bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sistem Informasi Pengelolaan Dana Donatur Berbasis Web Pada Masjid Al-Huda
Authors: Annisaa  , Alam Firdausi  , Taufik Ridho
Published: May 2024

Pengelolaan dana donatur pada lembaga keagamaan, seperti masjid, merupakan aspek krusial untuk mendukung berbagai kegiatan dan proyek sosial. Artikel ini memperkenalkan sebuah Sistem Informasi Pengelolaan Dana Donatur berbasis web yang dikembangkan untuk Masjid Al-Huda. Sistem ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan transparansi, akurasi, dan efisiensi dalam pengelolaan serta pelaporan dana yang diterima dari donatur. Dengan pendekatan berbasis web, sistem ini memungkinkan pengurus masjid untuk mencatat dan melacak setiap sumbangan dengan mudah. Fitur-fitur utama meliputi pencatatan donasi secara real-time, laporan keuangan otomatis, dan aksesibilitas yang mudah bagi donatur untuk memantau penggunaan dana mereka. Selain itu, sistem ini memanfaatkan tingkat keamanan yang tinggi untuk melindungi informasi keuangan dan privasi donatur. Penelitian ini juga membahas implementasi dan pengujian sistem pada lingkungan Masjid Al-Huda. Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa Sistem Informasi Pengelolaan Dana Donatur berbasis web memberikan manfaat yang signifikan dalam mempermudah proses pengelolaan dana, meningkatkan akuntabilitas, dan membangun kepercayaan antara pengurus masjid dan donatur. Oleh karena itu, penerapan sistem ini diharapkan dapat menjadi langkah strategis dalam meningkatkan efektivitas pengelolaan dana pada lembaga keagamaan.
Kemampuan Literasi Digital dalam Pembelajaran Teks Eksplanasi Siswa di SD Negeri 4 Made
Authors: Kinanti Anindyah Lyra Syashi , Octaviani Emy Masfufah , Putri Vivi Yusnita , Humairah Humairah
Published: May 2024

Technological developments require individuals to adapt to developments, especially elementary school students. The very rapid development of technology makes learning activities easier. Digital literacy is learning that is influenced by technological developments, digital literacy can help increase students' knowledge. This research method is a type of qualitative research method, namely all the information in this research is presented in the form of words or sentences. This research uses descriptive analysis, namely a description of facts or material obtained from the field. In the current era, students' reading levels are very low, especially in the current era of technological development, therefore researchers want to know students' literacy levels, especially the digital literacy skills that students have mastered. Elementary school students' digital literacy skills in learning are very good, students have made maximum use of their digital literacy skills, such as searching for information via the internet and checking the correctness of information as well as using the internet to facilitate their learning activities. The conclusion that can be obtained is that digital literacy is an activity that is very necessary, with literacy activities students can obtain new information to increase students knowledge.
Öğretmenlik Mesleğini Tercih Etme Nedenleri: İlahiyat Fakültesi Mezunları Üzerine Bir Araştırma
Authors: Baltacı Ali , Coşkun Mehmet Kamil
Published: May 2024

Bu araştırma ilahiyat fakültesi mezunlarının, öğretmenlik mesleğini tercih etme nedenlerinde etkili olan unsurların belirlenmesi amacıyla yürütülmüştür. İstihdam olanağının fazlalığı, toplumsal itibarı ve farklı nedenlerle sürdürülebilir bir meslek olarak algılanan din dersi öğretmenliğinin ilahiyat fakültesi mezunlarınca yoğun ilgi görmesinin çeşitli nedenleri olabileceği düşüncesi bu araştırmanın temel motivasyonudur. Ayrıca araştırma ile yüksek din öğretiminin olası istihdam olanaklarındaki daralma durumu belirginleşecek ve temel işlevi nitelikli din adamı yetiştirme olan ilahiyat fakültelerinin zamanla öğretmen yetiştiren kurumlara dönüşeceği tezi sınanacaktır. Betimsel tarama modelinde olan araştırmanın örneklemi, 2019 yılı veya daha öncesi dönemlerde mezun olan ve halen öğretmenlik mesleğini yapmayan 1033 kişiden oluşmaktadır. Küme örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmış ve veriler, Övet tarafından geliştirilen ‘Öğretmenlik Mesleğini Tercih Etme Nedenleri Ölçeği’ kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Buna göre, ilahiyat fakültesi mezunlarının öğretmenlik mesleğine yönelmesinde etkili olan unsurların çoğunlukla maddi olduğu (iş garantisi, istihdam olanaklarının çeşitliliği, kolay iş bulma vb.); öğretmenlik mesleğini tercihte manevi unsurların (çocukları sevme, topluma katkı sunma vb.) maddi unsurları takip ettiği belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca öğretmenlik mesleğini daha çok kadınların ve toplumun alt ve orta sosyoekonomik düzeyinden gelen mezunların tercih ettiği belirlenmiştir. Eğitim Bilimleri literatürüne anlamlı bilimsel veri sunma gayretinde olan çalışma ile literatürdeki önemli bir boşluğun doldurulması hedeflenmektedir. Bu çalışmanın topluma sunulan din eğitiminin kalitesinin arttırılması ve yüksek din öğretiminde istihdam tartışmalarına katkı sunması beklenmektedir.
Concordance and Acceptability of HPV DNA Genotyping Test by Patient’s Self-Sampling Against Clinician Sampling
Authors: Indarti Junita , Syaharutsa Danny Maesadatu , Surya Ilham Utama , Alda Kristian
Published: May 2024

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of this alternative method, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and considering Indonesia’s cultural context.
Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional design, and involved patients at the Gynecology and Colposcopy Clinic of Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital. The estimated sample size was 48, determined using a diagnostic test formula. The sample population consisted of female patients with positive VIA or abnormal Pap smear results. Each patient underwent HPV DNA self-sampling and clinician sampling tests using the GenoFlow HPV Array technique and continued with colposcopy. All patients were also administered a questionnaire consisting of eight questions about their perspective on the self-sampling HPV DNA test. The data analysis employed a 2 × 2 table using SPSS version 20, and Cohen’s kappa coefficient was calculated to measure the agreement between the sampling results of patients’ and Clinicians’.
Results: Among the examinations conducted by clinicians, there were 33 patients with positive HPV results, whereas through self-sampling, there were 28 patients with positive HPV (p=0.00). High risk HPV was the most commonly observed, with HPV type 16 appearing the most (15%). Based on these data, the self-sampling sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 85%, 100%, 100%, and 75%, respectively, with a concordance rate of 89.6%. The Cohen’s Kappa coefficient between samples taken by the clinician and self-sampling resulted in K=0.778, which is considered a good agreement (K=0.61-0.80). All patients concluded that the procedure was easy (100%), and the majority (60.5%) expressed a preference for the self-sampling method.
Conclusion:  There is a good agreement between the results of self-sampling and clinician sampling for detecting HPV DNA, with patients positively accepting the self-sampling method, indicating its potential as an effective cervical cancer screening method.
Keywords: Cervical Cancer Screening, Clinician Sampling, Human Papillomavirus, Self-Sampling.
Розгляд окремих категорій цивільних справ у судах : навч.-метод. посіб. для студентів денної форми навчання фак-ту цивільної та господар. юстиції Нац. ун-ту «Одеська юрид. академія» [Електронне видання]
Authors:   Національний університет «Одеська юридична академія», Голубєва Неллі Юріївна
Published: May 2024

Видання визначає обсяг знань, які повинен опанувати студент відповідно до вимог освітньо-кваліфікаційної характеристики майбутнього правознавця з дисципліни «Розгляд окремих категорій цивільних справ у судах», послідовність опанування навчальним матеріалом дисципліни з урахуванням міждисциплінарних зв’язків, методичні рекомендації щодо проведення семінарських занять, завдання для самостійної роботи, складові оцінювання знань студентів, список рекомендованої літератури. Навчально- методичний посібник розрахований на студентів і науково- педагогічних працівників вищих юридичних навчальних закладів.
Адвокатура України : методичні вказівки для підготовки до практичних занять та самостійної роботи для здобувачів вищої освіти за спеціальністю 081 «Право»
Authors:   Національний університет ", Бакаянова Нана Мезенівна ,   Одеська юридична академія"
Published: May 2024

Методичні вказівки з навчальної дисципліни «Адвокатура України» розроблено для здобувачів вищої освіти за спеціальністю 081 «Право» Національного університету «Одеська юридична академія», з метою засвоєння ними знань про адвокатуру в Україні. Методичні вказівки містять перелік тем, які розглядаються під час навчання, питання лекційних та практичних занять, кейси, які студенти вирішують в процесі навчання, завдання для самостійної роботи, рекомендовану наукову літературу та релевантне законодавство, тестові завдання для поточного контролю знань
Теорія та практика аналітичної роботи у професійній діяльності юриста : метод. вказ. до виконання практ. і самост. робіт для підготовки здобувачів вищої освіти ступ. «бакалавр» на ф-ті цивіл. та господар. юстиції у НУ «Одес. юрид. академія» в галузі знань 08 «Право» за спец. 081 «Право» [Електронне видання]
Authors:   Національний університет ", Цехан Дмитро Миколайович ,   Одеська юридична академія", Гресь Юлія Олегівна , Чернов Олександр Віталійович
Published: May 2024

Методичні вказівки призначені для здобувачів вищої освіти галузі знань 08 «Право» за спеціальністю 081 «Право» з метою закріплення лекційного матеріалу та підготовки до практичних занять з дисципліни «Теорія та практика аналітичної роботи у професійній діяльності юриста». Містять завдання до практичних занять та самостійної роботи.
Криміналістика : метод. вказ. до виконання практ. і самост. робіт для підготовки здобувачів вищої освіти ступ. «бакалавр» на ф-ті цивіл. та господар. юстиції НУ «Одес. юрид. академія», галузь знань 08 «Право», спец. 081 «Право» [Електронне видання]
Authors:   Національний університет ", Цехан Дмитро Миколайович ,   Одеська юридична академія", Тіщенко Валерій Володимирович , Гресь Юлія Олегівна , Колодін Денис Олексійович , Чернов Олександр Віталійович
Published: May 2024

Методичні вказівки призначені для здобувачів вищої освіти ступеня бакалавра галузі знань 08 «Право» з метою закріплення лекційного матеріалу та підготовки до практичних занять з дисципліни «Криміналістика». Містять завдання до практичних занять та самостійної роботи.
Maternal and Infant Mortality Rates’s Contributing Factors Description and Its Prevention in Kencong Healthcare Center, Jember Regency : A Descriptive Study
Authors: Parti Dita Diana , Firdaus Jauhar , Sakinah Elly Nurus , Lubis Arinie Awindya , Pattipeilohy Florence Marianty
Published: May 2024

Background: Maternal Mortality Rates (MMR) and Infant Mortality Rates (IMR) are two of the indicators on the success of health programs in Indonesia. Jember has become the district with the highest rate of maternal and infant deaths throughout 2020-2021.
Methods: This research assessed the contributing factors of MMR and IMR in Puskesmas Kencong, Jember Regency. This study uses a qualitative descriptive research design. Data in this study were taken by conducting interviews to fill out questionnaires to mothers who had given birth at least once and the Coordinating Midwife and Head Midwife of PONED (Basic Emergency Neonatal Obstetrics Services) at the Puskesmas Kencong. Then the data from the questionnaires and interviews will be processed and then explained in the narrative.
Results:. Based on data from questionnaires filled out by 37 respondents, as well as questions posed to the midwife, Puskesmas Kencong has fulfilled the requirements needed as a PONED Health Center according to PONED Guidelines.
Conclusion: The PONED Health Center at Kencong Health Center has a low prevalence of MMR and IMR.
ПАРАМЕТРИ ОЦІНКИ МОВЛЕННЯ ОСІБ ЗІ ЩІЛИНОЮ ГУБИ ТА ПІДНЕБІННЯ
Authors: Кривенко Катерина
Published: May 2024

У статті охарактеризовано особливості розвитку та діагностику мовлення осіб зі щілиною губи та піднебіння. Визначено основні критерії оцінки мовлення з огляду на закордонний досвід. Описано універсальний рейтинг параметрів для звітності про результати оцінки мовлення осіб зі щілиною губи та піднебіння. Зазначено міждисциплінарну роботу в процесі збору анамнезу та ведення осіб зі щілиною губи та піднебіння протягом усіх етапів лікування та корекції. У статті розкривається поняття резонансу та порушення його функціонування, яке може впливати на прийнятність і зрозумілість мовлення. Охарактеризовано особливості звуковимови при структурних та функціональних порушеннях. Визначено анатомічні особливості розвитку артикуляційного апарату та його структурний вплив на розвиток мовлення. Охарактеризовано етіологію виникнення велофарингеальної недостатності та її вплив на мовлення. Наголошено на важливості залучення інструментального методу оцінки під час діагностики роботи велофарингеального механізму.
The economic impact of 14 compassionate use programs for medicines in Italy, in the perspective of the National Health Service
Authors: Jommi Claudio , Pantellini Federico , Giuliani Giovanni , Cavazza Marianna
Published: May 2024

Background: Compassionate use programs (CUP) for medicines allow patients, not recruited in trials, accessing medicines before marketing approval. The evidence on the economic impact of CUP is limited to one paper that did not include the possible long-term economic impact of medicines used in CUP compared to alternative treatments, like avoided hospitalization costs. This paper aims at covering this information gap, updating and integrating the existing evidence, with a cost analysis in the perspective of the Italian National Health Service (SSN).
Methods: Data were retrieved from the Roche CUP Database, the peer-reviewed literature (e.g. published cost-effectiveness studies, if any), the gray literature (e.g. regional documents for the alternative treatment cost) and unpublished data (e.g. cost-effectiveness analysis provided for price and reimbursement negotiation for medicines in CUP).
Results: We retrieved data from 14 CUPs and 3,485 patients (70% affected by tumors) (Jan 2015-August 2022). The alternative treatment mean cost per patient ranged from € 11.1 k to € 18.8 k. The net economic benefit ranged from € 47 million to € 75 million (€ 13.5 k-€ 21.5 k per patient). Avoiding alternative treatments mostly contributes to the economic benefit. The long-term economic impact accounted for 20/30% of the net economic impact. The net economic benefit for cancer drugs ranged from € 12.6 million to € 40.0 million.
Conclusions: Despite research limitations, this paper provides additional evidence on the economic impact of CUP in Italy. This could represent the first step of a broader analysis of the economic impact of early access schemes for drugs.
Systems Thinking in Road Safety Management
Authors: Mooren Lori , Shuey Ray
Published: May 2024

Effective implementation of the “Safe System” approach requires ‘systems’ thinking in an integrated and holistic strategy involving all road safety disciplines. This paper examines safety systems management to gain a clearer perspective on managing road safety as a whole, rather than individual parts in isolation. The identification of a comprehensive system of good practice in data collection and risk analysis, root cause analysis incorporating contributory factors, together with critical performance monitoring leads to a more proactive approach to reform capable of achieving road safety targets. The paper identifies ‘System Safety’, explores the historical development of systems thinking and investigates transport and industry safety management to gain insight into how best to use the experiences in general road safety management. Road safety advancement is calling for a more systemic and dynamic analysis of road trauma risk factors. The original Haddon’s Matrix, used in crash investigations since the 1970’s is now questioned for sufficiency to support Safe Systems analysis. Psychologists such as James Reason and others have developed injury factor analysis tools that have been applied in occupational and aviation safety. These approaches support the analysis of latent root causes – methods that have generally not been applied in road safety. Apart from work-related road safety, this approach of systemic analysis has largely been absent. A critical assessment calls for a deeper analysis of road trauma data and more comprehensive use of key performance indicators in a similar application to that used in the medical and allied health services.
Examining the dependence of southward shift of westerly anomalies on El Niño intensity: implications for varied El Niño termination patterns
Authors: Jia Yifan , Xie Ruihuang
Published: May 2024

The dependence of the southward shift of low-level westerly anomalies over the equatorial central Pacific on El Niño intensity during the mature winter was investigated through observational analyses and air–sea coupled model simulations. El Niño events are categorized into two types based on the presence or absence of such a southward westerly shift (SWS). El Niño events with an evident SWS (SWS El Niño) exhibit strong intensity in sea surface temperature anomalies, whereas those without a remarkable SWS (non-SWS El Niño) are weak. The strength of westerly anomalies of SWS El Niño is twice as large as those of non-SWS El Niño in mature winter and can induce larger growth of westerly anomalies south of the equator by two anomalous southward westerly advections. One is the advection of anomalous westerlies by climatological winter-mean northerlies, and the other is the advection of climatological zonal wind by anomalous westerlies. Observations and model simulations both indicate that the two types of El Niño terminate differently. The strong SWS El Niño decays initially in the equatorial central Pacific, induced by a large local discharge of mass and heat content associated with intense SWS and the subsequent westward sea current anomalies starting in the decaying spring. In contrast, the non-SWS El Niño terminates first in the far eastern Pacific by cool advection carried by local westward sea current anomalies in mature winter, which is then enhanced by poleward discharge associated with weak SWS in the equatorial central Pacific.
Microenvironmental interference with intra-articular stem cell regeneration influences the onset and progression of arthritis
Authors: Shao Zhuce , Wang Benlong , Gao Huanshen , Zhang Shenqi
Published: May 2024

Studies have indicated that the preservation of joint health and the facilitation of damage recovery are predominantly contingent upon the joint’s microenvironment, including cell-cell interactions, the extracellular matrix’s composition, and the existence of local growth factors. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which possess the capacity to self-renew and specialize in many directions, respond to cues from the microenvironment, and aid in the regeneration of bone and cartilage, are crucial to this process. Changes in the microenvironment (such as an increase in inflammatory mediators or the breakdown of the extracellular matrix) in the pathological context of arthritis might interfere with stem cell activation and reduce their ability to regenerate. This paper investigates the potential role of joint microenvironmental variables in promoting or inhibiting the development of arthritis by influencing stem cells’ ability to regenerate. The present status of research on stem cell activity in the joint microenvironment is also outlined, and potential directions for developing new treatments for arthritis that make use of these intervention techniques to boost stem cell regenerative potential through altering the intra-articular environment are also investigated. This review’s objectives are to investigate these processes, offer fresh perspectives, and offer a solid scientific foundation for the creation of arthritic treatment plans in the future.
Development and application of EpitopeScan, a Python3 toolset for mutation tracking in SARS-CoV-2 immunogenic epitopes
Authors: Kovalenko Alexander , Viatte Sebastien
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Outbreaks of coronaviruses and especially the recent COVID-19 pandemic emphasize the importance of immunological research in this area to mitigate the effect of future incidents. Bioinformatics approaches are capable of providing multisided insights from virus sequencing data, although currently available software options are not entirely suitable for a specific task of mutation surveillance within immunogenic epitopes of SARS-CoV-2.

Method

Here, we describe the development of a mutation tracker, EpitopeScan, a Python3 package with command line and graphical user interface tools facilitating the investigation of the mutation dynamics in SARS-CoV-2 epitopes via analysis of multiple-sequence alignments of genomes over time. We provide an application case by examining three Spike protein-derived immunodominant CD4+ T-cell epitopes restricted by HLA-DRB1*04:01, an allele strongly associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Mutations in these peptides are relevant for immune monitoring of CD4+ T-cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in patients with RA. The analysis focused on 2.3 million SARS-CoV-2 genomes sampled in England.

Results

We detail cases of epitope conservation over time, partial loss of conservation, and complete divergence from the wild type following the emergence of the N969K Omicron-specific mutation in November 2021. The wild type and the mutated peptide represent potential candidates to monitor variant-specific CD4+ T-cell responses. EpitopeScan is available via GitHub repository https://github.com/Aleksandr-biochem/EpitopeScan.
Is there any association between the presence of biomarkers and apical periodontitis? A systematic review
Authors: Matos-Sousa José Mário , Chemelo Victória Santos , Frazão Deborah Ribeiro , Bittencourt Leonardo Oliveira , Moura João Daniel Mendonça de , Mesquita Caio Melo , Marañón-Vásquez Guido , Fagundes Nathalia Carolina Fernandes , Paranhos Luiz Renato , Maia Lucianne Cople , Monteiro Marta Chagas , Lima Rafael Rodrigues
Published: May 2024

This systematic review aimed to verify whether there is evidence of an association between apical periodontitis and the presence of systemic biomarkers. This study adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses - PRISMA. For this, the acronym PECO was used; population (P) of adult humans exposed (E) to the presence of apical periodontitis, compared (C) to adult humans without apical periodontitis, and the outcome (O) of the presence of biomarkers was observed. The articles were searched in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, Cochrane Library, OpenGray, and Google Scholar grey databases. Subsequently, studies were excluded based on title, abstract, and full article reading, following the eligibility criteria. The methodological quality of the selected studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa qualifier. After exclusion, 656 studies were identified, resulting in 17 final articles that were divided into case-control, cross-sectional, and cohort studies. Eight studies were considered to have a low risk of bias, one had a medium risk of bias, and eight had a high risk of bias. In addition, 12 articles evaluated biomarkers in blood plasma, four evaluated them in saliva, and only one evaluated them in gingival crevicular fluid. The results of these studies indicated an association between apical periodontitis and the systemic presence of biomarkers. These markers are mainly related to inflammation, such as interleukins IL-1, IL-2, and IL-6, oxidative markers, such as nitric oxide and superoxide anions, and immunoglobulins IgG and IgM.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier (CRD42023493959).
In vitro immunity: an overview of immunocompetent organ-on-chip models
Authors: Morrison Andrew I. , Sjoerds Mirthe J. , Vonk Leander A. , Gibbs Susan , Koning Jasper J.
Published: May 2024

Impressive advances have been made to replicate human physiology in vitro over the last few years due to the growth of the organ-on-chip (OoC) field in both industrial and academic settings. OoCs are a type of microphysiological system (MPS) that imitates functional and dynamic aspects of native human organ biology on a microfluidic device. Organoids and organotypic models, ranging in their complexity from simple single-cell to complex multi-cell type constructs, are being incorporated into OoC microfluidic devices to better mimic human physiology. OoC technology has now progressed to the stage at which it has received official recognition by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as an alternative to standard procedures in drug development, such as animal studies and traditional in vitro assays. However, an area that is still lagging behind is the incorporation of the immune system, which is a critical element required to investigate human health and disease. In this review, we summarise the progress made to integrate human immunology into various OoC systems, specifically focusing on models related to organ barriers and lymphoid organs. These models utilise microfluidic devices that are either commercially available or custom-made. This review explores the difference between the use of innate and adaptive immune cells and their role for modelling organ-specific diseases in OoCs. Immunocompetent multi-OoC models are also highlighted and the extent to which they recapitulate systemic physiology is discussed. Together, the aim of this review is to describe the current state of immune-OoCs, the limitations and the future perspectives needed to improve the field.
Inflammatory activity evaluation in patients with axial spondyloarthritis using MRI relaxometry and mucosal-associated invariant T cells
Authors: Yang Shengsheng , Zheng Yonghong , Chen Xianyuan , Lin Mingui , Dai Xiaomin , Gao Fei , Chen Huangjing , Ma Mingping , Yu Shun
Published: May 2024

Background

Currently, there is a lack of an objective quantitative measure to comprehensively evaluate the inflammatory activity of axSpA, which poses certain challenges in accurately assessing the disease activity.

Objective

To explore the value of combined-parameter models of sacroiliac joints (SIJs) MRI relaxometry and peripheral blood Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in evaluating the inflammatory activity of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Methods

This retrospective clinical study included 88 axSpA patients (median age 31.0 (22.0, 41.8) years, 21.6% females) and 20 controls (median age 28.0 (20.5, 49.5) years, 40.0% females). The axSpA group was classified into active subgroup (n=50) and inactive subgroup (n=38) based on ASDAS-CRP. All participants underwent SIJs MRI examination including T1 and T2* mapping, and peripheral blood flow cytometry analysis of MAIT cells (defined as CD3+Vα7.2+CD161+) and their activation markers (CD69). The T1 and T2* values, as were the percentages of MAIT cells and CD69+MAIT cells were compared between different groups. Combined-parameter models were established using logistic regression, and ROC curves were employed to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy.

Results

The T1 values of SIJs and %CD69+MAIT cells in the axSpA group and its subgroup were higher than the control group (p<0.05), while %MAIT cells were lower than the control group (p<0.05). The T1 values and %CD69+MAIT cells correlated positively, while %MAIT cells correlated negatively, with the ASDAS-CRP (r=0.555, 0.524, -0.357, p<0.001). Between the control and axSpA groups, and between the inactive and active subgroups, the combined-parameter model T1 mapping+%CD69+MAIT cells has the best efficacy (AUC=0.959, 0.879, sensibility=88.6, 70%, specificity=95.0, 94.7%, respectively).

Conclusion

The combined-parameter model T1 mapping+%CD69+MAIT cells allows a more accurate evaluation of the level of inflammatory activity.
Case report: VEXAS syndrome: an atypical indolent presentation as sacroiliitis with molecular response to azacitidine
Authors: Pereira da Costa Roberto , Sapinho Guilherme , Bandeira Matilde , Infante Joana , Marques Tiago , Mimoso Santos Carla , Forjaz de Lacerda João , Fonseca João Eurico , Romeu José Carlos
Published: May 2024

VEXAS syndrome is a recently described autoinflammatory syndrome caused by the somatic acquisition of UBA1 mutations in myeloid precursors and is frequently associated with hematologic malignancies, chiefly myelodysplastic syndromes. Disease presentation can mimic several rheumatologic disorders, delaying the diagnosis. We describe a case of atypical presentation resembling late-onset axial spondylarthritis, later progressing to a systemic inflammatory syndrome with chondritis, cutaneous vasculitis, and transfusion-dependent anemia, requiring high doses of steroids. Ruxolitinib was used as the first steroid-sparing strategy without response. However, azacitidine showed activity in controlling both inflammation and the mutant clone. This case raises the question of whether azacitidine’s anti-inflammatory effects are dependent on or independent of clonal control. We discuss the potential relevance of molecular remission in VEXAS syndrome and highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary team for the care of such complex patients.
Prognostic significance of peripheral and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in newly diagnosed stage III/IV non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Li Fenge , Tian Chong , Wang Yupeng , Wu Huancheng , Jin Mengli , Du Xueming , Yan Jin , Yang Xueling , Yu Haipeng
Published: May 2024

Background and aim

Lymphocytes are effector cells that fight cancer by killing tumor cells. Here, we aim to explore the prognostic significance of both peripheral and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in newly diagnosed stage III/IV non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Materials and methods

In total, 105 cases of newly diagnosed stage III/IV NSCLC from July 2017 to October 2022 at the Tianjin Beichen Hospital were retrospectively investigated. Peripheral blood samples at the time of diagnosis and tumor tissue slices from these patients were collected. General peripheral blood cell composition and TILs were measured and analyzed via an automatic blood analyzer and immunofluorescence staining analysis. The overall survival (OS) time of all patients was also obtained and analyzed.

Results

The median overall survival (mOS) of all patients is 12 months. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival rates were 60.5, 28.4, and 18.6%, respectively. Peripheral lymphocyte and neutrophil percentages, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) expression, tumor size, and tumor pathology are the prognostic factors of OS for newly diagnosed stage III/IV NSCLC patients. Moreover, patients with high tumor CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration survived significantly longer compared to patients with low tumor CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.011, respectively). Compared to low tumor CD33+ cell infiltration, high tumor CD33+ cell infiltration was associated with worse OS (p = 0.018). High tumor CD8+ T cell infiltration was associated with lower peripheral lymphocyte number, lower serum CRP expression, smaller tumor size, and better tumor pathology (p = 0.012, p = 0.040, p = 0.012, and p = 0.029, respectively).

Conclusion

Increased numbers of peripheral lymphocytes, CD33+ cells, CD4+ TILs, and CD8+ TILs were significantly associated with OS in newly diagnosed stage III/IV NSCLC patients, which were positively associated with several basic clinical factors.
Development of the Korean Medicine Core Outcome Set for Facial Palsy: herbal medicine treatment of patients with facial palsy in primary clinics
Authors: Kim Soo-Dam , Kim Sungha , Son Mi Ju , Cha Jiyun , Kim Pyung-Wha , Ko Mi Mi , Jang Soobin , Yang Changsop , Lee Myeong Soo
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Facial palsy (FP) significantly affects the quality of life of patients and poses a treatment challenge in primary healthcare settings. This study aimed to develop a Korean medicine (KM) core outcome set (COS) for FP, with a focus on evaluating the effectiveness of herbal medicine (HM) treatments in KM primary clinics.

Methods

Outcomes and effect modifiers related to FP treatments were initially identified through related review articles. Subsequently, experts in the field took part in three rounds of modified Delphi consensus exercises to refine and prioritize these outcomes and effect modifiers. Additionally, primary KM clinicians were involved in a Delphi consensus round to assess the suitability and feasibility of the proposed COS in real-world clinical settings.

Results

The initial review of related literature identified 44 relevant studies, resulting in an initial selection of 23 outcomes and 10 effect modifiers. The expert consensus process refined these to 8 key outcomes and 6 effect modifiers, which established the foundation of the COS-FP-KM. Subsequently, primary KM clinicians confirmed the practicality and applicability of the COS, endorsing its suitability for use in KM primary clinics.

Conclusion

The COS-FP-KM establishes a standardized approach for assessing HM treatment effectiveness in FP patients in KM primary clinics. The COS-FP-KM encourages consistent outcome reporting and enhances patient care quality. Future work should aim to integrate broader stakeholder perspectives to refine and validate the COS further.
Comparative proteomics analysis of Shiraia bambusicola revealed a variety of regulatory systems on conidiospore formation
Authors: Du Wen , Sun Chunlong , Wu Tao , Li Wang , Dong Bin , Wang Baogui , Shang Shuai , Yang Qian , Huang Wenwen , Chen Shaopeng
Published: May 2024

Shiraia bambusicola is a typical parasitic medicinal fungus of the family Shiraiaceae. The fruiting bodies of S. bambusicola cannot be cultivated artificially, and active substances can be effectively produced via fermentation. The mechanism of conidia production is a research hotspot in the industrial utilization and growth development of S. bambusicola. This study is the first to systematically study the proteomics of conidiospore formation from S. bambusicola. Near-spherical conidia were observed and identified by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence detection. A total of 2,840 proteins were identified and 1,976 proteins were quantified in the mycelia and conidia of S. bambusicola. Compared with mycelia, 445 proteins were differentially expressed in the conidia of S. bambusicola, with 165 proteins being upregulated and 280 proteins being downregulated. The Gene Ontology (GO) annotation results of differential proteomics showed that the biological process of S. bambusicola sporulation is complex. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) metabolic pathway analysis showed that the differential proteins were mainly involved in starch and sucrose metabolism, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, microbial metabolism in diverse environments, and other processes. Our in-depth speculative analysis showed that proteins related to carbohydrate metabolism were differentially expressed in conidiospore formation of S. bambusicola, suggesting the involvement of saccharides. Conidiation may increase the synthesis and release of ethanol and polysaccharide proteins such as glycoside hydrolase (GH), suppress host immunity, and facilitate S. bambusicola to infect and colonize of the host. In-depth analysis of differential proteomes will help reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the conidiospore formation of S. bambusicola, which has strong theoretical and practical significance.
The (p)ppGpp synthetase Rsh promotes rifampicin tolerant persister cell formation in Brucella abortus by regulating the type II toxin-antitoxin module mbcTA
Authors: Liu Xiaofang , Wang Pingping , Yuan Ningqiu , Zhai Yunyi , Yang Yuanhao , Hao Mingyue , Zhang Mingxing , Zhou Dong , Liu Wei , Jin Yaping , Wang Aihua
Published: May 2024

Persister cells are transiently tolerant to antibiotics and are associated with recalcitrant chronic infections due to recolonization of host cells after antibiotic removal. Brucella spp. are facultative pathogens that establish intracellular infection cycles in host cells which results in chronic persistent infections. Brucella abortus forms multi-drug persister cells which are promoted by the (p)ppGpp synthetase Rsh during rifampicin exposure. Here, we confirmed that Rsh promoted persister cells formation in B. abortus stationary phase treated with rifampicin and enrofloxacin. Deletion of the gene for Rsh decreased persister cells level in the presence of these drugs in different growth phases. However, persister cells formation by deletion strain varied in different growth phases in the presence of other antibiotics. Rsh also was involved in persister cells formation during rifampicin treatment under certain stress conditions, including acidic conditions, exposure to PBS, and heat stress. Moreover, Rsh impacted persister cell levels during rifampicin or enrofloxacin treatment in RAW264.7 macrophages. Certain typeIItoxin-antitoxin modules were upregulated under various stress conditions in B. abortus. We established that Rsh positively regulated the type II toxin-antitoxin mbcTA. Moreover, rifampicin-tolerant persister cells formation was elevated and ATP levels were decreased when mbcTA promoter was overexpressed in Rsh deletion background in stationary phase. Our results establish that (p)ppGpp synthetase Rsh plays a key role in B. abortus persistence and may serve as a potent novel target in combination with rifampicin in the development of new therapeutic approaches and prevention strategies to treat chronic infections of Brucella.
A novel bacterium-like particles platform displaying antigens by new anchoring proteins induces efficacious immune responses
Authors: Niu Lingdi , Gao Mingchun , Ren Hongkun , De Xinqi , Jiang Zhigang , Zhou Xinyao , Liu Runhang , Li Hai , Duan Haoyuan , Zhang Chuankun , Wang Fang , Ge Junwei
Published: May 2024

Bacterium-like particles (BLP) are the peptidoglycan skeleton particles of lactic acid bacteria, which have high safety, mucosal delivery efficiency, and adjuvant effect. It has been widely used in recent years in the development of vaccines. Existing anchoring proteins for BLP surfaces are few in number, so screening and characterization of new anchoring proteins are necessary. In this research, we created the OACD (C-terminal domain of Escherichia coli outer membrane protein A) to serve as an anchoring protein on the surface of BLP produced by the immunomodulatory bacteria Levilactobacillus brevis 23017. We used red fluorescent protein (RFP) to demonstrate the novel surface display system’s effectiveness, stability, and ability to be adapted to a wide range of lactic acid bacteria. Furthermore, this study employed this surface display method to develop a novel vaccine (called COB17) by using the multi-epitope antigen of Clostridium perfringens as the model antigen. The vaccine can induce more than 50% protection rate against C. perfringens type A challenge in mice immunized with a single dose and has been tested through three routes. The vaccine yields protection rates of 75% for subcutaneous, 50% for intranasal, and 75% for oral immunization. Additionally, it elicits a strong mucosal immune response, markedly increasing levels of specific IgG, high-affinity IgG, specific IgA, and SIgA antibodies. Additionally, we used protein anchors (PA) and OACD simultaneous to show several antigens on the BLP surface. The discovery of novel BLP anchoring proteins may expand the possibilities for creating mucosal immunity subunit vaccines. Additionally, it may work in concert with PA to provide concepts for the creation of multivalent or multiple vaccines that may be used in clinical practice to treat complex illnesses.
Comparative metagenomic analysis of microbial community compositions and functions in cage aquaculture and its nearby non-aquaculture environments
Authors: Liu Zetian , Wang Pandeng , Li Jialing , Luo Xiaoqing , Zhang Ya , Huang Xiaohong , Zhang Xin , Li Wenjun , Qin Qiwei
Published: May 2024

In the context of burgeoning global aquaculture, its environmental repercussions, particularly in marine ecosystems, have gained significant attentions. Cage aquaculture, a prominent method, has been observed to significantly influence marine environments by discharging substantial amounts of organic materials and pollutants. It is also one of the important reasons for water eutrophication. This study investigated the impacts of cage aquaculture on microbial diversity and functional potential using metagenomics. Specifically, a comparison was made of the physicochemical indicators and microbial diversity between three grouper aquaculture cage nets in Lingshui Xincun Port and three nearby non-aquaculture area surface waters. We found that compared to non-aquaculture areas, the eutrophication indicators in aquaculture environments significantly increased, and the abundances of Vibrio and Pseudoalteromonas in aquaculture environments significantly rose. Additionally, microbial functional genes related to carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur metabolisms were also found to be significantly affected by aquaculture activities. The correlation analysis between microbial populations and environmental factors revealed that the abundances of most microbial taxa showed positive correlations with dissolved inorganic nitrogen, soluble reactive phosphorus, NH4+, and negative correlations with dissolved oxygen. Overall, this study elucidated the significant impacts of aquaculture-induced eutrophication on the diversity and functions of planktonic bacterial communities.
Serum neurofilament light chain: a predictive marker for outcomes following mild-to-moderate ischemic stroke
Authors: Xu Chongxi , Yi Tong , Qing Ting , Jiang Yongliang , Yi Xingyang , Xu Jianguo , Ma Junpeng
Published: May 2024

Background

Biomarkers that reflect brain damage or predict functional outcomes may aid in guiding personalized stroke treatments. Serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) emerges as a promising candidate for fulfilling this role.

Methods

This prospective, observational cohort investigation included 319 acute ischemic stroke (IS) patients. The endpoints were the incidence of early neurological deterioration (END, an elevation of two or more points in the National Institute of Health stroke scale score within a week of hospitalization compared with the baseline) and functional outcome at 3 months (an mRS score of >2 at 3 months was categorized as an unfavorable/poor functional outcome). The association of sNfL, which was assessed within 24 h of admission, with END and unfavorable functional outcomes at follow-up was assessed via multivariate logistic regression, whereas the predictive value of sNfL for unfavorable functional outcomes and END was elucidated by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).

Results

Of 319 IS individuals, 89 (27.90%) suffered from END. sNfL not only reflects the severity of stroke measured by NIHSS score (p < 0.05) but also closely related to the severity of age-related white matter changes. Higher initial NIHSS score, severe white matter lesions, diabetes mellitus, and upregulated sNfL were significant predictors of END. Similarly, the multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that elevated sNfL, a higher baseline NIHSS score, and severe white matter lesions were substantially linked with unfavorable outcomes for 3 months. Similarly, sNfL was valuable for the prediction of the 3 months of poor outcome (95%CI, 0.504–0.642, p = 0.044). Kaplan–Meier analysis shows that patients with elevated sNfL levels are more likely to reach combined cerebrovascular endpoints (log-rank test p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This investigation suggests that sNfL can serve as a valuable biomarker for predicting END and 3-month poor functional outcomes after an IS and has the potential to forecast long-term cardiovascular outcomes.
Correlation between dietary factors and Parkinson’s disease revealed by the analysis of Mendelian randomization
Authors: Zeng Shan , Yusufujiang Aishanjiang , Zhang Chunli , Yang Chen , Li Hongyan
Published: May 2024

Background

The intricate interplay between dietary habits and the development of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) has long been a subject of scientific inquiry. Mendelian Randomization (MR) emerges as a potent tool, harnessing genetic variants to infer causality in observational data. While evidence links diet to Parkinson’s Disease (PD) etiology, a thorough MR exploration of dietary impacts on PD, particularly involving gut microbiota, is still emerging.

Methods

This research leverages the IEU Open GWAS project’s vast GWAS database1 to address the knowledge gap in understanding diet’s influence on PD, employing a diverse range of dietary variables. Our holistic dataset includes various foods like processed fava beans, bap, red wine, to cheese, reflecting a commitment to untangling dietary complexities in PD etiology. Advancing from initial dietary-PD associations, we innovatively explore the gut microbiota, focusing on Parabacteroides goldsteinii, in relation to bap intake and PD, employing MR. Utilizing weighted median, MR-Egger, and inverse variance weighting methods, we ensure rigorous causality assessments, meticulously mitigating pleiotropy and heterogeneity biases to uphold finding validity.

Results

Our findings indicate red wine (OR: 1.031; 95% CI 1.001–1.062; p = 0.044) and dried fruit consumption (OR: 2.019; 95% CI 1.052–3.875; p = 0.035) correlate with increased PD risk, whereas broad beans (OR: 0.967; 95% CI 0.939–0.996; p = 0.024) and bap intake (OR: 0.922; 95% CI 0.860–0.989; p = 0.023) show protective effects against PD. Employing MR, specifically the IVW method, revealed a significant inverse association between bap intake and gut microbiota, marked by an 8.010-fold decrease in Parabacteroides goldsteinii per standard deviation increase in bap intake (95% CI 1.005–63.818, p = 0.049). Furthermore, a connection between PD and Parabacteroides goldsteinii was observed (OR: 0.810; 95% CI 0.768–0.999; p = 0.049), suggesting a potential microbiota-mediated pathway in PD etiology.

Conclusion

Our study links dietary habits to PD risk, showing higher PD risk with red wine and dried fruit consumption, and a protective effect from broad beans and bap. Using MR, we found bap intake inversely correlates with Parabacteroides goldsteinii in the gut, suggesting bap influences microbiota. Further, higher Parabacteroides goldsteinii levels correlate with lower PD risk, highlighting a complex interplay of diet, gut microbiome, and neurological health. These insights shed light on potential dietary interventions for PD.
Case report: Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma masquerading as hydronephrosis
Authors: Chen Shicheng , He Zhongcong , Meng Mi , Tian Zhong , Zhu Cheng , Fu Ni , Yu Bo
Published: May 2024

Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (SRCC), a manifestation of sarcomatoid dedifferentiation in renal cell carcinoma, is characterized by elevated invasiveness and a grim prognosis. Typically, SRCC patients present with advanced or metastatic conditions and survival rates rarely extend beyond one year. In this study, we describe a case of SRCC characterized by the patient exhibiting right flank pain without hematuria. Initially, imaging interpretations led to a diagnosis of severe hydronephrosis. Subsequently, an open right nephrectomy post-surgery confirmed the pathology of sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma.