bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sosialisasi Pentingnya Pemilu 2024 untuk Masa Depan Bangsa
Authors: Puspitarini Renny Candradewi
Published: May 2024

Keberhasilan pemilu mencerminkan kualitas demokrasi suatu negara, dan karenanya, pemilu Indonesia menarik perhatian dunia. Dalam upaya untuk memastikan kelancaran penyelenggaraan pemilu dan meningkatkan partisipasi masyarakat, Fakultas Ilmu Sosial dan Ilmu Politik Universitas Panca Marga melakukan sebuah program pengabdian masyarakat. Kegiatan pengabdian ini bertujuan memberikan edukasi dan literasi pemilu kepada masyarakat. Ini merupakan langkah krusial dalam membantu individu memahami betapa pentingnya pemilu sebagai proses demokrasi, serta peran aktif mereka dalamnya. Kegiatan ini berlangsung selama tiga hari dan melibatkan perangkat desa serta kelompok masyarakat sebagai peserta. Artikel ini akan mendalam tentang strategi dan dampak dari program pengabdian masyarakat ini. Analisis akan mencakup peningkatan pemahaman masyarakat tentang pemilu, peningkatan partisipasi dalam proses pemungutan suara, dan potensi jangka panjang untuk meningkatkan kualitas demokrasi di Indonesia. Dengan cara ini, pengabdian masyarakat ini diharapkan memberikan kontribusi positif terhadap pelaksanaan pemilu yang lebih transparan dan berpartisipasi pada tahun 2024.
Stamps as Messengers of the Renaissance: The Postal Issues of Oman during the Reign of Sultan Qaboos
Authors: Allen Calvin H.
Published: May 2024

In Oman, postage stamps are more than simply little bits of paper used to pre-pay mail delivery and/or to be collected by philatelists (stamp collectors). The topics depicted on these stamps can also play an important role in promoting both the national identity and goals of the state. Such was the case of stamps issued by the Sultanate of Oman postal service during the reign of Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said which were used to reinforce His Majesty’s goal of the modernization of the state within the context of its cultural traditions. This chapter provides an overview of the history of Omani stamps.
The Interpretation of Islam under Sultan Qaboos
Authors: Hoffman Valerie J.
Published: May 2024

This chapter examines the way Ibadism has been interpreted under the reign of Sultan Qaboos. It shows how Ibadi scholars were part of a modernization program that transformed some of the historical assumptions and depictions of Ibadi Islam.
Boyhood : Linklater’s Testament of American Youth after 9/11
Authors: Shary Timothy
Published: May 2024

Boyhood may not have been released until 2014 owing to its 12-year production, but it started filming within a year of the 9/11 events, and the story of Mason and his family is marked by political and personal upheavals that testify to the impact of those traumatic times. Mason’s story evolves from first grade to high school graduation as the boy ventures toward manhood, enduring his parents’ divorce, his mother’s troubled remarriage, his tenuous relationship with his father, and his continuing struggles to understand his own growing pains. Like many of his generation— who were slowly becoming known as Millennials— Mason grew up cynical and suspicious. This chapter evaluates the many messages Boyhood contains about youth and adolescence within the context of early 21st century American culture, illuminating how Linklater’s singular vision of the otherwise ordinary life of a boy reveals potent truths about the nation and its children during this era.
Yayın Hizmetlerinde Toplumsal Cinsiyet Eşitliği: Radyo ve Televizyon Üst Kurulu Kararlarına Dayalı Bir İnceleme
Authors: Çevikçelik Muradiye
Published: May 2024

Cinsiyet, erkek ve dişiyi birbirinden ayıran biyolojik özellikleri, toplumsal cinsiyet ise erkek ve dişi olmaya kültür tarafından yüklenen özellikler bütününü ifade etmektedir. Toplumsal cinsiyet, cinsiyet kavramının aksine, biyolojik değil, kültürel bir kavramdır. Kültürden kültüre değişmekle birlikte genel olarak kadınların zayıf, duygusal, edilgen, şefkatli ve fedakâr olması; erkeğin ise cesur, girişken, güçlü, zeki ve aktif olması beklenir. Günümüzde medya, bilinçli veya bilinçli olmayan bir şekilde toplumsal cinsiyet rollerinin oluşturulmasında, aktarılmasında ve pekiştirilmesinde önemli bir yere sahiptir. Televizyon aracılığıyla yapılan yayınlar, 6112 sayılı Radyo ve Televizyonların Kuruluş ve Yayın Hizmetleri Hakkında Kanun’da ve ilgili diğer mevzuatta öngörülen temel ilkelere uygun olarak sunulmalıdır. Bu temel ilkeler arasında toplumsal cinsiyet eşitliğini güvence altına alan çeşitli ilkelere de yer verilmiştir. Bir düzenleyici ve denetleyici kurum olan Radyo ve Televizyon Üst Kurulu tarafından yapılacak denetimlerde, toplumsal cinsiyet eşitliğine ilişkin temel yayın ilkelerine aykırı bir şekilde faaliyet gösterdiği tespit edilen yayıncı kuruluşa, 6112 sayılı Kanun’da öngörülen idari yaptırımlar uygulanacaktır. Bu makalede, Radyo ve Televizyon Üst Kurulu tarafından verilen çeşitli kararlar incelenmiş ve Kurulun toplumsal cinsiyet eşitliğine yaklaşımı ortaya konulmaya çalışılmıştır. Makale kapsamında incelenen yayınlar diziler, reklamlar ve çizgi filmler ile sınırlandırılmıştır. Çalışmanın sonucunda televizyon yayınlarının toplum üzerinde önemli etkilere sahip olduğu ve yayınların hazırlanmasında toplumsal cinsiyet eşitliği ilkesine uygun olmayan ifadelere ve davranış kalıplarına yer verilmemesi gerektiği sonuçlarına ulaşılmıştır. Ayrıca Radyo ve Televizyon Üst Kurulunun toplumsal cinsiyet eşitliğini teşvik eden bir medya ortamının oluşturulmasındaki rolü incelenmiştir.
Coping With Intimate Partner Violence: The Effect Of Women’s Resources On Their Response To Violence In Turkey
Authors: Beşpınar Lütfiye Zeynep , Arslan Hilal , Beşpınar Fatma Umut
Published: May 2024

Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate the interaction between the personal and social resources of women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) and their responses to two specific types of violence, namely; physical and sexual violence. The study utilizes survey data from the "2014 Domestic Violence against Women in Turkey Survey", a follow-up to the 2008 nationwide survey on violence against women, which includes a wide range of socio-demographic background questions as well as questions on IPV and various types of violence against women and girls. This quantitative research represents one of the rare studies focusing on women's individual and institutional responses to IPV and it is also based on findings from the most recent field study on Domestic Violence against Women in Turkey. The sample design of the research is a multi-staged stratified cluster sampling and 11,247 households completed the survey from 12 statistical regions, urban and rural areas of Turkey. During the field visits, 13,310 women were identified as eligible for interviews, and 8,960 women were approached for face-to-face interviews. The response rate for the women interviews was recorded at 83.3 percent. Multinomial logit models were employed to elucidate the relationship between the responses of women who had been subjected to violence and their individual resources. The findings of the study reveal that individual resources such as age, higher education, urban residence, and being in regular employment with social security significantly increase the likelihood that women will engage in at least one institutional or non-institutional response to IPV.
Kadın Dernekleri Üyeleri Perspektifinden Türkiye’de Kadın Sağlığı ve Kürtaj Politikalarının Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Ertan Senem
Published: May 2024

Bu çalışma, İstanbul ve Ankara’daki kadın dernekleri üyeleri gözüyle Türkiye’de kadın sağlığı ve kürtaj politikalarını değerlendirmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Bu amaçla bu çalışma 2017 yılında İstanbul ve Ankara’da yer alan 291 kadın derneğinden 735 üyenin katılımıyla yüz yüze anket çalışması olarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Veriler, betimsel ve istatistiksel analizleri içeren nicel araştırma yöntemleri kullanılarak STATA programı ile analiz edilmiştir. Katılımcılar, kadın sağlığı ile ilgili son dönemde yapılan politikaları çoğunlukla yeterli bulmakla beraber isteğe bağlı kürtaj konusu ile ilgili de olumlu bir bakış açısı söz konusudur. Hem isteğe bağlı kürtaj hem de mağduriyet sonucu kürtaja bakış açısını etkileyen ortak etkenler sol ideoloji, evli olmak ve gelir düzeyidir. İsteğe bağlı kürtaj konusunu ayrıca muhafazakarlık, dindarlık, siyasal katılım ve toplumsal cinsiyet eşitsizliği endeksi olumsuz olarak etkilemektedir. Kadın sağlığı ve kürtaj politikaları ile ilgili toplumdan daha fazla bilgi sahibi olması beklenen kadın derneği üyelerinde bile ciddi bir oranda farkındalık eksikliği olduğunu görülmektedir.
Üremeye Yardımcı Tedavi Alan Kadınların Sağlıklı Yaşam Davranışları ve Davranışları Oluşturan Unsurlar: Nitel Bir Araştırma
Authors: Deliktaş Demirci Ayşe , Atasayar Tuğçe , Kabukcuoğlu Kamile
Published: May 2024

Bu çalışmanın amacı; üremeye yardımcı tedavi alan infertil kadınların sağlıklı yaşam biçimi davranışları ve onları oluşturan unsurların derinlemesine incelenmesidir. Araştırma, tanımlayıcı nitel araştırma deseni kullanılarak üremeye yardımcı tedavi almakta olan 15 primer infertil kadın ile yürütülmüştür. Veriler, tematik analiz adımlarından yararlanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Analizler sonucunda “davranış belirleyicileri”, “infertil olma” ve “sağlıklı yaşam süreci” olmak üzere üç ana tema ortaya çıkmıştır. Kadınların yaşam davranışlarının tedavi üzerine etkisine ilişkin bir “sağlık bilinci”nin olmadığı, sıklıkla sağlıklı yaşam davranışlarına sahip olma ya da olmama durumuna ilişkin “benliğin gücü”ne vurgu yaptıkları görülmüştür. Kendilerine şefkat göstermediklerini sıklıkla vurgulayan kadınlar, bedenlerine ve psikolojilerine gereken önem ve dikkati vermediklerinden yakınmışlardır. Çoğu kadının sağlığını geliştirmek için yeterli “sağlık sorumluluğunu al(ma)”dığı ve “stres çıkmazı”nda oldukları belirtilmiştir. Kadınların çoğunun sağlıklı yaşam davranışlarına yeterli düzeyde sahip olmadıkları, “ihmal edilen beden” olgusunun var olduğu, toplum tarafından kendilerine “adanmış roller”in yükü ile karşı karşıya kaldıkları belirlenmiştir. İnfertil kadınların sağlıklı yaşam davranışı sergilemede zorluklarının olduğu; yaşanılan stres ve ilişkilerde bozulma, toplumsal cinsiyet rolleri, infertilitenin benlik üzerine etkileri, sağlıklı yaşam davranışlarına ilişkin bilinç ve değişim motivasyonun sağlıklı yaşam davranışları üzerine önemli olduğu vurgulanmıştır. Bu nedenle infertilite hemşirelerin bu unsurların olumsuz etkilerini ortadan kaldıracak şekilde hemşirelik girişimlerini planlaması önerilmektedir.
AI för klimatanpassning : Hur kan nya digitala teknologier stödja klimatanpassning?
Authors: Neset Tina-Simone , Andersson Lotta , Edström Magnus Matteo , Vrotsou Katerina , Greve Villaro Clara , Navarra Carlo , Kucher Kostiantyn , Schück Fredrik , Rydholm Caroline , Unger Jonas , Linnér Björn-Ola
Published: May 2024

Tillgång till vädervarningar med information om förväntade konsekvenser av vädret är nödvändigt för god krisberedskap hos myndigheter, kommuner, näringsliv och privatpersoner. Vidareutveckling av varningssystem som fokuserar på förväntade störningar (konsekvensbaserade varningssystem) är därför en viktig komponent i samhällets hantering av klimatförändringar. Forskningsprojektet AI för klimatanpassning (AI4CA) har analyserat möjligheter och hinder med att inkludera AI-baserad text- och bildanalys som stöd till SMHI:s konsekvensbaserade vädervarningssystem och på sikt även stödja långsiktig klimatanpassning.
Application of cysteinyl prolyl ester for the synthesis of cyclic peptides containing an RGD sequence and their biological activity measurement
Authors: Yamada Akina , Takei Toshiki , Kawakami Toru , Taniguchi Yukimasa , Sekiguchi Kiyotoshi , Hojo Hironobu
Published: May 2024

Cysteinyl RGD-peptidyl cysteinyl prolyl esters, which have different configurations at the cysteine and proline residues, were synthesized by the solid-phase method and cyclized by the native chemical ligation reaction. Cyclization efficiently proceeded to give cyclic peptides, regardless of the difference in the configuration. The peptides were further derivatized to the corresponding desulfurized or methylated cyclic peptides at the Cys residues. The inhibition activity to αvβ6 integrin binding was then analyzed by ELISA. The results showed that the activity varied depending on the difference in the configuration and modification of the cysteinyl prolyl ester (CPC) moiety, demonstrating the usefulness of this method in the search for a good inhibitor of the protein–protein interaction.
A novel diagnostic approach to Paratuberculosis in dairy cattle using near-infrared spectroscopy and aquaphotomics
Authors: Behdad Saba , Pakdel Abbas , Massudi Reza
Published: May 2024

Introduction

As a contagious and chronic disease in the livestock industry, Paratuberculosis is a significant threat to dairy herds’ genetic and economic resources. Due to intensive breeding and high production of dairy cattle, the incidence and prevalence are higher. Developing non-destructive diagnostic methods for the early detection and identification of healthy animals is paramount for breeding programs. Conventional methods are almost entirely destructive, have low accuracy, lack precision, and are time-consuming. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and aquaphotomics can detect changes in biofluids and thus have the potential to diagnose disease. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic ability of NIRS and aquaphotomics for Paratuberculosis in dairy cattle.

Methods

Blood plasma from dairy cattle was collected in the NIR range (1,300 nm to 1,600 nm) 60 days before and 100 days to 200 days after calving in two groups, positive and negative, using the same consecutive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test results three times as a reference test.

Results

NIRS and aquaphotomics methods invite 100% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity to detect Paratuberculosis using data mining by unsupervised method, Principal Component Analysis, and supervised methods: Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogiest, Linear Discriminant Analysis, Quadratic Discriminant Analysis, Partial Least Square–Discriminant Analysis, and Support Vector Machine models.

Discussion

The current study found that monitoring blood plasma with NIR spectra provides an opportunity to analyze antibody levels indirectly via changes in water spectral patterns caused by complex physiological changes, such as the amount of antibodies related to Paratuberculosis by aquagram.
Role of hydrogen sulfide in the male reproductive system
Authors: Song Yunjia , Mao Caiyun , Zhong Qing , Zhang Rong , Jiang Deyou , Sun Xutao
Published: May 2024

As an important gas signaling molecule, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) affects multiple organ systems, including the nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, and genitourinary, reproductive systems. In particular, H2S not only regulates female reproductive function but also holds great promise in the treatment of male reproductive diseases and disorders, such as erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, varicocele, and infertility. In this review, we summarize the relationship between H2S and male reproductive organs, including the penis, testis, prostate, vas deferens, and epididymis. As lower urinary tract symptoms have a significant impact on penile erection disorders, we also address the potential ameliorative effects of H2S in erectile dysfunction resulting from bladder disease. Additionally, we discuss the regulatory role of H2S in cavernous smooth muscle relaxation, which involves the NO/cGMP pathway, the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway, and K+ channel activation. Recently, various compounds that can alleviate erectile dysfunction have been reported to be at least partly dependent on H2S. Therefore, understanding the role of H2S in the male reproductive system may help develop novel strategies for the clinical treatment of male reproductive system diseases.
The genetic relationships between immune cell traits, circulating inflammatory proteins and preeclampsia/eclampsia
Authors: Liu Yu , Zhang Yuliang , Du Lili , Chen Dunjin
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Preeclampsia/eclampsia (PE), a critical complication during pregnancy, has been suggested to correlate with immune cell phenotypes and levels of circulating inflammatory proteins. Our study aimed to employ a two-sample mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the potential causal effects of immune cell phenotypes and circulating inflammatory proteins on the onset of PE.

Methods

We utilized summary-level data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). This included statistics for 371 immune cell phenotypes from 3,757 individuals in the Sardinian founder population, and data on 91 circulating inflammatory proteins from 14,824 European ancestry participants. Additionally, genetic associations related to PE were extracted from the FinnGen consortium, involving 1,413 cases and 287,137 controls. We applied inverse variance weighting (IVW) and supplementary methods like MR-Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode to comprehensively assess potential causal links.

Results

Our analysis revealed significant causal associations of several immune cells type and inflammatory proteins with PE. Out of the immune cell phenotypes analyzed, six immune phenotypes emerged as significant risk factors (p <0.01), mainly include CD4 on activated and secreting CD4 regulatory T cells, CD28 on CD39+ CD4+ T cells, CD127- CD8+ T cell absolute cell (AC) counts, HLA DR on HLA DR+ CD8+ T cell, CD66b on CD66b++ myeloid cells, and HLA DR on dendritic cells. And ten were identified as protective factors (p <0.01). Such as CD45 on CD33br HLA DR+ CD14-, CD33+ HLA DR+ AC, CD33+ HLA DR+ CD14- AC, CD33+ HLA DR+ CD14dim AC, CD27 on CD24+ CD27+ B cell, CD20- CD38- %B cell, IgD- CD24- %B cell CD80 on plasmacytoid DC, CD25 on CD4+ T cell, and CD25 on activated & secreting CD4 regulatory T cell. Furthermore, among the inflammatory proteins studied, five showed a significant association with PE, with three offering protective effects mainly include that C-X-C motif chemokine 1, tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 14, and C-C motif chemokine 19 and two exacerbating PE risk such as STAM-binding domain and Interleukin-6 (p <0.05).

Conclusions

Our study highlights the pivotal roles played by diverse immune cell phenotypes and circulating inflammatory proteins in the pathophysiology of PE. These findings illuminate the underlying genetic mechanisms, emphasizing the criticality of immune regulation during pregnancy. Such insights could pave the way for novel intervention strategies in managing PE, potentially enhancing maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Decadal evolution of a sandy beach adjacent to a river mouth under natural drivers and human impacts
Authors: Liu Gen , Cai Feng , Qi Hongshuai , Liu Jianhui , Cao Chao , Zhao Shaohua , He Yanyu , Zhu Jun , Yin Chao , Mo Wenyuan
Published: May 2024

As escalating environmental pressures threaten the world’s beaches, understanding the driving factors influencing their geomorphological changes is of critical global importance. This study focuses on the morphological changes of Sigeng beach adjacent to Changhua River Mouth in Hainan Island, China through decadal monitoring of shoreline and profile topography and tries to illuminate the natural and anthropogenic factors that drove geomorphological changes. The results showed that Sigeng beach undergone significant changes between 2008 and 2024, with notable accretion at the northernmost and southernmost and general erosion at other sections. The shoreline change rates ranged between -18.4 m/yr and 13.0 m/yr, with the average rate of -1.9 m/yr, indicating overall erosion. The net longshore sediment transport (LST) rates along Sigeng beach was estimated through the combination of the cross-shore (profile) and longshore (shoreline) changes. The overall direction of net LST along the beach were southward, except for the northern section where the direction was northward due to the diffraction of NE waves by the long sand spit at the northernmost. The net LST rates at each profile varied from 0.8×104 m3/yr to 3.5×104 m3/yr. The main factors controlling Sigeng beach evolution, including seasonal wave action and reduction in fluvial sediment load, followed by sand spit and coastal structures, typhoon events, aeolian transport, and sea level rise, were discussed. Subsequently, adaptive protection measures, including beach nourishment, accompanied with groin system or multiple detached breakwaters were proposed to combat with beach erosion. The analysis presented in this study is helpful to understand the morphodynamics and to predict the future change of beaches.
Flow control in a confined supersonic cavity flow using subcavity
Authors: Bhaduri Sreejita , Ray Anurag , De Ashoke , Sugarno Mohammed Ibrahim
Published: May 2024

The effects of the front wall and aft wall sub-cavities in the flow field of a confined supersonic deep cavity are numerically investigated. The turbulent simulations are carried out by deploying a finite volume-based explicit density-based solver in the OpenFOAM framework in conjunction with the k − ω SST (Shear Stress Transport) turbulence model. A cavity with a length-to-depth ratio of three placed in a confined passage is considered in the study. The freestream Mach number at the entrance of the passage is approximately 1.71. The addition of the sub-cavity of lengths ranging between 0.2 and 0.3 times the length of the main cavity in the front wall and the aft wall, significantly affects the frequencies of cavity oscillations as obtained from the spectral signature. The front wall sub-cavity of length ratio 0.2 reduces the dominant frequency by almost 60 percent as compared to the baseline cavity. The analysis and comparison of the flow field using the numerical schlieren in both configurations reveal a significant alteration in the flow field. The flow visualization provides a distinct understanding of the attenuation and enhancement of pressure oscillations obtained through spectral analysis in the presence of sub-cavities.
Clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of COVID-19 infection among cancer patients during the December 2022 – February 2023 Omicron variant outbreak
Authors: Liu Li-Li , Liao Yu-Wei , Yu Xiao-Hua , Rong Ling , Chen Bi-Gui , Chen Gang , Zeng Guang-Kuan , Yang Li-Ye
Published: May 2024

Objective

To analyze the clinical characteristics and prognostic impacts of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection among cancer inpatients during the December 2022 – February 2023 surge, in order to provide scientific evidence for clinical treatment and prevention and control measures.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical features, prognosis, and vaccination status of cancer in-patients infected with the Omicron variant during the COVID-19 pandemic of December 2022 – February 2023.

Results

A total of 137 cancer inpatients were included in the study, with a median age of 61 years, and 75 patients (54.74%) were male. The main symptoms were cough (69 cases, 50.36%), expectoration (60 cases, 43.80%), and fever (53 cases, 39.69%). Chest CT examination revealed bilateral pneumonia in 47 cases (34.31%, 47/137) and pleural effusion in 24 cases (17.52%, 24/137). Among the cancer patients, 116 cases (84.67%, 116/137) had solid tumors, and 21 cases (15.33%, 21/137) had hematologic malignancies, with the main types being breast cancer (25 cases, 18.25%) and lung cancer (24 cases, 17.52%). Among the cancer patients, 46 cases (33.58%) were asymptomatic, 81 cases (59.12%) had mild disease, 10 cases (7.30%) had severe infection, and 8 cases (5.84%) died. A total of 91 patients (66.42%) had been vaccinated, with 58 patients (42.34%) receiving three doses. Multivariate analysis showed that cerebral infarction and hypoproteinemia were risk factors for death from COVID-19 infection.

Conclusion

Cancer patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron typically exhibit mild disease manifestations, but some cancer patients infected with the Omicron variant might progress to severe illness, and even death, necessitating close monitoring and attention during the early stages of infection. Additionally, the presence of cerebral infarction and hypoproteinemia significantly increases the risk of death.
Case report: Rare floating gallbladder torsion in a child
Authors: Ren Haiyang , Liu Hao , Liu Xiurui , Wei Hua , Tian Ping
Published: May 2024

Gallbladder Torsion (GT) refers to serious biliary emergencies caused by the torsion of the gallbladder on its mesentery along the axis of the cystic duct and cystic artery. It is very rare, especially in children. The clinical data of a child with floating gallbladder torsion who was treated in our hospital on March 14, 2024, were analyzed. A 6-year-old girl presented with abdominal pain and vomiting. Physical examination showed a mass in the right middle abdomen. Laboratory tests showed normal liver biochemical function and white blood cells. The benign lesion was considered by color Doppler ultrasound and CT, and the floating torsion of the gallbladder was diagnosed by MRCP and laparoscopic exploration. The child was treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and recovered well after the operation.
The development of the biological soil crust regulates the fungal distribution and the stability of fungal networks
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhou Shuping , Zhang Bingchang , Zhao Kang , Wang Fei , Li Kaikai , Zhang Yali
Published: May 2024

The heterogeneous composition of fungi plays an indispensable role in the foundation of the multifunctionalities of ecosystems within drylands. The precise mechanisms that govern fluctuations in soil fungal assemblages in dryland ecosystems remain incompletely elucidated. In this study, biological soil crusts (biocrusts) at different successional stages in the Gurbantunggut Desert were used as substrates to examine the characteristics and driving factors that influence fungal abundance and community dynamics during biocrust development using qPCR and high-throughput sequencing of the ITS2 region. The findings showed that the physicochemical properties changed significantly with the development of biocrusts. In particular, total nitrogen increased 4.8 times, along with notable increases in ammonium, total phosphorus (2.1 times) and soil organic carbon (6.5 times). Initially, there was a rise in fungal abundance, which was subsequently followed by a decline as the biocrust developed, with the highest abundance detected in lichen crust (2.66 × 107 copies/g soil) and the lowest in bare sand (7.98 × 106 copies/g soil). Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes emerged as dominant phyla, collectively forming 85% of the fungal community. As the biocrust developed, noticeable alterations occurred in fungal community compositions, resulting from changes in the relative proportions of Dothideomycetes, Lecanoromycetes and unclassified ascomycetes. Nitrogen, phosphorus, organic carbon content, and pH of biocrusts were identified as direct or indirect regulators of fungal abundance and community structure. The complexity of fungal networks increased as biocrusts developed as revealed by network analysis, but reduced in the stability of fungal communities within algal and lichen crusts. Keystone species within the fungal community also underwent changes as biocrust developed. These results suggested that shifts in interspecies relationships among fungi could further contribute to the variation in fungal communities during the development of biocrusts.
Heterologous expression of the insect SVWC peptide WHIS1 inhibits Candida albicans invasion into A549 and HeLa epithelial cells
Authors: Chen Ming , Huang Wei-Kang , Yao Yang , Wu Shi-Mei , Yang Yong-Xin , Liu Wen-Xia , Luo Gang , Wei Shao-Feng , Zhang Hua , Liu Hong-Mei , Wang Bing
Published: May 2024

Candida albicans (C. albicans), a microbe commonly isolated from Candida vaginitis patients with vaginal tract infections, transforms from yeast to hyphae and produces many toxins, adhesins, and invasins, as well as C. albicans biofilms resistant to antifungal antibiotic treatment. Effective agents against this pathogen are urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been used to cure inflammation and infectious diseases. In this study, we isolated whole housefly larvae insect SVWC peptide 1 (WHIS1), a novel insect single von Willebrand factor C-domain protein (SVWC) peptide from whole housefly larvae. The expression pattern of WHIS1 showed a response to the stimulation of C. albicans. In contrast to other SVWC members, which function as antiviral peptides, interferon (IFN) analogs or pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), which are the prokaryotically expressed MdWHIS1 protein, inhibit the growth of C. albicans. Eukaryotic heterologous expression of WHIS1 inhibited C. albicans invasion into A549 and HeLa cells. The heterologous expression of WHIS1 clearly inhibited hyphal formation both extracellularly and intracellularly. Furthermore, the mechanism of WHIS1 has demonstrated that it downregulates all key hyphal formation factors (ALS1, ALS3, ALS5, ECE1, HWP1, HGC1, EFG1, and ZAP1) both extracellularly and intracellularly. These data showed that heterologously expressed WHIS1 inhibits C. albicans invasion into epithelial cells by affecting hyphal formation and adhesion factor-related gene expression. These findings provide new potential drug candidates for treating C. albicans infection.
Development and application of a whole genome amplicon sequencing method for infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV)
Authors: Spilsberg Bjørn , Leithaug Magnus , Christiansen Debes Hammershaimb , Dahl Maria Marjunardóttir , Petersen Petra Elisabeth , Lagesen Karin , Fiskebeck Eve M. L. Z. , Moldal Torfinn , Boye Mette
Published: May 2024

Infectious salmon anemia (ISA) is an infectious disease primarily affecting farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, which is caused by the ISA virus (ISAV). ISAV belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family. The disease is a serious condition resulting in reduced fish welfare and high mortality. In this study, we designed an amplicon-based sequencing protocol for whole genome sequencing of ISAV. The method consists of 80 ISAV-specific primers that cover 92% of the virus genome and was designed to be used on an Illumina MiSeq platform. The sequencing accuracy was investigated by comparing sequences with previously published Sanger sequences. The sequences obtained were nearly identical to those obtained by Sanger sequencing, thus demonstrating that sequences produced by this amplicon sequencing protocol had an acceptable accuracy. The amplicon-based sequencing method was used to obtain the whole genome sequence of 12 different ISAV isolates from a small local epidemic in the northern part of Norway. Analysis of the whole genome sequences revealed that segment reassortment took place between some of the isolates and could identify which segments that had been reassorted.
Research progress of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus S protein
Authors: Luo Haojian , Liang Zhaoping , Lin Junjie , Wang Yiqiao , Liu Yingying , Mei Kun , Zhao Mengmeng , Huang Shujian
Published: May 2024

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a single-stranded RNA virus with a capsid membrane that causes acute infectious gastrointestinal disease characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration in swine. Piglets are more susceptible to PEDV than adults, with an infection rate reaching 90% and a fatality rate as high as 100%. Moreover, PEDV has a rapid transmission rate and broad transmission range. Consequently, PEDV has caused considerable economic losses and negatively impacted the sustainability of the pig industry. The surface spike (S) glycoprotein is the largest structural protein in PEDV virions and is closely associated with host cell fusion and virus invasion. As such, the S protein is an important target for vaccine development. In this article, we review the genetic variation, immunity, apoptosis-induction function, virulence, vaccine potential, and other aspects of the PEDV S protein. This review provides a theoretical foundation for preventing and controlling PEDV infection and serves as a valuable resource for further research and development of PEDV vaccines.
Clinical characteristics and genetic analysis of children with Omicron BF.7.14 type novel coronavirus-related acute necrotizing encephalopathy
Authors: Zhang Jianzhao , Sun Jing , Li Dongqing , Xie Hua , Shangguan Shaofang , Ge Yangyang , Jiao Hui , Ma Caihui , Liu Zhao , Zhao Linqing , Yang Jian
Published: May 2024

Background

To explore the clinical characteristics, etiological factors, and clinical-related genetic variant of children with acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) related to the Omicron BF.7.14 novel coronavirus.

Methods

Genomic variations were detected through whole exome sequencing. Additionally, we summarized the clinical data to explore the inheritance patterns associated with novel coronavirus-related ANE.

Results

This study included four patients (2 males and 2 females) with an average age of 2.78 ± 1.93 years. All the patients had prodromal symptoms of Omicron BF.7.14 virus infection, and exhibited symptoms such as altered consciousness, seizures and cognitive/language disturbances. Cranial MRI scans revealed damage to the thalamus, basal ganglia and brainstem. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell counts were nearly normal, but protein level in CSF increased significantly. Genetic analysis revealed a novel truncated variant of CRMP2 gene in one patient who suffered more severe coma score and prognosis and dead in the later stages. All children exhibited a decrease in the absolute count of T lymphocytes, helper T cells, suppressor T cells, and NK cells to varying degrees. Furthermore, levels of cytokines, including IL-1 β, IL-5, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly elevated in the CSF, especially in patient with truncated variant of CRMP2 gene.

Conclusion

The Omicron BF.7.14 type novel coronavirus can lead to ANE, characterized by T cell immunosuppression and a significant increase in cytokine levels in the CSF. The truncated variation of CRMP2 gene may affect the prognosis of ANE by affecting the migration of cerebral T cells.
Predictive value of Caprini risk assessment model, D-dimer, and fibrinogen levels on lower extremity deep vein thrombosis in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Fang Xia , Shen Yi , Wang Mei , Dai Lihong , Shi Linlin , Zhang Feng , Chen Congcong , Yuan Yuan
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Research indicates that individuals experiencing hemorrhagic stroke face a greater likelihood of developing lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) compared to those with ischemic stroke. This study aimed to assess the predictive capacity of the Caprini risk assessment model (RAM), D-dimer (D-D) levels, and fibrinogen (FIB) levels for lower extremity DVT in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH).

Methodology

This study involved a retrospective analysis of medical records from all sICH patients admitted to Shanghai General Hospital between June 2020 and June 2023. Within 48 h of admission, patients underwent routine screening via color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS). Patients were categorized into the DVT and control groups based on the occurrence of lower extremity DVT during hospitalization. Differences in Caprini RAM, D-dimer, and FIB levels between the two groups were compared. The sensitivity and specificity of combined Caprini RAM, peripheral blood D-dimer, and FIB levels in predicting lower extremity DVT in sICH patients were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves assessed the overall predictive accuracy of Caprini RAM, D-D, and FIB levels.

Results

The study involving 842 sICH patients revealed 225 patients with DVT and 617 patients without DVT. Caprini RAM, D-D, and FIB levels were significantly higher in the DVT group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Sensitivity values for Caprini RAM, D-D, and FIB levels in predicting lower extremity DVT in sICH patients were 0.920, 0.893, and 0.680, respectively, while specificities were 0.840, 0.680, and 0.747, respectively. The ROC curve analysis demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.947 for combined DVT prediction, with 97.33% sensitivity and 92.00% specificity, indicating superior predictive value compared to individual applications of Caprini RAM, D-D, and FIB levels.

Conclusion

The combined utilization of Caprini RAM, D-D, and FIB levels holds significant clinical relevance in predicting lower extremity DVT in sICH patients.
The distinct and potentially conflicting effects of tDCS and tRNS on brain connectivity, cortical inhibition, and visuospatial memory
Authors: Wu Pei-Jung , Huang Chih-Hsu , Lee Shuenn-Yuh , Chang Alice Y. W. , Wang Wen-Chi , Lin Chou-Ching K.
Published: May 2024

Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS), are emerging as promising tools for enhancing cognitive functions by modulating brain activity and enhancing cognitive functions. Despite their potential, the specific and combined effects of tDCS and tRNS on brain functions, especially regarding functional connectivity, cortical inhibition, and memory performance, are not well-understood. This study aims to explore the distinct and combined impacts of tDCS and tRNS on these neural and cognitive parameters. Using a within-subject design, ten participants underwent four stimulation conditions: sham, tDCS, tRNS, and combined tDCS + tRNS. We assessed the impact on resting-state functional connectivity, cortical inhibition via Cortical Silent Period (CSP), and visuospatial memory performance using the Corsi Block-tapping Test (CBT). Our results indicate that while tDCS appears to induce brain lateralization, tRNS has more generalized and dispersive effects. Interestingly, the combined application of tDCS and tRNS did not amplify these effects but rather suggested a non-synergistic interaction, possibly due to divergent mechanistic pathways, as observed across fMRI, CSP, and CBT measures. These findings illuminate the complex interplay between tDCS and tRNS, highlighting their non-additive effects when used concurrently and underscoring the necessity for further research to optimize their application for cognitive enhancement.
Automatic cortical surface parcellation in the fetal brain using attention-gated spherical U-net
Authors: You Sungmin , De Leon Barba Anette , Cruz Tamayo Valeria , Yun Hyuk Jin , Yang Edward , Grant P. Ellen , Im Kiho
Published: May 2024

Cortical surface parcellation for fetal brains is essential for the understanding of neurodevelopmental trajectories during gestations with regional analyses of brain structures and functions. This study proposes the attention-gated spherical U-net, a novel deep-learning model designed for automatic cortical surface parcellation of the fetal brain. We trained and validated the model using MRIs from 55 typically developing fetuses [gestational weeks: 32.9 ± 3.3 (mean ± SD), 27.4–38.7]. The proposed model was compared with the surface registration-based method, SPHARM-net, and the original spherical U-net. Our model demonstrated significantly higher accuracy in parcellation performance compared to previous methods, achieving an overall Dice coefficient of 0.899 ± 0.020. It also showed the lowest error in terms of the median boundary distance, 2.47 ± 1.322 (mm), and mean absolute percent error in surface area measurement, 10.40 ± 2.64 (%). In this study, we showed the efficacy of the attention gates in capturing the subtle but important information in fetal cortical surface parcellation. Our precise automatic parcellation model could increase sensitivity in detecting regional cortical anomalies and lead to the potential for early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders in fetuses.
Current advances for in vitro protein digestibility
Authors: Santos-Sánchez Guillermo , Miralles Beatriz , Brodkorb André , Dupont Didier , Egger Lotti , Recio Isidra
Published: May 2024

Protein is an essential macronutrient in our diet, source of nitrogen and essential amino acids, but the biological utilization of dietary protein depends on its digestibility and the absorption of amino acids and peptides in the gastrointestinal tract. The methods to define the amount and the quality of protein to meet human nutritional needs, such as the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS), require the use of animal models or human studies. These in vivo methods are the reference in protein quality evaluation, but they are expensive and long-lasting procedures with significant ethical restrictions. Therefore, the development of rapid, reproducible and in vitro digestion methods validated with in vivo data is an old demand. This review describes the challenges of the in vitro digestion methods in the evaluation of the protein nutritional quality. In addition to the technical difficulties to simulate the complex and adaptable processes of digestion and absorption, these methods are affected by similar limitations as the in vivo procedures, i.e., analytical techniques to accurately determine bioavailable amino acids and the contribution of the endogenous nitrogen. The in vitro methods used for the evaluation of protein digestibility, with special attention on those showing comparative data, are revised, emphasizing their pros and cons. The internationally harmonized digestion protocol proposed by the INFOGEST network is being adapted to evaluate protein and amino acid digestibility. The inter-laboratory reproducibility of this protocol was demonstrated for dairy products. The in vivo/in vitro comparability results obtained to date with this protocol for several plant and animal sources are promising, but it requires an extensive validation with a wider range of foods and substrates with known in vivo digestibility. These in vitro methods will probably not be applicable to all foods, and therefore, it is important to identify their limitations, not to elude their use, but to apply them within the limits, by using the appropriate standards and references, and always as a complementary tool to in vivo tests to reduce their number.
Tea for histamine anti-allergy: component analysis of tea extracts and potential mechanism for treating histamine anti-allergy
Authors: Huang Zeting , Zhang Lanyue , Xuan Jie , Yang Lu , Zhao Tiantian , Peng Weihua
Published: May 2024

In China, Camellia plants are widely used to reduce atopic dermatitis and inflammation-related diseases, but their protective mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the anti-allergic dermatitis, anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation effect and underlying mechanism of five Camellia species, including Camellia ptilophylla Chang, Camellia assamica Chang var. Kucha Chang, Camellia parvisepala Chang, Camellia arborescens Chang, and C. assamica M. Chang. A total of about 110 chemical compositions were detected from five Camellia teas extracts. The level of mast cell infiltration in the model mice skin was determined by HE (Hematoxylin and eosin) staining and toluidine blue staining, and the level of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and nerve growth factor was detected by immunohistochemistry. The five Camellia tea leaf extracts have histamine-induced allergic dermatitis. Lipopolysaccharide (Lipopolysaccharide)-induced murine macrophage RAW264.7 inflammation model was found to secrete NF-κB factor, as shown by immunofluorescence, and reactive oxygen species secretion and related cytokine levels were detected. The results suggested that Camellia’s five tea extracts had the ability to resist cellular oxidative stress. In addition, the results of cell inflammatory cytokines including fibronectin (FN) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) suggested that the five tea extracts of Camellia had anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, it is suggested that five Camellia teas may possess inhibitory properties against allergic reactions, oxidative stress, and inflammation, and may prove beneficial in the treatment of allergies.
Spraying humic acid regulator on cultivated Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. to improve yield of active constituents
Authors: Huang Gaojian , Miao Huifeng , Chen Yaqian , Wang Ke , Zhang Qiang , Yang Zhiping
Published: May 2024

Plant growth regulators have been used in the cultivation of medicinal plants to increase yield, but the existing regulators decreased the content of active constituents which benefit human health. Therefore, it is necessary to find a new growth regulator to achieve the win-win goal of increasing yield and improving active constituents’ accumulation. The potential of replacing chlorocholine chloride with a new humic acid-based growth regulator was evaluated by measuring the yield and active constituents’ accumulation of Codonopsis pilosula. Three treatments including water (CK), chlorocholine chloride (T1) and humic acid regulator (T2) were applied by foliar spraying. Among them, both chlorocholine chloride and humic acid regulator belong to biostimulant. The result showed that the root yield in T1 and T2 were significantly increased by 59.1% and 54.9% compared with CK, respectively, and there was no significant difference between T1 and T2. Compared with CK, the yields of lobetyolin, syringin and atractylenolide III of Codonopsis pilosula were significantly decreased by 6.3%, 7.3% and 13.0% in T1, but were significantly increased by 22.8%, 14.8% and 32.0% in T2, respectively. Redundancy analyses showed that photosynthetic rate, sucrose phosphoric acid synthetase and phosphomannomutase had higher degree of explanation for yield and quality. Linear regression results indicated that photosynthetic rate and phosphomannomutase were the main factors to affect yield and active constituents yields, respectively. In addition, the output-input ratios based on the yields of polysaccharides, lobetyolin, syringin and atractylenolide III of Codonopsis pilosula in T2 was significantly increased by 6.5%, 15.2%, 8.7% and 31.2% respectively as compared with T1. Overall, compared with water treatment, both chlorocholine chloride and humic acid regulator treatments can increase the root yield of Codonopsis pilosula. Compared with chlorocholine chloride, humic acid regulator can improve the yield of active constituents and economic benefits of Codonopsis pilosula. This study indicated that reasonable selection of plant growth regulators is of great significance for achieving a win-win goal of increasing the root yield and active constituents of medicinal plants.
The call for an “educational footprint” in conceptualizing mental health and psychosocial support: the case of Norwegian kindergarten teachers
Authors: Christensen Ingrid R.
Published: May 2024

This article presents an in-depth qualitative case study asking, “How do Norwegian kindergarten teachers conceptualize and negotiate the field of psychosocial support?” This article thoroughly explores how Norwegian kindergarten teachers perceive of the field Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). Recognizing the global imperative to advance mental health and psychosocial support for children, the study highlights the crucial need for interprofessional grounded concepts and logics in developing MHPSS interventions. The study employs a grounded theory approach to actively develop concepts in the MHPSS field in Norway. The six selected Norwegian expert teachers can make up a so-called “unique case”, representing a high-income country with a robust welfare system and child-centered pedagogy. Yet, they reveal challenges in embracing the concept of psychosocial support: The analysis shows that the teachers seem to neglect and even reject the concept of psychosocial support, while also expressing inferiority and lack of agency towards other professions. However, the teachers also express the desire for more knowledge, and with proudness they energetically engage in fostering children’s agency and functioning by their everyday descriptions of «meeting with the child». The study calls for the kindergarten teachers’ increased efforts to actively participate in MHPSS interventions, advocating for the further development of an «educational footprint» that can empower interprofessional work.