bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of serum markers in diagnosis of exacerbations of sarcoidosis
Authors: Garmash Yu. Yu. , Novikova L. N. , Ryzhov A. M.
Published: November 2023

In order to improve the diagnosis of exacerbation and activity of sarcoidosis in patients receiving complex treatment, including corticosteroids, 303 patients with respiratory sarcoidosis were examined at the initial visit (before treatment) and every 2 months of treatment for 2 years. Group 1–193 patients without exacerbation of sarcoidosis; group 2–51 patients with exacerbation of sarcoidosis, who did not take corticosteroids (GCS); group 3–59 patients with exacerbation of sarcoidosis, long-term taking corticosteroids. In order to improve the diagnosis of exacerbation and activity of sarcoidosis in patients receiving complex treatment, including glucocorticosteroids, 303 patients with respiratory sarcoidosis were examined at the initial visit (before treatment) and every 2 months of treatment for 2 years. Group 1–193 patients without exacerbation; group 2–51 patients with exacerbation who did not take corticosteroids (GCS); group 3–59 patients with exacerbation, long-term taking corticosteroids. Conducted clinical and biochemical blood tests, computed tomography of the respiratory organs, spirography, echocardiography, electrocardiography at rest. Changes in the following serum markers were studied: free radicals (RwR), resistance to oxidative stress calculated by trolox equivalent (UcE), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), adenosine deaminase (ADA), the correlation coefficient (CC) was calculated according to the developed formula (patent): CC = ACE/ADA in arbitrary units (KKnorm = 1.2–2.4), markers of lipid metabolism disorders were determined, to assess the activity of endogenous inflammation, the indicator of lipoidosis activity (PAL) was calculated according to the previously developed formula (patent): PAL = TC/LDLxc + TGL. Before treatment, 100 % of patients with sarcoidosis showed signs of moderate endogenous inflammation, an active granulomatous process, hypoxemia, and a decrease in the body’s antioxidant defense. The sensitivity of the serum adenosine deaminase (ADA) enzyme in exacerbations of sarcoidosis was 31 %, and the specificity was 48 %. The correlation coefficient (CC) had a sensitivity of 85.0 %; specificity 78.8 %; diagnostic efficiency of 80.0 % and higher clinical value than ACE, ADA, PAL, SVR, UKO. Thus, the serum enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA) should be included in the mandatory minimum of laboratory methods in patients with sarcoidosis.
Exploring Attitudes, Identity, and Linguistic Variation among Arabic Speakers: Insights from Acoustic Landscapes
Authors: Alshehri Awad , AlShabeb Abdulrahman
Published: November 2023

This study endeavors to delve into the diverse attitudes held by Arabic speakers towards dialects, language utilization, and pronunciation, while concurrently analyzing the impact of social identity on their language conduct. Adopting a qualitative research framework, the study employed open-ended questions to gather comprehensive data from a representative subset of proficient Arabic speakers. A broad spectrum of participants offered valuable insights into their attitudes toward dialects, perceptions regarding the imperative nature of attaining flawless Arabic proficiency, levels of linguistic adaptability, self-assurance in spoken Arabic, as well as the compelling influence of their social identities on pronunciation. The analysis of the gathered responses revealed appreciation among participants for the richness of dialectical diversity, which they perceived as a formidable strength. Paradoxically, these individuals also experienced considerable pressure to achieve an elusive standard of perfect Arabic proficiency, driven by the demanding expectations of work and social spheres. Additionally, participants exhibited some degree of flexibility in their approach to language use, manifesting varying levels of confidence in their Arabic speaking abilities. Significantly, the study uncovered a correlation between social identity and pronunciation patterns, illuminating how one's identity exerts a tangible influence on their linguistic articulation.
Text and History in Qassim Haddad’s Chronicles of Majnun Layla
Authors: Ababneh Sami , Hamdan Yousef
Published: November 2023

This paper presents an investigation of Qassim Haddad’s Chronicles of Majnun Layla by comparing the text with history, noting how the truth is based on texts rather than actual events. The aim is to show the impact of texts on the formation of Arabic poetry at the end of the last century. This research stems from the idea that a poet’s work is based on a purely mental experience that results from reading texts, and the contemplation of the human subject and the nature of its feelings and thoughts, as well as the fact that the truth the poet seeks to embody, as is the case with Qassim Haddad, is related to the mental and emotional state rather than real experience. From this standpoint, the work of Qassim Haddad is interpreted as his wanting to correct what was reported about Majnun Layla; in so doing, he compares the value of this information with the ability to express the human condition, indicating that what happened in history was relevant only in so far as the state of mind produced by this case of love and passion was achieved.

The paper consists of three sections. The first is the textuality of the historical story—the historical version is only texts that do not represent historical truth. The second is the text and the historical subjects, which, in the information about Majnun Layla, are nothing but a linguistic textual form and as such their existence in history is unimportant. The third is language and truth; in reading the language in Chronicles of Majnun Layla, it can be seen that it over-stresses the significance of referring to a mental content that embodies the abstract idea of human love without restricting it to a single historical situation.
Ego Quest from Impoverishment to Reconciliation in Velina Houston’s Japanese American Play Kokoro (True Heart): A Freudian Reading
Authors: Fahim Lamia , Ibrahim Areeg , Abou Alam Samia
Published: November 2023

Japanese Americans’ struggle to achieve integration into the American mainstream culture has its powerful impact on their psychological well-being. Socially reserved and family oriented, the Japanese are challenged to cope with the mainstream American individualism and independence. Signs of melancholia, based on Sigmund Freud’s theories, are investigated in Kokoro (True Heart) (2004) written by the Japanese American playwright Velina Hasu Houston. The Japanese American protagonist, Yasako Yamashita, battles with cultural nonconformity and social remoteness which have provoked an aggressive superego incorporated in her mother’s ghost to govern and manipulate her world. The study aims to interrogate how the domineering superego succeeds in exhausting Yasako’s stranded ego driving her to commit parent-child suicide “oyako-shinju.” Although the suicide attempt has highlighted the problematic cultural gaps within the American society, nevertheless it has pinpointed the importance of resolving Japanese minority cultural differences. Velina Houston’s Kokoro (True Heart) does not only offer an astounding psychological insight into Japanese Americans’ battles with a melancholic ego fragmentation and deprivation indicated in symptoms of ambivalence, anxiety, compulsive repetition, sense of guilt and sense of inferiority, but it, also, advances solutions for ego reconciliation and self-conformity.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE EXPRESSIVE SPEECH ACTS IN “THE WILLOUGHBYS” MOVIE
Authors: Aritonang Roby Octo , Ambalegin Ambalegin
Published: November 2023

This research focuses on identifying the expressive speech acts found in “The Willoughbys” Movie. The research uses the theory of Searle and Vanderveken (1985). The method is observation in collecting the data, and the technique is note-taking. In analyzing the data, the data was examined with the pragmatic identity method and pragmatic competence-in-equalizing technique. The data was taken from the utterances in the movie. There are 67 expressive speech acts found in the movie which are divided into 11 acts. The expressive speech acts with the most occurrences were complaints with 12 occurrences, followed by 6 data of greet, 4 data of apologies, 6 data of compliments, 10 data of protest, 9 data of lament, 3 data of thanks, 3 data of boast, 5 data of praise, 4 data of condole, and 5 data of deplore. The expressive speech acts of congratulate was not found in the movie, because the scene mostly was found in their journey and their adventure that they had to do.
p75NTR promotes tooth rhythmic mineralization via upregulation of BMAL1/CLOCK
Authors: Xie Bo , Yuan Hongyan , Zou Xuqiang , Lu Mingjie , Zhang Yixin , Xu Dan , Peng Xuelian , Wang Di , Zhao Manzhu , Wen Xiujie
Published: November 2023

The circadian clock plays a critical role in dentomaxillofacial development. Tooth biomineralization is characterized by the circadian clock; however, the mechanisms underlying the coordination of circadian rhythms with tooth development and biomineralization remain unclear. The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is a clock factor that regulates the oscillatory components of the circadian rhythm. This study aims to investigate the impact of p75NTR on the rhythmic mineralization of teeth and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. We generated p75NTR knockout mice to examine the effects of p75NTR deficiency on tooth mineralization. Ectomesenchymal stem cells (EMSCs), derived from mouse tooth germs, were used for in vitro experiments. Results showed a reduction in tooth mineral density and daily mineralization rate in p75NTR knockout mice. Deletion of p75NTR decreased the expression of DMP1, DSPP, RUNX2, and ALP in tooth germ. Odontogenic differentiation and mineralization of EMSCs were activated by p75NTR. Histological results demonstrated predominant detection of p75NTR protein in odontoblasts and stratum intermedium cells during rapid formation phases of dental hard tissue. The mRNA expression of p75NTR exhibited circadian variations in tooth germs and EMSCs, consistent with the expression patterns of the core clock genes Bmal1 and Clock. The upregulation of BMAL1/CLOCK expression by p75NTR positively regulated the mineralization ability of EMSCs, whereas BMAL1 and CLOCK exerted a negative feedback regulation on p75NTR by inhibiting its promoter activity. Our findings suggest that p75NTR is necessary to maintain normal tooth biomineralization. Odontogenic differentiation and mineralization of EMSCs is regulated by the p75NTR-BMAL1/CLOCK signaling axis. These findings offer valuable insights into the associations between circadian rhythms, tooth development, and biomineralization.
Mindful minds and entrepreneurial spirits in higher education: a scoping review
Authors: Karali Nansy , Mastrokoukou Sofia , Livas Christos
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Mindfulness at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) may enhance personal development, learning, and entrepreneurial thinking. Thus, this scoping review investigates the effects of mindfulness on HEI entrepreneurship education, focusing on teaching, learning, and entrepreneurial intention.

Method

To identify relevant articles for inclusion, the study used a predetermined set of keywords and a descriptive search algorithm in six electronic databases. The process of study selection adhered to the principles outlined in the Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and resulted in the inclusion of eleven (11) studies. Said studies spanned several nations and employed various research methods, with an emphasis on quantitative approaches.

Results

Results indicated that mindfulness did not have a direct impact on lecturers’ commitment to teaching entrepreneurship. Nevertheless, mindfulness appeared to indirectly impact teaching outcomes by influencing other variables, such as readiness for change. From an educational processes and outcomes perspective, mindfulness was found to improve the entrepreneurship learning environment and enhance students’ entrepreneurial orientation. The latter included students’ intentions to develop or participate in environmental and socially responsible entrepreneurial ventures.

Discussion

The present study advances our understanding of the relationship between mindfulness, entrepreneurship teaching and students’ entrepreneurial orientation in higher education settings. Nevertheless, it also demonstrates a lack of comprehension of the exact mechanisms at play, and therefore highlights the need for further research in this scientific area. By gaining a broader awareness of the impact of mindfulness on entrepreneurship education, education professionals and decision-makers can improve the design of programmes to cultivate the entrepreneurial orientation and skills necessary for students’ success in a rapidly changing business environment.

Systematic Review Registration

The review process has been duly registered with the Open Science Framework (OSF) and given the identifier DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/YJTA3.
Humanized single-domain antibody targeting HER2 enhances function of chimeric antigen receptor T cells
Authors: Zheng Rui , Chen Yuankun , Zhang Yiting , Liang Sixin , Zhao Xiaojuan , Wang Yiyi , Wang Pengju , Meng Ruotong , Yang Angang , Yan Bo
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) can redirect T cells against antigen-expressing tumors, and each component plays an important role in the function and anti-tumor efficacy. It has been reported that using human sequences or a low affinity of CAR single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) in the CAR binding domains is a potential way to enhance the function of CAR-T cells. However, it remains largely unknown how a lower affinity of CARs using humanized scFvs affects the function of CAR-T cells until recently.

Methods

We used different humanized anti-HER2 antibodies as the extracellular domain of CARs and further constructed a series of the CAR-T cells with different affinity.

Results

We have observed that moderately reducing the affinity of CARs (light chain variable domain (VL)-based CAR-T) could maintain the anti-tumor efficacy, and improved the safety of CAR therapy both in vitro and in vivo compared with high-affinity CAR-T cells. Moreover, T cells expressing the VL domain only antibody exhibited long-lasting tumor elimination capability after multiple challenges in vitro, longer persistence and lower cytokine levels in vivo.

Discussion

Our findings provide an alternative option for CAR-T optimization with the potential to widen the use of CAR T cells.
Increased vertebral canal diameter measured by ultrasonography as a sign of vasculitis in patients with giant cell arteritis
Authors: Ayo-Martin Oscar , Garcia-Garcia Jorge , Hernandez-Fernandez Francisco , Palao Maria , Poyatos-Herraiz Beatriz , Barahona-Espinal Tito Humberto , Gonzalez-Romero Alberto , Marin-Conesa Ester , Serrano-Serrano Blanca , Paya Maria , Segura Tomas
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA) by ultrasonography including large vessels, apart from the temporal artery increases the sensibility of the study and informs about the risk of specific complications. However, there is less information about the study of these arteries, whose affection carries higher proportion of severe complications.

Objectives

To describe and analyze the value of the diameter of the cervical vertebral canal of the vertebral artery (VA) as a sign of vertebral vasculitis (VV) related to GCA and estimate the risk of stroke complications.

Materials and methods

Observational study of a population that includes patients with GCA with and without VA vasculitis as well as healthy subjects. We evaluated whether there were differences in VA diameter in the groups and, if so, we estimated the diagnostic capacity of the variable that best defines VA diameter using a ROC curve. Cut-off points with their associated reliability chosen thereafter.

Results

There were 347 subjects included:107 with GCA of whom 37 had vertebral vasculitis, 240 healthy controls. In patients with GCA and VV, the VA diameter was increased (No GCA 3.4 mm, GCA without VV 3.6 mm, GCA with VV 5.2 mm p < 0.01). According to the ROC curves, the variable defining vertebral diameter with best diagnostic accuracy is the sum of both sides (area under the curve of 0.98). With a cut-off point of 8.45 mm, the reliability values are: sensitivity 94.1%, specificity 94.5%, PPV 82.1% and NPV 98.4%. With a cut-off point of 9.95 mm, the sensitivity is 52.9% and the specificity is 100%. Likewise, VA diameter is independently associated with the presence of stroke in the vertebrobasilar territory (OR 1.6, range 1.2–2.2).

Conclusion

The VA diameter, measured as the sum of both sides, is an objectively measurable sign with very high reliability for detect vertebral vasculitis in patients with GCA. It is proposed here as a novel echographic sign, which can aid the detection of the involvement of an artery where the complications are especially serious.
Effects of gut microbiota on prostatic cancer: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xie Qingpeng , Hu Bin
Published: November 2023

Aim

Recent observational and small-sample case-control studies have shown a relationship between gut microbiota composition and prostatic cancer (PCa). Nevertheless, the causal association between gut microbiota and PCa is still unclear. Herein, we used the Mendelian randomization (MR) method to explore the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and PCa.

Methods

In this two-sample MR study, data were extracted from the summary statistics of gut microbiota from the largest available genome-wide association study meta-analysis conducted by the MiBioGen consortium (n = 14,306) and the Dutch Microbiome Project (n = 8,208). Summary statistics for PCa were obtained from the FinnGen consortium release data (n = 95,213). Inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, strength test (F), and MR-PRESSO were used to examine the potential causal association between gut microbiota and PCa. Cochran's Q statistics were used to quantify the heterogeneity of instrumental variables.

Results

IVW estimates suggested that the relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila (odds ratio [OR] = 0.7926, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6655–0.9440) and Bacteroides salyersiae (OR = 0.9023, 95% CI: 0.8262–0.9853) were negatively associated with the odds of PCa, while that of Eubacterium biforme (OR = 1.1629, 95% CI: 1.0110–1.3376) was positively associated with the odds of PCa. In addition, we explored these relationships among patients without other cancers and similarly found that the relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, Bacteroides salyersiae, and Eubacterium biforme were linked to PCa (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Gut microbiota potentially influenced the occurrence of PCa. Our findings may provide some new ideas for researching the methods of PCa prevention. In addition, further studies are needed to explore the causal association and specific underlying mechanisms between gut microbiota and PCa.
Periaqueductal/periventricular gray deep brain stimulation for the treatment of neuropathic facial pain
Authors: Mandat Victor , Zdunek Pawel R. , Krolicki Bartosz , Szalecki Krzysztof , Koziara Henryk M. , Ciecierski Konrad , Mandat Tomasz S.
Published: November 2023

Background

The Periaqueductal gray (PAG) and the periventricular gray (PVG) are the anatomical targets for deep brain stimulation (DBS) to treat severe, refractory neuropathic pain.

Methods

Seven (four female and three male) patients were qualified for PAG/PVG DBS because of neuropathic facial pain. Frame-based unilateral implantations of DBS were conducted according to indirect planning of the PAG/PVG, contralateral to reported pain (3389, Activa SC 37603, Medtronic). The efficacy of PAG/PVG DBS on pain was measured with Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS) and Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) before surgery and 3, 12, and 24 months after surgery.

Results

The mean age of the group at the implantation was 43.7 years (range: 28–62; SD: 12.13). The mean duration of pain varied from 2 to 12 years (mean: 7.3; SD: 4.11). Five patients suffered from left-sided facial pain and two suffered right-sided facial pain. The etiology of pain among four patients was connected to ischemic brain stroke and in one patient to cerebral hemorrhagic stroke. Patients did not suffer from any other chronic medical condition The beginnings of ailments among two patients were related to craniofacial injury. NRS decreased by 54% at the 3 months follow-up. The efficacy of the treatment measured with mean NRS decreased at one-year follow-up to 48% and to 45% at 24 months follow-up. The efficacy of the treatment measured with NPSI decreased from 0.27 to 0.17 at 2 years follow-up (mean reduction by 38%). The most significant improvement was recorded in the first section of NPSI (Q1: burning- reduced by 53%). The records of the last section (number five) of the NPSI (paresthesia/dysesthesia- Q11/Q12) have shown aggravation of those symptoms by 10% at the two-years follow-up. No surgery- or hardware-related complications were reported in the group. Transient adverse effects related to the stimulation were eliminated during the programming sessions.

Conclusion

PAG/PVG DBS is an effective and safe method of treatment of medically refractory neuropathic facial pain. The effectiveness of the treatment tends to decrease at 2 years follow-up. The clinical symptoms which tend to respond the best is burning pain. Symptoms like paresthesia and dysesthesia might increase after DBS treatment, even without active stimulation.
Role of α2δ-3 in regulating calcium channel localization at presynaptic active zones during homeostatic plasticity
Authors: Zhang Yanfeng , Wang Ting , Cai Yimei , Cui Tao , Kuah Michelle , Vicini Stefano , Wang Tingting
Published: November 2023

The homeostatic modulation of synaptic transmission is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that is critical for stabilizing the nervous system. At the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ), presynaptic homeostatic potentiation (PHP) compensates for impairments in postsynaptic glutamate receptors due to pharmacological blockade or genetic deletion. During PHP, there is an increase in presynaptic neurotransmitter release, counteracting postsynaptic changes and restoring excitation to baseline levels. Previous studies have shown that α2δ-3, an auxiliary subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs), is essential for both the rapid induction and sustained expression of PHP at the Drosophila NMJ. However, the molecular mechanisms by which α2δ-3 regulates neurotransmitter release during PHP remain to be elucidated. In this study, we utilized electrophysiological, confocal imaging, and super-resolution imaging approaches to explore how α2δ-3 regulates synaptic transmission during PHP. Our findings suggest that α2δ-3 governs PHP by controlling the localization of the calcium channel pore-forming α1 subunit at presynaptic release sites, or active zones. Moreover, we examined the role of two structural domains within α2δ-3 in regulating neurotransmitter release and calcium channel localization. Our results highlight that these domains in α2δ-3 serve distinct functions in controlling synaptic transmission and presynaptic calcium channel abundance, at baseline in the absence of perturbations and during PHP. In summary, our research offers compelling evidence that α2δ-3 is an indispensable signaling component for controlling calcium channel trafficking and stabilization in homeostatic plasticity.
Poor outcome of pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia associated with high level of CRLF2 gene expression in distinct molecular subtypes
Authors: Lin Danna , Yang Keyan , Yu Lihua , Huang Lulu , Lai Xiaorong , Wu Li , Xia Xiayu , Zhang Jingwen , Zheng Qinlong , Yang Lihua
Published: November 2023

Background

Overexpression of the cytokine receptor-like factor 2 (CRLF2) gene is the most common feature in the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-like subtype of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). However, the predictive value of CRLF2 overexpression for the prognosis of pediatric B-ALL patients remain controversial. The molecular mechanisms that upregulate CRLF2 expression level in patients has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

In this study, the prognostic impact of CRLF2 expression level on molecular types of B-ALL in pediatric patients from Zhujiang Hospital (n = 111) was retrospectively analyzed. Youden index analysis was used to categorize CRLF2 expression into 3 groups, and these categories more precisely described the differences in the prognosis of patients with varying expression levels of CRLF2 in both the Zhujiang Hospital cohort and the TARGET cohort.

Results

We used the Zhujiang Hospital cohort as a discovery cohort to determine the cutoff value of CRLF2 expression. CRLF2-high patients accounted for approximately 6%. In addition, the percentage of bone marrow blast cells and initial white blood cell count in CRLF2-high patients were higher than those in CRLF2-low patients, and MRD turned negative slower. The results were validated in the TARGET cohort and indicated that CRLF2 overexpression could be subdivided by CRLF2 expression levels into 2 categories: CRLF2-high with a poor survival and CRLF2-medium with a good OS and EFS. Such heterogeneity was attributed to the different molecular mechanisms leading to CLRF2 upregulation, where the CRLF2 overexpression level was high in Ph-like B-ALL and medium in high hyperdiploid B-ALL.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of the molecular mechanisms of the upregulation of CRLF2 expression in predicting the prognosis of pediatric B-ALL patients.
Advances in the relationship between ferroptosis and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in cancer
Authors: Mu Wenrong , Zhou Zubang , Shao Liping , Wang Qi , Feng Wanxue , Tang Yuling , He Yizong , Wang Yuanlin
Published: November 2023

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular reprogramming process that converts epithelial cells into mesenchymal-like cells with migratory and invasive capabilities. The initiation and regulation of EMT is closely linked to a range of transcription factors, cell adhesion molecules and signaling pathways, which play a key role in cancer metastasis and drug resistance. The regulation of ferroptosis is intricately linked to various cell death pathways, intracellular iron homeostasis, and the protein network governing iron supply and storage. The ability of ferroptosis to disrupt cancer cells and overcome drug resistance lies in its control of intracellular iron ion levels. EMT process can promote the accumulation of iron ions, providing conditions for ferroptosis. Conversely, ferroptosis may impact the regulatory network of EMT by modulating transcription factors, signaling pathways, and cell adhesion molecules. Thus, ferroptosis related genes and signaling pathways and oxidative homeostasis play important roles in the regulation of EMT. In this paper, we review the role of ferroptosis related genes and their signaling pathways in regulating cancer EMT to better understand the crosstalk mechanism between ferroptosis and EMT, aiming to provide better therapeutic strategies for eradicating cancer cells and overcoming drug resistance.
Evaluation of the impact of rifampicin on the plasma concentration of linezolid in tuberculosis co-infected patients
Authors: Yan Pan , Shi Qun-Zhi , Hu Yi-Xing , Zeng Ying , Lu Hong
Published: November 2023

Linezolid combined with rifampicin has shown excellent clinical outcomes against infection by multi-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. However, several studies have indicated that rifampicin reduces the plasma concentration of linezolid in patients with severe infection. Linezolid has been recommended for the treatment of patients with multidrug-resistant or extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis. However, studies on the interaction between linezolid and rifampicin in patients suffering from tuberculosis with infection are lacking. We evaluated the interaction between linezolid and rifampicin based on therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). A retrospective analysis was undertaken for patients with tuberculosis and infection who were treated with linezolid and undergoing TDM. Patients were divided into the linezolid group and linezolid + rifampicin group. Data on demographic characteristics, disease, duration of linezolid therapy, and the plasma concentration of linezolid were used for statistical analyses. Eighty-eight patients with tuberculosis and infection were assessed. Values for the peak (Cmax) and trough (Cmin) concentrations of linezolid in plasma were available for 42 and 46 cases, respectively. Patients in the linezolid group had a significantly higher Cmax [15.76 (8.07–26.06) vs. 13.18 (7.48–23.64) mg/L, p = 0.048] and Cmin [8.38 (3.06–16.53) vs. 4.27 (0.45–10.47), p = 0.005] than those in the linezolid + rifampicin group. The plasma concentration of linezolid increased obviously in two patients after rifampicin discontinuation. However, the total efficiency and prevalence of hematologic adverse reactions were not significantly different in the linezolid group and linezolid + rifampin group. The plasma concentration of linezolid decreased upon combination with rifampicin, suggesting that TDM may aid avoidance of subtherapeutic levels of linezolid upon co-treatment with rifampicin.
Parent-adolescent conflict: an exploration from the perspective of Vietnamese adolescents
Authors: Nguyen Thi Hong Hanh , Nguyen Thi Nhu Trang
Published: November 2023

This research investigates parent-adolescent conflicts from the viewpoint of Vietnamese adolescents. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study conducted in-depth interviews and a questionnaire survey with 706 high-school students. The findings highlight that conflicts between Vietnamese parents and adolescents commonly arise regarding internet usage for entertainment and academic purposes. Furthermore, adolescents reported having more conflicts with their mothers than with their fathers. Although instances of parental aggression were identified, most adolescents perceived their parents’ conflict resolution as supportive. However, Vietnamese adolescents tended to display passive behavioral responses during conflicts. The research also identified certain emotional responses as warning signs of mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts, among some adolescents. Moreover, a higher frequency of conflicts with parents was significantly associated with increased peer connections. The study emphasizes the importance of professionals, such as school social workers or counselors, prioritizing the understanding of parent–child conflicts’ impact on adolescents’ emotions and mental health. Additionally, it underscores the significance of examining parenting patterns and parent–child communication within contemporary Vietnamese families.
Low-quality of patient-reported outcome reporting in randomized clinical trials of major depressive disorder—a meta-epidemiological review
Authors: Zhou Jia , Qi Han , Hu Jia , Feng Zizhao , Wang Gang
Published: November 2023

Objective

Our goal was to review current peer-reviewed articles in which the BDI (Beck Depression Inventory), PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire), or QIDS-SR16 (16-Item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology) was used as the primary or secondary outcome measure and to evaluate the quality of PRO (Patient-Reported Outcome) reporting in RCTs (Randomized Controlled Trials) according to the 2013 PRO-specific CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) extension.

Methods

We systematically searched in electronic databases. A study would be included if it included patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) or International Classification of Diseases, version 10 (ICD-10) as participants, was a randomized controlled trial, included the BDI, PHQ-9, or QIDS-SR16 as the primary or secondary outcome measure, published between 1990 and 2013, and was in English. Two of the authors evaluated the quality of PRO reporting according to the 2013 CONSORT-PRO. Logistic regression were used to evaluate the association between reporting completeness and trial characteristics.

Results

A total of 116 studies were included. These studies were conducted in 25 countries. Sample sizes ranged from 12 to 750. The CONSORT-PRO was not cited in any one of the included studies. Among the 116 studies, 2 (1.72%) studies introduced the rationale for PRO assessment, 60 (51.72%) studies explicitly stated statistical approaches for dealing with missing data, 87 (75.00%) studies reported PRO outcome data at baseline and at subsequent time points. The mean score of reporting completeness was 66.24%. Significantly higher reporting completeness was found for RCTs published after 2013 (OR, 95%CI: 3.81, 1.32–10.99). Studies with a higher sample size were more completely reported than studies with a lower sample size (OR, 95%CI: 1.01, 1.00–1.02).

Conclusion

The CONSORT-PRO guidance was rarely cited. The quality of PRO reporting in depression studies requires improvement. This result may be meaningful for the promotion of PRO reporting in RCTs.
Functions of nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior in Russian patients with suicidal ideation
Authors: Zinchuk Mikhail , Kustov Georgii , Popova Sofya , Mishin Ilya , Voinova Nadezhda , Gersamija Anna , Yakovlev Alexander , Guekht Alla
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior (NSSI) is an important risk factor for future suicide attempts. Previous research has identified a number of motivations for engaging in NSSI. The aim of the present study was to translate the Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS) into Russian and then to evaluate its psychometric properties in a sample of patients with non-psychotic mental disorders and suicidal ideation (SI). Other aims were to determine the prevalence of specific NSSI functions in this population and to assess the relationship between different NSSI functions and clinical and psychological parameters.

Participants and methods

The study was conducted at the largest center for non-psychotic mental disorders in Moscow. All admitted patients with both NSSI and SI completed the Russian version of the ISAS-II, underwent the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview, and completed the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 and ICD-11 Brief Form Plus-Modified, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory.

Results

A total of 614 patients were included in the study. 543 (88.4%) patients were assigned female at birth with a mean age of 24.86 (7.86) years. Factor analysis supported a two-factor structure (Intrapersonal and Interpersonal) of the Russian version of the ISAS-II, but in contrast to the original study, the “Marking distress” function loaded more strongly on the Interpersonal factor. In people with non-psychotic mental disorders and SI, Interpersonal functions of NSSI are associated with more severe depressive symptoms (r = 0.34), 12 months history of NSSI (r = 0.30), higher number of NSSI methods (r = 0.41), likelihood of future NSSI (r = 0.35) and psychoticism (r = 0.32).

Conclusion

The Russian version of the ISAS-II is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing NSSI functions in a population at high risk for suicide attempts. Interpersonal functions are associated with a number of unpleasant clinical and psychological features.
Green total factor productivity growth and its driving forces in China’s fisheries sector
Authors: Shen Weiteng , Ge Haoran , Bao Junyao
Published: November 2023

The rapid development of China’s fisheries sector has brought about significant environmental problems, which are detrimental to the sustainable development of the sector. Balancing environmental protection while promoting fisheries development has become an urgent issue in China. Based on data from 30 provincial-level administrative regions in China from 2004 to 2019, this study utilizes the Epsilon-based Measure (EBM) model considering undesirable outputs and the global Malmquist-Luenberger (GML) index to measure the green total factor productivity (GTFP) growth in China’s fisheries sector. Furthermore, it explores the spatiotemporal evolution and driving forces of fisheries GTFP growth using spatial Durbin model (SDM). The results indicate that ignoring the resource and environmental costs in fisheries production would overestimate the growth of total factor productivity (TFP) by 1.3%. The growth of fishery output primarily comes from the increase in input factors, exhibiting extensive characteristics that have been gradually diminishing over time. During the sample period, the provinces with the fastest growth in GTFP shifted from being mainly concentrated in the central and western regions to the eastern region. The local driving forces behind the improvement of fisheries GTFP include internet penetration rate, transportation convenience, education level of rural residents. The driving forces from economically similar provinces include the positive spatial interplay between provinces, fishery disaster rate, fisherman training, fishery trade openness, and urbanization rate. Overall, these finds offer a novel approach to reexamine the growth of China’s fisheries and provide valuable insights for the future fisheries development.
An Intelligent Facial Expression Recognition System Using a Hybrid Deep Convolutional Neural Network for Multimedia Applications
Authors: Obaid Ahmed J. , Alrammahi Hassanain K.
Published: November 2023

Recognizing facial expressions plays a crucial role in various multimedia applications, such as human–computer interactions and the functioning of autonomous vehicles. This paper introduces a hybrid feature extraction network model to bolster the discriminative capacity of emotional features for multimedia applications. The proposed model comprises a convolutional neural network (CNN) and deep belief network (DBN) series. First, a spatial CNN network processed static facial images, followed by a temporal CNN network. The CNNs were fine-tuned based on facial expression recognition (FER) datasets. A deep belief network (DBN) model was then applied to integrate the segment-level spatial and temporal features. Deep fusion networks were jointly used to learn spatiotemporal features for discrimination purposes. Due to its generalization capabilities, we used a multi-class support vector machine classifier to classify the seven basic emotions in the proposed model. The proposed model exhibited 98.14% recognition performance for the JaFFE database, 95.29% for the KDEF database, and 98.86% for the RaFD database. It is shown that the proposed method is effective for all three databases, compared with the previous schemes for JAFFE, KDEF, and RaFD databases.
Retrofitting of Bridge Slabs for Safety Railing Refurbishment in Italy: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Santarsiero Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

The recent accident of Mestre (northern Italy), which caused 21 fatalities due to a bus falling from a bridge, strongly highlighted the safety problem related to the presence of old railings along Italian roads. Bridge railings, also known as guardrails or parapets, serve the crucial function of preventing vehicles from accidentally driving off the edge of a bridge. Performance requirements of safety railings have been recently increased due to laws and technical standards enforced in Italy and Europe. However, many bridges along important roads, such as motorways and highways, are currently equipped with outdated safety railings since they were built before these regulations came into force. Therefore, many people are daily exposed to the risk of heavy accidents due to railing failures as well as vehicles and people eventually present below such structures. This paper aims to outline the technical problems and solutions in bridge refurbishment interventions devoted to increasing traffic safety as, for example, the installation of code-conforming railings, which often require the structural retrofit of bridge elements supporting the railing. To this end, several technical solutions are described and critically compared, and, finally, an economic analysis is reported to highlight the slab retrofit influence on the total intervention cost.
Study of Electron Impact Excitation of Na-like Kr Ion for Impurity Seeding Experiment in Large Helical Device
Authors: Gupta Shivam , Oishi Tetsutarou , Murakami Izumi
Published: November 2023

In this work, a krypton gas impurity seeding experiment was conducted in a Large Helical Device. Emission lines from the Na-like Kr ion in the extreme ultraviolet wavelength region, such as 22.00 nm, 17.89 nm, 16.51 nm, 15.99 nm, and 14.08 nm, respective to 2p63p(2P1/2o)−2p63s(2S1/2), 2p63p(2P3/2o)−2p63s(2S1/2), 2p63d(2D3/2)−2p63p(2P3/2o), 2p63d(2D5/2)−2p63p(2P3/2o), and 2p63d(2D3/2)−2p63p(2P1/2o) transitions, are observed. In order to generate a theoretical synthetic spectrum, an extensive calculation concerning the excitation of the Kr25+ ion through electron impact was performed for the development of a suitable plasma model. For this, the relativistic multiconfiguration Dirac–Hartree–Fock method was employed along with its extension to the relativistic configuration interaction method to compute the relativistic bound-state wave functions and excitation energies of the fine structure levels using the General Relativistic Atomic Structure Package-2018. In addition, another set of calculations was carried out utilizing the relativistic many-body perturbation theory and relativistic configuration interaction methods integrated within the Flexible Atomic Code. To investigate the reliability of our findings, the results of excitation energies, transition probabilities, and weighted oscillator strengths of different dipole-allowed transitions obtained from these different methods are presented and compared with the available data. Further, the detailed electron impact excitation cross-sections and their respective rate coefficients are obtained for various fine structure resolved transitions using the fully relativistic distorted wave method. Rate coefficients, calculated using the Flexible Atomic Code for population and de-population kinetic processes, are integrated into the collisional-radiative plasma model to generate a theoretical spectrum. Further, the emission lines observed from the Kr25+ ion in the impurity seeding experiment were compared with the present plasma model spectrum, demonstrating a noteworthy overall agreement between the measurement and the theoretical synthetic spectrum.
Evacuation Solutions for Individuals with Functional Limitations in the Indoor Built Environment: A Scoping Review
Authors: Al Bochi Abdulrahman , Roberts Brad W. R. , Sajid Waqas , Ghulam Zeyad , Weiler Mark , Sharma Yashoda , Marquez-Chin Cesar , Pong Steven , Vette Albert H. , Dutta Tilak
Published: November 2023

The built environment continues to become increasingly accessible to people with disabilities, yet there remains a lack of focus on how these individuals are evacuated in emergencies. The objective of this scoping review was to survey the academic literature to identify solutions for safely evacuating individuals with functional limitations from the indoor built environment (i.e., buildings). Journal articles and conference proceedings published in the year 2002 onwards were included. Two pairs of reviewers independently evaluated 3562 articles from ten databases and identified 99 articles. The results were categorized into six main evacuation solution types: notification, wayfinding, egress, building design, strategy, and training programs. Our findings highlight the importance of tailoring solutions to the needs of individuals with different functional limitations. Future work should focus on expanding the number of solutions available for (1) emergencies beyond fires (e.g., natural disasters); (2) unique building types that may require specialized engineering considerations; and (3) a greater variety of impairments (e.g., seeing, hearing, cognitive). We also emphasize the need for more interdisciplinary work and the importance of including rescuers and rescuees in emergency preparedness discussions. These collaborations will ensure that building designs, organizational procedures, and evacuation aids complement each other to maximize safety. To our knowledge, this is the first scoping review to identify solutions for evacuating individuals with functional limitations from buildings. These findings may help inform future recommendations for new evacuation guidelines around the world.
Experimental Study of Indoor Air Quality in Educational Buildings: A Spanish Case Study
Authors: Matilla Alberto Leal , Velilla Jorge Pablo Diaz , Zaragoza-Benzal Alicia , Ferrández Daniel , Santos Paulo
Published: November 2023

Ensuring good indoor air quality in the spaces within educational centres is essential for the health and academic performance of students. In this sense, studying the evolution of health pollutants and their relationship with the environmental parameters of indoor humidity and temperature presents a challenge for the design of more efficient and comfortable buildings with a lower risk of virus infection. In this work, the relationship between pollution levels and SARS-CoV-2 virus infections in the academic year 2021/22 is shown, comparing the pollution values measured on-site with the value of the official measuring stations of the Community of Madrid. In addition, the impact of ventilation measures implemented during this period is assessed, aiming to establish guidelines for ensuring a safer and healthier school environment. It was found that during winter months, when there is less outdoor ventilation, pollution levels exceeded the recommended limits, according to reference regulations. This highlights the need for interior conditioning strategies in educational spaces. Thus, this multidimensional approach, considering both airborne pollutants and weather conditions, provides a comprehensive perspective on indoor air quality in school buildings in the central area of a metropolitan city, such as the Community of Madrid.
Heterobimetallic Complexes of Bi- or Polydentate N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands and Their Catalytic Properties
Authors: Czégéni Csilla Enikő , Joó Ferenc , Kathó Ágnes , Papp Gábor
Published: November 2023

This review summarizes developments in the synthesis and catalytic applications of those heterobimetallic carbene complexes in which at least two different metals are bound to the same ligand by at least one M-C(carbene) bond each. Several new synthetic methods for such complexes yielding well-defined and thoroughly characterized compounds are presented. The new complexes were found to be catalytically active in several (most often tandem) reactions. In certain cases, the incorporation of two different metals into the same imidazole- or triazol-based NHC-carbene complex resulted in the substantially higher catalytic activity of the heterobimetallic complex compared either to its homobimetallic analogs or to mixtures of comparable mononuclear complex fragments containing the two metals independently. This is a clear demonstration of advantageous metal–metal cooperation within the catalyst. Opposite examples are also discussed, where the heterobimetallic carbene complex proved inferior in relation to its homobimetallic analogs or to mixtures of homonuclear fragments.
Reply to Foster, K.R.; Balzano, Q. Comment on “Redmayne, M.; Maisch, D.R. ICNIRP Guidelines’ Exposure Assessment Method for 5G Millimetre Wave Radiation May Trigger Adverse Effects. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 5267”
Authors: Redmayne Mary , Maisch Donald R.
Published: November 2023

We would like to thank Foster and Balzano for their interest in our paper [...]