bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening of Mango Rootstock For Saline Tolerance
Authors: Rahim MA , Moniruzzaman M , Rahman F
Published: August 2021

An experiment was conducted at Fruit Tree Improvement Project, Fruit Tree Improvement Programme, Bangladesh Agricultural University-Germplasm Center (FTIP, BAU-GPC), Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during the period of April 2020 to June 2020 to study the performance of selected mango rootstocks for the saline area. The two-factor experiment consisted of four mango rootstock varieties such as V1 = BAU Aam-9, V2 = BAU Aam-6, V3 = BAU Aam-4 and V4 = Amropali and six salinity treatments namely control S1 = 0 dSm-1, S2 = 4 dSm-1, S3 = 8 dSm-1, S4 = 10 dSm-1, S5 = 12 dSm-1 and S6 = 14 dSm-1. The experiment was conducted following randomized complete block design with three replications. Results revealed that rootstock line and salinity levels had significant influences on various rootstock characters viz. length of rootstocks, number of leaves and percent rootstocks success and survivability. In case of varietal effect, the highest number of leaves (32.44) found in BAU Aam-6 and the lowest number of leaves was recorded in Amropali (22.55) at 90 days after transplanting. The longest rootstock length observed in 90 DAT which (54.83 cm) found in BAU Aam-9and shortest rootstock recorded in Amropali (47.94 cm). The highest survivability (51.44%) was recorded in BAU Aam-9 and the lowest survivability recorded in Amropali (33.88%). In case of salinity treatments, the highest survivability (95.83%) was recorded in control and the lowest survivability (0.00%) recorded in 14 dsm-1 at 90 DAT. Interaction of rootstock varieties and different salinity treatments showed significant variation on the length leave and survivability of rootstocks at 90 DAT. The maximum number of rootstock leaves recorded in V2S2 (46.33) and lowest number of leave recorded in V4S6 (7.66). The highest rootstock length was found in V1S3 (78.00 cm) and lowest in V1S2 (21.66 cm). The highest Survivability (100 %) observed in V1S1, V1S2, V2S1, V2S2 and V4S1. From the above mentioned it can be said BAU Aam - 9 and BAU Aam – 6 rootstock varieties performed best from 0-8 dSm-1 salinity. The overall salinity tolerance was graded as follows: BAU Aam - 9>BAU Aam – 6> BAU Aam-4>Amropali rootstock line.
SAARC J. Agric., 19(1): 93-102 (2021)
Biomass Growth and Composition of Azolla (Azolla Pinnata R. BR.) Supplemented With Inorganic Phosphorus in Outdoor Culture
Authors: Hossain MA , Shimu SA , Sarker MSA , Ahsan ME , Banu MR
Published: August 2021

An experiment was conducted to know the effect of supplemental phosphorus on biomass growth and composition of a floating aquatic fern, Azolla pinnata, cultured in a pit system for 21 days with 4 levels of phosphorus (0, 5, 10, and 15 ppm) supplementation. Water quality parameters of the pits were within a suitable range for A. pinnata culture. It was observed that fresh and dry weights of A. pinnata increased with phosphorus supplementation up to 10 ppm. Doubling time was the fastest when the culture medium was supplemented with 10 ppm of phosphorus. Phosphorus content of A. pinnata was proportional to the phosphorus supplementation in the culture medium. Supplementation of phosphorus also improved the protein and lipid contents of A. pinnata. It was concluded that supplementation of 10 ppm phosphorus to water used for culturing A. pinnata is optimum under outdoor conditions.
SAARC J. Agric., 19(1): 177-184 (2021)
EKSISTENSI PERSEROAN UMK DAN IMPLIKASI HUKUMNYA TERHADAP KEPAILITAN MENURUT SISTEM HUKUM DI INDONESIA
Authors: Sitorus Raymon
Published: August 2021

Keberadaan Usaha Mikro Kecil di Indonesia sebagai ekonomi rakyat telah mampu menopang struktur perekonomian nasional dan menyerap mayoritas tenaga kerja namun belum dapat dioptimalkan dikarenakan hambatan regulasi. Untuk memaksimalkan potensi yang ada dan mendorong daya saing ekonomi nasional, Pemerintah bersama dengan Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat membentuk Undang-Undang Nomor 11 Tahun 2020 tentang Cipta Kerja, yang salah satunya mendorong lahirnya bentuk badan hukum baru, yaitu Perseroan Terbatas untuk kriteria Usaha Mikro Kecil yang pendiriannya dapat didirikan oleh 1 (satu) orang. Sebagai bentuk badan usaha yang baru, kehadiran Perseroan ini menarik untuk diteliti bagaimana konsep dan pengaturan mengenai kedudukannya dalam hukum perseroan, bentuk organ perseroannya, pertanggung jawaban organ dan pemegang saham, serta bagaimana batasan pertanggung jawaban perseroan dalam hal dihadapkan dengan kepailitan. Penelitian ini dikhususkan untuk memberikan deskripsi bagaimana posisi hukum perseroan tersebut, dengan melakukan studi kepustakaan menggunakan bahan literatur hukum, konsep, dan mengacu kepada dokumen hukum peraturan perundang-undangan sebagai bahan primer penelitian. Salah satu yang disimpulkan dan disarankan dalam penelitian ini adalah batasan yang semu dalam pertanggung jawaban perseroan diperlukan pengawasannya agar perseroan ini dapat dikelola secara profesional dan mencegah terjadinya pailit atau dibubarkannya perseroan.
From Pilot to Scale - A Framework for Development Practitioners for Market Driven Vocational Training
Authors: Jaime Moll de Alba  , Virpi Stucki
Published: August 2021

Partnerships bringing together both the private and the public sector, as well as development actors might play an important role in facilitating the acquisition of skills and thereby support sustainable socio-economic development, notably in the manufacturing sector. The participation of the private sector in such partnerships contributes to enhance the adequacy between skills supply and demand and thereby spurs employability and economic activity. This paper makes use of the case study method to analyse the role of this kind of partnership in skills acquisition in five industrial development projects in Africa. We hypothesize that the Market System Development (MSD) approach offers potential to enhance the impact of skills acquisition partnerships. We conclude by proposing an innovative framework to support policymakers and development practitioners to conceptualise new skills development partnerships through the application of the MSD approach contributing to systemic change and long-term sustainability.
Rol de la mitocondria en la Sepsis
Authors: Velarde Gustavo Carlos , Vélez Jorge Luis , Montalvo Mario , Jara Fernando , Aguayo Moscoso Santiago , Vélez Pablo
Published: August 2021

La mitocondria es una organela compleja, su función principal es producir energía en forma de ATP, esencial para la vida. Semiautónoma ya que posee ADNmt capaz de producir algunas proteínas principales de la cadena respiratoria. Alteraciones en la fisiología enzimática por inhibición de estas estructuras pueden explicar las alteraciones en el consumo de oxígeno “hipoxia citopática” en sepsis. Además, se ha demostrado que sus componentes son productores de respuesta inflamatoria desregulada al tener en su estructura DAMPs potentes como el ADNmt y el citocromo C, que perpetúan o gatillan el estres oxidativo, que clínicamente se ven asociados como marcadores pronósticos de disfunción multiorgánica y mortalidad en el paciente con choque séptico. Por lo que sus componentes podrían usarse como biomarcadores para el diagnóstico y pronostico, además de convertirse en objetivos farmacológicos. El conocimiento del papel que desempeña la mitocondria en la sepsis es de vital importancia en la práctica clínica. En este artículo de revisión intentaremos explicar la fisiopatología de la disfunción mitocondrial en la sepsis, y trasladarlos a la aplicabilidad clínica
Ejercicio físico intradiálisis en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica: características de la carga y beneficios. Una revisión de la literatura.
Authors: Quevedo-Ramirez Danyela , García-Laguna Gabriela
Published: August 2021

La enfermedad renal crónica es una enfermedad que tiene una disminución lenta, progresiva e irreversible de la función renal, asociada directamente a la acumulación de complicaciones. Esta se divide en 5 estadíos, siendo el estadío 5 el que más disminuye la calidad de vida de las personas puesto que deben ahora recibir una terapia de reemplazo renal indefinidamente para aumentar la expectativa de vida. Adicional, es importante otro tipo de intervención complementaria para mejorar la calidad de vida, como el ejercicio físico; sin embargo no está estandarizado. 

Objetivo: realizar una revisión de la literatura acerca de las intervenciones de ejercicio físico intradiálisis efectivas en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica disponibles en la literatura. 

Metodología: Se efectuó una búsqueda de la literatura acerca de los efectos que tiene el ejercicio intradiálisis aplicado a pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica, se utilizaron las bases de datos: Pubmed, Science Direct, ElSevier, Springer Link, Scielo, empleando como palabras clave: “end stage kidney disease”, “renal dialysis”, “renal insufficiency”, “exercise therapy”, “intradialytic exercise”,  “aerobic exercise”, “resistance exercise”. 

Resultados: Se encontraron 88 artículos donde 9 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, reportando los beneficios y características del ejercicio. 

Conclusión: el ejercicio que demostró generar mayores beneficios fue el entrenamiento combinado de tipo aeróbico y de resistencia. Estos beneficios son el aumento en la funcionalidad e independencia, calidad de vida, capacidad aeróbica, fuerza muscular, equilibrio y coordinación, la regulación de la presión arterial y la disminución de los síntomas asociados a la depresión.
Learning and Teaching Latino Mental Health, Social Justice and Recovery to Visiting Students: A Pilot Study
Authors: Mendiola Iparraguirre Andrea Patricia , Restrepo-Toro Maria , Gomez Natalia , Costa Mark , Diaz Esperanza
Published: August 2021

Almost 18% of the U.S. population is estimated to be Hispanic (United States Census Bureau, 2019), and of that, 15% had a diagnosable mental illness in the past year (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020); still, Latinos receive half as often mental health services compared to Caucasians (Office of Mental Health, 2020). Evidence suggests that minority ethnic groups may receive more inferior care standards due to biased beliefs or attitudes held by health professionals (Shepherd et al., 2018). The number of Latino Psychiatrists is not enough to care for the on-growing Latino population in the U.S. (Alarcón, 2001; American Psychiatric Association, 2017). There is a need to train medical students and residents in cultural competencies pertained to the Latino Culture and Health Services (Alarcón, 2001). We developed a pilot study of a curriculum created by Latino bilingual and bicultural mental health providers. The course lessons include (a) Health Disparities and Implicit Bias, (b) Recovery in Mental Health, (c) Immigration and Acculturation, (d) Cultural Formulation Interview, (e) Latino Values, and (f) Mental Health Systems. All topics focused on Latino Mental Health and used the “reverse classroom” teaching technique with interactive exercises. We measured the impact on knowledge, attitudes, and comfort level related to the concept taught in the lessons of this course. Teaching Latino Mental Health has a positive impact on improving the comfort level and knowledge of students. Nevertheless, there are not enough educational opportunities and information about these topics. Therefore, replicating this curriculum and expanding the education in Latino Mental Health will improve the health services provided to this community.
Utility of a multidimensional recovery framework in understanding lived experiences of Chilean and Brazilian mental health service users
Authors: Agrest Martín , Alves Nishioka Silvia , Le PhuongThao D , Dishy Gabriella , Magalhães Dahl Catarina , Vera San Juan Norha , Mascayano Franco , Kankan Tanvi , Dev Saloni , Abadi Daniel , Tavares Cavalancti María , Whitley Robert , Valencia Eliecer , Alvarado Muñoz Ruben , Yang Lawrence H. , Susser Ezra
Published: August 2021

La comprensión y aplicación del concepto de recuperación, a pesar de sus posibles beneficios para los servicios de salud mental, aún se encuentra en incipiente desarrollo en América Latina. Si bien la reforma psiquiátrica en la región ha tenido algunos avances, el marco de la recuperación no ha sido suficientemente explorado. Whitley y Drake (2010) sugirieron un marco conceptual integral para la recuperación que incluye cinco dimensiones: clínica, existencial, funcional, física y social. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo explorar las perspectivas de los usuarios chilenos y brasileños sobre la recuperación identificando su adscripción y aplicabilidad de estas cinco dimensiones. Se entrevistó a treinta participantes de la Intervención en Momento Crítico-Delegación de Funciones (CTI-TS) realizada en Santiago (Chile) y en Río de Janeiro (Brasil) sobre sus experiencias de recuperación. Se exploró la aplicabilidad del marco de Whitley y Drake al contexto de Chile y de Brasil. Los resultados mostraron que: 1. El marco era aplicable a esta población; 2. Las dimensiones presentaban un tipo particular de entrelazamiento y estaban influenciadas por una serie de procesos tales como la continuidad en el proceso de atención/cuidado/autocuidado, y sobresalía la funcionalidad y la esfera social; 3. Los valores culturales, el estigma y los determinantes sociales emergieron como factores cruciales que afectan el tratamiento y la recuperación. Se propuso una reinterpretación del esquema referencial. Los hallazgos representan un aporte a la literatura internacional sobre recuperación al aumentar la validez de este marco referencial multidimensional y su aplicabilidad a diversas poblaciones.
Effects of Various Physical Interventions on Reducing Neuromuscular Fatigue Assessed by Electromyography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hou Xiao , Liu Jingmin , Weng Kaixiang , Griffin Lisa , Rice Laura A. , Jan Yih-Kuen
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Various interventions have been applied to improve recovery from muscle fatigue based on evidence from subjective outcomes, such as perceived fatigue and soreness, which may partly contribute to conflicting results of reducing muscle fatigue. There is a need to assess the effectiveness of various intervention on reducing neuromuscular fatigue assessed by a quantitative outcome, such as electromyography (EMG). The objective of this review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions and intervention timing for reducing fatigue rates during exercise.

Methods: The literature was searched from the earliest record to March 2021. Eighteen studies with a total of 87 data points involving 281 participants and seven types of interventions [i.e., active recovery (AR), compression, cooling, electrical stimulation (ES), light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT), massage, and stretching] were included in this meta-analysis.

Results: The results showed that compression (SMD = 0.28; 95% CI = −0.00 to 0.56; p = 0.05; I2 = 58%) and LEDT (SMD = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.11 to 0.88; p = 0.01; I2 = 52%) have a significant recovery effect on reducing muscle fatigue. Additionally, compression, AR, and cooling have a significant effect on reducing muscle fatigue when conducted during exercise, whereas a non-effective trend when applied after exercise.

Discussion: This meta-analysis suggests that compression and LEDT have a significant effect on reducing muscle fatigue. The results also suggest that there is a significant effect or an effective trend on reducing muscle fatigue when compression, AR, cooling, and ES are applied during exercise, but not after exercise.
Activation and Contraction of Human “Vascular” Smooth Muscle Cells Grown From Circulating Blood Progenitors
Authors: Ahmetaj-Shala Blerina , Marei Isra , Kawai Ryota , Rothery Stephen , Pericleous Charis , Mohamed Nura A. , Gashaw Hime , Bokea Kalliopi , Samuel Jake , Vandenheste Annabelle , Shala Fisnik , Kirkby Nicholas S. , Mitchell Jane A.
Published: August 2021

Blood outgrowth smooth muscle cells (BO-SMCs) offer the means to study vascular cells without the requirement for surgery providing opportunities for drug discovery, tissue engineering, and personalized medicine. However, little is known about these cells which meant that their therapeutic potential remains unexplored. Our objective was to investigate for the first time the ability of BO-SMCs and vessel-derived smooth muscle cells to sense the thromboxane mimetic U46619 by measuring intracellular calcium elevation and contraction. U46619 (10–6 M) increased cytosolic calcium in BO-SMCs and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) but not in fibroblasts. Increased calcium signal peaked between 10 and 20 s after U46619 in both smooth muscle cell types. Importantly, U46619 (10–9 to 10–6 M) induced concentration-dependent contractions of both BO-SMCs and VSMCs but not in fibroblasts. In summary, we show that functional responses of BO-SMCs are in line with VSMCs providing critical evidence of their application in biomedical research.
Ribosome Proteins Represented by RPL27A Mark the Development and Metastasis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Mouse and Human
Authors: Zhao Weipeng , Li Xichuan , Nian Weiqi , Wang Jun , Wang Xiaorui , Sun Linlin , Zhu Ye , Tong Zhongsheng
Published: August 2021

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is known to have a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. The lack of targeted therapies and poor prognosis of patients with TNBC have made it urgent to discover novel critical diagnosis and therapeutic targets in the TNBC field. Here, in the current study, we integrated the single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from four normal mouse mammary tissues and four mouse breast tumors. Comparative analysis was conducted to identify the gene profiles of normal epithelial cells and cancer cells at different models. Surprisingly, two ribosomal protein genes, Rpl27a and Rpl15, were significantly upregulated in the cancer cells in all the TNBC models. Next, we accessed the scRNA-seq data from human primary and metastatic TNBC tissues, and comparative analysis revealed gene profiles of human primary and metastatic TNBC cancer cells. Ribosomal protein genes, represented by RPL27A and RPL15, showed significantly upregulated expression in metastatic TNBC cancer cells. Pathway analysis on the upregulated genes of the metastatic TNBC cancer cells identified the key regulators and signaling pathways that were driving the metastasis of the TNBC cancer cells. Specifically, EIF2 signaling was significantly activated, and major member genes of this signaling pathway were upregulated. In vitro study revealed that targeting RPL27A or EIF2 signaling in a TNBC cell line, MDA-MB-231, significantly reduced cell migration and invasion. Altogether, these data suggested that the RPL27A gene is conducting critical functions in TNBC cancer development and metastasis and is a potential therapeutic target for TNBC.
PARP1 Inhibitor Combined With Oxaliplatin Efficiently Suppresses Oxaliplatin Resistance in Gastric Cancer-Derived Organoids via Homologous Recombination and the Base Excision Repair Pathway
Authors: Li Huafu , Wang Chunming , Lan Linxiang , Wu Wenhui , Evans Ian , Ruiz E. Josue , Yan Leping , Zhou Zhijun , Oliveira Joaquim M. , Reis Rui L. , Hu Zhenran , Chen Wei , Behrens Axel , He Yulong , Zhang Changhua
Published: August 2021

Oxaliplatin (OXA) resistance in the treatment of different types of cancer is an important and complex problem. The culture of tumor organoids derived from gastric cancer can help us to provide a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms that lead to OXA resistance. In this study, our purpose was to understand the mechanisms that lead to OXA resistance, and to provide survival benefits to patients with OXA through targeted combination therapies. Using sequence analysis of OXA-resistant and non-OXA-resistant organoids, we found that PARP1 is an important gene that mediates OXA resistance. Through the patients’ follow-up data, it was observed that the expression level of PARP1 was significantly correlated with OXA resistance. This was confirmed by genetic manipulation of PARP1 expression in OXA-resistant organoids used in subcutaneous tumor formation. Results further showed that PARP1 mediated OXA resistance by inhibiting the base excision repair pathway. OXA also inhibited homologous recombination by CDK1 activity and importantly made cancers with normal BRCA1 function sensitive to PARP inhibition. As a result, combination of OXA and Olaparib (PARP-1/2/3 inhibitor), inhibited in vivo and in vitro OXA resistant organoid growth and viability.
Transcriptomic Signatures of Airway Epithelium Infected With SARS-CoV-2: A Balance Between Anti-infection and Virus Load
Authors: Meng Lingzhang , Qin Houji , Zhao Jingjie , He Siyuan , Wei Qiuju , Wang Zechen , Shen Jiajia , Sooranna Suren , Song Jian
Published: August 2021

COVID-19 pneumonia requires effective medical therapies. However, it is a challenge to find therapeutic drugs that not only inhibit viral replication, but also inhibit the accompanying cytokine storm and maintain an appropriate immune response. In this study, the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on gene expression in lung epithelial cells from patients with COVID-19 were systematically evaluated with bioinformatics analysis methods. Transcriptome expression specific to bystander (exposed but uninfected) and infected cells were found, and the vital pathways were identified by conducting differentially expressed gene analysis regarding the relationship between gene signatures of COVID-19 infection and disease severity. We found that a high viral load did not necessarily imply a low response of epithelial cells or a poor disease convalescence. The ability to distinguish the role of virus-correlated genes facilitates the development of potential new medicines and therapies for COVID-19 infection.
Bioinformatics and Immune Infiltration Analyses Reveal the Key Pathway and Immune Cells in the Pathogenesis of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Xu-Zhe , Zhang Si , Tang Ting-Ting , Cheng Xiang
Published: August 2021

Objective: This study was designed to identify the key pathway and immune cells for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) via bioinformatics analyses of public datasets and evaluate the significance of immune infiltration in the pathogenesis of HCM.

Methods: Expressional profiling from two public datasets (GSE36961 and GSE141910) of human HCM and healthy control cardiac tissues was obtained from the GEO database. After data preprocessing, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were then screened between HCM and healthy control cardiac tissues in parallel. Gene Ontology, pathway functional enrichment, and gene set enrichment analysis were performed using DAVID and GSEA application. The compositional patterns of immune and stromal cells in HCM and control cardiac tissues were estimated based on the merged data using xCell. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and module analyses were constructed by STRING and Cytoscape applications. Gender-based expressional differences analyses were also conducted to explore gender differences in HCM. GSE130036 and clinical samples were used for verification analyses.

Results: A total of 310 DEGs were identified. Upregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in “adhesion” and “apoptotic process” in the biological process. As for the downregulated DEGs, “inflammatory response,” “innate immune response,” “phagosome,” and “JAK-STAT signaling pathway” were highly enriched. Immune infiltration analyses suggested that the scores of macrophages, monocytes, DC, Th1, Treg, and plasma cells in the HCM group were significantly decreased, while CD8+ T cells, basophils, fibroblasts, and platelets were significantly enriched. Module analyses revealed that STAT3, as the hub genes in HCM together with LYVE1+CD163+ macrophages, may play a key role in the pathogenesis of HCM while there were no obvious gender differences in the HCM samples from selected datasets. Verification analyses performed on GSE130036 and clinical samples showed a strong positive correlation (Spearman correlation = 0.7646) and a good co-localization relationship between LYVE1 and CD163, suggesting the potential function of LYVE1+CD163+ macrophages in maintaining the homeostasis of cardiac tissue.

Conclusion: STAT3-related pathway and CD163+LYVE1+ macrophages were identified as the potential key pathway and immune cells in HCM and may serve as interesting targets for further in-depth research.
Case Report: Wide-to-Narrow QRS Tachycardia in a 3-Month-Old Infant
Authors: Zhao Liang , Yan Song , Wang Tao , Hua Yimin , Zhou Kaiyu
Published: August 2021

Introduction: It is rare to find that wide QRS tachycardia automatically changes to narrow QRS tachycardia, and it is more difficult to clarify the mechanism.

Case Report: A 3-month-old infant with recurrent paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia underwent transesophageal cardiac electrophysiological examination. The wide QRS tachycardia was induced by atrial RS2 stimulation, and it soon changed to narrow QRS tachycardia automatically. By the accurate measurement of esophageal lead, it was found that the electrocardiogram changes completely conform to Coumel law. The mechanism of wide and narrow QRS tachycardia was orthodromic atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia with or without ipsilateral functional bundle branch block, and the accessory pathway was defined as the left free wall-concealed accessory pathway.

Conclusion: Transesophageal cardiac electrophysiological examination can reveal some special electrophysiological phenomena, and its non-invasive nature is especially suitable for infants.
The Relationship Between Serum Uric Acid at Different Concentrations of Lipid Indices and the Risk of Myocardial Revascularization in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Lin Yajuan , Hidru Tesfaldet Habtemariam , Fan Rui , Gao Jinghan , Li Han , Yang Xiaolei , Xia Yunlong
Published: August 2021

Objective: Both serum uric acid (SUA) levels and lipid components, such as LDL, HDL, and Lp(a), have been reported to associate with CAD. However, the influence of SUA status at different concentrations of lipid indices for the risk of myocardial revascularization (MRT) in ACS patients is currently unknown.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a hospital-based sample of 14,234 ACS patients with no previous history of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. All patients went for coronary angiography. Binary logistic regression models were performed, and the odds ratios (OR) at 95% confidence interval (CIs) were used to approximate the associated risk of UA and lipid profile for myocardial revascularization, with the lowest quartile/tertile serving as the reference category.

Results: Overall, 8,818 (61.9%) patients undergone MRT out of 14,234 patients. Elevated SUA and HDL were negatively associated with an increased likelihood of MRT during admission (P < 0.001). However, LDL and Lp(a) levels were positively associated with MRT among ACS patients. Furthermore, interaction analyses between SUA and lipid profiles, particularly LDL and Lp(a), compared with those in the lowest quartile of SUA levels, show that patients in higher SUA quartiles grouped by lipid components had a significantly lower chance of undergoing MRT, with the lowest OR (95%CI) for subjects being 0.222 (0.170-0.290), 0.478 (0.374-0.612), and 0.604 (0.468-0.780) in LDL tertiles, being 0.671(0.523-0.862), 0.316(0.242-0.413), and 0.410 (0.310-0.542) in Lp(a) tertiles, respectively. In the three tertiles of HDL levels, the incidence of MRT dropped steadily as SUA levels increased. Also, we further analyzed ACS patients without diabetes. Compared with the first quartile of SUA levels, the risks of MRT were significantly lower in different tertiles of lipids components [LDL, Lp(a), HDL].

Conclusion: An increase in SUA levels may decrease the chance of undergoing MRT in ACS patients, even in those with increased Lp(a) and LDL-c. Elevated serum uric acid may play a protective role during an acute stage of ACS.
Distance Education in Social Work During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Changes and Challenges
Authors: Lischer Suzanne , Caviezel Schmitz Seraina , Krüger Paula , Safi Netkey , Dickson Cheryl
Published: August 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an extensive impact on the global higher education sector. In a written survey, staff and students at the Lucerne School of Social Work reported how they had coped with the challenges to their teaching or respective learning situation. The initial survey was conducted during the lockdown in spring 2020, and the follow-up survey was performed in the period of relaxed sanitary measures in summer 2020. During the first wave of the survey, 51 employees and 225 students participated. In the follow-up survey, 28 employees and 117 students partook. Findings indicate that the increased workload created by the transition was stressful for both staff and students but overall was handled well. Staff and students who felt supported by the university management experienced less psychological distress. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, there has been an effort to develop hybrid forms of teaching. Because the social work curriculum contains building blocks that are difficult to implement in the form of distance learning, the transition posed challenges for both staff and students. During times of transition, university management must carefully assess the support needs of staff and students and take appropriate action.
An Equivalent Rotor Speed Compensation Control of PMSG-Based Wind Turbines for Frequency Support in Islanded Microgrids
Authors: Zhong Cheng , Lv Yueming , Zhou Yang , Li Huayi
Published: August 2021

Frequency regulation is a critical issue in the islanded microgrids, especially the integration of high penetration of the wind power generator. In order to provide inertial and primary frequency support to the wind power system, this article proposes an equivalent rotor speed compensation control scheme of PMSG for frequency support in the islanded microgrids. A new variable combining pitch angle and rotor speed is defined as the equivalent rotor speed. The equivalent rotor speed versus de-loaded power curve is designed to preserve a part of active power among the whole wind speed area. And the inertia control scheme is optimized by adding a virtual compensation variable to the equivalent rotor speed to obtain the reference of the machine-side converter control loop. Adopting the proposed scheme, the PMSG-based wind turbine can achieve a similar frequency regulation performance to synchronous generators. Simulation results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
A Stochastic Intracellular Model of Anthrax Infection With Spore Germination Heterogeneity
Authors: Williams Bevelynn , López-García Martín , Gillard Joseph J. , Laws Thomas R. , Lythe Grant , Carruthers Jonathan , Finnie Thomas , Molina-París Carmen
Published: August 2021

We present a stochastic mathematical model of the intracellular infection dynamics of Bacillus anthracis in macrophages. Following inhalation of B. anthracis spores, these are ingested by alveolar phagocytes. Ingested spores then begin to germinate and divide intracellularly. This can lead to the eventual death of the host cell and the extracellular release of bacterial progeny. Some macrophages successfully eliminate the intracellular bacteria and will recover. Here, a stochastic birth-and-death process with catastrophe is proposed, which includes the mechanism of spore germination and maturation of B. anthracis. The resulting model is used to explore the potential for heterogeneity in the spore germination rate, with the consideration of two extreme cases for the rate distribution: continuous Gaussian and discrete Bernoulli. We make use of approximate Bayesian computation to calibrate our model using experimental measurements from in vitro infection of murine peritoneal macrophages with spores of the Sterne 34F2 strain of B. anthracis. The calibrated stochastic model allows us to compute the probability of rupture, mean time to rupture, and rupture size distribution, of a macrophage that has been infected with one spore. We also obtain the mean spore and bacterial loads over time for a population of cells, each assumed to be initially infected with a single spore. Our results support the existence of significant heterogeneity in the germination rate, with a subset of spores expected to germinate much later than the majority. Furthermore, in agreement with experimental evidence, our results suggest that most of the spores taken up by macrophages are likely to be eliminated by the host cell, but a few germinated spores may survive phagocytosis and lead to the death of the infected cell. Finally, we discuss how this stochastic modelling approach, together with dose-response data, allows us to quantify and predict individual infection risk following exposure.
Reduced CCR6+IL-17A+Treg Cells in Blood and CCR6-Dependent Accumulation of IL-17A+Treg Cells in Lungs of Patients With Allergic Asthma
Authors: Shen Xiaokun , Zhang Huiyun , Xie Hua , Chen Liping , Li Shinan , Zheng Junjuan , Chai Ruonan , Wang Zhao , Zang Yanyan , He Shaoheng
Published: August 2021

Human regulatory T (Treg) cells play a central role in controlling allergic inflammation in the airways. A reduced number of peripheral Treg cells and decreased suppressive function have been previously reported in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. However, the characteristic role of specific Treg cell subsets and their mechanisms in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma remain unclear. In this study, we examined the proportion of different Treg cell subsets in both healthy subjects and patients with allergic asthma using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing. The migration function of the cells was compared using cell sorting and Transwell experiments. Furthermore, two allergen-challenged mouse models and a cell transfer experiment were used to examine the role of these Treg subsets. We found that the proportion of CD25+Foxp3+CD127- Treg cells in the peripheral blood of patients with allergic asthma was lower than in those of healthy subjects. Furthermore, the circulating Treg cells expressed lower levels of CCR6 and IL-17 compared with healthy subjects. The chemokine from the airway mucosa, CCL20, was abundantly expressed, and Transwell experiments further proved that this chemokine promoted CCR6+ Treg cell migration in vitro. A mouse model induced by house dust mite (HDM) revealed that the number of CCR6+ Treg cells in the lung tissue increased remarkably. The incidence of allergic asthma may be related to an increase in Treg cells secreting IL-17 in the lung tissue. Recruited CCR6+ Treg cells are likely to differentiate into Th17-like cells under the Th17 environment present in the lungs. IL-17 derived from Th17-like cells could be associated with the pathology of allergic asthma by promoting Th17 responses, thereby favoring HDM-induced asthma exacerbations.
Changes in Life History Traits of Small Pelagic Fish in the Western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Albo-Puigserver Marta , Pennino Maria Grazia , Bellido Jose María , Colmenero Ana Isabel , Giráldez Ana , Hidalgo Manuel , Gabriel Ramírez John , Steenbeek Jeroen , Torres Pedro , Cousido-Rocha Marta , Coll Marta
Published: August 2021

Small pelagic fish (SPF) in the western Mediterranean Sea are key elements of the marine food web and are important in terms of biomass and fisheries catches. Significant declines in biomass, landings, and changes in the age/size structure of sardine Sardina pilchardus and anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus have been observed in recent decades, particularly in the northern area of the western Mediterranean Sea. To understand the different patterns observed in SPF populations, we analyzed key life history traits [total length at age, length at maturity, gonadosomatic index (GSI), and body condition (Kn)] of sardine and anchovy collected between 2003 and 2017, from different fishing harbors distributed along a latitudinal gradient from northern to southern Spain. We used Generalized Linear Models (GLM) to estimate the length at maturity and Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) to test the relationship with environmental variables (seawater temperature, water currents, and net primary productivity). The life history traits of both species presented seasonal, interannual and latitudinal differences with a clear decline in length at age, length at first maturity, and body condition, for both species in the northern part of the study area. In the southern part, on the contrary, life history traits did not present a clear temporal trend. The environmental conditions partially explained the long-term changes in life history traits, but the selected variables differed between areas, highlighting the importance of regional oceanographic conditions to understand the dynamics of small pelagic fish. The truncated length-at-age pattern for both species with the disappearance of the larger individuals of the population could have contributed to the poor condition of small pelagic fish populations in the northern part of the western Mediterranean Sea in recent years. In the south area, recent declines in body condition for sardine and anchovy were observed and could be a possible first sign for future population declines. This study highlights the importance of understanding the trade-off between the energy invested in reproduction, maintenance and growth at seasonal and interannual level to advance our knowledge on how environmental and human pressures influence population dynamics of small pelagic fish at local and regional scales.
Central Venous Disease Increases the Risk of Microbial Colonization in Hemodialysis Catheters
Authors: Liang Xianhui , Liu Yamin , Chen Bohan , Li Ping , Zhao Peixiang , Liu Zhangsuo , Wang Pei
Published: August 2021

Objectives: Tunneled-cuffed catheters (TCCs) are widely used in maintenance hemodialysis patients. However, microbial colonization in catheters increases the likelihood of developing various complications, such as catheter-related infection (CRI), catheter failure, hospitalization, and death. Identification of the risk factors related to microorganism colonization may help us reduce the incidence of these adverse events. Therefore, a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent TCC removal was conducted.

Methods: From a pool of 389 adult patients, 145 were selected for inclusion in the study. None of the patients met the diagnostic criteria for CRI within 30 days before recruitment. The right internal jugular vein was the unique route evaluated. The catheter removal procedure was guided by digital subtraction angiography. Catheter tips were collected for culture. Biochemical and clinical parameters were collected at the time of catheter removal.

Results: The average age of this cohort was 55.46 ± 17.25 years. A total of 45/145 (31.03%) patients were verified to have a positive catheter culture. The proportions of gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi were 57.8, 28.9, and 13.3%, respectively. History of CRI [odds ratio (OR) = 2.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09 to 5.49], fibrin sheath (OR = 2.93, 95% CI 1.39–6.19), white blood cell (WBC) count ≥5.9 × 109/l (OR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.12–4.77), moderate (OR = 4.87, 95% CI 1.61–14.78) or severe central venous stenosis (CVS) (OR = 4.74, 95% CI 1.16–19.38), and central venous thrombosis (CVT) (OR = 3.41, 95% CI 1.51–7.69) were associated with a significantly increased incidence of microbial colonization in a univariate analysis. Central venous disease (CVD) elevated the risk of microbial colonization, with an OR of 3.37 (1.47–7.71, P = 0.004). A multivariate analysis showed that both CVS and CVT were strongly associated with catheter microbial colonization, with ORs of 3.06 (1.20–7.78, P = 0.019) and 4.13 (1.21–14.05, P = 0.023), respectively. As the extent of stenosis increased, the relative risk of catheter microbial colonization also increased. In patients with moderate and severe stenosis, a sustained and significant increase in OR from 5.13 to 5.77 was observed.

Conclusions: An elevated WBC count and CVD can put hemodialysis patients with TCCs at a higher risk of microbial colonization, even if these patients do not have the relevant symptoms of infection. Avoiding indwelling catheters is still the primary method for preventing CRI.
A Novel Antifungal Actinomycete Streptomyces sp. Strain H3-2 Effectively Controls Banana Fusarium Wilt
Authors: Zou Niexia , Zhou Dengbo , Chen Yinglong , Lin Ping , Chen Yufeng , Wang Wei , Xie Jianghui , Wang Mingyuan
Published: August 2021

Banana Fusarium wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxyspoum f. sp. cubense (Foc) seriously threatens the banana industry. Foc tropical race 4 (Foc TR4) can infect almost all banana cultivars. Compared with traditional physical and chemical practices, biocontrol strategy using beneficial microbes is considered as an environmentally sound option to manage fungal disease. In this study, a strain, H3-2, isolated from a non-infected banana orchard, exhibited high antifungal activity against Foc TR4. According to its morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics, the strain H3-2 was identified as Streptomyces sp. and convinced by the polymorphic phylogenic analysis of 16S rRNA sequences. Extracts of the strain H3-2 suppressed the growth and spore germination of Foc TR4 in vitro by destroying cell membrane integrity and mycelial ultrastructure. Notably, the strain and its extracts showed broad-spectrum antifungal activity against the selected seven fungal phytopathogens. Fourteen chemical compounds in the extracts were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC-MS), primarily phenolic compounds. Additional pot inoculation experiment demonstrated that the fermentation broth of the strain H3-2 promoted the growth of banana seedlings by efficiently inhibiting the spread of banana Fusarium wilt disease. This study demonstrated the potential application of the novel Streptomyces sp. H3-2 for the management of banana Fusarium wilt.
2D SnS2 Nanostructure-Derived Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Pollutants Under Visible Light
Authors: Srivastava Rohit Ranjan , Kumar Vishwakarma Pramod , Yadav Umakant , Rai Suyash , Umrao Sima , Giri Rajiv , Saxena Preeti Suman , Srivastava Anchal
Published: August 2021

Wastewater produced by the textile industry contains various dyes and organic compounds that directly or indirectly affect surface water or groundwater pollution. Visible-light-driven semiconductor photocatalysis is the leading pathway for the degradation of environmental pollutants. Herein we report the bottom-up hydrothermal growth of 2D tin disulfide nanostructures (SnS2 NSs) for the efficient photodegradation of organic pollutants such as Rhodamine B (Rh.B) and Methyl Violet (M.V) in an aqueous medium under visible light (λ > 400 nm) irradiation. The as-synthesized SnS2 NSs were characterized by various structural, morphological, and optical techniques such as XRD, RAMAN, TEM, UV–Vis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, etc. Furthermore, the low bandgap (∼1.6 eV), the high surface area (56 m2/g), and the anionic nature of SnS2 NSs attribute to it as an efficient photocatalyst for photocatalytic applications. The photocatalytic properties of SnS2 NSs showed good degradation efficiency of 94 and 99.6% for Rh. B and M.V, respectively, in 25 min. The kinetic rate constant of these dyes was estimated by using the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. Here we also performed the recyclability test of the photocatalyst and discussed the plausible mechanism for the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. The XPS spectra of SnS2 NSs were studied before and after the photodegradation of Rh.B and M.V, indicating the high stability of the photocatalyst. Moreover, in vitro cytotoxicity was also evaluated against human cervical cancer cell lines (HeLa cells) with different concentrations (0–1,000 μg/ml) of as-synthesized SnS2 NSs. This intended work provides a possible treatment for the degradation of organic pollutants under visible light to balance the aquatic ecosystems.
NF-E2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) Ameliorates Radiation-Induced Skin Injury
Authors: Xue Jiao , Yu Chenxiao , Tang Yiting , Mo Wei , Tang Zhicheng , Sheng Wenjiong , Jiao Yang , Zhu Wei , Cao Jianping
Published: August 2021

Radiation-induced skin injury (RISI) commonly occur in cancer patients who received radiotherapy and is one of the first clinical symptoms after suffering from nuclear exposure. Oxidative damage is the major causes of RISI. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is considered as a key mediator of the cellular antioxidant response. However, whether Nrf2 can alleviate RISI after high-dose irradiation remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that Nrf2-deficient (Nrf2-/-) mice were susceptible to high-dose irradiation and adenovirus-mediated overexpression of Nrf2 (ad-Nrf2) protected against radiation in skin cells. Overexpression of Nrf2 attenuated the severity of skin injury after high-dose electron beam irradiation. To uncover the mechanisms of Nrf2 involved in RISI, mRNA sequencing technology was performed to analyze the mRNA expression profiles of Ad-Nrf2 skin cells following radiation. The results revealed that a total of 127 genes were significantly changed, 55 genes were upregulated, and 72 genes were downregulated after Nrf2 overexpression. GSEA showed that Nrf2 was associated with positive regulation of genes involved in the reactive oxygen species pathway after radiation. Taken together, this study illustrated the role of Nrf2 in RISI and provided potentially strategies for ameliorating RISI.
Multivariate NTCP Model of Hypothyroidism After Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Shen Guanzhu , Peng Yinglin , Li Jian , Wu Haijun , Zhang Guangshun , Zhao Chong , Deng Xiaowu
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate the incidence of hypothyroidism in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), analyze its correlation with multiple influencing factors such as thyroid exposure dose, thyroid volume, and gender, and construct a multivariate-based normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) model for the occurrence of hypothyroidism after IMRT.

Materials and Methods

The thyroid hormone levels of patients at different points in time before and after radiotherapy were tested, and statistics on the incidence of hypothyroidism after treatment were obtained. The dose-volume data of patients’ thyroids were converted into EQD2 equivalent dose values. The correlation between hypothyroidism after radiotherapy and thyroid exposure dose, thyroid volume, gender, and other factors was analyzed, and an NTCP model was constructed.

Results

A total of 69 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma were enrolled in this study. Twelve months after radiotherapy, a total of 24 patients (34.8%) developed hypothyroidism. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis revealed that the average thyroid dose and thyroid volume are the most important factors affecting hypothyroidism after radiotherapy. The NTCP model constructed based on the average dose and thyroid volume has a good degree of fit.

Conclusion

The volume and average dose of the thyroid gland are the key factors affecting the occurrence of hypothyroidism in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy. The NTCP model constructed based on multivariate construction suggests that reducing the average dose of the thyroid to the greatest extent is an effective way to protect thyroid functions.