consequently, an equitably infused global (philosophy of)1 education. I argue that uBuntu and Humanism are not compatible at the very core of their ontological, axiological, and epistemological nature, and thus, might present an epistemological challenge to any attempt to develop an equitably infused global epistemological orientation and an equitably infused global (philosophy of) education. Moreover, I assume the broad etymological definition of philosophy as the ‘love of wisdom’ and that wisdom is a manifestation in uBuntu world, and consequently the love of such, and the resulting need to inquire into the compatibility, while recognizing potential incommensurability, between how wisdom is thought of by Western humanist-derived epistemologies and by uBuntu-derived epistemologies. At the center of the analysis is the nature of ‘human’ or ‘person’ since both Humanism and uBuntu are intrinsically bound to conceptualizations of personhood. Framed within the historical backdrop of the European Renaissance and the African Renaissance, the article comprises a critical historical outlook and analysis of primary and secondary sources of discourses on Humanism and uBuntu. Primary focus is on works of so-called2 classical thinkers such as Heidegger, Husserl, Cheikh Anta Diop, René Descartes, Frederick Nietzsche, Julius Nyerere, and John Mbiti. The key aim is to challenge scholars to work toward the equitable infusion of epistemologies inherent in these two terms, instead of continuing to see these terms as interchangeable, which essentially authenticates and perpetuates the imposition of humanism on non-humanist contexts. The African Renaissance might be the adequate space for such equitable placement of uBuntu as a source of global epistemologies alongside those emanating from Humanism.
On the Educational Potential of Ubuntu
Authors: Waghid Yusef
Published: May 2023

The literature on Ubuntu is as prolific, as it is diverse. Over the past two decades the increasing attention has been devoted to Ubuntu in relation to African education. In recognising the richness of attention, which has thus been afforded to Ubuntu, this article attempts to offer something else. I consider the concept of Ubuntu as an African notion for education, in the same way that some Europeans describe bildung as education, and ta’dib, for some Muslims, means education. Hence, in this article, I firstly analyse the concept Ubuntu. Secondly, I show how Ubuntu relates to at least three meanings of education, namely, interdependent human action, deliberative inquiry, and socially responsive action. Finally, I make an argument for Ubuntu as a cosmopolitan practice, thus further enhancing its educational impetus before concluding with the rationale for Ubuntu, namely a cultivation of dignity.
The Racialized Global Capitalist Economy: Reading Samir Amin in the 2020s
Authors: Nordtveit Bjorn H.
Published: May 2023

Using Samir Amin’s theories of worldwide value and historical materialism, this article seeks to show that capitalism is inherently racist, at least since the TransAtlantic enslavement, and that its proponents are perpetuating racism by using it as a tool to deepen economic divides, and to destroy solidarity between workers. The global health crisis of Covid-19 demonstrates the expendability of frontline workers, a large proportion of whom are Black people and has exasperated the economic injustice propagated by the capitalist model. The racist and exploitative structure is global, with a Center extracting rent from the Periphery, where political power and “corruptionists” collude with global corporations. In low-intensity democracies such as the US, paid elections at best will lead to politicians making superficial discursive changes at Superstructure level, whereas the racist Base remains the same. Movements such as Black Lives Matter can be shaped and contained through manipulation of media. To change the Base, this article argues the need for “delinking” of the Periphery from the monopoly economy, and rehabilitation of Marxism through creation of a new global organization – a new Internationale of Workers, or a new Bandung. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in Spring 2022 adds a layer of complexity to the international situation (as it is opening for discourses that are strengthening the monopoly economy worldwide, e.g., in arms manufacturing), but may eventually lead to the demise of the autocratic-capitalist system in Russia, with international repercussions.
Elementary Students’ Management of Conflicts in an Engineering Design Process and Its Effects on Their Group Interaction Progress
Authors: Kim Ji Eun , Park Jisun
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to examine how students managed conflicts in an engineering design process and how different management styles affected their group interaction progress. We observed three groups of students in classes, where they designed devices to solve water shortages. Students’ interactions involving conflict in these lessons were analyzed in terms of their conflict management style. Twenty conflict-based interactions were observed in the process of engineering design, and these occurred in all groups. Most conflict-based interactions we observed were task conflicts, and students showed conflict management styles of dominating, avoiding, obliging, integrating, and compromising. These different conflict management styles led to different amounts of progress in group interactions. Avoiding and dominating terminated interactions and prevented students from developing their ideas further. Dominating and obliging caused relationship conflict. Integrating and compromising management styles led to more productive student interactions. This study suggests that further educational efforts are necessary to teach students how to effectively manage conflicts in engineering design processes.
Biallelic NFATC1 mutations cause an inborn error of immunity with impaired CD8+ T-cell function and perturbed glycolysis
Authors: Kostel Bal Sevgi , Giuliani Sarah , Block Jana , Repiscak Peter , Hafemeister Christoph , Shahin Tala , Kasap Nurhan , Ransmayr Bernhard , Miao Yirun , van de Wetering Cheryl , Frohne Alexandra , Jimenez Heredia Raul , Schuster Michael , Zoghi Samaneh , Hertlein Vanessa , Thian Marini , Bykov Aleksandr , Babayeva Royala , Bilgic Eltan Sevgi , Karakoc-Aydiner Elif , Shaw Lisa E. , Chowdhury Iftekhar , Varjosalo Markku , Argüello Rafael J. , Farlik Matthias , Ozen Ahmet , Serfling Edgar , Dupré Loïc , Bock Christoph , Halbritter Florian , Hannich J. Thomas , Castanon Irinka , Kraakman Michael J. , Baris Safa , Boztug Kaan
Published: May 2023

The nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) family of transcription factors plays central roles in adaptive immunity in murine models; however, their contribution to human immune homeostasis remains poorly defined. In a multigenerational pedigree, we identified 3 patients who carry germ line biallelic missense variants in NFATC1, presenting with recurrent infections, hypogammaglobulinemia, and decreased antibody responses. The compound heterozygous NFATC1 variants identified in these patients caused decreased stability and reduced the binding of DNA and interacting proteins. We observed defects in early activation and proliferation of T and B cells from these patients, amenable to rescue upon genetic reconstitution. Stimulation induced early T-cell activation and proliferation responses were delayed but not lost, reaching that of healthy controls at day 7, indicative of an adaptive capacity of the cells. Assessment of the metabolic capacity of patient T cells revealed that NFATc1 dysfunction rendered T cells unable to engage in glycolysis after stimulation, although oxidative metabolic processes were intact. We hypothesized that NFATc1-mutant T cells could compensate for the energy deficit due to defective glycolysis by using enhanced lipid metabolism as an adaptation, leading to a delayed, but not lost, activation responses. Indeed, we observed increased 13C-labeled palmitate incorporation into citrate, indicating higher fatty acid oxidation, and we demonstrated that metformin and rosiglitazone improved patient T-cell effector functions. Collectively, enabled by our molecular dissection of the consequences of loss-of-function NFATC1 mutations and extending the role of NFATc1 in human immunity beyond receptor signaling, we provide evidence of metabolic plasticity in the context of impaired glycolysis observed in patient T cells, alleviating delayed effector responses.
Comparative analysis of whole blood transcriptomics between European and local Caribbean pigs in response to feed restriction in a tropical climate
Authors: Poullet Nausicaa , Devarieux Orianne , Beramice David , Dantec Laurent , Félicité Yoann , Feuillet Dalila , Gourdine Jean-Luc , Bambou Jean-Christophe
Published: May 2023

Background

Feed restriction occurs frequently during pig growth, either due to economic reasons or stressful environmental conditions. Local breeds are suggested to have better tolerance to periods of feed restriction. However, the mechanisms underlying the response to feed restriction in different breeds is largely unknown. The aims of the present study were (1) to compare the blood transcriptome profile in response to feed restriction and refeeding of two contrasted breeds, Large White (LW), which has been selected for high performance, and Creole (CR), which is adapted to tropical conditions, and (2) to investigate the effect of a moderate feed restriction and refeeding on whole blood transcriptome. Analysis of blood transcriptome allows to study the response to feed restriction and refeeding in a dynamic way. RNAseq was performed on blood samples of growing LW and CR pigs at two time points: after 3 weeks of feed restriction and after 3 weeks of refeeding. The data was compared with samples from control animals offered the same diet on an ad libitum basis throughout the whole experiment.

Results

In terms of performance (body weight and feed efficiency), CR pigs were less impacted by feed restriction than LW. The transcriptional response to feed restriction and refeeding between CR and LW was contrasted both in terms of number of DEGs and enriched pathways. CR demonstrated a stronger transcriptional response to feed restriction whereas LW had a stronger response to refeeding. Differences in the transcriptional response to feed restriction between CR and LW were related to cell stress response (Aldosterone Signalling, Protein ubiquitination, Unfolded Protein Signalling) whereas after refeeding, differences were linked to thermogenesis, metabolic pathways and cell proliferation (p38 MAPK, ERK/MAPK pathway). In both breeds, transcriptional changes related to the immune response were found after restriction and refeeding.

Conclusions

Altogether, the present study indicates that blood transcriptomics can be a useful tool to study differential genetic response to feed restriction in a dynamic way. The results indicate a differential response of blood gene expression to feed restriction and refeeding between breeds, affecting biological pathways that are in accordance with performance and thermoregulatory results.
Deciphering the molecular basis for photosynthetic parameters in Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc) under drought stress
Authors: Gao Xiuqing , Chai Hui Hui , Ho Wai Kuan , Mayes Sean , Massawe Festo
Published: May 2023

Background

Assessment of segregating populations for their ability to withstand drought stress conditions is one of the best approaches to develop breeding lines and drought tolerant varieties. Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea L. Verdc.) is a leguminous crop, capable of growing in low-input agricultural systems in semi-arid areas. An F4 bi-parental segregating population obtained from S19-3 × DodR was developed to evaluate the effect of drought stress on photosynthetic parameters and identify QTLs associated with these traits under drought-stressed and well-watered conditions in a rainout shelter.

Results

Stomatal conductance (gs), photosynthesis rate (A), transpiration rate (E) and intracellular CO2 (Ci) were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) while water use efficiency (WUE) was significantly increased (p < 0.05) under drought-stressed conditions. A strong linear correlation was observed between gs, WUE, A, E and Ci under both water regimes. The variability between different water treatment, among individual lines and the interaction between lines and environment for photosynthetic parameters provides resources for superior lines selection and drought resistant variety improvement. Significant QTL for gs and FV/FM under well-watered conditions were mapped on LG5 and LG3, respectively, with more than 20% of the PVE, which could be considered as the major QTL to control these traits. Five clustered QTLs for photosynthetic traits under drought-stressed and well-watered conditions were mapped on LG5, LG6A, LG10 and LG11, respectively.

Conclusions

Significant and putative QTLs associated with photosynthetic parameters and the effect of drought stress on these traits have been revealed by QTL linkage mapping and field experiment in the F4 segregating population derived from S19-3 × DodR in bambara groundnut. The study provides fundamental knowledge of how photosynthetic traits response to drought stress and how genetic features control these traits under drought-stressed and well-watered conditions in bambara groundnut.
Immunogenicity and safety of COVID-19 BNT162b2 booster vaccine in end-stage kidney disease patients receiving haemodialysis in Yogyakarta, Indonesia: a cohort prospective study
Authors: Puspitasari Metalia , Sattwika Prenali D. , Hidayat Auliana R. P. , Wijaya Wynne , Wardhani Yulia , Intansari Umi S. , Kertia Nyoman , Purwanto Bambang , Thobari Jarir At
Published: May 2023

Background

A significant decrease in antibody titres several months after COVID-19 primary vaccination in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis has recently been reported. The waning in antibody titres has led to the recommendations for a booster dose to increase the antibody titres after vaccination. Consequently, it is crucial to analyse the long-term humoral immune responses after COVID-19 primary vaccination and assess the immunogenicity and safety of booster doses in haemodialysis (HD) patients.

Methods

Patients on maintenance haemodialysis who received the primary vaccine of CoronaVac (Sinovac) vaccine were administered with BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) as the booster dose. The immunogenicity was assessed before (V1), one month (V2) and eight months (V3) after the primary vaccination, as well as one month after the booster dose (V4). Patients were followed up one month after the booster dose to assess the adverse events (AEs).

Results

The geometric mean titre (GMT) of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD IgG antibody at 8 months after the primary vaccination increased significantly to 5,296.63 (95%CI: 2,930.89–9,571.94) U/mL (p =  < 0.0001) compared to before the primary vaccination. The GMT also increased significantly to 19,142.56 (95% CI: 13,489.63–27,227.01) U/mL (p < 0.0001) 1 month after the booster vaccine. Meanwhile, the median inhibition rate of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) at 8 months after the primary vaccine and 1 month after the booster dose were not significantly different (p > 0.9999). The most common AEs after the booster dose included mild pain at the injection site (55.26%), mild fatigue (10.53%), and swelling at the injection site (10.53%). No serious AEs were reported.

Conclusions

The majority of ESKD patients on haemodialysis mounted a good antibody response to the BNT162b2 booster vaccination with tolerable adverse events.
A case of intravenous iron administration resulting in cerebral edema expansion
Authors: Espinosa Jonathan , Rehman Umair , Kaddouh Firas
Published: May 2023

Background

Iron plays an important role in the development of perihematomal edema (PHE) in the setting of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Cerebral iron is increased via direct hemoglobin release in ICH, and several studies have investigated the use of iron-chelating agents to mitigate its toxicity. However, the effect of systemic iron administration, corroborating the reverse concept, has never been investigated or reported clinically. We report the first case of systemic iron administration in the setting of hemorrhagic traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Case presentation

A 46-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with acute moderate-to-severe TBI. Her head computed tomography (CT) scan showed bifrontal hemorrhagic contusions with mild PHE. She was started on hypertonic saline 3% continuous infusion and her condition remained stable initially. She was found to be anemic and was given intravenous iron sucrose. Shortly after iron administration, her mental status declined, and left pupil became dilated and sluggish. Repeat CT demonstrated significantly worsening PHE. This prompted maximum hyperosmolar therapy and external ventricular drain (EVD) placement which both were weaned off slowly due to liable ICPs. She was discharged home after a 25-day hospital stay.

Conclusions

We believe this is the first report of exacerbating PHE accompanied by clinical decline after intravenous iron administration in the setting of acute hemorrhagic brain contusions. Though the effects of systemic iron administration on brain edema and the treatments targeting cerebral iron are poorly understood, the administration of systemic iron in acute TBI seems to be detrimental. More research is needed to address iron toxicity in TBI. Our case adds to the growing evidence for such a pathway in the treatment of ICH and TBI.
Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial investigating the effect of online interpretation bias intervention on stress reactivity in the children of parents with depression: the CoCo study
Authors: Frommelt Tonya , Bäumler Leonie , Rohleder Nicolas , Schulte-Körne Gerd , Platt Belinda
Published: May 2023

Background

Current preventive interventions for the children of parents with depression demonstrate modest effects on depression incidence. This may be because existing interventions tend to comprise general psychotherapeutic tools, rather than targeting the specific mechanisms underlying familial transmission. Improved theoretical models of familial transmission could enhance the development of targeted interventions. Although existing models assume that cognitive and biological vulnerability factors influence one another, the precise mechanisms are unknown. This project is the first to experimentally test whether negative interpretation bias has an impact on cortisol response in children of parents with depression. This study protocol reports a randomised controlled trial of an interpretation bias intervention which aims to shift participants’ interpretation bias in a more positive direction and thereby alter their stress response.

Methods

Children aged 10–14 years who have i) one parent with a current or previous depression diagnosis, with at least one episode occurring during the child’s lifetime and ii) do not have a current or previous psychiatric diagnosis themselves, will be assigned to one of two conditions: an interpretation bias intervention (n = 50) or a structurally similar placebo intervention (n = 50). The interpretation bias intervention consists of a short lab-based cognitive reappraisal of interpretations training, a four-week app-based Cognitive Bias Modification of Interpretations intervention and interpretation bias specific if–then plans. Interpretation bias will be assessed before and after the intervention using the Scrambled Sentences Task. The effect of the intervention on participants’ stress response will be assessed by salivary cortisol collected at five different time points: from immediately before until 45 min after administering the Trier Social Stressor Test for Children. Stress reactivity will be measured via baseline to peak cortisol and stress recovery will be measured via the 45 min cortisol marker. We hypothesise that children who participate in the interpretation bias intervention will display a positive shift in interpretation bias and this, in turn, will alter their stress response. Children who receive the placebo intervention are expected to show a smaller positive shift in interpretation bias and stress reactivity.

Discussion

The findings of the present study will contribute to models of familial depression transmission as well as informing preventive interventions. If training a more positive interpretation bias subsequently alters participants’ stress response, then incorporating such tools may increase the efficacy of existing preventive interventions.

Trial registration

Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien DRKS00028842. Registered August 19, 2022.
Association between academic pressure, NR3C1 gene methylation, and anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents: a nested case-control study
Authors: Hua Yilin , Huang Cuihong , Guo Yangfeng , Du Xueying , Guo Liling , Wang Wanxin , Lu Ciyong , Guo Lan
Published: May 2023

Background

Academic pressure is a prevalent stressor among Chinese adolescents and is often linked to anxiety symptoms, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between NR3C1 gene methylation, academic pressure, and anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents.

Methods

This nested-case control study included 150 adolescents (boys: 38.7%; baseline age: 12–17 years) from a school-based longitudinal study of Chinese adolescents. Cases (n = 50) were defined as those with anxiety symptoms at both baseline and follow-up, while controls (n = 100) were randomly selected from those without anxiety symptoms at both timepoints. The cases and controls were 1:2 matched by age. Academic pressure, anxiety symptoms, and potential covariates were measured using a self-report questionnaire. Peripheral whole blood samples were collected from each participant for the detection of cortisol level (i.e., morning serum cortisol level) and DNA methylation. The methylation analysis included a total of 27 CpG units at the NR3C1 promoter region.

Results

The final adjusted models showed that students with heavy academic pressure at baseline were at a higher risk of anxiety symptoms at follow-up compared to those with mild academic pressure (β estimate: 6.24 [95% CI: 3.48 ~ 9.01]). After adjusting for covariates, the methylation level of one CpG unit (NR3C1-16 CpG10) in NR3C1 differed significantly between cases and controls (F = 6.188, P = 0.014), and the difference remained significant after correction for multiple testing (P < 0.025). The adjusted regression models showed that moderate (β estimate = 0.010 [95% CI: 0.000 ~ 0.020], P = 0.046) and heavy (β estimate = 0.011 [95% CI: 0.001 ~ 0.020], P = 0.030) academic pressure were significantly associated with the methylation level of NR3C1-16 CpG 10. Further mediation analysis demonstrated that the association of academic pressure and anxiety symptoms was significantly mediated by the methylation of NR3C1-16 CpG 10 (β estimate for indirect effect = 0.11 [95% CI: 0.005 ~ 0.32]; indirect/total effect = 8.3%).

Conclusion

The present study suggests that NR3C1-16 CpG 10 DNA methylation might be a potential mechanism that partially explains the lasting effects of academic pressure on subsequent anxiety symptoms among adolescents. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to replicate this finding.
Behavioral and psychosocial factors and their effects on insomnia among people undergoing entry quarantine in hotels during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Luo Rui , Li Jinghua , Shang Menglin , Peng Zhili , Wang Zhiwei , Gu Jing
Published: May 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact global health and China requires a 14-day quarantine for individuals on flights with positive COVID-19 cases. This quarantine can impact mental well-being, including sleep. This study aims to examine the impact of psychosocial and behavioral factors on insomnia among individuals undergoing quarantine in hotels.

Methods

This study was a cross-sectional survey carried out in Guangzhou, China. The data was gathered through online questionnaires distributed to international passengers who arrived in Guangzhou on flights and were required to undergo a 14-day quarantine in hotels arranged by the local government. The questionnaires were sent to the participants through the government health hotline "12,320."

Results

Of the 1003 passengers who were quarantined, 6.7% reported significant anxiety and 25.0% had varying degrees of insomnia. Anxiety was positively associated with insomnia (β = 0.92, P < 0.001), while collectivism (β = -0.07, P = 0.036), indoor exercise (β = -0.50, P < 0.001), and the perceived people orientation of the public health service (β = -0.20, P = 0.001) were negatively associated with insomnia. The study also identified moderating effects, such that a higher sense of collectivism, a greater frequency of indoor exercise, and a higher perception of the people-oriented of the public health service were associated with a lower impact of anxiety on insomnia. These moderating effects were also observed in participants with varying degrees of insomnia.

Conclusions

This study reveals that a proportion of people undergoing entry quarantine experience insomnia and confirms how psychosocial and behavioral factors can alleviate insomnia in this population.
Increasing disclosure of school-related gender-based violence: lessons from a systematic review of data collection methods and existing survey research
Authors: Tanton Clare , Bhatia Amiya , Pearlman Jodie , Devries Karen
Published: May 2023

Background

School-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) includes sexual, physical or psychological violence occurring in and around schools often perpetrated by teachers or peers. In this review, we focus on studies comparing how data collection methodologies affect children’s disclosures of SRGBV.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review, searching nine databases for studies from high, middle and low-income countries using search terms related to violence, disclosure and data collection methodology. Records were initially screened by abstract and then full-texts were retrieved and data from eligible reports extracted. In this paper, we draw on results from this larger systematic review highlighting studies conducted with children which either collected data in schools or asked about violence in schools. We also describe methods compared and results of studies that were not conducted in schools, but that included children and young people. Finally, we describe how multi-country nationally representative surveys conducted in at least one low and middle-income country measure children’s experiences of SRGBV.

Results

We screened 28,780 records, of which fourteen are included in this article. Only four studies compared data collection methodologies in schools or about violence in schools. These showed a 0 to more than 500-percent variation in the prevalence of violence measured using different data collection methodologies. An additional ten studies which were not conducted in schools, examined disclosure of violence in children and young people that was not specifically school-related. We assessed five multi-country national surveys that measured SRGBV. This limited evidence suggests that methods allowing increased anonymity (e.g. audio computer assisted self-interview, online surveys) may result in higher disclosure of violence, including SRGBV, than face-to-face interviewing. No studies included reported on safety, experiences of young people, or the costs of different methods. Multi-country national surveys used self-completion methods if completed in schools or face-to-face interviewing if completed in households, to measure SRGBV.

Conclusion

Evidence on the impact of data collection method on SRGBV disclosure is limited, however current prevalence of SRGBV in international surveys used to monitor SDG progress may be underestimated due to data collection methods used. Further research on SRGBV should aim to test the effects of data collection methodology on the disclosure of violence. Efforts to improve the measurement of SRGBV is central to understanding the epidemiology, monitoring changes, and developing school and community-based programs as well as policies to prevent and respond to SRGBV.
Are transgender people satisfied with their lives?
Authors: Grupp Katharina , Blessmann Marco , König Hans-Helmut , Hajek André
Published: May 2023

Background

Our goal was to examine the proportion of transgender people satisfied with their lives (i.e., cognitive evaluation of life as a whole) and the determinants of life satisfaction level among transgender individuals.

Methods

Data were taken from the HH-TPCHIGV study. Included were 104 transgender people who had joined self-help groups to get and share information about the gender-affirming surgeries performed at the Division of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. The established Satisfaction with Life Scale was used to quantify life satisfaction. Sociodemographic-, lifestyle-related and health-related determinants were included in multiple linear regressions. In regression analysis, life satisfaction served as outcome measure and in a robustness check ordered probit regressions were used.

Results

Among transgender people, 12.9% can be classified as “extremely dissatisfied”, 18.3% can be classified as “dissatisfied”, 12.9% can be classified as “slightly dissatisfied”, 7.5% as “neutral”, 30.1% as “slightly satisfied”, 17.2% as “satisfied” and 1.1% as “extremely satisfied”. Higher levels of life satisfaction were associated with higher age (β = .15, p < .05), higher school education (β = 5.54, p < .001), and favorable self-rated health (β = 2.20, p < .001).

Conclusions

Nearly half of the transgender people were at least “satisfied” with their lives. Knowledge about the correlates of life satisfaction may assist in addressing unsatisfied individuals.
ILC2 regulates hyperoxia-induced lung injury via an enhanced Th17 cell response in the BPD mouse model
Authors: Zhu Yue , Mi Lanlan , Lu Hongyan , Ju Huimin , Hao Xiaobo , Xu Suqing
Published: May 2023

Backgroud

Recent research has focused on the role of immune cells and immune responses in the pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), but the exact mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. Previously, the key roles of type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) in the lung immune network of BPD were explored. Here, we investigated the role Th17 cell response in hyperoxia-induced lung injury of BPD, as well as the relationship between ILC2 and Th17 cell response.

Methods

A hyperoxia-induced BPD mouse model was constructed and the pathologic changes of lung tissues were evaluated by Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. Flow cytometry analysis was conducted to determine the levels of Th17 cell, ILC2 and IL-6+ILC2. The expression levels of IL-6, IL-17 A, IL-17 F, and IL-22 in the blood serum and lung tissues of BPD mice were measured by ELISA. To further confirm the relationship between ILC2 and Th17 cell differentiation, ILC2 depletion was performed in BPD mice. Furthermore, we used immunomagnetic beads to enrich ILC2 and then flow-sorted mouse lung CD45+Lin-CD90.2+Sca-1+ILC2. The sorted ILC2s were injected into BPD mice via tail vein. Following ILC2 adoptive transfusion, the changes of Th17 cell response and lung injury were detected in BPD mice.

Results

The expression levels of Th17 cells and Th17 cell-related cytokines, including IL-17 A, IL-17 F, and IL-22, were significantly increased in BPD mice. Concurrently, there was a significant increase in the amount of ILC2 and IL-6+ILC2 during hyperoxia-induced lung injury, which was consistent with the trend for Th17 cell response. Compared to the control BPD group, ILC2 depletion was found to partially abolish the Th17 cell response and had protective effects against lung injury after hyperoxia. Furthermore, the adoptive transfer of ILC2 enhanced the Th17 cell response and aggravated lung injury in BPD mice.

Conclusions

This study found that ILC2 regulates hyperoxia-induced lung injury by targeting the Th17 cell response in BPD, which shows a novel strategy for BPD immunotherapy.