bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological trend in scarlet fever incidence in China during the COVID-19 pandemic: A time series analysis
Authors: Ma Yunxia , Gao Shanshan , Kang Zheng , Shan Linghan , Jiao Mingli , Li Ye , Liang Libo , Hao Yanhua , Zhao Binyu , Ning Ning , Gao Lijun , Cui Yu , Sun Hong , Wu Qunhong , Liu Huan 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveOver the past decade, scarlet fever has caused a relatively high economic burden in various regions of China. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are necessary because of the absence of vaccines and specific drugs. This study aimed to characterize the demographics of patients with scarlet fever, describe its spatiotemporal distribution, and explore the impact of NPIs on the disease in the era of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China.MethodsUsing monthly scarlet fever data from January 2011 to December 2019, seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA), advanced innovation state-space modeling framework that combines Box-Cox transformations, Fourier series with time-varying coefficients, and autoregressive moving average error correction method (TBATS) models were developed to select the best model for comparing between the expected and actual incidence of scarlet fever in 2020. Interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) was used to explore whether NPIs have an effect on scarlet fever incidence, while the intervention effects of specific NPIs were explored using correlation analysis and ridge regression methods.ResultsFrom 2011 to 2017, the total number of scarlet fever cases was 400,691, with children aged 0–9 years being the main group affected. There were two annual incidence peaks (May to June and November to December). According to the best prediction model TBATS (0.002, {0, 0}, 0.801, {&lt;12, 5&gt;}), the number of scarlet fever cases was 72,148 and dual seasonality was no longer prominent. ITSA showed a significant effect of NPIs of a reduction in the number of scarlet fever episodes (β2 = −61526, P &lt; 0.005), and the effect of canceling public events (c3) was the most significant (P = 0.0447).ConclusionsThe incidence of scarlet fever during COVID-19 was lower than expected, and the total incidence decreased by 80.74% in 2020. The results of this study indicate that strict NPIs may be of potential benefit in preventing scarlet fever occurrence, especially that related to public event cancellation. However, it is still important that vaccines and drugs are available in the future.
Consequences of COVID-19 on adolescents in Arizona: A longitudinal study protocol
Authors: Leybas Nuño Velia , Mantina Namoonga M. , Dawodu Oriyomi , Dykinga Maureen , Carr Dametreea L. , Pogreba-Brown Kristen , Cordova-Marks Felina , Jehn Megan , Peace-Tuskey Kimberly , Barraza Leila , Garcia-Filion Pamela 
Published: December 2022

IntroductionThe long-term impact of COVID-19 is unknown. We developed a 5-year prospective cohort study designed to generate actionable community-informed research about the consequences of COVID-19 on adolescents ages 12–17 years in Arizona.MethodsThe study has two primary outcomes: 1) acute and long-term outcomes of COVID-19 illness and 2) symptoms of depression and anxiety. Data is collected using an online survey with plans to integrate qualitative data collection methods. The survey is administered at baseline, 4, and 8 months in year one, and annually in years two through five. This study is informed by Intersectionality Theory, which considers the diverse identities adolescents have that are self and socially defined and the influence they have collectively and simultaneously. To this end, a sample of variables collected is race/ethnicity, language usage, generational status, co-occurring health conditions, and gender. Additional measures capture experiences in social contexts such as home (parent employment, food, and housing security), school (remote learning, type of school), and society (racism).ResultsFindings are not presented because the manuscript is a protocol designed to describe the procedure instead of report results.DiscussionThe unique contributions of the study is its focus on COVID-19 the illness and COVID-19 the socially experienced pandemic and the impact of both on adolescents.
Myopia and axial length in school-aged children before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdown–A population-based study
Authors: Pan Wei , Lin Jiang , Zheng Li , Lan Weizhong , Ying Guishuang , Yang Zhikuan , Li Xiaoning 
Published: December 2022

BackgroundMyopic shift had been observed during the COVID-19 lockdown in young school children. It remains unknown whether myopic shift is accompanied with increase in axial length. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on myopia and axial length of school children in China by comparing them before, during and after the lockdown.MethodsIn this population-based cross-sectional study, school-based myopia screenings were conducted in the Fall of 2019, 2020, and 2021 (representing before, during and after COVID-19 lockdown respectively) in Chengdu, China. Myopia screenings were performed on 83,132 students aged 6 to 12 years. Non-cycloplegic refractive error was examined using NIDEK auto-refractor (ARK-510A; NIDEK Corp., Tokyo, Japan) and axial length was measured using AL-Scan (NIDEK Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Spherical equivalent (SER, calculated as sphere+ 0.5*cylinder), prevalence of myopia (SER ≤ -0.50 D), and axial length were compared across 3 years stratified by age.ResultsMyopia prevalence rate was 45.0% (95% CI: 44.6–45.5%) in 2019, 48.7% (95% CI: 48.3–49.1%) in 2020, and 47.5% (95% CI: 47.1–47.9%) in 2021 (p &lt; 0.001). The mean non-cycloplegic SER (SD) was −0.70 (1.39) D, −0.78 (1.44) D, and −0.78 (1.47) D respectively (p &lt; 0.001). The mean (SD) axial length was 23.41 (1.01) mm, 23.45 (1.03) mm, and 23.46 (1.03) mm across 3 years respectively (p &lt; 0.001). From the multivariable models, the risk ratio (RR) of myopia was 1.07 (95% CI: 1.06–1.08) times, the SER was 0.05 D (95% CI: 0.04 D to 0.06 D) more myopic and the mean axial length increased by 0.01 mm (95% CI: 0.01 mm to 0.02 mm) in 2020 compared to 2019. In 2021, the risk ratio (RR) of myopia was 1.05 (95% CI: 1.04–1.06), the mean SER was 0.06 D (95% CI: 0.05 D to 0.07 D) more myopic, and the mean axial length increased by 0.03 mm (95% CI: 0.02 mm to 0.04 mm) compared to 2019.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 lockdown had significant impact on myopia development and axial length, and these impacts remained 1 year after the lockdown. Further longitudinal studies following-up with these students are needed to help understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 lockdown on myopia.
Feasibility analysis and study of an intrahepatic portal vein infection hepatic alveolar echinococcosis C57 mouse model
Authors: Tian Weili , Ji Wenchao , Li Jun , Liu Wenya , Wen Zhi , Wu Juan 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveThe aim of the study was to establish and study an intrahepatic portal vein infection hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) C57 mouse model and provide a theoretical basis for clinical research on HAE.MethodsC57 mice were used to establish the HAE mouse model. The location, size, morphology, appearance, and pathological changes in liver lesions in different groups of mice were characterized using ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and haematoxylin and eosin staining.ResultsThe mortality rate of the C57 mice was 20%, and the success rate of infection was 75%. The abdominal ultrasound images and MRIs clearly indicated the location, size, shape, and appearance of the liver lesions and the relationship between the lesions and the adjacent organs. The size, morphology, and signal of the livers in the control group were normal. The pathological results of the experimental group indicated a hepatic vesicular acinar cyst, while those of the control group exhibited normal livers.ConclusionThe intrahepatic portal vein infection HAE mouse model was successfully established.
Characterization of a Stress-Enhanced Promoter from the Grass Halophyte, Spartina alterniflora L.
Authors: Sengupta Sonali , Pehlivan Necla , Mangu Venkata , Rajasekaran Kanniah , Baisakh Niranjan 
Published: December 2022

Stress-inducible promoters are vital for the desirable expression of genes, especially transcription factors, which could otherwise compromise growth and development when constitutively overexpressed in plants. Here, we report on the characterization of the promoter region of a stress-responsive gene SaAsr1 from monocot halophyte cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora). Several cis-acting elements, such as ABRE (ABA-responsive element), DRE-CRT (dehydration responsive-element/C-Repeat), LTRE (low temperature-responsive element), ERE (ethylene-responsive element), LRE (light-responsive element), etc. contributed at varying degrees to salt-, drought- and ABA-enhanced expression of gusA reporter gene in Arabidopsis thaliana under the full-length promoter, pAsr11875 and its deletion derivatives with an assortment of cis-regulatory motifs. The smallest promoter, pAsr1491, with three cis-acting elements (a CCAAT box-heat responsive, an LRE, and a copper responsive element) conferred drought-enhanced expression of gusA; pAsr1755 (with an ABRE and a DRE) presented the highest expression in ABA and drought; and pAsr1994 with seven ABREs and two DREs conferred optimal induction of gusA, especially under drought and ABA. Arabidopsis transgenics expressing a known abiotic stress-responsive gene, SaADF2 (actin depolymerization factor 2), under both pAsr11875 and p35S promoters outperformed the wild type (WT) with enhanced drought and salt tolerance contributed by higher relative water content and membrane stability with no significant difference between pAsr11875:SaADF2 or p35S:SaADF2 lines. However, pAsr11875:SaADF2 lines produced healthy plants with robust shoot systems under salt stress and control compared to slightly stunted growth of the p35S:SaADF2 plants. This reestablished the evidence that transgene expression under a stress-inducible promoter is a better strategy for the genetic manipulation of crops.
Safe Sialidase Production by the Saprophyte Oerskovia paurometabola: Gene Sequence and Enzyme Purification
Authors: Eneva Rumyana , Engibarov Stephan , Gocheva Yana , Mitova Simona , Arsov Alexander , Petrov Kaloyan , Abrashev Radoslav , Lazarkevich Irina , Petrova Penka 
Published: December 2022

Sialidase preparations are applied in structural and functional studies on sialoglycans, in the production of sialylated therapeutic proteins and synthetic substrates for use in biochemical research, etc. They are obtained mainly from pathogenic microorganisms; therefore, the demand for apathogenic producers of sialidase is of exceptional importance for the safe production of this enzyme. Here, we report for the first time the presence of a sialidase gene and enzyme in the saprophytic actinomycete Oerskovia paurometabola strain O129. An electrophoretically pure, glycosylated enzyme with a molecular weight of 70 kDa was obtained after a two-step chromatographic procedure using DEAE cellulose and Q-sepharose. The biochemical characterization showed that the enzyme is extracellular, inductive, and able to cleave α(2→3,6,8) linked sialic acids with preference for α(2→3) bonds. The enzyme production was strongly induced by glycomacropeptide (GMP) from milk whey, as well as by sialic acid. Investigation of the deduced amino acid sequence revealed that the protein molecule has the typical six-bladed β-propeller structure and contains all features of bacterial sialidases, i.e., an YRIP motif, five Asp-boxes, and the conserved amino acids in the active site. The presence of an unusual signal peptide of 40 amino acids was predicted. The sialidase-producing O. paurometabola O129 showed high and constant enzyme production. Together with its saprophytic nature, this makes it a reliable producer with high potential for industrial application.
Mutation in the Endo-β-1,4-glucanase (KORRIGAN) Is Responsible for Thick Leaf Phenotype in Sorghum
Authors: Mendu Lavanya , Jalathge Gayani , Dhillon Kamalpreet Kaur , Singh Nagendra Pratap , Balasubramanian Vimal Kumar , Fewou Rebecca , Gitz Dennis C. , Chen Junping , Xin Zhanguo , Mendu Venugopal 
Published: December 2022

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important crop for food, feed, and fuel production. Particularly, sorghum is targeted for cellulosic ethanol production. Extraction of cellulose from cell walls is a key process in cellulosic ethanol production, and understanding the components involved in cellulose synthesis is important for both fundamental and applied research. Despite the significance in the biofuel industry, the genes involved in sorghum cell wall biosynthesis, modification, and degradation have not been characterized. In this study, we have identified and characterized three allelic thick leaf mutants (thl1, thl2, and thl3). Bulked Segregant Analysis sequencing (BSAseq) showed that the causal mutation for the thl phenotype is in endo-1,4-β-glucanase gene (SbKOR1). Consistent with the causal gene function, the thl mutants showed decreased crystalline cellulose content in the stem tissues. The SbKOR1 function was characterized using Arabidopsis endo-1,4-β-glucanase gene mutant (rsw2-1). Complementation of Arabidopsis with SbKOR1 (native Arabidopsis promoter and overexpression by 35S promoter) restored the radial swelling phenotype of rsw2-1 mutant, proving that SbKOR1 functions as endo-1,4-β-glucanase. Overall, the present study has identified and characterized sorghum endo-1,4-β-glucanase gene function, laying the foundation for future research on cell wall biosynthesis and engineering of sorghum for biofuel production.
Impactos da fraqueza muscular na marcha de pacientes com Esclerose Múltipla
Authors: Pereira dos Santos Beatriz , Lôbo Corrêa Paulo Fernando 
Published: December 2022

Introdução. A Esclerose Múltipla (EM) é uma doença desmielinizante que atinge o sistema nervoso central e se desenvolve de forma inflamatória e crônica. Pode apresentar diferentes manifestações clínicas que dependerão da região afetada. Manifestações clínicas que podem comprometer a marcha do paciente e consequentemente a sua independência. Objetivo. Analisar a correlação da velocidade e o desempenho no Timed 25-foot Walk (T25FW) com a força dos músculos de quadril, joelho e tornozelo. Método. Estudo observacional transversal analítico, realizado no Serviço de Análise do Movimento do Centro Estadual de Reabilitação e Readaptação Dr. Henrique Santillo (CRER). Que avaliou indivíduos com diagnóstico confirmado de EM, de ambos os sexos, acima de 18 anos, capazes de realizar a marcha sem nenhum auxílio. Foi mensurado a força muscular de membros inferiores (MMII), a velocidade da marcha e o desempenho no T25FW. Resultados. Participaram do estudo 50 indivíduos com idades entre 28 e 70 anos, em diferentes fases da evolução da EM, tempo de diagnóstico entre 2 a 27 anos. Observou-se uma correlação positiva moderada entre a força muscular e a velocidade, para os músculos flexores de quadril e joelho, tibial anterior e extensor longos dos dedos. Houve correlação negativa moderada entre a força muscular e o desempenho no T25FW, para os músculos flexores e abdutores de quadril, flexores e extensores do joelho, e tibial anterior. Conclusão. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que a fraqueza muscular em alguns grupos dos MMII de pacientes com EM prejudicam a velocidade da marcha e o desempenho no T25FW.
Mongolie, voie non capitaliste
Authors: Legrand Jacques 
Published: December 2022

Mongolia, a non-capitalist way.
The author recalls the history of Mongolia since 1921 and exposes the ideological, political and cultural choices which define the outline, the content and the steps of the movement of the Mongolian society in the stage of its non-capitalistic development (until the middle of the century). He shows how this experience refers in its originality, to the necessity of appropriate ways to developement and to the political conditions of their quest by the people in countries fighting for their national liberation as and when the colonial system is dismembered and collapsing.
L’Église de France et les problèmes de la paix
Authors: Klein Jean 
Published: December 2022

French Christian Churches and the problems of peace.
What was the situation before the Bishops’document : Win the peace ? The author explains it and underlines what is new in that document, as well as the diversity of the different Christian organizations, such as Pax Christi, Justice et paix and the Fédération protestante de France. Perspectives of oecumenism in these questions of peace are appreciated.
Théologies de la libération
Authors: Biot François 
Published: December 2022

A partir d’un récit de la Bible, l’auteur expose les théologies de la libération. Elles concernent particulièrement les pays d’Amérique latine, de plus en plus enfoncés dans la pauvreté en raison de leur dette.
L’initiative vient du peuple qui crée les communautés de base, dont les principaux protagonistes sont les pauvres. La crainte de l’Eglise romaine est compréhensible, car elle y voit une infiltration marxiste qui met en jeu son autorité.
«Economie mondiale» : les contradictions de la crise
Authors: Bernis Gérard Destane de 
Published: December 2022

Gérard de Bernis : «Economía mundial» : las contradicciones de la crisis.
Recapitulando la historia reciente del concepto de «economía mundial», el autor presenta las bases objetivas de su emergencia y expone las decisiones y renuncias que se quisiera adoptar en su nombre.
Le marxisme palestinien. D’où vient-il ? Où va-t-il ?
Authors: Charif Maher al- 
Published: December 2022

Né au début des années 20, sous l’impulsion d’immigrants d’origine européenne, le Parti communiste palestinien a connu des phases d’alternance dans son appréhension des rapports entre mouvement national et dynamique de luttes de classes. Son enracinement dans les réalités locales et nationales s’est longtemps trouvé contrarié par des liens de dépendance avec le PCUS.
L’intifadha et la rupture des liens avec le PCUS ont entraîné les communistes palestiniens à réviser leur principe d'organisation et à réfléchir sur leur rôle au sein de la société pour s’engager dans la construction du «Parti du peuple palestinien».
Brigades internationales : une mise au point
Authors: Skoutelsky Rémi 
Published: December 2022

L'expérience singulière des Brigadistes est inséparable du contexte international de l’époque qui réunit les principaux “ingrédients” nécessaires à la création des Brigades internationales, acte décisif qui permit le passage de la phase de l’organisation des départs individuels à celle de l’enrôlement et de l’acheminement à grande échelle.
La solidarité antifasciste et internationaliste caractérise l’engagement des Brigadistes, toutes nationalités confondues. Les conditions de leur séjour furent terribles et éprouvantes et leur retour ne fut pas célébré comme celui de héros, tant la situation politique avait changé entre temps en Europe.
Mexique : les sources du projet national alternatif
Authors: Gonzalez Casanova Pablo 
Published: December 2022

L'auteur recense ce qui d'après lui constitue les quatre racines d’un projet alternatif mexicain : le prolongement des idées du mouvement des étudiants mexicains de 1968, l'esprit du mouvement zapatiste, les apports du Parti de la Révolution Démocratique - PRD -, et ceux des organisations de la société civile qui se structurent en réseau de pouvoir citoyen.
Si ce projet national alternatif n'aboutissait pas, le Mexique connaîtrait une situation explosive qui perturberait l’équilibre du monde.
Les limites du rôle des ONG
Authors: Brunel Sylvie , Durand Daniel , Rifrac Sammy 
Published: December 2022

L'offensive néo-libérale de la fin des années 70 a provoqué la délégitimation des Etats, de la politique et des partis politiques et a ouvert un espace important d'activité aux ONG. Pour faire face aux crises et aux risques induits par la barbarisation des rapports humains, les défenseurs de l'ordre mondial ont eu recours aux bonnes vieilles recettes de la charité. Ce type d 'activité «au plus près des gens» s'est souvent accompagné du refus de rechercher des solutions globales au problème de la misère. L’émergence d'associations spécialisées et dépolitisées, chargées de traiter les urgences, a cependant aussi permis à beaucoup de bénévoles de prendre conscience des limites de leurs propres activités de «pompiers des crises». Les gouvernements et les organismes supranationaux, eux-mêmes soumis aux conditions élaborées par les pouvoirs financiers, financent et contrôlent largement les activités des organisations «non-gouvernementales». Où en sont donc aujourd'hui les ONG ? Sont-elles condamnées à servir de relai «étemel» pour la gestion de crises inéluctables ou peuvent-elles aider à la formation d’un réseau de mobilisation de citoyens participant à la réouverture du chantier de l’alternative au système dominant ? Sont-elles en mesure de peser sur les grands choix de politique extérieure ?
Les auteurs de cette controverse examinent les limites assignées aujourd’hui aux ONG et présentent différentes approches sur ce qui pourrait être leur rôle dans une situation où les questions politiques, quoiqu'en disent les forces dominantes, continuent à être le facteur fondamental où se joue le destin de chacun des habitants de la planète.
Algérie : quelles perspectives ?
Authors: Cherif El-Hachemi 
Published: December 2022

Dirigeant politique du MDS, l’auteur se propose d’analyser les changements survenus à la tête de l’État algérien, d’en démonter les ressorts et d’en évaluer les conséquences.
L’affrontement entre le projet porté par les forces démocratiques d’un côté, et le bloc des forces intégristes et conservatrices de l’autre, va se cristalliser autour du contenu de la «concorde civile» qui s’apparente à une période de répit. La responsabilité des démocrates et des patriotes a été grande dans l’avortement d’une voie qui aurait pu être salutaire pour le pays. Cela n’enlève rien à la justesse de leur double combat, à la fois contre l’islamisme et contre les opérations de légitimation engagées par le pouvoir lui-même.
La mise en œuvre d’un projet alternatif suppose le rassemblement, à travers une véritable recomposition politique, des forces qui constituent le noyau dur de la démocratie moderne.
Le partenariat euro-méditerranéen (1995-2000) : la nécessaire refondation
Authors: Balta Paul 
Published: December 2022

Initié en 1995 à Barcelone, entre 27 pays, 15 du nord et 12 du sud de la Méditerranée, dans le but de construire un espace de paix, de stabilité, de sécurité et de prospérité partagée permettant de construire une zone de libre-échange à l 'horizon 2010, le partenariat euroméditerranéen s'est très vite bloqué.
L’élargissement à l’Est, le lancement de l’euro, la crise de la Commission et les guerres des Balkans ont conduit l’Union européenne à le reléguer au second plan. Les différents Forums et d’autres acteurs impliqués dans le domaine culturel et social n’ont cessé de souligner, pour le déplorer, le décalage qui s’est creusé au fil des ans entre, d’une part, les principes affirmés par la Déclaration de Barcelone et les intentions proclamées par la Commission européenne et les conférences ministérielles, et d’autre part, les attentes de la société civile.
Proche-Orient : les funérailles de la paix ?
Authors: Cartigny Claude 
Published: December 2022

La grave crise délibérément provoquée à des fins de politique intérieure par Ariel Sharon par son incursion sur l’Esplanade des Mosquées a marqué un tournant dans les relations israélo-palestiniennes et a torpillé le processus de négociations et de paix amorcé depuis la conférence de Madrid en 1991, favorisant en Israël les forces les plus extrémistes.
L’auteur met en perspective les enjeux du dossier des négociations où deux nouveaux acteurs sont apparus assombrissant l’horizon, voire le ramenant des années en arrière : G.W. Bush et Ariel Sharon.