bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cevizde Bodurluk Üzerine Brassinosteroid (Homobrassinolid ve Epibrassinolid) Uygulamalarının Etkisi
Authors: ENGİN Hakan , GÖKBAYRAK Zeliha , GÜNDOĞDU Mehmet Ali
Published: December 2021

Çalışmada, brassinosteroid bileşiklerinden homobrassinolid (HBr) ve epibrassinolid (EBr)’in ‘Chandler’ ceviz çeşidinin erken dönem gelişimi üzerine olan etkileri araştırılmıştır. 2017 yılı mart ayında 2:1:1 toprak: perlit: torf ortamında 70 litrelik saksılara dikilen cevizler, aşı noktasının 20 cm üstünden kesilmiş ve 2018 yılı Mart ayına kadar gelişmesi sağlanmıştır. 1 mgL-1 konsantrasyonunda HBr ve EBr uygulamaları tomurcukların uyandığı ve erkek çiçeklerin şekillendiği dönemlerde iki kez el pülverizatörü ile püskürtülerek yapılmıştır. Anaç gelişiminde, her iki bileşiğin etkili olduğu saptanmıştır. EBr anacın enine gelişimini %22 artırmıştır. Kalem gelişimi üzerine, brassinosteroid bileşiklerinin etkisi yanında aylar bazında meydana gelen değişimler de dikkati çekmiştir. Kalemin enine gelişimi, HBr ve EBr uygulamalarında aynı oranda engellenmiştir. EBr (%52) ve HBr (%23) değişen oranlarda bodurluk üzerine etkili olmuştur. EBr uygulanan ceviz fidanlarının boyu kontrol fidanlarının yaklaşık %50’si kadardır. Her iki kimyasal dallanmayı artırmaktadır. HBr fidanlardaki dallanmayı %31, EBr ise %52 artırmıştır. Erken dönemlerde EBr uygulaması dallanma üzerine daha etkilidir. Brassinosteroidler erken dönemde fidanlarının büyüklüğünün kontrolünde kullanılabilir.
mRNA Vaccines
Authors: Jansen Kathrin
Published: December 2021

The concept of developing mRNA as vaccine platform evolved over the last decades. mRNA uses host cells for antigen production, can induce B and T cell responses and does not rely on unwanted antigens that may interfere with booster doses like vector vaccines.

Unmodified mRNA (uRNA) may be highly reactogenic; modification results not only in improved tolerability but also increases purity and potency. While self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) leads to higher antigen expression, such constructs are much larger, and this may reduce stability.

mRNA vaccines need to be formulated in a way that allows cell entry, e.g., by using carefully designed lipid nanoparticles (LNP).

As response to the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA vaccines were developed in less than one year from receiving the genetic code to licensure. The 2 marketed and modRNA products widely used today (162b2, Pfizer/Biontech; mRNA-1273, Moderna) differ in vitro in their ability to induce a CD8 T cell response. The development of a third vaccine, based in uRNA, was recently stopped.

Both licensed modRNA vaccines have an acceptable reactogenicity and safety profile, a protection rate of ≥94% in large double-blind-randomized studies in adults and children ≥12-years of age with a vaccine efficacy against symptomatic disease of >90% in the 6-month follow-up period.
The Severity of Muscle Performance Deterioration in Sarcopenia Correlates With Circulating Muscle Tissue-Specific miRNAs
Authors: Valášková S. , Gažová A. , Vrbová P. , Koller T. , Šalingová B. , Adamičková A. , Chomaničová N. , Hulajová N. , Payer J. , Kyselovič J.
Published: December 2021

Sarcopenia is defined as an age-associated loss of skeletal muscle function and muscle mass and is common in older adults. Sarcopenia as a disease is currently of interest not only to orthopedists and surgeons but also to internists, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, cardiologists, diabetologists, gynaecologists, geriatricians and paediatricians. In cooperation with the 5th Internal Medicine Clinic, we, as a unit of clinical research, aimed to describe a sarcopenic specific miRNA expression profile for disease diagnostics and classification of the severity of muscle performance deterioration. This study included a total of 80 patients (age 55-86 years) hospitalized at the V. Internal medicine clinic of LFUK and UNB with different severity of muscle performance deterioration. The study participants were evaluated and classified according to short physical performance battery score (SPPB). In this study, we investigated the role of circulating miRNAs in sarcopenia in the elderly. We hypothesized that sarcopenia effects the expression of muscle tissue-specific miRNAs (MyomiRNAs), which could be potentially reflected in the blood plasma miRNA expression profile. The expression of specific circulating miRNAs in patients with different muscle performances was analyzed. Patients’ blood plasma was evaluated for the expression of myomiRNAs: miRNA-29a, miRNA-29b, miRNA-1, miRNA-133a, miRNA-133b, miRNA-206, miRNA-208b and miRNA-499, and the data were correlated with diagnostic indicators of the disease. We showed a specific sarcopenia miRNA profile that could be considered a possible biomarker for the disease. Patients with low muscle performance showed increased miRNA-1, miRNA-29a and miRNA-29b expression and decreased for the miRNA-206, miRNA-133a, miRNA-133b, miRNA-208b and miRNA-499 expression. We show that the severity of muscle performance deterioration in sarcopenia correlates with specific miRNA expression. We also propose the profile of miRNAs expression in blood plasma as a specific biomarker for sarcopenia diagnostics. Future clinical studies will be necessary to eventually naturally have to elucidate the underlined molecular mechanism responsible for specific miRNAs expression in sarcopenia pathology and progression of the disease.
Achalasia Cardia: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Ramchandani Mohan , Pal Partha
Published: December 2021

Achalasia cardia is the best characterised oesophageal motility disorder. It is characterised by progressive ganglion cell degeneration in the oesophageal myenteric plexus, which results in impaired lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation upon swallowing and aperistalsis in the distal smooth muscle segment of the oesophagus. The usual presenting features are dysphagia to both liquids and solids from onset, regurgitation of undigested food, retrosternal pain, heartburn, and weight loss. Initial investigations include upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and timed barium oesophagogram, whereas high resolution manometry is diagnostic. Therapy in achalasia cardia is directed towards biochemical or mechanical reduction in LES pressures. If candidates are fit for surgery, pneumatic dilatation, peroral endoscopic myotomy, and laparoscopic Heller’s myotomy are the mainstays of therapy that act by mechanical disruption of LES. On the other hand, botulinum toxin and pharmacotherapy (nitrates and calcium channel blockers) act by biochemical reduction of LES and are reserved for surgically unfit patients with limited life expectancy because of their short-lived efficacy. Oesophagectomy is reserved for treating refractory longstanding cases, who have previously failed multiple therapies.
Difficult Biliary Cannulation in Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: An Overview of Advanced Techniques
Authors: Fung Brian M. , Pitea Teodor C. , Tabibian James H.
Published: December 2021

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) plays a significant role in the treatment of a vast array of pancreatobiliary diseases. However, despite significant progress in the optimisation of ERCP methods and accessories, the technical and clinical success of ERCP can vary significantly due to a variety of patient and operator factors. Over the past several decades, a number of advanced techniques have been developed to improve cannulation success rates, including the use of double-guidewire, pancreatic duct accessory-assisted, precut, and rendezvous techniques. Here, the authors provide an update and overview of the existing advanced techniques used in cases of difficult biliary cannulation, as well as the approach to their selection.
Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Review
Authors: Kabaria Savan , Dalal Ishita , Gupta Kapil , Bhurwal Abhishek , Carlos D. Minacapelli , Catalano Carolyn , Rustgi Vinod
Published: December 2021

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a reversible syndrome observed in patients with liver disease. The syndrome is characterised by a spectrum of neuropsychiatric abnormalities resulting from the accumulation of neurotoxic substances in the bloodstream and ultimately in the brain. HE is a huge burden to patients, caregivers, and the healthcare system. Common treatments for HE, including rifaximin and lactulose, have been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence, frequency of hospitalisations, hospital costs, and mortality. New research and therapeutics exist, including faecal transplants and small-molecule therapies such as branched-chain amino acids. This review article provides a general overview of the current understanding of HE.
Evaluating the 3Cs Program for Caregivers of Young Children Affected by the Armed Conflict in Colombia
Authors: González Ballesteros Lina María , Flores José M. , Ortiz Hoyos Ana María , Londoño Tobón Amalia , Hein Sascha , Bolívar Rincon Felipe , Gómez Oscar , Ponguta Liliana Angélica
Published: December 2021

Colombia has endured one of the world's longest internal displacement crises in recent history. Programs that address the practices and psychosocial wellbeing of the community of caregivers of young children in protracted crises are urgently needed. We developed and implemented a program aimed at strengthening the resilience and wellbeing of caregivers (parents, grandparents, and educators) of children enrolled in home-based and institutional centers for early childhood development in Colombia. The program, Conmigo, Contigo, Con Todos, or 3Cs, used purposive sampling across 14 municipalities disproportionately impacted by the armed conflict in Colombia. It consisted of two modules, a skills-building program (SBP) module and a psychotherapy intervention (PTI). The program content drew from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness, and from inputs from local stakeholders. By applying a pragmatic evaluation strategy, we explored the pre-post intervention changes in parental resilience (the primary outcome of interest) through self-reports on the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). The analysis of the pre-post intervention outcomes showed statistically significant improvements in CD-RISC in both intervention arms (SBP and PTI). Caregivers in the PTI group started with lower CD-RISC scores than caregivers who did not receive the PTI, and they showed the most improvement over time. Caregivers who had lower than average participation in the SBP (M=1-3 sessions out of a total of 6) did not show significant changes in CD-RISC. Additionally, caregivers who had higher than average participation in the SBP showed significantly more improvement in CD-RISC scores than caregivers who did not attend any sessions. We discuss the implications of these findings for future applications of the program and substantiate the measurable impact of interventions for caregivers in conflict settings.
Developing and Validating the International Social and Emotional Learning Assessment: Evidence from a Pilot Test with Syrian Refugee Children in Iraq
Authors: D'Sa Nikhit , Krupar Allyson
Published: December 2021

The growing focus on social and emotional learning (SEL) for children of primary grade age in conflict-affected and fragile contexts necessitates an understanding of the effects these programs have. However, the dearth of valid and reliable measures of SEL skills in low-resource and crisis contexts has constrained the generation of this evidence. The few tools that have robust psychometric properties were developed for use in high-resource contexts; they often have usage costs, limit adaptations, and focus on adults as respondents. To address this gap, we developed the International Social and Emotional Learning Assessment (ISELA), an adaptable, cost-free, open-source, performance-based measure of self-concept, stress management, perseverance, empathy, and conflict resolution in children between ages 6 and 12. In this study, we focused on establishing the validity and reliability of the ISELA when used with Syrian refugee children in Iraq. We tested the latent structure, criterion validity, internal consistency reliability, and interrater reliability of the ISELA with 620 Syrian children. We were able to establish a theoretically grounded factor structure for all of the skills except perseverance. The ISELA can be used reliably by groups of assessors (Krippendorf's alpha>.86) with strong internal consistency (KR-20>.70). Our findings for criterion validity were promising but preliminary; grade and exposure to interpersonal threats demonstrated a positive association with SEL skills.
Türkiye’nin Cumhuriyet Dönemi Ulusal Bilim-Teknoloji Politikalarında Bilgi Yönetimi ve Bir Model Önerisi
Authors: EKİCİ Selda , YILMAZ, PH.D. Bülent
Published: December 2021

Bilginin ülke kalkınmasında bir güç olarak kullanılabilmesi, bilgiyi erişilebilir ve kullanılabilir kılan bilgi yönetiminin ulusal politikalarla bütünleşmesi ve politikalarda merkezi olarak konumlandırılmasına bağlıdır. Bu çalışma, Türkiye'de Cumhuriyet Dönemi (1923 ve sonrası) ulusal bilim-teknoloji politikalarında bilgi yönetimine yönelik algı ve yaklaşımı incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Ayrıca, ulusal bilim-teknoloji politikalarıyla bütünleştirilmiş etkin bir bilgi yönetimi politikası için bir model önermektedir. Çalışmada, bilgi yönetimi için kavramsal bir çerçeve çizilmiş ve ulusal bilim-teknoloji politikalarında bilgi yönetimine yönelik algı ve yaklaşım (1) literatür taraması ve (2) içerik analizi teknikleri kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Daha sonra bilgi yönetimini ulusal bilim ve teknoloji politikaları içinde konumlandıran bir model geliştirilmiştir. Türkiye'de Cumhuriyet Dönemi'nde bilgi yönetimi ile doğrudan ilgili olduğu belirlenen iki yüz on sekiz (218) ulusal politika belgesi veri kaynağı olarak incelenmiştir. Ulusal bilim-teknoloji politikalarıyla bütünleşmiş etkili bir bilgi yönetimi politikası modeli geliştirmek için çalışmadan elde edilen bulgular kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada ulaşılan sonuçlar, bilginin kalkınmadaki önemine ilişkin farkındalığın arttığını, ancak Türkiye'nin Cumhuriyet Dönemi bilim-teknoloji politikalarında bilgi yönetimi algısının çok düşük olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Ulusal bilim-teknoloji politikalarıyla bütünleşik etkin bir bilgi yönetimi politikasının gerekliliği konusunda anlayış oldukça yetersizdir. Bu anlayış eksikliği, bilgi yönetiminin alt süreçlerine ilişkin politika alanları arasında kopukluk yaratmakta, bu alt süreçlerle ilgili politika alanlarının dengesiz gelişmesine, bu alanların diğer politika alanlarıyla ilişkilendirilmesine ve kurumsal/kurumlar arası yetki ve sorumluluklarda karmaşaya neden olmaktadır. AR-GE ve yenilik uygulamaları, bilgi erişim hizmetlerinin bilgi ve iletişim teknolojileri doğrultusunda planlanması, bilgi altyapısı ve bilgi sistemlerinin geliştirilmesi politikalardaki genel bilgi yönetimi yaklaşımıdır. Çalışma kapsamında sunulan “Ulusal Bilim-Teknoloji Politikaları Bağlamında Bilgi Yönetimi Stratejisi Geliştirme ve Uygulama Modeli”, ulusal bir bilgi yönetimi stratejisi geliştirmeye bütüncül bir bakış açısı sunduğu için özgünlük göstermektedir. Ayrıca bu çalışmada kullanılan yöntem, bilgi politikaları analizinde çalışabilmesi açısından özgündür.
Development of rural areas in Ukraine through the prism of experience of developed countries: ecological and social aspects
Authors: Palapa N. , Toniuk M. , Nagorniuk O. , Hutsol H.
Published: December 2021

The peculiarities of rural development of developed countries are studied and it is established that the governments of developed economies, in particular USA, Canada, China, EU countries, Japan, seek to create effective mechanisms for sustainable (ecologically balanced) rural development, promote rural national traditions, change the quality of thinking and the way of life of the rural population. The main problems of rural development of Ukraine in terms of social and environmental aspects are highlighted. Although the problem of land degradation remains relevant, there is no effective mechanism to address it, including through a subsidy program that would address the national code of sustainable agricultural practices. The solution of these problems necessitates the development of a radically different approach to substantiate the provisions of agricultural policy of the state in terms of increasing the profitability of business entities in the agricultural sector of Ukraine and the sustainability of socio-ecological and economic development of rural areas. residents of rural areas. The directions of improvement of development of rural territories in Ukraine, taking into account ecological and social aspects of experience of the developed countries are revealed.
PERANCANGAN SISTEM INFORMASI JAMAAH MASJID RAUDHATUL JANNAH MAKASSAR VERSI MOBILE
Authors: Rokhman Abdul , Herlinah Herlinah , Hazriani Hazriani , Nur Adnan
Published: December 2021

Abstrak - Sistem Informasi jamaah masjid versi mobile adalah sistem penyedia informasi jarak jauh yang penggunaannya tidak hanya memanfaatkan komputer atau laptop saja, akan tetapi dapat dikembangkan dengan memanfaatkan alat komunikasi pada peralatan bergerak atau mobile phone.Metode penelitian dalam mengembangkan sistem ini adalah menggunakan metode action research, yaitu mengembangkan sistem yang ada dengan sistem baru yang lebih baik. Metode ini didukung dengan peralatan mobile phone berbasis web dan pengumpulan datanya menggunakan pengumpulan dokumen, pengamatan, wawancara dan kuisionerHasil perancangan menunjukkan bahwa sistem informasi ini dapat diakses melalui handphone dengan berbagai macam informasi tentang profil masjid, data pengurus masjid, data jamaah, aneka kegiatan masjid dan informasi untuk jamaah, sehingga jamaah dapat mengetahui kondisi masjid beserta kegiatannya, serta saling mengenal antar jamaah, akhirnya terwujud silaturrahmi yang bak.
PENYEMBUHAN PENYAKIT MELALUI RUQYAH SYAR’IYYAH
Authors: Asriana Sartika Sry , Janu La , Keke Ahmat
Published: December 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui proses penyembuhan penyakit pada pasien melalui ruqyah syar’iyyah dan untuk mengetahui alasan pasien memilih penyembuhan melalui ruqyah syar’iyyah di Kelurahan Watonea. Pemilihan informan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan teknik snowball sampling. Penelitian ini menggunakan teori etiologi penyakit personalistik (Foster & Anderson, 1996) didampingi dengan teori pengambilan keputusan (James A.F Stoner). Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif kualitatif serta metode etnografi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa : pertama, dalam proses penyembuhan penyakit melalui ruqyah syar’iyyah terbagi atas 6 tahapan yaitu tahap persiapan, tahap pembaringan, tahap dibacakan doa atau ayat, tahap pengIslaman atau penyembelihan jin, tahap duduk, dan yang terakhir tahap penyelesaian. Dan kedua, alasan yang didapatkan dari 9 pasien yaitu rata-rata mereka memilih ruqyah syar’iyyah disebabkan beberapa faktor yaitu, pertama, pasien capek dan putus asa dalam melakukan pengobatan medis. Kedua, tidak mau mengkonsumsi obat-obatan medis atau ramuan. Ketiga, capek dalam berobat ke alternatif lain atau berdukun. Dan keempat, memiliki pengalaman tidak mengenakkan.
Factors Associated with Energy Efficiency of Focused Ultrasound Through the Skull: A Study of 3D-Printed Skull Phantoms and Its Comparison with Clinical Experiences
Authors: Kong Chanho , Park So Hee , Shin Jaewoo , Baek Hee Gyu , Park Juyoung , Na Young Cheol , Chang Won Seok , Chang Jin Woo
Published: December 2021

While focused ultrasound (FUS) is non-invasive, the ultrasound energy is attenuated by the skull which results in differences in energy efficiency among patients. In this study, we investigated the effect of skull variables on the energy efficiency of FUS. The thickness and density of the skull and proportion of the trabecular bone were selected as factors that could affect ultrasound energy transmittance. Sixteen 3D-printed skull models were designed and fabricated to reflect the three factors. The energy of each phantom was measured using an ultrasonic sound field energy measurement system. The thickness and proportion of trabecular bone affected the attenuation of transmitted energy. There was no difference in the density of the trabecular bone. In clinical data, the trabecular bone ratio showed a significantly greater correlation with dose/delivered energy than that of thickness and the skull density ratio. Currently, for clinical non-thermal FUS, the data are not sufficient, but we believe that the results of this study will be helpful in selecting patients and appropriate parameters for FUS treatment.
HEK293 Cell Line as a Platform to Produce Recombinant Proteins and Viral Vectors
Authors: Tan Evan , Chin Cara Sze Hui , Lim Zhi Feng Sherman , Ng Say Kong
Published: December 2021

Animal cell-based expression platforms enable the production of complex biomolecules such as recombinant proteins and viral vectors. Although most biotherapeutics are produced in animal cell lines, production in human cell lines is expanding. One important advantage of using human cell lines is the increased potential that the resulting biotherapeutics would carry more “human-like” post-translational modifications. Among the human cell lines, HEK293 is widely utilized due to its high transfectivity, rapid growth rate, and ability to grow in a serum-free, suspension culture. In this review, we discuss the use of HEK293 cells and its subtypes in the production of biotherapeutics. We also compare their usage against other commonly used host cell lines in each category of biotherapeutics and summarise the factors influencing the choice of host cell lines used.
LAR Receptor Tyrosine Phosphatase Family in Healthy and Diseased Brain
Authors: Cornejo Francisca , Cortés Bastián I. , Findlay Greg M. , Cancino Gonzalo I.
Published: December 2021

Protein phosphatases are major regulators of signal transduction and they are involved in key cellular mechanisms such as proliferation, differentiation, and cell survival. Here we focus on one class of protein phosphatases, the type IIA Receptor-type Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases (RPTPs), or LAR-RPTP subfamily. In the last decade, LAR-RPTPs have been demonstrated to have great importance in neurobiology, from neurodevelopment to brain disorders. In vertebrates, the LAR-RPTP subfamily is composed of three members: PTPRF (LAR), PTPRD (PTPδ) and PTPRS (PTPσ), and all participate in several brain functions. In this review we describe the structure and proteolytic processing of the LAR-RPTP subfamily, their alternative splicing and enzymatic regulation. Also, we review the role of the LAR-RPTP subfamily in neural function such as dendrite and axon growth and guidance, synapse formation and differentiation, their participation in synaptic activity, and in brain development, discussing controversial findings and commenting on the most recent studies in the field. Finally, we discuss the clinical outcomes of LAR-RPTP mutations, which are associated with several brain disorders.
Proteomic Screening and Verification of Biomarkers in Different Stages of Mycosis Fungoides: A pilot Study
Authors: Gan Lu , Shi Haoze , Zhang Ying , Sun Jianfang , Chen Hao
Published: December 2021

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; in advanced stages, it can involve multiple organs and has a poor prognosis. Early detection of the disease is still urgent, but there is no optimal therapy for advanced MF. In the present study, quantitative proteomic analyses (label-free quantitation, LFQ) were applied to tissue samples of different stages of MF and tissue samples from controls (eczema patients and healthy donors) to conduct preliminary molecular analysis to clarify the pathogenesis of the disease. Differential protein expression analysis demonstrated that 113 and 305 proteins were associated with the early and advanced stages of MF, respectively. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis was conducted to determine the potential functions of the proteins, which could be classified into three categories: biological process, cellular component, and molecular function. The results revealed that a series of biological processes, including “initiation of DNA replication” and “nucleosome assembly,” were involved in the disease. Moreover, cellular components, including the “desmosome” and “integrin complex,” may affect the invasion and metastasis of MF via molecular functions, including “integrin binding” and “cadherin binding”. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis demonstrated that “focal adhesion DNA replication,” “Toll-like receptor signalling pathway” and other pathways were also involved. A parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) assay was applied to validate the identified differentially expressed proteins. In conclusion, the above proteomic findings may have great diagnostic and prognostic value in diverse malignancies, especially MF. Nevertheless, further studies are still needed to explore the precise mechanisms of MF.
Identification of Reticulocyte Binding Domain of Plasmodium ovale curtisi Duffy Binding Protein (PocDBP) Involved in Reticulocyte Invasion
Authors: Hoque Mohammad Rafiul , Nyunt Myat Htut , Han Jin-Hee , Muh Fauzi , Lee Seong-Kyun , Park Ji-Hoon , Lu Feng , Park Won Sun , Han Eun-Taek , Na Sunghun
Published: December 2021

The Plasmodium ovale curtisi (Poc) prevalence has increased substantially in sub-Saharan African countries as well as regions of Southeast Asia. Poc parasite biology has not been explored much to date; in particular, the invasion mechanism of this malaria parasite remains unclear. In this study, the binding domain of the Duffy binding protein of P. ovale curtisi (PocDBP) was characterized as an important ligand for reticulocyte invasion. The homologous region of the P. vivax Duffy binding protein in PocDBP, named PocDBP-RII herein, was selected, and the recombinant PocDBP-RII protein was expressed in an Escherichia coli system. This was used to analyze reticulocyte binding activity using fluorescence-activated cell sorting and immune serum production in rabbits. The binding specificity was proven by treating reticulocytes with trypsin, chymotrypsin and neuraminidase. The amino acid sequence homology in the N-terminal Cys-rich region was found to be ~ 44% between PvDBP and PocDBP. The reticulocyte binding activity of PocDBP-RII was significantly higher than the erythrocyte binding activity and was concentration dependent. Erythrocyte binding was reduced significantly by chymotrypsin treatment and inhibited by an anti-PocDBP-RII antibody. This finding suggests that PocDBP may be an important ligand in the reticulocyte invasion process of P. ovale curtisi.
Radiomics Analysis Derived From LGE-MRI Predict Sudden Cardiac Death in Participants With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Wang Jie , Bravo Laura , Zhang Jinquan , Liu Wen , Wan Ke , Sun Jiayu , Zhu Yanjie , Han Yuchi , Gkoutos Georgios V. , Chen Yucheng
Published: December 2021

Objectives: To identify significant radiomics features derived from late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) images in participants with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and assess their prognostic value in predicting sudden cardiac death (SCD) endpoint.

Method: The 157 radiomic features of 379 sequential participants with HCM who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were extracted. CoxNet (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and Elastic Net) and Random Forest models were applied to optimize feature selection for the SCD risk prediction and cross-validation was performed.

Results: During a median follow-up of 29 months (interquartile range, 20–42 months), 27 participants with HCM experienced SCD events. Cox analysis revealed that two selected features, local binary patterns (LBP) (19) (hazard ratio (HR), 1.028, 95% CI: 1.032–1.134; P = 0.001) and Moment (1) (HR, 1.212, 95%CI: 1.032–1.423; P = 0.02) provided significant prognostic value to predict the SCD endpoints after adjustment for the clinical risk predictors and late gadolinium enhancement. Furthermore, the univariately significant risk predictor was improved by the addition of the selected radiomics features, LBP (19) and Moment (1), to predict SCD events (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: The radiomics features of LBP (19) and Moment (1) extracted from LGE images, reflecting scar heterogeneity, have independent prognostic value in identifying high SCD risk patients with HCM.
Adverse Outcome in COVID-19 Is Associated With an Aggravating Hypo-Responsive Platelet Phenotype
Authors: Schrottmaier Waltraud C. , Pirabe Anita , Pereyra David , Heber Stefan , Hackl Hubert , Schmuckenschlager Anna , Brunnthaler Laura , Santol Jonas , Kammerer Kerstin , Oosterlee Justin , Pawelka Erich , Treiber Sonja M. , Khan Abdullah O. , Pugh Matthew , Traugott Marianna T. , Schörgenhofer Christian , Seitz Tamara , Karolyi Mario , Jilma Bernd , Rayes Julie , Zoufaly Alexander , Assinger Alice
Published: December 2021

Thromboembolic complications are frequently observed in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While COVID-19 is linked to platelet dysregulation, the association between disease outcome and platelet function is less clear. We prospectively monitored platelet activation and reactivity in 97 patients during the first week of hospitalization and determined plasma markers of platelet degranulation and inflammation. Adverse outcome in COVID-19 was associated with increased basal platelet activation and diminished platelet responses, which aggravated over time. Especially GPIIb/IIIa responses were abrogated, pointing toward impeded platelet aggregation. Moreover, platelet-leukocyte aggregate formation was diminished, pointing toward abrogated platelet-mediated immune responses in COVID-19. No general increase in plasma levels of platelet-derived granule components could be detected, arguing against platelet exhaustion. However, studies on platelets from healthy donors showed that plasma components in COVID-19 patients with unfavorable outcome were at least partly responsible for diminished platelet responses.

Taken together this study shows that unfavorable outcome in COVID-19 is associated with a hypo-responsive platelet phenotype that aggravates with disease progression and may impact platelet-mediated immunoregulation.
Remediation Potential of Borehole Thermal Energy Storage for Chlorinated Hydrocarbon Plumes: Numerical Modeling in a Variably-Saturated Aquifer
Authors: Meng Boyan , Yang Yan , Huang Yonghui , Kolditz Olaf , Shao Haibing
Published: December 2021

Underground thermal energy storage is an efficient technique to boost the share of renewable energies. However, despite being well-established, their environmental impacts such as the interaction with hydrocarbon contaminants is not intensively investigated. This study uses OpenGeoSys software to simulate the heat and mass transport of a borehole thermal energy storage (BTES) system in a shallow unconfined aquifer. A high-temperature (70 C) heat storage scenario was considered which imposes long-term thermal impact on the subsurface. Moreover, the effect of temperature-dependent flow and mass transport in a two-phase system is examined for the contaminant trichloroethylene (TCE). In particular, as subsurface temperatures are raised due to BTES operation, volatilization will increase and redistribute the TCE in liquid and gas phases. These changes are inspected for different scenarios in a contaminant transport context. The results demonstrated the promising potential of BTES in facilitating the natural attenuation of hydrocarbon contaminants, particularly when buoyant flow is induced to accelerate TCE volatilization. For instance, over 70% of TCE mass was removed from a discontinuous contaminant plume after 5 years operation of a small BTES installation. The findings of this study are insightful for an increased application of subsurface heat storage facilities, especially in contaminated urban areas.
Distinct Effects of Executive Functioning, Impulsivity and Anxiety on Global and Local Reading Comprehension
Authors: Leshem Rotem , Altman Carmit
Published: December 2021

Reading comprehension (RC) is a cognitive ability linked with higher-order cognitive functions referred to as executive functions (EFs) and is also associated with educational achievement. To date, there is little research exploring links between reading comprehension, EFs, and personality traits. This study attempts to fill this gap by elucidating the role of EFs, trait impulsivity, and trait anxiety in RC among university students. To achieve a more in-depth examination, RC is divided into its global and local subskills. Ninety university students (83% female) completed self-report questionnaires on EFs, impulsivity, and anxiety, a neuropsychological task for cognitive flexibility, and global/local RC assessments. Our results indicated distinct associations between poor general EFs and poor global RC, poor cognitive flexibility and poor local RC, and, finally, between high impulsivity and adequate global RC. Individual differences in global and local information processing strategies in the context of attentional processes and personal traits of the university students, is discussed.
Quantifying Temperature and Precipitation Change Caused by Land Cover Change: A Case Study of India Using the WRF Model
Authors: Lal Preet , Shekhar Ankit , Kumar Amit
Published: December 2021

The large-scale Land-Uses and Land-Cover Changes (LULCC) in India in the past several decades is primarily driven by anthropogenic factors that influence the climate from regional to global scales. Therefore, to understand the LULCC over the Indian region from 2002 to 2015 and its implications on temperature and precipitation, we performed Weather Research Forecast (WRF) model simulation using the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) reanalysis data for the period 2009 to 2015 as a boundary condition with 2009 as spin-up time. The results showed moderate forest cover loss in major parts of northeast India, and the Himalayan region during 2002–2015. Such large LULC changes, primarily significant alteration of grassland and agriculture from the forest, led to increased precipitation due to increasing evapotranspiration (ET) similar to the forest-dominated regions. An increase in the precipitation patterns (>300 mm) was observed in the parts of eastern and western Himalayas, western Ghats, and the northwestern part of central India, while most parts of northeast Himalayas have an exceptional increase in precipitation (∼100–150 mm), which shows similar agreement with an increase of leaf area index (LAI) by ∼15%. The overall phenomenon leads to a greening-induced ET enhancement that increases atmospheric water vapor content and promotes downwind precipitation. In the case of temperature, warming was observed in the central to eastern parts of India, while cooling was observed in the central and western parts. The increase in vegetated areas over northwest India led to an increase in ET, which ultimately resulted in decreased temperature and increased precipitation. The study highlights the changes in temperature and precipitation in recent decades because of large LULCC and necessitates the formulation of sustainable land use-based strategies to control meteorological variability and augment ecological sustainability.
Estimation of Surface and Near-Surface Air Temperatures in Arid Northwest China Using Landsat Satellite Images
Authors: Liu Yi , Ortega-Farías Samuel , Tian Fei , Wang Sufen , Li Sien
Published: December 2021

Near-surface air (Ta) and land surface (Ts) temperatures are essential parameters for research in the fields of agriculture, hydrology, and ecological changes, which require accurate datasets with different temporal and spatial resolutions. However, the sparse spatial distribution of meteorological stations in Northwest China may not effectively provide high-precision Ta data. And it is not clear whether it is necessary to improve the accuracy of Ts which has the most influence on Ta. In response to this situation, the main objective of this study is to estimate Ta for Northwest China using multiple linear regression models (MLR) and random forest (RF) algorithms, based on Landsat 8 images and auxiliary data collected from 2014 to 2019. Ts, NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), surface albedo, elevation, wind speed, and Julian day were variables to be selected, then used to estimate the daily average Ta after analysis and adjustment. Also, the Radiative Transfer Equation (RTE) method for calculating Ts would be corrected by NDVI (RTE-NDVI). The results show that: 1) The accuracy of the surface temperature (Ts) was improved by using RTE-NDVI; 2) Both MLR and RF models are suitable for estimating Ta in areas with few meteorological stations; 3) Analyzing the temporal and spatial distribution of errors, it is found that the MLR model performs well in spring and summer, and is lower in autumn, and the accuracy is higher in plain areas away from mountains than in mountainous areas and nearby areas. This study shows that through appropriate selection and combination of variables, the accuracy of estimating the pixel-scale Ta from satellite remote sensing data can be improved in the area that has less meteorological data.
Comprehensive Analysis of mRNA, lncRNA, circRNA, and miRNA Expression Profiles and Their ceRNA Networks in the Longissimus Dorsi Muscle of Cattle-Yak and Yak
Authors: Huang Chun , Ge Fei , Ma Xiaoming , Dai Rongfeng , Dingkao Renqing , Zhaxi Zhuoma , Burenchao Getu , Bao Pengjia , Wu Xiaoyun , Guo Xian , Chu Min , Yan Ping , Liang Chunnian
Published: December 2021

Cattle-yak, as the hybrid offspring of cattle (Bos taurus) and yak (Bos grunniens), demonstrates obvious heterosis in production performance. Male hybrid sterility has been focused on for a long time; however, the mRNAs and non-coding RNAs related to muscle development as well as their regulatory networks remain unclear. The phenotypic data showed that the production performance (i.e., body weight, withers height, body length, and chest girth) of cattle-yak was significantly better than that of the yak, and the economic benefits of the cattle-yak were higher under the same feeding conditions. Then, we detected the expression profiles of the longissimus dorsi muscle of cattle-yak and yak to systematically reveal the molecular basis using the high-throughput sequencing technology. Here, 7,126 mRNAs, 791 lncRNAs, and 1,057 circRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed between cattle-yaks and yaks in the longissimus dorsi muscle. These mRNAs, lncRNA targeted genes, and circRNA host genes were significantly enriched in myoblast differentiation and some signaling pathways related to muscle development (such as HIF-1 signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway). We constructed a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and found that some non-coding RNAs differentially expressed may be involved in the regulation of muscle traits. Taken together, this study may be used as a reference tool to provide the molecular basis for studying muscle development.
Epstein–Barr Virus Epithelial Cancers—A Comprehensive Understanding to Drive Novel Therapies
Authors: Han Shuting , Tay Joshua K. , Loh Celestine Jia Ling , Chu Axel Jun Ming , Yeong Joe Poh Sheng , Lim Chwee Ming , Toh Han Chong
Published: December 2021

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous oncovirus associated with specific epithelial and lymphoid cancers. Among the epithelial cancers, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC), and EBV-associated gastric cancers (EBVaGC) are the most common. The role of EBV in the pathogenesis of NPC and in the modulation of its tumour immune microenvironment (TIME) has been increasingly well described. Much less is known about the pathogenesis and tumour–microenvironment interactions in other EBV-associated epithelial cancers. Despite the expression of EBV-related viral oncoproteins and a generally immune-inflamed cancer subtype, EBV-associated epithelial cancers have limited systemic therapeutic options beyond conventional chemotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are effective only in a minority of these patients and even less efficacious with molecular targeting drugs. Here, we examine the key similarities and differences of NPC, LELC, and EBVaGC and comprehensively describe the clinical, pathological, and molecular characteristics of these cancers. A deeper comparative understanding of these EBV-driven cancers can potentially uncover targets in the tumour, TIME, and stroma, which may guide future drug development and cast light on resistance to immunotherapy.
Creating Awareness for Primary Immunodeficiencies in Japan
Authors: Takada Hidetoshi
Published: December 2021

Primary immunodeficiency (PID) is primarily characterized by susceptibility to infectious diseases. In addition, patients with some type of PID are prone to develop autoimmune, autoinflammatory, or malignant diseases. Therefore, the term, inborn errors of immunity (IEI), has been more used rather than PID. In recent years, the number of diseases which belong to PID has been increasing. There were approximately 110 diseases in the report of International Union of Immunological Societies in 1999. Since then, the number increased to 430 diseases in the latest IUIS report in 2019. We conducted PID nationwide survey in Japan for 3 times in the last 15 years. These studies were focused on incidence and complications of PID, the clinical course of viral infection, and methods to prevent infectious diseases in PID patients. For the awareness of PID, it is essential to know the general and fundamental information of PID patients. Needless to say, we need it to offer appropriate medical services for PID patients. Moreover, chances to provide answers to the questionnaires and seeing the results of the analysis should contribute to the awareness of PID among doctors. In this review, I am going to summarize the results of 3 nationwide survey in Japan, and pick up interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) deficiency as an example for creating awareness for its appropriate management.
Nicotine Oral Administration Attenuates DSS-Induced Colitis Through Upregulation of Indole in the Distal Colon and Rectum in Mice
Authors: Nakajima Akihito , Shibuya Tomoyoshi , Sasaki Takashi , Lu Yu Jie , Ishikawa Dai , Haga Keiichi , Takahashi Masahito , Kaga Naoko , Osada Taro , Sato Nobuhiro , Nagahara Akihito
Published: December 2021

Nicotine affects the gastrointestinal environment and modulates ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the associations among nicotine, gut metabolites, and UC are still largely unknown. We investigated whether orally administered nicotine affected gut metabolites and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. C57BL/6 male mice were orally administered nicotine solution in drinking water prior to inducing DSS-induced colitis. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and indole in gut contents and fecal samples were measured by GC-MS and hydroxylamine-based indole assays, respectively. Oral administration of nicotine increased indole concentration in feces, but, in contrast, SCFA values did not differ with nicotine administration. Indole levels were increased in the distal colon and rectum but not in the cecum and proximal colon. DSS-induced colitis was less severe clinically and histological changes were minimal in the rectum of orally nicotine-administered mice compared to mice drinking only water. 16S rRNA microbiome on the feces revealed an increasing in Clostridium and Porphyromonas in nicotine-administered mice. In conclusion, nicotine administration was associated with increased indole levels in the distal colon and rectum and attenuated DSS-induced colitis. Oral administration of nicotine may play a potential role in indole upregulation and prevention of UC.
Factors Associated With Use of Telemedicine for Follow-Up of SLE in the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: So Ho , Chow Evelyn , Cheng Isaac T. , Lau Sze-Lok , Li Tena K. , Szeto Cheuk-Chun , Tam Lai-Shan
Published: December 2021

Objective: To investigate the factors associated with telemedicine (TM) use for follow-up of Systemic Lupus Erythematous (SLE) patients in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This was a single-centered cross-sectional study conducted in Hong Kong. Consecutive patients followed up at the lupus nephritis clinic were contacted for their preference in changing the coming consultation to TM in the form of videoconferencing. The demographic, socioeconomic, and disease data of the first 140 patients opted for TM and 140 control patients preferred to continue standard in-person follow-up were compared.

Results: The mean age of all the participants was 45.6 ± 11.8 years, and the disease duration was 15.0 ± 9.2 years. The majority of them were on prednisolone (90.0%) and immunosuppressants (67.1%). The mean SLEDAI-2k was 3.4 ± 2.4, physician global assessment (PGA) was 0.46 ± 0.62 and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) damage index was 0.97 ± 1.23. A significant proportion of the patients (72.1%) had 1 or more comorbidities. It was found that patients with higher mean PGA (TM: 0.54 ± 0.63 vs. control: 0.38 ± 0.59, p = 0.025) and family monthly income > USD 3,800 (TM: 36.4% vs. control: 23.6%; p = 0.028) preferred TM, while full-time employees (TM: 40.0% vs. control: 50.7%; p = 0.041) preferred in-person follow-up. These predictors remained significant in the multivariate analysis after adjusting for age and gender. No other clinical factors were found to be associated with the preference of TM follow-up.

Conclusion: When choosing the mode of care delivery between TM and physical clinic visit for patients with SLE, the physician-assessed disease activity and patient's socio-economic status appeared to be important.
TELERA—Asynchronous TELEmedicine for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Study Protocol for a Prospective, Multi-Center, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mucke Johanna , Knitza Johannes , Muehlensiepen Felix , Grahammer Manuel , Stenzel Ramona , Simon David , Kleyer Arnd , Krönke Gerhard , Sharp Charlotte , Bendzuck Gerlinde , Korinth Marianne , Elling-Audersch Corinna , Vuillerme Nicolas , Schett Georg , Pecher Ann-Christin , Krusche Martin
Published: December 2021

Innovative strategies are needed to adequately assess and monitor disease activity of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in times of scarce appointments. The aim of the TELERA study is to evaluate the feasibility and performance of asynchronous telemedicine visits based on patient-generated data and patient's drug history. RA patients use a medical app, ABATON, that captures the results of a self-performed quick CRP-test, joint-count, and electronic patient-reported outcomes in between visits. This is a prospective, multi-center, randomized controlled trial performed in four German university centers. The estimated sample size is 120 patients. The main outcome is the agreement of rheumatologists' treatment decisions based on asynchronous telemedicine patient-generated data with traditional in-person rheumatology clinic-based decisions and with patient suggestions. The TELERA trial will provide evidence regarding the implementation of remote care in rheumatology.

Clinical Trial Registration: This clinical trial was registered at German Registry for Clinical Trials (DRKS). http://www.drks.de/DRKS00016350, identifier: DRKS00024928.