bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sanctus martyr Thomas Morus: an unknown Neo-Latin More play from the College of Marchiennes
Authors: Sutter Nicholas De
Published: May 2022

While the history of Thomas More as a character on stage is long and varied, the humanist made his most regular appearance in Latin school plays across Catholic Europe throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Still, only a handful of these plays are known to have survived, all of which were performed on the Jesuit stage. This article sheds light on a newly discovered Neo-Latin More play, which, it argues, was staged at the Benedictine college of Marchiennes in the late-sixteenth or early-seventeenth century. After a brief contextualization and analysis of the manuscript and the tragedy enclosed, the article offers an edition of the Latin text and a study of its intertextual ties with the dramatic oeuvres of Desiderius Erasmus and George Buchanan.
Thomas More, the History of King Richard III, and Elizabeth Shore
Authors: Thornton Tim
Published: May 2022

The inclusion of Elizabeth Shore in Thomas More’s History of King Richard III offers important insights into the decisions made by More in shaping his text. This article explores the evidence available to More as he wrote, emphasizing the near-complete absence of Shore from earlier narratives. Shore’s activity in the 1470s and 1480s is examined, along with evidence for her survival and that of her husband, Thomas Lynom, into the 1510s when More was writing. Lynom’s connections are considered, providing an understanding of intersections of his activities with the environment in which More was shaping the History. As a central figure in the events of 1483 who survived into the 1520s, Shore was a prompt to the creation of More’s account—she was not simply a product of More’s literary and philosophical imagination, but part of his effort to respond to the immediate legacies of conflict in politics and society.
THE PHENOMENON OF SOCIAL FRAMING OF HISTORY: THE SUBSTANCE AND SPECIFICITY OF ITS MANIFESTATION IN MODERN SOCIETY
Authors:   Finance University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, PICHUGIN VITALIY , KAFTAN VICTOR ,   Military University of the Russian Federation, Defense Ministry, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: May 2022

The purpose of the research. The study goes into the problems of Russian society’s formation of the historical consciousness. The autor analyses various social practices as a tool for constructing historical reality. The purpose of the study is to identify the essential and meaningful features of social construction of history’ practices, as well as the specifics of their manifestation in the conditions of the modern Russian society development. Results. As a result of the study, the author comes to the point that in the context of the informational war unleashed against Russia, certain representatives of the Western elite are implementing special social programs aimed at dismantling, replacing and falsifying the most significant events of the historical past of the Russian people, in order to manipulate its public consciousness.
IDEAS OF UNIFICATION OF SLAVS AND CONSTITUTIONALISM IN RUSSIA IN THE XIXTH CENTURY
Authors:   Institute of State and Law of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation, SHULZHENKO YURIY
Published: May 2022

The purpose of the study. The question of the unification of the Slavs is very, very tenacious. It has been more or less constantly manifested over the past centuries, has attracted and is attracting its attention today. The article is devoted to the analysis of the most fruitful in this regard in the 19th century, when the largest number of domestic ideas of unification of Slavs and a kind of Slavic constitutionalism associated with it appeared. The central place here is occupied by the problems concerning the most important, fundamental institution in this field - Slavic federalism, the Slavic federation. First of all, a study of the main trends, projects, approaches on this issue has been conducted. It is reasonably noted that the most famous here is pan-Slavism. We meet with the beginnings of it in Russia in the second half of the 19th century through the Croat writer Yuri Krizhanich. In the future, the exponents of the ideas of pan-Slavism in one form or another become the writer I.M. Karamzin, the official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs S.M. Bronevsky, retired Major A. Polev, diplomat, philosopher V.F. Malinovsky. These ideas were also voiced in the era of the Decembrists. The most important role here is assigned to the Society of the United Slavs (1823-1825). The next direction is Ukrainian federalism. His brightest exponent is the “Cyril-Mythodiy Society” (1846-1847). The idea of uniting Slavs, the Slavic federation, and corresponding projects were also presented by the revolutionary, ideologist of revolutionary populism, anarchism M.A. Bakunin; publicist, sociologist N.Y. Danilevsky; revolutionary, writer A.I. Herzen. Conclusions. The idea of uniting the Slavs, the Slavic federation turned out to be unreal, utopian in our country, in the world. At the same time, its vitality is due to its attractiveness, the belief that such unity can be effective, creative, and provide protection for the Slavs from attacks that have taken place and are not unfortunately taking place in reality today. It should also be noted that a number of decisions and constructions of the XIX century associated with the unification of the Slavs found their definite real embodiment in the future in practical constitutionalism. These are, for example, the creation and functioning of the federation in Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia during the years of socialism, uniting related Slavic peoples; the Constitution of Poland of 1815. The Tarnovo Constitution in Bulgaria of 1879, the Main state laws in Russia of 1906.
ESTABLISHING AND IMPROVING A SYSTEM OF JOINT INCENTIVE FOR HONESTY AND JOINT PUNISHMENT FOR DISHONESTY: A CHINESE SOLUTION TO CITIZEN DISHONESTY
Authors:   Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, Shanghai, China, DEFENG CHU
Published: May 2022

According to Max Weber’s ideal type analysis methodology, citizen dishonesty in contemporary Chinese society can be classified into two types: one by ordinary citizens and the other by public figures. Ordinary citizens’ dishonesty leads to a magnified adverse effect of “bad money drives out good” and deconstructs the social credit system. Meanwhile, public figures’ dishonesty not only damages society’s interests but also degrades people’s sense of identity with social ethics, triggering ethics and trust crises. In contemporary China, citizen dishonesty is the result of the transformation from a traditional acquaintance society to a modern stranger society as well as the transformation from a planned economy to a market economy. Establishing and improving a System of Joint Incentive for Honesty and Joint Punishment for Dishonesty is a Chinese solution to citizen dishonesty in contemporary China from the perspective of institutional innovation.
A METHOD FOR PREDICTION EXECUTION TIME OF GPU PROGRAMS
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation, KLEIMENOV ANDREY , POPOVA NINA
Published: May 2022

The use of coprocessors such as GPU and FPGA is a leading trend in HPC. Therefore a lot of applications from a wide variety of domains were modified for GPUs and successfully used. In this paper, we propose an approach for prediction execution time of CUDA kernels, based on a static analysis of a program source code. The approach is based on building a CUDA core model and a graphics accelerator model. The developed method for estimating the execution time of CUDA kernels is applied to the implementation of matrix multiplication, the Fourier transform and the backpropagation method for training neural networks. As a result of verification, the approach showed good prediction accuracy, especially on low GPU loads.
NEW METHODS OF MODIFIED CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY FOR SYNTHESIS OF FUNCTIONAL NANOSTRUCTURED SYSTEMS
Authors:   Belarusian State University, Minsk, Republic of Belarus, PANKOV VLADIMIR , IVASHENKO DMITRY
Published: May 2022

This review demonstrates the possibilities of aerosol pyrolysis and spray drying methods, after their modification, for the synthesis of non-agglomerated nanoparticles of multicomponent oxides with sizes in the range of 10 - 100 nm. The role in this synthesis of substances NaCl, Na2SO4, KCl, BaB2O4, which do not participate in the synthesis reaction, is shown. In doing so, they form an inert matrix that isolates the crystallization centers from each other. Thus, the intensity of recrystallization processes during heat treatment of nanopowders is suppressed with an increase in their crystallinity without a significant increase in size. A method of thermal vibration milling and equipment for combining the operations of mixing, grinding and firing during the synthesis of powders of multicomponent oxides are proposed. In the case of its use, the temperature ranges of the formation of the reaction products are shifted, and metastable phases appear. The reasons for the increase in the efficiency of solid-phase processes in this case are established.
DETERMINATION OF THE DEGREE OF BLACKNESS OF THE CERAMIC COMPOSITE MATERIAL VMK-5
Authors:   Institute of Materials Science, SPA “Physics-Sun”, Academy of Science of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, SULEYMANOV SULTAN ,   Russian Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Materials, State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russian Federation, DYSKIN VALERY , DJANKLICH MUSTAFA , KULAGINA NATALYA , BABASHOV VLADIMIR
Published: May 2022

An integral emissivity (e.g. a degree of blackness,) is the most important characteristic that determines the intensity of a heat transfer by radiation. In a process of a various heat and power plants design, thermal protection for spacecraft, etc. one needs to know a temperature dependence of the degree of blackness ε(T) of the materials used. At present, a growing demand for the new structural and composite materials with specified characteristics and a controlled degree of blackness, are investigated and used. This paper presents a methodology for the degree of blackness definition of porous materials with low heat capacity. This methodology assists in a calculation of the temperature dependence of the ceramic composite material VMK-5 ε(T) = 0,0002867T + 0,114.
ON THE COMPLEXITY OF SPECIFYING A SYMMETRIC GROUP OF PERMUTATIONS OF DEGREE 2N IN A THRESHOLD BASIS ON A PROMISING ELEMENT BASE
Authors:   Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation, NIKONOV VLADIMIR ,   Secure Information Technology Assistance Foundation, Moscow, Russian Federation, ZOBOV ANTON ,   Technical Committee for Standardization TC26, Moscow, Russian Federation, NIKONOV NIKOLAY
Published: May 2022

The appeal to the threshold method of setting substitutions reflects the current trends towards increasing the speed of information processing and transmission connected with the possibility of implementing threshold functions directly in the signal carrier medium, primarily in optics or on other carriers related to the field of nanotechnology. In addition, the actively developing direction of building neurocomputers also requires the development of information protection systems using the basic operations of neurocomputers-threshold elements. The aim of the study was to find a way to construct a symmetric group of substitutions of degree 2n in the threshold basis. For this purpose, a method for implementing transpositions is proposed, with the help of which any transposition can be constructed, which allows us to say that it is possible to implement the entire symmetric group of substitutions of degree 2n. From a computational point of view, the provisions of the article are of exceptional interest due to the simplicity of the algorithm for implementing substitutions.
MODEL AND ALGORITHM FOR RISK MANAGEMENT OF FIREFIGHTERS’ DEATHS DURING FIRE EXTINGUISHING AT METALLURGICAL ENTERPRISES
Authors:   Department of Fire Tactics and Service (as part of the educational and scientific fire-fighting complex), Moscow, Russian Federation, DENISOV ALEXEI , TSOKUROVA IRINA , ANIKIN SERGEI
Published: May 2022

The approbation of the application of the model and the algorithm for supporting the management of the forces and means of the firefighting and rescue garrison based on the model, which provides for the risk management of firefighters’ deaths within the framework of the existing conditions for achieving the main task of fire departments, based on neural networks, has been carried out. Researchers have considered a model of management of fire and rescue units based on the applied methods of observation, description and modeling, including, among other things, the process of risk management of firefighters’ deaths. To achieve the set goals, the formalization of the management model for fire and rescue units was carried out. The subject of the research is the risk management of firefighters’ deaths during fire extinguishing at metallurgical enterprises when unloading raw materials from rolling stock onto conveyor belts of the enterprise, including by implementing a model of management of fire and rescue units based on neural networks. The obtained results can be used to support the management of fire and rescue units during fire extinguishing at metallurgical enterprises when unloading raw materials from rolling stock onto conveyor belts of the enterprises. This work is intended for people who make managerial decisions and who manage forces and means during fire extinguishing at metallurgical enterprises.
THE SEVEN UNKNOWN. EXPERIENCE OF PERSONALITY ATTRIBUTION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF BIOGRAPHIES OF OFFICERS SHOWN ON PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE PERIOD OF THE CIVIL WAR IN RUSSIA
Authors:   Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin (UrFU), Verkhnyaya Pishma, Russian Federation, EMELYANOV ALEXANDR , SILCHENKO IVAN ,   Non-governmental private institution of higher education «UMMC Technical University», Verkhnyaya Pishma, Russian Federation
Published: May 2022

The purpose. The article is devoted to the process of determining the personalities depicted in the general photo of the members of the «Alapayev Investigative Commission to investigate the atrocities of the Bolsheviks». The photo document stored in the funds of the Nizhny Tagil City Historical Archive dates back to the autumn of 1918 and has an accompanying signature requiring verification. Conclusions. Using the documents presented in the national central and regional archives, materials from North American archives, as well as the work of researchers, the authors consistently analyze the biographical data of the officers depicted in the photo. The correlation of a set of biographical data with uniformological and floral features allows you to accurately attribute faces and personify a photo document.
Integrating Occupation-Based/Focused Assessments During the Evaluation Process. Opportunity to Revisit the Topic in a Post COVID-19 Practice Setting?
Authors: Luna John S.
Published: May 2022

Occupational therapists treat clients across the lifespan, and every successful intervention begins with a successful evaluation. Incorporating a variety of norm-referenced standardized assessments into the assessment process has become increasingly important to justify services to third party payors identification of goals, and intervention strategies. However, occupational therapists tend to select assessments that are focused and measuring performance skills and client factors versus occupations and performance of occupations. The purpose of this article is to examine the topic of occupation based and occupation focused assessments. While using occupation-based/ occupation-focused assessments is not a new topic, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how many Americans perform their daily occupations. These changes may be an opportunity for practitioners to consider integrations of standardized Occupation based and occupation focused assessments in daily practice.
Patient and Parent Well-Being and Satisfaction With Diabetes Care During a Comparative Trial of Mobile Self-Monitoring Blood Glucose Technology and Family-Centered Goal Setting
Authors: Halper Jillian B. , Yazel Lisa G. , El Mikati Hala , Hatton Amy , Tully Jennifer , Li Xiaochun , Carroll Aaron E. , Hannon Tamara S.
Published: May 2022

Patient engagement in the process of developing a diabetes treatment plan is associated with person-centered care and improved treatment outcomes. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the self-reported patient and parent-centered satisfaction and well-being outcomes associated with the three treatment strategies utilized in a comparative effectiveness trial of technology-enhanced blood glucose monitoring and family-centered goal setting. We evaluated data from 97 adolescent-parent pairs at baseline and 6-months during the randomized intervention. Measures included: Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) child and parent scales, pediatric diabetes-related quality of life, sleep quality, and satisfaction with diabetes management. Inclusion criteria were 1) ages 12-18 years, 2) a T1D diagnosis for at least six months and 3) parent/caregiver participation. Longitudinal changes in survey responses were measured at 6 months from baseline. Differences between and within participant groups were evaluated using ANOVA. The average age of youth participants was 14.8 ± 1.6 years with half of the participants being female (49.5%). The predominant ethnicity/race was Non-Hispanic (89.9%) and white (85.9%). We found that youth perceived 1) greater of diabetes-related communication when using a meter capable of transmitting data electronically, 2) increased engagement with diabetes self-management when using family-centered goal setting, and 3) worse sleep quality when using both strategies together (technology-enhanced meter and family-centered goal setting). Throughout the study, scores for self-reported satisfaction with diabetes management were higher in youth than parents. This suggests that patients and parents have different goals and expectations regarding their diabetes care management and care delivery. Our data suggest that youth with diabetes value communication via technology and patient-centered goal setting. Strategies to align youth and parent expectations with the goal of improving satisfaction could be utilized as a strategy to improve partnerships in diabetes care management.
The Impact of the CTHRSSVVC Peptide Upon Experimental Models of Trypanosoma cruzi Infection
Authors: Leite Gabriela Rodrigues , Batista Denise da Gama Jaén , Mazzeti Ana Lia , Silva Rosemeire Aparecida , Lugão Ademar Benévolo , Soeiro Maria de Nazaré Correia
Published: May 2022

Chagas disease (CD), caused by the hemoflagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, affects more than six million people worldwide and presents an unsatisfactory therapy, based on two nitroderivatives, introduced in clinical medicine for decades. The synthetic peptide, with CTHRSSVVC sequence (PepA), mimics the CD163 and TNF-α tripeptide “RSS” motif and binds to atheromatous plaques in carotid biopsies of human patients, spleen tissues, and a low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLr−/−) mouse model of atherosclerosis. CD163 receptor is present on monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils, acting as a regulator of acute-phase processes and modulating aspects of the inflammatory response and the establishment of infections. Due to the potential theranostic role of PepA, our aim was to investigate its effect upon T. cruzi infection in vitro and in vivo. PepA and two other peptides with shuffled sequences were assayed upon different binomials of host cell/parasite, including professional [as peritoneal mouse macrophages (PMM)] and non-professional phagocytes [primary cultures of cardiac cells (CM)], under different protocols. Also, their impact was further addressed in vivo using a mouse model of acute experimental Chagas disease. Our in-vitro findings demonstrate that PepA and PepB (the peptide with random sequence retaining the “RS” sequence) reduced the intracellular parasitism of the PMM but were inactive during the infection of cardiac cells. Another set of in-vitro and in-vivo studies showed that they do not display a trypanocidal effect on bloodstream trypomastigotes nor exhibit in-vivo efficacy when administered after the parasite inoculation. Our data report the in-vitro activity of PepA and PepB upon the infection of PMM by T. cruzi, possibly triggering the microbicidal arsenal of the host professional phagocytes, capable of controlling parasitic invasion and proliferation.
Tag Thy Neighbour: Nanometre-Scale Insights Into Kinetoplastid Parasites With Proximity Dependent Biotinylation
Authors: Geoghegan Vincent , Mottram Jeremy C. , Jones Nathaniel G.
Published: May 2022

Proximity labelling is a powerful and rapidly developing technology for exploring the interaction space and molecular environment of a protein of interest at the nanometre scale. In proximity labelling, a promiscuous biotinylating enzyme is genetically fused to the protein of interest, initiation of labelling then results in the biotinylating enzyme generating reactive biotin which covalently ‘tags’ nearby molecules. Importantly, this labelling takes place in vivo whilst the protein of interest continues to perform its normal functions in the cell. Due to its unique advantageous characteristics, proximity labelling is driving discoveries in an ever increasing range of organisms. Here, we highlight the applications of proximity labelling to the study of kinetoplastids, a group of eukaryotic protozoa that includes trypanosomes and Leishmania which can cause serious disease in humans and livestock. We first provide a general overview of the proximity labelling experimental workflow including key labelling enzymes used, proper experimental design with appropriate controls and robust statistical analysis to maximise the amount of reliable spatial information that is generated. We discuss studies employing proximity labelling in kinetoplastid parasites to illustrate how these key principles of experimental design are applied. Finally, we highlight emerging trends in the development of proximity labelling methodology.
Subclinical Changes in Left Heart Structure and Function at Preschool Age in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants
Authors: Chang Hung-Yang , Chang Jui-Hsing , Peng Chun-Chih , Hsu Chyong-Hsin , Ko Mary Hsin-Ju , Hung Chung-Lieh , Chen Ming-Ren
Published: May 2022

Background

Survivors of preterm birth are at risk of long-term cardiovascular consequences. The objective of this prospective observational study was to assess left heart function at preschool age in preterm children with very low birth weight (VLBW).

Methods

We recruited children aged 5–6 years from preterm infants and full-term children. All subjects underwent conventional echocardiography and speckle-tracking echocardiography. The results were compared between the preterm and term groups.

Results

Eighty-seven VLBW preterm children and 29 term controls were included in the study. After adjusting for body surface area, the preterm group compared to the full-term group had significantly smaller left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic and end-systolic internal dimensions (31.2 vs. 33.5 mm, p = 0.048; and 20.0 vs. 21.6 mm, respectively; p = 0.024), lower LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes (38.8 vs. 46.3 mL, p = 0.024; and 12.8 vs. 15.6 mL, respectively; p = 0.008). Left atrial (LA) maximal and minimal volume were also significantly smaller in the preterm group (15.4 vs. 18.9 mL, p = 0.017; and 6.2 vs 7.5 mL, respectively; p = 0.018). LV global longitudinal strain (−21.4 vs. −23.2%, p < 0.0001) and systolic strain rate (−1.30 vs. −1.37 /s, p = 0.001) were significantly lower in the preterm group than in the term control group. LA longitudinal strain was decreased (43.9 vs. 52.8%, p < 0.0001) and left atrial stiffness index (0.17 vs. 0.14, p < 0.0001) was increased in preterm infants. However, all the measurements in both groups were within normal range.

Conclusions

Subclinical changes of left heart structure and function were found in VLBW infants at preschool age. Additional long-term follow-ups of the cardiovascular outcomes are needed in this vulnerable population.
Explainable Fall Risk Prediction in Older Adults Using Gait and Geriatric Assessments
Authors: Mishra Anup Kumar , Skubic Marjorie , Despins Laurel A. , Popescu Mihail , Keller James , Rantz Marilyn , Abbott Carmen , Enayati Moein , Shalini Shradha , Miller Steve
Published: May 2022

Older adults aged 65 and above are at higher risk of falls. Predicting fall risk early can provide caregivers time to provide interventions, which could reduce the risk, potentially avoiding a possible fall. In this paper, we present an analysis of 6-month fall risk prediction in older adults using geriatric assessments, GAITRite measurements, and fall history. The geriatric assessments included were Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Short Form 12 (SF12). These geriatric assessments are collected by staff nurses regularly in senior care facilities. From the GAITRite assessments on the residents, we included the Functional Ambulatory Profile (FAP) scores and gait speed to predict fall risk. We used the SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) approach to explain our model predictions to understand which predictor variables contributed to increase or decrease the fall risk for an individual prediction. In case of a high fall risk prediction, predictor variables that contributed the most to elevate the risk could be further examined by the health providers for more personalized health interventions. We used the geriatric assessments, GAITRite measurements, and fall history data collected from 92 older adult residents (age = 86.2 ± 6.4, female = 57) to train machine learning models to predict 6-month fall risk. Our models predicted a 6-month fall with an AUC of 0.80 (95% CI of 0.76–0.85), sensitivity of 0.82 (95% CI of 0.74–0.89), specificity of 0.72 (95% CI of 0.67–0.76), F1 score of 0.76 (95% CI of 0.72–0.79), and accuracy of 0.75 (95% CI of 0.72–0.79). These results show that our early fall risk prediction method performs well in identifying residents who are at higher fall risk, which offers care providers and family members valuable time to perform preventive actions.
Don't Miss the Moment: A Systematic Review of Ecological Momentary Assessment in Suicide Research
Authors: Kivelä Liia , van der Does Willem A. J. , Riese Harriëtte , Antypa Niki
Published: May 2022

Suicide and suicide-related behaviors are prevalent yet notoriously difficult to predict. Specifically, short-term predictors and correlates of suicide risk remain largely unknown. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) may be used to assess how suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) unfold in real-world contexts. We conducted a systematic literature review of EMA studies in suicide research to assess (1) how EMA has been utilized in the study of STBs (i.e., methodology, findings), and (2) the feasibility, validity and safety of EMA in the study of STBs. We identified 45 articles, detailing 23 studies. Studies mainly focused on examining how known longitudinal predictors of suicidal ideation perform within shorter (hourly, daily) time frames. Recent studies have explored the prospects of digital phenotyping of individuals with suicidal ideation. The results indicate that suicidal ideation fluctuates substantially over time (hours, days), and that individuals with higher mean ideation also have more fluctuations. Higher suicidal ideation instability may represent a phenotypic indicator for increased suicide risk. Few studies succeeded in establishing prospective predictors of suicidal ideation beyond prior ideation itself. Some studies show negative affect, hopelessness and burdensomeness to predict increased ideation within-day, and sleep characteristics to impact next-day ideation. The feasibility of EMA is encouraging: agreement to participate in EMA research was moderate to high (median = 77%), and compliance rates similar to those in other clinical samples (median response rate = 70%). More individuals reported suicidal ideation through EMA than traditional (retrospective) self-report measures. Regarding safety, no evidence was found of systematic reactivity of mood or suicidal ideation to repeated assessments of STBs. In conclusion, suicidal ideation can fluctuate substantially over short periods of time, and EMA is a suitable method for capturing these fluctuations. Some specific predictors of subsequent ideation have been identified, but these findings warrant further replication. While repeated EMA assessments do not appear to result in systematic reactivity in STBs, participant burden and safety remains a consideration when studying high-risk populations. Considerations for designing and reporting on EMA studies in suicide research are discussed.
In Search of Transformative Learning for Sustainable Development: Bibliometric Analysis of Recent Scientific Production
Authors: Varela-Losada Mercedes , Pérez-Rodríguez Uxío , Lorenzo-Rial María A. , Vega-Marcote Pedro
Published: May 2022

Transformative learning is a key element when it comes to making progress toward sustainable development. This goal requires an education that fosters the empowerment of people and the transformation of institutions, prepares for the necessary changes, facilitates resilience and encourages sustainable actions. The aim of this paper is to review the academic production on transformative learning in relation to the pursuit of sustainable development. To do so, a bibliometric analysis was conducted of the publications included in the Scopus databases for the 2003–2020 period, in order to explore its evolution, identify the main themes of which the field of knowledge is composed, and identify its main references and the network of collaborations between researchers and universities worldwide. During this period, scientific production has increased considerably, with a particular focus on adult education and competency development. At the same time, English-speaking dominance and the prevalence of Western origin has been observed. There is a need for more global, connected, and pluralistic research that is focused on diverse sociocultural contexts, research that factors in inequality and environmental justice and which calls into question the current socioeconomic model. A debate should also be started on which means of publication are the most appropriate for defending the quest for sustainability.
Enhancing Digital Skills of Early Childhood Teachers Through Online Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math Training Programs in Estonia
Authors: Leoste Janika , Lavicza Zsolt , Fenyvesi Kristof , Tuul Maire , Õun Tiia
Published: May 2022

Teacher professional development programs, including mid- and long-term Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) courses, have recently moved from in person learning at university premises to an online environment. Whether it is a temporary change in learning methods caused by the COVID-19 restrictions or whether it will become a new normal is currently under discussion in many teacher training institutions around the world. The aim of this study was to design and implement time- and money-saving synchronous online teacher training format for conducting co-design courses for early childhood teachers in the theme of STEAM integrated learning activities. Based on Tallinn University’s curriculum of in-person training courses on the same topic, with the volume of 40 contact hours, we delivered the content in two different formats: in 11-months (as it used to be in pre-COVID period) and in 4-months, adapted to participants’ needs. We used a self-assessment survey, based on DigCompEdu framework, to assess the increase of digital competences in the two formats. The long-format course had 31 participants and the short-format course had 50 participants. The assessment was based on pre- and post-test and we used structured live video presentations to let participants retrospectively describe their learning experiences. Results indicate that the participants of both courses had improved their digital competences and achieved the learning outcomes set by course content. There was no significant difference in increase of digital competences or the way the course was perceived between participants of both courses. This brings us to the cautious consideration that it is possible to achieve desired outcomes of STEAM courses even in a shorter period when conducting them online compared to the in-person courses. There is a need for further research where results from participants of in-person and online teaching courses are compared.
Perirenal Fat Volume Is Positively Associated With Serum Uric Acid Levels in Chinese Adults
Authors: Jiang Ming , Li Menghuan , Liu Cuiying , Jing Lei , Huang Qiong , Wu Tingting , Kong Xiangqing , Liu Jing
Published: May 2022

Background

Visceral fat has been considered an important risk factor of elevated serum uric acid (SUA). Perirenal fat is a unique visceral fat around the kidneys that has special morphological and physiological features while its relationship with SUA remains incompletely elucidated. This study aimed to assess the association between perirenal fat volume (PrFV) and SUA.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 102 subjects aged ≥ 18 years old recruited from Nanjing,China. The clinical characteristics including age, sex, drinking behavior, history of hypertension, body mass index, waist circumference, total cholesterol, fast plasma glucose, urea, serum creatinine, C-reactive protein, and SUA were recorded. PrFV was measured by ultrasonography. Multivariate linear models and the restricted cubic spline were used to investigate the association between PrFV and SUA.

Results

The median age of this study population was 52.5 (42.0-60.0) years and 56.9% were female. The median value of SUA was 5.73 mg/dL (4.58-6.80 mg/dL). The subjects were divided by PrFV tertiles and we found that the subjects in the highest PrFV tertile had a higher level of SUA compared to those in the lowest tertile (β=1.86, 95%CI 1.23–2.48, P for trend <0.001).The positive association also remained after adjustment for potential covariates (tertile3 versus tertile1: β=0.99, 95%CI 0.35-1.63, P for trend =0.005). There was an increase of approximately 0.53 mg/dL in SUA per 1-fold increase in PrFV (β=0.53, 95%CI 0.02-1.04, P for nonlinearity = 0.637).

Conclusion

Our results confirmed a positive independent relationship between PrFV and SUA in Chinese adults. This study suggested that perirenal fat might constitute a potential risk factor for elevated serum uric acid levels.
Biogeography of Micro-Eukaryotic Communities in Sediment of Thermokarst Lakes Are Jointly Controlled by Spatial, Climatic, and Physicochemical Factors Across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Ren Ze , Zhang Yitong , Li Xia , Zhang Cheng
Published: May 2022

Thermokarst lakes are formed following ice-rich permafrost thaw and widely distribute in the cold regions with high latitude and elevation. However, the micro-eukaryotic communities (MECs) in thermokarst lakes are not well studied. Employing 18S rRNA gene sequencing, we assessed the biogeography of MECs and their driving factors in sediments of thermokarst lakes across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). Results showed that Diatom, Gastrotricha, Nematozoa, Ciliophora, and Cercozoa were dominant lineages in relative abundance and OTU richness. MECs varied substantially across the lakes in terms of diversity and composition. Structural equation modeling and mantel test showed that both OTU richness and community structure of MECs had close relationships with spatial factors, climatic factors, and sediment properties, particularly with latitude, mean annual precipitation, pH, as well as nutrient concentrations and stoichiometric ratios. Moreover, different groups of microbial eukaryotes (taxonomic groups and co-occurrence modules) responded differentially to the measured environmental variables. The results suggested that the biogeography of sediment MECs of thermokarst lakes on the QTP were jointly controlled by spatial and climatic factors as well as sediment properties. This study provides the first view of the composition, diversity, and underlying drivers of MECs dynamic in surface sediments of thermokarst lakes across the QTP.
Macrophage: A Cell With Many Faces and Functions in Tuberculosis
Authors: Ahmad Faraz , Rani Anshu , Alam Anwar , Zarin Sheeba , Pandey Saurabh , Singh Hina , Hasnain Seyed Ehtesham , Ehtesham Nasreen Zafar
Published: May 2022

Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) is the causative agent of human tuberculosis (TB) which primarily infects the macrophages. Nearly a quarter of the world’s population is infected latently byMtb. Only around 5%–10% of those infected develop active TB disease, particularly during suppressed host immune conditions or comorbidity such as HIV, hinting toward the heterogeneity ofMtbinfection. The aerosolizedMtbfirst reaches the lungs, and the resident alveolar macrophages (AMs) are among the first cells to encounter theMtbinfection. Evidence suggests that early clearance ofMtbinfection is associated with robust innate immune responses in resident macrophages. In addition to lung-resident macrophage subsets, the recruited monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) have been suggested to have a protective role duringMtbinfection.Mtb, by virtue of its unique cell surface lipids and secreted protein effectors, can evade killing by the innate immune cells and preferentially establish a niche within the AMs. Continuous efforts to delineate the determinants of host defense mechanisms have brought to the center stage the crucial role of macrophage phenotypical variations for functional adaptations in TB. The morphological and functional heterogeneity and plasticity of the macrophages aid in confining the dissemination ofMtb.However, during a suppressed or hyperactivated immune state, theMtbvirulence factors can affect macrophage homeostasis which may skew to favor pathogen growth, causing active TB. This mini-review is aimed at summarizing the interplay ofMtbpathomechanisms in the macrophages and the implications of macrophage heterogeneity and plasticity duringMtbinfection.
Novel Oxime-Derivatized Synthetic Triterpene Glycosides as Potent Saponin Vaccine Adjuvants
Authors: Fuentes Roberto , Aguinagalde Leire , Pifferi Carlo , Plata Adrián , Sacristán Nagore , Castellana Donatello , Anguita Juan , Fernández-Tejada Alberto
Published: May 2022

Vaccine adjuvants are key for optimal vaccine efficacy, increasing the immunogenicity of the antigen and potentiating the immune response. Saponin adjuvants such as the carbohydrate-based QS-21 natural product are among the most promising candidates in vaccine formulations, but suffer from inherent drawbacks that have hampered their use and approval as stand-alone adjuvants. Despite the recent development of synthetic derivatives with improved properties, their full potential has not yet been reached, allowing the prospect of discovering further optimized saponin variants with higher potency. Herein, we have designed, chemically synthesized, and immunologically evaluated novel oxime-derivatized saponin adjuvants with targeted structural modifications at key triterpene functionalities. The resulting analogues have revealed important findings into saponin structure-activity relationships, including adjuvant mechanistic insights, and have shown superior adjuvant activity in terms of significantly increased antibody response augmentation compared to our previous saponin leads. These newly identified saponin oximes emerge as highly promising synthetic adjuvants for further preclinical development towards potential next generation immunotherapeutics for future vaccine applications.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Small Extracellular Vesicles as Crucial Immunological Efficacy for Hepatic Diseases
Authors: Tang Yuting , Wu Peipei , Li Linli , Xu Wenrong , Jiang Jiajia
Published: May 2022

Mesenchymal stem cell small extracellular vesicles (MSC-sEVs) are a priority for researchers because of their role in tissue regeneration. sEVs act as paracrine factors and carry various cargos, revealing the state of the parent cells and contributing to cell–cell communication during both physiological and pathological circumstances. Hepatic diseases are mainly characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatocyte necrosis and fibrosis, bringing the focus onto immune regulation and other regulatory mechanisms of MSCs/MSC-sEVs. Increasing evidence suggests that MSCs and their sEVs protect against acute and chronic liver injury by inducing macrophages (MΦ) to transform into the M2 subtype, accelerating regulatory T/B (Treg/Breg) cell activation and promoting immunosuppression. MSCs/MSC-sEVs also prevent the proliferation and differentiation of T cells, B cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and natural killer (NK) cells. This review summarizes the potential roles for MSCs/MSC-sEVs, including immunomodulation and tissue regeneration, in various liver diseases. There is also a specific focus on the use of MSC-sEVs for targeted drug delivery to treat hepatitis.
Inflammation-Related Epigenetic Modification: The Bridge Between Immune and Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ding Qiyou , Gao Zezheng , Chen Keyu , Zhang Qiqi , Hu Shiwan , Zhao Linhua
Published: May 2022

T2DM, as a typical metabolic inflammatory disease, is under the joint regulation of environmental factors and genetics, combining with a variety of epigenetic changes. Apart from epigenetic changes of islet β cells and glycometabolic tissues or organs, the inflammation-related epigenetics is also the core pathomechanism leading to β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. In this review, we focus on the epigenetic modification of immune cells’ proliferation, recruitment, differentiation and function, providing an overview of the key genes which regulated by DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA in the respect of T2DM. Meanwhile, we further summarize the present situation of T2DM epigenetic research and elucidate its prospect in T2DM clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Design of a Recombinant Multivalent Epitope Vaccine Based on SARS-CoV-2 and Its Variants in Immunoinformatics Approaches
Authors: Yu Mingkai , Zhu Yuejie , Li Yujiao , Chen Zhiqiang , Li Zhiwei , Wang Jing , Li Zheng , Zhang Fengbo , Ding Jianbing
Published: May 2022

The development of an effective multivalent vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 variants is an important means to improve the global public health situation caused by COVID-19. In this study, we identified the antigen epitopes of the main global epidemic SARS-CoV-2 and mutated virus strains using immunoinformatics approach, and screened out 8 cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitopes (CTLEs), 17 helper T lymphocyte epitopes (HTLEs), 9 linear B-cell epitopes (LBEs) and 4 conformational B-cell epitopes (CBEs). The global population coverage of CTLEs and HTLEs was 93.16% and 99.9% respectively. These epitopes were spliced together by corresponding linkers and recombined into multivalent vaccine. In silico tests, the vaccine protein was a non-allergen and the docking with TLR-3 molecule showed a strong interaction. The results of immune simulation showed that the vaccine may be helpful to initiate both cellular and humoral immunity against all VOC. The optimistic immunogenicity of the vaccine was confirmed in vivo and in vitro finally. Therefore, our vaccine may have potential protection against SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
The E-Id Axis Instructs Adaptive Versus Innate Lineage Cell Fate Choice and Instructs Regulatory T Cell Differentiation
Authors: Hidaka Reiko , Miyazaki Kazuko , Miyazaki Masaki
Published: May 2022

Immune responses are primarily mediated by adaptive and innate immune cells. Adaptive immune cells, such as T and B cells, evoke antigen-specific responses through the recognition of specific antigens. This antigen-specific recognition relies on the V(D)J recombination of immunoglobulin (Ig) and T cell receptor (TCR) genes mediated by recombination-activating gene (Rag)1 and Rag2 (Rag1/2). In addition, T and B cells employ cell type-specific developmental pathways during their activation processes, and the regulation of these processes is strictly regulated by the transcription factor network. Among these factors, members of the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor mammalian E protein family, including E12, E47, E2-2, and HEB, orchestrate multiple adaptive immune cell development, while their antagonists, Id proteins (Id1-4), function as negative regulators. It is well established that a majority of T and B cell developmental trajectories are regulated by the transcriptional balance between E and Id proteins (the E-Id axis). E2A is critically required not only for B cell but also for T cell lineage commitment, whereas Id2 and Id3 enforce the maintenance of naïve T cells and naïve regulatory T (Treg) cells. Here, we review the current knowledge of E- and Id-protein function in T cell lineage commitment and Treg cell differentiation.
The Role of Alterations in Alpha-Klotho and FGF-23 in Kidney Transplantation and Kidney Donation
Authors: Gupta Meera , Orozco Gabriel , Rao Madhumati , Gedaly Roberto , Malluche Hartmut H. , Neyra Javier A.
Published: May 2022

Cardiovascular disease and mineral bone disorders are major contributors to morbidity and mortality among patients with chronic kidney disease and often persist after renal transplantation. Ongoing hormonal imbalances after kidney transplant (KT) are associated with loss of graft function and poor outcomes. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) and its co-receptor, α-Klotho, are key factors in the underlying mechanisms that integrate accelerated atherosclerosis, vascular calcification, mineral disorders, and osteodystrophy. On the other hand, kidney donation is also associated with endocrine and metabolic adaptations that include transient increases in circulating FGF-23 and decreases in α-Klotho levels. However, the long-term impact of these alterations and their clinical relevance have not yet been determined. This manuscript aims to review and summarize current data on the role of FGF-23 and α-Klotho in the endocrine response to KT and living kidney donation, and importantly, underscore specific areas of research that may enhance diagnostics and therapeutics in the growing population of KT recipients and kidney donors.