bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of Korean, Chinese and Japanese Traditional Paper Making Technology for Registration of Korean Paper(Hanji) as UNESCO
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Jung Soyoon , Jeong Seonhwa , Jang Kyungju
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this paper is to provide baseline data that can be used for inclusion in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of Korea's Hanji culture and to suggest directions for its implementation. To this end, Xuan paper and Washi, which were registered on the Representative List of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2009 and 2014, were investigated. The contents of the investigation include the origin, Historicity, raw materials, and manufacturing process of paper making. In addition, prior research was conducted through interviews and field visits. In addition, the origin and historicity of Hanji was verified through ancient documents and relics. And it has been investigated that traditional Hanji’s culture is an intangible cultural heritage that has been maintained, protected, inherited and developed. Finally, the development of traditional Hanji’s culture and the direction to be taken were presented. Therefore, it is expected that this study can be used as a research material for the inclusion of Hanji as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
A Systematic Review of English Learning for North Korean College Students in South Korea
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Hyun Joo
Published: December 2022

The study aims to explore the research trends and new directions for English learning for North Korean college students in South Korea. It examines domestic research studies, and nine studies are finally extracted based on the systematic review approach. The results have shown that the literature on this issue was published from 2013 to 2019. English learning for North Korean college students is related to their academic achievement, so it is important to conduct various empirical studies on the issue. The terms referring to North Korean college students are not standardized in both Korean and English. Also, the studies on the issue have been mainly published in the educational field of social science. The research topics include the difficulties of English learning and some factors related to their English learning. Thus, it is necessary to develop customized English programs for North Korean college students, which consider their sociocultural backgrounds and college majors.
Study on Liu YangZhong’s Main Thesis on Sect of TangSong’Ci
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Hong Byunghye , Yun Hyeji
Published: December 2022

Liu YangZhong was a Ci’researcher of the Chinese contemporary. TangSong’Ci Liupai’Shi is his posthumous work. He is throwing back on Ci’research and the present and future direction of literature research in this book. He pointed out the setting of the TangSongCi’ Liupai and the errors in regulations and terms. In addition, in order to avoid and improve this, it is necessary to convert into a cluster study of author who share the tendency rather than a study of author of each ear. Expressions such as the complete wave or the wave that is still used initially are expressions that confuse the wind and the wave. And these have been a major stumbling block to Ci’research. Through TangSong’Ci Liupai’Shi, he tried to identify conceptual errors of the complete wave and the lake wave, and based on this, he tried to establish an opportunity for the research to accelerate. The purpose of this paper is to closely examine his views and to accurately identify the intentions.
Disciplinary Management Strategies and Practices of Transnational Pharmaceutical Enterprises in China: Based on the Perspective of Labor Sociology
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Dai Fen , Jin Yu
Published: December 2022

This study aims to investigate the new characteristics of transnational capital's labor control in the process of compliance management practices in China's pharmaceutical industry and the resistance to the control by the local workers. The mechanisms of practicing compliance management mainly involve three aspects: internal monitoring and auditing, compliance training and education, disciplinary punishment. Compliance management as a new disciplinary power is exercised through three technologies: hierarchical observation, normalizing judgment, and examination. We reveal that the compliance management practices in China do not conform to the rational hypothesis pursued by the West, and it is more of a bluff management strategy in nature, which is more concern to the profits rather than discipline and punishment.
A Study on the Effects of Public Entrepreneurship on Work Performance: Mediating Effect of Organizational Commitment
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Jaehyung , Im Jinhyuk
Published: December 2022

The need for entrepreneurship of public servants is emphasized in order to improve performance in the public sector, as there are limitations in solving the issues that the public sector faces suddenly, such as COVID-19, only with existing regulations and manuals. Therefore, this study intends to suggest implications related to the performance creation of public sector workers by examining how public entrepreneurship affects work performance. For this purpose, empirical analysis was conducted using SPSS's Process Macro based on a survey of 4,330 public officials. As a result, it was confirmed that public entrepreneurship had a positive effect on work performance and organizational commitment, and organizational commitment also had a positive effect on work performance. In addition, it was found that organizational commitment had a mediating effect on the relationship between public entrepreneurship and work performance. Through this, it was possible to derive the implication that the entrepreneurship of employees should be strengthened in order to increase work performance and organizational commitment in the public domain.
Analysis of Structural Relationships among Depression/Anxiety, Subjective Happiness, and Self-Esteem Affecting Adolescents' Career Maturity
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Donguk
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study is to confirm the relationship and structure of depression/anxiety, subjective happiness, and self-esteem on the career maturity of adolescents, and to confirm the mediating effect of self-esteem. For the study, the structural equation model was analyzed using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 26.0. First, depression and anxiety in adolescents had a significant negative effect on self-esteem, and subjective happiness had a positive effect on self-esteem. Second, self-esteem had a significant positive effect on career maturity. Third, depression/anxiety of adolescents had a negative effect on career maturity as a mediating effect on self-esteem, while subjective happiness had a positive effect on career maturity as a mediating effect on self-esteem. Based on the results of this study, it can serve as basic data when operating programs to strengthen youth career maturity or establishing educational policies later.
The Mediating Effect of Adaptive Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategy on the Relationship of Marital Conflict and Marital Intimacy among Middle-aged Married Couples: Actor and Partner Effect
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lim Jooyoung
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the actor and the partner effects on the process of which marital conflict affected marital intimacy through cognitive emotion regulation strategy among middle-aged married couples. For this purpose, path analysis was conducted using the APIM for the collected data from 185 pairs middle-aged married couples. The results of this study were summarized as follows: First, the wife’s cognitive emotion regulation strategy had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between wife’s marital conflict and marital intimacy, and the husband’s cognitive emotion regulation strategy had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between husband‘s marital conflict and marital intimacy. Second, In the partner effect, the wife's cognitive emotion regulation strategy was completely mediated in the relationship between the wife's marital conflict and the husband's marital intimacy, and the husband's cognitive emotion regulation strategy was completely mediated in the relationship between the husband's marital conflict and the wife's marital intimacy. The results of this study will be provided as useful data for improving the intimacy of middle-aged married couples and helpful in setting the direction of intervention for improving marital intimacy through education and counseling based on adaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategy.
A Grounded Theory Study on English Learning Experiences of Student Athletes in a Physical Education High School
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee JunGil , Kim Byungsun
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate English learning experiences of student athletes in a physical education high school and to identify the situations of English learning, which they have faced. A total of 5 student athletes from D city were selected through the purposive sampling. convenience sampling method. Data was collected through participant in-dept interview and it was analyzed by a grounded theory. The findings were 9 categories and 34 concepts They were categorize into : i) core phenomenon: a difficult challenge of learning English, ii) causal conditions: combining exercising with studying and a lack of basic learning ability, iii) contextual condition: a change of their attitudes regarding learning, ⅳ) intervening conditions: worried about future career and choosing both exercising and studying ⅴ) strategies: A perception on the necessity of learning English, and ⅵ) core phenomenon: Having a confidence through learning English.
Characteristics of Taekkyeon Social Media through Multiple Case Analysis: Focusing on the YouTube Channels of Taekkyeon Preservation Association and Korea Taekkyeon Association
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Kwanseob
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this paper is to argue the need for active public communication of Taekkyeon and to discuss the legitimacy of Taekkyeon social media as a specific method. The study began by acknowledging the reality that 2.2 Taekkyeon-related news was reported annually over the past 20 years (2000-2019) on public broadcaster KBS News, and recognizing the need for the concept of “Taekkyeon Media,” which Taekkyeon becomes a social media channel and content. As a result of analyzing multiple cases of Taekkyeon Preservation Association and Korea Taekkyeon Association, where YouTube channels were opened among four Taekkyeon organizations, it can be said that the purpose of establishing both Taekkyeon Preservation Association and Korea Taekkyeon Association was revealed through the contents. This study is differentiated in that it diagnosed the possibility of Taekkyeon public communication through new media.
The Study on Direction of Development of Self-study Business Korean Textbook for Japanese Officers
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Mun Dayul , Won Haeyoung , Kang So San
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this paper is to search the direction of the development of self-study business Korean textbooks for Japanese officers. In many cases, Japanese officers have to learn Korean, the language of their trading partner, on their own for work efficiency. However, textbooks for them are significantly lacking. We suggested the development direction of self-study business textbooks as follows. First, a B5 size textbook is suitable for self-study learner. Second, visual materials such as photos and illustrations should be used and Japanese explanations should be added to help learners understand the contents. Third, realistic pronunciations should be presented and the appendix for supplementary explanations should be actively used. Fourth, self-evaluation should be conducted for each unit so that learners can check their own learning. Fifth, Korea's diverse corporate culture should be introduced. And we present the contents of the self-study business textbook for Japanese according to the direction of development.
Fetvahânenin Hazırladığı Muhîtu’l-fetâvâ’da Yer Alan Akaid Fetvaları ve Kaynakları
Authors: Arslan Emine
Published: December 2022

Fıkıh ve akaid ilmi başlangıçtaki yakın ilişkilerine rağmen zaman içerisinde birbirlerinden ayrı bir şekilde gelişme göstermişlerdir. Ancak akaidin bazı konuları furȗʻ fıkıh kitaplarının siyer bölümünde, usûl kitaplarının ise hüsün ve kubuhla ilişkili meselelerinde işlenmeye devam etmiştir. Ayrıca akaid konuları diğer fıkhî meseleler gibi fetva formunda da soruldukları için az ya da çok olarak fetva kitaplarında da yer almaya devam etmiştir. Osmanlı son döneminde Muhîtu’l-fetâvâ adında büyük bir Türkçe fetva mecmuası hazırlaması için Fetvahâne içinde Teʹlîf-i Mesâil Şubesi ihdas edilince bu mecmuanın ilk kitabı akaid konularına hasredilmiştir. Akaid dışında sadece tahâret ve salât kitapları hazırlanabilmiş olan mecmuanın akaid bahsindeki yüz iki fetva Osmanlı şeyhülislam ve âlimlerinin bu konulardaki fetvalarından yapılan seçmelerden oluşmaktadır. Ağırlıklı olarak Ebussuûd Efendi’nin fetvalarını içeren Fetâvâ-yı Veliyyüddîn ile Ali en-Nisârî’nin el-Fevâidü’l-ʻaliyye, Osman b. Mehmed et-Tosyevî’nin Fevâidü’l-fetâva Osmâniyye ve Yenişehirli Abdullah Efendi’nin Behcetü’l-fetâvâ isimli eserlerinin mecmuada en çok fetva nakledilen kitaplar olarak öne çıktıkları görülmektedir. Muhîtu’l-fetâva’yı hazırlayan heyetin görevlerinden biri de fetvaların alındığı eserlerdeki nakillerin sıhhatinin gözden geçirilmesi, gerekli durumlarda eklemeler yapılması, bazen de tamamen farklı nakillerin getirilmesidir. Bu açıdan mecmuada yer alan fetvaların delilleri mahiyetindeki nukûl de Osmanlı’da akaid konusunda hangi eserlerin muteber kabul edildiğine dair önemli veriler sunmaktadır. Muhîtu’l-fetâvâ, Osmanlı Devleti’nin son döneminde dahî Fetvahânenin büyük bir fetva mecmuası hazırlama gücünü ve sorumluluğunu kendinde bulması, bu mecmuaya Akaid kitabıyla başlayıp bu bölümde de belki de son kez devletin resmî itikâd/kelâm düşünce sisteminin çerçevesinin üstünden geçmesi açısından ayrıca dikkate değerdir. Bu sebeple makalede Muhîtu’l-fetâvâ çerçevesinde, fetva faaliyetinin bir ürünü olarak akaid fetvalarının mahiyeti ve bu fetvalarda müracaat edilen eserlerin neler olduğu tespite çalışılacaktır.
Evaluation of the Fear of Covid-19 and Hygiene Behaviors of Municipal Employees
Authors: TÜMER Adile , GÜLLÜ Fehime Nida , DURAK Mürüvvet , DÖNMEZ Sevgül
Published: December 2022

The study was conducted to examine the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and the hygiene behaviors of municipal employees. The descriptive and cross-sectional this study was conducted on 283 individuals who were employees of the municipality of the southwestern region of Turkey. The COVID-19 Fear Scale and the COVID-19 Hygiene Scale were used for data collection. It was found that the COVID-19 Fear Scale total score was determined to be 21.15±6.31, and the COVID-19 Hygiene Scale score was determined to be 105.04±19.76. A positive and moderate statistically significant correlation was found between the scales (r=0.389; p<.050). The most important variables affecting COVID-19 hygiene behavior were fear in the first place (Beta=0.30), education level (Beta=0.27), and COVID-19 status of individuals (Beta=0.13 at the second place). The mean score of the COVID-19 Fear Scale was higher in married individuals, those with low education levels, those with chronic diseases, and those whose relatives were diagnosed with COVID-19. In addition, the mean score of the COVID-19 Hygiene Scale was lower in divorced individuals, those with higher education and income levels, and those whose relatives were diagnosed with COVID-19 before. It was concluded that the most important variable affecting the COVID-19 hygiene behavior was the fear of COVID-19, and as the fear of COVID-19 increased, compliance with hygiene behaviors increased.
Discovering the culture-led regenerative transformation of a city. Walter Benjamin as an inspiration for the Eco-Flâneur
Authors: Molderez Ingrid , Branzila Carina , Lambrechts Wim , Maas Pascale
Published: December 2022

Walter Benjamin developed the idea of the flâneur in ‘Charles Baudelaire: A lyric Poet in the Era of High Capitalism. He used the powerful figure of the flâneur, a familiar character in the nineteenth century, to analyze modernity. In this paper, a close reading of the literature on Walter Benjamin and the flâneur is provided with a highlight on its relevance for a critical reflection on sustainability for higher education in management. The concept of the flâneur is taken further to eco-flâneur, i.e., strollers as students and teachers who see what is happening and changing in the city and how street life is being transformed towards sustainability. As an eco-flâneur they do not only discover the regenerative transformation of a city, but also co-create it. The eco-flâneur is suggested as an alternative pedagogy to unite soul, eye and hand, three elements that are brought into connection by Walter Benjamin and that are vital for a sustainability mindset. The concept of the eco-flâneur is used as a metaphor to rethink education and to suggest ways for transformative learning.
Practice of electron microscopy on nanoparticles sensitive to radiation damage: CsPbBr3 nanocrystals as a case study
Authors: Duong Tuan M. , Sharma Kshipra , Agnese Fabio , Rouviere Jean-Luc , Okuno Hanako , Pouget Stéphanie , Reiss Peter , Ling Wai Li
Published: December 2022

In-depth and reliable characterization of advanced nanoparticles is crucial for revealing the origin of their unique features and for designing novel functional materials with tailored properties. Due to their small size, characterization beyond nanometric resolution, notably, by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and associated techniques, is essential to provide meaningful information. Nevertheless, nanoparticles, especially those containing volatile elements or organic components, are sensitive to radiation damage. Here, using CsPbBr3 perovskite nanocrystals as an example, strategies to preserve the native structure of radiation-sensitive nanocrystals in high-resolution electron microscopy studies are presented. Atomic-resolution images obtained using graphene support films allow for a clear comparison with simulation results, showing that most CsPbBr3 nanocrystals are orthorhombic. Low-dose TEM reveals faceted nanocrystals with no in situ formed Pb crystallites, a feature observed in previous TEM studies that has been attributed to radiation damage. Cryo-electron microscopy further delays observable effects of radiation damage. Powder electron diffraction with a hybrid pixel direct electron detector confirms the domination of orthorhombic crystals. These results emphasize the importance of optimizing TEM grid preparation and of exploiting data collection strategies that impart minimum electron dose for revealing the true structure of radiation-sensitive nanocrystals.
RH5.1-CyRPA-Ripr antigen combination vaccine shows little improvement over RH5.1 in a preclinical setting
Authors: Healer Julie , Thompson Jennifer K. , Mackwell Karen L. , Browne Cecille D. , Seager Benjamin A. , Ngo Anna , Lowes Kym N. , Silk Sarah E. , Pulido David , King Lloyd D. W. , Christen Jayne M. , Noe Amy R. , Kotraiah Vinayaka , Masendycz Paul J. , Rajagopalan Rajkannan , Lucas Leanne , Stanford Marianne M. , Soisson Lorraine , Diggs Carter , Miller Robin , Youll Susan , Wycherley Kaye , Draper Simon J. , Cowman Alan F.
Published: December 2022

Background

RH5 is the leading vaccine candidate for the Plasmodium falciparum blood stage and has shown impact on parasite growth in the blood in a human clinical trial. RH5 binds to Ripr and CyRPA at the apical end of the invasive merozoite form, and this complex, designated RCR, is essential for entry into human erythrocytes. RH5 has advanced to human clinical trials, and the impact on parasite growth in the blood was encouraging but modest. This study assessed the potential of a protein-in-adjuvant blood stage malaria vaccine based on a combination of RH5, Ripr and CyRPA to provide improved neutralizing activity against P. falciparum in vitro.

Methods

Mice were immunized with the individual RCR antigens to down select the best performing adjuvant formulation and rats were immunized with the individual RCR antigens to select the correct antigen dose. A second cohort of rats were immunized with single, double and triple antigen combinations to assess immunogenicity and parasite neutralizing activity in growth inhibition assays.

Results

The DPX® platform was identified as the best performing formulation in potentiating P. falciparum inhibitory antibody responses to these antigens. The three antigens derived from RH5, Ripr and CyRPA proteins formulated with DPX induced highly inhibitory parasite neutralising antibodies. Notably, RH5 either as a single antigen or in combination with Ripr and/or CyRPA, induced inhibitory antibodies that outperformed CyRPA, Ripr.

Conclusion

An RCR combination vaccine may not induce substantially improved protective immunity as compared with RH5 as a single immunogen in a clinical setting and leaves the development pathway open for other antigens to be combined with RH5 as a next generation malaria vaccine.
Recovery trajectories and management responses for three scallop stocks over ten years following an extreme marine heatwave in Western Australia
Authors: Kangas Mervi , Chandrapavan Arani , Wilkin Sharon , Caputi Nick
Published: December 2022

Saucer scallop, Ylistrum balloti, fisheries along central Western Australia was a key region impacted by the 2010/11 extreme marine heatwave (MHW) when mean sea surface temperature anomalies reached up to 5°C between December and March. The extreme intensity and duration of this event had adverse impacts on survival of larval, juvenile, and adult scallops in the three major stocks in Shark Bay and at the Abrolhos Islands. The severe decline, observed from low commercial landings and verified through fishery-independent surveys required strong and rapid management response, and so in consultation with industry these commercial fisheries were closed to protect the remaining population and allow stock recovery. This provided an opportunity to examine other factors, in the absence of fishing, that may impact recovery. Fishing recommenced in Shark Bay after 3.5 years with one of the two stocks recovering more slowly whilst fishing recommenced in the Abrolhos Islands after 5 years. Differences in recovery rates between regions may be attributed to differences in life-history dynamics which vary with latitude. In Shark Bay, the austral summer is pre-spawning with peak spawning in the autumn/winter and therefore higher temperatures negatively impacted the spawning stock directly. In the Abrolhos Islands however, scallops have already spawned by summer and therefore the larvae and/or the early juveniles were impacted as well as post-spawned adults. Post 2011 MHW, continued warmer ocean conditions were experienced, followed by 4 years (2016-2019) of a “marine cold spell” then “short-lived” moderate MHWs during the summers of 2019/20 to 2021/22. Each stock had, over these years, responded differently to the conditions and fishing impacts and management responses also varied. We describe the science, management and industry response to severe stock declines, recovery rates, the drivers of recruitment and recovery and effects of recent summer MHWs on the current scallop stock status. Secondly, we describe the management arrangements and harvest strategies implemented. We highlight the importance of pre-season stock monitoring that provide a basis for catch/recruitment prediction and adaptive harvest strategies to ensure timely responses to stock declines in the event of extreme events expected to become more frequent in a changing global climate.
Edgeworthia gardneri (Wall.) Meisn. extract protects against myocardial infarction by inhibiting NF-κB-and MAPK-mediated endothelial inflammation
Authors: Wei Dan , Tang Le , Su Lingqing , Zeng Sufen , Telushi Ajdora , Lang Xiaoya , Zhang Yanli , Qin Manman , Qiu Liang , Zhong Chao , Yu Jun
Published: December 2022

Background

Experimental and clinical evidence has demonstrated a pivotal role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease, and targeting inflammation has been shown to provide clinical benefits for patients with coronary disease. Endothelial cells constitute the majority of non-cardiomyocytes in the heart. Endothelial pro-inflammatory activation is recognized as a critical component in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. The dried flowers of Edgeworthia gardneri (Wall.) Meisn. (EG) have been widely used as Tibetan folk medicine to ameliorate a range of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. However, its role in modulating endothelial inflammation and ischemic heart disease has not been evaluated.

Methods and results

Herein, using a preclinical rat model of coronary artery ligation-induced myocardial infarction (MI), we demonstrated that systemic administration of EG extract (EEEG) attenuated ischemic cardiac injury. EEEG reduced myocardial infarct size, improved cardiac function, and ameliorated adverse cardiac remodeling. Moreover, the cardioprotective effects of EEEG were associated with decreased MI-induced myocardial inflammation. Consistent with the anti-inflammatory role of EEEG in vivo, EEEG attenuated TNF-α-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) activation and monocyte-endothelial cell firm adhesion in vitro. Mechanistically, our data showed that EEEG’s mode of action suppresses the activation of NF-κB, ERK, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in ECs. Importantly, we demonstrated that EEEG inhibits endothelial inflammation in an NF-κB- and p38 MAPK-dependent manner using pharmacological inhibitors.

Conclusion

Collectively, this study identified EG as a potential therapeutic agent in attenuating endothelial inflammation and managing ischemic cardiovascular disease.
Markers of extracellular matrix remodeling and systemic inflammation in patients with heritable thoracic aortic diseases
Authors: Seim Bjørn Edvard , Holt Margrethe Flesvig , Ratajska Aleksandra , Michelsen Annika , Ringseth Monica Myklebust , Halvorsen Bente Evy , Skjelland Mona , Kvitting John-Peder Escobar , Lundblad Runar , Krohg-Sørensen Kirsten , Osnes Liv T. N. , Aukrust Pål , Paus Benedicte , Ueland Thor
Published: December 2022

Background

In approximately 20% of patients with thoracic aortic aneurysms or dissections a heritable thoracic aortic disease (HTAD) is suspected. Several monogenic connective tissue diseases imply high risk of aortic disease, including both non-syndromic and syndromic forms. There are some studies assessing inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling in patients with non-hereditary aortic disease, but such studies in patients with hereditary diseases are scarce.

Aims

To quantify markers of extracellular matrix (ECM) and inflammation in patients with vascular connective tissue diseases versus healthy controls.

Methods

Patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS, n = 12), Marfan syndrome (MFS, n = 11), and familial thoracic aortic aneurysm 6 (FTAA6, n = 9), i.e., actin alpha 2 (ACTA2) pathogenic variants, were recruited. Exome or genome sequencing was performed for genetic diagnosis. Several markers of inflammation and ECM remodeling were measured in plasma by enzyme immunoassays. Flow cytometry of T-cell subpopulations was performed on a subgroup of patients. For comparison, blood samples were drawn from 14 healthy controls.

Results

(i) All groups of HTAD patients had increased levels matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as compared with healthy controls, also in adjusted analyses, reflecting altered ECM remodeling. (ii) LDS patients had increased levels of pentraxin 3 (PTX3), reflecting systemic inflammation. (iii) LDS patients have increased levels of soluble CD25, a marker of T-cell activation.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that upregulated MMP-9, a matrix degrading enzyme, is a common feature of several subgroups of HTAD. In addition, LDS patients have increased levels of PTX3 reflecting systemic and in particular vascular inflammation.
Case report: Delayed cardiac rupture with congenital absence of pericardium after blunt trauma
Authors: Shen Tuo , Fang He , Tang Tao , Tang Hongtai , Hu Xiaoyan , Zhu Feng
Published: December 2022

A 66 years old male was admitted to our hospital after a serious car accident. The patient presented with severe shock after admission. After the examination, the patient was diagnosed with hemopneumothorax and myocardial contusion, accompanied by spleen rupture. After emergency surgery and a series of symptomatic treatments, the patient’s condition gradually stabilized. One week later, the patient suddenly presented with severe shock. Massive hemothorax was found on the left side of the chest. Surgical exploration revealed cardiac rupture and accidental absence of congenital pericardium. According to the literature review, congenital absence of pericardium (CAP) is relatively rare. Although there are certain imaging features, the clinical diagnosis is very difficult. However, this patient did not show the characteristics in the literature and had some other atypical features. The role of CAP in the occurrence and development of the patient’s heart injury and rupture is worthy of discussion. What we learned from this case is that we should look for potential risks in the telltale signs of a patient’s condition.
Prognostic implication of left ventricular hypertrophy regression after antihypertensive therapy in patients with hypertension
Authors: Kim Hyue Mee , Hwang In-Chang , Choi Hong-Mi , Yoon Yeonyee Elizabeth , Cho Goo-Yeong
Published: December 2022

Background

Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. However, the prognostic implication of LVH regression after antihypertensive therapy has not been clearly investigated.

Methods

Patients who underwent echocardiography at the time of the diagnosis of hypertension and repeated echocardiography at an interval of 6–18 months were retrospectively identified. LVH was defined as LV mass index (LVMI) >115 g/m2 (men) and >95 g/m2 (women). LVH regression was defined as LVH at initial echocardiography with normal geometry or concentric LV remodeling at follow-up echocardiography. Cardiovascular mortality, hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), coronary revascularization, stroke, and aortic events were analyzed according to changes in LVMI and geometry.

Results

Of 1,872 patients, 44.7% (n = 837) had LVH at the time of diagnosis; among these, 30.7% showed LVH regression. The reduction in LVMI was associated with the reduction in BP, especially in those with LVH at baseline. During follow up (median, 50.4 months; interquartile range, 24.9–103.2 months), 68 patients died of cardiovascular causes, 127 had HHF, and 162 had vascular events (coronary revascularization, stroke, and aortic events). Persistent or newly developed LVH during antihypertensive therapy was a significant predictor of cardiovascular mortality and events, especially HHF. On multivariable analysis, women, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, larger LVMI and end-diastolic dimension, and less reduction in systolic BP were associated with persistent or newly developed LVH.

Conclusion

LVH regression in patients with hypertension is associated with a reduction in cardiovascular events and can be used as a prognostic marker.
Pathways of carbonate sediment accumulation in a large, shallow lake
Authors: Rostási Ágnes , Rácz Kornél , Fodor Melinda A. , Topa Boglárka , Molnár Zsombor , Weiszburg Tamás G. , Pósfai Mihály
Published: December 2022

Since carbonate formation is an important process linking inorganic and biological components of freshwater ecosystems, we characterized the formation of modern carbonate sediments in a large, shallow, calcareous lake (Lake Balaton in Hungary). We measured the amount of allochtonous mineral particles delivered to the lake by tributaries and through the atmosphere over a 2-year period, and estimated the mass of carbonate minerals that precipitated from lakewater. Chemical and structural features of mineral particles from various sources were also studied. Both the mineralogical character and the amount of particles delivered by streams and through the atmosphere were similar, and formed a minor fraction of the annual sediment increment (∼5%–6% by mass). Since the watercourses feeding the lake had high concentrations of Ca2+, Mg2+, and HCO3− (with a Mg/Ca mol ratio ranging from 1 to 4), Mg-bearing calcite (with 2–17 mol% MgCO3) was found to continually precipitate in the lake. According to X-ray powder diffraction measurements, the Mg content of calcite increased from West to East, in parallel with changes in water chemistry. Dolomite was detected as a minor phase, and in the eastern part of the lake it typically produced a split 104 peak in X-ray diffractograms, suggesting two distinct sources: stoichiometric dolomite was allochtonous, whereas a Ca-rich protodolomite fraction formed in the lake. Mg-bearing calcite precipitating in the lake was found by far the largest contributor to sediment formation, with an estimated annual accumulation of about 0.75–0.9 mm consolidated sediment; thus, ∼89% of the currently forming sediment consists of autochtonous carbonate. In addition to providing new estimates for the rates of accumulation of distinct sediment fractions, our results also provide a baseline for further studies on the retention and release of nutrients by sediment minerals.
Construction risk control technology of a large tunnel complex in urban area
Authors: Gao Xinqiang , Kong Chao , Wu Daifeng , Lu Feng , Liu Maoyi , Wang Haiyan , Ren Songbo
Published: December 2022

The stability of the surrounding rock analysis and evaluation during tunnel construction is the basis of tunnel construction risk control. In this paper, we focus on the stability of a large-scale transportation tunnel complex during its construction in a densely-populated urban area. The tunnel complex includes seven shallow-buried tunnels with large cross-sections. In order to gain insight into the excavation influence of the different tunnels, stability analyses were first carried out using FLAC3D numerical simulation. Results showed that the tunnels were subjected to heave and crown settlement induced by adjacent excavation. Also, stress concentrated in the rock blocks connecting different tunnels. Subsequently, a bench-scale model test was performed to understand the failure of the rock blocks and to examine the accuracy of the numerical simulation. The test results agreed well with the numerical simulation. Based on the numerical and test results, the mechanism of the rock blocks failure was explained and construction risk control technology to stabilize the rock blocks was proposed. The construction risk analyses revealed: 1) tunnels are subjected to significant heave due to the excavation of tunnels located above; 2) the stability of the rock blocks is the paramount determinant for stabilizing the whole tunnel complex; 3) ensuring rock blocks to be in a state of triaxial stress is conducive to its stability and hence the stability of multiple tunnels.
Decolonizing the decolonization movement in global health: A perspective from global surgery
Authors: Bua Emmanuel , Sahi Saad Liaqat
Published: December 2022

There has been a recent increase in dialogs around decolonization in global health. We present a perspective from global surgery emphasizing personal experiences around equity in barriers to education and surgical missions, citing specific personal challenges and local perceptions that we have experienced as well as potential solutions. We also cite fundamental challenges to the movement to decolonize global surgery, including donor-directed priorities and the creation of partnerships based in genuine bilateral exchange. We cite several models of current programs aiming to address some of these challenges.
Retrospective analysis: The application of human menopausal gonadotropin combined with letrozole for IUI in patients undergoing artificial insemination by husband due to unexplained or mild male factors
Authors: Li Hua-qing , Pan Xin-ling , Su Nian-jun , Lu Xi-ping , Chen Jun-qing , Chen Xu-wei
Published: December 2022

Objective

To compare the effects of human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) combined with letrozole (LE) to HMG only for ovarian stimulation on pregnancy outcome of infertile patients undergoing artificial insemination by husband (AIH) due to unexplained or mild male factors.

Materials and methods

Infertile patients with unexplained or mild male factors treated from July 2015 to December 2021 were selected as subjects. The patients were divided into two groups according to the ovarian stimulation schemes they received, namely HMG combined with LE or HMG only. We analyzed the laboratory examination results before drug treatment (baseline) and during ovarian stimulation and compared the pregnancy outcomes of the two groups using univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

In total, 526 cycles of 372 couples were included. The univariate analysis showed that the clinical pregnancy rate of the HMG combined with LE group was 24.8%, significantly higher than that of the HMG group (14.8%, P = 0.007). The live birth rate (19.9%) of the HMG combined with LE group were also significantly higher than those of the HMG group (11.2%, respectively). In multivariate logistic analysis, the age of males was negatively associated with the clinical pregnancy rate (OR 0.874, 95% CI 0.793~0.963, P=0.006) and live birth (OR0.875, 95% CI 0.783~0.977, P=0.018). Moreover, ovarian stimulation with HMG+LE was the only beneficial factor significantly associated with clinical pregnancy (OR 1.929, 95% CI 1.068~3.485, P=0.029) and live birth (OR 2.255, 95% CI 1.188~4.282, P=0.013).

Conclusion

Ovarian stimulation using HMG combined with LE can increase the clinical outcomes (live birth and clinical pregnancy) among infertile patients undergoing AIH due to explained or mild male factors.
Patterns of dietary niche breadth and overlap are maintained for two closely related carnivores across broad geographic scales
Authors: Gobin Jenilee , Szumski Christa M. , Roth James D. , Murray Dennis L.
Published: December 2022

Ecological studies investigating niche breadth and overlap often have limited spatial and temporal scale, preventing generalizations across varying environments and communities. For example, it is not clear whether species having restricted diets maintain such patterns relative to closely related species and across their geographic range of co-occurrence. We used stable isotope analysis of hair and fur samples collected from four regions of sympatry for Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) and bobcat (Lynx rufus) spanning southern Canada and the northern United States, to test the prediction that the more generalist species (bobcat) exhibits a wider dietary niche than the more specialist species (Canada lynx) and that this pattern is consistent across different regions. We further predicted that Canada lynx diet would consistently exhibit greater overlap with that of bobcat compared to overlap of bobcat diet with Canada lynx. We found that Canada lynx had a narrower dietary niche than bobcat, with a high probability of overlap (85–95%) with bobcat, whereas the bobcat dietary niche had up to a 50% probability of overlap with Canada lynx. These patterns of dietary niche breadth and overlap were consistent across geographic regions despite some regional variation in diet breadth and position, for both species. Such consistent patterns could reflect a lack of plasticity in species dietary niches. Given the increasingly recognized importance of understanding dietary niche breadth and overlap across large spatial scales, further research is needed to investigate the mechanisms by which broad-scale patterns are maintained across species and systems.
Uncovering a 500 million year old history and evidence of pseudogenization for TLR15
Authors: Neves Fabiana , Muñoz-Mérida Antonio , Machado André M. , Almeida Tereza , Gaigher Arnaud , Esteves Pedro J. , Castro L. Filipe C. , Veríssimo Ana
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Toll like receptors (TLRs) are at the front line of pathogen recognition and host immune response. Many TLR genes have been described to date with some being found across metazoans while others are restricted to specific lineages. A cryptic member of the TLR gene family, TLR15, has a unique phylogenetic distribution. Initially described in extant species of birds and reptiles, an ortholog has been reported for cartilaginous fish.

Methods

Here, we significantly expanded the evolutionary analysis of TLR15 gene evolution, taking advantage of large genomic and transcriptomic resources available from different lineages of vertebrates. Additionally, we objectively search for TLR15 in lobe-finned and ray-finned fish, as well as in cartilaginous fish and jawless vertebrates.

Results and discussion

We confirm the presence of TLR15 in early branching jawed vertebrates – the cartilaginous fish, as well as in basal Sarcopterygii – in lungfish. However, within cartilaginous fish, the gene is present in Holocephalans (all three families) but not in Elasmobranchs (its sister-lineage). Holocephalans have long TLR15 protein sequences that disrupt the typical TLR structure, and some species display a pseudogene sequence due to the presence of frameshift mutations and early stop codons. Additionally, TLR15 has low expression levels in holocephalans when compared with other TLR genes. In turn, lungfish also have long TLR15 protein sequences but the protein structure is not compromised. Finally, TLR15 presents several sites under negative selection. Overall, these results suggest that TLR15 is an ancient TLR gene and is experiencing ongoing pseudogenization in early-branching vertebrates.
Low vitamin D concentrations and BMI are causal factors for primary biliary cholangitis: A mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xu Honglin , Wu Ziyan , Feng Futai , Li Yongzhe , Zhang Shulan
Published: December 2022

Backgrounds

Observational studies have identified associations between smoking, alcohol use, body mass index (BMI), and the levels of vitamin D with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). However, there was a lack of randomization control studies to estimate the causal relationship. This study was to investigate the causal estimates for the effects of those risk factors on PBC.

Methods

The genetic instrument variants were extracted from genome-wide association studies in European ancestry. Two-sample mendelian randomization (MR) and multivariable mendelian randomization were used to determine genetically causal estimates. Primary analyses consisted of random-effects and fix-mode inverse-variance-weighted methods, followed by secondary sensitivity analyses to verify the results.

Results

Our study showed that BMI was a causal factor for PBC (OR 1.35; 95% CI=1.03-1.77; p=0.029). In addition, we found that serum vitamin D levels had a protective effect on PBC after adjusting for BMI (OR 0.51; 95% CI=0.32-0.84; p=0.007). However, we failed to identify evidence supporting that genetic causal effect of smoking and alcohol intake were associated with PBC in European countries.

Conclusion

Our results enriched findings from previous epidemiology studies and provided evidence from MR that serum vitamin D concentrations and BMI were independent causal factors for PBC, suggesting that ensuing vitamin D sufficiency and healthy lifestyles might be a cost-effective measure for early intervention for PBC.
Study of epirubicin sustained–release chemoablation in tumor suppression and tumor microenvironment remodeling
Authors: Meng Liangliang , Wang Zhenjun , Hou Zhonghui , Wang Hufei , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Xiaobo , He Xiaofeng , Zhang Xin , Qin Boyu , Li Jing , Zhang Zhongliang , Xue Xiaodong , Wei Yingtian
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Although intratumoral chemoablation can obtain an impressive therapeutic effect, there is still incomplete ablation and tumor recurrence in some patients. This could be due to the short retention time of the drug in the tumor, the limited distribution of intratumoral drugs, and, beyond that, the immunotolerance caused by the tumor microenvironment (TME). There is still an urgent need to find an optimal drug sustained-release carrier and figure out the impact of regional injection to TME.

Methods

In this study, we supposed to use polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel as a drug carrier to improve the retention time of the drug to extend the exposure of tumor cells and investigate the feasibility of combination local Epirubicin injection with anti-PD-L1.

Results

The results revealed obvious tumor suppression based on the tumor volume and the inhibition time of tumor growth in the A549 lung cancer mouse model after local injection. Furthermore, the enhanced antitumor effects of the combination of systematic anti- programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) therapy with local chemoablation (EPI-GEL/PD-L1) for abscopal tumor reduction in the 4T1 breast model were also observed. Flow cytometry analysis of the tumor and blood samples showed significant variations in the proportions of PD-L1+ and CD3+CD8+PD-1+ cells before and after anti-PD-L1 therapy. On day 4 after local injection of the EPI gel, the expression of PD-L1 in abscopal tumors was upregulated, while the expression of PD-L1 in bilateral tumors in mice was significantly reduced after anti-PD-L1 treatment. The proportion of CD3+CD8+PD-1+ cells in the tumor and circulating blood in the EPI-GEL/PD-L1 group was decreased compared with that in the EPI-GEL (single injection of epirubicin) group.

Discussion

The combination of local injection of the chemoablation agent with anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy may strengthen the antitumor activity, and the use of PEG hydrogel as the drug carrier can extend the retention time of the chemoablation agent around the tumor, maintaining a long-term tumor-killing activity.