bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life of Hospital Healthcare Staff in the Context of COVID-19: A Multicenter Survey in Public Hospitals
Authors: ATABOHO Ebenguela EBATETOU , MANTINOU Juste Morel , YANSANÉ Alhousseine , KOKOLO Jysses Geoffroy
Published: June 2024

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has exerted unprecedented pressure on health systems and healthcare workers worldwide. This study aimed to assess the quality of life of healthcare professionals in Congolese public hospitals during this pandemic health crisis. Materials and Methods: A multicentric cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2021, involving nursing staff from nine public hospitals across four departments in the country. We collected data on the socio- professional characteristics of the nursing staff and assessed their physical, mental, and overall quality of life using the Short Form 12 (SF-12) questionnaire. Results: The study population consisted of 454 nurses (64.9%) and 246 nursing assistants (35.1%), with most females (83.6%) and an average age of 39.2 years ±8.1. The marital status was dominated by singles (52.9%) and nearly half (49.7%) had more than 3 dependents. The physical, mental, and overall quality of life was good in approximately 95% of the nursing staff. However, healthcare workers older than 40 years and those with more than 3 dependents had a significantly higher poor physical, mental, and overall quality of life than others (p=0.000). There was no correlation between gender, marital status, the role occupied (nurse or nursing assistant), and the physical, mental, and overall quality of life. Conclusion: Although most of the nursing staff maintained a satisfactory quality of life during the pandemic, it is essential to identify and support those most at risk of diminished quality of life, to ensure optimal care for all.
EUS-guided Ethanol Ablation of Pancreatic Cysts: An updated Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Reddy Yeshaswini , Chatterjee Tulika , Puli Srinivas R
Published: June 2024

Background: Pancreatic cyst lesions have increased in incidence due to the widespread use of high-quality imaging worldwide. However, EUS-guided ethanol ablation is emerging in non-surgical candidates as a safe and productive alternative for treating pancreatic cysts. This is an updated meta-analysis and systematic review assessing the safety and outcome of EUS-guided ethanol ablation. Methods: Selection Criteria included pancreatic cyst ablations with EUS-guided ethanol ablation. Data was collected and extracted from Medline, Pubmed, and Ovid journals. Statistical analysis used Fixed and random effects models to calculate the pooled proportions. Results: Upon initial search, 1,420 articles were found, out of which 124 articles were selected and reviewed. Data was extracted from 8 studies (n=188) examining EUS-guided ethanol ablation of pancreatic cysts that met the inclusion criteria. The pooled proportion of patients with complete cyst resolution was 56.08% (95% CI = 48.77 to 63.26). Patients with partial resolution of the pancreatic cyst had a pooled proportion of 16.37% (95% CI = 10.46 to 23.30). The pooled proportion of patients with persistent cysts was 24.72% (95% CI = 17.90 to 32.10). The post-procedural complications included pancreatitis, fever, splenic vein thrombosis, and intractable bleeding that was experienced in some patients. This pooled analysis showed the patients' post-procedural pancreatitis in 5.22% (95% CI = 2.45 to 8.95). Fever and splenic vein thrombosis was noted in 1.63% (95% CI = 0.30 to 40). Intractable bleeding was seen at 2.10 % (95% CI = 0.52 to 4.70). Publication bias calculated using the Harbord-Egger bias indicator was -0.92 (95% CI = -8.61 to 6.77, p = 0.77). The Begg-Mazumdar indicator gave Kendall's tau b value of 0.2 (p = 0.90). Conclusions: EUS-guided ethanol ablation of pancreatic cysts is safe and effective with positive outcomes, especially in non-surgical candidates. This study shows that the intra-procedural and post-procedural complications are low. This modality can be offered as a safe alternative to non-surgical candidates.
Ignorance of Health Regulations as A Fundamental Part of the Assignment of Responsibilities in the Medical Act
Authors: Velázquez-Castillo José César , Velázquez-Mendoza Elía Mariana , Vázquez-Raposo Alan Suresh , Cejudo-García de Alba María del Pilar , Dichi-Romero María de Los Ángeles , García-Cortés Luis Rey
Published: June 2024

Health professionals have an obligation to provide assistance and care to people whose lives are in danger; This, taking into account that the supreme purpose of this profession is to preserve human life, which is why the protection of the life and health of the patient, as well as his physical integrity, is under his responsibility; However, in spite of these maxims, it has been unfortunately observed that the actions of health professionals do not always adhere to the rules and procedures established for this matter. Inappropriate or incorrect action on their part is capable of causing harm to the patient, known as medical malpractice. In our environment (public health), there are various justifications for health personnel with which they try to dilute this responsibility assigned in the maxim mentioned above, such as: lack of personnel, lack of therapeutic supplies, lack of adequate instruments, etc.). However, this does not omit the incredible incidence of malpractice that is generated in health institutions, derived mainly from ignorance of current legislation in the medical act. Medical malpractice resulting from negative actions is framed in the modalities of negligence, recklessness and incompetence, which derive in various types of responsibilities that can be imposed on health professionals, whether administrative, civil or criminal, which will be determined according to the damage caused. In this sense, the purpose of this paper is to present the panorama of the responsibility of health professionals in Mexico, which, as will be seen, is not limited to the actions of physicians alone, as is commonly thought, but is extended to nurses, technicians, assistants and practitioners (Undergraduate Medical Interns, Interns in Social Service and Residents of the various specialties) with the sole purpose of raising awareness in this sector and generating greater adherence to the legislation that allows us to practice a safe profession. This paper focuses on an analysis of what we consider to be functions and bibliographic elements that should be fully known by health personnel in order to improve the quality of care and, above all, in order to exercise a safe medical practice based on lex artis and lex artis ad hoc for each particular case and avoiding the practice of defensive medicine that often conditions the poor decision-making that perpetuates the pathological state of patients.
The Use of Dopaminergic Drugs for Treating Cutaneous Discoid Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Study
Authors: Check Jerome H , Neumann Brooke , Check Diane L
Published: June 2024

There are many therapies to treat discoid lupus erythematous (DLE) which provide mild to moderate beneficial effect. However, none of these suggested therapies are ideal, and thus research continues exploring the immunological pathways responsible for DLE hopefully leading to the development of monoclonal antibody therapy to disrupt a key pathway leading to the pathological state. New brand-named drugs are usually associated with a hefty price and frequently there are significant side effects. Thus, ideally it would be very beneficial to re-purpose an inexpensive generic drug already on the market that is effective with little side effects. One such drug for DLE already exists, e.g., the anti-malarial hydroxychloroquine which frequently can be moderately successful. Another potential drug fulfilling these ideals may be a dopaminergic drug, e.g., dextroamphetamine sulfate, normally used for attention- deficit hyperactivity disorder which has been used to successfully treat other skin disorders e.g., urticaria, eczema, and bullous pemphigoid. The hypothesized mechanism involves releasing more dopamine from sympathetic nerve fibers. Dopamine diminishes cellular permeability, thus, theoretically inhibiting absorption of irritating elements into the dermis, which sets off an immune cascade. The case of DLE presented did not respond to standard therapy for DLE, but had a 100% remission with dextroamphetamine sulfate, which has lasted one and a half years so far.
Together We Thrive: Strengthen the Capability of AAPIs in Pima County in Dealing with COVID-19
Authors: Eng Howard J
Published: June 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had significant physical, mental, and social health impacts on the Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) populations in Pima County, Arizona, USA. The Together We Thrive (TWT) project established specific activities to improve the three health areas impacted by COVID-19: newsletters, vaccination clinics, website COVID-19 resource center, community information tables, social health classes, mental health panel presentations, COVID-19 presentations, and giving out COVID-19 information and home test kits. The activities that address each of the three health areas were evaluated for their impact. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study (program evaluation). The number of newsletters given out, vaccines given, website visits, community event information table visits, COVID-19 information and home test kits given out, and classes/presentation attendance were recorded. For social health classes, mental health panel presentations, and community COVID-19 presentation evaluation forms collected information on knowledge gain, usefulness of knowledge gain, and impact. Results: The TWT Project had reached 9,642 people and had provided 13,398 health education/promotion contacts. Many of the same individuals had participated in more than one TWT activities/events. The largest number of people outreached was during the community events, but the largest number of health education/promotion contacts was by the newsletter. Conclusion: The physical, mental, and social effects associated with COVID-19 were addressed by the project. TWT also met many of the needs identified in the AAPI survey. The project used innovative, comprehensive health education and promotion approaches to engage the AAPI populations and to meet the changing COVID-19 needs.
Parental support and exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months in West Java, Indonesia: a mixed-methods approach
Authors: Sartika Ratu Ayu Dewi , Wirawan Fadila , Gunawan Wawan , Putri Primasti Nuryandari , Shukri Nurul Husna Mohd
Published: June 2024

Background: The exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rate in Indonesia is lower than expected. Among the key factors affecting breastfeeding practices, paternal support has been suggested.Purpose: To explore the role of paternal support in EBF failure among 3-month-old infants.Methods: This sequential mixed-methods study, part of an ongoing cohort study in West Java in early 2022, included 225 infants. The parents of 3-month-old infants were interviewed. Paternal support was assessed using a 15-point validated questionnaire for a total score of 15–60 points. Multivariate binary regression was used to determine adjusted odds ratios (aORs). The qualitative exploration was based on in-depth interviews (IDIs) and forum group discussions (FGDs) following the quantitative survey.Results: Of the 225 infants, 52.2% were no longer EBF. High paternal support (greater than the mean score) of breastfeeding was determined in 52.9% of cases (mean± standard deviation, 38.7±6.7 for the overall population vs. 37.5±6.3 and 40.2±6.8 for infants who were and were not EBF at 3 months of age, respectively). Low paternal support was associated with an increased EBF failure rate (aOR, 2.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46–5.54). Other variables that remained as predictors in the final model were a low birth rate (aOR, 7.35; 95% CI, 1.73–31.20), negative maternal attitude (aOR, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.63–6.75), lower self-efficacy (aOR, 4.82; 95% CI, 2.43–9.57), and lower maternal education level (aOR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.03– 8.03). The IDIs and FGD observed the importance of the father’s support of the mother and EBF. The qualitative exploration revealed a lack of knowledge about EBF as a parental support barrier.Conclusion: Paternal support is important for EBF. Paternal involvement in EBF planning encouraged themother to continue. Plans that include fathers in breastfeeding education may help increase paternal support.
Environmental and stochastic processes drive diatom taxonomic and functional temporal beta diversity
Authors: Aarnio S , Soininen J
Published: June 2024

Studying patterns of biodiversity is central to ecological research. Temporal beta diversity, i.e. the change in community composition over time, has emerged as a promising study field during the last decades. Following global climatic change, understanding the consequences of environmental alterations on temporal community composition has become increasingly important. We examined patterns and drivers of temporal beta diversity and whether the temporal variation in community composition is related to temporal environmental variation among 9 coastal diatom communities sampled 12 times at a ca. 10 d interval. We applied a temporal beta diversity index (TBI) decomposed into gains and losses to quantify changes in taxonomic and functional community similarity through time, and for environmental variables to determine temporal change in local abiotic conditions. We assessed environmental and spatial drivers of temporal community change by regression models and partitioned variation in the community composition according to sampling day by distance-based redundancy analyses. Taxonomic TBI was higher than functional TBI, characterized by sharper changes in species gains and losses. Taxonomic TBI was explained by site location, whereas functional TBI had a linkage with both spatial and environmental variables. Environmental TBI was significantly related to taxonomic TBI only. The sites significantly differing in taxonomic or functional TBI did not coincide with those with a significantly different environmental TBI between the sites. The communities were probably structured by both environmental variation and random stochastic processes, creating unpredictability in the TBI. Our results highlight the importance of rapid environmental alterations in shaping temporal beta diversity within dynamic coastal communities.
Effectiveness of High-Velocity Low-Amplitude Manipulation in the Treatment of Ankle Joint Dysfunction: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Tedeschi Roberto
Published: June 2024

Background. Ankle joint manipulation is a commonly used intervention in orthopedic and rehabilitation settings. Its efficacy in improving the range of motion, reducing pain, and enhancing functional performance is a subject of ongoing research.
Aim. To synthesize the current evidence on the effectiveness of ankle manipulation across various patient populations.
Methods. Four studies have been analyzed, each focusing on different populations including healthy individuals, elite athletes, and those with chronic ankle instability. The interventions varied from high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulations to manual therapy techniques. Outcomes measured included dorsiflexion range, vertical jump height, ankle stability, pain, and functional scores.
Results. The studies presented mixed results. Two studies showed significant improvements in ankle function and pain reduction post-manipulation, while the others reported minimal or no significant changes compared to control groups. Variations in intervention techniques, population characteristics, and outcome measures contributed to the diverse findings.
Conclusions. Ankle joint manipulation shows potential benefits in certain scenarios, particularly in improving functional outcomes and reducing pain. However, the inconsistency in results across different studies highlights the need for more standardized research protocols. This would enable a more definitive understanding of the efficacy of ankle manipulation and guide its application in clinical practice.
Keywords: ankle manipulation, high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA), manual therapy, rehabilitation, orthopedic intervention.
La distancia: antiguas fronteras y discursos contemporáneos en Guayaquil
Authors: Carrillo Ana , Hilgert Bradley
Published: June 2024

En este trabajo reflexionamos a propósito de la utilización del concepto “distancia social”, estrategia que se construyó para superar la crisis causada por el virus Covid-19, pero que revela desigualdades de la vida cotidiana en América Latina. El texto considera la revisión de fuentes secundarias y literatura emparentada con los estudios urbanos de corte histórico, análisis de la prensa y discursos oficiales, desde nuestra experiencia como educadores articulados con la población afrodescendiente. Plantearemos que la distancia es un dispositivo cultural estructurante en Guayaquil – Ecuador, profundizado por la dinámica postpandemia. Para cerrar, especularemos sobre las acciones y políticas culturales que podrían llevarnos a un estado de proximidad/afinidad.
Arte urbana: o graffiti como qualificador do espaço público
Authors: Rodrigues Roberta Mertz , Mazaro Gustavo Spindola , Macuch Regiane da Silva
Published: June 2024

Este trabalho tem por objetivo discutir a possibilidade da arte urbana, mais especificamente o graffiti, contribuir no processo de apropriação e identificação do espaço urbano. Assim, este estudo de caso propõe a análise das intervenções artísticas em dois elementos construtivos: o Ginásio Valdir Pinheiro e o Velódromo na Vila Olímpica, ambos localizados em Maringá (PR). A hipótese é que a arte do graffiti melhora a qualidade do espaço público e, para validá-la, foi realizado um levantamento teórico que englobou a relação entre o ser humano e a cidade, entre o ser humano e a arte e entre a arte e a cidade. Além disso, realizou-se um estudo fotográfico das edificações. Desse modo, como resultado, tem-se que o graffiti contribui para um ambiente onde as pessoas agem de forma mais espontânea, gerando mais segurança, saúde e sustentabilidade social.
Onde está Eduardo Collier Filho? Contribuição ao debate sobre o Programa Nacional de Direitos Humanos
Authors: Dias Reginaldo Benedito
Published: June 2024

Durante seu governo, o presidente Jair Bolsonaro confrontou a política de Direitos Humanos relacionada ao passivo de violações praticadas pela ditadura civil-militar instituída em 1964. Exemplo dessa conduta ocorreu quando vocalizou polêmicas declarações sobre um episódio em que o aparato repressivo do Estado assassinou militantes da organização revolucionária Ação Popular Marxista-Leninista (APML) e promoveu o desaparecimento de seus corpos. Bolsonaro negou a responsabilidade do Estado e colocou em dúvida a honradez das vítimas. O presente artigo focaliza os fatos relacionados a uma das vítimas, Eduardo Collier Filho, cujo nome ainda integra o rol dos desaparecidos políticos da ditadura. Pretende-se situar os fatos na história da APML e proceder à abordagem desse caso na evolução da pauta dos mortos e desaparecidos, no contexto da Justiça de Transição. São examinados os documentos produzidos pelo aparato repressivo, pelos movimentos dos Direitos Humanos e pelas agências públicas relacionadas à Justiça de Transição.
Biomechanical evaluation of ortho-bridge system and proximal femoral nail antirotation in intertrochanteric fractures with lateral wall fracture based on finite element analysis
Authors: Long Yuntao , Liu Na , Huang Xiaomeng , Liang Weiming , Liu Jianke , Huang Zhaozhao , Zhang Yanhui , Wang Wen
Published: June 2024

Background

The integrity of the lateral wall in femoral intertrochanteric fractures significantly impacts fracture stability and internal fixation. In this study, we compared the outcomes of treating intertrochanteric fractures with lateral wall involvement using the ortho-bridge system (OBS) combined with proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) versus simple PFNA from a biomechanical perspective.

Methods

Finite-element models of femoral intertrochanteric fractures with lateral wall involvement were subjected to fixation with OBS combined with PFNA and simple PFNA. Von Mises stress measurements and corresponding displacement assessments for each component of the model, including the proximal femur and lateral wall, were used to evaluate the biomechanical effects of OBS fixation on bone and intramedullary nail stability.

Results

Using PFNA alone to fix intertrochanteric fractures with lateral wall involvement resulted in von Mises stress levels on the lateral wall exceeding safe stress tolerances for bone growth. OBS fixation significantly reduced stress on the lateral wall of the femur and minimized the stress on each part of the intramedullary nail, reducing the overall displacement.

Conclusion

In cases of intertrochanteric fractures with lateral wall involvement, PFNA fixation alone may compromise the biomechanical integrity of the lateral femoral wall, increasing the risk of postoperative complications. The addition of OBS to PFNA significantly reduces stress on the lateral femoral wall. Consequently, OBS should be considered for lateral wall fixation when managing intertrochanteric fractures combined with lateral wall fractures.
New synthesis of oligosaccharides modelling the M epitope of the Brucella O-polysaccharide
Authors: Tsvetkov Yury E. , Volkov Timur M. , Eremin Sergei A. , Sklyarov Oleg D. , Kulakov Yuri K. , Krylov Vadim B. , Nifantiev Nikolay E.
Published: June 2024

Brucellosis is a dangerous zoonotic disease caused by bacteria of the genus Brucella. Diagnosis of brucellosis is based on the detection in animal and human sera of antibodies to the O-polysaccharide of Brucella lipopolysaccharide. The currently employed serodiagnosis of brucellosis relies on the use of the Brucella O-polysaccharide as a diagnostic antigen. However, the existence of bacterial species, which also express O-polysaccharides structurally similar to that of Brucella, may decrease the specificity of the brucellosis detection due to false-positive test results. It has been shown that the efficiency of the test can be significantly improved by using synthetic oligosaccharides that correspond to the so-called M epitope of the Brucella O-antigen. This epitope is characterized by an α-(1→3)-linkage between d-perosamine units and is unique to Brucella. Here we report on an efficient approach to the synthesis of oligosaccharides that model the M epitope of the Brucella O-polysaccharide. The approach is based on the use of the α-(1→3)-linked disaccharide thioglycoside as the key donor block. Its application allowed the straightforward assembly of a set of four protected oligosaccharides, which includes a disaccharide, two trisaccharides, and a tetrasaccharide, in five glycosylation steps. The synthesized oligosaccharides are planned to be used in the development of diagnostic tools for identifying brucellosis in humans and domestic animals, as well as a potential vaccine against it.
Genomic and phenotypic inconsistencies in Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistome among intensive care patients
Authors: Dolgusevs Mihails , Jain Nityanand , Savicka Oksana , Vangravs Reinis , Bodrenko Jevgenijs , Bergmanis Edvins , Zemite Dace , Selderina Solvita , Reinis Aigars , Rozentale Baiba
Published: June 2024

Objective

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a difficult-to-manage nosocomial pathogen, poses a serious threat to clinical outcomes in intensive care (ICU) patients due to its high antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To promote effective management, it is essential to investigate the genomic and phenotypic differences in AMR expression of the isolates.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted from July 2022 to April 2023 at Liepaja Regional Hospital in Latvia. The study included all adult patients who were admitted to the ICU and had a documented infection with P. aeruginosa, as confirmed by standard laboratory microbiological testing and short-read sequencing. Since ResFinder is the only sequencing-based database offering antibacterial susceptibility testing (AST) data for each antibiotic, we conducted a comparison of the resistance profile with the results of phenotypic testing, evaluating if ResFinder met the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements for approval as a new AMR diagnostic test. Next, to improve precision, AST data from ResFinder was compared with two other databases – AMRFinderPlus and RGI. Additionally, data was gathered from environmental samples to inform the implementation of appropriate infection control measures in real time.

Results

Our cohort consisted of 33 samples from 29 ICU patients and 34 environmental samples. The presence of P. aeruginosa infection was found to be associated with unfavourable clinical outcomes. A third of the patient samples were identified as multi-drug resistant isolates. Apart from resistance against colistin, significant discrepancies were observed when phenotypic data were compared to genotypic data. For example, the aminoglycoside resistance prediction of ResFinder yielded a major errors value of 3.03% for amikacin, which was marginally above the FDA threshold. Among the three positive environmental samples, one sample exhibited multiple AMR genes similar to the patient samples in its cluster.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the importance of utilizing a combination of diagnostic methods for the identification of resistance mechanisms, clusters, and environmental reservoirs in ICUs.
No evidence on infectious DNA-based agents in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia using whole metagenome shotgun sequencing
Authors: Heinz Amadeus T. , Grumaz Silke , Slavetinsky Christoph , Döring Michaela , Queudeville Manon , Handgretinger Rupert , Ebinger Martin
Published: June 2024

The etiology of pediatric acute lymphatic leukemia (ALL) is still unclear. Whole-metagenome shotgun sequencing of bone marrow samples in patients with treatment-naïve ALL (n=6) was performed for untargeted investigation of bacterial and viral DNA. The control group consisted of healthy children (n=4) and children with non-oncologic diseases (n=2) undergoing bone marrow sampling. Peripheral blood of all participants was investigated at the same time. After bioinformatical elimination of potential contaminants by comparison with the employed controls, no significant amounts of microbial or viral DNA were identified.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pathology and cell tropism in tongue tissues of COVID-19 autopsies
Authors: Ma Longda , Liu Qian , Wang Manli , Liu Liang , Hu Zhihong , Zhou Yiwu , Liu Jia
Published: June 2024

Since 2019, Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19) has affected millions of people worldwide. Except for acute respiratory distress syndrome, dysgeusis is also a common symptom of COVID-19 that burdens patients for weeks or permanently. However, the mechanisms underlying taste dysfunctions remain unclear. Here, we performed complete autopsies of five patients who died of COVID-19. Integrated tongue samples, including numerous taste buds, salivary glands, vessels, and nerves were collected to map the pathology, distribution, cell tropism, and receptor distribution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the tongue. Our results revealed that all patients had moderate lymphocyte infiltration around the salivary glands and in the lamina propria adjacent to the mucosa, and pyknosis in the epithelia of taste buds and salivary glands. This may be because the serous acini, salivary gland ducts, and taste buds are the primary sites of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Multicolor immunofluorescence showed that SARS-CoV-2 readily infects Keratin (KRT)7+ taste receptor cells in taste buds, secretory cells in serous acini, and inner epithelial cells in the ducts. The major receptors, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine subtype 2 (TMPRSS2), were both abundantly expressed in these cells. Viral antigens and receptor were both rarely detected in vessels and nerves. This indicates that SARS-CoV-2 infection triggers pathological injury in the tongue, and that dysgeusis may be directly related to viral infection and cellular damage.
Enhanced immune reconstitution with albuvirtide in HIV-infected immunological non-responders
Authors: Fan Lina , Hu Yue , Li Rui , Ding Jiaqi , Liu Yuantao , Yu Shuchang , Hu Min , Su Rui , Li Yangyang , Yu AiPing , Xie Dong , Zhao Qingxia , Ma Ping
Published: June 2024

Background

Incomplete immune recovery in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) remains an important clinical challenge with the lack of an effective strategy currently available to restore their T-cell immune response. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Albuvirtide (ABT) on immune recovery in immunological non-responders (INRs) and attempted to explore potential mechanisms of ABT on the functionality of immune cells.

Methods

In this prospective, open-label, controlled clinical study, participants with incomplete immune reconstitution (continuous ART over 5 years and CD4+T lymphocyte absolute count of <500 cells/µl or ART for 2–5 years and CD4+T cell count of <200 cells/µl with undetectable viral load) were received intensive treatment with ABT or maintained on the original ART regimen at a ratio of 1:1. Immune response and safety were examined within 24 weeks. In the cytological study, T subsets, cell apoptosis and cell autophagy were analyzed using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry from 25 blood specimens.

Results

Both groups (n=25 each) were comparable in age, gender, and ART duration. At week 12, CD4+T cell count increased significantly in the intensive ABT group compared with control group (the change from baseline in CD4+T cell count: 45 vs. -5 cells/µL, p<0.001). After ABT discontinuation, CD4+T cell counts remained significantly higher in the intensive ABT group at week 24 (55 vs. -5 cells/µL, p=0.012). In laboratory analysis, naïve CD4+ T cell amounts were lowest among participants with unsatisfactory immune response (uIR) to ABT (p=0.001). The proportion of caspase 3+CD45RA+CD31+CD4+ T cells was significantly lower in participants with satisfactory immune response (sIR) to ABT (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Significant CD4+T cell count increase suggests ABT enhances immune function in INRs which may be attributed to its antiviral properties as well as its ability to increase thymic cell output and decrease cell apoptosis.
Research progress on the relationship between chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome and the microbiota of the reproductive system
Authors: Song Wei-Jie , Liu Xin-Yi , He Le-Ye
Published: June 2024

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common pelvic pain syndrome in males, seriously affecting patients’ quality of life. For a long time, CP/CPPS has been considered a complex and variable disease, and its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood. Currently, CP/CPPS is believed to be a group of diseases characterized by pelvic pain or discomfort, urinary abnormalities, and other symptoms, each with its unique etiology, clinical characteristics, and outcomes, likely resulting from the action of pathogens or (and) certain non-infectious factors. Traditionally, CP/CPPS was thought to be unrelated to bacterial infections. However, in recent years, with the development of microbiology and the advancement of high-throughput sequencing technology, an increasing number of studies have suggested that microorganisms in the reproductive system may play an important role in the pathogenesis of CP/CPPS. The unique characteristics of CP/CPPS, such as its refractory nature and tendency to recur, may be closely related to the microbiota and their biological functions in the reproductive system. The relationship between CP/CPPS and reproductive system microorganisms is one of the current hot topics in microbiology and urology, receiving considerable attention from scholars in recent years and making a series of new advances. Through this review, we will comprehensively explore the relationship between CP/CPPS and reproductive system microorganisms, and look forward to future research directions, aiming to provide new ideas and methods for clinical diagnosis and treatment, thereby improving the treatment outcomes and quality of life of CP/CPPS patients.
The role of frames in shaping the representation of local knowledge and concerns in scientific texts
Authors: Roos Roxana
Published: June 2024

Research teams working with indigenous people or local communities in the field of global environmental change represent local knowledge and concerns related to climate or environmental issues in the resulting scientific texts. However, by highlighting some aspects in particular ways and fading others to the background, every representation simultaneously reveals, conceals, and distorts aspects of what is represented. This paper aims to analytically highlight how frames in scientific texts are at work in emphasizing some aspects of local knowledge and concerns while fading other aspects into the background, which inevitably has micro and macro consequences through how local knowledge is incorporated, represented, and added to the body of knowledge of a given field. I have adapted a widely used frame concept from media studies to make it suitable for the analysis of scientific texts. The proposed method identifies main frames of a paper, maps how devices for achieving selective emphases, such as repetitive formulations and strong words, are at work in the text, and elicits how the frame’s key functions occur in papers: (1) identify problems, (2) diagnose causes, (3) make moral judgments, (4) suggest solutions or offer a path toward solutions, and (5) attribute roles. Points (4) and (5) are specifically designed for the analysis of scientific texts. In addition, I have added a step that shows how frames shape representations of local knowledge and concerns in scientific texts. This method is meant to develop reflexive awareness among the scholarly community about their writing practices and promote critical thinking about the unintended impacts that uncritical reproduction of taken-for-granted frames may have through their shaping of representations of local and indigenous knowledge and concerns. To illustrate the potential of the frame concept for analyzing scientific texts, I applied the new method to two papers. Further, the paper discusses the potential of frame analysis as a tool for reflexivity among research teams that work with and within local communities.
The acquisition of object relative clauses in Spanish
Authors: Torrens Vicenç
Published: June 2024

The aim of this paper is to compare children’s performance in a declarative object and subject relative comprehension task. Relativized Minimality proposes that object relative clauses are more difficult to process than subject relative clauses because they feature the intervention of the subject between the head and its trace. A comprehension test to 80 Spanish monolingual children aged from 4;6 to 7;10 was applied. Sentences with subject/object relative clauses when NPs had the same or different morphosyntactic features were tested. A significant statistical difference was found for the performance between object relatives and subject relatives, since the number of correct answers is higher in subject relatives (p < 0.001). In addition, a significant statistical difference was found in object relatives between clauses that had the same or different morphosyntactic features, since the former were more difficult to understand (p < 0.001). The fact that Object Relatives differed in number morphology facilitated the interpretation of the sentence.
Caring assessments: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Sparks Jesse R. , Lehman Blair , Zapata-Rivera Diego
Published: June 2024

Caring assessments is an assessment design framework that considers the learner as a whole and can be used to design assessment opportunities that learners find engaging and appropriate for demonstrating what they know and can do. This framework considers learners’ cognitive, meta-cognitive, intra-and inter-personal skills, aspects of the learning context, and cultural and linguistic backgrounds as ways to adapt assessments. Extending previous work on intelligent tutoring systems that “care” from the field of artificial intelligence in education (AIEd), this framework can inform research and development of personalized and socioculturally responsive assessments that support students’ needs. In this article, we (a) describe the caring assessment framework and its unique contributions to the field, (b) summarize current and emerging research on caring assessments related to students’ emotions, individual differences, and cultural contexts, and (c) discuss challenges and opportunities for future research on caring assessments in the service of developing and implementing personalized and socioculturally responsive interactive digital assessments.
Cooperative and competitive learning as transformative factors of educational processes for extracurricular skill enhancement
Authors: Cavaletto Giulia Maria , Miglietta Anna
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The learning process goes beyond the acquisition of curricular cognitive elements to include extracurricular skills. This extended concept has attracted renewed attention through the European Council Recommendation (2018) on skills development for lifelong learning in schools. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has also highlighted the relevance of socio-emotional skills for learning and life chances. The official uptake of extracurricular skills in curricula poses schools and educators the challenge of finding ways to conceptualize, teach, and assess them. To this end, co-operative learning and peer-to-peer education hold a prominent place among educational strategies alternative to conventional teaching practices. Both actively engage students and have a positive impact on achievement in curricular disciplines and on the development of lifelong learning skills and social and emotional competences. The present study presents a case study in which collaborative learning was supported via a digital platform.

Methods

We analyzed the qualitative data collected in Italian schools taking part in the Kids4alll, a Horizon 2020 project. The project’s aim is to improve lifelong learning skills directly and other skills indirectly through collaborative learning based on the “buddy method” (pairs or groups of peers working together).

Results and discussion

Our findings reveal the potential benefit of peer-to-peer approaches. This potential extends to the development of co-operative skills used in school context and transferable to other areas, along with the acquisition of character-building skills. However, a criticality in the application of peer learning interventions is that many teachers are often ill prepared to implement cooperative learning in classroom practice or lack sufficient training in matching peer-to-peer work and pedagogical needs.
Operation optimization considering multiple uncertainties for the multi-energy system of data center parks based on information gap decision theory
Authors: Wang Zhuoyue , Lin Xinhao , Zhang Hengrong , Yu Lei , Pan Song , Liu Tong , Wu Peng , Wang Tianqi
Published: June 2024

With the rapid growth of the digital economy, data centers have emerged as significant consumers of electricity. This presents challenges due to their high energy demand but also brings opportunities for utilizing waste heat. This paper introduces an operation optimization method for multi-energy systems with data centers, leveraging the information gap decision theory (IGDT) to consider various uncertainties from data requests and the environment. First, a model is established for the operation of a multi-energy system within data centers, considering the integration of server waste heat recovery technology. Second, IGDT is employed to address uncertainties of photovoltaic output and data load requests, thereby formulating an optimal energy management strategy for the data center park. Case studies demonstrate that the electricity purchase cost increased by 5.3%, but the total cost decreased by 30.4%, amounting to 5.17 thousand USD after optimization. It indicates that the operational strategy effectively ensures both efficient and cost-effective power supply for the data center and the park. Moreover, it successfully mitigates the risks associated with fluctuations in data load, thus minimizing the possibility of data load abandonment during uncertain periods.
Shifting dynamics and environmental implications of the irrigation pump market in India
Authors: Chandra Ankit , Brozović Nicholas
Published: June 2024

India is the world’s largest user of groundwater for irrigation, with approximately 32 million pumps running on diesel, electric, and solar power. Subsidized electricity has led to an increase in the adoption of electric pumps by farmers, with increasing electrification rates and rising diesel costs contributing to the trend. Government subsidies have been instrumental in enhancing smallholder irrigation pump access. However, subsidies on irrigation pumps may exacerbate undesirable groundwater depletion. In smallholder settings where the capital needed to purchase irrigation equipment exceeds farmers’ means, “irrigation-as-a-service” and “rental pumps” with organized and affordable volumetric pricing could offer viable solutions. This policy brief provides key learnings on the Indian irrigation pump market and its policy and environmental implications, based on semi-structured interviews and secondary data collected.
Nature observations between tourism, scientific data and pure appreciation
Authors: Procheş Şerban
Published: June 2024

Nature observations are at the core of both nature-based tourism and citizen science. The movement limitations associated with the Covid-19 pandemic have created a window during which tourism nose-dived, but online citizen science platforms flourished primarily through the posting of ‘backyard’ observations. Beyond citizen science, a return to nature during this period appears to have been important in supporting mental health, especially in city dwellers, and this has resulted in a renewed interest in studying nature appreciation. Here I attempt to bring together these different facets of nature watching research, defined by divergent philosophical underpinning and following different methodologies. I use the findings of tourism and citizen science studies to summarize observer motivations, and place these in a nature appreciation framework. I argue that this framework can be used towards maintaining a balance between diverse goals: reducing observer biases in citizen science, enhancing observer experience in nature-based tourism, and maximizing the therapeutic effects of being exposed to nature.
Robust evidence supports a causal link between higher birthweight and longer telomere length: a mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Zhuoya , Zhang Jiale , Zhang Kaiqi , Ge Xiaolei , Zhai Xu
Published: June 2024

Background

Observational studies have suggested a potential relationship between birthweight and telomere length. However, the causal link between these two parameters remains undefined. In this study, we use Mendelian Randomization (MR). This method employs genetic variants as instrumental variables, to explore the existence of causal associations and elucidate the causal relationship between birth weight and telomere length.

Methods

We used 35 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables for birth weight. These SNPs were identified from a meta-analysis involving 153,781 individuals. Furthermore, we obtained summary statistics for telomere length from a study conducted on 472,174 United Kingdom Biobank participants. To evaluate the causal estimates, we applied the random effect inverse variance weighted method (IVW) and several other MR methods, such as MR-Egger, weighted median, and MR-PRESSO, to verify the reliability of our findings.

Results

Our analysis supports a significant causal relationship between genetically predicted birth weight and telomer3e length. The inverse variance weighted analysis results for birth weight (Beta = 0.048; 95%CI = 0.023 to 0.073; p < 0.001) corroborate this association.

Conclusion

Our study provides robust evidence supporting a causal link between higher birth weight and longer telomere length.
Endometriosis is a disease of immune dysfunction, which could be linked to microbiota
Authors: Liu Hongyan , Li Junxia , Guan Chenchen , Gao Wenjie , Li Yan , Wang Jianmei , Yang Yang , Du Yongrui
Published: June 2024

Background: Endometriosis, characterized by extrauterine endometrial tissue, leads to irregular bleeding and pelvic pain. Menstrual retrograde theory suggests fragments traverse fallopian tubes, causing inflammation and scar tissue. Prevalent among infertile women, risk factors include fewer pregnancies, delayed childbirth, irregular cycles, and familial predisposition. Treatments, medication, and surgery entail side effects. Studies link gut microbiota alterations to endometriosis, necessitating research to establish causation. We used Mendelian randomization to investigate the potential link between endometriosis and gut microbiota through genetic variants.

Methods: Two-sample Mendelian randomization analyzed gut microbiota’s potential causal effects on endometriosis. Instrumental variables, robustly associated with exposures, leveraged GWAS data from MiBioGen for gut microbiota and FinnGen R8 release for endometriosis. SNPs strongly associated with exposures were instrumental variables. Rigorous assessments ensured SNP impact scrutiny on endometriosis.

Results: At the genus level, Anaerotruncus, Desulfovibrio, Haemophilus, and Holdemania showed causal association with endometriosis. Specific gut microbiota exhibited causal effects on different endometriosis stages. Holdemania and Ruminococcaceae UCG002 exerted reversible, stage-specific impacts.

Conclusion: Mendelian randomization provides evidence for the causal link between specific gut microbiotas and endometriosis, emphasizing the pivotal role of gut microbiota dysbiosis. Modulating gut microbiota emerges as a promising strategy for preventing and treating endometriosis.
Generation of functionally active resident macrophages from adipose tissue by 3D cultures
Authors: Arlat Adèle , Renoud Marie-Laure , Nakhle Jean , Thomas Miguel , Fontaine Jessica , Arnaud Emmanuelle , Dray Cédric , Authier Hélène , Monsarrat Paul , Coste Agnès , Casteilla Louis , Ousset Marielle , Cousin Béatrice
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Within adipose tissue (AT), different macrophage subsets have been described, which played pivotal and specific roles in upholding tissue homeostasis under both physiological and pathological conditions. Nonetheless, studying resident macrophages in-vitro poses challenges, as the isolation process and the culture for extended periods can alter their inherent properties.

Methods

Stroma-vascular cells isolated from murine subcutaneous AT were seeded on ultra-low adherent plates in the presence of macrophage colony-stimulating factor. After 4 days of culture, the cells spontaneously aggregate to form spheroids. A week later, macrophages begin to spread out of the spheroid and adhere to the culture plate.

Results

This innovative three-dimensional (3D) culture method enables the generation of functional mature macrophages that present distinct genic and phenotypic characteristics compared to bone marrow–derived macrophages. They also show specific metabolic activity and polarization in response to stimulation, but similar phagocytic capacity. Additionally, based on single-cell analysis, AT-macrophages generated in 3D culture mirror the phenotypic and functional traits of in-vivo AT resident macrophages.

Discussion

Our study describes a 3D in-vitro system for generating and culturing functional AT-resident macrophages, without the need for cell sorting. This system thus stands as a valuable resource for exploring the differentiation and function of AT-macrophages in vitro in diverse physiological and pathological contexts.