bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Four Perspectives on Dilemmas in Management Analysis in Greenland
Authors: Olsen Poul Bitsch , Rendtorff Jacob Dahl
Published: March 2022

In this paper we discuss how dilemmas are related to the study of management in Greenland. Different perspectives on the research situation are discussed, and we identify methodologies used by analysts, when they must deal with possible problems of legitimacy while doing analysis of organizing and management in an international academic perspective. Difference between perspectives implies different ways to identify dilemmas during the research process, due to the perspectives of managers and citizens in a small community like the Greenlandic. Four perspectives on the task and construction of analysis are presented – one we name traditional that is the common background for colonial and centralized modern studies, two realist interpretive methodologies and one temporal idiographic methodology. They organize in different ways the task to know about conflictual situations and the legitimacy of the academic activity and therefor they address different dilemmas in the study of management. We point to the perspectives general attention to internal and external situations of ethical conflicts and what is particular to the Greenlandic situation.
On the Concept of Civil Legal Liability in Russian Legal Science: A Critical Analysis
Authors: Kozhevnikov Vladimir Valentinovich
Published: March 2022

This scientific article deals with the problem of the concept of civilliability. The latter is often misinterpreted by theoreticians and civilists. We believe that this is largely due to the unreasonable identification of legal liability measures and protection measures (restorative measures). The paper presents the author’s view of this problem.
Elementos de la conceptualización del servicio para el producto hoteles con encanto de grupo hotelero Islazul
Authors: Abad Abascal Alejandro Antonio , Velastegui López Luis Efraín
Published: March 2022

Con el propósito de alcanzar una mayor presencia en el mercado internacional y captar un mayor volumen de divisas, el Grupo Hotelero Islazul como parte de las empresas que gestionan establecimientos de alojamiento turístico en Cuba, se encuentra realizando un proceso de diversificación y perfeccionamiento de su oferta. El presente estudio pretende contribuir a dicho proceso mediante el desarrollo de la Conceptualización del Servicio para el producto hoteles con encanto perteneciente al Grupo con el propósito de perfeccionar el diseño de estas instalaciones en función de los atributos y beneficios que esperan recibir los clientes. Para ello fue realizado un análisis netnográfico de conjunto a un análisis por conglomerados jerárquicos para la determinación de los beneficios que espera la demanda de este producto hotelero y a partir de dichos beneficios de conjunto a las características de los clientes, se identificaron los atributos del servicio que deben poseer estos establecimientos. Finalmente, teniendo en cuenta las nuevas pautas en la operatoria de los hoteles impuestas por la COVID-19, fue concebida la idea del producto-servicio y los elementos de su Conceptualización.
Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus among the Healthy Blood Donors in the Department of Transfusion Medicine of a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Hoque Md Mohimanul , Islam Md Shafiqul , Haque Md Azizul , Akter Amena , Sultana Mst Musarrat , Hossain Sardar Md Amzad , Islam Md Rofiqul
Published: March 2022

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been described as a significant causative agent of chronic hepatitis since its characterization in 1989. HCV may remain latent or become activated, leading to persistent infections and, in some cases, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma HCV is most commonly transmitted through direct contact with infected blood. Other, less common routes of transmission of HCV include sexual intercourse with infected individuals and mother to child transfer.
Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive type study which was carried out in the Department of Transfusion Medicine of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital for six months from January to June 2014 to determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus in the apparently healthy blood donors. All apparently healthy blood donors fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion were included in this study. The blood donors who were positive for anti-HCV antibodies were seropositive. Anti HCV antibody screened by ICT and confirmed by ELISA method.
Results: Among 1712 apparently healthy blood donors, 36 (2.1%) donors were anti-HCV positive, and 1676 (97.9%) donors were negative. The mean age of the study patients was 34.05 years (SD = ± 8.79). 66.7% of the study patients were male, whereas 33.3 % of donors were female among the 36 blood donors.
Conclusion: It is absolutely necessary to avoid the transmission of infection from repeat donors who are asymptomatic HCV positive. Policymakers and public health stakeholders need to introduce and implement further preventive measures targeting the routes of HCV transmission.
TAJ 2021; 34: No-2: 24-31
Clinicopathological Characteristics of Acute Pyelonephritis with or without Renal Failure and Current Status of Antimicrobial Susceptibility
Authors: Alam Md Mahidul , Amin Md Ruhul , Hossain Sardar Md Amzad , Paul Shubhra Prakash , Rahman Md Siddiqur
Published: March 2022

Acute pyelonephritis (APN) is the most common bacterial infection involving the upper urinary tract system, including the renal parenchyma and pelvis. Complications of APN include renal abscess, septic shock, and renal impairment, including AKI. At the same time, antibiotic resistance of uropathogens Resulted in unfavorable clinical responses in APN. The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with APN and antimicrobial susceptibility of causative bacteria. It was a cross-sectional type of observational study which included 100 diagnosed patients of APN admitted into the department of nephrology, Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Rajshahi, from January 2018 to December 2018. In both males and females, E. coli was the major causative bacteria (51.1% vs. 48.9%). Renal failure was present in 87% of patients, and among them, AKI was present in 81.6% and CKD in 18.4%). Infection with klebsiella was significantly more common among CKD patients as compared to AKI (p<0.05). Commonly used antibiotic ceftriaxone was found significantly resistant in the case of E. coli (p<0.01) and klebsiella (p<0.05). In the majority of cases (>50%), E. coli was susceptible to nitrofurantoin, amikacin, imipenem, meropenem, and piperacillin-tazobactam. Resistance to antibiotics may complicate the condition. Antibiotic resistance to several commonly used antibiotics
TAJ 2021; 34: No-2: 32-42
Men´s reproductive alterations caused by bisphenol A and its analogues: a review
Authors: Jambor T , Knížatová N , Lukáč N
Published: March 2022

Male reproductive functions are an important area affecting men´s overall health and well-being. However, during the last years, there has been observed increasing incidence of male reproductive issues. The radical growth has been recorded parallelly with a massive expanse of industrialization and agricultural chemigation. Many groups of experts have begun to identify several potential factors and substances that may have adverse effects on men´s reproductive health. Since then, xenobiotics have become a major concern of many scientific studies. There is evidence that most of them have multigenerational and transgenerational effects on reproductive health, which is a serious problem for our population. Bisphenol A could be considered as one of the most studied endocrine disruptors. Until now, several negative effects of bisphenol A were associated with reduced weight testes, histological alterations, impairment spermatogenesis, and steroidogenesis as well as with testes or prostate cancer. Due to convincing evidence, bisphenol A has been started to replace by its analogues such as bisphenol B, S, F, in order to eliminate and suppress the risk of exposure to bisphenol A. However, it seems that a lack of toxicological analyses allows using of these hazardous substances in daily life. Their harmful effect was confirmed by the animal in vitro and in vivo models, while the epidemiological studies monitoring the impact of bisphenol analogues on men's reproductive health are markedly limited. This review provides information about the effects of bisphenol on reproductive health in men. At the same time, it is focused on physiological aspects of sperm viability, steroid hormone secretion, sperm motility, or testes histology in relation to bisphenols exposure.
THE EFFECT OF EXPOSURE FACTORS ON RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE QUALITY ON THORAX PHANTOM WITH PA PROJECTION
Authors: Prayoga Aryadiva Nugrahaning , Suraningsih Nanik , Puspita Mega Indah
Published: March 2022

The posteroanterior projection (PA) chest radiograph is the most frequently performed radiological examination for various purposes of diagnosis. Radiographic examination of the anatomy of the body can provide as much information as possible which can be determined by the Radiologist, which requires good quality radiographic images. To be able to produce radiographs that provide as much information as possible, optimal radiographs are needed. In the radiographic examination, factors that can affect the quality of the photo are needed in order to get good results. These factors include the exposure factor. Exposure factor consists of mains voltage (kV), tube current (mA) and time (s).

The objectives to be achieved in this study were to determine the effect of exposure factors on the quality of radiographic images on the use of phantom thorax with PA assessment. The method used in experimental research. This research was conducted at the Laboratory of the Diploma III X-Ray Engineering Study Program, Widya Husada University, Semarang. In several variations of exposure factors, there is no difference in quality both in terms of sharpness and sharpness. The resulting image from each variation is good and informative. So it can be useful that the use of exposure factors is chosen as minimal so that the exposure or dose received is smaller. Image quality analysis should be made with a wider variety of kV and mAs, and using phantom objects other than phantom thorax.
Three-Dimensional Silk Fibroin/Chitosan Based Microscaffold for Anticancer Drug Screening
Authors: Niu Hui , Xiao Jiarui , Lou Xiaoli , Guo Lingling , Zhang Yongsheng , Yang Runhuai , Yang Hao , Wang Shouli , Niu Fuzhou
Published: March 2022

Traditional monolayer cell cultures often fail to accurately predict the anticancer activity of drug candidates, as they do not recapitulate the natural microenvironment. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems have been increasingly applied to cancer research and drug screening. Materials with good biocompatibility are crucial to create a 3D tumor microenvironment involved in such systems. In this study, natural silk fibroin (SF) and chitosan (CS) were selected as the raw materials to fabricate 3D microscaffolds; Besides, sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP), and 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC) were used as cross-linking agents. The physicochemical properties of obtained scaffolds were characterized with kinds of testing methods, including emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, water absorption, and swelling ratio analysis. Cancer cell lines (LoVo and MDA-MB-231) were then seeded on scaffolds for biocompatibility examination and drug sensitivity tests. SEM results showed that EDC cross-linked scaffolds had smaller and more uniform pores with great interconnection than the TPP cross-linked scaffolds, and the EDC cross-linked scaffold exhibited a water absorption ratio around 1000% and a swelling ratio of about 72%. These spatial structures and physical properties could provide more adhesion sites and sufficient nutrients for cell growth. Moreover, both LoVo and MDA-MB-231 cells cultured on the EDC cross-linked scaffold exhibited good adhesion and spreading. CCK8 results showed that increased chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity was observed in 3D culture compared with 2D culture, particularly in the condition of low drug dose (<1 μM). The proposed SF/CS microscaffold can provide a promising in vitro platform for the efficacy prediction and sensitivity screening of anticancer drugs.
Recombinant Spider Silk: Promises and Bottlenecks
Authors: Ramezaniaghdam Maryam , Nahdi Nadia D. , Reski Ralf
Published: March 2022

Spider silk threads have exceptional mechanical properties such as toughness, elasticity and low density, which reach maximum values compared to other fibre materials. They are superior even compared to Kevlar and steel. These extraordinary properties stem from long length and specific protein structures. Spider silk proteins can consist of more than 20,000 amino acids. Polypeptide stretches account for more than 90% of the whole protein, and these domains can be repeated more than a hundred times. Each repeat unit has a specific function resulting in the final properties of the silk. These properties make them attractive for innovative material development for medical or technical products as well as cosmetics. However, with livestock breeding of spiders it is not possible to reach high volumes of silk due to the cannibalistic behaviour of these animals. In order to obtain spider silk proteins (spidroins) on a large scale, recombinant production is attempted in various expression systems such as plants, bacteria, yeasts, insects, silkworms, mammalian cells and animals. For viable large-scale production, cost-effective and efficient production systems are needed. This review describes the different types of spider silk, their proteins and structures and discusses the production of these difficult-to-express proteins in different host organisms with an emphasis on plant systems.
Introduction of a Capillary Gel Electrophoresis-Based Workflow for Biotherapeutics Characterization: Size, Charge, and N-Glycosylation Variant Analysis of Bamlanivimab, an Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Product
Authors: Szabo Miklos , Sarkozy Daniel , Szigeti Marton , Farsang Robert , Kardos Zsofia , Kozma Adam , Csanky Eszter , Chung Doo Soo , Szekanecz Zoltan , Guttman Andras
Published: March 2022

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major public health problem worldwide with 5–10% hospitalization and 2–3% global mortality rates at the time of this publication. The disease is caused by a betacoronavirus called Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the Spike protein expressed on the surface of the virus plays a key role in the viral entry into the host cell via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor. Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies having the RBD as a target have the ability to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor binding, therefore, prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection, represent a promising pharmacological strategy. Bamlanivimab is the first anti-spike neutralizing monoclonal antibody, which got an emergency use authorization from the FDA for COVID-19 treatment. Albeit, bamlanivimab is primarily a neutralizing mAb, some of its effector function related activity was also emphasized. The effector function of antibody therapeutics is greatly affected by their N-linked carbohydrates at the conserved Fc region, possibly influenced by the manufacturing process. Various capillary gel electrophoresis methods are widely accepted in the biopharmaceutical industry for the characterization of therapeutic antibodies. In this paper we introduce a capillary gel electrophoresis based workflow for 1) size heterogeneity analysis to determine the presence/absence of the non-glycosylated heavy chain (NGHC) fragment (SDS-CGE); 2) capillary gel isoelectric focusing for possible N-glycosylation mediated charge heterogeneity determination, e.g., for excess sialylation and finally, 3) capillary gel electrophoresis for N-glycosylation profiling and sequencing. Our results have shown the presence of negligible amount of non-glycosylated heavy chain (NGHC) while 25% acidic charge variants were detected. Comprehensive N-glycosylation characterization revealed the occurrence of approximately 8.2% core-afucosylated complex and 17% galactosylated N-linked oligosaccharides, suggesting the possible existence of antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) effector function in addition to the generally considered neutralizing effect of this particular therapeutic antibody molecule.
Repair of a Rat Mandibular Bone Defect by Hypertrophic Cartilage Grafts Engineered From Human Fractionated Adipose Tissue
Authors: Cheng Chen , Chaaban Mansoor , Born Gordian , Martin Ivan , Li Qingfeng , Schaefer Dirk J. , Jaquiery Claude , Scherberich Arnaud
Published: March 2022

Background: Devitalized bone matrix (DBM) is currently the gold standard alternative to autologous bone grafting in maxillofacial surgery. However, it fully relies on its osteoconductive properties and therefore requires defects with healthy bone surrounding. Fractionated human adipose tissue, when differentiated into hypertrophic cartilage in vitro, was proven reproducibly osteogenic in vivo, by recapitulating endochondral ossification (ECO). Both types of bone substitutes were thus compared in an orthotopic, preclinical mandibular defect model in rat.

Methods: Human adipose tissue samples were collected and cultured in vitro to generate disks of hypertrophic cartilage. After hypertrophic induction, eight samples from two donors were implanted into a mandible defect in rats, in parallel to Bio-Oss® DBM granules. After 12 weeks, the mandible samples were harvested and evaluated by Micro-CT and histology.

Results: Micro-CT demonstrated reproducible ECO and complete restoration of the mandibular geometry with adipose-based disks, with continuous bone inside and around the defect, part of which was of human (donor) origin. In the Bio-Oss® group, instead, osteoconduction from the border of the defect was observed but no direct connection of the granules with the surrounding bone was evidenced. Adipose-based grafts generated significantly higher mineralized tissue volume (0.57 ± 0.10 vs. 0.38 ± 0.07, n = 4, p = 0.03) and newly formed bone (18.9 ± 3.4% of surface area with bone tissue vs. 3 ± 0.7%, p < 0.01) than Bio-Oss®.

Conclusion: Our results provide a proof-of-concept that adipose-based hypertrophic cartilage grafts outperform clinical standard biomaterials in maxillofacial surgery.
Biosynthetic Pathway and Metabolic Engineering of Succinic Acid
Authors: Liu Xiutao , Zhao Guang , Sun Shengjie , Fan Chuanle , Feng Xinjun , Xiong Peng
Published: March 2022

Succinic acid, a dicarboxylic acid produced as an intermediate of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, is one of the most important platform chemicals for the production of various high value-added derivatives. As traditional chemical synthesis processes suffer from nonrenewable resources and environment pollution, succinic acid biosynthesis has drawn increasing attention as a viable, more environmentally friendly alternative. To date, several metabolic engineering approaches have been utilized for constructing and optimizing succinic acid cell factories. In this review, different succinic acid biosynthesis pathways are summarized, with a focus on the key enzymes and metabolic engineering approaches, which mainly include redirecting carbon flux, balancing NADH/NAD+ ratios, and optimizing CO2 supplementation. Finally, future perspectives on the microbial production of succinic acid are discussed.
Basal-Like Cell-Conditioned Medium Exerts Anti-Fibrotic Effects In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Khan Petra , Fytianos Kleanthis , Blumer Sabrina , Roux Julien , Gazdhar Amiq , Savic Spasenija , Knudsen Lars , Jonigk Danny , Kuehnel Mark P. , Mykoniati Sofia , Tamm Michael , Geiser Thomas , Hostettler Katrin E.
Published: March 2022

In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), basal-like cells are atypically present in the alveolar region, where they may affect adjacent stromal cells by paracrine mechanisms. We here aimed to confirm the presence of basal-like cells in peripheral IPF lung tissue in vivo, to culture and characterize the cells in vitro, and to investigate their paracrine effects on IPF fibroblasts in vitro and in bleomycin-injured rats in vivo. Basal-like cells are mainly localized in areas of pathological bronchiolization or honeycomb cysts in peripheral IPF lung tissue. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) demonstrated an overall homogeneity, the expression of the basal cell markers cytokeratin KRT5 and KRT17, and close transcriptomic similarities to basal cells in the majority of cells cultured in vitro. Basal-like cells secreted significant levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and their conditioned medium (CM) inhibited alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen 1A1 (Col1A1) and upregulated matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) by IPF fibroblasts in vitro. The instillation of CM in bleomycin-injured rat lungs resulted in reduced collagen content, improved lung architecture, and reduced α-SMA-positive cells. Our data suggested that basal-like cells may limit aberrant fibroblast activation and differentiation in IPF through paracrine mechanisms.
Online Accurate Detection of Breath Acetone Using Metal Oxide Semiconductor Gas Sensor and Diffusive Gas Separation
Authors: Dong Hao , Qian Libin , Cui Yaoxuan , Zheng Xubin , Cheng Chen , Cao Qingpeng , Xu Feng , Wang Jin , Chen Xing , Wang Di
Published: March 2022

Breath acetone (BrAce) level is an indicator of lipid oxidation rate, which is crucial for evaluating the status of ketoacidosis, ketogenic diet, and fat burning during exercise. Despite its usefulness, detecting BrAce accurately is challenging because exhaled breath contains an enormous variety of compounds. Although many sensors and devices have been developed for BrAce measurement, most of them were tested with only synthetic or spiked breath samples, and few can detect low concentration BrAce in an online manner, which is critical for extending application areas and the wide acceptance of the technology. Here, we show that online detection of BrAce can be achieved using a metal oxide semiconductor acetone sensor. The high accuracy measurement of low concentration BrAce was enabled by separating major interference gases utilizing their large diffusion coefficients, and the accuracy is further improved by the correction of humidity effect. We anticipate that the approach can push BrAce measurement closer to being useful for various applications.
Integrative Analysis of Gene Expression and DNA Methylation Depicting the Impact of Obesity on Breast Cancer
Authors: Xiong Zhenchong , Li Xing , Yang Lin , WU Linyu , Xie Yi , Xu Fei , Xie Xinhua
Published: March 2022

Obesity has been reported to be a risk factor for breast cancer, but how obesity affects breast cancer (BC) remains unclear. Although body mass index (BMI) is the most commonly used reference for obesity, it is insufficient to evaluate the obesity-related pathophysiological changes in breast tissue. The purpose of this study is to establish a DNA-methylation-based biomarker for BMI (DM-BMI) and explore the connection between obesity and BC. Using DNA methylation data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), we developed DM-BMI to evaluate the degree of obesity in breast tissues. In tissues from non-BC and BC population, the DM-BMI model exhibited high accuracy in BMI prediction. In BC tissues, DM-BMI correlated with increased adipose tissue content and BC tissues with increased DM-BMI exhibited higher expression of pro-inflammatory adipokines. Next, we identified the gene expression profile relating to DM-BMI. Using Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database, we observed that the DM-BMI-related genes were mostly involved in the process of cancer immunity. DM-BMI is positively correlated with T cell infiltration in BC tissues. Furthermore, we observed that DM-BMI was positively correlated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) response markers in BC. Collectively, we developed a new biomarker for obesity and discovered that BC tissues from obese individuals exhibit an increased degree of immune cell infiltration, indicating that obese BC patients might be the potential beneficiaries for ICI treatment.
Roles of RNA Modifications in Diverse Cellular Functions
Authors: Wilkinson Emma , Cui Yan-Hong , He Yu-Ying
Published: March 2022

Chemical modifications of RNA molecules regulate both RNA metabolism and fate. The deposition and function of these modifications are mediated by the actions of writer, reader, and eraser proteins. At the cellular level, RNA modifications regulate several cellular processes including cell death, proliferation, senescence, differentiation, migration, metabolism, autophagy, the DNA damage response, and liquid-liquid phase separation. Emerging evidence demonstrates that RNA modifications play active roles in the physiology and etiology of multiple diseases due to their pervasive roles in cellular functions. Here, we will summarize recent advances in the regulatory and functional role of RNA modifications in these cellular functions, emphasizing the context-specific roles of RNA modifications in mammalian systems. As m6A is the best studied RNA modification in biological processes, this review will summarize the emerging advances on the diverse roles of m6A in cellular functions. In addition, we will also provide an overview for the cellular functions of other RNA modifications, including m5C and m1A. Furthermore, we will also discuss the roles of RNA modifications within the context of disease etiologies and highlight recent advances in the development of therapeutics that target RNA modifications. Elucidating these context-specific functions will increase our understanding of how these modifications become dysregulated during disease pathogenesis and may provide new opportunities for improving disease prevention and therapy by targeting these pathways.
Shared Mechanisms for Mutually Exclusive Expression and Antigenic Variation by Protozoan Parasites
Authors: Florini Francesca , Visone Joseph E. , Deitsch Kirk W.
Published: March 2022

Cellular decision-making at the level of gene expression is a key process in the development and evolution of every organism. Variations in gene expression can lead to phenotypic diversity and the development of subpopulations with adaptive advantages. A prime example is the mutually exclusive activation of a single gene from within a multicopy gene family. In mammals, this ranges from the activation of one of the two immunoglobulin (Ig) alleles to the choice in olfactory sensory neurons of a single odorant receptor (OR) gene from a family of more than 1,000. Similarly, in parasites likeTrypanosoma brucei,Giardia lambliaorPlasmodium falciparum,the process of antigenic variation required to escape recognition by the host immune system involves the monoallelic expression ofvsg,vsporvargenes, respectively. Despite the importance of this process, understanding how this choice is made remains an enigma. The development of powerful techniques such as single cell RNA-seq and Hi-C has provided new insights into the mechanisms these different systems employ to achieve monoallelic gene expression. Studies utilizing these techniques have shown how the complex interplay between nuclear architecture, physical interactions between chromosomes and different chromatin states lead to single allele expression. Additionally, in several instances it has been observed that high-level expression of a single gene is preceded by a transient state where multiple genes are expressed at a low level. In this review, we will describe and compare the different strategies that organisms have evolved to choose one gene from within a large family and how parasites employ this strategy to ensure survival within their hosts.
Biocatalytic Elimination of Pharmaceutics Found in Water With Hierarchical Silica Monoliths in Continuous Flow
Authors: Sebai Wassim , Ahmad Sher , Belleville Marie-Pierre, , Boccheciampe Alexis , Chaurand Perrine , Levard Clément , Brun Nicolas , Galarneau Anne , Sanchez-Marcano Jose
Published: March 2022

Pharmaceutical products (PPs) are considered as emerging micropollutans in wastewaters, river and seawaters, and sediments. The biodegradation of PPs, such as ciprofloxacin, amoxicillin, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline by enzymes in aqueous solution was investigated. Laccase from Trametes versicolor was immobilized on silica monoliths with hierarchical meso-/macropores. Different methods of enzyme immobilization were experienced. The most efficient process was the enzyme covalent bonding through glutaraldehyde coupling on amino-grafted silica monoliths. Silica monoliths with different macropore and mesopore diameters were studied. The best support was the monolith featuring the largest macropore diameter (20 µm) leading to the highest permeability and the lowest pressure drop and the largest mesopore diameter (20 nm) ensuring high enzyme accessibility. The optimized enzymatic reactor (150 mg) was used for the degradation of a PP mixture (20 ppm each in 30 ml) in a continuous recycling configuration at a flow rate of 1 ml/min. The PP elimination efficiency after 24 h was as high as 100% for amoxicillin, 60% for sulfamethoxazole, 55% for tetracycline, and 30% for ciprofloxacin.
Electron Transport Lipids Fold Within Membrane-Like Interfaces
Authors: Braasch-Turi Margaret M. , Koehn Jordan T. , Kostenkova Kateryna , Van Cleave Cameron , Ives Jacob W. , Murakami Heide A. , Crick Dean C. , Crans Debbie C.
Published: March 2022

Lipoquinones, such as ubiquinones (UQ) and menaquinones (MK), function as essential lipid components of the electron transport system (ETS) by shuttling electrons and protons to facilitate the production of ATP in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Lipoquinone function in membrane systems has been widely studied, but the exact location and conformation within membranes remains controversial. Lipoquinones, such as Coenzyme Q (UQ-10), are generally depicted simply as “Q” in life science diagrams or in extended conformations in primary literature even though specific conformations are important for function in the ETS. In this study, our goal was to determine the location, orientation, and conformation of UQ-2, a truncated analog of UQ-10, in model membrane systems and to compare our results to previously studied MK-2. Herein, we first carried out a six-step synthesis to yield UQ-2 and then demonstrated that UQ-2 adopts a folded conformation in organic solvents using 1H-1H 2D NOESY and ROESY NMR spectroscopic studies. Similarly, using 1H-1H 2D NOESY NMR spectroscopic studies, UQ-2 was found to adopt a folded, U-shaped conformation within the interface of an AOT reverse micelle model membrane system. UQ-2 was located slightly closer to the surfactant-water interface compared to the more hydrophobic MK-2. In addition, Langmuir monolayer studies determined UQ-2 resided within the monolayer water-phospholipid interface causing expansion, whereas MK-2 was more likely to be compressed out and reside within the phospholipid tails. All together these results support the model that lipoquinones fold regardless of the headgroup structure but that the polarity of the headgroup influences lipoquinone location within the membrane interface. These results have implications regarding the redox activity near the interface as quinone vs. quinol forms may facilitate locomotion of lipoquinones within the membrane. The location, orientation, and conformation of lipoquinones are critical for their function in generating cellular energy within membrane ETS, and the studies described herein shed light on the behavior of lipoquinones within membrane-like environments.
Highly Efficient and Stable CdZnSeS/ZnSeS Quantum Dots for Application in White Light-Emitting Diode
Authors: Chen Xi , Li Jingzhou , Zhong Yichi , Li Xin , Pan Mingzhong , Qi Hongxing , Dong Hongxing , Zhang Long
Published: March 2022

Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are a promising luminescent phosphor for next-generation lightings and displays. In particular, QD-based white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) are considered to be the candidate light sources with the most potential for application in displays. In this work, we synthesized quaternary/ternary core/shell alloyed CdZnSeS/ZnSeS QDs with high bright emission intensity. The QDs show good thermal stability by performing high temperature-dependent experiments that range from 295 to 433 K. Finally, the WLED based on the CdZnSeS/ZnSeS QDs exhibits a luminous efficiency (LE) of 28.14 lm/W, an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 14.86%, and a warm bright sunlight close to the spectrum of daylight (Commission Internationale de l'éclairage (CIE) coordinates 0.305, 0.371). Moreover, the photoluminescence (PL) intensity, LE, EQE, and correlated color temperature (CCT) of as-prepared QD WLED remained relatively stable with only slight changes in the luminescence stability experiment.
Impact of 3D Rigid Ring Annuloplasty for Tricuspid Regurgitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: You Tao , Ma Yu-Hu , Yi Kang , Gao Jie , Xu Jian-Guo , Xu Xiao-Min , He Shao-E , Wang Wei , Ji Meng
Published: March 2022

Background

Tricuspid annuloplasty (TAP) is accepted as the standard technique for correcting tricuspid regurgitation (TR). We conducted the present study to provide an overview of the contemporary results of 3D rigid ring annuloplasty for TR.

Methods

A systematic literature search was carried out in eight databases to collect all relevant studies on the three-dimensional (3D) rigid ring annuloplasty treatment of TR published before October 1, 2020. The main outcomes of interest were postoperative TR grade, perioperative mortality, and recurrent TR.

Results

A total of eight studies were included, all of which were retrospective observational studies. Rigid 3D rings were compared with flexible bands, and there was no difference in perioperative mortality [odds ratio (OR) = 1.02; 95% CI (0.52, 2.02); p = 0.95], late mortality [OR = 0.99; 95% CI (0.28, 3.50); p = 0.98], or recurrent TR [OR = 0.59; 95% CI (0.29, 1.21); p = 0.15]. The postoperative TR grade associated with 3D rigid rings was 0.12 lower [mean difference (MD) = −0.12; 95% CI (−0.22, −0.01); p = 0.03], which indicated that 3D rigid rings result in better postoperative outcomes than flexible bands. Compared with suture annuloplasty, the postoperative TR grade of the 3D rigid ring group was 0.51 lower [MD = −0.51; 95% CI (−0.59, −0.43); p < 0.05]. Within the 5 years of follow-up, patients who underwent 3D rigid ring annuloplasty had lower TR recurrence [OR = 0.26; 95% CI (0.13, 0.50); p < 0.05].

Conclusions

Compared with suture annuloplasty, 3D rigid rings present early advantages. The 3D rigid rings provide an acceptable short-term effect similar to that of the flexible bands, and a significant difference between these approaches was not discovered. However, the conclusion was based on the limited, short-term data available at the time of the study. Further research on the long-term effects of 3D rigid ring annuloplasty for TR is clearly needed.

Systematic Review Registration

https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2021-3-0105/, identifier: 202130105.
Effect of Cerebral Ischemic Strokes in Different Cerebral Artery Regions on Left Ventricular Function
Authors: Zheng Li-Juan , Lin Xin , Xue Yun-Jing
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The relationship between cerebral ischemic stroke and left ventricular function evaluated by echocardiography has been emphasized. Whether lesions in different cerebral artery regions would result in left ventricular dysfunction remains uncertain.

Methods

Patients were divided into middle cerebral artery (MCA) (n = 79), posterior cerebral artery (PCA) (n = 64), basilar artery (BA) regions (n = 66), and no-ischemic stroke group (n = 209). We retrospectively collected demographic characteristics, hematologic parameters, and ECG results, and a comparison of echocardiographic parameters was performed to determine the relationship between ischemic stroke and left ventricular function.

Results

A total of 418 patients were included. Demographic characteristics did not significantly differ between the ischemic stroke and non-ischemic stroke groups, except for a history of drinking (p < 0.001). Homocysteine levels in the MCA group were higher than those in the PCA and BA groups (p < 0.05). The highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level was higher in the ischemic stroke group than in the non-ischemic stroke one (p = 0.001). A higher incidence of ST-T changes in the ECG and lower levels of potassium and magnesium in the ischemic stroke group were found. Significant differences in diastolic function between groups were noted, and the early mitral inflow velocity, annular early diastolic velocity, and ratio between the mitral annular early diastolic velocity and mitral annulus atrial inflow velocity in the MCA group were lower than those in the BA group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Ischemic strokes exhibited a negative effect on left ventricular diastolic function by echocardiography, especially in MCA region infarcts. These results are of great importance for neurologists as they highlight the need for left ventricular function evaluation after stroke to regulate therapy strategies in time.
Angiotensin Receptor-Neprilysin Inhibitors in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction and Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: A Retrospective Multi-Institutional Study
Authors: Hsiao Fu-Chih , Lin Chia-Pin , Yu Chun-Chen , Tung Ying-Chang , Chu Pao-Hsien
Published: March 2022

Background

Data regarding using angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) in patients with both heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) are limited.

Methods and Results

Between January 2016 and December 2018, patients with HFrEF and advanced CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] ≤ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) were identified from a multi-institutional database in Taiwan. Patients who had never been prescribed with an ARNI, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) were excluded. We used inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) to balance baseline covariates, and compared outcomes between ARNI and ACEI/ARB users. There were 206 patients in the ARNI group and 833 patients in the ACEI/ARB group. After IPTW adjustment, the mean ages (65.1 vs. 66.6 years), male patients (68.3 vs. 67.9%), left ventricular ejection fraction (30.5 vs.31.2%), eGFR (20.9 vs. 20.3 mL/min/1.73 m2) were comparable in the ARNI and ACEI/ARB groups. Over 85% of the patients had beta-blockers prescriptions in both groups (86.2 vs. 85.5%). After IPTW adjustment, the mean follow-up durations were 7.3 months and 6.6 months in the ARNI and ACEI/ARB groups, respectively. ARNI and ACEI/ARB users had a comparable risk of the composite clinical event (all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.31; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91–1.88) and progression to dialysis (HR 1.04; 95% CI 0.54–2.03). In subgroup analysis, dialysis patients who used ARNIs were associated with higher incidence of heart failure hospitalization (subdistribution HR, 1.97; 95% CI 1.36–2.85).

Conclusions

Compared with ACEIs or ARBs, ARNIs were associated with comparable clinical and renal outcomes in patients with HFrEF and advanced CKD (eGFR ≤ 30 mL/min/1.73 m2). In short-term, HF hospitalization may occur more frequently among ARNI users, especially in patients on dialysis.
Association of DNA Methylation in Blood Pressure-Related Genes With Ischemic Stroke Risk and Prognosis
Authors: Zhang Huan , Mo Xingbo , Wang Aili , Peng Hao , Guo Daoxia , Zhong Chongke , Zhu Zhengbao , Xu Tan , Zhang Yonghong
Published: March 2022

Background

A genome-wide association study identified 12 genetic loci influencing blood pressure and implicated a role of DNA methylation. However, the relationship between methylation and ischemic stroke has not yet been clarified. We conducted a large-sample sequencing study to identify blood leukocyte DNA methylations as novel biomarkers for ischemic stroke risk and prognosis based on previously identified genetic loci.

Methods

Methylation levels of 17 genes were measured by sequencing in 271 ischemic stroke cases and 323 controls, and the significant associations were validated in another independent sample of 852 cases and 925 controls. The associations between methylation levels and ischemic stroke risk and prognosis were evaluated.

Results

Methylation of AMH, C17orf82, HDAC9, IGFBP3, LRRC10B, PDE3A, PRDM6, SYT7 and TBX2 was significantly associated with ischemic stroke. Compared to participants without any hypomethylated targets, the odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval, CI) for those with 9 hypomethylated genes was 1.41 (1.33–1.51) for ischemic stroke. Adding methylation levels of the 9 genes to the basic model of traditional risk factors significantly improved the risk stratification for ischemic stroke. Associations between AMH, HDAC9, IGFBP3, PDE3A and PRDM6 gene methylation and modified Rankin Scale scores were significant after adjustment for covariates. Lower methylation levels of AMH, C17orf82, PRDM6 and TBX2 were significantly associated with increased 3-month mortality. Compared to patients without any hypomethylated targets, the OR (95% CI) for those with 4 hypomethylated targets was 1.12 (1.08–1.15) for 3-month mortality (P = 2.28 × 10−10).

Conclusion

The present study identified blood leukocyte DNA methylations as potential factors affecting ischemic stroke risk and prognosis among Han Chinese individuals.
Novel Nongenetic Murine Model of Hyperglycemia and Hyperlipidemia-Associated Aggravated Atherosclerosis
Authors: Gaul Susanne , Shahzad Khurrum , Medert Rebekka , Gadi Ihsan , Mäder Christina , Schumacher Dagmar , Wirth Angela , Ambreen Saira , Fatima Sameen , Boeckel Jes-Niels , Khawaja Hamzah , Haas Jan , Brune Maik , Nawroth Peter P. , Isermann Berend , Laufs Ulrich , Freichel Marc
Published: March 2022

Objective

Atherosclerosis, the main pathology underlying cardiovascular diseases is accelerated in diabetic patients. Genetic mouse models require breeding efforts which are time-consuming and costly. Our aim was to establish a new nongenetic model of inducible metabolic risk factors that mimics hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, or both and allows the detection of phenotypic differences dependent on the metabolic stressor(s).

Methods and Results

Wild-type mice were injected with gain-of-function PCSK9D377Y (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) mutant adeno-associated viral particles (AAV) and streptozotocin and fed either a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 or 20 weeks or a high-cholesterol/high-fat diet (Paigen diet, PD) for 8 weeks. To evaluate atherosclerosis, two different vascular sites (aortic sinus and the truncus of the brachiocephalic artery) were examined in the mice. Combined hyperlipidemic and hyperglycemic (HGHCi) mice fed a HFD or PD displayed characteristic features of aggravated atherosclerosis when compared to hyperlipidemia (HCi HFD or PD) mice alone. Atherosclerotic plaques of HGHCi HFD animals were larger, showed a less stable phenotype (measured by the increased necrotic core area, reduced fibrous cap thickness, and less α-SMA-positive area) and had more inflammation (increased plasma IL-1β level, aortic pro-inflammatory gene expression, and MOMA-2-positive cells in the BCA) after 20 weeks of HFD. Differences between the HGHCi and HCi HFD models were confirmed using RNA-seq analysis of aortic tissue, revealing that significantly more genes were dysregulated in mice with combined hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia than in the hyperlipidemia-only group. The HGHCi-associated genes were related to pathways regulating inflammation (increased Cd68, iNos, and Tnfa expression) and extracellular matrix degradation (Adamts4 and Mmp14). When comparing HFD with PD, the PD aggravated atherosclerosis to a greater extent in mice and showed plaque formation after 8 weeks. Hyperlipidemic and hyperglycemic mice fed a PD (HGHCi PD) showed less collagen (Sirius red) and increased inflammation (CD68-positive cells) within aortic plaques than hyperlipidemic mice (HCi PD). HGHCi-PD mice represent a directly inducible hyperglycemic atherosclerosis model compared with HFD-fed mice, in which atherosclerosis is severe by 8 weeks.

Conclusion

We established a nongenetically inducible mouse model allowing comparative analyses of atherosclerosis in HCi and HGHCi conditions and its modification by diet, allowing analyses of multiple metabolic hits in mice.
Study on Deformation Characteristics of Loess Ultrahigh-Fill Slope Based on Large-Scale Undisturbed Soil Centrifugal Model Tests
Authors: Mei Yuan , Zhou Dong-bo , Hu Chang-ming , Wang Xue-yan , Zhang Yuhang , Xiao Nan , Shi Wenyan
Published: March 2022

Taking the loess high-fill project of Lv Liang airport in China as the research object, large-scale centrifugal tests were carried out to investigate the deformation characteristics of the collapsible loess ultrahigh-fill slope under natural moisture content and saturated state by using a joint model of undisturbed loess and remolded loess. The results show that the consolidation deformation of the collapsible loess ultrahigh-fill slope is the main factor causing its deformation. The post-construction deformation amount and deformation rate are large in the early stage, and the relationship between the post-construction deformation and thickness of filling body is linear. When the water content of soil increases due to infiltration, the consolidation of the filling body and the collapse of the undisturbed foundation loess will cause settlement and deformation of the slope. The slope may crack along the soft zone formed when the water infiltrates. When failure occurs, the sliding surface will pass through the collapsible soil layer. The contact surface between the collapsible loess layer and the adjacent soil layer is part of the sliding surface, and the contact surface with a relatively low strength will be damaged first. When the strength difference between adjacent soil layers is large, the upper soil layer on the slip surface shows a typical translational sliding mode. The slip surface is approximately arc-shaped, and there is a transition layer with a specific thickness between the slip surface and contact surface. The water content of the high-fill slope has a great influence on the post-construction settlement of the slope crest and slope stability. The post-construction settlement of the slope crest increases with the increase in the water content of the filling body, and the stability coefficient of the slope decreases with the increase in the water content of the filling body. In the saturated state, the sliding force of soil increases, the shear strength decreases, and the stability of high fill slope decreases. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the inspection of the rationality of drainage system design in slope construction to ensure slope safety.