bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deprenyl and the relationship between its effects on spatial memory, oxidant stress and hippocampal neurons in aged male rats
Authors: Kiray M , Bagriyanik HA , Pekcetin C , Ergur BU , Uysal N , Ozyurt D , Buldan Z
Published: March 2022

Oxidative stress may play a major role in the aging process and associated cognitive decline. Therefore, antioxidant treatment may alleviate age-related impairment in spatial memory. Cognitive impairment could also involve the age-related morphological alterations of the hippocampal formation. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the effects of deprenyl, an irreversible monoamine-oxidase B inhibitor, on spatial memory by oxidant stress and on the total number of neurons in the hippocampus CA1 region of aged male rats. In this study, 24-month-old male rats were used. Rats were divided into control and experimental groups which received an injection of deprenyl for 21 days. Learning experiments were performed for six days in the Morris water maze. Spatial learning was significantly better in deprenyl-treated rats compared to saline-treated rats. Deprenyl treatment elicited a significant decrease of lipid peroxidation in the prefrontal cortex, striatum and hippocampus regions and a significant increase of glutathione peroxidase activity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. It was observed that deprenyl had no effect on superoxide dismutase activity. The total number of neurons in the hippocampus CA1 region was significantly higher in the deprenyl group than in the control group. In conclusion, we demonstrated that deprenyl increases spatial memory performance in aged male rats and this increase may be related to suppression of lipid peroxidation and alleviation of the age-related decrease of the number of neurons in the hippocampus. The results of such studies may be useful in pharmacological alleviation of the aging process.
Steroids and thermogenesis
Authors: Hampl R , Stárka L , Janský L
Published: March 2022

Apart from thyroid hormones, as the main hormonal regulators of obligatory thermogenesis, and catecholamines, as major hormonal regulators of facultative thermogenesis, production of heat in homeotherms can also be influenced by steroids. Generally, hormones can influence heat production by regulating the activity of various enzymes of oxidative metabolism, by modulating membrane protein carriers and other membrane or nuclear protein factors. Proton carriers in the inner mitochondrial membrane, known as uncoupling proteins, play the key role in heat dissipation to the detriment of the formation of energy-rich phosphates. In this minireview we have focused on the effects of steroids and thyroid hormones on heat production in brown adipose tissues and in skeletal muscles, with particular respect to their effect on uncoupling protein expression. Apart from hormonal steroids, dehydroepiandrosterone, an important precursor in the metabolic pathway leading to hormonal steroids which possess many, mostly beneficial effects on human health, modulates metabolic pathways which may lead to increased heat production. Recent studies demonstrate that 7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone, one of its 7-oxygenated metabolites, is even more effective than dehydroepiandrosterone. Recent findings of various actions of these steroids support the view that they may also participate in modulating thermogenic effects.
Plasma levels of total and active ghrelin in acromegaly and growth hormone deficiency
Authors: Jarkovská Z , Rosická M , Marek J , Hána V , Weiss V , Justová V , Lacinová Z , Haluzík M , Kršek M
Published: March 2022

Ghrelin is an endogenous growth hormone (GH) secretagogue recently isolated from the stomach. Although it possesses a strong GH releasing activity in vitro and in vivo, its physiological significance in endogenous GH secretion remains unclear. The aim of this study was to characterize plasma ghrelin levels in acromegaly and growth hormone deficiency (GHD). We investigated plasma total and active ghrelin in 21 patients with acromegaly, 9 patients with GHD and 24 age-, sex- and BMI-matched controls. In all subjects, we further assessed the concentrations of leptin, soluble leptin receptor, insulin, IGF-I, free IGF-I and IGFBP-1, 2, 3 and 6. Patients with acromegaly and GHD as well as control subjects showed similar levels of total ghrelin (controls 2.004+/-0.18 ng/ml, acromegalics 1.755+/-0.16 ng/ml, p=0.31, GHD patients 1.704+/-0.17 ng/ml, p=0.35) and active ghrelin (controls 0.057+/-0.01 ng/ml, acromegalics 0.047+/-0.01 ng/ml, p=0.29, GHD patients 0.062+/-0.01 ng/ml, p=0.73). In acromegalic patients plasma total ghrelin values correlated negatively with IGF-I (p<0.05), in GHD patients active ghrelin correlated with IGF-I positively (p<0.05). In the control group, total ghrelin correlated positively with IGFBP-2 (p<0.05) and negatively with active ghrelin (p=0.05), BMI (p<0.05), WHR (p<0.05), insulin (p=0.01) and IGF-I (p=0.05). Plasma active ghrelin correlated positively with IGFBP-3 (p=0.005) but negatively with total ghrelin and free IGF-I (p=0.01). In conclusion, all groups of the tested subjects showed similar plasma levels of total and active ghrelin. In acromegaly and growth hormone deficiency plasma ghrelin does not seem to be significantly affected by changes in GH secretion.
GOVERNMENT IN ISLAM
Authors: Rizal Saepul , Nurrahman Agung
Published: March 2022

Pemerintahan dalam Islam merupakan salah satu topik yang menarik untuk dibahas mengingat hari ini banyak negara yang dengan segala kelebihan dan kekurangannya mencari model pemerintahan yang ideal dan dapat dengan mudah untuk di terapkan, Tujuan Penelitian ini adalah mengkaji tentang Pemerintahan dalam Islam dengan menggunakan Metode Kajian Pustaka yaitu berisi teori teori yang relevan dengan masalah – masalah penelitian.  Dapat di simpulkan bahwa Islam sangat memperhatikan pemerintahan, dalam islam penuh dengan aturan yang mengatur kehidupan individu maupun kehidupan suatu komunitas sosial, Maka islam menghedaki terbentuknya suatu negara dan sistem pemerintahan di dalamnya. agar dapat menerapkan setiap aturan yang ada dalam Islam, menegakan keadilan, mensejahterakan rakyat dan menghilangkan penjajahan dan perbudakan yang mungkin saja terjadi dalam suatu komunitas sosial yang tentunya akan membawa kepada kemadhorotan termasuk dalam tujuan Negara dalam Islam yaitu memberikan keamanan dan mengadili setiap tindakan yang menyimpang dengan asas keadilan dan kemanusiaan.
PARTISIPASI POLITIK MASYARAKAT DALAM PEMILIHAN KEPALA DAERAH OLEH BADAN KESATUAN BANGSA DAN POLITIK DI KABUPATEN MERAUKE
Authors: Mulyana Mulyana , Tambunan Christian Jhonfri
Published: March 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis perkembangan partisipasi masyarakat dalam pemilihan Bupati dan Wakil Bupati di Kabupaten Merauke dari tahun 2015 hingga 2020 dengan upaya yang dilakukan oleh Badan Kesatuan Bangsa dan Politik  sudah berjalan baik atau belum sebagai pihak dari Pemerintah Daerah dalam mendorong partisipasi masyarakat. Analisis permasalahan tersebut digunakan teori partisipasi politik menurut James Roseau. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian kualitatif deskriptif dengan pendekatan induktif. Adapun teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian adalah Wawancara dan Dokumentasi. Langkah-langkah yang digunakan dalam analisis data yaitu reduksi data, verifikasi data dan penarikan kesimpulan. Penulis menyimpulkan bahwa perkembangan partisipasi politik masyarakat Kabupaten Merauke pada pilkada Tahun 2015 hingga 2020 mengalami kenaikan sebesar 14,66%, peningkatan ini terjadi karena masyarakat Kabupaten Merauke mulai memiliki kesadaran berpartisipasi politik dengan gaya partisipasi yang aktif akibat faktor derita. Penulis merekomendasikan Badan Kesatuan Bangsa dan Politik dapat melakukan sosialisasi kepada masyarakat menggunakan media massa yang ada seperti siaran radio lokal, televisi lokal dan pemanfaatan media sosial yang ada saat ini. Perlu adanya kerjasama antara pihak Badan Kesatuan Bangsa dan Politik dengan KPU, Pemerintah Distrik, Pemerintah Kampung, hingga RT dan RW untuk menumbuhkan budaya politik dalam diri masyarakat. Memberikan pembinaan dan pengarahan kepada Partai Politik sebagai infrastruktur politik untuk menjalankan fungsinya dalam masyarakat dan Melakukan pengawasan dan pembinaan terhadap masyarakat dalam penyampaian aspirasi melalui kerjasama dengan pihak Pemerintah Distrik.
Análisis antropométrico de un equipo de baloncesto femenino de élite durante la primera parte de una temporada regular
Authors: Ramírez Bravo Iván , Díaz García Jesús , López Gajardo Miguel Ángel , Ponce Bordón José Carlos
Published: March 2022

El análisis cineantropométrico parece ser una herramienta fiable para cuantificar la evolución del rendimiento en el baloncesto profesional. Cada vez son más los equipos femeninos que valoran la composición corporal con intención de conocer los efectos y las mejoras producidas en las jugadoras consecuencia de los entrenamientos y la competición. En este sentido, el objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar la evolución antropométrica de 10 jugadoras (M = 23.7; DT = 3.2) pertenecientes a un equipo de la máxima categoría de baloncesto femenino en España, durante la primera vuelta de la temporada regular 2019/2020. Para la obtención de los datos, se marcaron tres mediciones repartidas desde el inicio de pretemporada hasta el final de la primera vuelta y se utilizaron los instrumentos recomendados por la International Society for the Advancement of Kynanthropometry (ISAK) para un análisis cineantropométrico completo. Tras la obtención de los datos, se realizó una prueba Shapiro Wik y una comparación de medias entre las mediciones. Los resultados muestran una evolución antropométrica favorable contrastan que los principales cambios antropométricos se producen durante la temporada regular.
Análisis de la presencia de la mujer en el fútbol y fútbol sala de la CARM desde 2010 hasta la actualidad
Authors: Giménez Pérez-Chuecos Marcos , Rodriguez-Ferran Olga
Published: March 2022

El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar la evolución de la presencia de la mujer en el fútbol y fútbol sala de la CARM desde 2010 hasta la actualidad a partir del estudio de las licencias federativas de jugadoras, entrenadoras y árbitras. Para ello, se utilizó como muestra las licencias federativas de jugadores/as, entrenadores/as y árbitros/as de las últimas diez temporadas. Se llevó a cabo un análisis descriptivo de los datos mediante medias, desviaciones típicas, frecuencias absolutas y relativas analizando las siguientes variables: a) número de jugadores de fútbol; b) número de jugadoras de fútbol; c) número de árbitros masculino de fútbol; d) número de árbitros femeninos de fútbol; e) número de entrenadores de fútbol; f) número de entrenadoras de fútbol; g) número de jugadores de fútbol sala; h) número de jugadoras de fútbol sala; i) número de árbitros masculino de fútbol sala; j) número de árbitros femeninos de fútbol sala; k) número de entrenadores de fútbol sala; e i) número de entrenadoras de fútbol sala. Los resultados muestran que existe una baja participación femenina en el fútbol de la Región de Murcia nunca superando el 7% de participación total, llegando incluso a no aparecer en el puesto de entrenadora en alguna temporada, siendo dicho puesto el que menos ocupación tiene mientras que el de jugadora aparece como el que más. Como conclusión, se puede destacar que el fútbol femenino se encuentra muy alejado en cuanto a participación se refiere en comparación con su homólogo masculino, apareciendo mayor presencia femenina en fútbol sala que en fútbol.
El Perfil del Empresario de Turismo Activo y Deportes de Aventura en Extremadura
Authors: Rojo-Ramos Jorge , Manzano-Redondo Fernando , Mañanas Iglesias Carlos , Gamonales José M.
Published: March 2022

El turismo activo y su relación con el turismo y actividades de aventura, se ha convertido en uno de los sectores que mayor auge está experimentado en la actualidad, desarrollándose en Extremadura una importante red empresarial en relación a ello. Por este motivo, surge la necesidad de conocer el perfil del empresario/a de turismo activo en Extremadura, tratando su formación, profesionalización y dedicación a través de este estudio. La investigación se ha desarrollado seleccionando las empresas de Turismo Activo con sede en la Comunidad Autónoma de Extremadura que se encuentran inscritas en el registro de empresas de actividades turísticas alternativas de la Consejería de Cultura, Turismo y Deportes de la Junta de Extremadura. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que el perfil del empresario de turismo activo en Extremadura es mayoritariamente masculino, soltero, siendo un Técnico Deportivo de Grado Medio, en la provincia de Cáceres, con vocación y practicante de deportes de aventura, autónomo con una experiencia de 10 años o más y que compatibiliza su actividad con otra profesión. De esta forma, se extrae que es necesario seguir aumentando la profesionalización del sector y un mayor respaldo por parte de la administración para lograr un correcto desarrollo y mejora del sector del Turismo Activo y Deportivo en la región.
Efectos de 12 semanas de entrenamiento vibratorio de cuerpo completo sobre el miedo a caerse en mujeres sedentarias con fibromialgia
Authors: Domínguez-Muñoz Alberto , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Pastor-Cisneros Raquel , Rojo-Ramos Jorge , Barrios Fernandez Sabina , Domínguez-Muñoz Francisco Javier
Published: March 2022

El objetivo de este estudio fue comprobar el efecto de 12 semanas de entrenamiento vibratorio de cuerpo completo en plataforma oscilatoria sobre el miedo a caerse en personas con fibromialgia (FM). Cuarenta y una mujeres diagnosticadas con FM (edad: 47±10.5 años) fueron aleatorizadas en dos grupos: vibración mecánica de cuerpo completo (n=21) y control (n= 20). La intervención del grupo experimental consistió en realizar 6 repeticiones a 12,5 Hz, con una frecuencia de 3 sesiones por semana y durante un total de 12 semanas. Se midió el miedo a caerse mediante el cuestionario FES-I y el grado de discapacidad con el Cuestionario de Impacto de Fibromialgia (CIF). Los resultados mostraron que las mujeres con FM presentan mayor miedo a caer que sus homólogos sanos, pero que la realización del programa de vibración mecánica de cuerpo completo, a pesar de reducir el miedo a caerse, no se encontraron diferencias significativas respecto al grupo control. Por tanto, concluimos que las mujeres con FM tienen miedo a caerse y que el programa de entrenamiento vibratorio propuesto no mostró ser útil para reducir el miedo a caer en mujeres sedentarias con FM. Así, se recomienda que los programas de intervención en esta población tengan un carácter multidisciplinar, incluyendo ejercicio físico en combinación con otras estrategias de actividad física o comportamentales y terapia psicológica.
COVID-19 Pandemic Influence on Diabetes Management in Croatia
Authors: Cerovečki Ivan , Švajda Marija
Published: March 2022

Aim

The study aims to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on diabetes management and diabetes patients’ healthcare utilization patterns in Croatia.

Methods

Using data contained in the Croatian diabetes registry (CroDiab), Central Health Information System of the Republic of Croatia (CEZIH), and the Croatian hospitalization database (BSO), indicators including the total number of registered diabetes patients, number of newly diagnosed diabetes cases, number of diabetes-related primary care visits and hospitalizations, and key diabetes control indicators were analyzed. Yearly values from 2017 until 2020 were compared.

Results

The age-adjusted prevalence rate increased significantly from 2017 until 2019 (2017: 6,858/100,000; 2018: 7,053/100,000; 2019: 7,160/100,000). In 2020 the age-adjusted prevalence rate was 7,088/100,000, but the decrease was insignificant compared to 2019. The age-adjusted rate of new cases decreased from 2017 until 2019 (2017: 910/100,000; 2018: 876/100,000; 2019: 845/100,000), with a significant decrease in 2020 (692/100,000) compared to 2019. The number of diabetes panels increased from 2017 (117,676) to 2018 (131,815), with a slight decrease in 2019 (127,742) and a sharp decrease in 2020 (104,159). A similar trend was observed regarding the numbers of diabetes patients with panels, visits to primary healthcare providers for diabetes-related problems and diabetes patients who visited their primary healthcare provider. A slightly different trend was observed regarding diabetes-related hospitalizations. In 2017 there were 91,192 diabetes-related hospitalizations; the number decreased to 83,219 in 2018, increased again to 102,087 in 2019 and decreased to 85,006 in 2020. The number of hospitalized diabetes patients displayed a similar tendency.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on the utilisation of healthcare by diabetes patients, which may have long-term consequences for their general health.
Fibrinogen Mitigates Prion-Mediated Platelet Activation and Neuronal Cell Toxicity
Authors: Gautam Deepa , Kailashiya Jyotsna , Tiwari Arundhati , Chaurasia Rameshwar Nath , Annarapu Gowtham K. , Guchhait Prasenjit , Dash Debabrata
Published: March 2022

Prion peptide (PrP) misfolds to infectious scrapie isoform, the β pleat-rich insoluble fibrils responsible for neurodegeneration and fatal conformational diseases in humans. The amino acid sequence 106–126 from prion proteins, PrP(106–126), is highly amyloidogenic and implicated in prion-induced pathologies. Here, we report a novel interaction between PrP(106–126) and the thrombogenic plasma protein fibrinogen that can lead to mitigation of prion-mediated pro-thrombotic responses in human platelets as well as significant decline in neuronal toxicity. Thus, prior exposure to fibrinogen-restrained PrP-induced rise in cytosolic calcium, calpain activation, and shedding of extracellular vesicles in platelets while it, too, averted cytotoxicity of neuronal cells triggered by prion peptide. Interestingly, PrP was found to accelerate fibrin-rich clot formation, which was resistant to plasmin-mediated fibrinolysis, consistent with enhanced thrombus stability provoked by PrP. We propose that PrP-fibrinogen interaction can be clinically exploited further for prevention and management of infectious prion related disorders. Small molecules or peptides mimicking PrP-binding sites on fibrinogen can potentially mitigate PrP-induced cellular toxicity while also preventing the negative impact of PrP on fibrin clot formation and lysis.
Epidemiological Study on Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection of Hospitalized Children in a Single Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cai Fengqing , Shou Xinyi , Ye Qing
Published: March 2022

Background

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, a series of preventive and control measures in China have been used to effectively curb the spread of COVID-19. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP) in hospitalized children with acute respiratory tract infection during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

MP IgM antibody and CP IgM antibody were detected in all hospitalized children due to acute respiratory tract infection in the Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang University from January 2019 to December 2020. These data were compared between 2019 and 2020 based on age and month.

Results

The overall detection rate of MP and CP in 2020 was significantly lower than that in 2019 (MP: 21.5% vs 32.9%, P<0.001; CP: 0.3% vs 0.9%, P<0.001). This study found a 4-fold reduction in the number of children positive for MP and a 7.5-fold reduction in the number of children positive for CP from 2019 to 2020. The positive cases were concentrated in children aged >1 year old. In 2019, the positive rate of MP was detected more commonly in children 3 years of age or older than in younger children. In 2020, the higher positive rate of MP reached a peak in the 3- to 6-year age group (35.3%). CP was detected predominantly in children aged 6 years older in 2019 and 2020, with positive rates of 4.8% and 2.6%, respectively. Meanwhile, the positive rates of MP in 2019 were detected more commonly in July, August and September, with 47.2%, 46.7% and 46.3%, respectively. Nevertheless, the positive rates of MP from February to December 2020 apparently decreased compared to those in 2019. The positive rates of CP were evenly distributed throughout the year, with 0.5%-1.6% in 2019 and 0.0%-2.1% in 2020.

Conclusions

A series of preventive and control measures for SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 pandemic can not only contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 but also sharply improve the infection of other atypical pathogens, including MP and CP.
Using Indigenous Standards to Implement the CARE Principles: Setting Expectations through Tribal Research Codes
Authors: Carroll Stephanie Russo , Garba Ibrahim , Plevel Rebecca , Small-Rodriguez Desi , Hiratsuka Vanessa Y. , Hudson Maui , Garrison Nanibaa’ A.
Published: March 2022

Biomedical data are now organized in large-scale databases allowing researchers worldwide to access and utilize the data for new projects. As new technologies generate even larger amounts of data, data governance and data management are becoming pressing challenges. The FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) were developed to facilitate data sharing. However, the Indigenous Data Sovereignty movement advocates for greater Indigenous control and oversight in order to share data on Indigenous Peoples’ terms. This is especially true in the context of genetic research where Indigenous Peoples historically have been unethically exploited in the name of science. This article outlines the relationship between sovereignty and ethics in the context of data to describe the collective rights that Indigenous Peoples assert to increase control over their biomedical data. Then drawing on the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance (Collective benefit, Authority to control, Responsibility, and Ethics), we explore how standards already set by Native nations in the United States, such as tribal research codes, provide direction for implementation of the CARE Principles to complement FAIR. A broader approach to policy and procedure regarding tribal participation in biomedical research is required and we make recommendations for tribes, institutions, and ethical practice.
PEP-sNASP Peptide Alleviates LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury Through the TLR4/TRAF6 Axis
Authors: Wu Yu-Chih , Hsu Sung-Po , Hu Meng-Chun , Lan Yu-Ting , Yeh Edward T. H. , Yang Feng-Ming
Published: March 2022

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe inflammatory lung disease associated with macrophages. Somatic nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (sNASP) is a negative regulator of Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling that targets tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) in macrophages, which is required to maintain homeostasis of the innate immune response. In the present study, we generated a cell permeable PEP-sNASP peptide using the sNASP protein N-terminal domain, and examined its potential therapeutic effect in a mouse model of ALI induced by the intranasal administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms in RAW 264.7 cells.In vivo, PEP-sNASP peptide treatment markedly ameliorated pathological injury, reduced the wet/dry (W/D) weight ratio of the lungs and the production of proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α).In vitro, we demonstrated that when the PEP-sNASP peptide was transduced into RAW 264.7 cells, it bound to TRAF6, which markedly decreased LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines by inhibiting TRAF6 autoubiquitination, nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and cellular nitric oxide (NO) levels. Furthermore, the PEP-sNASP peptide also inhibited NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. Our results therefore suggest that the PEP-sNASP may provide a potential protein therapy against oxidative stress and pulmonary inflammationviaselective TRAF6 signaling.
Exercise-Based Renal Rehabilitation: A Bibliometric Analysis From 1969 to 2021
Authors: Zhang Fan , Ye Jing , Bai Yan , Wang Hui , Wang Weiqiong
Published: March 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing global health challenge with an increasing incidence rate. Exercise-based renal rehabilitation is an evidence-based, multidisciplinary, and comprehensive intervention designed to improve the physical and psychological condition of patients with CKD. The knowledge structure, research hotspots, and development trends in exercise-based renal rehabilitation have not been systematically described. The aim of this study was to provide a bibliometric perspective of the progress in this field. Publications about exercise-based renal rehabilitation were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection, using the terms “exercise,” “physical activity,” and “chronic kidney disease.” Annual publications, subject categories, countries, authors, references, and keywords in this field were visually analyzed using the Citespace, VOSview, and Excel software. A total of 4,610 publications were analyzed, with a steady increase in publications in the field. Overall, the United States is the major contributor to the study of exercise-based renal rehabilitation. Johansen KL and Painter P are the key researchers in this field. Keyword analysis shows that research hotspots in this field include exercise/physical activity for different stages of CKD, exercise-based renal rehabilitation for frailty, and physical activity management for CKD. These findings will make understanding exercise-based renal rehabilitation research better and inform about future research ideas.
Examining the Ability of Aerobic Halophilic Heterotrophic Microbial Consortia to Replace Ca by Mg in Different CaCO3 Precursors
Authors: Alibrahim Ammar , Dittrich Maria
Published: March 2022

Recent laboratory experiments have exhibited microbes as promising agents in solving the perplexing origin of ancient dolomite by demonstrating microbial capability to mediate dolomite nucleation and growth. However, dolomite crystals from laboratory experiments have shown irrelevant characteristics to ancient dolomite from mineralogical and petrological perspectives. A major irrelevant characteristic is that ancient dolomite was assumed to be formed after the replacement of Ca by Mg in precursor CaCO3 in a process known as diagenesis, which contrasts with the primary precipitation process observed in laboratory culturing experiments. Considering dolomite microbial experiments, one can imply the involvement of microbes in the formation of ancient dolomite, as microbes have shown the ability to overcome the dolomite kinetic barrier. Despite that fact, the ability of microbes in mediating dolomite diagenesis has not been investigated. In this study, microbes were applied to mediate replacement of Ca by Mg in different CaCO3 precursors. The microbial replacement experiments were based on the enrichment of aerobic halophilic heterotrophic microbial consortia sampled from sediments collected from Al-Subiya sabkha in Kuwait. Two experiments were performed in saturated media at 35°C for 14 and 30 days simulating the conditions of microbial dolomite experiments. The change in mineralogy was examined via powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the change in texture and compositional microstructures was examined using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The effect of microbes on the alteration of CaCO3 precursors was studied by comparing biotic experimentations with abiotic controls. The biotic samples were shown to result in the favorable conditions for dolomite formation including an increase in pH and alkalinity, but no changes were observed in mineralogy or compositional microstructure of CaCO3 precursors. Our results suggest the inability of aerobic halophilic heterotrophic microbial consortia to introduce Mg replacement on CaCO3 precursors in a timely manner that is comparable to primary precipitation in microbial dolomite experiments. The inability of the enriched microbial consortia to mediate replacement can be ascribed to different factors controlling the diagenetic process compared to primary precipitation in microbial dolomite experiments.
Aspen Leaves as a “Chemical Landscape” for Fungal Endophyte Diversity—Effects of Nitrogen Addition
Authors: Witzell Johanna , Decker Vicki Huizu Guo , Agostinelli Marta , Romeralo Carmen , Cleary Michelle , Albrectsen Benedicte Riber
Published: March 2022

Abiotic and biotic factors may shape the mycobiome communities in plants directly but also indirectly by modifying the quality of host plants as a substrate. We hypothesized that nitrogen fertilization (N) would determine the quality of aspen (Populus tremula) leaves as a substrate for the endophytic fungi, and that by subjecting the plants to N, we could manipulate the concentrations of positive (nutritious) and negative (antifungal) chemicals in leaves, thus changing the internal “chemical landscape” for the fungi. We expected that this would lead to changes in the fungal community composition, in line with the predictions of heterogeneity–diversity relationship and resource availability hypotheses. To test this, we conducted a greenhouse study where aspen plants were subjected to N treatment. The chemical status of the leaves was confirmed using GC/MS (114 metabolites, including amino acids and sugars), LC/MS (11 phenolics), and UV-spectrometry (antifungal condensed tannins, CTs), and the endophytic communities were characterized using culture-dependent sequencing. We found that N treatment reduced foliar concentrations of CT precursor catechin but not that of CTs. Nitrogen treatment also increased the concentrations of the amino acids and reduced the concentration of some sugars. We introduced beetle herbivores (H) as a second treatment but found no rapid changes in chemical traits nor strong effect on the diversity of endophytes induced by herbivores. A few rare fungi were associated with and potentially vectored by the beetle herbivores. Our findings indicate that in a controlled environment, the externally induced changes did not strongly alter endophyte diversity in aspen leaves.
Hypothalamic Nesfatin-1 Resistance May Underlie the Development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Maternally Undernourished Non-obese Rats
Authors: Durst Máté , Könczöl Katalin , Ocskay Klementina , Sípos Klaudia , Várnai Péter , Szilvásy-Szabó Anett , Fekete Csaba , Tóth Zsuzsanna E.
Published: March 2022

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) poses a high risk for developing late-onset, non-obese type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The exact mechanism underlying this phenomenon is unknown, although the contribution of the central nervous system is recognized. The main hypothalamic nuclei involved in the homeostatic regulation express nesfatin-1, an anorexigenic neuropeptide and identified regulator of blood glucose level. Using intrauterine protein restricted rat model (PR) of IUGR, we investigated, whether IUGR alters the function of nesfatin-1. We show that PR rats develop fat preference and impaired glucose homeostasis by adulthood, while the body composition and caloric intake of normal nourished (NN) and PR rats are similar. Plasma nesfatin-1 levels are unaffected by IUGR in both neonates and adults, but pro-nesfatin-1 mRNA expression is upregulated in the hypothalamus of adult PR animals. We find that centrally injected nesfatin-1 inhibits the fasting induced neuronal activation in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus in adult NN rats. This effect of nesfatin-1 is not seen in PR rats. The anorexigenic effect of centrally injected nesfatin-1 is also reduced in adult PR rats. Moreover, chronic central nesfatin-1 administration improves the glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in NN rats but not in PR animals. Birth dating of nesfatin-1 cells by bromodeoxyuridine (BrDU) reveals that formation of nesfatin-1 cells in the hypothalamus of PR rats is disturbed. Our results suggest that adult PR rats acquire hypothalamic nesfatin-1-resistance, probably due to the altered development of the hypothalamic nesfatin-1 cells. Hypothalamic nesfatin-1-resistance, in turn, may contribute to the development of non-obese type T2DM.
A Comprehensive Survey of Genomic Mutations in Breast Cancer Reveals Recurrent Neoantigens as Potential Therapeutic Targets
Authors: Zhou Si , Liu Songming , Zhao Lijian , Sun Hai-Xi
Published: March 2022

Neoantigens are mutated antigens specifically generated by cancer cells but absent in normal cells. With high specificity and immunogenicity, neoantigens are considered as an ideal target for immunotherapy. This study was aimed to investigate the signature of neoantigens in breast cancer. Somatic mutations, including SNVs and indels, were obtained from cBioPortal of 5991 breast cancer patients. 738 non-silent somatic variants present in at least 3 patients for neoantigen prediction were selected. PIK3CA (38%), the highly mutated gene in breast cancer, could produce the highest number of neoantigens per gene. Some pan-cancer hotspot mutations, such as PIK3CA E545K (6.93%), could be recognized by at least one HLA molecule. Since there are more SNVs than indels in breast cancer, SNVs are the major source of neoantigens. Patients with hormone receptor-positive or HER2 negative are more competent to produce neoantigens. Age, but not the clinical stage, is a significant contributory factor of neoantigen production. We believe a detailed description of breast cancer neoantigen signatures could contribute to neoantigen-based immunotherapy development.
EGFR Q787Q Polymorphism Is a Germline Variant and a Prognostic Factor for Lung Cancer Treated With TKIs
Authors: Wu Wen-Jui , Yang Sheng-Hsiung , Chung Hsin-Pei , Yen Chia-Te , Chen Yen-Ting , Chang Wei-Chin , Su Jian , Chen Hsuan-Yu
Published: March 2022

The prevalence and impact of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Q787Q polymorphism on the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma remains unclear. We retrospectively analyzed patients with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma to evaluate the prevalence of the EGFR Q787Q polymorphism and its influence on effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment. A total of 333 patients were included in this study. The prevalence of the EGFR Q787Q polymorphism was 38%, 42%, and 35% in the total patients, EGFR mutation negative, and EGFR mutation positive groups, respectively. The prevalence of EGFR Q787Q polymorphism was significantly higher in EGFR wild-type patients than in the general non-cancerous population from Taiwan Biobank and 1000 Genome Project databases, respectively. EGFR Q787Q polymorphism had significant protective effects on the overall survival of EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma treated with EGFR TKIs (aHR =0.61, p=0.03). Our study demonstrated that EGFR Q787Q polymorphism is a germline variant in the general population. It is a protective predictor of overall survival in patients with stage IV EGFR-mutated lung adenocarcinoma treated with TKIs.
Association Between Vascular Index Measured via Superb Microvascular Imaging and Molecular Subtype of Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Yan , Cai Si-Man , Zhang Li , Zhu Qing-Li , Sun Qiang , Jiang Yu-Xin , Wang Hong-Yan , Li Jian-Chu
Published: March 2022

Background

To determine whether vascular index (VI; defined as the ratio of Doppler signal pixels to pixels in the total lesion) measured via superb microvascular imaging in breast cancer correlates with immunohistochemically defined subtype and is able to predict molecular subtypes.

Methods

This prospective study involved 225 patients with 225 mass-type invasive breast cancers (mean size 2.6 ± 1.4 cm, range 0.4~5.9 cm) who underwent ultrasound and superb microvascular imaging (SMI) at Peking Union Medical College Hospital before breast surgery from December 2016 to June 2018. The correlations between primary tumor VI measured via SMI, clinicopathological findings, and molecular subtype were analyzed. The performance of VI for prediction of molecular subtypes in invasive breast cancer was investigated.

Results

The median VI of the 225 tumors was 7.3% (4.2%~11.8%) (range 0%~54.4%). Among the subtypes of the 225 tumors, 41 (18.2%) were luminal A, 91 (40.4%) were luminal B human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2)-negative, 26 (11.6%) were luminal B HER-2-positive, 17 (7.6%) were HER-2-positive, and 50 (22.2%) were triple-negative, and the corresponding median VI values were 5.9% (2.6%~11.6%) (range 0%~47.1%), 7.3 (4.4%~10.5%) (range 0%~29.5%), 6.3% (3.9%~11.3%) (range 0.6%~22.2%), 8.2% (4.9%~15.6%) (range 0.9%~54.4%), and 9.2% (5.1%~15.3%) (range 0.7%~32.9%), respectively. Estrogen receptor (ER) negativity, higher tumor grade, and higher Ki-67 index (≥20%) were significantly associated with a higher VI value. Tumor size, ER status, and Ki-67 index were shown to independently influence VI. A cutoff value of 4.1% yielded 79.9% sensitivity and 41.5% specificity with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.58 for predicting that a tumor was of the luminal A subtype. A cutoff value of 16.4% yielded 30.0% sensitivity and 90.3% specificity with an AUC of 0.60 for predicting a triple-negative subtype.

Conclusions

VI, as a quantitative index obtained by SMI examination, could reflect histologic vascular changes in invasive breast cancer and was found to be higher in more biologically aggressive breast tumors. VI shows a certain degree of correlation with the molecular subtype of invasive breast cancer and plays a limited role in predicting the luminal A with high sensitivity and triple-negative subtype with high specificity.
Biological Functions and Molecular Mechanisms of MiR-608 in Cancer
Authors: Lu Juan , Zhu Danhua , Li Lanjuan
Published: March 2022

In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have attracted much attention because of their prominent role in cancer. An increasing number of studies have shown that miRNAs play an important role in a variety of tumors. miR-608 has been reported to be decreased in cancers, especially in solid tumors. miR-608 is regarded as a tumor suppressor, which has been verified through a large number of experiments both in vivo and in vitro. miR-608 participates in many biological processes, including cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis, by inhibiting transmembrane proteins and many signaling pathways. Here, we summarize the expression profile and biological functions and mechanism of miR-608, suggesting that miR-608 is an ideal diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and a treatment target for cancer.
Neonatal Simulation Program: A 5 Years Educational Journey From Qatar
Authors: Bayoumi Mohammad A. A. , Elmalik Einas E. , Ali Hossamaldein , D'Souza Sunitha , Furigay Jojo , Romo Ava , Shyam Sunitha , Singh Rajvir , Koobar Olfa , Al Shouli Jihad , van Rens Matheus , Abounahia Fouad F. , Gad Ashraf , Elbaba Mostafa , Lutfi Samawal
Published: March 2022

We describe the process of implementation, adaptation, expansion and some related clinical intuitional impacts of the neonatal simulation program since its launch in 2016 in a non-simulation neonatal unit. The team has developed 6 types of curricula: 1 full-day course and 5 half-day workshops. A total of 35 free of charge simulation courses/workshops were conducted, 32 in Qatar and 3 abroad with a total of 799 diverse participants. There was a steady increase in the overall success rate of PICC insertion from 81.7% (309/378) to 97.6% (439/450) across 3 years (P < 0.0001). The first attempt PICC insertion success rate has been also increased from 57.7% (218/378) to 66.9% (301/450) across 3 years. The mean duration of PICC insertion has been improved from 39.7 ± 25 to 34.9 ± 12.4 min after implementing the program (P = 0.33). The mean duration of the LISA catheter insertion at the beginning of the workshop was 23.5 ± 15.9 compared to 12.1 ± 8.5 s at the end of the workshop (P = 0.001). When it came to clinical practise in real patients by the same participants, the overall LISA catheter insertion success rate was 100% and the first attempt success rate was 80.4%. The mean duration of LISA catheter insertion in real patients was 26.9 ± 13.9 s compared to the end of the workshop (P = 0.001). The mean duration of the endotracheal intubation at the beginning of the workshop was 12.5 ± 9.2 compared to 4.2 ± 3.8 s at the end of the workshop (P = 0.001). In real patients, the first-attempt intubation success rate has been improved from 37/139 (26.6%) in the first year to 141/187 (75.5%) in the second year after the program implementation (P = 0.001). The mean duration of successful endotracheal intubation attempts has been improved from 39.1 ± 52.4 to 20.1 ± 9.9 s (P = 0.78). As per the participants, the skills learned in the program sessions help in protecting neonates from potential harm and improve the overall neonatal outcome. Implementing a neonatal simulation program is a promising and feasible idea. Our experience can be generalised and replicated in other neonatal care institutions.
Pericytes’ Circadian Clock Affects Endothelial Cells’ Synchronization and Angiogenesis in a 3D Tissue Engineered Scaffold
Authors: Mastrullo Valeria , van der Veen Daan R. , Gupta Priyanka , Matos Rolando S. , Johnston Jonathan D. , McVey John H. , Madeddu Paolo , Velliou Eirini G. , Campagnolo Paola
Published: March 2022

Angiogenesis, the formation of new capillaries from existing ones, is a fundamental process in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. While it is known to be affected by circadian rhythms in vivo, its peripheral regulation within the vasculature and the role it performs in regulating the interplay between vascular cells have not yet been investigated. Peripheral clocks within the vasculature have been described in the endothelium and in smooth muscle cells. However, to date, scarce evidence has been presented regarding pericytes, a perivascular cell population deeply involved in the regulation of angiogenesis and vessel maturation, as well as endothelial function and homeostasis. More crucially, pericytes are also a promising source of cells for cell therapy and tissue engineering. Here, we established that human primary pericytes express key circadian genes and proteins in a rhythmic fashion upon synchronization. Conversely, we did not detect the same patterns in cultured endothelial cells. In line with these results, pericytes’ viability was disproportionately affected by circadian cycle disruption, as compared to endothelial cells. Interestingly, endothelial cells’ rhythm could be induced following exposure to synchronized pericytes in a contact co-culture. We propose that this mechanism could be linked to the altered release/uptake pattern of lactate, a known mediator of cell-cell interaction which was specifically altered in pericytes by the knockout of the key circadian regulator Bmal1. In an angiogenesis assay, the maturation of vessel-like structures was affected only when both endothelial cells and pericytes did not express Bmal1, indicating a compensation system. In a 3D tissue engineering scaffold, a synchronized clock supported a more structured organization of cells around the scaffold pores, and a maturation of vascular structures. Our results demonstrate that pericytes play a critical role in regulating the circadian rhythms in endothelial cells, and that silencing this system disproportionately affects their pro-angiogenic function. Particularly, in the context of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, considering the effect of circadian rhythms may be critical for the development of mature vascular structures and to obtain the maximal reparative effect.
ZOOMICS: Comparative Metabolomics of Red Blood Cells From Guinea Pigs, Humans, and Non-human Primates During Refrigerated Storage for Up to 42 Days
Authors: Bertolone Lorenzo , Shin Hye Kyung H. , Baek Jin Hyen , Gao Yamei , Spitalnik Steven L. , Buehler Paul W. , D’Alessandro Angelo
Published: March 2022

Unlike other rodents, guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) have evolutionarily lost their capacity to synthesize vitamin C (ascorbate)de novoand, like several non-human primates and humans, rely on dietary intake and glutathione-dependent recycling to cope with oxidant stress. This is particularly relevant in red blood cell physiology, and especially when modeling blood storage, which exacerbates erythrocyte oxidant stress. Herein we provide a comprehensive metabolomics analysis of fresh and stored guinea pig red blood cell concentrates (n= 20), with weekly sampling from storage day 0 through 42. Results were compared to previously published ZOOMICS studies on red blood cells from three additional species with genetic loss of L-gulonolactone oxidase function, including humans (n= 21), olive baboons (n= 20), and rhesus macaques (n= 20). While metabolic trends were comparable across all species, guinea pig red blood cells demonstrated accelerated alterations of the metabolic markers of the storage lesion that are consistent with oxidative stress. Compared to the other species, guinea pig red blood cells showed aberrant glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway end product metabolites, purine breakdown products, methylation, glutaminolysis, and markers of membrane lipid remodeling. Consistently, guinea pig red blood cells demonstrated higher end storage hemolysis, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed a higher degree of morphological alterations of their red blood cells, as compared to the other species. Despite a genetic inability to produce ascorbate that is common to the species evaluated, guinea pig red blood cells demonstrate accelerated oxidant stress under standard storage conditions. These data may offer relevant insights into the basal and cold storage metabolism of red blood cells from species that cannot synthesize endogenous ascorbate.
Chinese Primary School Students’ Peer Relationship and Chinese Language Scores: The Chain Mediation Effect of Parental Involvement and Sense of Autonomy
Authors: Qiu Huiyan , Chai Jiang
Published: March 2022

This study investigated the internal mechanism of the relationship between primary school students’ peer relationships and their performance in the Chinese language and literature. We constructed a chain mediation model, focused on the mediation effects of parental involvement and the sense of autonomy, on the correlation between peer relationships and performance in Chinese language scores. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 1,503 students in grades 4–6, and their parents, in three cities in Jiangsu Province. The result indicated the following: (1) there was a significant positive correlation between primary school students’ peer relationships, parental involvement, sense of autonomy, and the level of Chinese language scores; (2) parental involvement and the sense of autonomy, respectively, mediate the relationship between peer relationships and Chinese language scores; (3) primary school students’ parental involvement and sense of autonomy play a chain-like mediating role in the relationship between their peer relationships and Chinese language scores. The research results provide a reference for exploring the educational strategies of primary school students’ Chinese literacy.
Customer Engagement in Multi-Sensory Virtual Reality Advertising: The Effect of Sound and Scent Congruence
Authors: Brengman Malaika , Willems Kim , De Gauquier Laurens
Published: March 2022

Despite the power of VR in immersing viewers in an experience, it generally only targets viewers viavisualandauditorycues. Human beings use more senses to gather information, so expectedly, the full potential of this medium is currently not yet tapped. This study contributes in answering two research questions: (1) How can conventional VR ads be enriched by also addressing theforgotten sense of smell?; and (2) Does doing so indeed instill more engaging experiences? A 2 × 3 between-subjects study (n= 235) is conducted, whereby an existing branded VR commercial (Boursin Sensorium Experience) is augmented with “sound” (on/off) and (congruent/incongruent/no) “scents.” The power of these sensory augmentations is evaluated by inspecting emotional, cognitive and conative dimensions ofcustomer engagement. The results identifyproduct-scent congruence (with sound)as a deal-maker, albeit product-scent incongruence is not necessarily a deal-breaker. The article concludes with further research avenues and a translation into managerial implications.