bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STUDI LITERATUR KESEJAHTERAAN RUMAH TANGGA USAHA BUDIDAYA IKAN NILA DI KABUPATEN BENGKULU UTARA)
Authors: Islami Fikri , Yusnida Yusnida
Published: March 2021

This study aims to determine the characteristics of tilapia farmers in Sido Luhur Village, determine the level of income and sources of income of tilapia cultivator households, and determine the level of welfare of tilapia cultivator households. The method used in this study is descriptive qualitative, which is the characteristics of tilapia fishers, namely age, number of dependents, education level, business experience, pool area, and labor needed. To measure the level of welfare of tilapia cultivator households using measurements from the Central Agency for household welfare criteria based on BKKBN. The results of measurements of the level of well-being in the community of Sido Luhur Village, Padang Jaya Subdistrict, North Bengkulu Regency can be said to be prosperous, this is because tilapia farmers in general have met the criteria according to BKKBN indicators, because most of them have been able to fulfill their basic daily needs, as many as 33 respondents, which are in the third prosperous stratum, and according to research there are more tilapia farmers who are in the pre-prosperous category.Keywords: Hight of Welfare, Income
EFISIENSI PENGELUARAN PEMERINTAH BIDANG PENDIDIKAN DI INDONESIA (DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS)
Authors: Putra Tomi Mandala , Anitasari Merri
Published: March 2021

This study aims to determine the Level of Efficiency in Education Expenditures in 34 provinces in Indonesia. The type of data used in this study is the cross-section data for 2017. The use of budget input as an input variable and student-teacher ratio (RGM) as an output variable. This study uses descriptive analysis with analysis of Data Envelopment Analysis using the assumption of the Return to Scale (VRS) variable and the model used for input (input-oriented) input. The results of this study indicate that the general facts of large provinces in Indonesia are still very few that reach the level of efficiency in technical costs. Already 3 provinces have achieved efficiently. This proves there is still waste in education spending suggestions that can be submitted in this study about the local government to evaluate the use of education which must be adjusted to the number of teacher and student ratios in each region so there is no need to waste and local government can improve. Keywords:     Efficiency, Education Expenditures, Data Envelopment Analysis, Cost Technical
EVALUASI PERGESERAN STRUKTUR EKONOMI KOTA BENGKULU
Authors: Sunoto Sunoto , Indraswanti Bertha Iin Esti
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the shifting of economic structure of  Bengkulu City. Base on BPS secondary time series data (2011-2019), descriftive analysis was used to evaluate the shifting economic structure. The result of this research was concluded that the economis structure was gradually shifting in secondary and tertier sector. The different variable and the amount of data usage in this analysis had different result in leading sectors. The first periods of 2014-2017, Bengkulu City has 10 leading sectors, and the second period of this research become 7 sectors. It was used PDRB data, and become 4 leading sectors when employment data used merely. When the data of PDRB and employment was combined to analyze the Bengkulu City leading sector, it’s just become 3 sectors. So the economy of Bengkulu City was dominated by the Providing Accommodation, Food and Drink sector, the Real Estate sector and the Education Sector.
Dificuldades na abordagem da pílula contraceptiva de emergência por docentes de Biologia do Ensino Médio do município de Campos dos Goytacazes/RJ
Authors: Arêas Isabella Mota Raphael de Lima , Almeida Suany Rocha de , Gonçalves Geísa Fonseca de
Published: March 2021

A Anticoncepção de Emergência (AE), também conhecida por “pílula do dia seguinte”, é um método anticonceptivo muito utilizado pelas adolescentes, mas pouco ou não abordado na escola. Assim, este trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a abordagem da pílula contraceptiva de emergência nas aulas de professores de Biologia atuantes no Ensino Médio de escolas públicas e particulares do município de Campos dos Goytacazes/RJ, em relação à anticoncepção de emergência e seus efeitos, sua presença nos livros didáticos, a relevância da temática e as dificuldades na abordagem dentro das aulas. Também foi investigado o uso de metodologias ativas de aprendizagem pelos professores.  Os dados qualitativos da pesquisa foram coletados através de questionário online. Os resultados da pesquisa mostraram a incipiente abordagem do tema “pílula contraceptiva de emergência” nas escolas tanto pelos professores quanto pelos materiais didáticos e as dificuldades encontradas pelos docentes em relação, principalmente, aos mitos dos efeitos da AE e aos tabus na aborgadem do tema. Além disso, muitos professores consideraram, erroneamente, a AE como abortiva. Portanto, é necessário aprofundar esse tema nos materiais didáticos e entre os professores para ampliar o conhecimento dos alunos e da sociedade e, assim, reduzir os preconceitos e mitos sobre a anticoncepção de emergência.
Farinha de inhame em massa fresca integral: avaliação da qualidade tecnológica e funcional
Authors: Marcato Andressa Rigoni , Wahanik Adriana Lucia , Pastore Glaucia Maria , Neri-Numa Iramaia Angélica , Felisberto Mária Herminia Ferrari , Campelo Pedro H. , Clerici Maria Teresa Pedrosa Silva
Published: March 2021

Este trabalho visou avaliar a influência da adição de farinha de inhame (Disocorea ssp.) sobre a coloração de massas frescas, assim como seus efeitos na qualidade das mesmas, além de propor também um maior valor agregado ao inhame, objetivando diminuir sua perda no agronegócio brasileiro, viabilizando maiores possibilidades de uso para esse tubérculo e promovendo a agricultura familiar. Foram produzidas quatro formulações de massa integral fresca:massa controle (M0), contendo 51% farinha de trigo de grão inteiro (FIT) e 49% de farinha refinada de trigo (FRT), e nas demais massas, a FRT foi substituída pela farinha de inhame nos níveis de 5, 10 e 15% (M1, M2 e M3, respectivamente). O aumento percentual da substituição por farinha de inhame (FI) acarretou em uma menor umidade da massa e rendimento, com aumento da dureza e da perda de sólidos durante o cozimento, sendo a M3 aquela que se diferiu estatisticamente da massa controle. A M2 foi selecionada para avaliar comparativamente a capacidade antioxidante com MO, por os parâmetros de qualidade mais próximos a ela. M2 apresentou maiores valores de ABTS e DPPH em relação à M0, sendo que não diferiram no teor de fenólicos totais (0,28 µg ácido gálico equivalente/mg de amostra seca). A farinha de inhame apresentou potencial promissor para uso em massas integrais, tanto tecnológicos quanto funcionais, o que pode ser benéfico para o aumentar o valor agregado deste tubérculo.
KEWAJIBAN UNTUK MENJAGA KERAHASIAAN AKTA OLEH NOTARIS DAN KARYAWAN NOTARIS DALAM PERSPEKTIF HUKUM
Authors: Erliyani Rahmida , Hadin Muhjad Muhammad , Audia Puspita Lia
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study is to find out and understand the Witnesses' Essence and Testimony in notary law. And to know and understand the legal consequences for former Notary employees who provide information to open the confidentiality of the deed. The usefulness of this research is as information material within the framework of the development of science and insights in legal disciplines, especially notary law. And as a contribution of thought in enriching the horizons for the parties concerned. According to the results of the study that the position of witnesses in notary law is to meet the formal requirements of a deed. The position of a witness is a unity in a notarial deed, witnesses who come from Notary employees in practice in the field are not always employees who type the deeds of the parties. It is not uncommon for employees who are witnesses to the signing and reading of the deed to know only at the time the incident took place. So the Notary employee in his position as a witness is not obliged to remember the contents of the deed. As long as he does not commit illegal acts in his duties as a Notary employee to type the deeds of the parties, his existence in a notarial deed does not conflict with the provisions of the Notary compulsory to keep the contents of the deed.And how the obligation to be awarded the deed by o notary and notary employee ?
POTENSI PENDIDIKAN HAK ASASI MANUSIA DALAM MEMPERSIAPKAN SISWA DALAM KONTEKS KERAGAMAN BUDAYA
Authors: Mustofa Muhammad Khairil
Published: March 2021

Pendidikan hak asasi manusia sangat diperlukan dalam mempersiapkan siswa yang hidup dalam konteks masyarakat multikultural. Pendidikan hak asasi manusia mempunyai potensi besar memberikan kontribusi mendasar dalam menanamkan prinsip-prinsip demokrasi dan hak asasi manusia bagi siswa. Namun lingkungan sekolah yang menjadi tempat pelaksanaan pendidikan hak asasi manusia memiliki persoalan dan tantangan tersendiri yang berpotensi menghambat terlaksananya pendidikan hak asasi manusia. Sehingga diperlukan komitmen kuat dari sekolah untuk memaksimalkan potensi pendidikan hak asasi manusia dengan menciptakan lingkungan sekolah yang kondusif bagi terlaksananya prinsip-prinsip demokrasi atas dasar hak asasi manusia.Kata Kunci: hak asasi manusia, demokrasi, partisipasi, Human rights education is indispensable in preparing students who live in the context of a multicultural society. Human rights education has great potential to make a fundamental contribution in imparting the principles of democracy and human rights for students. However, the school environment where human rights education is implemented has its own problems and challenges that have the potential to hinder the implementation of human rights education. So it requires a strong commitment from schools to maximize the potential of human rights education by creating a school environment that is conducive to the implementation of democratic principles based on human rights.Keywords: human rights, democracy, participation,
Religious Moderatism versus Conservatism in Indonesia: Controversy of ‘Islam Nusantara’ during Joko Widodo’s Administration
Authors: Hamdani
Published: March 2021

The current trend of social and political fracture among Indonesian people has permeated many aspects of life, including religious domain. While moderate Muslims are still majority, the voice of conservative and also element of radical Muslim groups has shown a great militancy in campaigning for their agenda. Rivalry among those groups in the public discourse is unavoidable. This study examines the contested idea of ‘Islam Nusantara’ in the effort to campaign for moderate and friendly Islam in the early of Joko Widodo’s administration. Since conservative and radical factions have rejected the idea of Pancasila state, accusing of other Muslims of being kafir (apostasy) and the spirit to eliminate local cultures, their counterparts use different agenda and approach. The moderate Muslims use the concept of Islam Nusantara to campaign for the concept of Islam and nationalism, respect for diversity and cultural approaches. This study reveals the different point of view of Muslim groups regarding the concept and practice of Islam Nusantara which has become a controversy since the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) used it as the main theme in the 33rd congress. Although ‘Islam Nusantara’ is not a new term in the discourse of Indonesian Islam, the contestation and consensus have produced a new fragmentation of religious opinions among Indonesian Muslims. This research aims to explore the sociology of knowledge among Indonesian Muslims whose inclination has been devided into two big streams of moderate and conservative wing.
Could Extracellular Vesicles Contribute to Generation or Awakening of “Sleepy” Metastatic Niches?
Authors: Hernández-Barranco Alberto , Nogués Laura , Peinado Héctor
Published: March 2021

Pre-metastatic niches provide favorable conditions for tumor cells to disseminate, home to and grow in otherwise unfamiliar and distal microenvironments. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles are now recognized as carriers of key messengers secreted by primary tumors, signals that induce the formation of pre-metastatic niches. Recent evidence suggests that tumor cells can disseminate from the very earliest stages of primary tumor development. However, once they reach distal sites, tumor cells can persist in a dormant state for long periods of time until their growth is reactivated and they produce metastatic lesions. In this new scenario, the question arises as to whether extracellular vesicles could influence the formation of these metastatic niches with dormant tumor cells? (here defined as “sleepy niches”). If so, what are the molecular mechanisms involved? In this perspective-review article, we discuss the possible influence of extracellular vesicles in early metastatic dissemination and whether they might play a role in tumor cell dormancy. In addition, we comment whether extracellular vesicle-mediated signals may be involved in tumor cell awakening, considering the possibility that extracellular vesicles might serve as biomarkers to detect early metastasis and/or minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring.
Implementation of CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing to Generate Murine Lung Cancer Models That Depict the Mutational Landscape of Human Disease
Authors: Hartmann Oliver , Reissland Michaela , Maier Carina R. , Fischer Thomas , Prieto-Garcia Cristian , Baluapuri Apoorva , Schwarz Jessica , Schmitz Werner , Garrido-Rodriguez Martin , Pahor Nikolett , Davies Clare C. , Bassermann Florian , Orian Amir , Wolf Elmar , Schulze Almut , Calzado Marco A. , Rosenfeldt Mathias T. , Diefenbacher Markus E.
Published: March 2021

Lung cancer is the most common cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women. Despite the development of novel therapeutic interventions, the 5-year survival rate for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients remains low, demonstrating the necessity for novel treatments. One strategy to improve translational research is the development of surrogate models reflecting somatic mutations identified in lung cancer patients as these impact treatment responses. With the advent of CRISPR-mediated genome editing, gene deletion as well as site-directed integration of point mutations enabled us to model human malignancies in more detail than ever before. Here, we report that by using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated targeting of Trp53 and KRas, we recapitulated the classic murine NSCLC model Trp53fl/fl:lsl-KRasG12D/wt. Developing tumors were indistinguishable from Trp53fl/fl:lsl-KRasG12D/wt-derived tumors with regard to morphology, marker expression, and transcriptional profiles. We demonstrate the applicability of CRISPR for tumor modeling in vivo and ameliorating the need to use conventional genetically engineered mouse models. Furthermore, tumor onset was not only achieved in constitutive Cas9 expression but also in wild-type animals via infection of lung epithelial cells with two discrete AAVs encoding different parts of the CRISPR machinery. While conventional mouse models require extensive husbandry to integrate new genetic features allowing for gene targeting, basic molecular methods suffice to inflict the desired genetic alterations in vivo. Utilizing the CRISPR toolbox, in vivo cancer research and modeling is rapidly evolving and enables researchers to swiftly develop new, clinically relevant surrogate models for translational research.
Single-Species Co-management Improves Fish Assemblage Structure and Composition in a Tropical River
Authors: Medeiros-Leal Wendell M. , Castello Leandro , Freitas Carlos E. C. , Siqueira-Souza Flávia K.
Published: March 2021

Co-management is increasingly recognized as an effective model for managing fisheries, but little information exists on whether co-management can produce effects in species other than the target species. Fishery co-management in the tropics, where fish diversity is high and fish catches tend to be multispecies, is prone to produce assemblage-wide effects via alterations in the food web and changes in the overall capture of non-target species. Here, we assessed the effects of co-management for the species Arapaima sp. in relation to the structure and composition of the overall fish assemblage in floodplain lakes of the central Amazon Basin. These floodplain lakes are managed under a system of zoning of fishing activities. We used data from surveys of six floodplain lakes, including two lakes of each of three categories (lakes where fishing is prohibited, limited-access lakes, and open fishing lakes). The surveys were carried out before and after implementation of co-management, through gillnet fishing. The study area was the lower Solimões River, in the Amazon Basin, Brazil. Statistical models showed significant changes in the composition and structure of the fish assemblages after the implementation of the co-management, regardless of the zoning category. Through regulation of gear use and fishing practices, co-management allowed the colonization of species that had not been present before, which lead to higher richness and consequently increased fish sizes, abundance and biomass. Species of sedentary habits, migrants of short and medium distances, with commercial importance benefited the most from co-management. In the results presented in temporal scale, it was possible to observe a potential spillover effect being provided by the lakes where fishing is prohibited (no-take zones) and those of limited access that benefited those open to fishing. Thus, co-management had positive effects in the structure and composition of fish assemblages in all lakes, regardless of zoning category.
Double-Edged Sword: Interleukin-2 Promotes T Regulatory Cell Differentiation but Also Expands Interleukin-13- and Interferon-γ-Producing CD8+ T Cells via STAT6-GATA-3 Axis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Kato Hiroshi , Perl Andras
Published: March 2021

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) expands the depleted T regulatory (Treg) cell population, and it has emerged as a potential therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, IL-2 administration may involve the risk of expanding unwanted pro-inflammatory cells. We herein studied the effects of IL-2 on pro-inflammatory cytokine production by CD4+and CD8+T cells in parallel with Treg development following CD3/CD28 co-stimulation. While Treg cells are depleted in SLE patients, their CD4+T cells were poised to receive and activate IL-2 signaling as evidenced by upregulation of CD25 and enhanced IL-2-incued STAT5 phosphorylation during Treg differentiation. In patients with SLE, however, IL-2 also expanded CD8+T cells capable of producing interleukin-5, interkeukin-13 (IL-13), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) that occurred with enhanced expression of GATA-3 and phosphorylation of STAT6 but not STAT5. Our data pinpoint a safety signal for systemic administration of IL-2 and challenges a long-held conceptual platform of type 1 and 2 cytokine antagonism by newly documenting the IL-2-dependent development of IL-13 and IFN-γ double-positive (IL-13+IFNγ+) CD8+T cells in SLE.
Analysis of Secreted Proteins and Potential Virulence via the ICEs-Mediated Pathway of the Foodborne Pathogen Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: He Yu , Wang Shuai , Wang Kaiwen , Zhou Jinwei , Han Zhi , Sun Fengjiao
Published: March 2021

Vibrio parahaemolyticus uses bacterial secretion systems and integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) to induce various diseases and to adapt to harsh environments, respectively. Information pertaining to the identity of secreted proteins and functional characterization of ICEs has been previously reported, but the relationship between these elements remains unclear. Herein we investigated secreted proteins of V. parahaemolyticus strains JHY20 and JHY20△ICE using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and LC-MS/MS, which led to the identification of an ICE-associated secreted protein – dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLDH). Considering the data related to its physical and biochemical characterization, we predicted that DLDH is a novel immunogenic protein and associated with virulence in JHY20. Our findings indicate a potential relationship between ICE-associated transport and secreted proteins and shed light on the function of such transport mechanisms. We believe that our data should enhance our understanding of mobile genetic elements.
Genomic Insights Into the Pathogenicity of a Novel Biofilm-Forming Enterococcus sp. Bacteria (Enterococcus lacertideformus) Identified in Reptiles
Authors: Agius Jessica Esther , Phalen David Norton , Rose Karrie , Eden John-Sebastian
Published: March 2021

Whole genome analysis of a novel species of enterococci, Enterococcus lacertideformus, causing multi-systemic and invariably fatal disease in critically endangered Christmas Island reptiles was undertaken to determine the genetic elements and potential mechanisms conferring its pathogenic nature, biofilm-forming capabilities, immune recognition avoidance, and inability to grow in vitro. Comparative genomic analyses with related and clinically significant enterococci were further undertaken to infer the evolutionary history of the bacterium and identify genes both novel and absent. The genome had a G + C content of 35.1%, consisted of a circular chromosome, no plasmids, and was 2,419,934 bp in length (2,321 genes, 47 tRNAs, and 13 rRNAs). Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis of multiple E. lacertideformus samples revealed they were effectively indistinguishable from one another and highly clonal. E. lacertideformus was found to be located within the Enterococcus faecium species clade and was closely related to Enterococcus villorum F1129D based on 16S rDNA and MLST house-keeping gene analysis. Antimicrobial resistance (DfreE, EfrB, tetM, bcrRABD, and sat4) and virulence genes (Fss3 and ClpP), and genes conferring tolerance to metals and biocides (n = 9) were identified. The detection of relatively few genes encoding antimicrobial resistance and virulence indicates that this bacterium may have had no exposure to recently developed and clinically significant antibiotics. Genes potentially imparting beneficial functional properties were identified, including prophages, insertion elements, integrative conjugative elements, and genomic islands. Functional CRISPR-Cas arrays, and a defective prophage region were identified in the genome. The study also revealed many genomic loci unique to E. lacertideformus which contained genes enriched in cell wall/membrane/envelop biogenesis, and carbohydrate metabolism and transport functionality. This finding and the detection of putative enterococcal biofilm determinants (EfaAfs, srtC, and scm) may underpin the novel biofilm phenotype observed for this bacterium. Comparative analysis of E. lacertideformus with phylogenetically related and clinically significant enterococci (E. villorum F1129D, Enterococcus hirae R17, E. faecium AUS0085, and Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF) revealed an absence of genes (n = 54) in E. lacertideformus, that encode metabolic functionality, which potentially hinders nutrient acquisition and/or utilization by the bacterium and precludes growth in vitro. These data provide genetic insights into the previously determined phenotype and pathogenic nature of the bacterium.
From Genotype to Phenotype: Expanding the Clinical Spectrum of CACNA1A Variants in the Era of Next Generation Sequencing
Authors: Indelicato Elisabetta , Boesch Sylvia
Published: March 2021

Ion channel dysfunction is a key pathological substrate of episodic neurological disorders. A classical gene associated to paroxysmal movement disorders is CACNA1A, which codes for the pore-forming subunit of the neuronal calcium channel P/Q. Non-polyglutamine CACNA1A variants underlie familial hemiplegic ataxia type 1 (FHM1) and episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2). Classical paroxysmal manifestations of FHM1 are migraine attacks preceded by motor aura consisting of hemiparesis, aphasia, and disturbances of consciousness until coma. Patients with EA2 suffer of recurrent episodes of vertigo, unbalance, diplopia, and vomiting. Beyond these typical presentations, several reports highlighted manifold clinical features associated with P/Q channelopathies, from chronic progressive cerebellar ataxia to epilepsy and psychiatric disturbances. These manifestations may often outlast the burden of classical episodic symptoms leading to pitfalls in the diagnostic work-up. Lately, the spreading of next generation sequencing techniques linked de novo CACNA1A variants to an even broader phenotypic spectrum including early developmental delay, autism spectrum disorders, epileptic encephalopathy, and early onset paroxysmal dystonia. The age-dependency represents a striking new aspect of these phenotypes und highlights a pivotal role for P/Q channels in the development of the central nervous system in a defined time window. While several reviews addressed the clinical presentation and treatment of FHM1 and EA2, an overview of the newly described age-dependent manifestations is lacking. In this Mini-Review we present a clinical update, delineate genotype-phenotype correlations as well as summarize evidence on the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the expanded phenotype associated with CACNA1A variants.
Linc00665 Can Predict the Response to Cisplatin-Paclitaxel Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Dai Huijuan , Sheng Xiaonan , Sha Rui , Peng Jing , Yang Fan , Zhou Liheng , Lin Yanping , Xu Yaqian , Zhang Shan , Yin Wenjin , Lu Jinsong
Published: March 2021

Objective

Linc00665 is a novel long non-coding RNA that can promote the progression of breast cancer, but its value in predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for breast cancer has not been reported. We aim to analyze the correlation between Linc00665 expression and pathological complete response (pCR) in breast cancer patients.

Materials and Methods

The present study examined the predictive role of Linc00665 expression in pCR after NAC using both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under curve (AUC) were utilized to evaluate the performance of Linc00665 in predicting pCR. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome (KEGG) analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were also conducted to determine the biological processes where Linc00665 may participate in.

Results

The present study study totally enrolled 102 breast cancer patients. The univariate analysis showed that Linc00665 level, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status and hormone receptor (HR) status were correlated with pCR. The multivariate analysis showed that Linc00665 expression was an independent predictor of pCR (OR = 0.351, 95% CI: 0.125–0.936, P = 0.040), especially in patients with HR-positive/HER2-negative subtype (OR = 0.272, 95% CI: 0.104–0.664, P = 0.005). The KEGG analysis indicated that Linc00665 may be involved in drug metabolism. The GSEA analysis revealed that Linc00665 is correlated to DNA damage repair.

Conclusion

Linc00665 may be a potential novel predictive biomarker for breast cancer in NAC, especially for HR-positive/HER2-negative patients.
Chidamide Combined With Doxorubicin Induced p53-Driven Cell Cycle Arrest and Cell Apoptosis Reverse Multidrug Resistance of Breast Cancer
Authors: Cao Lixia , Zhao Shaorong , Yang Qianxi , Shi Zhendong , Liu Jingjing , Pan Teng , Zhou Dongdong , Zhang Jin
Published: March 2021

The multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotype is usually accompanied by an abnormal expression of histone deacetylase (HDAC). Given that HDAC is vital in chromatin remodeling and epigenetics, inhibiting the role of HDAC has become an important approach for tumor treatment. However, the effect of HDAC inhibitors on MDR breast cancer has not been elucidated. This study aim to demonstrate the potential of chidamide (CHI) combined with the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX) to overcome chemotherapeutic resistance of breast cancer in vitro and in vivo, laying the experimental foundation for the next clinical application. The results showed that, CHI combined with DOX showed significant cytotoxicity to MDR breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo compared with the CHI monotherapy. The cell cycle distribution results showed that CHI caused G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and inhibited cell growth regardless of the addition of DOX. At the same time, annexin V staining and TUNEL staining results showed that CHI enhanced the number of cell apoptosis in drug-resistant cells. The western blot analysis found that p53 was activated in the CHI-treated group and combined treatment group, and then the activated p53 up-regulated p21, apoptosis regulator recombinant protein (Puma), and pro-apoptotic protein Bax, down-regulated the apoptotic proteins Bcl-xL and Bcl-2, and activated the caspase cascade to induce apoptosis.
Effect of Stress on Cardiorespiratory Synchronization of Ironman Athletes
Authors: Angelova Maia , Holloway Philip M. , Shelyag Sergiy , Rajasegarar Sutharshan , Rauch H. G. Laurie
Published: March 2021

The aim of this paper is to investigate the cardiorespiratory synchronization in athletes subjected to extreme physical stress combined with a cognitive stress tasks. ECG and respiration were measured in 14 athletes before and after the Ironman competition. Stroop test was applied between the measurements before and after the Ironman competition to induce cognitive stress. Synchrogram and empirical mode decomposition analysis were used for the first time to investigate the effects of physical stress, induced by the Ironman competition, on the phase synchronization of the cardiac and respiratory systems of Ironman athletes before and after the competition. A cognitive stress task (Stroop test) was performed both pre- and post-Ironman event in order to prevent the athletes from cognitively controlling their breathing rates. Our analysis showed that cardiorespiratory synchronization increased post-Ironman race compared to pre-Ironman. The results suggest that the amount of stress the athletes are recovering from post-competition is greater than the effects of the Stroop test. This indicates that the recovery phase after the competition is more important for restoring and maintaining homeostasis, which could be another reason for stronger synchronization.
Effects of Teleassistance on the Quality of Life of People With Rare Neuromuscular Diseases According to Their Degree of Disability
Authors: Martínez Oscar , Amayra Imanol , López-Paz Juan Francisco , Lázaro Esther , Caballero Patricia , García Irune , Rodríguez Alicia Aurora , García Maitane , Luna Paula María , Pérez-Núñez Paula , Barrera Jaume , Passi Nicole , Berrocoso Sarah , Pérez Manuel , Al-Rashaida Mohammad
Published: March 2021

Rare neuromuscular diseases (RNMDs) are a group of pathologies characterized by a progressive loss of muscular strength, atrophy, fatigue, and other muscle-related symptoms, which affect quality of life (QoL) levels. The low prevalence, high geographical dispersion and disability of these individuals involve difficulties in accessing health and social care services. Teleassistance is presented as a useful tool to perform psychosocial interventions in these situations. The main aim of this research is to assess the effects of a teleassistance psychosocial program on the QoL levels of people with RNMDs who have different levels of disability. A sample of 73 participants was divided into an experimental group (n = 40), which participated in the intervention, and a control wait list group (n = 33). QoL was evaluated through the SIP and the SF-36, and disability through the WHO-DAS II. The participants with a moderate to severe level of disability were those who most benefited from the intervention. The results also revealed that the psychosocial teleassistance program was suitable to improve physical and psychosocial aspects of people suffering from a rare neuromuscular disease with a moderate level of disability, but just psychosocial aspects in those with a severe level of disability.
What's the Story With Blue Steak? On the Unexpected Popularity of Blue Foods
Authors: Spence Charles
Published: March 2021

Is blue food desirable or disgusting? The answer, it would seem, is both, but it really depends on the food in which the color happens to be present. It turns out that the oft-cited aversive response to blue meat may not even have been scientifically validated, despite the fact that blue food coloring is often added to discombobulate diners. In the case of drinks, however, there has been a recent growth of successful new blue product launches in everything from beer to tea, and from wine to gin, arguing that coloring food products blue is more than simply a contemporary fad. In fact, the current interest in blue food coloring builds on the color's earlier appearance in everything from blue curacao to blue-raspberry candyfloss (cotton candy), and thereafter a number of soft drinks. Over the years, the combination of blue coloring with raspberry flavoring has also appeared in everything from bubble-gum to patriotic pop rocks (popping candy in The United States). Ultimately, it is the rarity of naturally-blue foods that is likely what makes this color so special. As such, blue food coloring can both work effectively to attract the visual attention of the shopper while, at the same time, being linked to a range of different flavors (since this is one of the few color-flavor mappings that are essentially arbitrary) depending on the food format in which it happens to appear. Note also that the basic descriptor “blue” covers a wide range of hues having a range of different associations, hence eliciting different reactions (be they positive or negative). While blue was once associated with artificiality, a growing number of natural blue food colorings have come onto the market in recent years thus perhaps changing the dominant associations that many consumers may have with this most unusual of food colors.
Risk Perception in a Real-World Situation (COVID-19): How It Changes From 18 to 87 Years Old
Authors: Rosi Alessia , van Vugt Floris Tijmen , Lecce Serena , Ceccato Irene , Vallarino Martine , Rapisarda Filippo , Vecchi Tomaso , Cavallini Elena
Published: March 2021

Studies on age-related differences in risk perception in a real-world situation, such as the recent COVID-19 outbreak, showed that the risk perception of getting COVID-19 tends to decrease as age increases. This finding raised the question on what factors could explain risk perception in older adults. The present study examined age-related differences in risk perception in the early stages of COVID-19 lockdown, analyzing variables that can explain the differences in perception of risk at different ages. A total of 1,765 adults aged between 18 and 87 years old completed an online survey assessing perceived risk severity and risk vulnerability of getting COVID-19, sociodemographic status, emotional state, experience relating to COVID-19, and physical health status. Results showed that the older the participants, the lower the perceived vulnerability to getting COVID-19, but the higher the perceived severity. Different predictors explain the perception of risk severity and vulnerability at different ages. Overall, self-reported anxiety over the pandemic is a crucial predictor in explaining risk perceptions in all age groups. Theoretical and practical implications of the empirical findings are discussed.
Consumer Preferences in Germany for Bio-Based Apparel With Low and Moderate Prices, and the Influence of Specific Factors in Distinguishing Between These Groups
Authors: Stahl Florian Felix , Emberger-Klein Agnes , Menrad Klaus
Published: March 2021

Bioplastics are a potential alternative to conventional plastics when it comes to reducing the use of the fossil resource of crude oil. There have been so far very few studies on the consumption of bio-based apparel and consumer preferences relating to it. Within this study, an online survey was conducted with 1,673 participants that is representative of the German population over the age of 16, including a choice-based consumer experiment with a bio-based rain jacket. Using latent class analysis, two clusters of consumers (39% of respondents) were identified with acceptance of moderate prices for such bio-based products. The other 61% of consumers showed preferences for the lowest prices of the tested bio-based rain jacket. A discriminant analysis revealed that the intention to purchase bio-based apparel, the Green Consumer Value and subjective norms of bio-based apparel were the strongest significant factors when distinguishing between consumer groups of bio-based apparel with a “preference for a low price” and those showing “acceptance of a moderate price.” This study helps to better illuminate the heterogeneity of consumer preferences for bio-based apparel related to pricing strategies and supports building up of a supply chain for such products.
The Relevance of Nuclear Reactions for Standard Solar Models Construction
Authors: Villante Francesco L. , Serenelli Aldo
Published: March 2021

The fundamental processes by which nuclear energy is generated in the Sun have been known for many years. However, continuous progress in areas such as neutrino experiments, stellar spectroscopy and helioseismic data and techniques requires ever more accurate and precise determination of nuclear reaction cross sections, a fundamental physical input for solar models. In this work, we review the current status of (standard) solar models and present a complete discussion on the relevance of nuclear reactions for detailed predictions of solar properties. In addition, we also provide an analytical model that helps understanding the relation between nuclear cross sections, neutrino fluxes and the possibility they offer for determining physical characteristics of the solar interior. The latter is of particular relevance in the context of the conundrum posed by the solar composition, the solar abundance problem, and in the light of the first ever direct detection of solar CN neutrinos recently obtained by the Borexino collaboration. Finally, we present a short list of wishes about the precision with which nuclear reaction rates should be determined to allow for further progress in our understanding of the Sun.
Assessing the Accuracy of Popular Commercial Technologies That Measure Resting Heart Rate and Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Stone Jason D. , Ulman Hana K. , Tran Kaylee , Thompson Andrew G. , Halter Manuel D. , Ramadan Jad H. , Stephenson Mark , Finomore Victor S. , Galster Scott M. , Rezai Ali R. , Hagen Joshua A.
Published: March 2021

Commercial off-the shelf (COTS) wearable devices continue development at unprecedented rates. An unfortunate consequence of their rapid commercialization is the lack of independent, third-party accuracy verification for reported physiological metrics of interest, such as heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV). To address these shortcomings, the present study examined the accuracy of seven COTS devices in assessing resting-state HR and root mean square of successive differences (rMSSD). Five healthy young adults generated 148 total trials, each of which compared COTS devices against a validation standard, multi-lead electrocardiogram (mECG). All devices accurately reported mean HR, according to absolute percent error summary statistics, although the highest mean absolute percent error (MAPE) was observed for CameraHRV (17.26%). The next highest MAPE for HR was nearly 15% less (HRV4Training, 2.34%). When measuring rMSSD, MAPE was again the highest for CameraHRV [112.36%, concordance correlation coefficient (CCC): 0.04], while the lowest MAPEs observed were from HRV4Training (4.10%; CCC: 0.98) and OURA (6.84%; CCC: 0.91). Our findings support extant literature that exposes varying degrees of veracity among COTS devices. To thoroughly address questionable claims from manufacturers, elucidate the accuracy of data parameters, and maximize the real-world applicative value of emerging devices, future research must continually evaluate COTS devices.
Investigating the Role of Micromammals in the Ecology of Coxiella burnetii in Spain
Authors: González-Barrio David , Jado Isabel , Viñuela Javier , García Jesús T. , Olea Pedro P. , Arce Fernando , Ruiz-Fons Francisco
Published: March 2021

Coxiella burnetii, the causal agent of human Q fever and animal Coxiellosis, is a zoonotic infectious bacterium with a complex ecology that results from its ability to replicate in multiple (in)vertebrate host species. Spain notifies the highest number of Q fever cases to the ECDC annually and wildlife plays a relevant role in C. burnetii ecology in the country. However, the whole picture of C. burnetii hosts is incomplete, so this study seeks to better understand the role of micromammals in C. burnetii ecology in the country. Spleen samples from 816 micromammals of 10 species and 130 vaginal swabs from Microtus arvalis were analysed by qPCR to detect C. burnetii infection and shedding, respectively. The 9.7% of the spleen samples were qPCR positive. The highest infection prevalence (10.8%) was found in Microtus arvalis, in which C. burnetii DNA was also detected in 1 of the 130 vaginal swabs (0.8%) analysed. Positive samples were also found in Apodemus sylvaticus (8.7%), Crocidura russula (7.7%) and Rattus rattus (6.4%). Positive samples were genotyped by coupling PCR with reverse line blotting and a genotype II+ strain was identified for the first time in one of the positive samples from M. arvalis, whereas only partial results could be obtained for the rest of the samples. Acute Q fever was diagnosed in one of the researchers that participated in the study, and it was presumably linked to M. arvalis handling. The results of the study are consistent with previous findings suggesting that micromammals can be infected by C. burnetii. Our findings additionally suggest that micromammals may be potential sources to trace back the origin of human Q fever and animal Coxiellosis cases in Europe.
Carcass Traits and Meat Quality of Fat-Tailed Lambs Fed Rosemary Residues as a Part of Concentrate
Authors: Yagoubi Yathreb , Smeti Samir , Ben Saïd Samia , Srihi Houssem , Mekki Ilyes , Mahouachi Mokhtar , Atti Naziha
Published: March 2021

Facing climate change implications on feeds unavailability, unconventional resources are being considered with a growing interest such as aromatic plant distillation residues with a two-fold object, enhancing meat quality by increasing the antioxidant properties and reducing feed prices which are often imported though expensive. Hence, this study aims to assess the effects of rosemary distillation residues (RR) incorporation in concentrate associated to two nitrogen sources as a substitute for standard concentrate on lamb’s growth, carcass traits and meat quality. For this, 24 Barbarine male lambs (3 months old, 17.83 ± 2.6 kg body weight) were divided into three groups. All lambs received individually 600 g of oat hay as roughage and 600 g of standard concentrate for control group, 600 g of concentrate based on RR and soybean meal for RRS group and 600 g of concentrate based on RR and faba bean for RRF group. After 65 days of experiment, all lambs were slaughtered. Phenolic and tocopherol intakes were significantly higher for both RR groups compared to control (p < 0.05). Growth, carcass weights, dressing percentages and non-carcass component weights were unaffected by the diet (p > 0.05). Moreover, regional and tissular compositions and meat physical properties were similar irrespective of the diet (p > 0.05). All color parameters were similar among groups (p > 0.05). However, meat produced by lambs receiving RR-based concentrate was richer on vitamin E and polyphenol contents than control lambs (p < 0.05). Rosemary by-products may substitute the standard concentrate resulting in similar lamb’s growth and carcass traits, while improving meat quality by increasing vitamin E content, which could improve its antioxidant power.
High Intrinsic Expression of P-glycoprotein and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein in Canine Mammary Carcinomas Regardless of Immunophenotype and Outcome
Authors: Levi Michela , Muscatello Luisa Vera , Brunetti Barbara , Benazzi Cinzia , Parenti Federico , Gobbo Francesca , Avallone Giancarlo , Bacci Barbara , Zambon Elisa , Valenti Paola , Sarli Giuseppe
Published: March 2021

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) are major actors in multidrug resistance (MDR) phenomenon in both human and canine mammary carcinomas (CMCs). The aim of this study was to investigate an association between the intrinsic expression of P-gp and BCRP compared to the immunophenotypes and outcome in CMCs. Fifty CMCs were evaluated at immunohistochemistry (IHC) for P-gp, BCRP, Estrogen receptor alpha (ER), Progesterone receptors (PR), Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor type 2 (HER2), basal cytokeratins 5/6 (CK5/6), Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 1 (EGFR), and Ki67 proliferation index. P-gp and BCRP positive cases were, respectively, 52% and 74.5%, with a significantly higher expression of BCRP than P-gp. Five immunophenotypes were defined in 37 out of 50 CMCs: 9 (24.3%) Luminal A, 5 (13.5%) Luminal B, 9 (24.3%) HER2 overexpressing, 9 (24.3%) Triple-negative basal-like, and 5 (13.5%) Triple-negative non-basal-like. In all CMCs at least one marker was expressed. Follow-up data were available for 25 animals. The average cancer-specific survival was 739 ± 444 days. A number of CMCs bear a high expression of P-gp and BCRP but no significant association was found between their expression and the immunophenotypes, Ki67 index, the histological grade, and tumor-related death.
Antimicrobial Effect and the Mechanism of Diallyl Trisulfide against Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Tang Yuanyue , Li Fengming , Gu Dan , Wang Wenyan , Huang Jinlin , Jiao Xinan
Published: March 2021

Campylobacter jejuni is an important foodborne pathogen causing campylobacteriosis. It can infect humans through the consumption of contaminated chicken products or via the direct handling of animals. Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) is a trisulfide compound from garlic extracts that has a potential antimicrobial effect on foodborne pathogens. This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of DATS on C. jejuni by evaluating the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of C. jejuni 81-168, and fourteen C. jejuni isolates from chicken carcasses. Thirteen of 14 C. jejuni isolates and 81-176 had MICs ≤ 32 μg/mL, while one isolate had MIC of 64 μg/mL. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the disruption and shrink of C. jejuni bacterial cell membrane after the DATS treatment. A time-killing analysis further showed that DATS had a dose-dependent in vitro antimicrobial effect on C. jejuni during the 24 h treatment period. In addition, DATS also showed an antimicrobial effect in chicken through the decrease of C. jejuni colony count by 1.5 log CFU/g (cloacal sample) during the seven-day DATS treatment period. The transcriptional analysis of C. jejuni with 16 μg/mL (0.5× MIC) showed 210 differentially expression genes (DEGs), which were mainly related to the metabolism, bacterial membrane transporter system and the secretion system. Fourteen ABC transporter-related genes responsible for bacterial cell homeostasis and oxidative stress were downregulated, indicating that DATS could decrease the bacterial ability to against environmental stress. We further constructed five ABC transporter deletion mutants according to the RNA-seq analysis, and all five mutants proved less tolerant to the DATS treatment compared to the wild type by MIC test. This study elucidated the antimicrobial activity of DATS on C. jejuni and suggested that DATS could be used as a potential antimicrobial compound in the feed and food industry.