bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Capability Development Of Malang Regency Village-Owned Enterprises (Bumdes)
Authors: Wulandari Florentina Ratih
Published: October 2021

This paper aimed to describe the capability development of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUMDes) in Malang Regency. The research method used was a qualitative method. Data were collected from key informants from the Malang Regency Office of Community Empowerment and Village, and BUMDes in Malang Regency. The study revealed that there were 203 BUMDes in Malang Regency. They were trained annually for BUMDes by the Ministry of Villages, the Development of Disadvantaged Areas and Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia as part of capabilities development Malang Regency BUMDes, in collaboration with the Malang Regency Office of Community Empowerment and Villages. The problems often arose in the capabilities development of Malang Regency BUMDes were, (a) socialization and communication program factors had not reached the optimum level yet; (b) lack of human resources who were able to manage the BUMDes (c) they tended to depend on the leadership of the Village Chief; (d) the partnership was too dependent on the sponsor's intention. The limitations of the study were caused by the limited time and location, so it could not cover all regions and other stakeholders. Hence, the study results could not be generalized to other regions. The implications of the studies were to increase the effectiveness of Malang Regency BUMDes capability development and consider providing regular clinics with consultants at the District Office. To improve the efficiency of Malang Regency BUMDes capability development, it was necessary to disseminate a package of practical tools guidance and management training per District, in addition to Malang Regency Training. The originality of these findings was related to the wider picture of beneficial roles of dynamic capabilities and collaborative governance for optimal and sustainable economic empowerment of rural communities.
ГРЕЧЕСКИЙ КОФЕ И ТРАДИЦИИ ГРЕЧЕСКОЙ КОФЕЙНИ В СОВРЕМЕННОМ ПОЛИТИЧЕСКОМ ДИСКУРСЕ
Authors: Сиднева С.А.
Published: October 2021

Статья посвящена кофе и кофейне в новогреческой культуре. Варианты названия кофе у греков встраиваются в определенный политический дискурс, открывающий различные грани длительного и незавершенного конфликта Греции и Турции. Похожие процессы «переназывания» напитка с использованием этнонима наблюдаются и в других балканских странах. Родившись из турецкой традиции, во времена греческого освободительного движения против османского владычества, греческая традиционная кофейня нередко становится местом, где обсуждаются пути развития нового государства и греческой идентичности. В наше время ракурс дискуссий смещается на противостояние различных партий и гендерный вопрос, что приводит к возникновению такого феномена как «женская кофейня», который впервые исследуется в данной статье. «Женская кофейня», с одной стороны, нарушает традицию, но с другой – лишний раз раскрывает неизменные черты и механизмы новогреческой традиционной культуры.
The article is dedicated to coffee and coffee houses in modern Greek culture. Names of coffee types among the Greeks are embedded in a specific political discourse that sheds light on the long and unfinished conflict between Greece and Turkey. Similar processes of re-naming drinks with ethnonyms in their names are observed in other Balkan countries. A traditional Greek coffee house has its roots in the Turkish tradition. During the Greek liberation movement against the Ottomans, it often becomes a place to discuss the development of a new state and Greek identity. Nowadays, the focus of discussions is shifting to the confrontation between different parties and the gender issue, which even leads to the phenomenon of a “women's coffee house”, which is first explored in the present study. On the one hand, a “women's coffee house” violates tradition, but on the other, it once again reveals the constant nature and mechanisms of modern Greek traditional culture.
A Novel Overall Survival Prediction Signature Based on Cancer Stem Cell-Related Genes in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Xiao Bo , Liu Liyan , Chen Zhuoyuan , Li Aoyu , Xia Yu , Wang Pingxiao , Xiang Cheng , Zeng Yi , Li Hui
Published: October 2021

Background: Osteosarcoma is the most general bone malignancy that mostly affects children and adolescents. Numerous stem cell-related genes have been founded in distinct forms of cancer. This study aimed at identifying a stem cell-related gene model for the expected assessment of the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients.

Methods: We obtained the genes expression data and relevant clinical materials from Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the GEO dataset, whereas prognostic stem cell-related genes were obtained from the TARGET database. Subsequently, univariate, LASSO and multivariate Cox regression analyses were applied to establish the stem cell-related signature. Finally, the prognostic value of the signature was validated in the GEO dataset.

Results: Twenty-five genes were prognostic ferroptosis-related DEGs. Consequently, we identified eight stem cell-related genes as a signature of prognosis of osteosarcoma patients. Then, the Kaplan–Meier (K-M) curve, the AUC value of ROC, and Cox regression analysis verified that the eight stem cell-related gene model were a new and substantial prognostic marker independent of other clinical traits. Moreover, the nomogram on the foundation of risk score and other clinical traits was established for predicting the survival rate of osteosarcoma patients. Biological function analyses displayed that tumor related pathways were affluent.

Conclusion: The expression level of stem cell-related genes offers novel prognostic markers as well as underlying therapeutic targets for the therapy and prevention of osteosarcoma.
Lateral Flow Immunoassay for the Detection of Panton-Valentine Leukocidin in Staphylococcus aureus From Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Senok Abiola , Monecke Stefan , Nassar Rania , Celiloglu Handan , Thyagarajan Sreeraj , Müller Elke , Ehricht Ralf
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Panton Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is a virulence factor which is associated with methicillin sensitive and resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA/MRSA) causing skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI). This study aimed to evaluate a novel lateral flow immunoassay (LFI) for PVL detection in S. aureus cultures and to describe their genotypic characterization.

Methods

The study was carried out from January-August 2020 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. S. aureus isolates associated with SSTI were tested for PVL detection using LFI. DNA microarray-based assays were used for molecular characterization including detection of pvl genes.

Results

One-hundred thirty-five patients with a clinical diagnosis of SSTIs were recruited. Sixty-six patients received antibiotics, mostly beta lactams (n=36) and topical fusidic acid (n=15). One-hundred twenty-nine isolates (MRSA: n=43; MSSA: n=86) were tested by LFI and DNA microarrays. All 76 (58.9%) isolates which were unambiguously negative for the PVL in LFI were negative for pvl genes using the DNA microarray. All the LFI PVL positive isolates (n=53) had pvl genes detected. This translates into 100% each for sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for the LFI. The LFI typically takes about 15 min inclusive of a 10 min incubation period. Predominant S. aureus clonal complexes (CC) were CC30 (n=18), CC22 (n=13), CC5 (n=12), CC1 (n=11), CC152 (n=8), CC15 (n=7); CC97 (n=7); CC8 and CC20 (n=6 each). Among MRSA, the proportion of pvl-positives (35/43; 81%) was higher than among MSSA (n/N=18/86; 21%). The fusidic acid resistance gene fusC was detected in 14 MRSA (33%) compared to 8 MSSA (9%). A co-carriage of fusC and pvl genes was present in 7 MRSA and in one MSSA.

Conclusion

LFI shows excellent diagnostic accuracy indices for rapid identification of PVL in MSSA/MRSA in a setting with high prevalence of pvl+ve strains. The high occurrence of pvl and fusC genes in MRSA strains causing SSTI is of concern and needs constant surveillance.
Application of a Novel Common-Iliac-Artery Skirt Technology (CST) in Treating Challenge Aorto-Iliac or Isolated Iliac Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Wang Lunchang , Shu Chang , Li Quanming , Li Ming , He Hao , Li Xin , Shi Yin , Qiu Jian , Wang Tun , Yang Chenzi , Wang Mo , Li Jiehua , Wang Hui , Sun Likun
Published: October 2021

Purpose: To report a novel common-iliac-artery skirt technology (CST) in treating challenge iliac artery aneurysms.

Methods: When required healthy landing zone of common iliac artery (CIA) is not available, CST is a strategy to exclude the internal iliac artery (IIA) and prevent IIA reflux without need of embolization. Patients who received endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in our center from 2014 to 2020 were retrospectively screened, and patients treated with CST or with IIA embolization (IIAE) were enrolled.

Results: After retrospective screen of 524 EVAR patients, 39 CST patients, 26 IIAE patients, and 7 CST + IIAE patients were enrolled in this study. CST group suggested to have more aged, hyperlipemia, and smoking patients than IIAE group. Two groups had comparable maximal diameter of abdominal aorta (AA), CIA, EIA, but larger diameter of IIA (CST 19.82 ± 2.281 vs. IIAE 27.82 ± 3.401, p = 0.048), and CIA bifurcation (CST 25.01 ± 1.316 vs. IIAE 29.76 ± 2.775, p = 0.087) was found in IIAE group. Anatomy of 79.5% of CST patients and 92.3% of IIAE patients (p = 0.293) was not suitable for potential use of iliac branch device. CST group had significant shorter surgery time (CST 97.42 ± 3.891 vs. IIAE 141.0 ± 8.010, p < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (CST 15.35 ± 0.873 vs. IIAE 19.32 ± 1.067, p = 0.009), lower in-hospital [CST 0% (0/39) vs. IIAE 11.5% (3/26), p = 0.059] and 1-year follow-up stent related MAEs [CST 6.7% (2/30) vs. IIAE 28.6% (6/21), p = 0.052], but comparable mortality and stent related MAEs for all-cohort follow-up analysis comparing to IIAE group. In our study, a lower in-hospital buttock claudication (BC) rate for CST (CST 20.5% vs. IIAE 46.2%, p = 0.053) and a comparable erectile dysfunction (ED) rate (CST 10.3% vs. IIAE 23.1%, p = 0.352) were found between CST and IIAE groups. After 1 year, both groups had about one third relief of BC symptoms [CST 33.3% (4/12) vs. IIAE 30.7% (4/13), p = 1.000]. Subgroup analysis of 14 patents concomitant with IIA aneurysm in CST group and the 7 CST + IIAE patients were carried out, and no difference was found in mortality, stent MAEs, sac dilation, or reintervention rate. Last, illustration of seven typical CST cases was presented.

Conclusion: In selected cases, the CST is a safe, feasible-and-effective choose in treating challenge iliac artery aneurysms and preventing IIA endoleak.
Eruption Sequences and Characteristics of Weizhou Island Volcano, Guangxi Province, South of China
Authors: Yu Hongmei , Yang Wenjian , Zhao Bo , Chen Zhengquan , Zhou Bin , Nie Guanjun , Luo Hao
Published: October 2021

Weizhou island, located in the north margin of the South China Sea (SCS), is characterized by multi-stage volcanism, several eruption styles and eruption craters, and is also the youngest Quaternary volcanic island in China. An eruption on this island may pose high risk to life and property. However, the eruptive history of Weizhou island, the craters number and location, and their eruptive sequence and characteristics are still being debated, which are important for potential volcanic hazard assessment. In the present study, field surveys, 40Ar/39Ar and 14C geochronological studies and whole rock composition analysis of volcanic rock are used to investigate the eruption sequences associated with Weizhou island and the characteristics of each period. Four volcanoes were discovered at Henglushan, Hengling, Nanwan and Daling. The Henglushan and Hengling volcanoes were produced by early weak explosive and late effusive eruptions, and lavas from these volcanoes represent the foundation of island. Conversely, the Nanwan and Daling volcanoes are linked to multiple explosive eruption phases, with hydromagmatic eruptions in the first and last phase and a magmatic explosive eruption in the second phase. The pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) deposits of the Nanwan and Daling volcanoes virtually cover the entire island. Volcanic activity in Weizhou island started in Early Pleistocene and ended in Late Pleistocene. This can be divided into the following distinct periods: 1,420–1,260, 870–740, 600–480, 283–222 ka, and 33.7–13 ka. The first four periods were dominated by effusive eruptions associated with the Henglushan and Hengling volcanoes, which peaked between 870 and 740 ka. After this period, explosive eruptions began at around 33.7 ka because of magma–water interactions. These explosive eruptions then created the Nanwan and Daling volcanoes. Early effusive lava flows in Weizhou island are characterized by basaltic compositions and are linked with a small amount of fractional crystallization. Magmas in later eruptions contained slightly lower SiO2 and involved some basanite. Fractional crystallization was also less pronounced in these lavas because of their rapid ascent.
Identification of Novel and Recurrent Variants in MYO15A in Ashkenazi Jewish Patients With Autosomal Recessive Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss
Authors: Booth Kevin T. , Hirsch Yoel , Vardaro Anna C. , Ekstein Josef , Yefet Devorah , Quint Adina , Weiden Tzvi , Corey David P.
Published: October 2021

Hearing loss is a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous disorder. The purpose of this study was to determine the genetic cause underlying hearing loss in four Ashkenazi Jewish families. We screened probands from each family using a combination of targeted mutation screening and exome sequencing to identifiy the genetic cause of hearing loss in each family. We identified four variants in MYO15A, two novel variants never previously linked to deafness (c.7212+5G>A and p.Leu2532ArgfsTer37) and two recurrent variants (p.Tyr2684His and p.Gly3287Gly). One family showed locus heterogeneity, segregrating two genetic forms of hearing loss. Mini-gene assays revealed the c.7212+5G>A variant results in abnormal splicing and is most likely a null allele. We show that families segregrating the p.Gly3287Gly variant show both inter and intra-familial phenotypic differences. These results add to the list of MYO15A deafness-causing variants, further confirm the pathogenicity of the p.Gly3287Gly variant and shed further light on the genetic etiology of hearing loss in the Ashkenazi Jewish population.
Comparing Genetic and Socioenvironmental Contributions to Ethnic Differences in C-Reactive Protein
Authors: Nagar Shashwat Deepali , Conley Andrew B. , Sharma Shivam , Rishishwar Lavanya , Jordan I. King , Mariño-Ramírez Leonardo
Published: October 2021

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a routinely measured blood biomarker for inflammation. Elevated levels of circulating CRP are associated with response to infection, risk for a number of complex common diseases, and psychosocial stress. The objective of this study was to compare the contributions of genetic ancestry, socioenvironmental factors, and inflammation-related health conditions to ethnic differences in C-reactive protein levels. We used multivariable regression to compare CRP blood serum levels between Black and White ethnic groups from the United Kingdom Biobank (UKBB) prospective cohort study. CRP serum levels are significantly associated with ethnicity in an age and sex adjusted model. Study participants who identify as Black have higher average CRP than those who identify as White, CRP increases with age, and females have higher average CRP than males. Ethnicity and sex show a significant interaction effect on CRP. Black females have higher average CRP levels than White females, whereas White males have higher average CRP than Black males. Significant associations between CRP, ethnicity, and genetic ancestry are almost completely attenuated in a fully adjusted model that includes socioenvironmental factors and inflammation-related health conditions. BMI, smoking, and socioeconomic deprivation all have high relative effects on CRP. These results indicate that socioenvironmental factors contribute more to CRP ethnic differences than genetics. Differences in CRP are associated with ethnic disparities for a number of chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, essential hypertension, sarcoidosis, and lupus erythematosus. Our results indicate that ethnic differences in CRP are linked to both socioenvironmental factors and numerous ethnic health disparities.
Research Progress of PPR Proteins in RNA Editing, Stress Response, Plant Growth and Development
Authors: Qin Tengfei , Zhao Pei , Sun Jialiang , Zhao Yuping , Zhang Yaxin , Yang Qiuyue , Wang Weipeng , Chen Zhuanqing , Mai Tengfei , Zou Yingying , Liu Guoxiang , Hao Wei
Published: October 2021

RNA editing is a posttranscriptional phenomenon that includes gene processing and modification at specific nucleotide sites. RNA editing mainly occurs in the genomes of mitochondria and chloroplasts in higher plants. In recent years, pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins, which may act as trans-acting factors of RNA editing have been identified, and the study of PPR proteins has become a research focus in molecular biology. The molecular functions of these proteins and their physiological roles throughout plant growth and development are widely studied. In this minireview, we summarize the current knowledge of the PPR family, hoping to provide some theoretical reference for future research and applications.
Kickstarting Immunity in Cold Tumours: Localised Tumour Therapy Combinations With Immune Checkpoint Blockade
Authors: Appleton Elizabeth , Hassan Jehanne , Chan Wah Hak Charleen , Sivamanoharan Nanna , Wilkins Anna , Samson Adel , Ono Masahiro , Harrington Kevin J. , Melcher Alan , Wennerberg Erik
Published: October 2021

Cancer patients with low or absent pre-existing anti-tumour immunity (“cold” tumours) respond poorly to treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPI). In order to render these patients susceptible to ICPI, initiation ofde novotumour-targeted immune responses is required. This involves triggering of inflammatory signalling, innate immune activation including recruitment and stimulation of dendritic cells (DCs), and ultimately priming of tumour-specific T cells. The ability of tumour localised therapies to trigger these pathways and act asin situtumour vaccines is being increasingly explored, with the aspiration of developing combination strategies with ICPI that could generate long-lasting responses. In this effort, it is crucial to consider how therapy-induced changes in the tumour microenvironment (TME) act both as immune stimulants but also, in some cases, exacerbate immune resistance mechanisms. Increasingly refined immune monitoring in pre-clinical studies and analysis of on-treatment biopsies from clinical trials have provided insight into therapy-induced biomarkers of response, as well as actionable targets for optimal synergy between localised therapies and ICB. Here, we review studies on the immunomodulatory effects of novel and experimental localised therapies, as well as the re-evaluation of established therapies, such as radiotherapy, as immune adjuvants with a focus on ICPI combinations.
Overexpressing Kallistatin Aggravates Experimental Autoimmune Uveitis Through Promoting Th17 Differentiation
Authors: Chen Nu , Chen Shuang , Zhang Zhihui , Cui Xuexue , Wu Lingzi , Guo Kailei , Shao Hui , Ma Jian-Xing , Zhang Xiaomin
Published: October 2021

Kallistatin or kallikrein-binding protein (KBP) has been reported to regulate angiogenesis, inflammation and tumor progression. Autoimmune uveitis is a common, sight-threatening inflammatory intraocular disease. However, the roles of kallistatin in autoimmunity and autoreactive T cells are poorly investigated. Compared to non-uveitis controls, we found that plasma levels of kallistatin were significantly upregulated in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease, one of the non-infectious uveitis. Using an experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) model induced by human interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein peptide 651-670 (hIRBP651-670), we examined the effects of kallistatin on the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Compared to wild type (WT) mice, kallistatin transgenic (KS) mice developed severe uveitis with dominant Th17 infiltrates in the eye. In addition, the proliferative antigen-specific T cells isolated from KS EAU mice produced increased levels of IL-17A, but not IFN-γ or IL-10 cytokines. Moreover, splenic CD4+ T cells from naïve KS mice expressed higher levels of Il17a mRNA compared to WT naïve mice. Under Th17 polarization conditions, KS mice exhibited enhanced differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells compared to WT controls. Together, our results indicate that kallistatin promotes Th17 differentiation and is a key regulator of aggravating autoinflammation in EAU. Targeting kallistatin might be a potential to treat autoimmune disease.
Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Srinivasan E. , Chandrasekhar G. , Chandrasekar P. , Anbarasu K. , Vickram A. S. , Karunakaran Rohini , Rajasekaran R. , Srikumar P. S.
Published: October 2021

Parkinson's disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by distinct aging-independent loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) region urging toward neuronal loss. Over the decade, various key findings from clinical perspective to molecular pathogenesis have aided in understanding the genetics with assorted genes related with PD. Subsequently, several pathways have been incriminated in the pathogenesis of PD, involving mitochondrial dysfunction, protein aggregation, and misfolding. On the other hand, the sporadic form of PD cases is found with no genetic linkage, which still remain an unanswered question? The exertion in ascertaining vulnerability factors in PD considering the genetic factors are to be further dissevered in the forthcoming decades with advancement in research studies. One of the major proponents behind the prognosis of PD is the pathogenic transmutation of aberrant alpha-synuclein protein into amyloid fibrillar structures, which actuates neurodegeneration. Alpha-synuclein, transcribed by SNCA gene is a neuroprotein found predominantly in brain. It is implicated in the modulation of synaptic vesicle transport and eventual release of neurotransmitters. Due to genetic mutations and other elusive factors, the alpha-synuclein misfolds into its amyloid form. Therefore, this review aims in briefing the molecular understanding of the alpha-synuclein associated with PD.
Enterovirus Infection Restricts Long Interspersed Element 1 Retrotransposition
Authors: Li Yan , Shen Siyu , Guo Haoran , Zhang Zhe , Zhang Lili , Yang Qingran , Gao Yanhang , Niu Junqi , Wei Wei
Published: October 2021

Long interspersed element 1 (LINE-1 or L1) is the only active autonomous retrotransposon in the human genome that can serve as an endogenous upstream activator of cytoplasmic nucleic acid sensing pathways to elicit an antiviral immune response. In this study, we investigated the influence of enteroviral infection on L1 mobility. The results showed that infection with different enteroviruses, both EV-D68 and EV-A71, blocked L1 transposition. We screened diverse viral accessory proteins for L1 activity and identified EV-D68 2A, 3A, 3C, and EV-A71 ORF2p proteins as viral L1 inhibitors. EV-D68 2A suppressed L1 mobility by expression suppression of L1 proteins. Viral proteins 3A and 3C restricted ORF2p-mediated L1 reverse transcription in isolated L1 ribonucleoproteins. The newly identified enteroviral protein ORF2p inhibited the expression of L1 ORF1p. Altogether, our findings shed light on the strict modulation of L1 retrotransposons during enterovirus replication.
Analysis of the Replication Mechanisms of the Human Papillomavirus Genomes
Authors: Liblekas Lisett , Piirsoo Alla , Laanemets Annika , Tombak Eva-Maria , Laaneväli Airiin , Ustav Ene , Ustav Mart , Piirsoo Marko
Published: October 2021

The life-cycle of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) includes three distinct phases of the viral genome replication. First, the viral genome is amplified in the infected cells, and this amplification is often accompanied by the oligomerization of the viral genomes. Second stage includes the replication of viral genomes in concert with the host cell genome. The viral genome is further amplified during the third stage of the viral-life cycle, which takes place only in the differentiated keratinocytes. We have previously shown that the HPV18 genomes utilize at least two distinct replication mechanisms during the initial amplification. One of these mechanisms is a well-described bidirectional replication via theta type of replication intermediates. The nature of another replication mechanism utilized by HPV18 involves most likely recombination-dependent replication. In this paper, we show that the usage of different replication mechanisms is a property shared also by other HPV types, namely HPV11 and HPV5. We further show that the emergence of the recombination dependent replication coincides with the oligomerization of the viral genomes and is dependent on the replicative DNA polymerases. We also show that the oligomeric genomes of HPV18 replicate almost exclusively using recombination dependent mechanism, whereas monomeric HPV31 genomes replicate bi-directionally during the maintenance phase of the viral life-cycle.
Natural History of Cutaneous Human Polyomavirus Infection in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Bopp Luisa , Wieland Ulrike , Hellmich Martin , Kreuter Alexander , Pfister Herbert , Silling Steffi
Published: October 2021

Several human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) were recently discovered. Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) induces Merkel cell carcinoma. HPyV6, HPyV7, and TSPyV have been associated with rare skin lesions in immunosuppressed patients. HPyV9, HPyV10, and Saint Louis Polyomavirus (STLPyV) have not been convincingly associated with any disease. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the cutaneous prevalence, persistence and viral load of HPyVs in healthy individuals. Eight hundred seventy forehead and hand swabs were collected from 109 volunteers 4–6 weeks apart (collection period-1). Fifty-nine participants were available for follow-up a decade later (collection period-2). HPyV-DNA prevalence and viral loads of MCPyV, HPyV6, HPyV7, TSPyV, HPyV9, HPyV10, and STLPyV were determined by virus-specific real-time PCRs. Risk factors for HPyV prevalence, short- and long-term persistence were explored by logistic regression analyses. Baseline prevalence rates were similar for forehead and hand: MCPyV 67.9/67.0%, HPyV6 31.2/25.7%, HPyV7 13.8/11.0%, HPyV10 11.9/15.6%, STLPyV 7.3/8.3%, TSPyV 0.9/0.9%, and HPyV9 0.9/0.9%. Short-term persistence in period-1 was found in 59.6% (MCPyV), 23.9% (HPyV6), 10.1% (HPyV7), 6.4% (HPyV10), 5.5% (STLPyV), and 0% (TSPyV and HPyV9) on the forehead, with similar values for the hand. Long-term persistence for 9–12 years occurred only for MCPyV (forehead/hand 39.0%/44.1% of volunteers), HPyV6 (16.9%/11.9%), and HPyV7 (3.4%/5.1%). Individuals with short-term persistence had significantly higher viral loads at baseline compared to those with transient DNA-positivity (p < 0.001 for MCPyV, HPyV6, HPyV7, and HPyV10, respectively). This was also true for median viral loads in period-1 of MCPyV, HPyV6, and HPyV7 of volunteers with long-term persistence. Multiplicity (two or more different HPyVs) was a risk factor for prevalence and persistence for most HPyVs. Further risk factors were older age for HPyV6 and male sex for MCPyV on the forehead. Smoking was not a risk factor. In contrast to MCPyV, HPyV6, HPyV7, and rarely STLPyV, polyomaviruses TSPyV, HPyV9, and HPyV10 do not seem to be long-term constituents of the human skin virome of healthy individuals. Furthermore, this study showed that higher viral loads are associated with both short- and long-term persistence of HPyVs on the skin. HPyV multiplicity is a risk factor for prevalence, short-term and/or long-term persistence of MCPyV, HPyV6, HPyV7, and HPyV10.
Validation of ICMR Neurocognitive Toolbox for Dementia in the Linguistically Diverse Context of India
Authors: Verma Mansi , Tripathi Manjari , Nehra Ashima , Paplikar Avanthi , Varghese Feba , Alladi Suvarna , Narayanan Jwala , Dhaliwal R. S. , Sharma Meenakshi , Saroja Aralikatte Onkarappa , Arshad Faheem , Divyaraj Gollahalli , Ghosh Amitabha , Manae Tejaswini S. , Mekala Shailaja , Menon Ramshekhar N. , Hooda Roopa , Iyer Gowri K. , Sunitha J. , Kandukuri Rajmohan , Kaul Subhash , Khan Arfa Banu , Mathew Robert , Nandi Ranita , Padma M. V. , Pauranik Apoorva , Ramakrishnan Subasree , Sarath Lekha , Shah Urvashi , Sylaja P. N. , Varma Ravi Prasad , Vishwanath Yeshaswini
Published: October 2021

Objectives: The growing prevalence of dementia, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), has raised the need for a unified cognitive screening tool that can aid its early detection. The linguistically and educationally diverse population in India contributes to challenges in diagnosis. The present study aimed to assess the validity and diagnostic accuracy of the Indian Council of Medical Research-Neurocognitive Toolbox (ICMR-NCTB), a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery adapted in five languages, for the diagnosis of dementia.

Methods: A multidisciplinary group of experts developed the ICMR-NCTB based on reviewing the existing tools and incorporation of culturally appropriate modifications. The finalized tests of the major cognitive domains of attention, executive functions, memory, language, and visuospatial skills were then adapted and translated into five Indian languages: Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. Three hundred fifty-four participants were recruited, including 222 controls and 132 dementia patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the adapted tests were established for the diagnosis of dementia.

Results: A significant difference in the mean (median) performance scores between healthy controls and patients with dementia was observed on all tests of ICMR-NCTB. The area under the curve for majority of the tests included in the ICMR-NCTB ranged from 0.73 to 1.00, and the sensitivity and specificity of the ICMR-NCTB tests ranged from 70 to 100% and 70.7 to 100%, respectively, to identify dementia across all five languages.

Conclusions: The ICMR-NCTB is a valid instrument to diagnose dementia across five Indian languages, with good diagnostic accuracy. The toolbox was effective in overcoming the challenge of linguistic diversity. The study has wide implications to address the problem of a high disease burden and low diagnostic rate of dementia in LMICs like India.
Hereditary Xerocytosis: Differential Behavior of PIEZO1 Mutations in the N-Terminal Extracellular Domain Between Red Blood Cells and HEK Cells
Authors: Yamaguchi Yohei , Allegrini Benoit , Rapetti-Mauss Raphaël , Picard Véronique , Garçon Loïc , Kohl Peter , Soriani Olivier , Peyronnet Rémi , Guizouarn Hélène
Published: October 2021

Hereditary Xerocytosis, a rare hemolytic anemia, is due to gain of function mutations in PIEZO1, a non-selective cation channel activated by mechanical stress. How these PIEZO1 mutations impair channel function and alter red blood cell (RBC) physiology, is not completely understood. Here, we report the characterization of mutations in the N-terminal part of the protein (V598M, F681S and the double mutation G782S/R808Q), a part of the channel that was subject of many investigations to decipher its role in channel gating. Our data show that the electrophysiological features of these PIEZO1 mutants expressed in HEK293T cells are different from previously characterized PIEZO1 mutations that are located in the pore or at the C-terminal extracellular domain of the protein. Although RBC with PIEZO1 mutations showed a dehydrated phenotype, the activity of V598M, F681S or R808Q in response to stretch was not significantly different from the WT channels. In contrast, the G782S mutant showed larger currents compared to the WT PIEZO1. Interestingly, basal activity of all the mutated channels was not significantly altered at the opposite of what was expected according to the decreased water and cation contents of resting RBC. In addition, the features of mutant PIEZO1 expressed in HEK293 cells do not always correlate with the observation in RBC where PIEZO1 mutations induced a cation leak associated with an increased conductance. Our work emphasizes the role of the membrane environment in PIEZO1 activity and the need to characterize RBC permeability to assess pathogenicity to PIEZO1 mutants associated with erythrocyte diseases.
Basic Psychological Needs in the Work Context: A Systematic Literature Review of Diary Studies
Authors: Coxen Lynelle , van der Vaart Leoni , Van den Broeck Anja , Rothmann Sebastiaan
Published: October 2021

According to the self-determination theory, individuals' basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness should be satisfied for optimal psychological growth. The satisfaction of these needs seems to vary due to changes in a person's social context, and the outcomes of the satisfaction of these needs also vary along with the needs. Despite several studies investigating daily and weekly variations in need satisfaction and its correlates, no systematic investigation exists. This study aimed to conduct a narrative synthesis of existing quantitative diary studies of basic psychological needs in the work context. We specifically aimed to evaluate if psychological need satisfaction varies daily and weekly and judge whether they vary more daily or weekly. Additionally, we also aimed to review the literature regarding the relations between daily or weekly variations in need satisfaction and its assumed antecedents and outcomes. We included peer-reviewed articles in English that measured work-related basic psychological needs using a quantitative diary study design. Database searching (Web of Science, ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost, and Scopus) led to the extraction of 2 251 records by February 2020. Duplicates were removed, the remaining records were screened (n = 820), and 30 articles were assessed using eligibility criteria. Two authors individually conducted the screening and eligibility processes to manage selection bias. In total, 21 articles were included in the final review. The review indicated that basic psychological need satisfaction showed considerable within-person variation and was more dynamic daily (compared to weekly). Job demands, job resources, organisational resources, and individual characteristics appeared to associate with these variations. The organisational context seemed to matter the most for need satisfaction. Variations in need satisfaction were also related to employee well-being, performance, and motivation. Despite the small number of published studies (particularly for weekly studies), our results indicate that researchers should pay attention to within-person variations in need satisfaction. Measuring daily need satisfaction could be prioritised. Different antecedents and outcomes seem to be associated with different needs. Thus, when needs are viewed as distinct constructs instead of unidimensional ones, one can derive greater insights. The study is funded by the National Research Foundation.
Psychological Status Associated With Low Quality of Life in School-Age Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders During COVID-19 Stay-At-Home Period
Authors: Ueda Riyo , Okada Takashi , Kita Yosuke , Ozawa Yuri , Inoue Hisami , Shioda Mutsuki , Kono Yoshimi , Kono Chika , Nakamura Yukiko , Amemiya Kaoru , Ito Ai , Sugiura Nobuko , Matsuoka Yuichiro , Kaiga Chinami , Kubota Masaya , Ozawa Hiroshi
Published: October 2021

Background: This study seeks to ascertain how the COVID-19 stay-at-home period has affected the quality of life (QOL) of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) who had experienced sleep schedules alteration and clarify what psychological status predicted low QOL in children with and without altered sleep patterns.

Materials and Methods: Study participants were 86 children between 8 and 17 years of age (mean age, 11.7 years; 70 boys, 16 girls; mean intellectual quotient, 83.6). QOL was evaluated using the self-assessment KINDLR. Participants answered questions regarding depression and anxiety on a visual analog scale (VAS) for temporary mood. Their parents answered questionnaires regarding their maladaptive behaviors and differences in sleep patterns before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The student's t-test was performed to examine the presence or absence of sleep changes in the children, which affected QOL, temporary mood, and maladaptive behaviors. Multiple or simple linear regression analyses were also performed to identify the psychogenic factors that significantly affected decreased QOL for each group with and without changes in sleep schedule.

Results: During the COVID-19 stay-at-home period, 46.5% of participants experienced changes in sleep patterns. These changes were associated with decreased QOL as well as internalized symptoms. The decreased QOL of children with sleep patterns changed was predicted by a high level of depression. In addition, low QOL in children with unchanged sleep patterns was predicted by a high level of depression and low current mood status.

Conclusions: Almost half of the participants experienced a poor sleep schedule during the stay-at-home period. These alterations in sleep patterns were associated with a low QOL. The QOL of children with a stable life schedule was affected not only by depressive tendencies but also temporary moods. Therefore, they need to live a fulfilling life to maintain their QOL. However, the QOL of children with poor sleep patterns was affected only by depressive tendencies. Hence, clinicians need to ensure that children with NDDs are well-diagnosed with depression and treated for sleep problems.
Parents With Mental Illness: Parental Coping Behavior and Its Association With Children's Mental Health
Authors: Sell Marlit , Radicke Alina , Adema Bonnie , Daubmann Anne , Kilian Reinhold , Stiawa Maja , Busmann Mareike , Winter Sibylle M. , Lambert Martin , Wegscheider Karl , Plass-Christl Angela , Wiegand-Grefe Silke
Published: October 2021

The relevance of coping behavior for the individual's own mental health has been widely investigated. However, research on the association between coping of parents with a mental illness and their children's mental health is scarce. In the current study, we address the role of several parental coping strategies and their relation to child psychological symptoms. As part of the German randomized controlled multicenter study CHIMPS (children of mentally ill parents), parents with mental illness completed questionnaires on illness-related coping and child mental health symptoms. Children's diagnoses of a mental disorder were assessed with diagnostic interviews. The sample comprised n = 195 parents with mental illness and n = 290 children and adolescents aged 4–18 years. We conducted mixed models to investigate the associations of parental coping strategies with internalizing and externalizing symptoms as well as the diagnosis of a mental disorder in children controlling for sociodemographic factors and parental symptom severity. Parental coping characterized by religiosity and quest for meaning was significantly associated with fewer mental health symptoms and lower odds of a mental disorder in children, whereas a depressed processing style was related to increased internalizing problems in the children. Coping behavior in parents with mental illness is a relevant factor for the mental health of their children and should be considered in preventive interventions.
Genetic Differences in Dorsal Hippocampus Acetylcholinesterase Activity Predict Contextual Fear Learning Across Inbred Mouse Strains
Authors: Mooney-Leber Sean M. , Zeid Dana , Garcia-Trevizo Prescilla , Seemiller Laurel R. , Bogue Molly A. , Grubb Stephen C. , Peltz Gary , Gould Thomas J.
Published: October 2021

Learning is a critical behavioral process that is influenced by many neurobiological systems. We and others have reported that acetylcholinergic signaling plays a vital role in learning capabilities, and it is especially important for contextual fear learning. Since cholinergic signaling is affected by genetic background, we examined the genetic relationship between activity levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the primary enzyme involved in the acetylcholine metabolism, and learning using a panel of 20 inbred mouse strains. We measured conditioned fear behavior and AChE activity in the dorsal hippocampus, ventral hippocampus, and cerebellum. Acetylcholinesterase activity varied among inbred mouse strains in all three brain regions, and there were significant inter-strain differences in contextual and cued fear conditioning. There was an inverse correlation between fear conditioning outcomes and AChE levels in the dorsal hippocampus. In contrast, the ventral hippocampus and cerebellum AChE levels were not correlated with fear conditioning outcomes. These findings strengthen the link between acetylcholine activity in the dorsal hippocampus and learning, and they also support the premise that the dorsal hippocampus and ventral hippocampus are functionally discrete.
Ion Channel Impairment and Myofilament Ca2+ Sensitization: Two Parallel Mechanisms Underlying Arrhythmogenesis in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Santini Lorenzo , Coppini Raffaele , Cerbai Elisabetta
Published: October 2021

Life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias are the main clinical burden in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and frequently occur in young patients with mild structural disease. While massive hypertrophy, fibrosis and microvascular ischemia are the main mechanisms underlying sustained reentry-based ventricular arrhythmias in advanced HCM, cardiomyocyte-based functional arrhythmogenic mechanisms are likely prevalent at earlier stages of the disease. In this review, we will describe studies conducted in human surgical samples from HCM patients, transgenic animal models and human cultured cell lines derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. Current pieces of evidence concur to attribute the increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias in early HCM to different cellular mechanisms. The increase of late sodium current and L-type calcium current is an early observation in HCM, which follows post-translation channel modifications and increases the occurrence of early and delayed afterdepolarizations. Increased myofilament Ca2+ sensitivity, commonly observed in HCM, may promote afterdepolarizations and reentry arrhythmias with direct mechanisms. Decrease of K+-currents due to transcriptional regulation occurs in the advanced disease and contributes to reducing the repolarization-reserve and increasing the early afterdepolarizations (EADs). The presented evidence supports the idea that patients with early-stage HCM should be considered and managed as subjects with an acquired channelopathy rather than with a structural cardiac disease.
Neurons Are a Primary Driver of Inflammation via Release of HMGB1
Authors: Yang Huan , Andersson Ulf , Brines Michael
Published: October 2021

Recent data show that activation of nociceptive (sensory) nerves turns on localized inflammation within the innervated area in a retrograde manner (antidromically), even in the absence of tissue injury or molecular markers of foreign invaders. This neuroinflammatory process is activated and sustained by the release of neuronal products, such as neuropeptides, with the subsequent amplification via recruitment of immunocompetent cells, including macrophages and lymphocytes. High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is a highly conserved, well characterized damage-associated molecular pattern molecule expressed by many cells, including nociceptors and is a marker of inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize recent evidence showing that neuronal HMGB1 is required for the development of neuroinflammation, as knock out limited to neurons or its neutralization via antibodies ameliorate injury in models of nerve injury and of arthritis. Further, the results of study show that HMGB1 is actively released during neuronal depolarization and thus plays a previously unrecognized key etiologic role in the initiation and amplification of neuroinflammation. Direct targeting of HMGB1 is a promising approach for novel anti-inflammatory therapy.
Unexpected Implication of SRP and AGO2 in Parkinson’s Disease: Involvement in Alpha-Synuclein Biogenesis
Authors: Hernandez Sarah M. , Tikhonova Elena B. , Baca Kristen R. , Zhao Fanpeng , Zhu Xiongwei , Karamyshev Andrey L.
Published: October 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder classified by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, the region of the brain that is responsible for motor control. Surviving neurons in this region contain aggregated protein alpha-Synuclein (αSyn) in the form of cytoplasmic inclusions, referred to as Lewy bodies. Changes in αSyn expression are also associated with PD and its progression. Previously, we demonstrated that signal recognition particle (SRP) and Argonaute 2 (AGO2) proteins are involved in protein quality control at the ribosome during translation. We also demonstrated that SRP has an mRNA protection function in addition to a protein targeting function, thus controlling mRNA and protein expression. In this study, we tested involvement of these factors in αSyn biogenesis. We hypothesize that loss of these factors may interfere with αSyn expression, and subsequently, be associated with PD. Using depletion assays in human cell culture and analysis of these proteins in the brains of deceased PD patients, we demonstrate that SRP and AGO2 are involved in the control of αSyn expression and AGO2 has reduced expression in PD. We show for the first time that SRP is involved in mRNA protection of αSyn, a protein that does not have a signal sequence or transmembrane span. Our findings suggest that SRP may interact with a hydrophobic domain in the middle of αSyn during translation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling αSyn biogenesis in cells is vital to developing preventative therapies against PD.
Digitalization and protection of citizens' rights compulsory social insurance
Authors: Gusev A.Yu.
Published: October 2021

The subject of this article was the issues related to the protection of the rights of citizens in the field of compulsory social insurance in the conditions of digitalization. It is shown that in order to ensure effective and safe conditions for the use of digital technologies, it is necessary to include universal basic approaches in the legal regulation. Specific examples of how the tasks of digitalization of social services in the field of social security are currently actively implemented by the social insurance Fund of the Russian Federation are given.

English version of the article is available at URL: https://panor.ru/articles/digitalization-and-protection-of-citizens-rights-in-compulsory-social-insurance/71242.html