bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making Rituximab Directly Cytotoxic for Substantial Improvement in Therapeutic Efficacy
Authors: Chen Xinjian
Published: November 2022

The humanised anti-CD20 antibody (Ab) rituximab (RTX) has significantly improved the prognosis of B cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (BNHL). However, major challenges remain: a) RTX is often used with toxic chemotherapy that not only causes serious side effects but may also compromise RTX activity and host antitumour immunity, predisposing patients to relapse; b) indolent low-grade BNHL remain largely incurable; c) a significant percentage of aggressive BNHL do not respond to RTX-based therapy; and d) a significant number of responders may eventually relapse in long-term follow-up. The data suggest that the limit in the efficacy may result from the inability of RTX to directly kill lymphoma cells. RTX primarily relies on indirect mechanisms to attack lymphoma cells, which include complement-dependent cytotoxicity, Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, induction of apoptosis, and immune activation. These mechanisms could be readily compromised by various situations, such as chemotherapy. The new generation of anti-CD20 Ab have not been found to be directly cytotoxic. Cytotoxic radioactive isotope-conjugated anti-CD20 Ab appeared to be highly effective, but serious radiotoxicity prohibited their clinical application. Increasing Ab valency augments activity; a recent study has demonstrated drastic improvement in activity by non-covalently associating RTX with nanomaterial graphene oxide (GO). The multivalent Ab product RTX/GO is highly cytotoxic, capable of directly killing BNHL cells in vitro and rapidly eliminating established xenograft lymphoma in vivo in the absence of toxic chemo-agents. While further studies are needed to determine the mechanism of activity and clinical efficacy, the current data suggest a significant possibility that RTX/GO might constitute nontoxic but effective therapy for BNHL.
CRYSTALS GROWTH AND REFINEMENT OF THE Cu3SbSe3 CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
Authors: Chorba Onika , Filep Mykhailo , Pogodin Artem , Malakhovska Tetyana , Sabov Marjan
Published: November 2022

The technology of thermoelectric converters, based on the Peltier and Seebeck effects, provides a reversible process of convert in thermal and electrical energy. This opens up prospects for the creation of both thermoelectric coolers and thermoelectric generators. The most widely studied class of thermoelectric materials are complex chalcogenides. In recent years, copper-containing chalcogenides have been actively researched as new highly effective and ecologically friendly thermoelectric materials. The Cu–Sb–Se ternary system are characterized by the existence of three phases CuSbSe2, Cu3SbSe3 and Cu3SbSe4. Among these compounds, the Cu3SbSe3 phase is characterized by the lowest thermal conductivity.

The synthesis of the Cu3SbSe3 polycrystalline alloy was carried out using high purity elementally components. The synthesis was carried out in vacuumed quartz ampoules by a one-temperature, two-stage process. Taking into account the incongruent melting of Cu3SbSe3, the single crystal growth was carried out by the method of vertical zone crystallization from a solution-melt in vacuumed conical quartz ampoules. As a result, the grown single crystal was dark gray color with metallic luster, without defects with length ~ 40 mm and diameter 12 mm.

Obtained single crystalline sample of Cu3SbSe3 was investigated by DTA method. The heating curve contains one endothermic effect at 530°С, which corresponds to the process of peritectic decomposition of Cu3SbSe3. The effect corresponding to the melting of all components in the quartz container is not fixed. However, it is clearly visible on the cooling curve at 712 °С. The exothermic effect of crystallization of Cu3SbSe3 (503 °С) is clear and sharp and is observed with supercooling ΔТ = 27 °С. To confirm the single crystallinity of grown Cu3SbSe3 sample, an XRD analysis of the natural surface was carried out. The diffraction pattern shows two clear and narrow diffraction peaks corresponding to the (200) and (400) planes at angles of 22.27° and 45.42°, respectively. The crystal structure of the obtained Cu3SbSe3 single crystal was investigated by XRD analysis using the Rietveld full-profile refinement method. Established that Cu3SbSe3 crystallize in orthorhombic crystal system, SGPnma with lattice parameters: a = 7.9668 Å, b = 10.65870 Å, c = 6.8207 Å, Z = 4.
SYNTHESIS AND BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY OF 3d-­METAL COMPLEXES WITH BIS(PHOSPHONOMETHYL)AMINOSUNRIC ACID
Authors: Trunova Elena , Rusakova Mariya , Makotryk Tamara
Published: November 2022

New complexes of 3d-metals (Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+) with bis(phosphonomethyl)aminosuccinic acid (H6BPMAS) have been synthesized. The complexes were studied in aqueous solutions at ratios M2+:H6BPMAS = 1:1 in a wide pH range (1÷10). Regardless of the nature of the metal, the formation of complexes of the general composition [M(HnBPMAS)(OH)m] (n= 4÷0, m=1÷0) is shown. The stability constants of the formed differently protonated complexes are calculated and diagrams of their distribution are plotted. It is shown that the process of complexation takes place most completely in the region of pH>4. For all bis(phosphonomethyl)aminosuccinates of 3d metals, the dominance of the complex with one form of the ligand occurs in approximately the same pH ranges. A close order of change in the values of lgKst. complexes testifies to the same type of structure of their internal coordination sphere.

Solid complexes of the composition Na4[MBPMAS]⋅4H2O were synthesized. Their composition, structure, and thermal characteristics were determined by the set of me­thods such as diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, DTA and non-quantitative mass spectrometry. It is proved that the complexes have the structure of a distorted octahedron, in which the 3-d metal ions are bound to the oxygen atoms of the carboxyl and phosphonic groups and the tertiary nitrogen atom of the ligand. At the same time, two 5-membered (aminomethylenephosphonic and glycine) and one 6-membered (β-alanine) metallocycles are formed in bis(phosphonomethyl)aminosuccinates.

The biological activity of H6BPMAS and its complexes with Ni(II) and Co(II) against non-pathogenic bacterial species of microorganisms Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas aureofaciens was studied. The study of the activity of substances was carried out in a liquid sterile Hiss medium. The maxi­mum stimulating effect on the growth of bacterial cultures for the studied compounds was recorded at a concentration of 1 µM in 24 hours after the start of cultivation of mic­ro­organisms. The highest growth of microorganisms was recorded for metal complexes (50% Na4[CoBPMAS]·4H2O and 35% Na4[NiBPMAS]·4H2O). The maximum stimulating effect on the growth of bacterial cultures is shown by the Co(II) complex, which is able to initiate the synthesis of one of the most important growth hormones - heteroauxin.
GREEN SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES AND THEIR SPECTRAL PROPERTIES
Authors: Berezhnytska Оleksandra , Rohovtsov Oleksandr , Chyhyrynets Olena , Snihur Denys
Published: November 2022

Spherical silver nanoparticles were synthesized by the chemical condensation method using aloe vera or chamomile extracts as a reducing agent. Depending on the type of extracts and its concentration, the size of AgNpcs varied from 7 to 50 nm by simply adjusting the ratio of the starting reagents. These extracts show reducing properties due to the presence of carbonyl compounds in their composition, in particular organic acids. It is shown that regu­lation of concentrations and synthesis conditions allows control of particle size. A change in the synthesis conditions affects the position of the surface plasmon resonance band, and therefore the optical properties of the studied systems. It has been proven that the synthesized silver nanoparticles do not require additional stabilization. Agglomeration processes occur only with a significant increase in concentration and heating time.
Asymptotic Behavior of a Function of a Complex Variable With a Parameter and Zeros
Authors: Matanov Sh.
Published: November 2022

The study of the asymptotic behavior of solutions of singularly perturbed equations in complex domains reduces to the study of integrals of exponential functions of a complex variable with a parameter. The problem is to study the asymptotic behavior of such functions. The functions in the exponent have zeros. The study of such functions is hampered by the fact that it is necessary to select a certain part from a given region and choose integration paths that ensure the boundedness of the considered functions with respect to a small parameter. The saddle point method is not applicable to such integrals. To solve the problem, the level lines of harmonic functions generated by analytic functions are applied. The level lines divide the area in the complex plane into parts. Integration paths are chosen that ensure boundedness of integrals with respect to a small parameter. Boundary-layer lines, areas where the integrals have no limit with respect to a small parameter, but are limited with respect to the modulus, are revealed; regular domains (integrals have a limit); singular regions (integrals are not limited). All constructions are accompanied by corresponding drawings. In the future, the results of this paper can be used for the theory of singularly perturbed equations in a complex domain.
The Moss Flora of Korchay State Nature Reserve
Authors: Alekparov F.
Published: November 2022

The article discusses the floristic, ecological and cenotic features and the distribution of mosses in the territory of the Korchai State Nature Reserve. Among the mosses of the reserve, there are also species with a limited range. Those species are typical for silicate rocks and stony rocks. Another characteristic feature of the relief of the reserve is the presence of traces of ancient glaciation. Another characteristic feature of the relief is the absence of watersheds similar to a smoothed plateau. As a result of the research, it was found that the flora of the research area contains elements and relics from the last stages of the ancient Cretaceous period (3rd period). Relict species are pages of geologic history that reveal patterns of flora distribution. Keywords: Bryophyta, species, flora, genus, nature reserves.
Lichenoindication of Urban Ecosystems of the Western Part of Azerbaijan
Authors: Isayeva F.
Published: November 2022

The lichenoindication method has been used for several decades to assess the level of environmental pollution. As a result of numerous field and laboratory studies, it has been proved that the main factor in the destruction of lichens in cities is air pollution in industrial centers. There is no doubt that the microclimate conditions (an increase in air dryness, a change in temperature, a decrease and increase in dew, a weakening of solar radiation) have a negative impact on the spread of lichens. One of the most important problems of environmental assessment of the environment is the selection of bioindicators and the assessment of tolerance. It is important to study the species composition of lichens in natural and anthropogenic ecosystems. As symbiotic organisms, lichens are of particular importance for lichenological research. Under favorable conditions, their annual growth is 1-8 mm. Lichens are deciduous, bushy grow faster than scale. The average age of deciduous and shrubby lichens is 30-80 years, some of them live up to 600 years. Lichens play an important role as a bioindicator of environmental pollution. In comparison with chemicophysical methods, the bioindication method has a number of advantages. It does not require expensive equipment and fixtures. The results are obtained by continuous observations without interfering with the processes of vital activity of the organism. The differentiating factor of species composition in urban conditions is environmental pollution.
Efficacia di un progetto di educazione linguistica inclusivo su auto-percezioni e struttura di testi narrativi
Authors: Lazzaretti Letizia
Published: November 2022

Lo studio ha confrontato gli alunni con DSA di 4 classi sperimentali (tot. 8) e 3 di controllo (tot. 7) su abilità di scrittura e auto-percezioni su atteggiamenti di scrittura e benessere di classe. Le classi sperimentali hanno seguito un progetto di educazione linguistica che, tra i suoi obiettivi, annovera la promozione di atteggiamenti motivati e strategici verso la scrittura e la costruzione di un clima di classe sereno e inclusivo; le classi di controllo hanno seguito la normale programmazione prevista per l’anno scolastico in corso. Gli alunni hanno scritto un testo narrativo, valutato con procedure olistiche e analitiche, e completato tre questionari di auto-percezione inerenti a autoefficacia, strategie di scrittura e benessere di classe. I risultati evidenziano che le abilità di scrittura e le percezioni sono migliori per il gruppo sperimentale, soprattutto per gli alunni con DSA. Da qui emerge l’efficacia del Progetto nel garantire una didattica inclusiva e un miglioramento di abilità e percezioni di scrittura per tutti gli studenti con difficoltà, anche quelli con DSA.
La correzione tra italiano contemporaneo e usi scolastici: 16 frasi corrette da 200 docenti di scuola primaria
Authors: Ujcich Veronica
Published: November 2022

Nell’articolo vengono riportati i risultati di un’indagine svolta tramite questionario online sul tema della correzione del testo scritto nella scuola primaria. In particolare sono esposti i risultati di una batteria di domande volte a raccogliere dati sulla percezione dell’errore da parte dei docenti e sulle loro proposte di correzione in relazione a 16 tratti scelti tra quelli caratteristici dell’italiano contemporaneo o dell’uso scolastico, con lo scopo di indagare la “zona grigia” della correzione.
Il lessico specialistico della matematica in prospettiva interdisciplinare: rilievi dalle prove standardizzate
Authors: Demartini Silvia , Sbaragli Silvia , Franchini Elena
Published: November 2022

Il presente lavoro propone un’analisi interdisciplinare di 6 item inclusi nel pre-test delle prove standardizzate di matematica di quinta elementare del Canton Ticino (Svizzera). Il pre-test è stato somministrato nell’ottobre 2019 a un campione significativo di circa 440 studenti in ingresso in prima media e gli item qui esaminati riguardano la conoscenza del lessico specialistico. I risultati mostrano una diffusa difficoltà nella comprensione e nella gestione dei termini geometrici. In conclusione, questo articolo vuole ricordare che il lessico rappresenta un livello linguistico ricco e complesso, sul quale è importante investire tempo e attenzione nella didattica disciplinare.
Leggere per andare oltre. Una proposta su “Skellig” di David Almond
Authors: Bosia Anna
Published: November 2022

Il contributo illustra un itinerario didattico legato alla lettura integrale di un romanzo. La proposta, dedicata a un pubblico di allieve e allievi tra i dodici e i tredici anni, poggia sul sociocostruttivismo, il laboratorio di lettura (WRW) e soprattutto sull’apprendimento cooperativo. Infatti, la maggior parte delle proposte didattiche si svolge in gruppo. La guida del docente e il confronto fra pari concorrono a una costruzione di significati e interpretazioni profondi e offrono strategie applicabili in diversi contesti didattici. La ricerca-azione propone il romanzo Skellig di David Almond come uno studio di caso. Viene proposto un percorso articolato, sperimentato in parte, dal quale si possono evincere spunti e strategie sulla base delle esigenze della propria classe.
L’apprendimento dell’italiano L2 nel cinema italiano contemporaneo
Authors: Bisanti Tatiana
Published: November 2022

Nel contributo vengono presentati alcuni film italiani degli ultimi trent’anni che rappresentano l’interazione fra docente e apprendente nel contesto della lezione di italiano L2 (Pummarò, Lettere dal Sahara, La mia classe) o l’interazione fra parlanti nativi e non nativi in contesti extra-didattici (Io sono Li). Dal punto di vista linguistico, il contributo si sofferma sull’interlingua degli apprendenti, andando a verificare l’autenticità del parlato filmico. Dal punto di vista didattico, l’analisi si interroga sull’utilità di determinate sequenze filmiche per l’apprendimento L2/LS e la formazione professionale del docente di lingua straniera.
“Tandem”: una sperimentazione didattica per promuovere il doppio profilo di competenza
Authors: Todisco Vincenzo , Cangemi Francesca
Published: November 2022

Grazie al doppio profilo di competenza, chi opera nel campo dell’insegnamento e delle didattiche disciplinari dispone di conoscenze e abilità sia teorico-scientifiche sia applicative. Un tale profilo è sempre più richiesto nell’ambito delle Alte scuole pedagogiche (ASP). Per raggiungere questo obiettivo è indispensabile avvicinare la pratica alla teoria. Con il progetto “QUATTRO/Tandem_PHGR” l’Alta scuola pedagogica dei Grigioni sta lavorando a un modello che prevede la collaborazione tra docenti, insegnanti di scuola elementare, ricercatrici/ricercatori e studenti/studentesse nell’ambito della didattica disciplinare italiano lingua straniera (L2). L’articolo presenta il progetto nel suo insieme e le modalità secondo le quali, in una prima fase sperimentale, gli e le insegnanti di scuola elementare hanno avuto la possibilità di partecipare alla ricerca didattica e all’insegnamento di moduli di glottodidattica dell’italiano L2. Si presentano e discutono inoltre i dati raccolti per la valutazione della fase sperimentale del progetto.
Anais do IV Integra IF Goiano, 2022
Authors: Silva (Org.) Bethânia Oliveira , Souza (Org.) Rangel Gonçalves de
Published: November 2022

O Integra IF Goiano tem como finalidade efetivar a integração do Ensino, Pesquisa e Extensão dentre todas as unidades do IF Goiano. Propõe-se compartilhar conhecimentos básicos, científicos e tecnológicos das grandes áreas pesquisadas na Instituição, possibilitar a discussão, atualização em temas diversos vinculados à ciência, bem como promover a integração entre os estudantes de nível técnico, graduação e pós-graduação dos diferentes Campi do IF Goiano e de outras instituições.
Lack of Understanding and the Desire for Re-Cognition
Authors: Allelin Majsa
Published: November 2022

No abstract available.
Pathways of Education Reform ‘From Below’: Theorizing Social Movements as Grassroot Agents of Educational Change
Authors: Heidemann Kai
Published: November 2022

No abstract available.
ПАЛЕОДЕМОГРАФИЧЕСКИЙ АНАЛИЗ НЕКРОПОЛЯ В СЕЛЕ ИСУПОВО КОСТРОМСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ
Authors: Боруцкая Светлана , Васильев Сергей , Новиков Александр
Published: November 2022

Skeletal material from the village of Isupovo was found during the excavations of the village cemetery. The formation of this necropolis began in the 17th century and continued for two centuries. Our work is devoted to the paleodemographic study of the population of the village of Isupovo in the 17th–18th centuries, according to sex and age determination of the skeletal material. As a result of our studies, we could draw the following conclusion. The demographic situation in the village of Isupovo in the 17th–18th centuries can be considered quite prosperous, as evidenced by a the high average life expectancy, a relatively low infant mortality rate, a significant representativeness of the older age cohort, and low mortality rate at younger ages.
ГАЛЕРЕЯ ПОРТРЕТОВ, ВЫПОЛНЕННЫХ ПО ЧЕРЕПАМ ЭСКИМОСОВ, В ЛАБОРАТОРИИ АНТРОПОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ РЕКОНСТРУКЦИИ
Authors: Веселовская Елизавета , Рассказова Анна
Published: November 2022

The Laboratory of Anthropological Reconstruction (LAR) of the Centerfor Physical Anthropology (CPhA) of the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Russian Academy of Sciences has a truly unique collection of graphic and sculptural portraits made from the skulls of ancient and modern Eskimos from the Old and New Worlds. The article presents the works of G.V. Lebedinskaya, T.S. Surnina, T.S. Baluyeva, as well as some reconstructions made more recently by todays LAR research fellows. These latest works were carried out, taking into account the new data based on the improvement of the method of graphic facial reconstruction from a skull. The processing technique for 3D reconstruction of skull, based on a series of photographs taken from different angles is described. Thanks to this method, it is possible to obtain accurate images of the skull from front and side profile without any perspective distortion. The presented recon-structions were made using both classical and new methods, the last ones, based on the use of computer and the Photoshop Software. An innovative way of rep-resenting lifelike facial features makes it possible to show the real color of the skin, hair and eyes. In the article is as well discussed the place of the Eskimos in the anthropological classification system and the peculiarities of their features in Greenland and Chukotka.
A long non-coding RNA with important roles in the carcinogenesis
Authors: Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Askari Arian , Hussen Bashdar Mahmud , Taheri Mohammad , Mokhtari Majid
Published: November 2022

Long non-coding RNAs are demonstrated to contribute to carcinogenesis. TMPO Antisense RNA 1 (TMPO-AS1) is an example of lncRNAs with crucial roles in this process. This lncRNA serves as a sponge for miR-320a, miR-383-5p, miR-329-3p, miR-126, miR-329, miR‐199a‐5p, miR-577, miR-4731-5p, miR-140-5p, miR-1179, miR-143-3p, miR-326, miR-383-5p, let-7c-5p, let-7g-5p, miR-199a-5p, miR-200c, miR-204-3p, miR-126-5p, miR-383-5p, miR-498, miR-143-3p, miR-98-5p, miR-140 and miR-143. It can also affect activity of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. The current review summarizes the role of TMPO-AS1 in the carcinogenesis and assessment of its potential as a marker for certain types of cancers.
Mechanistic insights into reductive deamination with hydrosilanes catalyzed by B(C6F5)3: A DFT study
Authors: Zhou Miaomiao , Wang Ting , Cheng Gui-Juan
Published: November 2022

Selective defunctionalization of synthetic intermediates is a valuable approach in organic synthesis. Here, we present a theoretical study on the recently developed B(C6F5)3/hydrosilane-mediated reductive deamination reaction of primary amines. Our computational results provide important insights into the reaction mechanism, including the active intermediate, the competing reactions of the active intermediate, the role of excess hydrosilane, and the origin of chemoselectivity. Moreover, the study on the substituent effect of hydrosilane indicated a potential way to improve the efficiency of the reductive deamination reaction.
Gendered exposure, vulnerability, and response: Malaria risk in a changing climate in Western Kenya
Authors: Onyango Esther , Maguire Rowena
Published: November 2022

Climate change has been linked to increasing rates of malaria infection in Western Kenya. Projections show an increased risk of malaria infection under climate change scenarios, impacting vulnerable populations and placing millions of people at risk. Developing suitable risk management strategies requires understanding the hazard, exposure, vulnerability and response to climate change and malaria risk in the context of other local environmental, socio-economic and socio-cultural factors (including gender) that influence exposure, vulnerability and capacity to cope. This paper draws upon two analytical frameworks, using data gathered from focus group discussions with small-scale farmers in Western Kenya: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Risk Assessment Framework; and Feminist Political Ecology (FPE) to analyze social constructions underpinning farming responsibilities and decision-making power and how these influence the gendered dimensions of exposure, vulnerability and response to climate change and malaria risk in the community. This paper finds that gender influences the risk of malaria through feminization of agricultural activities in the region, socially constructed gendered responsibilities for care and farm work, which increases exposure and vulnerability to mosquito bites and malaria infection, and socially constructed rights of women to make farming decisions and manage farm income, which influences their capacity to manage risk and cope in the long term. Drawing on these findings, this paper proposes that an intersectional gender lens needs to be incorporated into climate and malaria adaptation policy and programming. It concludes with recommendations for implementing the UNFCCC Enhanced Lima Work Program on Gender at the country levels and the development of gender-responsive climate change and malaria risk management.
Evaluation of C-reactive protein as predictor of adverse prognosis in acute myocardial infarction after percutaneous coronary intervention: A systematic review and meta-analysis from 18,715 individuals
Authors: Liu Shijie , Jiang Hongcheng , Dhuromsingh Menaka , Dai Lei , Jiang Yue , Zeng Hesong
Published: November 2022

Background

Proper prognostic biomarker is of great importance for clinical decision-making in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Although recently emerges plenty of novel inflammatory biomarkers, the canonical inflammatory mediator C-reactive protein still plays an important role in prognosing adverse post-infarction complications.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Medline were systematically searched from the establishment of databases up to December 2021, conforming with standards set forth by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.

Results

A total of 23 studies were eventually eligible for this meta-analysis, including 18,715 individuals. Our findings showed that elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) had a statistically significant superiority in predicting all-cause mortality (OR: 3.22, 95% CI: [2.71, 3.84], p < 0.00001), cardiovascular death (OR: 3.26, 95% CI: [2.30, 4.61], p < 0.00001), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) (OR: 2.85, 95% CI [2.08, 3.90], p < 0.00001), heart failure (OR: 2.29, 95% CI: [1.48, 3.54], p = 0.0002), recurrent myocardial infarction (OR: 1.76, 95% CI: [1.28, 2.43], p < 0.001), and restenosis (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: [1.18, 2.47], p = 0.004). Subgroup analysis implies that CRP had better performance in predicting plenty of hospitalization and short-term (<12 months) adverse prognosis than long-term prognosis and Asian patients with elevated CRP were under more risk in adverse prognosis after PCI than Europeans.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis suggests that CRP is a prospective predictor of the prognosis in patients with AMI undergoing PCI, especially in hospitalization and short-term and in the Asian group.
Slow flow induces endothelial dysfunction by regulating thioredoxin-interacting protein-mediated oxidative metabolism and vascular inflammation
Authors: Wang Yongshun , Liu Jingjin , Liu Huadong , Sun Xin , Chen Ruimian , Liao Bihong , Zeng Xiaoyi , Zhang Xiaoxin , Dong Shaohong , Xia Zhengyuan , Yuan Jie
Published: November 2022

Endothelial cells are highly sensitive to hemodynamic shear stresses, which act in the blood flow’s direction on the blood vessel’s luminal surface. Thus, endothelial cells on that surface are exposed to various physiological and pathological stimuli, such as disturbed flow-induced shear stress, which may exert effects on adaptive vascular diameter or structural wall remodeling. Here we showed that plasma thioredoxin-interactive protein (TXNIP) and malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased in patients with slow coronary flow. In addition, human endothelial cells exposed to disturbed flow exhibited increased levels of TXNIP in vitro. On the other hand, deletion of human endothelial TXNIP increased capillary formation, nitric oxide production and mitochondrial function, as well as lessened oxidative stress response and endothelial cell inflammation. Additional beneficial impacts from TXNIP deletion were also seen in a glucose utilization study, as reflected by augmented glucose uptake, lactate secretion and extracellular acidification rate. Taken together, our results suggested that TXNIP is a key component involved in mediating shear stress-induced inflammation, energy homeostasis, and glucose utilization, and that TXNIP may serve as a potentially novel endothelial dysfunction regulator.
Effect of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation with mitral or aortic stenosis: A review
Authors: Guo Guigao , Liang Shucheng , Guan Zeyu , Zhu Ke
Published: November 2022

Background

Several studies have summarized the clinical performance of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with mitral stenosis or aortic stenosis. The significance of this review was to provide clinicians the latest update of the clinical application of DOACs in managing this specific population.

Methods

Literatures from the PubMed database up to July 2022 were screened for inclusion. Studies on the effect of DOACs in patients suffering from AF with mitral or aortic stenosis were assessed for further selection.

Results

Results from four studies were gathered: the RISE MS trial, the DAVID-MS study, and two observational studies. In the Korean observational study with a 27-month follow-up duration and a sample population consisted of patients with mitral stenosis and AF, the thromboembolic events happened at a rate of 2.22%/ year in the DOAC group and 4.19%/year in the warfarin group (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.18–0.45). Intracranial hemorrhage occurred at rates of 0.49% and 0.93% in the DOAC and the warfarin groups, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.22–1.26). In the Danish observational study, which had a sample pool with AF patients with aortic stenosis, reported that the adjusted hazard ratios for thromboembolism and major bleeding were 1.62 (95% CI, 1.08–2.45) and 0.73 (95% CI, 0.59–0.91) for DOACs compared with warfarin during 3 years of follow-up. In the RISE-MS trial involving AF patients with mitral stenosis, there were no differences in ischemic stroke, systemic embolic events, or major bleeding between the rivaroxaban vs. warfarin groups during a 1-year follow-up as well as equal rate of increased thrombogenicity in the left atrial appendage at 6 months. The rate of silent cerebral ischemia at 12 months was higher in the warfarin group (17.6%) than that in the rivaroxaban group (13.3%).

Conclusions

Current published studies supported DOACs' effectiveness in preventing thromboembolism in patients of AF with mitral or aortic stenosis. Further clinical trials could confirm these findings.
The role of stress echocardiography in transcatheter aortic valve implantation and transcatheter edge-to-edge repair era: A systematic review
Authors: Pavasini Rita , Fabbri Gioele , Bianchi Nicola , Deserio Maria Angela , Sanguettoli Federico , Zanarelli Luca , Tonet Elisabetta , Passarini Giulia , Serenelli Matteo , Campo Gianluca
Published: November 2022

Objectives

In the last decade, percutaneous treatment of valve disease has changed the approach toward the treatment of aortic stenosis (AS) and mitral regurgitation (MR). The clinical usefulness of stress echocardiography (SE) in the candidates for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) of MR remains to be established. Therefore, the key aim of this review is to assess the main applications of SE in patients undergoing TAVI or TEER.

Methods

We searched for relevant studies to be included in the systematic review on PubMed (Medline), Cochrane library, Google Scholar, and Biomed Central databases. The literature search was conducted in February 2022. The inclusion criteria of the studies were: observational and clinical trials or meta-analysis involving patients with AS or MR evaluated with SE (excluding those in which SE was used only for screening of pseudo-severe stenosis) and treated with percutaneous procedures.

Results

Thirteen studies published between 2013 and 2021 were included in the review: five regarding candidates for TEER and eight for TAVI. In TEER candidates, seeing an increase in MR grade, and stroke volume of >40% during SE performed before treatment was, respectively, related to clinical benefits (p = 0.008) and an increased quality of life. Moreover, overall, 25% of patients with moderate secondary MR at rest before TEER had the worsening of MR during SE. At the same time, in SE performed after TEER, an increase in mean transvalvular diastolic gradient and in systolic pulmonary pressure is expected, but without sign and symptoms of heart failure. Regarding TAVI, several studies showed that contractile reserve (CR) is not predictive of post-TAVI ejection fraction recovery and mortality in low-flow low-gradient AS either at 30 days or at long-term.

Conclusion

This systematic review shows in TEER candidates, SE has proved useful in the optimization of patient selection and treatment response, while its role in TAVI candidates is less defined. Therefore, larger trials are needed to test and confirm the utility of SE in candidates for percutaneous procedures of valve diseases.
Representing bacteria with unique genomic signatures
Authors: Pham Diem-Trang , Phan Vinhthuy
Published: November 2022

Classifying or identifying bacteria in metagenomic samples is an important problem in the analysis of metagenomic data. This task can be computationally expensive since microbial communities usually consist of hundreds to thousands of environmental microbial species. We proposed a new method for representing bacteria in a microbial community using genomic signatures of those bacteria. With respect to the microbial community, the genomic signatures of each bacterium are unique to that bacterium; they do not exist in other bacteria in the community. Further, since the genomic signatures of a bacterium are much smaller than its genome size, the approach allows for a compressed representation of the microbial community. This approach uses a modified Bloom filter to store short k-mers with hash values that are unique to each bacterium. We show that most bacteria in many microbiomes can be represented uniquely using the proposed genomic signatures. This approach paves the way toward new methods for classifying bacteria in metagenomic samples.
The importance of the taste preferences and sensitivity of mothers and their children in the aspect of excessive body weight of children
Authors: Sobek Grzegorz , Dąbrowski Mariusz
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Food selection among adults and mostly children depends mainly on the taste of a dish. Poor taste sensitivity as well as strong preferences for sweet and fat taste may be the factors predisposing children to become overweight and/or develop obesity. Family environment, including mothers’ eating habits and preferences, may affect children’s taste perception and preferences. The aim of the study was to assess taste perception and preferences in children and their mothers in relation to their weight status.

Methods

Sensory tests were carried out using puddings with different sugar and fat content. In all study participants anthropometric measurements (weight and height with BMI calculation) were performed.

Results

The study results did not reveal any differences in the taste sensitivity of overweight/obese and normative body weight children. Similarity was found in the perception of different levels of sweet/fat flavors among children and parents. Overweight/obese children were two times more likely to choose a very fat and very sweet taste compared to normal weight children. The results showed that children prefer a sweet taste more often than their mothers. Mothers’ fat taste preferences were important - the fatter the taste they selected, the greater the percentage of children with obesity.

Discussion

Mothers’ taste sensitivity may affect children’s perception of the quality (intensity) of flavors. Normal-weight children chose a low fat and low sweet taste more frequently than those with excess of body weight. The role of parents in shaping taste preferences is of utmost importance and should be based on limiting the consumption of products rich in sugar and/or fat.
An update of the consensus statement on insulin resistance in children 2010
Authors: Tagi Veronica Maria , Samvelyan Sona , Chiarelli Francesco
Published: November 2022

In our modern society, where highly palatable and calorie-rich foods are readily available, and sedentary lifestyle is common among children and adolescents, we face the pandemic of obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and T2D. Insulin resistance (IR) is known to be the main underlying mechanism of all these associated health consequences; therefore, the early detection of IR is fundamental for preventing them.A Consensus Statement, internationally supported by all the major scientific societies in pediatric endocrinology, was published in 2010, providing all the most recent reliable evidence to identify the definition of IR in children, its measurement, its risk factors, and the effective strategies to prevent and treat it. However, the 2010 Consensus concluded that further research was necessary to assess some of the discussed points, in particular the best way to measure insulin sensitivity, standardization of insulin measurements, identification of strong surrogate biomarkers of IR, and the effective role of lifestyle intervention and medications in the prevention and treatment of IR.The aim of this review is to update each point of the consensus with the most recent available studies, with the goal of giving a picture of the current state of the scientific literature regarding IR in children, with a particular regard for issues that are not yet fully clarified.
Glucose metabolism status modifies the relationship between lipoprotein(a) and carotid plaques in individuals with fatty liver disease
Authors: Wang Jiaxuan , Sun Honglin , Wang Ying , An Yu , Liu Jia , Wang Guang
Published: November 2022

Background and aims

Glucose and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] have been recognized risk factors for atherosclerosis. The impact of both factors on fatty liver patients has not been studied. The aim of this study is to explore the role of high-level Lp(a) and different glucose metabolism statuses on carotid plaques in fatty liver patients.

Methods

We selected 4,335 fatty liver patients in this cross-sectional study. The diagnosis of fatty liver disease and carotid plaques was made by ultrasound. Participants were divided into four groups based on glucose metabolism status (normal glucose regulation [NGR], lower bound of impaired fasting glucose [IFG-L], higher bound of impaired fasting glucose [IFG-H], diabetes mellitus [DM]) and then categorized into 12 subgroups according to Lp(a) concentrations. The association between variables was estimated by odds ratio (OR).

Results

Carotid plaques were present in 1,613 (37.2%) fatty liver patients. Lp(a)≥30 mg/dL was associated with high risk of carotid plaques in those patients with IFG-L, IFG-H and DM (OR 1.934 [95% CI 1.033-3.618], 2.667 [1.378-5.162], 4.000 [2.219-7.210], respectively; p<0.05). Fatty liver patients with DM plus Lp(a)<10 mg/dL and 10≤Lp(a)<30 mg/dL were more vulnerable to carotid plaques (OR 1.563 [95% CI 1.090-2.241], 1.930 [1.279-2.914]), respectively, p<0.05).

Conclusions

Our study first suggested that high-level Lp(a) may raise the risk of carotid plaques in fatty liver patients with not only diabetes but also IFG, manifesting that Lp(a) may be helpful for the early discovery of subclinical atherosclerosis in fatty liver patients with impaired glucose metabolism.
Potential genetic biomarkers predict adverse pregnancy outcome during early and mid-pregnancy in women with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Deng Yu , Zhou Yiran , Shi Jiangcheng , Yang Junting , Huang Hong , Zhang Muqiu , Wang Shuxian , Ma Qian , Liu Yingnan , Li Boya , Yan Jie , Yang Huixia
Published: November 2022

Background

Effectively predicting the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome (APO) in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during early and mid-pregnancy is a challenge. This study was aimed to identify potential markers for early prediction of APO risk in women with SLE.

Methods

The GSE108497 gene expression dataset containing 120 samples (36 patients, 84 controls) was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened to define candidate APO marker genes. Next, three individual machine learning methods, random forest, support vector machine-recursive feature elimination, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, were combined to identify feature genes from the APO candidate set. The predictive performance of feature genes for APO risk was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration curves. The potential functions of these feature genes were finally analyzed by conventional gene set enrichment analysis and CIBERSORT algorithm analysis.

Results

We identified 321 significantly up-regulated genes and 307 down-regulated genes between patients and controls, along with 181 potential functionally associated genes in the WGCNA analysis. By integrating these results, we revealed 70 APO candidate genes. Three feature genes,SEZ6,NRAD1, andLPAR4, were identified by machine learning methods. Of these,SEZ6(AUC = 0.753) showed the highest in-sample predictive performance for APO risk in pregnant women with SLE, followed byNRAD1(AUC = 0.694) andLPAR4(AUC = 0.654). After performing leave-one-out cross validation, corresponding AUCs forSEZ6,NRAD1, andLPAR4were 0.731, 0.668, and 0.626, respectively. Moreover, CIBERSORT analysis showed a positive correlation between regulatory T cell levels andSEZ6expression (P< 0.01), along with a negative correlation between M2 macrophages levels andLPAR4expression (P< 0.01).

Conclusions

Our preliminary findings suggested thatSEZ6,NRAD1, andLPAR4might represent the useful genetic biomarkers for predicting APO risk during early and mid-pregnancy in women with SLE, and enhanced our understanding of the origins of pregnancy complications in pregnant women with SLE. However, further validation was required.
The earlier the initiation of gonadotropin in poor responders in luteal phase stimulation protocols, the better
Authors: Huang Jia , Liu Luxin , Wu Yue , Miao Benyu , Li Yubin , Zhou Canquan , Xu Yanwen
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Luteal-phase ovarian stimulation has been proved to be feasible for producing competent oocytes/embryos and achieving live births, yet there is no standardized stimulation protocol for luteal-phase ovarian stimulation (LPS). The aim of this study was to explore the optimal timing of gonadotropin initiation in the LPS protocol for poor ovarian responders.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in the reproductive medicine center of a tertiary hospital. A total of 327 poor responders fulfilling Bologna criteria underwent LPS with IVF/ICSI treatment. HMG and letrozole were administrated after ovulation. Patients were stratified into three groups according to the gonadotropin start day: early, early-mid, and mid-late luteal phase. A freeze-all strategy was performed for all cycles. The duration of ovarian stimulation, total gonadotropin dose, number of oocytes retrieved, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate after frozen/thawed embryo transfer cycles were included for evaluation.

Results

The group accepted ovarian stimulation in the earlier phase tended to have a shorter duration of ovarian stimulation [8 (7,10) in early luteal group, 9 (8,10.25) in early-mid luteal group, and 11 (10,12) in mid-late luteal group; P <0.001] and lower gonadotropin consumption [1993.35 ± 720.31, 2282.73 ± 703.38, and 2764.83 ± 722.26, respectively; P <0.001]. Logistic regression and multiple linear regression were used to assess the associations between the phase of gonadotropin initiation and duration of ovarian stimulation (or total gonadotropin dose) by adjusting for confounding factors. Compared with the early luteal group, longer ovarian stimulation(>9 days) was more likely to occur in the early-mid and mid-late luteal groups, with the adjusted odds ratios 0.584 (0.327-1.042) and 0.116 (0.049-0.271), respectively (P-trend<0.001). Delayed gonadotropin initiation showed an 113.200 IU increase (95%CI: 70.469, 155.930) per-day in the total gonadotropin dosage. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in the mean number of oocytes, utilizable embryos, pregnancy outcomes among three groups.

Conclusion

Although the timing of gonadotropin initiation is not associated with pregnancy outcomes, earlier initiation of gonadotropin therapy after ovulation was associated with a shorter duration of ovarian stimulation and lower gonadotropin consumption in poor responders in LPS.
A comprehensive review on various non-isolated power converter topologies for a light-emitting diode driver
Authors: Vishnuram Pradeep , Narayanamoorthi R. , Vijayakumar K. , Bajaj Mohit , Shouran Mokhtar , Abdul Samad Bdereddin , Kamel Salah
Published: November 2022

Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting applications aided by an electronic power control have become very attractive in the recent years. For LED lighting applications, it is essential to design a converter with single/multi-output for handling multiple loads. As the LED load is more sensitive to the change in input/converter parameters, it is necessary to regulate the current concerning the design specifications. In this paper, several LED topologies are reviewed with a focus on power density, single/multi-load operation, size, and reliability. Several converter topologies are reviewed and compared in terms of power rating, number of semiconductor switches, isolation, and efficiency. Various modulation techniques used for dimming control are described in brief. The salient features of each converter topology are discussed with the power rating and application for which the topology can be preferred. So, the selection of the power factor correction (PFC) and low source side harmonics converter topology is presented. This paper will be helpful to the researchers who are working on the development of LED drivers.