bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Academic Stress on Self-efficacy, Dropout Intention of College Students Majoring in Airline Services in the Post Corona Era
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee MinJung
Published: December 2023

In this study, we attempted to conduct an empirical study on the effect of academic stress and self-efficacy on the dropout intention of college students majoring in airline services. The survey was conducted through a total of 200 questionnaires from Aug 28th to Sep 11th in 2023. Data from an survey of 188 valid samples were collected with SPSS 18.0. program and AMOS 18.0 program presented the evidence for a reasonable level of validity and reliability of this model. The results are as follows. First, among academic stress, emotional exhaustion and cynicism did not have a negative effect on self-efficacy. On the other hand, decreased efficacy was found to have a negative effect on self-efficacy. Second, self-efficacy was found to have a negative effect on school intention, student intention, and parent intention on dropout intention. Third, self-efficacy was found to have a mediating effect between decreased efficacy and dropout intention. The significance of this study is to find ways to maintain college life by increasing self- efficacy in order to prevent college students majoring in airline services in the post-corona era from having the intention of dropping out while experiencing academic stress. Through this, we are seeking ways to reduce the intention to drop out by increasing the self-efficacy of college students at local universities that are facing a crisis due to a decrease in the school-age population.
A Study on Theiconography of the Immaculate Conception in Renaissance Art
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Yoon Inbok
Published: December 2023

In general, Christian art is based on the Bible, but is also related to liturgy and dogma. An example the Virgin Mary appear as a subject in art. There are four Marian dogmas of the Catholic Church. The Immaculate Conception is one of the four Marian dogmas. It was defined as a dogma until 1854 by Pope Pius IX in the papal bull “Ineffabilis Deus”. According to the dogma, the Immaculate Conception is the belief that the Virgin Mary was free of original sin from the moment of her conception. However, Church Fathers and theologians continued to dispute with the dogma of the Immaculate Conception until the 19th century. In the disputation of the Immaculate Conception the painters expressed Virgin Mary in stylistic variations by an interplay between history and theology. Therefore, this paper looks at the history and theological meanings and analyze iconography of the Immaculate Conception in Renaissance art.
A Case Study of NFT Utilization According to Global Marketplace ‘Opensea’ Categorization
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Shin Soyoun
Published: December 2023

This paper analyzed NFT cases for each type based on the type classification provided by Opensea the world's No. 1 NFT marketplace, and explored the possibility of NFT being used in the entertainment industry. Among the nine types in total, including Art, Photography, Music, Gaming, Sports Collectibles, Memberships, Profile Pictures (PFPs), Virtual Worlds, and Domain Names, eight of them showed potential for integration with the entertainment industry. Each type could be categorized into three directions: NFT as digital merchandise, NFT as a new method of content creation and production, and NFT as a means to expand and enhance fandom and intellectual property (IP). We hope that the various cases presented and the analysis in this study can inspire various genres of entertainment businesses, such as music, film, musicals, and performances. We also hope that ongoing research from various perspectives on technology, content, and industry markets will contribute academically and industrially.
An Analysis of Visual Changes of Domestic Posters of American Animation Films
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Hyeyoung
Published: December 2023

The aim of this paper is to analyze the characteristics of visual changes in domestic posters of animation films. We compared the original posters and the domestic posters of American animations released in Korea in the 2020s and analyzed the visual changes in domestic posters in terms of images, model numbers, and layouts. First, most of the domestic main posters had different images from the original posters, but both had mostly character + scene types of images. Second, both had mostly more than four models, but the proportion of one-person models was lower in domestic posters than in original posters. Third, as various texts including copy were inserted into domestic posters that were not present in original posters, changes in the layout occurred as the position of the title and head copy moved. In particular, the movement of the title and head copy were analyzed as a strategy to increase the visual message delivery effect to addressees by considering the position of images and other texts inserted into posters.
A Case Study of University Writing PBL Class Using Lego
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Yu Sejin
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study is to present problem-based learning(PBL) centered on dynamics as an example of university writing classes and to examine the educational implications of PBL writing classes by confirming the educational effects of this class. Accordingly, the PBL teaching method was applied to the “Basic Writing” subject, which is an essential subject for basic liberal arts at C University in Daejeon, and the detailed goals were “inducing interest” in writing and “increasing convergence and complex thinking skills”. In particular, “Lego” was used as a learning tool to stimulate students’ sense of experience and bring about fusion and complex thinking, and the contents of the class were “explanation, description, narrative”, which corresponds to “writing statement method”. Through this, students were able to understand that explanation, description, and narrative are effective methods that can be used comprehensively when writing, and to learn empirically that writing is a cooperative “communication process” between “writer” and “reader”. In addition, by writing a reflection journal, They understood the step-by-step procedure for the overall writing.
Traumatic Left Tension Pneumothorax with Concomitant Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Tan Chun Chau , Nazee Mudeen Nursyazana , Osman Munirah
Published: December 2023

Blunt thoracic trauma carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality and may be life-threatening. Clinical identification of a tension pneumothorax necessitates immediate decompression. Diagnosing a diaphragmatic hernia in a trauma context is challenging and rather uncommon. Should both pathologies coexist, there is potential bowel perforation due to thoracocentesis. A traumatic chest injury can complicate patients with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia who are asymptomatic. Early identification with clinical assessment and bedside ultrasound is essential, and surgical repair is the definitive management. We report a case of traumatic left tension pneumothorax, prompting an immediate left thoracostomy and an incidental finding of an uncomplicated congenital diaphragmatic hernia.
Are Pashtuns the Lost Tribe of Israel?
Authors: Stanizai Zaman
Published: December 2023

The recently resurfaced rumors propped up by certain Israeli circles that the Pashtuns are the lost tribe of Israel has given academic circles a lingering pause. Its biblical claims are anecdotal, its historical documentation is inconsistent, its geographic claims are incoherent, and its linguistic assertions are implausible. The claim doesn’t stand a chance of DNA verification. Politically, the claim has hit a raw nerve in Afghanistan where the legitimacy of Pashtun power as an ethnic majority is challenged while in Pakistan the Pashtun cultural identity is threatened. Amidst this hyped ethnolinguistic strife that threatens regional stability, the ‘why now’ of the resurfaced controversy is as unnerving as the ‘why then’ of its origins is disconcerting. This article examines the claim from historical, cultural, linguistic, and genetic perspectives as it explores the root causes of how the rumors may have started in the first place and the reasons for its persistence.
Estimation of genetic parameters for parasite resistance and genome-wide identification of runs of homozygosity islands in Florida Cracker sheep
Authors: Hidalgo Jorge , Estrada-Reyes Zaira M. , Ogunade Ibukun M. , Pech-Cervantes Andres A. , Terrill Thomas , Idowu Modoluwamu D. , Taiwo Godstime
Published: December 2023

In this study, we estimated genetic parameters for parasite resistance traits and the distribution of runs of homozygosity islands in Florida Cracker sheep. The dataset contained 365 animals with phenotypic records at 38 days post-infection for fecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), FAMACHA score (FAM), and body condition score (BCS). The pedigree file contained 695 animals born between 2016 and 2020 and included 279 individuals with genotypes. Genetic parameters were estimated using a multi-trait model with a Bayesian implementation via Gibbs sampling in the GIBBS3F90 program. Heritability was 0.33 ± 0.09 for FEC, 0.31 ± 0.10 for FAM, 0.22 ± 0.09 for PCV, and 0.19 ± 0.07 for BCS. The genetic correlation between FEC and FAM was 0.51 ± 0.21; the remaining genetic correlations had large posterior standard deviations and yielded 95% posterior intervals including zero or with values out of the parameter space because of our small dataset. Analysis of the distribution of runs of homozygosity islands revealed 113 hot spots with annotated genes related to immune response and parasite resistance traits. Our results suggest that the genetic selection for FAMACHA score can be effective in improving parasite resistance because of its ease of recording, high heritability, and favorable genetic correlation with FEC. Additionally, runs of homozygosity islands related to parasite resistance could harbor important candidate genes for controlling this trait in Florida Cracker sheep.
ACE2 knockout hinders SARS-CoV-2 propagation in iPS cell-derived airway and alveolar epithelial cells
Authors: Niwa Ryo , Sakai Kouji , Lung Mandy Siu Yu , Matsumoto Tomoko , Mikawa Ryuta , Maehana Shotaro , Suzuki Masato , Yamamoto Yuki , Maurissen Thomas L. , Hirabayashi Ai , Noda Takeshi , Kubo Makoto , Gotoh Shimpei , Woltjen Knut
Published: December 2023

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, continues to spread around the world with serious cases and deaths. It has also been suggested that different genetic variants in the human genome affect both the susceptibility to infection and severity of disease in COVID-19 patients. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been identified as a cell surface receptor for SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 entry into cells. The construction of an experimental model system using human iPS cells would enable further studies of the association between viral characteristics and genetic variants. Airway and alveolar epithelial cells are cell types of the lung that express high levels of ACE2 and are suitable for in vitro infection experiments. Here, we show that human iPS cell-derived airway and alveolar epithelial cells are highly susceptible to viral infection of SARS-CoV-2. Using gene knockout with CRISPR-Cas9 in human iPS cells we demonstrate that ACE2 plays an essential role in the airway and alveolar epithelial cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Replication of SARS-CoV-2 was strongly suppressed in ACE2 knockout (KO) lung cells. Our model system based on human iPS cell-derived lung cells may be applied to understand the molecular biology regulating viral respiratory infection leading to potential therapeutic developments for COVID-19 and the prevention of future pandemics.
An update: is there a relationship between H. pylori infection and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease? why is this subject of interest?
Authors: Chen Xingcen , Peng Ruyi , Peng Dongzi , Xiao Jia , Liu Deliang , Li Rong
Published: December 2023

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is thought to impact various extragastric diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic liver disease. Meanwhile, the pathogenesis of NAFLD needs further research, and effective treatment for this disease remains elusive. In this mini-review, we enumerate and ponder on the evidence demonstrating an association between H. pylori infection and NAFLD. Primarily, we delve into high-quality meta-analyses and clinical randomized controlled trials focusing on the association studies between the two. We also discuss clinical studies that present opposite conclusions. In addition, we propose a mechanism through which H. pylori infection aggravates NAFLD: inflammatory cytokines and adipocytokines, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, intestinal barrier and microbiota, H. pylori outer membrane vesicles and H. pylori-infected cell-extracellular vesicles. This mini-review aims to further explore NAFLD pathogenesis and extragastric disease mechanisms caused by H. pylori infection.
Metabolite profiling of Trichinella spiralis adult worms and muscle larvae identifies their excretory and secretory products
Authors: Uthailak Naphatsamon , Adisakwattana Poom , Chienwichai Peerut , Tipthara Phornpimon , Tarning Joel , Thawornkuno Charin , Thiangtrongjit Tipparat , Reamtong Onrapak
Published: December 2023

Human trichinellosis is a parasitic infection caused by roundworms belonging to the genus Trichinella, especially Trichinella spiralis. Early and accurate clinical diagnoses of trichinellosis are required for efficacious prognosis and treatment. Current drug therapies are limited by antiparasitic resistance, poor absorption, and an inability to kill the encapsulating muscle-stage larvae. Therefore, reliable biomarkers and drug targets for novel diagnostic approaches and anthelmintic drugs are required. In this study, metabolite profiles of T. spiralis adult worms and muscle larvae were obtained using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. In addition, metabolite-based biomarkers of T. spiralis excretory–secretory products and their related metabolic pathways were characterized. The metabolic profiling identified major, related metabolic pathways involving adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-dependent synthetase/ligase and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis in T. spiralis adult worms and muscle larvae, respectively. These pathways are potential drug targets for the treatment of the intestinal and muscular phases of infection. The metabolome of larva excretory–secretory products was characterized, with amino acid permease and carbohydrate kinase being identified as key metabolic pathways. Among six metabolites, decanoyl-l-carnitine and 2,3-dinor-6-keto prostaglandin F1α-d9 were identified as potential metabolite-based biomarkers that might be related to the host inflammatory processes. In summary, this study compared the relationships between the metabolic profiles of two T. spiralis growth stages. Importantly, the main metabolites and metabolic pathways identified may aid the development of novel clinical diagnostics and therapeutics for human trichinellosis and other related helminthic infections.
Clinical characteristics and mortality in all Czech patients after pacemaker implantation in the last decade
Authors: Táborský Miloš , Skála Tomáš , Dušek Ladislav , Kautzner Josef , Aiglová Renata , Fedorco Marián , Jarkovský Jiří , Benešová Klára , Májková Petra
Published: December 2023

Background and aims

Analysis of mortality from the national health registries and data from a specific central registry dealing with the implantation of pacemakers (REPACE) in Czech patients.

Methods and results

Retrospective observational analysis of pacemakers’ implantation in all Czech patients [n = 82,791; 47,070 (56.9%) men, 75.9 ± 10.4 years old] between 2010 and 2021. Almost 114,000 pacemakers were implanted between 2010 and 2021, of which 27.9% were single-chamber, 67.4% were dual-chamber and 4.6% were biventricular. The annual number of implantations has been steadily increasing with a 6% annual decline in 2020 with increased mortality and reductions in care provided, likely related to COVID-19. The observed 5-year relative survival was 88.6% (overall survival 60.6%) and the 10-year relative survival was 75.9% (overall survival 32.7%). Causes of death 5ary according to the age of the patient. The highest difference 1n the reported numbers in the REPACE Registry did not exceed 2% in comparison with the National Register of Reimbursed Health Services.

Conclusion

This study followed all Czech patients with pacemaker’s implantation in between 2010 and 2021. The annual number of 1mplantations has been steadily 1ncreasing. Patients with implanted pacemakers had a significantly higher mortality than the average population. Number of patients in the registry corresponded almost perfectly with the National Register of Reimbursed Health Services.
Does artificial intelligence enhance physician interpretation of optical coherence tomography: insights from eye tracking
Authors: Cioffi Giacomo Maria , Pinilla-Echeverri Natalia , Sheth Tej , Sibbald Matthew Gary
Published: December 2023

Background and objectives

The adoption of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is limited by need for real-time image interpretation expertise. Artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted Ultreon™ 2.0 software could address this barrier. We used eye tracking to understand how these software changes impact viewing efficiency and accuracy.

Methods

Eighteen interventional cardiologists and fellows at McMaster University, Canada, were included in the study and categorized as experienced or inexperienced based on lifetime OCT use. They were tasked with reviewing OCT images from both Ultreon™ 2.0 and AptiVue™ software platforms while their eye movements were recorded. Key metrics, such as time to first fixation on the area of interest, total task time, dwell time (time spent on the area of interest as a proportion of total task time), and interpretation accuracy, were evaluated using a mixed multivariate model.

Results

Physicians exhibited improved viewing efficiency with Ultreon™ 2.0, characterized by reduced time to first fixation (Ultreon™ 0.9 s vs. AptiVue™ 1.6 s, p = 0.007), reduced total task time (Ultreon™ 10.2 s vs. AptiVue™ 12.6 s, p = 0.006), and increased dwell time in the area of interest (Ultreon™ 58% vs. AptiVue™ 41%, p < 0.001). These effects were similar for experienced and inexperienced physicians. Accuracy of OCT image interpretation was preserved in both groups, with experienced physicians outperforming inexperienced physicians.

Discussion

Our study demonstrated that AI-enabled Ultreon™ 2.0 software can streamline the image interpretation process and improve viewing efficiency for both inexperienced and experienced physicians. Enhanced viewing efficiency implies reduced cognitive load potentially reducing the barriers for OCT adoption in PCI decision-making.
Comparison of physics-based deformable registration methods for image-guided neurosurgery
Authors: Chrisochoides Nikos , Liu Yixun , Drakopoulos Fotis , Kot Andriy , Foteinos Panos , Tsolakis Christos , Billias Emmanuel , Clatz Olivier , Ayache Nicholas , Fedorov Andrey , Golby Alex , Black Peter , Kikinis Ron
Published: December 2023

This paper compares three finite element-based methods used in a physics-based non-rigid registration approach and reports on the progress made over the last 15 years. Large brain shifts caused by brain tumor removal affect registration accuracy by creating point and element outliers. A combination of approximation- and geometry-based point and element outlier rejection improves the rigid registration error by 2.5 mm and meets the real-time constraints (4 min). In addition, the paper raises several questions and presents two open problems for the robust estimation and improvement of registration error in the presence of outliers due to sparse, noisy, and incomplete data. It concludes with preliminary results on leveraging Quantum Computing, a promising new technology for computationally intensive problems like Feature Detection and Block Matching in addition to finite element solver; all three account for 75% of computing time in deformable registration.
A multiproxy approach to reconstruct the Late Holocene environmental dynamics of the semiarid Andes of central Chile (29°S)
Authors: Martel-Cea Alejandra , Maldonado Antonio , de Porras María Eugenia , Muñoz Praxedes , Maidana Nora I. , Massaferro Julieta , Schittek Karsten
Published: December 2023

Mountain ecosystems located in the Andes cordillera of central Chile (29–35°S) have been strongly affected by the ongoing Mega Drought since 2010, impacting the snow cover, the surficial water resources (and thereby water storage), as well as the mountain biota and ecosystem services. Paleoenvironmental records in this part of the semiarid Andes are key to estimating the effects of past climate changes on local communities helping to forecast the ecological and biological responses under the aridification trend projected during the 21st century. Here we present a 2400-year multiproxy paleoenvironmental reconstruction based on pollen, diatoms, chironomids, sedimentological and geochemical data (XRF and ICP-MS data) of Laguna El Calvario (29°S; 3994 m a.s.l), a small and shallow Andean lake. Four main hydrological phases were established based on changes in the lithogenic and geochemical results associated with allochthonous runoff input and the subsequent response of the biological proxies. Between 2400 and 1400 cal yrs BP, wetter than present conditions occurred based on the intense weathering of the lake basin and the dominance of upper Andean vegetation. A decrease in moisture along with sub-centennial discrete wet pulses and lake-level changes occurred until ~800 cal yrs BP followed long-term stable climate conditions between 1850 and 1950 AD as suggested by a drop in vegetation productivity and low lake levels. From 1950 AD to the present, a decline in moisture with a severe trend to drier conditions occurring in the last decades occurred as reflected by an upward vegetation belt displacement around Laguna El Calvario along with a turnover of diatom assemblages and high productivity in the water column.
Case Report: Anti-mGluR5 antibody-negative Ophelia syndrome with failed lymph node biopsy due to steroid therapy
Authors: Sanpei Yui , Miura Masahito , Funasaka Homare , Hanazono Akira , Kamada Sachiko , Sugawara Masashiro
Published: December 2023

Ophelia syndrome is paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis (PLE) with Hodgkin lymphoma. Some Ophelia syndrome patients have been reported as testing positive for anti-metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) antibodies. However, we experienced a case of anti-mGluR5 antibody-negative Ophelia syndrome. The type of onset, neurological symptoms, and imaging as well as electroencephalographic findings were like previous reports except for a normal cell count in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Unfortunately, a lymph node biopsy failed and could not diagnose the patient before death because steroid treatment for limbic encephalitis had shrunk lymph nodes. We believe it is essential to accumulate cases of this syndrome and clarify the association between PLE and Hodgkin lymphoma so chemotherapy can be initiated even if malignant lymphoma cannot be pathologically proven or when antibodies cannot be measured or are negative.
Approaches to pandemic prevention – the chromatin vaccine
Authors: Zhang Jielin , Askenase Philip , Jaenisch Rudolf , Crumpacker Clyde S.
Published: December 2023

Developing effective vaccines against viral infections have significant impacts on development, prosperity and well-being of human populations. Thus, successful vaccines such as smallpox and polio vaccines, have promoted global societal well-being. In contrast, ineffective vaccines may fuel arguments that retard scientific progress. We aim to stimulate a multilevel discussion on how to develop effective vaccines against recent and future pandemics by focusing on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), coronavirus disease (COVID) and other viral infections. We appeal to harnessing recent achievements in this field specifically towards a cure for current pandemics and prevention of the next pandemics. Among these, we propose to apply the HIV DNA in chromatin format – an end product of aborted HIV integration in episomal forms, i.e., the chromatin vaccines (cVacc), to elicit the epigenetic silencing and memory that prevent viral replication and infection.
Southern South China Sea boundary current transition from summer to winter
Authors: Tian Yilun , Zuo Juncheng , Shu Yeqiang , Wang Qiang , Xie Yi , Ji Qiyan , Liu Xing , Wang Zhizu , Wu You , Zhang Yuting
Published: December 2023

The characteristics and mechanism of the southern South China Sea (SCS) Western Boundary Current (WBC) summer-winter transition have been investigated. The transition typically starts in early October and lasts for about two weeks. Above the thermoclines (~100 m), the transition is simultaneous with depth, while below the thermoclines the transition in deeper layer significant lags that in the shallow layers. The geostrophic balance dominates the transition of WBC. Above the thermocline, the transition is determined by the barotropic pressure gradient component. Below the thermocline, the transition is determined by the competition between the barotropic and baroclinic pressures components. When the southern SCS WBC transition above the thermocline starts, the barotropic and baroclinic pressures components offset each other below the thermocline, resulting in the lag of the geostrophic balance. With the depth increases, more time is needed for the barotropic pressures component to enhance enough to dominate a geostrophic balance, which induces the transition lag with depth. Changes in the barotropic pressure gradient component are mainly due to the variations in SCS basin scale wind stress curl, while changes in the baroclinic pressure gradient component below the thermocline are associated with the warming of the deeper water column caused by the downwelling near the continental slope and the disappearing of upwelling off Vietnam.
Biocleaning of historical metal artworks: innovative green gels amended with microbial derivatives
Authors: Passaretti Arianna , Cuvillier Luana , Guilminot Elodie , Sciutto Giorgia , Joseph Edith
Published: December 2023

The research study is aimed to design innovative bio-gel formulations able to tackle altered historical metal artworks in a green and sustainable perspective. The target of the research is the removal of undesired or altered materials of both inorganic (i.e., corrosion and tarnishing) and organic nature (i.e., protective coatings). The designed gel systems are initially assessed on mock-ups. Iron-, copper- and silver-based substrates, chosen as mostly present in historical metal collections, are chemically aged to form corrosion on the surface. Alternatively, they are coated with organic protectives (i.e., acrylic and nitrocellulose varnish) that are mostly used for indoor metal care. After multi-modal analytical assessment to check the action and safety of the gels on the metal mock-ups, the developed solutions are applied on real cases, thanks to the strong and fruitful collaboration with curators and conservators of metal artworks.
Myelodysplastic syndrome-like response after voriconazole treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with fungal infection: a case report
Authors: Xie Guang-Liang , Wang Xiao-Su , Hu Ling-Yan , Wang Yi , Gu Xiangchen , Xu Yan-Qiu
Published: December 2023

Background

Voriconazole is mainly used to treat progressive and potentially life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. The adverse drug reactions related to voriconazole are varied. In some rare cases, the use of voriconazole can result in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)-like adverse reactions.

Case presentation

Here, we present a rare case of systemic lupus erythematosus patient with a fungal infection that developed MDS-like adverse reactions after treatment with voriconazole. The patient was admitted to the hospital because of 3 days of chest tightness and dyspnea. After the admission, the patient’s sputum culture showed Candida albicans infection, and voriconazole was prescribed to be taken orally. After using voriconazole, drug-related adverse reactions such as visual impairment, nausea, vomiting, hiccup, middle and lower abdominal pain, disorders of consciousness, delirium, hallucination, slow response, and subcutaneous ecchymosis appeared, as well as the gradually increased serum creatinine, oliguria, and aggravated lower limb edema. In addition, there was a decrease in peripheral blood cells, and MDS-like changes in bone marrow were indicated by bone marrow biopsy. After discontinuing voriconazole, drug-related adverse symptoms disappeared, and hematocytopenia and the changes in MDS were significantly improved, which was confirmed by a subsequent bone marrow puncture at a 6 months interval.

Conclusion

This case reminded us that when using voriconazole for treatment, individual differences in patients should be considered, and the blood concentration of voriconazole should be closely monitored. Otherwise, potential drugs that affect voriconazole metabolism should be noted, and related adverse symptoms of patients should be closely observed during medication to reduce the occurrence of adverse drug events.
Comparative proteomics reveals the mechanism of cyclosporine production and mycelial growth in Tolypocladium inflatum affected by different carbon sources
Authors: Wang Junqi , Liu Meijie , Mao Chengzhi , Li Sizhu , Zhou Jiabao , Fan Yaqin , Guo Lizhong , Yu Hao , Yang Xiuqing
Published: December 2023

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a secondary cyclopeptide metabolite produced by Tolypocladium inflatum that is widely used clinically as an immunosuppressant. CsA production and mycelial growth differed when T. inflatum was cultured in different carbon source media. During early fermentation, CsA was preferred to be produced in fructose medium, while the mycelium preferred to accumulate in sucrose medium. On the sixth day, the difference was most pronounced. In this study, high-throughput comparative proteomics methods were applied to analyze differences in protein expression of mycelial samples on day 6, revealing the proteins and mechanisms that positively regulate CsA production related to carbon metabolism. The differences included small molecule acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, organic catabolism, exocrine secretion, CsA substrate Bmt synthesis, and transcriptional regulation processes. The proteins involved in the regulation of mycelial growth related to carbon metabolism were also revealed and were associated with waste reoxidation processes or coenzyme metabolism, small molecule synthesis or metabolism, the stress response, genetic information or epigenetic changes, cell component assembly, cell wall integrity, membrane metabolism, vesicle transport, intramembrane localization, and the regulation of filamentous growth. This study provides a reliable reference for CsA production from high-efficiency fermentation. This study provides key information for obtaining more CsA high-yielding strains through metabolic engineering strategies.
Motor fiber function in spinal muscular atrophy—analysis of conduction velocity distribution
Authors: Koszewicz Magdalena , Ubysz Jakub , Dziadkowiak Edyta , Wieczorek Malgorzata , Budrewicz Slawomir
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The motor neuron survival protein, which is deficient in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), performs numerous cellular functions. Currently, SMA is believed to be a multi-organ disease, including lesion of various structures of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Motor nerve damage, especially in milder SMA types, is controversial. This prompted the conduct of the electrophysiological studies in adults with SMA types 2 and 3 presented in this paper.

Methods

The study group consisted of 44 adult patients with SMA types 2 and 3. All patients underwent neurological examination with Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded (HFMSE) assessment. Standard electrophysiological studies in the ulnar nerve and conduction velocity distribution (CVD) tests were performed in all patients and controls.

Results

A prolongation of the distal latency and lowering of the motor potential amplitude with no changes in CVD were found in the whole patient group. There were no dependencies on the number of gene copies. Patients with low HFSME value had slower standard conduction velocity, CVD in upper and median quartiles, and narrower CVD spread; in milder SMA, CVD spread was greater than in controls.

Interpretation

The significant reduction in motor response amplitude in SMA seems to be primarily related to motor neuron loss and directly proportional to its severity. The coexisting rearrangement in the peripheral nerve structure is present in SMA, and this could be partially caused by a coexisting demyelinating process. Nerve remodeling mainly affects large fibers and occurs in more severe SMA types with significant disability.
Improving sentiment classification using a RoBERTa-based hybrid model
Authors: Semary Noura A. , Ahmed Wesam , Amin Khalid , Pławiak Paweł , Hammad Mohamed
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Several attempts have been made to enhance text-based sentiment analysis’s performance. The classifiers and word embedding models have been among the most prominent attempts. This work aims to develop a hybrid deep learning approach that combines the advantages of transformer models and sequence models with the elimination of sequence models’ shortcomings.

Methods

In this paper, we present a hybrid model based on the transformer model and deep learning models to enhance sentiment classification process. Robustly optimized BERT (RoBERTa) was selected for the representative vectors of the input sentences and the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model in conjunction with the Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) model was used to improve the suggested model’s ability to comprehend the semantics and context of each input sentence. We tested the proposed model with two datasets with different topics. The first dataset is a Twitter review of US airlines and the second is the IMDb movie reviews dataset. We propose using word embeddings in conjunction with the SMOTE technique to overcome the challenge of imbalanced classes of the Twitter dataset.

Results

With an accuracy of 96.28% on the IMDb reviews dataset and 94.2% on the Twitter reviews dataset, the hybrid model that has been suggested outperforms the standard methods.

Discussion

It is clear from these results that the proposed hybrid RoBERTa–(CNN+ LSTM) method is an effective model in sentiment classification.
Mainstreaming traditional fruits, vegetables and pulses for nutrition, income, and sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa: the case for Kenya and Ethiopia
Authors: Ngigi Peter Biu , Termote Céline , Pallet Dominique , Amiot Marie Josèphe
Published: December 2023

This study documented existing knowledge on traditional fruits, vegetables and pulses in Kenya and Ethiopia. The aim was to identify neglected and underutilized species with high potential for food security, for their economic value and contribution to sustainable agriculture, based on a literature review and confirmation of existing data by local experts. In order of priority, the top 5 fruit species in Kenya are Tamarindus indica L., Adansonia digitata L., Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst, Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, and Ziziphus mauritiana Lam., for vegetables are Amaranthus spp., Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp., Solanum spp., and Cleome gynandra L. Top fruits in Ethiopia are Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf., Cordeauxia edulis Hemsl., Cordia africana Lam., and Mimusops kummel A. DC., for vegetables are Brassica carinata A. Braun, Cucurbita pepo L., and Amaranthus spp. In both countries, priority pulse species (no ranking) are Phaseolus lunatus L., Sphenostylis stenocarpa (A.Rich.) Harms, Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet, and Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. Generally, these priority species are good sources of key nutrients known for their inadequate dietary intakes in sub-Saharan Africa, represent a safety net for household income, and contribute positively to ecosystem resilience in existing agricultural systems. Complete, accurate and reliable nutrient composition data are needed to raise consumer awareness about their nutritional and health benefits. Since women play a central role in traditional food systems, their empowerment, and hence resilience, increase the positive impact they can have on the households’ dietary diversity. In particular, introducing small-scale processing techniques and marketing strategies could enhance their supply and consumption.
The proteomic fingerprint in infants with single ventricle heart disease in the interstage period: evidence of chronic inflammation and widespread activation of biological networks
Authors: Thomson Lindsay M. , Mancuso Christopher A. , Wolfe Kelly R. , Khailova Ludmila , Niemiec Sierra , Ali Eiman , DiMaria Michael , Mitchell Max , Twite Mark , Morgan Gareth , Frank Benjamin S. , Davidson Jesse A.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Children with single ventricle heart disease (SVHD) experience significant morbidity across systems and time, with 70% of patients experiencing acute kidney injury, 33% neurodevelopmental impairment, 14% growth failure, and 5.5% of patients suffering necrotizing enterocolitis. Proteomics is a method to identify new biomarkers and mechanisms of injury in complex physiologic states.

Methods

Infants with SVHD in the interstage period were compared to similar-age healthy controls. Serum samples were collected, stored at −80°C, and run on a panel of 1,500 proteins in single batch analysis (Somalogic Inc., CO). Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) was used to compare the proteomic profile of cases and controls and t-tests to detect differences in individual proteins (FDR <0.05). Protein network analysis with functional enrichment was performed in STRING and Cytoscape.

Results

PLS-DA readily discriminated between SVHD cases (n = 33) and controls (n = 24) based on their proteomic pattern alone (Accuracy = 0.96, R2 = 0.97, Q2 = 0.80). 568 proteins differed between groups (FDR <0.05). We identified 25 up-regulated functional clusters and 13 down-regulated. Active biological systems fell into six key groups: angiogenesis and cell proliferation/turnover, immune system activation and inflammation, altered metabolism, neural development, gastrointestinal system, and cardiac physiology and development.

Conclusions

We report a clear differentiation in the circulating proteome of patients with SVHD and healthy controls with >500 circulating proteins distinguishing the groups. These proteomic data identify widespread protein dysregulation across multiple biologic systems with promising biological plausibility as drivers of SVHD morbidity.
Minding the gaps: assessing and addressing clinical research core competencies across a network of Canadian cancer centres
Authors: Sundquist Stephen , Kato Diana , Chowdhury Raisa , Samara Christine , Dancey Janet E.
Published: December 2023

The Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Network (3CTN, the Network), established in 2014 to address the decline in academic cancer clinical trials’ (ACCT) activity, has successfully achieved incremental year-over-year accrual targets as well as implemented recognized performance measures and supports for improving efficiency and quality of trial activities at member sites across Canada. As part of efforts to address ongoing challenges of staff recruitment, retention, and turnover in academic institutions that have been more recently exacerbated by the pandemic, the Network’s Performance Strategy Sub-Committee (PSC) oversaw surveys of site clinical research professionals intended to capture workforce development status and identify knowledge gaps using the Joint Task Force Core Competency Framework (JTF CCF) as the standard basis for assessment. Accountable to the 3CTN Management Committee, the PSC consists of clinical research operations experts across Canada responsible for overseeing implementation and monitoring progress of this initiative. Staff at 3CTN’s adult sites evaluated and reported trial personnel core competencies and gaps according to each domain/leveled competency statement of the framework. The most frequently noted competency gaps were in the domains of: Investigational Product Development and Regulation (28%); Scientific Concepts and Research Design (16%); and Study and Site Management (14%). Reported data was compiled and represented in the 3CTN Core Competency Report, developed as a web-based, interactive tool enabling members and stakeholders to filter data to enumerate and quantify workforce competency gaps at their site, within their node of affiliated sites, or across the national Network. Concurrently, an environmental scan and review of education resources was conducted and reviewed by the PSC. Embedded links to curated learning and development resources were incorporated into the report and associated with each domain/leveled competency statement to provide ready access to high-quality learning and development resources where needed. In the remaining years of its current strategic plan, 3CTN will continue to monitor, develop collaborative initiatives to target prioritized clinical research competency gaps and create opportunities for ongoing assessment and reporting by sites to capture changes in workforce core competencies over time.
Circadian rhythms and circadian clock gene homologs of complex alga Chromera velia
Authors: Richtová Jitka , Bazalová Olga , Horák Aleš , Tomčala Aleš , Gonepogu Vijaya Geetha , Oborník Miroslav , Doležel David
Published: December 2023

Most organisms on Earth are affected by periodic changes in their environment. The circadian clock is an endogenous device that synchronizes behavior, physiology, or biochemical processes to an approximately 24-hour cycle, allowing organisms to anticipate the periodic changes of day and night. Although circadian clocks are widespread in organisms, the actual molecular components differ remarkably among the clocks of plants, animals, fungi, and prokaryotes. Chromera velia is the closest known photosynthetic relative of apicomplexan parasites. Formation of its motile stage, zoospores, has been described as associated with the light part of the day. We examined the effects on the periodic release of the zoospores under different light conditions and investigated the influence of the spectral composition on zoosporogenesis. We performed a genomic search for homologs of known circadian clock genes. Our results demonstrate the presence of an almost 24-hour free-running cycle of zoosporogenesis. We also identified the blue light spectra as the essential compound for zoosporogenesis. Further, we developed a new and effective method for zoospore separation from the culture and estimated the average motility speed and lifespan of the C. velia zoospores. Our genomic search identified six cryptochrome-like genes, two genes possibly related to Arabidopsis thaliana CCA/LHY, whereas no homolog of an animal, cyanobacterial, or fungal circadian clock gene was found. Our results suggest that C. velia has a functional circadian clock, probably based mainly on a yet undefined mechanism.
Phyllosphere microbial associations improve plant reproductive success
Authors: Mehlferber Elijah C. , Debray Reena , Conover Asa E. , Sherman Julia K. , Kaulbach Griffin , Reed Robert , McCue Kent F. , Ferrel Jon E. , Khanna Rajnish , Koskella Britt
Published: December 2023

The above-ground (phyllosphere) plant microbiome is increasingly recognized as an important component of plant health. We hypothesized that phyllosphere bacterial recruitment may be disrupted in a greenhouse setting, and that adding a bacterial amendment would therefore benefit the health and growth of host plants. Using a newly developed synthetic phyllosphere bacterial microbiome for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), we tested this hypothesis across multiple trials by manipulating microbial inoculation of leaves and measuring subsequent plant growth and reproductive success, comparing results from plants grown in both greenhouse and field settings. We confirmed that greenhouse-grown plants have a relatively depauperate phyllosphere bacterial microbiome, which both makes them an ideal system for testing the impact of phyllosphere communities on plant health and important targets for microbial amendments as we move towards increased agricultural sustainability. We find that the addition of the synthetic microbial community early in greenhouse growth leads to an increase in fruit production in this setting, implicating the phyllosphere microbiome as a key component of plant fitness and emphasizing the role that these bacterial microbiomes likely play in the ecology and evolution of plant communities.
Examining the associations between control (primary and secondary) appraisals and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in Malaysian and Australian trauma survivors
Authors: Reyneke Tamsyn , Lee Bryan , Li Haoxiang , Haque Shamsul , Abdullah Siti Zainab , Tan Britney Kerr Wen , Liddell Belinda , Jobson Laura
Published: December 2023

Background

Little research has considered the influence of culture on control appraisals in the context of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate whether cultural group moderated the relationship between control (primary and secondary) appraisals and PTSD symptoms in trauma survivors from Western (Australian) and Asian (Malaysian) cultural contexts.

Methods

Trauma survivors (107 Australian with European cultural heritage; 121 Malaysian with Malay, Indian or Chinese cultural heritage) completed an online survey assessing PTSD symptoms and appraisals of control.

Results

Cultural group moderated the association between primary control and PTSD symptoms; the positive association was significant for the Australian group but not the Malaysian group. While cultural group did not moderate the association between secondary control and PTSD symptoms, there was an indirect pathway between secondary control appraisals and PTSD symptoms through interdependent self-construal for both cultural groups.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that cultural group and self-construal influence the associations between different types of control appraisals and PTSD. Further research exploring the role of culture and different appraisal types in PTSD is needed.