bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of the Debate between al-Ṭūsī and al-Kātibī on Contingency Argument
Authors: Küçük Mehmet Tayfun
Published: May 2024

This article addresses a written debate between Najm al-Dīn al-Kātibī (d. 675 AH/1277 AD) and Nasīr al-Dīn al-Ṭūsī (d. 672 AH/1274 AD) on the contingency argument, which is one of the most well-known proofs offered in history regarding the existence of God. According to thinkers before al-Kātibī, the contingency argument verifies the Necessary Being, and then it debunks the possibility of infinite regress. By “earlier thinkers,” al-Kātibī means especially Avicenna (d. 428 AH/1037 AD) and Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī (d. 606/1210). According to al-Kātibī, the notion of the Necessary Being was proved through the contingency argument they put forward, but a careful examination of their arguments indicates that they presented no definitive proof refuting the notion of infinite regress. Therefore, according to al-Kātibī, what Avicenna and Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī claimed to prove the impossibility of infinite regress through the contingency argument is not valid. As al-Ṭūsī responded to al-Kātibī’s objections, a debate consisting of three letters from each side emerged between them. At the end of the debate, al-Kātibī found al-Ṭūsī’s explanations reasonable, and he admitted that they were correct. However, the parties did not mention the agreed version of the argument at the end of the debate. For this reason, I added this agreed argument at the end of this study in accordance with the parties’ declarations. The purpose of the present study is to analyse this debate in its natural order and to eliminate technical ambiguities it involves, defending Avicenna’s, al-Rāzī’s, and al-Ṭūsī’s philosophical position in the contingency argument about proving the impossibility of infinite regress through the argument. On the other hand, this debate is an epitome of the classical debate tradition. It is also significant in the sense that it reveals one of the best examples of the interdisciplinary discussion between kalām and philosophical schools, and the application of classical logic to theoretical disciplines. As a result of our analyses of the debate, we have concluded that the objections brought by al-Kātibī against the contingency argument in parallel with the conclusion of the debate accepted by the parties, maintain the contingency argument. According to this conclusion, the contingency argument is a proof which invalidates infinite regress while proving the existence of the Necessary Being.
Arapça Sözlük Yazım Tarihinin Ḳāfiye Ekolünde et-Taḳfiye’nin Konumu
Authors: Özdoğan İbrahim Emre , Gündüzöz Soner
Published: May 2024

Arap dil bilimi, hicri 1. asırdan itibaren girişilen bireysel çabalarla oluşmaya başlamıştır. Bu oluşum sürecini takip eden dönemde, özellikle hicri 2. asırda ortaya çıkan Kitābu’l-ʿAyn, sözlük olma niteliğini aşarak dil bilimine getirdiği katkılarla Arap linguistiğinin önemli ve kapsamlı bir alt dalının önünü açmıştır. Bu da hiç şüphesiz Arap leksikolojisidir. Kendisinden sonra, aynı soydan eserlerin taşıdığı benzerlikler bu eserin öncülüğünü inkar edilemez kılmaktadır. Bu alanda kaleme alınan kitaplar, Arap aklı ve birikimiyle oluşsa da sistem ve düzen bakımından yine Arap aklına ve Arap dili ilgililerine optimize edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Bu uğurda; verilen eserler, farklı dizim kategorilerini benimsemiş, bu tasnif faaliyeti ise sözlük maddelerinin dizimi sırasında dikkate alınacak harfler ile bu harflerin göz önünde bulundurulduğu yönleri üzerine yoğunlaşmıştır. Bu kategorilerden biri de kelime kökünün son harfi öncelenerek dizimlenen sözlüklerdir. Sanatsal kaygılar, Arap olmayanların erişim kolaylığı ve Arap dil morfolojisi gereği son harfin çoğunlukla değişikliğe uğramaması gibi saiklerle oluşan bu kategori, hicri 4. asrın dil alimi Ebū Naṣr İsmāʿīl b. Ḥammād el-Cevherī (ö. 400/1009) ile tanınmış olsa da çalışmamızın iddiası, hicri 284 yılında vefat eden el-Yemān b. Ebi’l-Yemān Ebū Bişr el-Bendenīcī’nin bu kategoride sözlük yazan ilk dil alimi olduğudur. Kendisi ve eseri hakkında yeterince çalışma yapılmayan bu dil aliminin eseri Kitābu’t-Taḳfiye fi’l-Luġa’dır. Bu çalışma, ilgili alanda erişilen ve yapılan taramalar sonucu ulaşılan doneleri aktarmayı; bu donelerin ışığında ise Kitābu’t-Taḳfiye fi’l-Luġa’nın, Arap leksikolojisinde hak ettiği konumu tespit etmeyi amaçlamaktadır.
Manevi Danışmanlık Sürecinde Karşılaşılan Direnç Noktaları ve Bununla Baş Etmeye Çalışan Manevi Danışman Yeterlilikleri
Authors: Er Özdemir Büşra , Göcen Gülüşan
Published: May 2024

Bu makale manevi danışmanların danışma sürecinde danışanlarca ortaya konan direncin sebepleri ve görünümlerini, danışmanların bununla nasıl başa çıkma becerisi gösterdiklerini, görüşmede ele aldıkları meseleyi manevi alana getirebilme etkililiklerini ortaya koymayı amaçlamaktadır. Durum deseninde hazırlanmış bu nitel araştırmada, çalışma grubu kartopu ve zincir örnekleme yöntemiyle oluşturulmuştur. 6’sı kadın, 4’ü erkek, 30-55 yaş aralığında (yaş ortalaması 38), İstanbul’da halen hastanelerde manevi danışmanlık yapan, ortalama 4 yıldır bu görevde yer alan, ağırlıklı olarak lisansüstü eğitime sahip 10 kişi ile yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler yapılmıştır. Betimsel analiz ile (a) manevi danışman tanımına, (b) danışan direncine karşı manevi danışmanın yeterliliklere, (c) direncin görünümleri, sebepleri ile (d) direnci aşmada kullandıkları yöntemlere ait temalarda çözümlemeler yapılmıştır. Manevi danışmanların danışanlar tarafından karşılaştıkları direnç karşısında; güven vererek (i), samimi ortam oluşturarak (ii) ve konuşmayı doğru yönlendirerek (iii) baş ettikleri tespit edilmiştir. Manevi danışmanların, sorularla yönlendirme (i), danışmanlık becerilerini kullanma (ii), danışanın inancına göre ilerleme (iii), danışana güven verme (iv) ve danışanın cesaretlendirilmesiyle kendisinin mesele edindiği manevi noktayı açması (v) ile danışmanın seyrinin manevi alana ilerlediği öne çıkmıştır.
CONFLICTS OF LEGISLATION ON THE REGIME OF SPECIAL CONDITIONS IN INSTITUTIONS OF THE PENAL ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM
Authors: Kokiev Almaz
Published: May 2024

Based on the analysis of the provisions of normative legal acts (the Penal Code of the Russian Federation, the Federal Law «On the Detention of Suspects and Accused of committing Crimes», etc.), a number of conflicts of legislation regulating the application of the regime of special conditions in various institutions of the penal enforcement system (mainly in correctional institutions and pre-trial detention centers) are revealed. Attention is focused on the grounds for the introduction of a regime of special conditions in the institutions under consideration, the organization of their activities, the amount of restrictions imposed on detainees, the procedure for the introduction of a regime of special conditions. Separately, there is a lack of legislative regulation of the introduction of a regime of special conditions in correctional centers.
SPECIAL CRIMINOLOGICAL MEASURES TO PREVENT RECIDIVISM
Authors: Kunts Elena
Published: May 2024

Currently, prevention is considered as one of the main activities of law enforcement agencies. Its content is reduced to carrying out measures aimed at preventing the commission of crimes by persons who have previously committed criminally punishable acts. In order to establish a system of measures for the special prevention of recidivism, the article examines the causes, conditions and circumstances contributing to its spread. It has been established that the imposition of punishment in case of recidivism has specifics related to the fact that the applied corrective measures do not bring the desired result, which necessitates the need to strengthen the impact on the defendant in order to return him to an honest life. Based on the results of the study, it was concluded that special criminological prevention of recidivism should be comprehensive, systematic and depend on the type of recidivism. Measures for the timely detection, suppression and prevention of recidivism should be reflected in the activities of various State bodies, officials, including internal affairs bodies, the commission on juvenile Affairs, institutions of the penal enforcement system, and judicial authorities.
The Inspiration of the International Student Management Service Mechanism of the University of Alberta to Universities in China - Taking China University of Geosciences (Beijing) as an example
Authors:   International Cooperation and Exchange Office, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, China., Huang Xu , Yue Wen ,   International Cooperation and Exchange Office, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, China., Qiu Kunfeng ,   International Cooperation and Exchange Office, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, China., Sun Huicui ,   International Cooperation and Exchange Office, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, China., Ma Lan ,   International Cooperation and Exchange Office, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, China.
Published: May 2024

As the window of China's education opens to the outside world and the boost of "double first-class" construction, how to strengthen the construction of management and service mechanism of education for students studying in China is an important issue facing the management workers of education for students studying in China. China University of Geosciences (Beijing) has made certain achievements by adopting the convergent management mode for education for students studying in China, but there are still some problems in the standardized process, departmental coordination, staff quality and information network level. The University of Alberta in Canada provides services for international students, and the time dimension covers four stages before arrival, when coming to the university, during study and after graduation, and the service team is specialized and student-oriented, and the successful experience achieved has great significance for the international study management services of Chinese universities, and Chinese universities can improve the service concept, improve the service quality, strengthen the team construction, form the service cooperation, enhance the Chinese universities, and can promote the connotative development of education for students studying in China by improving service concept, improving service quality, strengthening team building, forming service cooperation, improving service level, and doing a good job of alumni. Keywords: University of Alberta, International Students, International Student Services, China University of Geosciences (Beijing).
Staphylococcus aureus and endocarditis
Authors:   , van der Vaart Thomas Wouter
Published: May 2024

The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus can cause a wide spectrum of disease. Bloodstream infection (S. aureus bacteraemia, SAB) is a serious form of S. aureus infection, potentially leading to spread of the infection to distant sites via the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, S. aureus can also attach itself to the valves of the heart, causing infective endocarditis (IE). IE is one of the most feared complications of SAB because of its ability to destroy cardiac tissues such as heart valves and because of the propensity for embolic complications such as cerebral stroke. In this thesis, we explore how to better identify the patients with SAB who have IE or other complications. After a general introduction (chapter 1), we describe the clinical and epidemiological profile of SAB in a multicenter cohort of 7 hospitals in the Netherlands (chapter 2) and describe which patient and disease factors pose the most risk for serious complications of the disease (chapter 3). In chapter 4, we demonstrate that clinical criteria can identify SAB patients with a very low risk of IE. Furthermore, we examine the impact of so-called immortal time bias on the effect of performance of a radiological test ([18F]FDG-PET/CT) on mortality in patients with SAB (chapter 5). Next, we turn to endocarditis in general, and examine the prognostic effect follow-up blood cultures in patients with IE not caused by staphylococci (chapter 6). Finally, we examine the diagnostic impact of searching for immunological phenomena in patients with suspected IE (chapter 7) and evaluate the new Duke-ISCVID diagnostic criteria for IE (chapter 8). Chapter 9 places the findings of the thesis into perspective and discusses the implications for future care and research.
Towards Clinical Implementation of Deformation Imaging in Genetic Cardiomyopathies
Authors:   , Kirkels Feddo Pieter
Published: May 2024

Genetic cardiomyopathies are a significant cause of sudden cardiac death in young, seemingly healthy individuals. Early detection of these diseases is crucial to prevent sudden cardiac death. Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is one of these diseases, characterized by the occurrence of life-threatening arrhythmias early in the disease course. Regular cardiological examinations of patients and at-risk family members are necessary to take timely measures, such as implanting a cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).

Echocardiographic deformation imaging can help detect cardiomyopathies in an early stage. This technique focuses on quantifying the mechanical deformation of the heart muscle throughout the cardiac cycle. Previous studies have shown that deformation imaging can detect subtle abnormalities that remain unnoticed during visual assessment of images. Despite its benefits, such as being non-invasive, cost-effective, and widely available, deformation imaging is not yet widely implemented in clinical practice.

In this dissertation, ARVC is used as a model to investigate the clinical application of deformation imaging, aiming for early disease recognition and risk stratification for life-threatening arrhythmias.

We demonstrate that deformation imaging allows us to detect the expression of genetic cardiomyopathies at an earlier stage than conventional techniques. Additionally, using a computer model, we can estimate the underlying disease substrate at the tissue level. Finally, abnormal deformation provides additional predictive value when added to a validated risk model.

Deformation imaging deserves a more prominent place in guidelines for diagnosing cardiomyopathies. Due to extensive automation, the technique is well-suited for general practice, allowing functional changes to be recorded more objectively than through visual echocardiogram assessment.
Adapting Sunset Song: Authorial, Industrial, and National Discourses in the 2015 Film Adaptation of Sunset Song
Authors: Munro Robert
Published: May 2024

This article traces the discourses shaping the 2015 film adaptation of Sunset Song, directed by Terence Davies. In doing so, it shows how both the film and Lewis Grassic Gibbon's original novel are involved in complex negotiations of ideas about Scottishness. In the case of the film, this is evident in its sophisticated and poetic visual engagement with some aspects of the novel's characterization of Chris Guthrie, its use of language, and its representation of landscapes. The same negotiations are apparent in paratextual materials that demonstrate the route taken by the producers and director when navigating the fraught economic terrain of feature-length filmmaking in Scotland, both in terms of funding applications to national funder Creative Scotland, and the way it mobilized particular discourses of arthouse and auteur cinema in its marketing and production materials. Finally, through a close look at the emphasis on militarism, femininity, and landscape in the film text, the article considers how the film performs a kind of Scotland that is amenable to the tastes of the filmmaker, the desires of the public funder, and the arthouse film festival circuit where it was primarily consumed.
The Core Mission of Dental Education
Authors: Bayer Ronald
Published: May 2024

Ronald Bayer places his emphasis on "what the state has a duty to do to assure equitable access to healthcare services, to create just healthcare systems, and to secure the social conditions that promote health and limit disease and disability," and asserts that a core mission of dental education in the United States ought to be understanding the social forces that may foster or impede the path to dental justice.
The EHR of the Future: Supportive, Collaborative, and Barely Noticeable
Authors: Walji Muhammad F.
Published: May 2024

In the centerpiece article, Dr. Muhammad Walji elucidates the positives, potentials, and shortcomings of a variety of issues related to the EHR.
KONFERENSI PERS DI MASA PANDEMI COVID-19 : STRATEGI HUMAS LEMBAGA PERLINDUNGAN SAKSI DAN KORBAN (LPSK) DALAM MENYAMPAIKAN INFORMASI KE KHALAYAK
Authors: Syarah Maya May , Alaina Azida Shifa
Published: May 2024

Humas Lembaga Perlindungan Saksi dan Korban (LPSK)  perlu membina hubungan yang akrab dan baik dengan media massa atau biasa disebut media relations agar segala sesuatu yang menyangkut informasi kepada publik eksternal berjalan lancer. Meski pandemi Covid – 19 berlangsung namun kegiatan media relations harus tetap dilaksanakan salah satunya adalah konferensi pers. Demi keamanan dan mengikuti anjuran pemerintah untuk meminimalkan kerumunan orang bamyak atau pun jaga jarak, maka Humas LPSK memiliki strategi media relations khusunya konferensi pers dengan dilakukan secara dalam jaringan (Daring) atau virtual atau online. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimana strategi humas lembaga perlindungan saksi dan korban (LPSK) dalam melakukan konferensi pers ditengah pandemi Covid-19. Penelitian menggunakan metode kualitatid deskriptif serta teknik pengumpulan data obeservasi dan wawancara. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa strategi humas sesuai dengan tahapan yang dilakukan berjalan secara terarah step by step.  Selian itu konferensi pers yang diselenggarakan humas berjalan baik, meski masih ada kekurangan berupa kendala teknis seperti sinyal mapun kuota. Keywords : Media Relations, Konferensi Press, Strategi Humas, Covid - 19
Study on the mechanical and aging properties of an antibacterial composite resin loaded with fluoride-doped nano-zirconia fillers
Authors: Zheng Liyuan , Zhang Yi , Bai Yuming , Zhang Zhisheng , Wu Qianju
Published: May 2024

Preventing the occurrence of secondary caries serves as one of the significant issues in dental clinic, thus make it indispensable to improving the properties of conventional composite resin (CR) by developing a novel CR. In present study, two groups of experimental CRs loaded with different contents of fluoride-doped nano-zirconia fillers (25 wt% and 50 wt%) were fabricated. The surface topography, mechanical performance, fluoride release, antibacterial effect, aging property and cytotoxicity of the experimental CRs were evaluated subsequently. A uniform distribution of the F-zirconia fillers over the whole surface of resin matrix could be observed. The experimental CRs showed continuous fluoride release within 28 days, which was positively correlated with the content of F-zirconia fillers. Moreover, the amount of fluoride release increased in the acidic buffer. Addition of F-zirconia fillers could improve the color stability, wear resistance and microhardness of the experimental CRs, without reducing the flexure strength. Furtherly, the fluoride ions released continuously from the experimental CRs resulted in effective contact and antibacterial properties, while they showed no cytotoxicity. As a consequence, considerations can be made to employ this new kind of composite resin loaded with fluoride-doped nano-zirconia fillers to meet clinical requirements when the antimicrobial benefits are desired.
Beyond numbers: the role of mathematics self-concept and spatial anxiety in shaping mental rotation performance and STEM preferences in primary education
Authors: Lennon-Maslin Michelle , Quaiser-Pohl Claudia , Wickord Lea-Christin
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Factors such as low self-concept and anxiety have been shown to negatively impact mathematical achievement and spatial skills, as well as enjoyment of math-related subjects. Understanding these factors is crucial for promoting STEM interest and performance, particularly among primary school students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study examines the influence of gender, childhood development stage, maths self-concept, spatial anxiety, perceived difficulty, mental rotation performance, and STEM preferences in a sample of 144 primary school students (mean age M = 8.47), comprising 70 girls and 74 boys. Data were collected through four questionnaires and a computerized Mental Rotation Task (MRT).

Results

Girls and tweens (9-to-11-year-olds) exhibit lower maths self-concept, impacting their preference for maths as a STEM subject. Girls also demonstrate higher spatial anxiety and perceived difficulty of the MRT compared to boys. Maths self-concept is significantly associated with spatial anxiety and perceived difficulty, while gender is not. Maths self-concept shows marginal effects on students’ accuracy on the MRT, with evidence of a mediating effect of spatial anxiety.

Discussion

These findings underscore the importance of maths self-concept in shaping STEM preferences, particularly among girls and tweens. Additionally, maths self-concept serves as a mitigating factor for spatial anxiety and perceived difficulty in spatial tasks among primary school children. The study also suggests that spatial anxiety may contribute to gender disparities in mathematics and STEM-related domains. Further research is needed to explore interventions targeting maths self-concept and spatial anxiety to promote equitable STEM engagement amongst primary school students.
Research on water-out mode and differential perforation in thick carbonate reservoir
Authors: Junshuai Jiang , Peiyuan Chen , Jian Pi , Changyong Li
Published: May 2024

The development of anti-rhythmic carbonate reservoirs in the Middle East often encounters challenges such as water hold-up and reverse coning during the water injection process, leading to premature water breakthrough and various water-out issues. The unclear understanding of these phenomena, attributed to strong reservoir heterogeneity, results in a relatively low recovery degree in water injection development. This paper investigates the mechanisms behind water hold-up and reverse coning phenomena, offering detailed solutions. Numerical models of the oil reservoirs were developed, and an extensive study of influencing factors, including reservoir types, Kv/Kh, water injection pressure differential, wettability, and perforation position, was conducted to unveil the underlying mechanisms. Key findings indicate that the water hold-up phenomenon is influenced by capillary force barriers due to wettability and high-perm streaks, while the reverse coning phenomenon depends on the combined forces of gravity, capillary force and downward production differential among which downward production differential is the dominant factor compared to capillary force and gravity. The study also proposes a differential perforation principle tailored to different water-out types to enhance vertical sweep efficiency. The differential perforation principle is as follows: the optimal perforation position is at top layer and the optimal perforation length approximately accounts for 1/4 of the total oil layer thickness for water-out in bottom; the avoidance perforation height in top accounts for 1/6 of the total oil layer thickness and the optimal perforation length approximately accounts for 1/2 of the total oil layer thickness for water-out in top; the avoidance perforation height in top and bottom accounts for 1/5 and 2/5 of the total oil layer thickness respectively for water-out in both top and bottom.
Genetic insights into the gut microbiota, herpes zoster, and postherpetic neuralgia: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Deng Zhimin , Liu Yali , Wang Haiying , Luo Tianyuan
Published: May 2024

Background

An increasing amount of evidence suggests that gastrointestinal diseases are risk factors for herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Among them, the gut microbiota may play a crucial role in this process. Therefore, this study aims to explore the potential causal association between the gut microbiota and HZ and PHN.

Methods

Bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was used to detect the causal effect between HZ and PHN and the gut microbiota. Gut microbiota data were derived from the MiBioGen consortium, while HZ and PHN data were obtained from the FinnGen database. We selected single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables with a threshold of p < 1 × 10⁻⁵ for the association with the gut microbiota in forward MR analysis and p < 5 × 10⁻8 for the association with HZ or PHN in reverse MR analysis and then removed SNPs in linkage disequilibrium (r2 < 0.001) within a distance of 10,000 kb for both the gut microbiota and HZ and PHN. These SNPs were utilized to assess the causal effect between exposures and outcomes using inverse-variance weighting (IVW), MR–Egger, weighted mean, and weighted median tests.

Results

The class Deltaproteobacteria, order Desulfovibrionales, family Desulfovibrionaceae, and genus Coprococcus 2 were found to reduce the risk of HZ, while the phylum Cyanobacteria, genus Eubacterium rectale group appeared to increase it. The class Coriobacteriia, order Coriobacteriales, family Coriobacteriaceae, genus Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 and genus Ruminococcaceae UCG011 were found to reduce the risk of PHN, while the genus Candidatus Soleaferrea, genus Eubacterium rectale group, and genus Methanobrevibacter appeared to increase it. Moreover, the onset of HZ was found to increase the level of the genus Eubacterium rectale group. These findings remained robust and unaffected by heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy among SNPs in both forward and reverse MR analysis.

Conclusion

This MR study provided evidence supporting a potential causal relationship between the gut microbiota and HZ and PHN. Moreover, we found that the causal effect between the gut microbiota and HZ is bidirectional. Further studies are required to clarify the biological mechanisms linking the gut microbiota and these conditions.
Specific feature recognition on group specific networks (SFR-GSN): a biomarker identification model for cancer stages
Authors: Chen Bolin , Wang Yuxin , Zhang Jinlei , Han Yourui , Benhammouda Hamza , Bian Jun , Kang Ruiming , Shang Xuequn
Published: May 2024

Background and Objective

Accurate identification of cancer stages is challenging due to the complexity and heterogeneity of the disease. Current clinical diagnosis methods primarily rely on phenotypic observations, which may not capture early molecular-level changes accurately.

Methods

In this study, a novel biomarker recognition method was proposed tailored for cancer stages by considering the change of gene expression relationships. Utilizing the sample-specific information and protein-protein interaction networks, the group specific networks were constructed to address the limited specificity of potential biomarkers. Then, a specific feature recognition method was proposed based on these group specific networks, which employed the random forest algorithm for initial screening followed by a recursive feature elimination process to identify the optimal biomarker subset. During exploring optimal results, a strategy termed the Cost-Benefit Ratio, was devised to facilitate the identification of stage-specific biomarkers.

Results

Comparative experiments were conducted on lung adenocarcinoma and breast cancer datasets to validate the method’s efficacy and generalizability. The results showed that the identified biomarkers were highly stage-specific, and the F1 scores for predicting cancer stages were significantly improved. For the lung adenocarcinoma dataset, the F1 score reached 97.68%, and for the breast cancer dataset, it achieved 96.87%. These results significantly surpassed those of three conventional methods in terms of F1 scores. Moreover, from the perspective of biological functions, the biomarkers were proved playing an important role in cancer stage-evolution.

Conclusion

The proposed method demonstrated its effectiveness in identifying stage-related biomarkers. By using these biomarkers as features, accurate prediction of cancer stages was achieved. Furthermore, the method exhibited potential for biomarker identification in subtype analyses, offering novel perspectives for cancer prognosis.
Identification and validation of biomarkers in membranous nephropathy and pan-cancer analysis
Authors: Yang Yue , Zou Gu-ming , Wei Xian-sen , Zhang Zheng , Zhuo Li , Xu Qian-qian , Li Wen-ge
Published: May 2024

Background

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an autoimmune disease and represents the most prevalent type of renal pathology in adult patients afflicted with nephrotic syndrome. Despite substantial evidence suggesting a possible link between MN and cancer, the precise underlying mechanisms remain elusive.

Methods

In this study, we acquired and integrated two MN datasets (comprising a single-cell dataset and a bulk RNA-seq dataset) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database for differential expression gene (DEG) analysis, hub genes were obtained by LASSO and random forest algorithms, the diagnostic ability of hub genes was assessed using ROC curves, and the degree of immune cell infiltration was evaluated using the ssGSEA function. Concurrently, we gathered pan-cancer-related genes from the TCGA and GTEx databases, to analyze the expression, mutation status, drug sensitivity and prognosis of hub genes in pan-cancer.

Results

We conducted intersections between the set of 318 senescence-related genes and the 366 DEGs, resulting in the identification of 13 senescence-related DEGs. Afterwards, we meticulously analyzed these genes using the LASSO and random forest algorithms, which ultimately led to the discovery of six hub genes through intersection (PIK3R1, CCND1, TERF2IP, SLC25A4, CAPN2, and TXN). ROC curves suggest that these hub genes have good recognition of MN. After performing correlation analysis, examining immune infiltration, and conducting a comprehensive pan-cancer investigation, we validated these six hub genes through immunohistochemical analysis using human renal biopsy tissues. The pan-cancer analysis notably accentuates the robust association between these hub genes and the prognoses of individuals afflicted by diverse cancer types, further underscoring the importance of mutations within these hub genes across various cancers.

Conclusion

This evidence indicates that these genes could potentially play a pivotal role as a critical link connecting MN and cancer. As a result, they may hold promise as valuable targets for intervention in cases of both MN and cancer.
Recurrent CNTN1 antibody-positive nodopathy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhao Min , Chen Guixian , Li Shuguang , Li Xiaojun , Chen Haoxuan , Lou Zhenzhen , Ouyang Huiying , Zhan Yibo , Du Chenghao , Zhao Yuanqi
Published: May 2024

Background

Contactin-1 (CNTN1) antibody-positive nodopathy is rare and exhibits distinct clinical symptoms such as tremors and ataxia. However, the mechanisms of these symptoms and the characteristics of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) remain unknown.

Case presentation

Here, we report a case of recurrent CNTN1 antibody-positive nodopathy. Initially, a 45-year-old woman experiencing numbness in the upper limbs and weakness in the lower limbs was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Eleven years later, her symptoms worsened, and she began to experience tremors and ataxia. Tests for serum CNTN1, GT1a, and GQ1b antibodies returned positive. Subsequently, she was diagnosed with CNTN1 antibody-positive nodopathy and underwent plasmapheresis therapy, although the treatment’s efficacy was limited. To gain a deeper understanding of the disease, we conducted a comprehensive literature review, identifying 52 cases of CNTN1 antibody-positive nodopathy to date, with a tremor prevalence of 26.9%. Additionally, we found that the average CSF protein level in CNTN1 antibody-positive nodopathy was 2.57 g/L, with 87% of patients exhibiting a CSF protein level above 1.5 g/L.

Conclusion

We present a rare case of recurrent CNTN1 antibody-positive nodopathy. Our findings indicate a high prevalence of tremor (26.9%) and elevated CSF protein levels among patients with CNTN1 antibody-positive nodopathy.
Anti-RBD IgG antibodies from endemic coronaviruses do not protect against the acquisition of SARS-CoV-2 infection among exposed uninfected individuals
Authors: Adami Flávia Lopes , de Castro Mateus Vidigal , Almeida Bianca da Silva , Daher Isabela Pazotti , Yamamoto Márcio Massao , Souza Santos Keity , Zatz Mayana , Naslavsky Michel Satya , Rosa Daniela Santoro , Cunha-Neto Edecio , de Oliveira Vivian Leite , Kalil Jorge , Boscardin Silvia Beatriz
Published: May 2024

Background

The Coronaviridae family comprises seven viruses known to infect humans, classified into alphacoronaviruses (HCoV-229E and HCoV-NL63) and betacoronaviruses (HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-HKU1), which are considered endemic. Additionally, it includes SARS-CoV (severe acute respiratory syndrome), MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome), and the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, responsible for COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 induces severe respiratory complications, particularly in the elderly, immunocompromised individuals and those with underlying diseases. An essential question since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has been to determine whether prior exposure to seasonal coronaviruses influences immunity or protection against SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

In this study, we investigated a cohort of 47 couples (N=94), where one partner tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection via real-time PCR while the other remained negative. Plasma samples, collected at least 30 days post-PCR reaction, were assessed using indirect ELISA and competition assays to measure specific antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) portion of the Spike (S) protein from SARS-CoV-2, HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-OC43, and HCoV-HKU1.

Results

IgG antibody levels against the four endemic coronavirus RBD proteins were similar between the PCR-positive and PCR-negative individuals, suggesting that IgG against endemic coronavirus RBD regions was not associated with protection from infection. Moreover, we found no significant IgG antibody cross-reactivity between endemic coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 RBDs.

Conclusions

Taken together, results suggest that anti-RBD antibodies induced by a previous infection with endemic HCoVs do not protect against acquisition of COVID-19 among exposed uninfected individuals.
Evaluating the unexplored recreational fishing in the Turkish Black Sea: socio-economic significance and environmental impact
Authors: Erbay Murat , Carlson Anna , Grati Fabio
Published: May 2024

Marine recreational fishing, a globally popular outdoor activity, has deep cultural roots and ecological implications. This study, conducted between 2021-2022, explores marine recreational fishing practices along the Turkish Black Sea coast. It analyzes fisher numbers and demographics, fishing effort, fishing methods, and species caught and released. Furthermore, the research sheds light on the economic dimensions, emphasizing the substantial contributions of recreational fishing to local economies. Notably, responsible practices, such as catch-and-release initiatives, demonstrate anglers’ awareness of conservation efforts. Within the Turkish Black Sea region, an observed 18.5% participation rate among a population of 24.5 million implies the presence of approximately 4.5 million marine recreational fishers. Annually, this translates to nearly 30 million fishing days, accompanied by a total expenditure of 400 million Euros. However, it’s imperative to handle these figures cautiously as the timing of the screening survey during the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced the high participation rate, introducing a potential bias. A detailed examination of a Turkish marine recreational fisher engaged in Black Sea fishing reveals an average annual catch of 16.5 kg of retained fish and 1.2 kg of released fish biomass. When extrapolated to the larger population of 4.5 million fishers, this culminates in a noteworthy landing biomass approaching 74,000 tons. The study unveils that marine recreational fishers in the Turkish Black Sea predominantly target commercially important species, resulting in a retained biomass surpassing commercial landings in 2021. This prompts concerns about potential impacts on crucial commercial fish stocks, underscoring the imperative inclusion of recreational fisheries in stock assessments. The research, providing essential insights into the intricate dynamics of recreational fishing, lays a foundation for well-informed policies and practices that concurrently promote environmental conservation and the continuation of this valued leisure activity.
Research on subject behavior choice of marine carbon sink projects under risk conditions
Authors: He Yixiong , Wang Yanwei
Published: May 2024

Marine carbon sink projects are important carriers for the development and utilization of marine carbon sink resources. The risk factors existing in the development process of marine carbon sink projects will significantly affect the behavior of the project subject, and then affect whether or not the project development can be conducted smoothly. Based on the evolutionary game method, this paper analyzes the behavior choice of each project subject under the risk condition, and explores the influencing factors that promote the change of its action probability. The results show the following: (1) Government subsidies can promote the development of marine carbon sink projects, but when the subsidies are too large, the government’s willingness decreases, which may lead to significant changes in the decisions of relevant practitioners. (2) The government pays more attention to image improvement, is not sensitive to risks, and always chooses active subsidies. In the case that the risk poses a great threat to the project, the behavior strategies of the relevant practitioners and investors will influence each other, and both sides will determine the behavior strategies that can obtain more returns according to the other side’s behavior decision. (3) The behavior of relevant practitioners and investors has an impact on the strategy of the demander. When the risk increases, the former has a greater impact on the demander’s choice not to buy marine carbon sink. Relevant policy suggestions are put forward: (1) the government should flexibly adjust the subsidy mechanism; (2) the government should enhance the influence and popularity of marine carbon sink projects; and (3) the government should reduce the risks faced by the practitioners.
Efficacy and safety of intravitreal injection of conbercept for moderate to severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Shen Lu , Zheng Yuxiang , Gao Zelan , Li Qirui , Dai Min , Yang Wenchang , Zhang Qiying , Li Dongli , Hu Yijun , Yuan Ling
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of intravitreal injection of conbercept (IVC) in treating moderate to severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), with or without accompanying diabetic macular edema.

Methods

In this longitudinal retrospective study, 35 patients (50 eyes) with moderate to severe NPDR and Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Scale (DRSS) scores between 43 and 53 were treated at the Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, from October 2018 to January 2023. Treatment protocol included three monthly IVC injections followed by a pro re nata (PRN) regimen over a two-year follow-up period. Outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure, central macular thickness (CMT), extent of hard exudate (HE), and changes in DRSS scores. DRSS scores before and after treatment were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Both systemic and ocular adverse events were meticulously documented to ascertain safety.

Results

From baseline to the final follow-up, the mean BCVA improved from 0.41 ± 0.39 to 0.23 ± 0.20 logMAR (p<0.05). The mean CMT decreased from 306.22 ± 77.40 to 297.97 ± 88.15 μm (p = 0.385). At 24 months, DRSS scores improved by ≥1 stage in 40 eyes (80%), ≥ 2 stages in 28 eyes (56%), ≥3 stages in 10 eyes (20%), and remained stable in 6 eyes (12%). The DRSS scores at each follow-up interval demonstrated statistically significant improvement from baseline (p<0.05). In 15 of 27 eyes (55.56%) with diabetic macular edema (DME), there was a significant reduction in the mean area of HE from baseline (p<0.05). No serious systemic adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

IVC is an effective and safe treatment for moderate to severe NPDR, demonstrating significant improvements in DRSS scores.
Leveraging patient experience data to guide medicines development, regulation, access decisions and clinical care in the EU
Authors: Almeida Diogo , Umuhire Denise , Gonzalez-Quevedo Rosa , António Ana , Burgos Juan Garcia , Verpillat Patrice , Bere Nathalie , Sepodes Bruno , Torre Carla
Published: May 2024

Patient experience data (PED), provided by patients/their carers without interpretation by clinicians, directly capture what matters more to patients on their medical condition, treatment and impact of healthcare. PED can be collected through different methodologies and these need to be robust and validated for its intended use. Medicine regulators are increasingly encouraging stakeholders to generate, collect and submit PED to support both scientific advice in development programs and regulatory decisions on the approval and use of these medicines. This article reviews the existing definitions and types of PED and demonstrate the potential for use in different settings of medicines’ life cycle, focusing on Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO) and Patient Preferences (PP). Furthermore, it addresses some challenges and opportunities, alluding to important regulatory guidance that has been published, methodological aspects and digitalization, highlighting the lack of guidance as a key hurdle to achieve more systematic inclusion of PED in regulatory submissions. In addition, the article discusses opportunities at European and global level that could be implemented to leverage PED use. New digital tools that allow patients to collect PED in real time could also contribute to these advances, but it is equally important not to overlook the challenges they entail. The numerous and relevant initiatives being developed by various stakeholders in this field, including regulators, show their confidence in PED’s value and create an ideal moment to address challenges and consolidate PED use across medicines’ life cycle.
Culture-based diversity of endophytic fungi of three species of Ferula grown in Iran
Authors: Safaie Naser , Salehi Mina , Felegari Mona , Farhadi Siamak , Karimzadeh Samira , Asadi Sadegh , Yang Jun-Li , Naghavi Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2024

A total of 1,348 endophytic fungal strains were isolated from Ferula ovina, F. galbaniflua, and F. persica. They included Eurotiales (16 species), Pleosporales (11 species), Botryosphaeriales (1 species), Cladosporiales (2 species), Helotiales (6 species), Hypocreales (31 species), Sordariales (7 species), Glomerellales (2 species), and Polyporales (1 species). F. ovina had the richest species composition of endophytic fungi, and the endophytic fungi were most abundant in their roots compared to shoots. Chao, Margalef, Shannon, Simpson, Berger–Parker, Menhinick, and Camargo indices showed that F. ovina roots had the most endophytic fungal species. The frequency distribution of fungal species isolated from Ferula spp. fell into the log-series model, and F. ovina roots had the highest Fisher alpha. The dominance indices showed that there are no dominant species in the endophytic fungal community isolated from Ferula spp., indicating community stability. Evenness values were 0.69, 0.90, 0.94, and 0.57 for endophytic fungi isolated from F. ovina roots, F. ovina shoots, F. galbaniflua roots, and F. persica roots, respectively, indicating a species distribution that tends toward evenness. The fungal species community isolated from each of F. ovina roots, F. ovina shoots, F. galbaniflua roots, and F. persica roots was a diverse species group originating from a homogeneous habitat. Their distribution followed a log-normal distribution, suggesting that the interactions of numerous independent environmental factors multiplicatively control species abundances. Principal component analysis showed that the highest species diversity and dominance were observed in the endophytic fungal community isolated from F. ovina and F. persica roots, respectively.
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in a South African tertiary hospital—Clinical profile, genetic determinants, and virulence in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Dingiswayo Likhona , Adelabu Olusesan Adeyemi , Arko-Cobbah Emmanuel , Pohl Carolina , Mokoena Nthabiseng Zelda , Du Plessis Morne , Musoke Jolly
Published: May 2024

Introduction

A distinct strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) referred to as hypervirulent (hvKp) is associated with invasive infections such as pyogenic liver abscess in young and healthy individuals. In South Africa, limited information about the prevalence and virulence of this hvKp strain is available. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of hvKp and virulence-associated factors in K. pneumoniae isolates from one of the largest tertiary hospitals in a South African province.

Methods

A total of 74 K. pneumoniae isolates were received from Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Bloemfontein. Virulence-associated genes (rmpA, capsule serotype K1/K2, iroB and irp2) were screened using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The iutA (aerobactin transporter) gene was used as a primary biomarker of hvKp. The extracted DNAs were sequenced using the next-generation sequencing pipeline and the curated sequences were used for phylogeny analyses using appropriate bioinformatic tools. The virulence of hvKp vs. classical Klebsiella pneumoniae (cKp) was investigated using the Caenorhabditis elegans nematode model.

Results

Nine (12.2%) isolates were identified as hvKp. Moreover, hvKp was significantly (p < 0.05) more virulent in vivo in Caenorhabditis elegans relative to cKp. The virulence-associated genes [rmpA, iroB, hypermucoviscous phenotype (hmv) phenotype and capsule K1/K2] were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with hvKp. A homology search of the curated sequences revealed a high percentage of identity between 99.8 and 100% with other homologous iutA gene sequences of other hvKp in the GenBank.

Conclusion

Findings from this study confirm the presence of hvKp in a large tertiary hospital in central South Africa. However, the low prevalence and mild to moderate clinical presentation of infected patients suggest a marginal threat to public health. Further studies in different settings are required to establish the true potential impact of hvKp in developing countries.