bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementasi Konsep Maximum Capacity pada Warehouse Information System Berbasis Web
Authors: Mulyani Asri , Setiawan Ridwan , Hadianto Sahdan
Published: May 2022

Peran gudang sangat penting terhadap berjalannya sebuah usaha, dengan pengelolaan gudang yang baik diharapkan mampu memberikan keuntungan yang lebih maksimal kepada pengusaha. Salah satunya pengaturan tata letak dan kondisi yang baik dalam gudang yaitu dengan memanfaatkan ruang penyimpanan secara maksimum meskipun barang disimpan secara vertical atau horizontal. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk merancang Sistem Informasi Gudang Berbasis Web yang dapat menyajikan informasi mengenai volume rak yang tersedia untuk memaksimumkan rak yang ada, membantu pengguna dalam proses pencarian barang dan memberikan informasi mengenai stok barang yang akan habis atau kosong. Metodologi penelitian yang digunakan adalah Rational Unified Process (RUP) yang pelaksanaannya hanya meliputi tahapan Inception, Elaboration, dan Construction dengan pemodelan menggunakan Unified Modelling Language (UML), selanjutnya pengujian Alpha dengan menggunakan metode Black-Box Testing. Hasil penelitian ini berupa rancangan Sistem Informasi Gudang dengan hak akses multi user dan sistem berbasis web dengan menerapkan konsep Maximum Capacity. Sistem yang dirancang dapat memberikan informasi mengenai volume rak yang tersedia, memberikan informasi mengenai stok barang yang akan habis atau kosong, dan sistem yang dihasilkan juga telah dilengkapi dengan fitur pencarian untuk memudahkan user dalam proses pencarian posisi barang.
Regionalización de Caudales Máximos en Subcuencas del Arroyo Feliciano
Authors: Bidegorry Matías Alejo , Kohan Tomas , Russian Floriana Milagros , Mastaglia María Inés , Sato Rodolfo Alejandro , Ramírez Roxana Guadalupe , Giménez Vanesa Estefanía , Margasín Andrea Desiré
Published: May 2022

El trabajo consiste en el estudio y regionalización de caudales máximos de las subcuencas del Arroyo Feliciano, considerando que este curso de agua posee una sola estación de aforo.
A partir de un modelo hidrológico calibrado, se analizaron distintas distribuciones temporales de tormenta para determinar aquella para la cual los caudales simulados se aproximan a los observados, asumiendo un margen de error considerado como aceptable.
Se modelaron las subcuencas para tormentas de distintas recurrencias, distribuidas temporalmente según un patrón adoptado, y se determinaron distintos parámetros físicos para cada una de ellas.
Con esta información, se realizó un análisis estadístico multivariado que permitió definir regiones hidrológicamente homogéneas y seleccionar los parámetros y variables de mayor incidencia en los valores de caudales máximos.
Como resultados se obtuvieron fórmulas prácticas que permiten alcanzar una estimación preliminar de caudales, en base a las características fisiográficas de las subcuencas, y la precipitación máxima media areal, para una recurrencia de 2 años. Además, se definieron ecuaciones regionales de frecuencia para calcular un índice de creciente, el cual permite estimar el caudal para cualquier recurrencia de interés, entre 2 y 100 años, a partir de los caudales de 2 años determinados por la ecuación de regionalización.
MODUL WEYL SEBAGAI REPRESENTASI GRUP SIMETRI DARI PEWARNAAN SUATU GRAF
Authors: Nisfulaila Intan
Published: May 2022

This research identifies the properties of Weyl module which had some similar properties with Specht module. Specht module as an irreducible representation of permutation module for some partition
PENINGKATAN HASIL BELAJAR MATEMATIKA MELALUI PENDEKATAN REALISTIC MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (RME) PADA MATERI ARITMATIKA SOSIAL DI SMP MUHAMADIYAH 06 DAU MALANG
Authors: Antonetha duka Alex Sander , Arifendi Rio Febrianto , Setiawan Rudy , Irianti Nathasa Pramudita
Published: May 2022

Classroom Action Research (CAR) in two cycles aims to improve students' mathematics learning outcomes, especially social arithmetic, by using the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) learning approach in class VIIC students of SMP Muhamadiyah. Student learning outcomes increase with an average value of 73.54 percent in the first cycle and 91.45 percent in the second cycle with a KKM value of 75, improving student learning outcomes by using the RME learning strategy in social arithmetic subjects. This shows that the RME strategy has been adequate and has succeeded in improving student learning outcomes, especially in mathematics. The findings of this study are expected to be useful in improving the quality of education with the RME approach in schools, especially mathematics.
Extremely high but localized pulses of coral recruitment in the southwestern lagoon of New Caledonia and implications for conservation
Authors: Adjeroud M , Peignon C , Gauliard C , Penin L , Kayal M
Published: May 2022

Recruitment processes largely drive spatial distributions, dynamics, and recovery potential of marine communities. Determining scales of variation in recruitment rates and composition can help in understanding population replenishment mechanisms, while identifying recruitment hotspots is crucial for improving conservation strategies, particularly for threatened marine ecosystems such as coral reefs. We examined the spatial and interannual variability (2012-2014) of coral recruitment at multiple scales within and among reef habitats (14 stations) in the southwestern lagoon of New Caledonia. Recruit assemblages were characterized by high recruitment rates compared to other regions (overall mean of 34.9 recruits per 11 × 11 × 1 cm settlement tile, corresponding to 1220.9 recruits m-2) and strong dominance of Acroporidae. We found a marked spatial heterogeneity among habitats but also exceptionally high interannual variation (100-fold), with extreme recruitment peaks (up to 13572.8 recruits m-2, with a maximum of 811 recruits on a single tile) recorded in 2014 at some fringing and mid-shelf reefs, the highest records ever reported to date. These encouraging results contrast with other reefs where recent declines in coral recruitment rates have been documented with major concerns for their resilience capacities. However, the marked spatio-temporal variability of coral recruitment complicates conservation strategies, as it makes it difficult to identify ‘recruitment hotspots’ as priority sites to protect for their potential capacity to boost the replenishment of local populations.
Effect of Pulsed Endwall Injection on Flow Separation and Vortex Structure of a Compressor Cascade
Authors:   School of Power and Energy, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Cao Zhiyuan , Song Cheng ,   School of Power and Energy, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Gao Xi ,   School of Power and Energy, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Zhang Xiang ,   School of Power and Energy, Northwestern Polytechnical University
Published: May 2022

Pulsed endwall air injection (PEAI) is an effective method to eliminate flow separation and improve blade loading of compressor. Most studies on PEAI have focused on improving the aerodynamic performance of compressor, and few studies investigated the influence on the flow field in detail, especially vortex structure in compressors. Aiming at revealing the effect mechanism of PEAI on flow separation and vortex structure, unsteady numerical study is carried out. The effect of PEAI parameters (frequency and amplitude) on flow field of compressor cascade is addressed. Results show that cascade loss coefficient and endwall loss coefficient of cascade are respectively reduced 13.92% and 28.24% under the optimal PEAI scheme. Higher injection amplitude leads to more decrease of corner separation and deterioration of flow field at mid-span, and double concentration shedding vortex (CSV) structure is found when injection amplitude is 1.40. As the injection frequency increasing, the regular injection leads to a series of “injection vortexes” distributing with equal interval, which suppress CSV and PV. Keywords: axial flow compressor, corner separation, flow control, pulsed endwall air injection, vortex structure
A Method For The Characterization Of Fans Down To Zero Speed And Analysis Of Bypass Reverse Flow During Ground
Authors:   Cranfield University, Tió Ferran Roig , Azamar Hasani ,   Cranfield University, Pachidis Vassilios ,   Cranfield University
Published: May 2022

The sub-idle operation of turbofan engines for ground start and relight has been of interest since the advent of the turbofan engine architecture and more so in recent years. Apart from being able to start the engine on the ground quickly, a significant challenge in the engine design exercise is to demonstrate the capability of inflight relight under windmill conditions. This becomes more critical for very high bypass ratio (VHBR) turbofans where the core mass flow rates are even lower due to the large bypass ratios. To test the ability of an engine to relight, it is necessary to know the component sub-idle performance characteristics, which are normally unknown. Over the years, substantial and significant work has been published on the generation of meanline methods to predict the axial flow core compressor sub-idle performance; however, there is practically no previous research published on standard tools for sub-idle regime in axialflow fans. In this investigation, the appropriateness of a low-order method based on interpolation is examined for the sub-idle performance characterization of the fan. It is shown that although results for the fan root may lack sufficient accuracy, the obtained solutions for the fan tip match CFD predictions very well. Also, a numerical investigation is carried out to study the effect of reverse flow through the bypass duct during ground start. In general, it is shown that reverse bypass duct flow during ground start has very little effect on core entry engine flow
Strategic public finance governance: European integration course, international trends, national peculiarities
Authors:   The Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, MARCHENKO Sergii
Published: May 2022

The experience of public finance management in the EU in the framework of tightly controlled coordination of medium-term fiscal policy and the single monetary policy of the European Monetary Union (EMU) indicates that Strategic Public Finance Governance (SPFG) should be distinguished from the strategy for reforming the public finance management system within the established approaches of Public Finance Management (PFM) as general from special. The Strategic Public Finance Governance Mission (SPFG) is seen as enhancing the government’s financial capacity to respond in a timely and adequate manner to global challenges and threats through coordinated and targeted participation in relevant international activities and programs that correlate with the solution of certain global problems. The mission also includes expanding the fiscal space for public financial support of national sustainable development priorities that meet national interests, the criteria of national security in general and economic, financial, fiscal in particular. This involves the use of both domestic and borrowed (from other countries, international organizations, etc.) financial resources. Nowadays, the PFM approach covers mainly the general government sector. Strategic Public Finance Governance (SPFG) should cover the public sector as a whole. In our opinion, this is the main direction of further European integration reform of the public finance management system in Ukraine.
Resultados sobre la configuración de la práctica de enseñanza de biología mediada con TIC. Estudio de caso
Authors: Afanador Castañeda Héctor Alexander , Valbuena Ussa Edgar Orlay , Garcia Romano Leticia , Garavito Suarez Hammes Reineth
Published: May 2022

Esta investigación determina los aspectos más relevantes que caracterizan la configuración de la práctica de enseñanza a través de las TIC de un profesor de Biología. Para ello, el diseño metodológico interpretativo empleó la frecuencia de ponderación y la coocurrencia de códigos (categorías) en 153 unidades de contenido (léxicas) obtenidas de tres entrevistas declarativas y tres entrevistas informales del estudio de caso. Los resultados determinaron que los códigos con mayor relevancia y con utilización más común en las unidades de contenido en los instrumentos declarativos del caso fueron: integración de las TIC para la enseñanza y herramientas tecnológicas. Además, se concluyó que el profesor tiene en cuenta aspectos estructurales específicos relacionados con: las funciones de las TIC y el conocimiento pedagógico y didáctico del profesor, siendo necesarios en este proceso de configuración práctica de enseñanza de Biología.
Logistics and Supply Chain Modelling for the Biobased Economy: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Stellingwerf Helena Margaretha , Guo Xuezhen , Annevelink Engelbertus , Behdani Behzad
Published: May 2022

One way to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, is for society to move towards a biobased economy, where fossil resources are replaced by biobased ones. This replacement requires the development of biobased supply chains that differ significantly from the conventional supply chain. For example, seasonality and variability of the feedstocks create specific challenges for biobased systems and call for customized solutions for the design and operation of biobased chains. As a result, the modelling efforts to support decision-making processes for biobased logistics and supply chains have some different requirements. This paper presents a systematic literature review on logistics and supply chain modelling studies for the biobased economy published in a period of 2011–2020. The literature analysis shows that most modelling studies for the biobased economy are strategic optimization models aiming to minimize economic impact. As biomass source, forest and agricultural residues are mostly used, and fuel and energy are the most common biobased applications. Modelling strategies, biomass sources and applications are however diversifying, which is what we encourage for future research. Also, not only focusing on economic optimization but also optimizing social and environmental performance is an important future research direction, to deal with the sustainability challenges the world is facing.
Investigating the Impacts of Feedstock Variability on a Carbon-Negative Autothermal Pyrolysis System Using Machine Learning
Authors: Ganguly Arna , Brown Robert C. , Wright Mark Mba
Published: May 2022

Feedstock properties impact the economic feasibility and sustainability of biorefinery systems. Scientists have developed pyrolysis kinetics, process, and assessment models that estimate the costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of various biorefineries. Previous studies demonstrate that feedstock properties have a significant influence on product costs and lifecycle emissions. However, feedstock variability remains a challenge due to a large number of possible feedstock property combinations and limited public availability of feedstock composition data. Here, we demonstrate the use of machine learning (ML) models to generate large feedstock sample data from a smaller sample set for sustainability assessment of biorefinery systems. This study predicts the impact of feedstock properties on the profitability and sustainability of a lignocellulosic biomass autothermal pyrolysis (ATP) biorefinery producing sugar, phenolic oil, and biochar. Generative Adversarial Networks and Kernel Density Estimation machine learning models are used to generate 3,000 feedstock samples of diverse biochemical compositions. Techno-economic and lifecycle assessments estimated that the ATP minimum sugar selling price (MSSP) ranges between $66/metric ton (MT) and $280/MT, and the greenhouse gas (GHG) range from a net negative GHG emission(s) of −0.56 to −0.74 kg CO2e/kg lignocellulosic biomass processed. These results show the potential of ML to enhance sustainability analyses by replacing Monte Carlo-type approaches to generate large feedstock composition datasets that are representative of empirical data.
Developing Innovators: A Longitudinal Analysis Over Four College Years
Authors: Selznick Benjamin S. , Mayhew Matthew J. , Winkler Christa E. , McChesney Eric T.
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of collegiate environments and experiences on students’ development of innovation capacities over four years of college. Drawing on an interdisciplinary theoretical framework and reliable innovation measures, students from nine postsecondary institutions in North America were surveyed at three time points: first-year fall, first-year spring, and fourth-year spring. Data were comprehensively analyzed using a growth mixture modeling approach. Results suggest that being a transfer student and having sustained engagement with experiences that connect in-class and out-of-class learning were associated with a robust innovation growth trajectory over-and-above known covariates, including personality traits. Implications for research, theory, and practice are considered.
Nesting in Anolis Lizards: An Understudied Topic in a Well-Studied Clade
Authors: Pruett Jenna E. , Hall Joshua M. , Tiatragul Sarin , Warner Daniel A.
Published: May 2022

Maternal nesting behavior in oviparous species strongly influences the environmental conditions their embryos experience during development. In turn, these early-life conditions have consequences for offspring phenotypes and many fitness components across an individual’s lifespan. Thus, identifying the evolutionary and ecological causes and effects of nesting behavior is a key goal of behavioral ecology. Studies of reptiles have contributed greatly to our understanding of how nesting behavior shapes offspring phenotypes. While some taxonomic groups have been used extensively to provide insights into this important area of biology, many groups remain poorly studied. For example, the squamate genusAnolishas served as a model to study behavior, ecology, and evolution, but research focused onAnolisnesting behavior and developmental plasticity is comparatively scarce. This dearth of empirical research may be attributed to logistical challenges (e.g., difficulty locating nests), biological factors (e.g., their single-egg clutches may hinder some experimental designs), and a historical focus on males inAnolisresearch. Although there is a gap in the literature concerningAnolisnesting behavior, interest in nesting ecology and developmental plasticity in this group has grown in recent years. In this paper, we (1) review existing studies of anole nesting ecology and developmental plasticity; (2) highlight areas of anole nesting ecology that are currently understudied and discuss how research in these areas can contribute to broader topics (e.g., maternal effects and global change biology); and (3) provide guidelines for studying anole nesting in the field. Overall, this review provides a foundation for establishing anoles as models to study nesting ecology and developmental plasticity.
A Distinct Glucose Metabolism Signature of Lung Adenocarcinoma With Prognostic Value
Authors: Li Ding , Liang Jiaming , Zhang Wenzhou , Wu Xuan , Fan Jie
Published: May 2022

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains the most common type of lung cancer and is the main cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Reprogramming of glucose metabolism plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and progression. However, the regulation of glucose metabolism is still being explored in LUAD. Determining the underlying clinical value of glucose metabolism will contribute in increasing clinical interventions. Our study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the landscape of glucose metabolism-related genes in LUAD and develop a prognostic risk signature.

Methods: We extracted the RNA-seq data and relevant clinical variants from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and identified glucose metabolism-related genes associated with the outcome by correlation analysis. To generate a prognostic signature, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analysis was performed.

Results: Finally, ten genes with expression status were identified to generate the risk signature, including FBP2, ADH6, DHDH, PRKCB, INPP5J, ABAT, HK2, GNPNAT1, PLCB3, and ACAT2. Survival analysis indicated that the patients in the high-risk group had a worse survival than those in the low-risk group, which is consistent with the results in validated cohorts. And receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis further validated the prognostic value and predictive performance of the signature. In addition, the two risk groups had significantly different clinicopathological characteristics and immune cell infiltration status. Notably, the low-risk group is more likely to respond to immunotherapy.

Conclusion: Overall, this study systematically explored the prognostic value of glucose metabolism and generated a prognostic risk signature with favorable efficacy and accuracy, which help select candidate patients and explore potential therapeutic approaches targeting the reprogrammed glucose metabolism in LUAD.
Human Encephalitis Complicated With Ocular Symptoms Associated With Pseudorabies Virus Infection: A Case Report
Authors: Yue Liu , Yi Li , Fei Tong , MengWu Tian , Man Li , LiQing Wang , YueLi Zou , JiaLiang Duan , Hui Bu , JunYing He
Published: May 2022

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is an alpha herpesvirus found in many wild and domestic animals, and causes neurological diseases in humans. Several cases of PRV-induced human encephalitis accompanied with severe visual impairment have been reported. There is currently no effective treatment for severe visual impairment caused by PRV. We report a case of PRV encephalitis with severe visual impairment. The diagnosis and treatment experience of this patient is summarized to improve the awareness of clinicians. We present a 42-year-old man with PRV infection who was admitted due to intermittent fever for 5 days and unconsciousness for 1 day. He subsequently developed severe visual impairment during hospital stay. Empirical antiviral treatment with ganciclovir and sodium foscarnet was started on the day of admission and continued for > 50 days, which had significant treatment effect. Eye complications caused by PRV infection have been frequently reported in patients with PRV encephalitis. In this patient, based on the patient's condition, antiviral therapy was initiated on admission day, and according to the results of the next-generation sequencing of the cerebrospinal fluid, the duration of antiviral therapy was prolonged, which improved treatment efficacy and alleviated neurological symptoms and eye vision damage. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that describes partial restoration of acute vision loss associated with PRV infection after aggressive treatment. Our experience suggests that although prompt treatment cannot prevent the acute vision loss associated with PRV infection, timely anti-viral and anti-inflammatory treatment can alleviate ocular complications.
Brief Pain Inventory Pain Interference Subscale: Assessing Interference With Daily Living Activities in Older Adults With Multisite Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: Koren Yael , Leveille Suzanne G. , You Tongjian
Published: May 2022

Objectives

This study aims to determine domains of pain interference in daily routines assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory, in relation to multisite musculoskeletal pain among older adults living in the community.

Design

The MOBILIZE Boston Study is a population-based study of 749 adults aged 70 and older.

Measurements

Chronic musculoskeletal pain was assessed using a joint pain questionnaire and grouped as: no pain, single-site and multisite pain. The Brief Pain Inventory pain interference (PI) sub-scale assessed level of pain interference (0–10 rating) in 7 domains including general activity, mood, walking, work, relationships with people, sleep, and enjoyment of life. Interference ratings were grouped as: none (0), mild (>0 and ≤ 2), and moderate to severe (>2) PI.

Results

PI was more common among women and those with less education compared to others. Older adults with chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, depression, spinal stenosis, peripheral artery disease, and asthma/lung disease were more likely than their peers to report PI (p < 0.05). Multisite musculoskeletal pain was strongly associated with pain interference in all domains (p < 0.05). More than half of older adults with multisite musculoskeletal pain reported moderate to severe PI with general activity and walking. The highest prevalence of moderate to severe PI (score >2) in general activity was seen in participants with depression (62%), knee and hand osteoarthritis (71%) and peripheral artery disease (65%).

Conclusion

Greater attention to PI and PI domains such as general activity and walking, could aid in efforts to reduce the overall impact of multisite musculoskeletal pain among older adults.
A Case Report and Literature Review of Mesalazine-Induced Kidney Injury in a Pediatric Patient With Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Wang Shuo , Zhou Pengxiang , Li Zailing
Published: May 2022

Background

Mesalazine, a preparation of 5-aminosalicylic acid, is a medication widely used in clinical practice as a first-line therapy in the treatment of mild and moderate inflammatory bowel disease. However, mesalazine has nephrotoxicity and can cause adverse events in the kidney system. While these adverse reactions are very rare, they may have serious consequences.

Case Presentation

The patient was a 14-year-old boy who had a 5-year history of ulcerative colitis (UC). He received mesalazine due to relapse. Abnormal urinary protein content and sterile leukocyturia were observed 2 months after the initiation of the mesalazine treatment. The urine analysis returned to normal after discontinuation of mesalazine. However, the patients' renal function worsened again after restarting mesalazine therapy. Ten cases of mesalazine-induced renal injury were identified using a systematic literature review. We found that: (1) mesalazine-induced kidney injury was more common in boys with UC; (2) all cases had proteinuria or leukocyturia; (3) kidney injury might progress to end-stage renal disease; and (4) timely withdrawal of the drug and steroid therapy might contribute to improved renal function.

Conclusion

Urinalysis results and renal function should be monitored regularly in pediatric patients receiving mesalazine therapy to avoid renal insufficiency and renal failure.
Rehabilitation Including Structured Active Play for Preschoolers With Cancer (RePlay)—Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pouplier Anna , Winther Helle , Christensen Jan , Schmidt-Andersen Peter , Zhang He , Frandsen Thomas Leth , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Fridh Martin Kaj , Larsen Hanne Bækgaard
Published: May 2022

Background

Children diagnosed with cancer experience muscle weakness and impaired physical function caused by treatment and related immobility. The situation forces them into a negative cycle of diminished participation in physical and leisure activities and isolation from peers; inhibiting the natural development of social and gross motor skills. This manuscript presents a protocol for a study that explores the effects of using structured active play to maintain preschoolers' age specific gross motor function and social and personal skills while undertaking intensive cancer treatment.

Methods

The study is a two-arm, superiority randomized controlled trial with an intervention and a control group designed to evaluate the effects of a structured active play intervention on gross motor function. Gross motor subtests of the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition (PDMS-2) are used for measurement; with the primary end-point at 6 months post-treatment initiation. Eighty-four preschool children (aged 1–5 years), newly diagnosed with cancer at the Copenhagen University Hospital are randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group, using a 1:1 allocation. The intervention group receives a combined in-hospital and home-based program that includes structured active play activities, while the control group receives standard care, including physiotherapy. During hospital admission, the intervention group undertakes 45-min structured active play group sessions three times weekly, conducted by exercise professionals. Parents receive training and supervision to facilitate daily individual sessions outside of group sessions. Secondary study outcomes target the children's overall function level in everyday life, general physical performance, and health-related quality of life. As well, children's and parents' experiences within the intervention are explored and the children's social and personal development is observed.

Discussion

Limited evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions, particularly those including active play, for preschoolers diagnosed with cancer. This manuscript reporting on a study protocol will enhance clarity and transparency in reporting and offer insights for others with interest in this same topic. Once completed, findings from this study could extend knowledge about the conduct and measurement of effectiveness in rehabilitation initiatives. If study findings suggest that the intervention is effective, structured active play may become a standard part of rehabilitation.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04672681. Registered December 17, 2020. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04672681.
MicroRNA as an Early Biomarker of Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Jouza Martin , Bohosova Julia , Stanikova Andrea , Pecl Jakub , Slaby Ondrej , Jabandziev Petr
Published: May 2022

Sepsis is a major cause of lethality in neonatal intensive care units. Despite significant advances in neonatal care and growing scientific knowledge about the disease, 4 of every 10 infants born in developed countries and suffering from sepsis die or experience considerable disability, including substantial and permanent neurodevelopmental impairment. Pharmacological treatment strategies for neonatal sepsis remain limited and mainly based upon early initiation of antibiotics and supportive treatment. In this context, numerous clinical and serum-based markers have been evaluated for diagnosing sepsis and evaluating its severity and etiology. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) do not encode for proteins but regulate gene expression by inhibiting the translation or transcription of their target mRNAs. Recently, it was demonstrated in adult patients that miRNAs are released into the circulation and that the spectrum of circulating miRNAs is altered during various pathologic conditions, such as inflammation, infection, and sepsis. Here, we summarize current findings on the role of circulating miRNAs in the diagnosis and staging of neonatal sepsis. The conclusions point to substantial diagnostic potential, and several miRNAs have been validated independently by different teams, namely miR-16a, miR-16, miR-96-5p, miR-141, miR-181a, and miR-1184.
Src Activation Aggravates Podocyte Injury in Diabetic Nephropathy via Suppression of FUNDC1-Mediated Mitophagy
Authors: Zheng Ting , Wang Han-yu , Chen Yang , Chen Xiao , Wu Zi-ling , Hu Qin-yu , Sun Hui
Published: May 2022

Background and purpose: Mitophagy plays a significant role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN), although the regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. Recently, accumulating evidence demonstrated that impaired mitochondrial function and mitophagy are involved in DN. Here, we are aimed to explore the role of c-Src (Src) and FUNDC1-related mitophagy in the development of DN.

Methods: The db/db mice were used to establish a DN mice model. The mice accepted PP2 (Src inhibitor) treatment to study the role of Src in DN. Kidney function was measured via biochemical testing. Renal histopathology and morphometric analysis were conducted via hematoxylin-eosin (HE), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), Masson’s staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We measured degree of apoptosis in kidney by TUNEL assay. Indices of mitophagy (LC3 and p62) were evaluated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Complementary in vitro assays were conducted using human podocytes subjected to high glucose in combination with PP2 treatment or FUNDC1 small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptotic cells. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by JC-1 staining. Double immunofluorescence labeling of LC3 and TOMM20 used to assess the degree of mitophagy.

Results: Increased Src activation was detected in the kidneys of db/db mice, and its expression was positively correlated with mitochondrial damage, podocyte apoptosis, and renal dysfunction. Inhibition of Src activation with PP2 protected against mitochondrial damage and podocyte apoptosis. In vitro experiments in podocytes established that high glucose increased Src activation, promoting FUNDC1 phosphorylation and inhibiting mitophagy. Consistent with the mouse model, inhibiting Src activity protected podocytes against mitochondrial damage. FUNDC1 silencing negated the actions of PP2, indicating that FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy is downstream pathway of Src.

Conclusion: In summary, our data indicated that Src is a culprit factor in diabetic renal damage via suppression of FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy, promoting the development of DN.
Endothelial Microparticle-Mediated Transfer of microRNA-19b Inhibits the Function and Distribution of Lymphatic Vessels in Atherosclerotic Mice
Authors: Yu Shi-Ran , Cui Yu-Xia , Song Zi-Qi , Li Su-Fang , Zhang Chun-Ying , Song Jun-Xian , Chen Hong
Published: May 2022

In recent years, the function of the lymphatic system in atherosclerosis has attracted attention due to its role in immune cell trafficking, cholesterol removal from the periphery, and regulation of the inflammatory response. However, knowledge of the mechanisms regulating lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic function in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is limited. Endothelial microparticles carrying circulating microRNA (miRNA)s are known to mediate cell–cell communication, and our previous research showed that miRNA-19b in EMPs (EMPmiR-19b) was significantly increased in circulation and atherosclerotic vessels, and this increase in EMPmiR-19b promoted atherosclerosis. The present study investigated whether atherogenic EMPmiR-19b influences pathological changes of the lymphatic system in atherosclerosis. We first verified increased miR-19b levels and loss of lymphatic system function in atherosclerotic mice. Atherogenic western diet-fed ApoE-/- mice were injected with phosphate-buffered saline, EMPs carrying control miRNA (EMPcontrol), or EMPmiR-19b intravenously. The function and distribution of the lymphatic system was assessed via confocal microscopy, Evans blue staining, and pathological analysis. The results showed that lymphatic system dysfunction existed in the early stage of atherosclerosis, and the observed pathological changes persisted at the later stage, companied by an increased microRNA-19b level. In ApoE-/- mice systemically treated with EMPmiR-19b, the distribution, transport function, and permeability of the lymphatic system were significantly inhibited. In vitro experiments showed that miRNA-19b may damage the lymphatic system by inhibiting lymphatic endothelial cell migration and tube formation, and a possible mechanism is the inhibition of transforming growth factor beta receptor type II (TGF-βRII) expression in lymphatic endothelial cells by miRNA-19b. Together, our findings demonstrate that atherogenic EMPmiR-19b may destroy lymphatic system function in atherosclerotic mice by downregulating TGF-βRII expression.
The Application Value of the Renal Region of Interest Corrected by Computed Tomography in Single-Kidney Glomerular Filtration Rate for the Evaluation of Patients With Moderate or Severe Hydronephrosis
Authors: Yin Haixia , Liang Wenli , Zhao Deshan
Published: May 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the application value of the renal region of interest (ROI) corrected by computed tomography (CT) in single-kidney glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with hydronephrosis.

Methods: A total of 46 patients with hydronephrosis were divided into four groups based on their degree of unilateral hydronephrosis: a normal group (left kidney and right kidney) and three abnormal groups (mild, moderate, and severe hydronephrosis). GFR was measured using the two-sample method (tGFR). The single-kidney GFR of each patient was derived from differential renal function values in dynamic renal imaging multiplied by GFR. The single-kidney GFRs, including GFR from the Gates method (gGFRsingle) and CT area-corrected GFR (aGFRsingle), were compared with tGFRsingle. A paired-sample t-test and Pearson’s test were used for data analysis. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: There were no significant differences between aGFRsingle and tGFRsingle in patients in the normal, mild hydronephrosis, and moderate hydronephrosis groups (t = –0.604∼1.982, all p > 0.05), but there was a significant difference between them in the severe hydronephrosis group (t = 2.302, p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between gGFRsingle and tGFRsingle in the normal and mild hydronephrosis groups (t = 0.194∼0.962, all p > 0.05), but there was a significant difference between them in the moderate and severe hydronephrosis groups (t = 3.321, 3.494, p < 0.05). Both gGFRsingle and aGFRsingle were correlated with tGFRsingle, with aGFRsingle being more strongly correlated (r = 0.890, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: In patients with moderate hydronephrosis, aGFRsingle is more strongly correlated with tGFRsingle than gGFRsingle. However, in patients with severe hydronephrosis and accompanying renal morphological changes, the aGFRsingle measured by the renal ROI area-correction method using CT has higher accuracy and better clinical application value than the conventional gGFRsingle.
Identification of Genetic Factors Controlling the Formation of Multiple Flowers Per Node in Pepper (Capsicum spp.)
Authors: Kim Youngin , Kim Geon Woo , Han Koeun , Lee Hea-Young , Jo Jinkwan , Kwon Jin-Kyung , Lemmon Zachary , Lippman Zachary , Kang Byoung-Cheorl
Published: May 2022

Flower production provides the foundation for crop yield and increased profits. Capsicum annuum is a pepper species with a sympodial shoot structure with solitary flowers. By contrast, C. chinense produces multiple flowers per node. C. annuum accounts for 80% of pepper production worldwide. The identification of C. chinense genes that control multiple flowers and their transfer into C. annuum may open the way to increasing fruit yield. In this study, we dissected the genetic factors were dissected controlling the multiple-flower-per-node trait in Capsicum. 85 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) between the contrasting C. annuum ‘TF68’ and C. chinense ‘Habanero’ accessions were phenotyped and genotyped. Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) analysis identified four novel QTLs on chromosomes 1, 2, 7, and 11 that accounted for 65% of the total phenotypic variation. Genome-wide association study was also performed on a panel of 276 genotyped and phenotyped C. annuum accessions, which revealed 28 regions significantly associated with the multiple-flower trait, of which three overlapped the identified QTLs. Five candidate genes involved in the development of the shoot and flower meristems were identified and these genes could cause multiple flowers per node in pepper. These results contribute to our understanding of multiple flower formation in Capsicum and will be useful to develop high-yielding cultivars.
Moe-Phobia: Effect of Users' Gender on Perceived Sexuality and Likability Toward Manga-Like Virtual Agents
Authors: Matsui Tetsuya
Published: May 2022

In Japan, many incidents regarding manga-like virtual agents have happened recently, in which critics have indicated that virtual agents used in public spaces are too sexual. Prior study defined this perception as “moe-phobia.” In many cases, critics have pointed to agents' clothes. However, after verifying actual moe-phobia incidents, I hypothesize that these incidents are associated with not only the agents' clothes but also the situations in which they are used. I conducted an experiment with three factors and two levels to verify this hypothesis. The independent values were the agents' clothes, usage scenario, and the gender of the participants. The dependent values were the agents' trustworthiness, familiarity, likability, sexuality, and suitability as perceived by humans. I conducted the experiment with female and male groups and conducted a three-way ANOVA for each dependent value for each group. As a result, I observed a different tendency regarding the impression of the agents between female and male groups; however, both groups had the same tendency regarding the perceived suitability. The female and male participants judged the agents' suitability from not only their clothes but also the scenario.
Enacting Gender: An Enactive-Ecological Account of Gender and Its Fluidity
Authors: Albarracin Mahault , Poirier Pierre
Published: May 2022

This paper aims to show that genders are enacted, by providing an account of how an individual can be said to enact a gender and explaining how, consequently, genders can be fluid. On the enactive-ecological view we defend, individuals first and foremost perceive the world as fields of affordances, that is, structured sets of action possibilities. Fields of natural affordances offer action possibilities because of the natural properties of organisms and environments. Handles offer graspability to humans because of physical-structural properties of handles and the anatomical-physiological properties of humans. Although humans live in fields of bodily, action, and cultural affordances, our work focuses on cultural affordances, where action possibilities are offered to individuals because of the normative responses of individuals in that culture. Knocking on a door affords entrance because knocking provides cultured individuals on the other side of the door an affordance to which they themselves behave normatively. Usually, behaving normatively in response to cultural affordances brings about sequences of perception-action loops, which we will call “scripts”: for instance, closed doors afford knocking, which affords the individual inside opening the door, which affords an interpersonal meeting, which (may) afford entrance. Although the notion of script has a strong cognitivist flavor, one of the aims of the paper to provide an ecological account of scripts, to show that what cognitivists viewed as representations (or representational structures) are in fact environmentally structured perception-action loops. On our account of gender, gendered cultures build and maintain gendered cultural affordance landscapes, that is, landscapes in which the action possibilities individuals face are normed according to a specific body type or situation; most often (assigned) biological sex. Individuals enact a given gender when they come to perceive the affordances reserved for one gender by their culture and respond in the culturally normative way, thus enacting gendered sequences of perception-action loops (i.e., gendered scripts). With the shifting landscapes of cultural affordances brought about by several recent social, technological, and epistemic developments in some cultures, the gendered landscapes of affordances offered to individuals in these cultures have become more varied and less rigid, thus increasing the variety and flexibility of scripts individuals can enact. This entails that individuals in such cultures have an increased possibility for gender fluidity, which may in part explain the increasing number of people currently identifying outside the binary.
The COVID-19 Stress Perceived on Social Distance and Gender-Based Implications
Authors: Taurisano Paolo , Lanciano Tiziana , Alfeo Federica , Bisceglie Francesca , Monaco Alessia , Sbordone Filomena Leonela , Abbatantuono Chiara , Costadura Silvia , Losole Jolanda , Ruggiero Gennaro , Iachini Santa , Vimercati Luigi , Vacca Angelo , De Caro Maria Fara , Curci Antonietta
Published: May 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented event entailing long-term consequences on population health and welfare. Those who contracted the coronavirus may have suffered from both physical and mental health issues that unfold the need for tailored intervention strategies. Hence, our study aims to investigate the psychological and social consequences of COVID-19 on a sample of 86 participants, encompassing 43 patients (clinical group; 25 women; mean age = 50.4 ± 10.1 years) recruited from Bari University Hospital, 19 of whom were hospitalized due to the disease. The remaining 43 were individuals not fallen ill with COVID-19 to date (control group; 25 women; mean age = 50.4 ± 10.1 years). The investigation yielded significant gender differences in post-traumatic stress symptoms, depression, and representation of interpersonal distance (IPD), evaluated through the IES-R, the BDI-II, and the IVAS task, respectively. This pattern of results was not replicated in the control group. In general, participants who reported having experienced the most intense post-traumatic symptoms also presented a greater mood deflection and, more specifically, within the clinical group women obtained the highest scores on both scales. Women reported higher IES-R and BDI-II scores compared to men, that could indicate that women who have contracted COVID-19 are more exposed to post-traumatic and depressive symptoms. Our results also showed a significant effect of COVID-19 on IPD with a tendency of disease-experienced individuals to increase their preferred IPD from adults, children, and elderly people. Regarding gender differences in mood and proxemic behavior, a correlation between depressive symptoms and probable PTSD and a further correlation between probable PTSD and greater IPD were found in women from both clinical and control group. Overall, these findings might contribute to a better understanding of gender-based implications of the current pandemic on mental health, also leading to the development of integrated yet personalized intervention strategies.