bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entre o Quarto de Despejo e a sala de aula: experiências e atravessamentos com alunos da educação básica a partir da leitura de Carolina Maria de Jesus
Authors: Santos Ariel Costa dos
Published: April 2023

O presente trabalho é fruto da leitura coletiva da obra Quarto de Despejo, de Carolina Maria de Jesus (1960), com a turma do 9° ano de uma escola pública da cidade Rondonópolis, estado de Mato Grosso. Destaca-se que leitura do diário apresenta-se de forma interdisciplinar e não se restringe somente ao campo literário, e pode ser explorado para o processo de aprendizagem por vários campos do conhecimento cientifico, entre eles, a geografia. Infere-se que, o diálogo entre a geografia e a literatura ressurgiu nos últimos anos nos debates acadêmicos ensejando novas possibilidades de conhecimento. No âmbito escolar, essa questão, ainda é pouco presente, primeiro por falta de obras importantes nas bibliotecas das escolas e também pela falta de formação adequada dos professores. Visando promover a leitura e a compreensão da realidade nos alunos, buscou-se através da prática pedagógica, apresentar um ambiente de construção do conhecimento a partir da intersecção entre geografia e literatura afro-brasileira, com base nos escritos de Carolina Maria de Jesus, tendo a sala de aula como espaço atravessado pela multiplicidade de possibilidade de aprendizado.
THE LEVEL OF PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE COVID-19 VACCINE IN LORONG TALANG PADANG, PASAR SUB-DISTRICT, TEBING TINGGI DISTRICT, EMPAT LAWANG DISTRICT, SOUTH SUMATRA PROVINCETITLE OF PAPER
Authors: Dini Shafira Anggia , Dominica Dwi
Published: April 2023

Background: The Covid-19 vaccination is the government's effort to suppress the growth of the corona virus, which is carried out in stages, targeting almost whole public. Objective: The purpose of this research was to determine the level of public knowledge about the Covid-19 vaccine in Lorong Talang Padang, Pasar district, Tebing Tinggi city, Empat Lawang regency, South Sumatra province. Methods: This research is descriptive research with purposive sampling method using 76 respondents who meet the inclusion criteria with a test question instrument. Results: The results showed that people who have good knowledge are 67.1% and people who have sufficient knowledge are 32.89%. This research has six indicators, good public knowledge on indicators of general knowledge about the Covid-19 vaccine which is 94.90%, the benefits and objectives of the Covid-19 vaccination 91.22%, side effects of the Covid-19 vaccine, which is 90.13%, and location the implementation of the Covid-19 vaccination is 97.36%. The public's knowledge is sufficient on the indicator of the criteria for the recipient of the Covid-19 vaccine, which is 62.17% and the public's knowledge is lacking on the indicator of the dose of the Covid-19 vaccine with a percentage of 10.52%. Conclusion: The level of public knowledge about the Covid-19 vaccine in Lorong Talang Padang, Pasar district, Tebing Tinggi city, Empat Lawang regency, South Sumatra province is classified as good with a percentage of 67.1%.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ALLAMANDA FLOWER (Allamanda ca-thartica L.) ETHANOLIC EXTRACT
Authors: Rahmawati Suci , Riski Ayu Ovia , Yustisla Nova , Purnama Yetti
Published: April 2023

Allamanda flowers were known as ornamental plants, but also have benefits as traditional medicine. Phytochemical screening is an important first step in identifying potential secondary metabolites of a plant. This study were to determine of characteristics and phytochemical screening of allamanda flowers ethanolic extract. Allamanda flowers used were natural flowers that have been air-dried for 7 days. The extract from dry sample of allamanda flowers was obtained by maceration method using 96% ethanol as solvent. The extracts were evaluated their characteristics including, yield, ash content, water content and phytochemical screening by color reaction method with specific reagent. The results were obtained that extract characteristics, namely the yield of 51.77%; water content of 1.14%; and ash content of 4.71%. The results were obtained from the phytochemical test that 96% ethanol extract of allamanda flowers contains flavonoid and saponin. It can be concluded that ethanol extract of allamanda flowers with ash content of 4.71% and water content of 1.14% contains flavonoids and tannins.
IMPROVING SCIENCE PROCESS SKILLS OF STUDENTS WITH MILD INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
Authors: Şenel Çoruhlu Tülay , Çalık Muammer , Er Nas Sibel , Bilgin Büşra
Published: April 2023

Relevant literature has an unexplored question on how prediction-observation-explanation (POE) worksheets affect science process skills of students with mild intellectual disabilities (SMID). Therefore, this research aimed to examine the effect of POE worksheets developed for the “matter and its nature” subject on SMID’s science process skills. Through pre-experimental research design, 12 fifth grade SMID participated in the research. To collect data, the researchers used science process skills development forms and rubrics to score their observations. During the teaching intervention, SMID implemented three POE worksheets, which included buzz 22 technique in the ‘prediction’ stage, hands-on experiments and QR codes in the ‘observation’ stage and snowball, learning gallery or card showing techniques in the ‘evaluation’ stage. The results indicated that the POE worksheets are effective at developing SMID’s science process skills of the "matter and its nature" subject. This research recommends that future comparative research should unveil how the POE worksheets with/without active learning techniques impact the SMID’s SPS.
Keywords: mild intellectual disabilities, science education, science process skills
THE THINKING OF STUDENTS AGED 15-18 IN EXPLAINING THE DISSOLUTION PHENOMENON
Authors: Shi Guanxue , Lu Shanshan , Bi Hualin
Published: April 2023

Explaining natural phenomena by determining causal relationships is conducive to understanding scientific concepts. In science education, numerous studies examine students' causal reasoning. Given the importance of core ideas for students’ understanding of how and why a phenomenon occurs, the study focused on the relationship between students' understanding of atoms/molecules interactions and the nature of reasoning. This study drew on a framework that identifies essential components of students' reasoning, which was used to analyze the dissolution phenomenon in the example of salt in water. Students in grades 9-12 (N=147) explained the dissolution of salt. The results showed that there were five types of reasoning: simple descriptive, fuzzy causal, linear causal, interactive causal, and mechanistic. More students in higher than lower grades exhibited non-causal reasoning. Based on the students' drawings of atoms/molecules interactions, the study summarized performance in the association category. Students’ performance in drawing indicated that their understanding of particle interactions was limited. The results showed that there was a large correlation between understanding of the core ideas and reasoning types.
Keywords: core ideas understanding, causal reasoning, dissolution phenomenon, small-sample qualitative study
Tendencias y alcance territorial de la vinculación científico-tecnológica en las universidades argentinas
Authors: Di Meglio Fernanda
Published: April 2023

La presente propuesta pretende reflexionar- a través de un estudio de casos- sobre las tendencias y alcance de los modelos institucionales de vinculación científico-tecnológica desplegados por dos universidades argentinas. En ese marco, se sostiene que el alcance de los modelos institucionales está asociado a dos procesos convergentes: la construcción y organización interna de dicha función hacia adentro de la universidad (estructuras institucionales, orientación de la función desde sus orígenes, etc.) y una mirada externa, vinculada al tipo de relación y/o vínculos que establece con los actores públicos y privados locales de su entorno territorial. En este marco, se podrán observar similitudes en las estructuras institucionales y diferencias en cuanto a alcance, ámbito de acción y formas de articulación con el entorno territorial de las universidades estudiadas.
“No one will say homemakers don’t work” A study in Dhaka city to explore the perceptions of women on redefining unpaid work: Recognition or redistribution?
Authors: Haque Tania , Fariha Tasnim Nowshin
Published: April 2023

This article analyses the multiple dynamics of getting recognition for unpaid work based on the perceptions and expectations of both employed and non- employed women from middle and lower middle class in Dhaka city. The study follows qualitative research methodology through conducting semi structured in- depth interviews with 40 married women. The findings underscore that women’s perceptions on unpaid work are widely diverse and depend on their economic class and employment status. Still a good number of women believe that they are born to do unpaid work and women should not demand any financial benefits in return of their care and domestic work. Besides, there is a few women who strongly support the idea of wage creation for unpaid work, either from state, husband or from both. A huge difference has been identified between the amount of money argued from different categories of women based on their economic class, employment status and other conditions of life. The findings also unfold wage creation is not sufficient to ensure the social recognition for women’s housework. Strong family bonding, respect, appreciation, happiness, and leisure can be the alternative ways of social recognition for unpaid work. Moreover, women also demand for men’s participation in the unpaid work.
Social Science Review, Vol. 39(1), June 2022 Page 15-34
The Role of Mainstream and New Media in Developing Social Movements: A Case of Shahbagh Movement
Authors: Azim Shabnam , Yasmin Fatema Samina
Published: April 2023

A social movement is a planned attempt by many individuals to influence or oppose certain significant aspects of society. They have impacted laws, regulations, and even political structures. Recently, it has been observed that both the mainstream media and new media play crucial roles in developing social movements.. The new media can accelerate the recruitment and mobilisation of social movements. It can influence and set the agenda concerning any movements for the traditional media. However, movements based on new media platforms could only sustain if they received the support of the mainstream media. This paper uses the Shahbagh movement as a case study to examine how mainstream and new media played a crucial role in bringing it to the public’s attention. This article argues that the Shahbagh movement has shown that new media can influence mainstream media’s agenda and the development of a social movement in Bangladesh. It contributed to accelerating the resource mobilisation and recruitment of the Shahbagh movement and made it the leading news for the traditional media. At the same time, this paper also examines how the Shahbagh movement lost its ability to be newsworthy.
Social Science Review, Vol. 39(1), June 2022 Page 57-73
The Normalization of Domestic Violence in Bangladesh: Analysing through the Lens of Social Learning Theory
Authors: Rahman Farzana , Sakib A B M Najmus
Published: April 2023

The study focuses on the gender-biased socialization process inside the patriarchal social system, which institutionalizes domestic violence against women and transmits it from generation to generation. A culture of normalization contributes to the increased incidence of domestic violence against women, which is socially acceptable despite the fact that it affects women. Domestic violence was predicted to decrease annually in Bangladesh due to improved literacy rates, women’s empowerment and participation, and economic prosperity, among other factors. Despite these assumptions, the frequency of violence continues to rise. This qualitative study analyses how sociocultural factors influence domestic violence’s acceptance in Bangladeshi society. Additionally, it has an intergenerational effect, which has been examined through Albert Bandura’s social learning theory. The researchers conducted extensive semi-structured interviews with participants to understand the issue as a social phenomenon. The paper concludes with a few ideas for a long-term policy to eradicate the root causes of domestic violence against women in society.
Social Science Review, Vol. 39(1), June 2022 Page 141-164
THE EFFECT OF OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE ON COMPANY VALUE IN NON-FINANCIAL ISSUERS, 2016 – 2020
Authors: Imaduddin Adim , Hendrawaty Ernie , Hasnawati Sri
Published: April 2023

The ownership structure is one of the corporate governance mechanisms that can affect the company's agency costs. Besides that, it influences the company performance and maximization of company value. Due to the inconsistencies in the results of research regarding ownership structure on corporate value, this study aims to to determine the effect of institutional, foreign, and individual ownership and corporate value on non-financial issuers in 2016 – 2020. The method used was quantitative research using the correlation method. The data analysis technique used was multiple regression analysis and testing of classical assumptions and hypotheses. Hence, the study results concluded that Institutional Ownership, Foreign Ownership and Individual Ownership have a significant effect on Firm Value.
Nuevos paradigmas de la educación universitaria en el Siglo XXI-Reflexión desde la UNPHU y FUDPHU.
Authors: De Moya Español Raúl
Published: April 2023

Esta reflexión realiza una mirada crítica hacia la Educación del siglo XXI desde la perspectiva de los efectos de los cambios del siglo, la tecnología y su relación con culturas de avance lento expuestas al cambio constante. Analiza, además, la necesidad de detectar las causas de esta última problemática para tomar medidas oportunas y evitar que se pierda el impacto que ejercen las universidades sobre la sociedad y su futuro. Profundiza la mirada, cuestionando la función de las fundaciones modernas en relación a las universidades que patrocinan como son las de sostenerlas, servir de asesores, y hasta de fiscalizadores, evitando a toda costa drenar las arcadas de las instituciones que están dadas a proteger.
Laudatio Académica: Tres Colosos
Authors: Pérez Montás Eugenio
Published: April 2023

Indagar en las vidas y legados de tres hombres, ciudadanos ejemplares, reconocidos por su Alma Máter con los máximos laudos de profesores honoris causa, es una lección imperecedera para los actuales y futuros estudiantes de la Universidad. Aprender de ellos, reconocerlos por su individual noción de éxito, por su preocupación por los demás y por el justo sentido de su liderazgo es recoger parte importante del legado que la UNPHU ha construido por poco más de medio siglo. Es, también, comprender el rol que estamos llamados a jugar los profesionales académicos en el devenir de la sociedad dominicana.
La biblioteca universitaria del siglo XXI y los nuevos escenarios del aprendizaje.
Authors: Marrero Sena Eloísa
Published: April 2023

Se enuncian los cambios que se han sucedido en las universidades, en el entorno cada vez más cambiante de la sociedad contemporánea, en el que adquieren especial importancia las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación (TIC) para facilitar el acceso a la información. Se expone cómo esta situación, implica la introducción de nuevos estilos de aprendizaje en la enseñanza académica, lo que genera un nuevo paradigma, para el docente, el estudiante y también para el bibliotecario, a partir de la necesidad de aprender a aprender a lo largo de toda la vida. Se presentan las trasformaciones que se han realizado en las bibliotecas universitarias para integrarse al proceso académico, proponiendo nuevos espacios y modelos de servicios como espacio integrado para el aprendizaje, de forma amplia, flexible e inteligente, que genere nuevas facilidades para el acceso a la información. Se hace énfasis en el rol del bibliotecario, como profesional de la información, que asume el reto de la alfabetización informacional como estrategia de desarrollo de la biblioteca universitaria, acorde con los nuevos paradigmas educativos de la universidad del siglo XXI.
Construção de tecnologia assistencial para prevenção do extravasamento de drogas quimioterápicas
Authors: Rodrigues Rogéria de Sousa , Neves Jucilene  Luz , Garcia Maria Francilene da Silva , Pinheiro Ana Carolina Marinho , Caldas Esther Miranda , Garcia Geice Kelly Costa Soares , Lisbôa Julia Santos , Souza Thaís Neves de , Silva Kyara Alessandra Mello Alves da , Ferreira Milena Farah Damous Castanho
Published: April 2023

Objetivo: construir uma tecnologia assistencial para prevenção do extravasamento de drogas quimioterápicas. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo descritivo, exploratório, de abordagem qualitativa, utilizou-se a revisão integrativa da literatura, o que nos permitiu elaborar um protocolo assistencial para a prevenção de extravasamento de drogas quimioterápicas, contendo as condutas e as intervenções que a enfermagem deverá adotar para prevenir o extravasamento, foi construído uma tabela sobre a classificação dos medicamentos quimioterápicos de acordo com seu potencial de toxicidade dermatológica. Resultados: a partir dos achados na RIL emergiram 3 categorias, onde foram discorridas as principais necessidades para construção do protocolo. A partir disso construiu-se o protocolo, o qual contém informações sobre as condutas da equipe e manejo com drogas antineoplásicas, um roteiro de coleta de dados que permite a descrição sobre o extravasamento, a classificação dos quimioterápicos de acordo com o potencial de toxicidade dermatológica. Conclusão: a construção de uma tecnologia assistencial para a prevenção do extravasamento de drogas quimioterápicas contribui para uma vigilância maior por parte dos profissionais, promove a redução de danos decorrentes dessas incidências e possibilita condutas e tomadas de decisões imediatas, contudo torna-se necessário que os profissionais estejam capacitados continuamente para realizar esse manejo de forma adequada e segura para o paciente.
Both wind and flying with conspecifics influence the flight dynamics of a seabird
Authors: Keys DZ , Pistorius PA , Tremblay Y , Thiebault A
Published: April 2023

Ocean environments and associated biota are affected by wind. Expected future changes in wind conditions could impact seabirds because they influence flight energetics. Seabird morphological characteristics influence their wing loading and other aspects of flight, and hence their responses to varying wind conditions. Foraging efficiency of seabirds can also be affected by the presence of conspecifics, with formation flight potentially reducing energetic costs. Using data obtained from bird-borne video cameras and GPS loggers in conjunction with concurrent wind data, we studied the effects of wind, wing loading and conspecifics on the flight dynamics of Cape gannets Morus capensis. Overall, gannets spent more time flapping than gliding, with the latter used increasingly as wind speed strengthened. Wind direction (relative to direction of flight) influenced the ground speed, which was lower in head- than in tailwinds. We found no significant effect of wing loading on flight dynamics. Instead, the presence of conspecifics was the most influential predictor, showing positive relationships with the duration of time spent in a flight bout, the distance travelled within the bout and flying behaviour (proportion of time spend flapping and gliding, and the number of switches between the 2 states). These results suggest that Cape gannets may benefit from flight formation with conspecifics by reducing the energetic costs of flight (reduced proportion of time spent flapping), which would ultimately result in an increased distance travelled in a single flight bout.
Hormonal Therapies for Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sternberg Cora N. , Tombal Bertrand
Published: April 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in men, comprising 15% of new cancer cases. While most cases are diagnosed at an early stage and can be managed conservatively or by local treatment alone, up to 30% of patients will receive androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Indeed, high-risk localised and locally advanced PCa require either surgery or ADT in combination with radiation as a local strategy. On the other hand, metastatic patients are treated upfront with ADT, eventually combined with docetaxel, as suggested by recent studies.

ADT has been in use for more than 60 years and during this time it has undergone considerable evolution. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists have supplanted surgical castration and oestrogens, and are now challenged by GnRH antagonists. ADT induces profound but often short-lasting responses. In a low serum testosterone environment, the androgen receptor (AR) pathway may be reactivated either by overexpression, by mutation of the AR itself, or by adrenal or intracrine production of androgens. These mechanisms underlie the development of the majority of castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPCs). In addition to AR adaptation, several AR-independent mechanisms may also underlie progression of these cancers on ADT.

A new generation of AR-pathway inhibitors have succeeded first-generation anti-androgens and steroids, and are proven to extend survival in patients with metastatic CRPC. This review aims to summarise the current standard of care and available hormonal strategies in advanced PCa and future therapeutic perspectives that could change treatment paradigms in the coming years.
Meeting the Challenges in Atrial Fibrillation Management: The Role of New Anticoagulants
Authors: Amirthalingam Saroshi
Published: April 2023

Prof Gregory Lip opened the symposium with a discussion on determining stroke and bleeding risk in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and their management. Prof Raffaele De Caterina presented data from the PREFER in AF registry and trends in the management of AF across Europe. Dr Robert Giugliano concluded with a presentation of the latest data from the ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 trial.
IL-17 Inhibition: Emerging Perspectives in the Future Management of Axial Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Rodríguez de Ledesma Ana
Published: April 2023

The meeting was opened by Prof Atul Deodhar who introduced the prevalence, epidemiology, and clinical features of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and discussed the ongoing unmet needs in the management of axSpA. Prof Dirk Elewaut described the role of the interleukin-17 (IL-17) pathway in the pathogenesis of axSpA. Prof Dominique Baeten reviewed the latest clinical data from existing and emerging therapies for axSpA. Finally, Prof Xenofon Baraliakos discussed recent advances in the assessment of bone inflammation and structural damage in axSpA. Each discussion was followed by questions and answers. The meeting was concluded with an interactive final discussion between the panellists and the audience, with concluding remarks by Prof Atul Deodhar.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for Paediatric Stone Disease
Authors: Çelik Hüseyin , Çamtosun Ahmet , Altıntaş Ramazan , Taşdemir Cemal , Topcu İbrahim , Çimen Serhan , Güneş Ali
Published: April 2023

We evaluated the outcomes and complications occurring following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedures performed in paediatric patients. There were 291 paediatric patients (293 renal units) included in the current study and who underwent PCNL in our clinic between March 1999 and December 2014. We evaluated stone burden, duration of surgery and complications, success (stone-free) rate, residual fragments and auxilliary procedures, and follow-up details. The stone-free rate following PCNL was 88.3%. Early postoperative complications included excessive bleeding and transfusion in nine patients, and prolonged urinary extravasation following removal of the nephrostomy tube and requiring JJ stent placement in eight patients. The mean time to catheter removal was 2.8 days and the mean hospitalisation time was 3.5 days. The aim of kidney stone treatment is to achieve minimal kidney damage with the highest success rate. Therefore, minimally invasive procedures are important in the paediatric age group where life expectancy is high. PCNL is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of kidney stones in children.
Incidentally Detected Primary Giant Renal Cystic Enchinococcosis in a Young Patient: An Underestimated Entity?
Authors: Urer Emre , Ural Cakici Ozer , Erdem Canda Abdullah , Kilic Yazgan Aylin , Marali Seda , Asil Erem , Fuat Atmaca Ali
Published: April 2023

Echinococcosis is a parasitic infestation caused by Echinococcus granulosus and is an endemic disease in many parts of world. The symptoms and signs depend on the location and size of the cyst. Renal cystic echinococcosis or hydatid cyst (HC) disease of the kidney is extremely rare and constitutes only 2-4% of all cases of hydatid disease (HD). We present a 39-year-old male patient who was referred to our outpatient clinic with cystic right kidney mass that was incidentally diagnosed during hepatobiliary ultrasound for chronic hepatitis B evaluation. Routine blood tests were normal without eosinophilia. Indirect haemagglutination test was negative. Abdominal kidneys, ureters, and bladder X-ray showed an 83×95 mm sized curvilinear calcification in the right upper abdominal quadrant. Abdominal computed tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a 10x9x10 cm sized cystic mass arising from the middle pole of the right kidney, destructing the whole upper pole and extending into the liver. Daughter vesicles were present in the cystic lesion suggesting renal HD. Right retroperitoneal exploration with flank approach and right radical nephrectomy was performed without any complications. Pathology confirmed HC lesion. Following surgery, albendazole 400 mg per os twice daily for 4 weeks was suggested.
Greyhounds in a Sin City: Animal Welfare under Macao's Gambling Culture
Authors: Chan Catherine S.
Published: April 2023

For a few years in the 1930s and then for another fifty-five years since 1963, greyhound racing was one of the attractions that helped boost Macau's repertoire as the Monte Carlo of the East. Adopting the Marxist framework of commodification of non-human animals, this study explores the shaping of human-animal interaction in the context of a gambling city. I argue that the cultural assigning of greyhound puppies to the purpose of dog racing not only resulted in the construction of a general understanding of greyhounds as objects that could only belong to a canidrome, but also tied their lives to the fluctuating dynamics of the city's gambling sector. Ultimately, this study calls for a reappraisal of the ways we have tied non-humans with labels such as ‘racers’ or ‘rescues’ and the place of non-human animals in the city beyond the framework of capitalism.
Western-Centrism and the Global Queer Film Festival Circuit
Authors: Xie Heshen
Published: April 2023

Since they emerged in the late 1970s, queer film festivals have turned into a global cultural activity. A complex worldwide network of queer film festivals has also formed. This article establishes the framework of the global queer film festival circuit to examine the hegemonic relationships it produces. The global queer film festival circuit comprises top-tier film festivals and second-tier queer film festivals. As the first queer-themed film festival in Asia, the Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival (HKLGFF) is situated in a subordinate and passive position. Aiming to emphasize the unbalanced relationship among queer film festivals on a global scale, this article argues that due to commercial considerations and the lack of festival resources, the HKLGFF’s programming is dominated by the choices of top-tier film festivals and thus reproduces Western-centrism. Through the analysis of the HKLGFF’s programming process and criteria, it also demonstrates how top-tier film festivals influence the programming of second-tier queer film festivals by dominating the global market of queer films. Overall, this article expands the concept of the queer film festival circuit, addressing the significance of small-scale queer film festivals in the global South to worldwide queer culture as well as the global circulation of queer films.
Disfrazados of San Juan Mixtepec, Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Rieger Ivy
Published: April 2023

This article explores what work the disfrazados (jester characters) do to sustain and promote the construction of contemporary cultural identities and senses of belonging among the members of the Indigenous Mixtec community of San Juan Mixtepec, Oaxaca, Mexico. Disfrazados are poignant examples of what anthropologist Peggy Levitt termed “social remittances,” key elements for creating social and cultural capital in this transnational migratory community. The article extends theoretical discussions about Indigenous peoples in Mexico beyond traditional analyses of economic remittances by exploring their “non-monetary contributions to development,” specifically regarding the construction, maintenance, and practice of cultural identities and senses of belonging through performance.
History of The Slemani International Film Festival
Authors: Saeed Alan Ali
Published: April 2023

This interview with Hemn Hussein presents a history of the Slemani International Festival from its inception to the present. The interview looks at the practical issues of funding and running the festival. Attention is focused on its particular context of being a Kurdish yet international festival and its significance within Kurdish cultural aspirations.
CRISPR-cas technology: A key approach for SARS-CoV-2 detection
Authors: Fang Lijuan , Yang Lusen , Han Mingyue , Xu Huimei , Ding Wenshuai , Dong Xuejun
Published: April 2023

The CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Spaced Short Palindromic Repeats) system was first discovered in prokaryotes as a unique immune mechanism to clear foreign nucleic acids. It has been rapidly and extensively used in basic and applied research owing to its strong ability of gene editing, regulation and detection in eukaryotes. Hererin in this article, we reviewed the biology, mechanisms and relevance of CRISPR-Cas technology and its applications in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) diagnosis. CRISPR-Cas nucleic acid detection tools include CRISPR-Cas9, CRISPR-Cas12, CRISPR-Cas13, CRISPR-Cas14, CRISPR nucleic acid amplification detection technology, and CRISPR colorimetric readout detection system. The above CRISPR technologies have been applied to the nucleic acid detection, including SARS-CoV-2 detection. Common nucleic acid detection based on CRISPR derivation technology include SHERLOCK, DETECTR, and STOPCovid. CRISPR-Cas biosensing technology has been widely applied to point-of-care testing (POCT) by targeting recognition of both DNA molecules and RNA Molecules.
Interrogating the CD27:CD70 axis in αCD40-dependent control of pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gamache Awndre , Conarroe Claire , Adair Sara , Bauer Todd , Padilla Frederic , Bullock Timothy N. J.
Published: April 2023

Immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapy has radically changed patient outcomes in multiple cancer types. Pancreatic cancer is one of the notable exceptions, being protected from immunotherapy by a variety of mechanisms, including the presence of a dense stroma and immunosuppressive myeloid cells. Previous studies have demonstrated that CD40 stimulation can remodel the tumor microenvironment in a manner that promotes effector immune cell responses and can cooperate with immune checkpoint inhibition for durable tumor control mediated by T cells. Here we confirm the capability of this combination therapy to dramatically, and durably, control pancreatic cancer growth in an orthotopic model and that the immune memory to this cancer is primarily a function of CD4+ T cells. We extend this understanding by demonstrating that recruitment of recently primed T cells from the draining lymph nodes is not necessary for the observed control, suggesting that the pre-existing intra-tumoral cells respond to the combination therapy. Further, we find that the efficacy of CD40 stimulation is not dependent upon CD70, which is commonly induced on dendritic cells in response to CD40 agonism. Finally, we find that directly targeting the receptor for CD70, CD27, in combination with the TLR3 agonist polyIC, provides some protection despite failing to increase the frequency of interferon gamma-secreting T cells.
Human adenovirus type 7 subunit vaccine induces dendritic cell maturation through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway is highly immunogenic
Authors: Li Yaru , Yang Xia , Zhao Renshuang , Xiu Zhiru , Li Shanzhi , Li Yue , Song Gaojie , Ge Chenchen , Fang Jinbo , Han Jicheng , Zhu Yilong , Li Yiquan
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Human adenovirus type 7 (HAdv-7) infection is the main cause of upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis and pneumonia in children. At present, there are no anti- adenovirus drugs or preventive vaccines in the market. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a safe and effective anti-adenovirus type 7 vaccine.

Methods

In this study, In this study, we used the baculovirus-insect cell expression system to design a recombinant subunit vaccine expressing adenovirus type 7 hexon protein (rBV-hexon) to induce high-level humoral and cellular immune responses. To evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccine, we first detected the expression of molecular markers on the surface of antigen presenting cells and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro. We then measured the levels of neutralizing antibodies and T cell activation in vivo.

Results

The results showed that the rBV-hexon recombinant subunit vaccine could promote DC maturation and improve its antigen uptake capability, including the TLR4/NF-κB pathway which upregulated the expression of MHCI, CD80, CD86 and cytokines. The vaccine also triggered a strong neutralizing antibody and cellular immune response, and activated T lymphocytes.

Discussion

Therefore, the recombinant subunit vaccine rBV-hexon promoted promotes humoral and cellular immune responses, thereby has the potential to become a vaccine against HAdv-7.
Characterization of the gut microbiome of patients with Clostridioides difficile infection, patients with non–C. difficile diarrhea, and C. difficile–colonized patients
Authors: Vázquez-Cuesta Silvia , Villar Laura , García Nuria Lozano , Fernández Ana I. , Olmedo María , Alcalá Luis , Marín Mercedes , Muñoz Patricia , Bouza Emilio , Reigadas Elena
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is the main cause of nosocomial diarrhea in developed countries. A key challenge in CDI is the lack of objective methods to ensure more accurate diagnosis, especially when differentiating between true infection and colonization/diarrhea of other causes. The main objective of this study was to explore the role of the microbiome as a predictive biomarker of CDI.

Methods

Between 2018 and 2021, we prospectively included patients with CDI, recurrent CDI (R-CDI), non-CDI diarrhea (NO-CDI), colonization by C. difficile, and healthy individuals. Clinical data and fecal samples were collected. The microbiome was analyzed by sequencing the hypervariable V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene on an Illumina Miseq platform. The mothur bioinformatic pipeline was followed for pre-processing of raw data, and mothur and R were used for data analysis.

Results

During the study period, 753 samples from 657 patients were analyzed. Of these, 247 were from patients with CDI, 43 were from patients colonized with C. difficile, 63 were from healthy individuals, 324 were from NOCDI, and 76 were from R-CDI. We found significant differences across the groups in alpha and beta diversity and in taxonomic abundance. We identified various genera as the most significant biomarkers for CDI (Bacteroides, Proteus, Paraprevotella, Robinsoniella), R-CDI (Veillonella, Fusobacterium, Lactobacillus, Clostridium sensu stricto I), and colonization by C. difficile (Parabacteroides, Faecalicoccus, Flavonifractor, Clostridium XVIII).

Discussion

We observed differences in microbiome patterns between healthy individuals, colonized patients, CDI, R-CDI, and NOCDI diarrhea. We identified possible microbiome biomarkers that could prove useful in the diagnosis of true CDI infections. Further studies are warranted.
Training needs in dating violence prevention among school staff in Québec, Canada
Authors: Brodeur Geneviève , Fernet Mylène , Hébert Martine
Published: April 2023

Introduction

School staff play a central role in youth sexual health education (SHE), making them critical actors in dating violence (DV) prevention initiatives. However, since most school staff do not benefit from specific training on SHE, they often report feeling challenged in their roles as sex educators. The mention of a lack of self-efficacy to prevent DV is a concern as self-efficacy is associated with the motivation of adopting new behaviors. To optimize the scope of actions used to prevent DV, the SPARX program team sought to identify priority training needs using a mixed-methods design.

Methods

In the quantitative component of this study, 108 school staff completed an online survey regarding their sense of ease, self-efficacy and barriers faced in regard to DV prevention. For the qualitative component, 15 school staff participated in an individual semi-structured interview, sharing their experiences preventing DV. Descriptive analyses were conducted on the survey data, while direct content analysis using the self-efficacy theory concept was conducted on the interviews.

Results

To feel confident, school staff members need to learn about DV and healthy relationships and clarify their role in DV prevention. Turnkey activities, preformulated answers to adolescents’ questions, and strategies to reassure reluctant parents can strengthen staff’s sense of self-efficacy. Members of the school staff also want to feel supported and encouraged by their colleagues and school administration in their efforts to prevent DV.

Discussion

The results highlight the importance of providing training beyond acquisition of knowledge, which can improve attitudes toward DV prevention and a sense of self-efficacy used to transmit content and intervention.
Relationship between plasma glutamate and cardiovascular disease risk in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by gender
Authors: Li Ru-Tao , Li Yang , Wang Bo-Wen , Gao Xiao-Qian , Zhang Jing-Xi , Li Fan , Zhang Xiang-Yu , Fang Zhong-Ze
Published: April 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the association between plasma glutamate (Glu) and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and whether this association differs by gender.

Material and methods

We retrieved clinical information on 1032 consecutive patients with T2DM from a same tertiary care center from May 2015 to August 2016. Glu was quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Glu was converted into a categorical variable based on the median concentration in the whole population, while logistic regression was used to obtain the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), and the correlation between Glu and various biochemical indices was analyzed.

Results

We found that Glu was positively associated with the risk of CVD in patients with T2DM. This correlation was more significant in women. In T2DM patients, the higher the age, body mass index (BMI), weight and systolic blood pressure (SBP), the lower the glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) concentration and the higher the Glu. In female patients, the correlation between age, weight, BMI, SBP, and plasma Triglycerides (TG), and Glu was also statistically significant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, female T2DM patients with high levels of Glu have a higher risk of developing CVD.
Changes in body weight and cardiovascular risk factors in a Chinese population with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a longitudinal study
Authors: Li Yun-Yi , Yang Yu-Meng , Zhu Sufen , Cheng Hui , Hernandez Jose , Huang Wenyong , Wang Harry H. X. , Li Yu Ting
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The primary care management of blood glucose, blood pressure, lipid profiles, and body weight is important among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to prevent disease progression. Information on how weight changes would improve or deteriorate cardiovascular (CV) risk factors is warranted for making primary care recommendations. We aimed to investigate the changes in body weight and CV risk factors and to analyse their association in a Chinese population with T2DM.

Methods

We retrieved longitudinal data between 2020 and 2021 from 1,758 adult primary care patients enrolled in a diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening programme. Linear associations of changes in body weight with CV risk factors were explored. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to examine associations between different weight change categories and the worsening of CV risk factors.

Results

The mean age of all the participants was 63.71 years, and over half of participants were females. During a one-year follow-up period, 24.7% of patients had a weight loss of ≥3%, while 22.2% of patients had a weight gain of ≥3%. Patients who had a weight loss of ≥3% were more likely to prevent the worsening of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and triglycerides, while those who had a weight gain of ≥3% tended to have worsened HbA1c, lipid profiles, and blood pressure.

Conclusion

Results from this real-world investigation suggested the concurrent need for weight loss intervention among patients who are overweight or obese and weight gain prevention among patients whose body weight falls within the normal range in the context of community-based diabetes management.
A network perspective on the ecology of gut microbiota and progression of type 2 diabetes: Linkages to keystone taxa in a Mexican cohort
Authors: Esquivel-Hernández Diego A. , Martínez-López Yoscelina Estrella , Sánchez-Castañeda Jean Paul , Neri-Rosario Daniel , Padrón-Manrique Cristian , Giron-Villalobos David , Mendoza-Ortíz Cristian , Resendis-Antonio Osbaldo
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The human gut microbiota (GM) is a dynamic system which ecological interactions among the community members affect the host metabolism. Understanding the principles that rule the bidirectional communication between GM and its host, is one of the most valuable enterprise for uncovering how bacterial ecology influences the clinical variables in the host.

Methods

Here, we used SparCC to infer association networks in 16S rRNA gene amplicon data from the GM of a cohort of Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in different stages: NG (normoglycemic), IFG (impaired fasting glucose), IGT (impaired glucose tolerance), IFG + IGT (impaired fasting glucose plus impaired glucose tolerance), T2D and T2D treated (T2D with a 5-year ongoing treatment).

Results

By exploring the network topology from the different stages of T2D, we observed that, as the disease progress, the networks lose the association between bacteria. It suggests that the microbial community becomes highly sensitive to perturbations in individuals with T2D. With the purpose to identify those genera that guide this transition, we computationally found keystone taxa (driver nodes) and core genera for a Mexican T2D cohort. Altogether, we suggest a set of genera driving the progress of the T2D in a Mexican cohort, among them Ruminococcaceae NK4A214 group, Ruminococcaceae UCG-010, Ruminococcaceae UCG-002, Ruminococcaceae UCG-005, Alistipes, Anaerostipes, and Terrisporobacter.

Discussion

Based on a network approach, this study suggests a set of genera that can serve as a potential biomarker to distinguish the distinct degree of advances in T2D for a Mexican cohort of patients. Beyond limiting our conclusion to one population, we present a computational pipeline to link ecological networks and clinical stages in T2D, and desirable aim to advance in the field of precision medicine.
Development and validation of a contrast-enhanced CT-based radiomics nomogram for preoperative diagnosis in neuroendocrine carcinoma of digestive system
Authors: Xu Liang , Yang Xinyi , Xiang Wenxuan , Hu Pengbo , Zhang Xiuyuan , Li Zhou , Li Yiming , Liu Yongqing , Dai Yuhong , Luo Yan , Qiu Hong
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To develop and validate a contrast-enhanced CT-based radiomics nomogram for the diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the digestive system.

Methods

The clinical data and contrast-enhanced CT images of 60 patients with pathologically confirmed neuroendocrine carcinoma of the digestive system and 60 patients with non-neuroendocrine carcinoma of the digestive system were retrospectively collected from August 2015 to December 2021 at Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and randomly divided into a training cohort (n=84) and a validation cohort (n=36). Clinical characteristics were analyzed by logistic regression and a clinical diagnosis model was developed. Radiomics signature were established by extracting radiomic features from contrast-enhanced CT images. Based on the radiomic signature and clinical characteristics, radiomic nomogram was developed. ROC curves and Delong’s test were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the three models, calibration curves and application decision curves were used to analyze the accuracy and clinical application value of nomogram.

Results

Logistic regression results showed that TNM stage (stage IV) (OR 6.8, 95% CI 1.320-43.164, p=0. 028) was an independent factor affecting the diagnosis for NECs of the digestive system, and a clinical model was constructed based on TNM stage (stage IV). The AUCs of the clinical model, radiomics signature, and radiomics nomogram for the diagnosis of NECs of the digestive system in the training, validation cohorts and pooled patients were 0.643, 0.893, 0.913; 0.722, 0.867, 0.932 and 0.667, 0.887, 0.917 respectively. The AUCs of radiomics signature and radiomics nomogram were higher than clinical model, with statistically significant difference (Z=4.46, 6.85, both p < 0.001); the AUC difference between radiomics signature and radiomics nomogram was not statistically significant (Z=1.63, p = 0.104). The results of the calibration curve showed favorable agreement between the predicted values of the nomogram and the pathological results, and the decision curve analysis indicated that the nomogram had favorable application in clinical practice.

Conclusions

The nomogram constructed based on contrast-enhanced CT radiomics and clinical characteristics was able to effectively diagnose neuroendocrine carcinoma of the digestive system.
Thermal properties and kinetic analysis of pyrolysis products of nicotine salts from e-cigarettes using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Yang Ji , Li Yirong , Liu Chunbo , Tang Shiyun , Li Zhengjie , Jiang Lihong
Published: April 2023

Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) released from e-cigarettes are a special source of air pollutants. In this work, we investigated the VOCs released from six nicotine salts (namely, nicotine benzoate, nicotine tartrate, nicotine citrate, nicotine malate, nicotine lactate, and nicotine levulinate) that are commonly used in e-cigarettes. The pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) and thermogravimetric methods were used to analyze the thermogravimetric characteristics and product release behavior of different nicotine salts. Moreover, the kinetic models and thermodynamic parameters of nicotine salts during the thermal decomposition process were obtained. Thermogravimetric characteristic parameters of six nicotine salts showed significant differences. By the use of Py-GC/MS, our data showed that the pyrolysis products of nicotine salts were mainly from nicotine, acid anhydrides, carboxylic acids, and N-heterocycles, while more than 90% of the nicotine of citrate, tartrate, and malate was transferred to smoke. The result revealed that activation energies of the nicotine salts range from 21.26 to 74.10 kJ mol-1, indicating that the pyrolysis of the nicotine salts is a non-spontaneous heat absorption process, and the organic acid was the key factor affecting the release of nicotine into the ambient air.