bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organomineral gübre ve K-humat’ın tane mısırın verim ve fosfor kullanım etkinliği üzerine etkilerinin kimyasal gübreyle karşılaştırması
Authors: KORKMAZ Ayşegül , GEZGİN Sait , YILMAZ Fatma
Published: December 2020

Bu çalışma, kimyasal ve organomineral gübre ve K-Humat’ın uygulamalarının tane mısırın fosfor kullanımı üzerine etkilerini belirlemek için yapılmıştır. Tesadüf blokları deneme desenine göre üç tekerrürlü olarak kurulan denemede ekim esnasında U1 (%100 P) kimyasal gübre (13.24.12-10 SO3+1 Zn), U2 (% 100 P) ve azalan oranlarda U3 (%80 P), U4 (%60 P), U5 (%40 P) organomineral gübre ile (7.16.10-15 SO3+ 1 Fe+ 0.5 Zn+ 20 organik madde ) ve 6 L da-1 K-Humat (% 12 Humik+fulvik asit) ve kimyasal gübre ile azalan oranlarda U6 (%100 P), U7 (%80 P), U8 (%60 P), U9 (%40 P) fosfor uygulanmıştır. Çalışmada tepe püskülü oluşum döneminde mısır bitkisinin yapraklarındaki besin elementlerinin değişimine gübre uygulamaları etkili olmamış ve mısır bitkisi için bildirilen sınır değerlerine göre yapraklarda bütün besin elementlerinin yeterli düzeyde olduğu belirlenmiştir. Gübre uygulamalarının düzeltilmiş tane verimine etkisi önemsiz, fosforun agronomik ve geri alım etkinliğine etkisi istatistiki olarak (P
Towards Export-Led Growth in The West Africa Sub Region Economies
Authors: Ayeni Raphael Kolade
Published: December 2020

The policy of import substitution dominated developing economies especially Sub-Sharan African countries up till 1970. The focus later shifted to pursuing growth through increased export. Recently, countries of the West Africa Sub-region are clamoring for a revisit of growth through import substitution policies. This study therefore delved into the question of whether ECOWAS countries should go for import substitution growth strategy, or to develop strategy that promotes export-led growth, following the law of comparative advantage or a considerable mix of the two strategies. Using an export-augmented neoclassical production function, the study tested how relevant is the Export-led Growth Hypothesis for the ECOWAS sub-region over the period 1980-2014.

Evidence does not offer a strong support for the Hypothesis in the short run but a strong evidence for improved capital stock and labor causing growth. However, long-run results suggest a significant relationship between export and growth but currently negative. A likely explanation of this negativity is that although exports, in the West African sub-regions has the tendency of increasing growth in the long run along with other factors of production, the present conditions of export, especially manufactured and agricultural exports, is experiencing a kind of “Import surge”. That is the import content of exports is high and the local content is low, thus reducing the spillover or multiplier effects. This was confirmed by the strong bilateral causality between export and import discovered in this study. A policy mix of import substitution and export promotion strategies was recommended for countries in this sub-region. Policies that will promote technological innovation in manufacturing and linkages with local suppliers alongside incentives to produce towards export are imperative. Production towards export should be focused on manufactured and agricultural products where each country has the highest comparative advantage so as to reduce the import content of the export.
Legal Framework Influence Towards E-Procurement Adoption Model in Developing Countries: Buyers’ - Suppliers’ Perception in Tanzania
Authors: Shatta Deus N. , Layaa John N. , Shayo France
Published: December 2020

The objective of this study was to fill the knowledge gap through analyzing the buyers’ and suppliers’ perception on legal framework influence towards e-procurement adoption model in developing countries, Tanzania in particular. This study was guided by Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and the Technology, Organization and Environment model. The study adopted positivism philosophy and cross-sectional survey research design. The study also used non-probability (purposive) sampling and probability (stratified) sampling techniques. Sample size was 157. Questionnaires and documentary review were used for data collection. The collected data were analysed by using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with the help of SmartPLS 3 software. Findings reveal that in the presence of performance expectancy, relative advantage and attitude, legal framework has an indirect influence towards e-Procurement Adoption Model. The findings and recommendations of this study are anticipated to improve the adoption of e-Procurement in developing countries, Tanzania in particular.
Atuação da enfermagem no cuidado a pacientes em terapia hemodialítica: revisão integrativa
Authors: Souza Tábata de Cavatá , Monteiro Daiane da Rosa , Oliveira Tatiana da Silva
Published: December 2020

A prevalência global estimada de pacientes em diálise crônica aumentou com o passar dos anos, havendo alguns países em que a falta dessa terapia se torna mais frequente. No Brasil, as taxas de prevalência aumentaram progressivamente em todas as regiões, o que causa grande impacto na saúde pública e na qualidade de vida dos pacientes. Dessa maneira, faz-se necessário a presença do enfermeiro em ações multidisciplinares ligadas a pacientes hemodialíticos, englobando propostas educativas, técnicas e gerenciais favorecendo um maior conhecimento sobre o assunto. Objetiva-se conhecer a atuação do enfermeiro frente aos cuidados a pacientes hemodialíticos. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa com seis artigos selecionados nas bases de dados LILACS e SciELO entre o período de 2010 e 2020. Após a leitura, análise e interpretação dos dados, as publicações evidenciaram diferentes desafios enfrentados pelo enfermeiro no cuidado ao paciente dialítico, sendo sua atuação indispensável na orientação sobre a doença e tratamento. Conhecer as barreiras relacionadas ao tratamento adequado do adoecimento físico e psicossocial entre outras demandas do contexto social pode ser uma importante ferramenta na busca de meios para oferecer uma assistência de mais qualidade a esta população.
THE POST-PANDEMIC ECONOMIC-INTERDEPENDENCE CONUNDRUM OF CPO-BASED INDUSTRY
Authors: Mulyaman Darynaufal , Kogoya Rudi , Adam Mikhail
Published: December 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic worldwide is halting every economic activity—no exception for the industry that related or originated from crude palm oil (CPO). Planting, harvesting, processing, and even industries that require oil palm as the main or supporting raw material have been delayed or choked up due to this pandemic. Many health problems originate from the destruction of nature due to the excessive extraction of natural resources. This over-extraction causes alarming natural degradation. Many things, from pandemics to global warming, pose challenges due to this ancient economic pattern. Furthermore, environmental degradation gave birth directly or indirectly to COVID-19. Many scholars said the CPO planting and harvesting is affecting the natural environment badly. Hence, a new pandemic could be born out of this. Korea, as one of the rising manufacturing economies in Asia, also needs CPO for some of its industries to some extent, like food and cosmetics. Due to the growing demand for K-Pop byproducts, food and cosmetic industries in Korea need to catch up on the market even during and post the pandemic. Thus, with the growing concern of the natural environment in the post-pandemic world, then how it will impact the Korean food and cosmetic industry, which may need a lot of CPO as one of the sources or raw materials for production? In this paper, we argue that the economic interdependence of the global supply chain remains persistent despite adjustments and shifts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research was conducted in a descriptive qualitative manner with the economic interdependence paradigm as the main basis for presenting the arguments for this case's analysis.

 

Keywords: CPO, Korea, Economic Interdependence, Post-Pandemic, COVID-19
ANALYSING AND MAPPING OF LAND FIRE VULNERABILITY IN KUMPEH, MUARO JAMBI DISTRICT, JAMBI PROVINCE
Authors: Kurniawan Farhan , Risdiyanto Idung , Turyanti Ana
Published: December 2020

Forest and land fires have become disasters that have received international attention. Peatland as an important part of the forest poses a separate threat to the effect of carbon release and climate change. Fire prevention can be done by understanding the causes. Fire vulnerability mapping uses several parameters in its calculation, namely NDVI value, NDMI value, TWI value, accessibility distance, and community activity center. Land use and hotspot history will be the parameters compared with the results of the analysis. The calculation uses a range of values ​​from 1 to 5. The risk level class is divided into five, with the highest percentage of 20.18% at the very vulnerable level and the lowest of 19.56% at the normal level. Very vulnerable areas have the highest number of hotspot points at 268 points while the lowest number of hotspot points is in the safe class of 23 points. Most areas with high vulnerability are found in agriculture and plantation areas. The model used in this fire vulnerability map can be said to have a pretty good correlation.

 

Keywords: accessibility distance, forest fires, hotspot, land use, peatland
PELAKSANAAN SUPERVISI PEMBELAJARAN DALAM MENINGKATKAN PROFESIONALISME GURU: STUDI FENOMENOLOGI
Authors: Suaeb Suaeb , Muhdin Muhdin
Published: December 2020

Supervisi pembelajaran pada dasarnya dilaksanakan dalam rangka meningkatkan profesionalitas guru sebagai agen pembelajaran. Pada prakteknya, pelaksanaan supervisi pembelajaran di sekolah belum memberi dampak yang signifikan terhadap peningkatan kinerja guru. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui pelaksanaan supervisi pembelajaran dalam meningkatkan profesionalisme guru di SMA Negeri 3 Sape Kabupaten Bima Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Barat?. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan jenis penelitian fenomenologi. Data penelitian meliputi data primer dan data sekunder. Informan penelitian adalah pengawas pendidikan, kepala sekolah, dan dewan guru. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan teknik observasi dan wawancara mendalam. Analisis data penelitian menggunakan teknik analisis kualitatif model interaktif Milles & Hubberman (2009), yaitu: reduksi data, display data, dan verifikasi data. Uji kredibilitas data dilakukan dengan teknik triangulasi. Hasil penelitian menemukan bahwa; (1) pelaksanaan supervisi pengembangan kemampuan akademik guru difokuskan pada tiga hal, yaitu: perencanaan, proses, dan evaluasi pembelajaran. Aspek supervisi lebih banyak ditekankan pada administrasi guru, kemampuan guru melaksanakan pembelajaran, dan kemampuan guru dalam menilai kegiatan pembelajaran. Supervisi untuk peningkatan kemampuan inovatif guru dalam pembelajaran belum menjadi fokus pelaksanaan supervisi, termasuk pengembangan kemampuan guru dalam penelitian tindakan kelas; (2) teknik pelaksanaan supervisi pembelajaran lebih dominan dilakukan dengan teknik kunjungan kelas dan diskusi yang dilandasi oleh sikap keakraban; dan (3) perilaku supervisor dalam pelaksanaan supervisi pembelajaran ditunjukkan dengan adanya kepedulian terhadap pelaksanaan tugas guru, meskipun pada sisi yang lain pengawas dirasa kurang mampu dalam membantu memecahkan masalah pembelajaran yang dihadapi oleh guru.
PENGARUH KUALITAS LAYANAN CUSTOMER SERVICE TERHADAP KEPUASAN NASABAH PADA PT. BANK RAKYAT INDONESIA UNIT DOPING SENGKANG PROVINSI SULAWESI SELATAN
Authors: Ibadurrahman Hastutianti Abdul Hafid
Published: December 2020

Kualitas pelayanan yang diberikan akan sangat mempengaruhi kepuasan dari nasabah, semakin baik layanan yang diberikan maka semakin besar pula kemungkinan nasabah merasakan kepuasan atas layanan yang diberikan. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui pelayanan customer service pada nasabah Bank Rakyat Indonesia Unit Doping Sengkang Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh Frontline officer pada Kantor Bank Rakyat Indonesia Unit Doping Sengkang Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan sebanyak 108 dan sampel sebanyak 47 orang. Analisis data yang digunakan adalah regresi sederhana. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan koefisien determinasi (Adjusted R square) adalah 0,673 yang mengandung pengertian bahwa kualitas layanan customer berpengaruh sebesar 67,3% terhadap kepuasan nasabah. Sedangkan sisanya sebesar 33,7% dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain yang tidak diteliti dalam penelitian ini.  Tingkat signifikan dari kualitas layanan customer adalah 0,00 < 0,05 yang berarti terdapat pengaruh signifikan dari variabel kualitas layanan customer service terhadap kepuasan nasabah pada PT. Bank Rakyat Indonesia Unit Doping Sengkang Provinsi Sulawesi Selatan. Dengan Demikian Ha diterima dan Ho ditolak.
Computational Prediction of Potential Inhibitors of the Main Protease of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Abel Renata , Paredes Ramos María , Chen Qiaofeng , Pérez-Sánchez Horacio , Coluzzi Flaminia , Rocco Monica , Marchetti Paolo , Mura Cameron , Simmaco Maurizio , Bourne Philip E. , Preissner Robert , Banerjee Priyanka
Published: December 2020

The rapidly developing pandemic, known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has recently spread across 213 countries and territories. This pandemic is a dire public health threat—particularly for those suffering from hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, or diabetes; without approved treatments, it is likely to persist or recur. To facilitate the rapid discovery of inhibitors with clinical potential, we have applied ligand- and structure-based computational approaches to develop a virtual screening methodology that allows us to predict potential inhibitors. In this work, virtual screening was performed against two natural products databases, Super Natural II and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Additionally, we have used an integrated drug repurposing approach to computationally identify potential inhibitors of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2 in databases of drugs (both approved and withdrawn). Roughly 360,000 compounds were screened using various molecular fingerprints and molecular docking methods; of these, 80 docked compounds were evaluated in detail, and the 12 best hits from four datasets were further inspected via molecular dynamics simulations. Finally, toxicity and cytochrome inhibition profiles were computationally analyzed for the selected candidate compounds.
An in vitro Evaluation of the Effect of Transient Electromagnetic Fields on Pacemakers and Clinical Mitigation Measures
Authors: Huang Jing , Lin Kaibin , Lu Wu , Ding Ranran , Wu Bingjie , Cai Mingqi , Nazarian Saman , Zhao Wenbin , Li Jingbo , Huang Dong
Published: December 2020

Background: The effect of transient electromagnetic fields on the function of pacemakers is not well-evaluated. There is a lack of effective methods for clinicians to reduce electromagnetic susceptibility (EMS) during implantation of pacemakers. This study aimed to evaluate whether a novel method of handling the excess leads in the pocket can lower the EMS of pacemakers and consequently reduce the effect of electromagnetic interference caused by transient electromagnetic fields on pacemakers.

Methods: An in vitro chest model was established to simulate the clinical condition of dual-chamber pacemaker implantation. Three different intertwining patterns of excess leads were examined: parallel, twisted once, and multiple twisted-pair. Oscillated currents were injected into a copper electrical wire set horizontally above the model to create a radiated magnetic field to simulate the transient daily electromagnetic exposure of pacemakers. The electromagnetic induction of current was measured. The occurrence of EMS-related adverse events was evaluated when the induced pulsed voltage was applied.

Results: Transient electromagnetic fields can induce electromagnetic noise in the pacing loop and inhibit the release of pacing pulses. The multiple twisted-pair intertwining pattern of excess leads was associated with a lower induced voltage amplitude than both the parallel and once-twisted patterns (P < 0.001). Even once twisted could significantly reduce induced voltage amplitude compared to not twisted (P < 0.001). A lower incidence of pacing inhibition was also observed in the multiple twisted-pair group than in the other two groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusions: Transient electromagnetic fields can cause pacing inhibition. Twisting the excess leads for multiple turns in the pocket is an effective method to reduce the EMS of the dual-chamber pacemaker.
Alpha2-Antiplasmin: The Devil You Don't Know in Cerebrovascular and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Singh Satish , Saleem Sofiyan , Reed Guy L.
Published: December 2020

Alpha2-antiplasmin (α2AP), the fast-reacting, serine protease inhibitor (serpin) of plasmin, was originally thought to play a key role in protection against uncontrolled, plasmin-mediated proteolysis of coagulation factors and other molecules. However, studies of humans and mice with genetic deficiency of α2AP have expanded our understanding of this serpin, particularly in disease states. Epidemiology studies have shown an association between high α2AP levels and increased risk or poor outcome in cardiovascular diseases. Mechanistic studies in disease models indicate that α2AP stops the body's own fibrinolytic system from dissolving pathologic thrombi that cause venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, arterial thrombosis, and ischemic stroke. In addition, α2AP fosters the development of microvascular thrombosis and enhances matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression. Through these mechanisms and others, α2AP contributes to brain injury, hemorrhage and swelling in experimental ischemic stroke. Recent studies also show that α2AP is required for the development of stasis thrombosis by inhibiting the early activation of effective fibrinolysis. In this review, we will discuss the key role played by α2AP in controlling thrombosis and fibrinolysis and, we will consider its potential value as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular diseases and ischemic stroke.
Drop-Out and Transfer-Out Intentions: The Role of Socio-Cognitive Factors
Authors: Nemtcan Efim , Sæle Rannveig Grøm , Gamst-Klaussen Thor , Svartdal Frode
Published: December 2020

Academic attrition is a worldwide problem representing a significant economic loss and a disadvantage for students in terms of health and career prospects. We focus on the roles of academic skills, academic self-efficacy, and students' integration in exploring their relation to attrition intentions. Based on existing research, we expected a negative relation between academic skills and attrition intentions, with academic self-efficacy and students' integration as possible mediators. Furthermore, it was expected that this relationship would be dependent on the outcome variable being measured (i.e., drop-out, transfer university, and transfer study field intentions). These hypotheses were investigated among Norwegian university students in a questionnaire study (total N = 756). Results supported, as predicted, the mediatory roles of academic self-efficacy and students' integration. Importantly, significant variability was indicated in comparison of the different outcome measures, with academic self-efficacy having a larger mediation effect in case of drop-out and transfer study field intentions. We conclude that academic self-efficacy is important in understanding the relationship between students' academic skills and attrition intentions. Our results provide an evidence that might facilitate development of assistance programs aiming to reduce academic attrition.
Mini-Review: The Contribution of Adipokines to Joint Inflammation in Inflammatory Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Toussirot Eric
Published: December 2020

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) are complex disorders characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints and related skeletal structures. The most common forms of IRD are rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA), including axial SpA (axSpA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Obesity is a frequent comorbidity in RA and PsA, and to a lesser extend in axial SpA. The association between obesity and IRD may be explained by the release from fat tissue of several bioactive proteins, namely adipokines. Adipokines are involved in the regulation of various processes such as lipid or glucose metabolism, but also inflammation. Adipokines are interrelated with the immune system, with both innate and adaptive immune cell connections. Several adipokines with pro-inflammatory effects have been identified such as leptin, visfatin or resistin. Conversely, adiponectin and more specifically its low molecular weight isoform, is considered to have antiinflammatory properties. In this review, we discuss the contribution of adipokines to the joint inflammation of IRD, the relation they have with immune pathways of these diseases, their links with the structural impact on peripheral joints and/or axial skeleton, and also the influence they may have on the cardiometabolic risk of IRD.
Monitoring Droughts From GRACE
Authors: Vishwakarma Bramha Dutt
Published: December 2020

With ongoing climate change, we are staring at possibly longer and more severe droughts in the future. Therefore, monitoring and understanding duration and intensity of droughts, and how are they evolving in space and time is imperative for global socio-economic security. Satellite remote sensing has helped us a lot in this endeavor, but most of the satellite missions observe only near-surface properties of the Earth. A recent geodetic satellite mission, GRACE, measured the water storage change both on and beneath the surface, which makes it unique and valuable for drought research. This novel dataset comes with unique problems and characteristics that we should acknowledge before using it. In this perspective article, I elucidate important characteristics of various available GRACE products that are important for drought research. I also discuss limitations of GRACE mission that one should be aware of, and finally I shed some light on latest developments in GRACE data processing that may open numerous possibilities in near future.
The Artificial-Liver Blood-Purification System Can Effectively Improve Hypercytokinemia for COVID-19
Authors: Guo Jing , Xia He , Wang Shuting , Yu Liang , Zhang Huafen , Chen Jun , Shi Ding , Chen Yanfei , Zhang Yan , Xu Kaijin , Xu Xiaowei , Sheng Jifang , Qiu Yunqing , Li Lanjuan
Published: December 2020

Since the December 2019 outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan, the infection has spread locally and globally resulting in a pandemic. As the numbers of confirmed diagnoses and deaths continue to rise, COVID-19 has become the focus of international public health. COVID-19 is highly contagious, and there is no effective treatment yet. New treatment strategies are urgently needed to improve the treatment success rate of severe and critically ill patients. Increasing evidence has shown that a cytokine storm plays an important role in the progression of COVID-19. The artificial-liver blood-purification system (ALS) is expected to improve the outcome of the cytokine storm. In the present study, the levels of cytokines were detected in 12 COVID-19 patients pre- and post-ALS with promising results. The present study shows promising evidence that ALS can block the cytokine storm, rapidly remove the inflammatory mediators, and hopefully, suppress the progression of the disease, thereby providing a new strategy for the clinical treatment of COVID-19.
Potential Novel Biomarkers in Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Authors: Crossland Rachel E. , Perutelli Francesca , Bogunia-Kubik Katarzyna , Mooney Nuala , Milutin Gašperov Nina , Pučić-Baković Maja , Greinix Hildegard , Weber Daniela , Holler Ernst , Pulanić Dražen , Wolff Daniel , Dickinson Anne M. , Inngjerdingen Marit , Grce Magdalena
Published: December 2020

Prognostic, diagnostic or predictive biomarkers are urgently needed for assessment of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD), a major risk for patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The main goal of this review generated within the COST Action EUROGRAFT “Integrated European Network on Chronic Graft Versus Host Disease” was to identify potential novel biomarkers for cGvHD besides the widely accepted molecular and cellular biomarkers. Thus, the focus was on cellular biomarkers, alloantibodies, glycomics, endothelial derived particles, extracellular vesicles, microbiome, epigenetic and neurologic changes in cGvHD patients. Both host-reactive antibodies in general, and particularly alloantibodies have been associated with cGvHD and require further consideration. Glycans attached to IgG modulate its activity and represent a promising predictive and/or stratification biomarker for cGVHD. Furthermore, epigenetic changes such as microRNAs and DNA methylation represent potential biomarkers for monitoring cGvHD patients and novel targets for developing new treatment approaches. Finally, the microbiome likely affects the pathophysiology of cGvHD; bacterial strains as well as microbial metabolites could display potential biomarkers for dysbiosis and risk for the development of cGvHD. In summary, although there are no validated biomarkers currently available for clinical use to better inform on the diagnosis, prognosis or prediction of outcome for cGvHD, many novel sources of potential markers have shown promise and warrant further investigation using well characterized, multi-center patient cohorts.
Ocular Microbiota and Intraocular Inflammation
Authors: Li Jing Jing , Yi Sanjun , Wei Lai
Published: December 2020

The term ocular microbiota refers to all types of commensal and pathogenic microorganisms present on or in the eye. The ocular surface is continuously exposed to the environment and harbors various commensals. Commensal microbes have been demonstrated to regulate host metabolism, development of immune system, and host defense against pathogen invasion. An unbalanced microbiota could lead to pathogenic microbial overgrowth and cause local or systemic inflammation. The specific antigens that irritate the deleterious immune responses in various inflammatory eye diseases remain obscure, while recent evidence implies a microbial etiology of these illnesses. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the literature on ocular microbiota and the role of commensal microbes in several eye diseases. In addition, this review will also discuss the interaction between microbial pathogens and host factors involved in intraocular inflammation, and evaluate therapeutic potential of targeting ocular microbiota to treat intraocular inflammation.
The Bacterial and Fungal Microbiota of Saccharina latissima (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Tourneroche Anne , Lami Raphaël , Burgaud Gaëtan , Domart-Coulon Isabelle , Li Wei , Gachon Claire , Gèze Marc , Boeuf Dominique , Prado Soizic
Published: December 2020

The sugar kelp Saccharina latissima dominates many temperate coastal ecosystems, plays key ecological roles and presents important economic potential. However, its microbiota remains poorly investigated, although it could play an important role in algal fitness. In this study, we combined high throughput Illumina-based DNA sequencing and Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization to perform a culture-independent investigation of the S. latissima bacterial and fungal microbiota. Up to 600 bacterial and 100 fungal Amplicon Sequence Variants were identified per algal individual, revealing diverse bacterial and fungal communities associated to S. latissima. Overall, bacterial communities were dominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, in particular Hyphomonadaceae and Cyclobacteriaceae. Fungal communities were dominated by Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, in particular Mycosphaerellaceae, Psathyrellaceae, and Bulleribasidiaceae. Our results also revealed a variable distribution of S. latissima microbiota, as two adjacent tissue samples typically contained distinct fungal and bacterial assemblages, and CARD-FISH analysis detected microbial endosymbionts (with a few epibionts). Complementary analyses showed that despite achieving a good sequencing coverage for each tissue sample, the unexpected diversity and variability of ASVs made the definition of a core fungal and bacterial microbiota difficult, and highlights novel avenues to overcome the limitations of current surface-sterilization and metabarcoding protocols.
Outpatient Subcutaneous Antimicrobial Therapy (OSCAT) as a Measure to Improve the Quality and Efficiency of Healthcare Delivery for Patients With Serious Bacterial Infections
Authors: Ferry Tristan , Lodise Thomas P. , Gallagher Jason C. , Forestier Emmanuel , Goutelle Sylvain , Tam Vincent H. , Mohr John F. , Roubaud-Baudron Claire
Published: December 2020

Since the 1970s, outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) has been a viable option for patients who require intravenous antibiotics when hospitalization is not warranted. While the benefits of OPAT as a measure to improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery (i.e., reduced hospital days) and patient satisfaction are well-documented, OPAT is associated with a number of challenges, including line complications and reliance on daily healthcare interactions in some cases at home or in a clinic. To minimize the continued need for intensive healthcare services in the outpatient setting, there is trend toward patients self-administering antibiotics at home without the presence of healthcare workers, after adequate training. In most cases, patients administer the antibiotics through an established intravenous catheter. While this OPAT practice is becoming more accepted as a standard of care, the potential for line complications still exists. Outpatient subcutaneous antimicrobial therapy (OSCAT) has become an increasingly accepted alternative route of administration of antibiotics to IV by French infectious diseases physicians and geriatricians; however, currently, no antibiotics are approved to be administered subcutaneously. Antibiotics with longer half-lives that are completely absorbed and have a favorable local tolerability profile are ideal candidates for OSCAT and have the potential to maximize the quality and efficiency of parenteral antibiotic delivery in the outpatient setting. The increasing development of wearable, on-body subcutaneous delivery systems make OSCAT even more viable as they increase patient independence while avoiding line complications and potentially removing the need for direct healthcare professional observation.
Saccharibacteria as Organic Carbon Sinks in Hydrocarbon-Fueled Communities
Authors: Figueroa-Gonzalez Perla Abigail , Bornemann Till L. V. , Adam Panagiotis S. , Plewka Julia , Révész Fruzsina , von Hagen Christian A. , Táncsics András , Probst Alexander J.
Published: December 2020

Organisms of the candidate phylum Saccharibacteria have frequently been detected as active members of hydrocarbon degrading communities, yet their actual role in hydrocarbon degradation remained unclear. Here, we analyzed three enrichment cultures of hydrocarbon-amended groundwater samples using genome-resolved metagenomics to unravel the metabolic potential of indigenous Saccharibacteria. Community profiling based on ribosomal proteins revealed high variation in the enrichment cultures suggesting little reproducibility although identical cultivation conditions were applied. Only 17.5 and 12.5% of the community members were shared between the three enrichment cultures based on ribosomal protein clustering and read mapping of reconstructed genomes, respectively. In one enrichment, two Saccharibacteria strains dominated the community with 16.6% in relative abundance and we were able to recover near-complete genomes for each of them. A detailed analysis of their limited metabolism revealed the capacity for peptide degradation, lactate fermentation from various hexoses, and suggests a scavenging lifestyle with external retrieval of molecular building blocks. In contrast to previous studies suggesting that Saccharibacteria are directly involved in hydrocarbon degradation, our analyses provide evidence that these organisms can be highly abundant scavengers acting rather as organic carbon sinks than hydrocarbon degraders in these communities.
Soil Salinity Drives the Distribution Patterns and Ecological Functions of Fungi in Saline-Alkali Land in the Yellow River Delta, China
Authors: Yang Chao , Sun Juan
Published: December 2020

High soil salinity is the main factor that limits soil microbial activity in the Yellow River Delta (YRD); however, its effects on fungal community and ecological function are unknown. Here, we comparatively investigated the diversity and structures of soil fungal communities targeting the internally transcribed fungal spacer gene using Illumina MiSeq sequencing methods under a salt gradient with five levels, namely, Low: low-salinity soil, Medium: medium-salinity soil, High: high-salinity soil, Extreme: extreme-salinity soil, and a non-salted site as the control (Non-saline). The results show that bulk density (BD) values significantly increased (p < 0.05), while significantly lower values of soil total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), and fungal Shannon and Chao indexes were observed as the salinization gradient increased (p < 0.05). The relatively high levels of the families Nectriaceae and Cladosporiaceae distinguished two of the clusters, indicating two enterotypes of low (Non-saline and Low) and high (Medium, High, and Extreme) salinity soils, respectively. The family Nectriaceae was most abundant in the networks, and the positive correlations were more pronounced than negative correlations; however, Cladosporiaceae was the family most negatively correlated with others based on the network analysis. At the ecological function level, plant saprotrophs and litter saprotroph were significantly less abundant in extremely saline soil than non-saline soil. The change in soil properties (TC, TN, and BD) caused by soil salinization [salt and electrical conductivity (EC)] regulated the diversity of soil fungal communities, and ecological function, as indicated by Pearson correlation analyses. We suggest further investigation into the ecological functions of soil microorganisms in the extremely saline-alkaline soils of the YRD.
Transmission, Tropism, and Biological Impacts of Torix Rickettsia in the Common Bed Bug Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)
Authors: Thongprem Panupong , Evison Sophie E. F. , Hurst Gregory D. D. , Otti Oliver
Published: December 2020

The torix group ofRickettsiahave been recorded from a wide assemblage of invertebrates, but details of transmission and biological impacts on the host have rarely been established. The common bed bug(Cimex lectularius)is a hemipteran insect which lives as an obligatory hematophagous pest of humans and is host to a primaryWolbachiasymbiont and two facultative symbionts, a BEV-like symbiont, and a torix groupRickettsia. In this study, we first note the presence of a singleRickettsiastrain in multiple laboratory bed bug isolates derived from Europe and Africa. Importantly, we discovered that theRickettsiahas segregated in two laboratory strains, providing infected and uninfected isogenic lines for study. Crosses with these lines established transmission was purely maternal. Fluorescencein-situhybridization analysis indicatesRickettsiainfection in oocytes, bacteriomes, and other somatic tissues. We found no evidence thatRickettsiainfection was associated with sex ratio distortion activity, butRickettsiainfected individuals developed from first instar to adult more slowly. The impact ofRickettsiaon fecundity and fertility resulted in infected females producing fewer fertile eggs. However, we could not find any evidence for cytoplasmic incompatibility associated withRickettsiapresence. These data imply the existence of an unknown benefit toC. lectulariuscarryingRickettsiathat awaits further research.
Identification of Two New Isolates of Chilli veinal mottle virus From Different Regions in China: Molecular Diversity, Phylogenetic and Recombination Analysis
Authors: Rao Shaofei , Chen Xuwei , Qiu Shiyou , Peng Jiejun , Zheng Hongying , Lu Yuwen , Wu Guanwei , Chen Jianping , Jiang Wen , Zhang Yachun , Yan Fei
Published: December 2020

Chilli veinal mottle virus (ChiVMV) is an important plant pathogen with a wide host range, causing serious yield losses in pepper production all over the world. Recombination is a major evolutionary event for single-stranded RNA viruses, which helps isolates adapt to new environmental conditions and hosts. Recombination events have been identified in multiple potyviruses, but so far, there have been no reports of recombination events among the ChiVMV population. We here detected ChiVMV in pepper samples collected from Guangxi and Yunnan provinces for the first time and amplified the nearly full-length sequences. Phylogenetic and recombination analysis were performed using the new sequences and the 14 full-length and 23 capsid protein (CP) sequences available in GenBank. Isolates tend to cluster on a geographical basis, indicating that geographic-driven evolution may be an important determinant of ChiVMV genetic differences. A total of 10 recombination events were detected among the ChiVMV sequences using RDP4 with a strict algorithm, and both the Guangxi and Yunnan isolates were identified as recombinants. Recombination appears to be a significant factor affecting the diversity of ChiVMV isolates.
Next-Generation Molecular Diagnostics Development by CRISPR/Cas Tool: Rapid Detection and Surveillance of Viral Disease Outbreaks
Authors: Srivastava Sonal , Upadhyay Dilip J. , Srivastava Ashish
Published: December 2020

Virus disease spreads effortlessly mechanically or through minute insect vectors that are extremely challenging to avoid. Emergence and reemergence of new viruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), H1N1 influenza virus, avian influenza virus, dengue virus, Citrus tristeza virus, and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus have paralyzed the economy of many countries. The cure for major viral diseases is not feasible; however, early detection and surveillance of the disease can obstruct their spread. Therefore, advances in the field of virus diagnosis and the development of new point-of-care testing kits become necessary globally. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) is an emerging technology for gene editing and diagnostics development. Several rapid nucleic acid diagnostic kits have been developed and validated using Cas9, Cas12, and Cas13 proteins. This review summarizes the CRISPR/Cas-based next-generation molecular diagnostic techniques and portability of devices for field-based utilization.
AAV-Mediated GALC Gene Therapy Rescues Alpha-Synucleinopathy in the Spinal Cord of a Leukodystrophic Lysosomal Storage Disease Mouse Model
Authors: Marshall Michael S. , Issa Yazan , Heller Gregory , Nguyen Duc , Bongarzone Ernesto R.
Published: December 2020

Krabbe's disease (KD) is primarily a demyelinating disorder, but recent studies have identified the presence of neuronal protein aggregates in the brain, at least partially composed by alpha-synuclein (α-syn). The role of this protein aggregation in the pathogenesis of KD is largely unknown, but it has added KD to a growing list of lysosomal storage diseases that can be also be considered as proteinopathies. While the presence of these protein aggregates within the KD brain is now appreciated, the remainder of the central nervous system (CNS) remains uncharacterized. This study is the first to report the presence of thioflavin-S reactive inclusions throughout the spinal cord of both murine and human spinal tissue. Stereological analysis revealed the temporal and spatial accumulation of these inclusions within the neurons of the ventral spinal cord vs. those located in the dorsal cord. This study also confirmed that these thio-S positive accumulations are present within neuronal populations and are made up at least in part by α-syn in both the twitcher mouse and cord autopsied material from affected human patients. Significantly, neonatal gene therapy for galactosylceramidase, a treatment that strongly improves the survival and health of KD mice, but not bone marrow transplantation prevents the formation of these inclusions in spinal neurons. These results expand the understanding of α-syn protein aggregation within the CNS of individuals afflicted with KD and underlines the tractability of this problem via early gene therapy, with potential impact to other synucleinopathies such as PD.
The Role of Mitophagy in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Shao Ziqi , Dou Shanshan , Zhu Junge , Wang Huiqing , Xu Dandan , Wang Chunmei , Cheng Baohua , Bai Bo
Published: December 2020

Mitochondria are important places for eukaryotes to carry out energy metabolism and participate in the processes of cell differentiation, cell information transmission, and cell apoptosis. Autophagy is a programmed intracellular degradation process. Mitophagy, as a selective autophagy, is an evolutionarily conserved cellular process to eliminate dysfunctional or redundant mitochondria, thereby fine-tuning the number of mitochondria and maintaining energy metabolism. Many stimuli could activate mitophagy to regulate related physiological processes, which could ultimately reduce or aggravate the damage caused by stimulation. Stroke is a common disease that seriously affects the health and lives of people around the world, and ischemic stroke, which is caused by cerebral vascular stenosis or obstruction, accounts for the vast majority of stroke. Abnormal mitophagy is closely related to the occurrence, development and pathological mechanism of ischemic stroke. However, the exact mechanism of mitophagy involved in ischemic stroke has not been fully elucidated. In this review, we discuss the process and signal pathways of mitophagy, the potential role of mitophagy in ischemic stroke and the possible signal transduction pathways. It will help deepen the understanding of mitophagy and provide new ideas for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Differential Effects of Up- and Down-Regulation of SMR Coherence on EEG Activity and Memory Performance: A Neurofeedback Training Study
Authors: Kober Silvia Erika , Neuper Christa , Wood Guilherme
Published: December 2020

Modulating connectivity measures in EEG-based neurofeedback studies is assumed to be a promising therapeutic and training tool. However, little is known so far about its effects and trainability. In the present study, we investigated the effects of up- and down-regulating SMR (12–15 Hz) coherence by means of neurofeedback training on EEG activity and memory functions. Twenty adults performed 10 neurofeedback training sessions in which half of them tried to increase EEG coherence between Cz and CPz in the SMR frequency range, while the other half tried to down-regulate coherence. Up-regulation of SMR coherence led to between- and within-session changes in EEG coherence. SMR power increased across neurofeedback training sessions but not within training sessions. Cross-over training effects on baseline EEG measures were also observed in this group. Up-regulation of SMR coherence was also associated with improvements in memory functions when comparing pre- and post-test results. Participants were not able to down-regulate SMR coherence. This group did not show any changes in baseline EEG measures or memory functions comparing pre- and post-test. Our results provide insights in the trainability and effects of connectivity-based neurofeedback training and indications for its practical application.
Long-Acting Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Suppress Voluntary Alcohol Intake in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Marty Vincent N. , Farokhnia Mehdi , Munier Joseph J. , Mulpuri Yatendra , Leggio Lorenzo , Spigelman Igor
Published: December 2020

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing condition characterized by compulsive alcohol-seeking behaviors, with serious detrimental health consequences. Despite high prevalence and societal burden, available approved medications to treat AUD are limited in number and efficacy, highlighting a critical need for more and novel pharmacotherapies. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a gut hormone and neuropeptide involved in the regulation of food intake and glucose metabolism via GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1Rs). GLP-1 analogs are approved for clinical use for diabetes and obesity. Recently, the GLP-1 system has been shown to play a role in the neurobiology of addictive behaviors, including alcohol seeking and consumption. Here we investigated the effects of different pharmacological manipulations of the GLP-1 system on escalated alcohol intake and preference in male Wistar rats exposed to intermittent access 2-bottle choice of 10% ethanol or water. Administration of AR231453 and APD668, two different agonists of G-protein receptor 119, whose activation increases GLP-1 release from intestinal L-cells, did not affect voluntary ethanol intake. By contrast, injections of either liraglutide or semaglutide, two long-acting GLP-1 analogs, potently decreased ethanol intake. These effects, however, were transient, lasting no longer than 48 h. Semaglutide, but not liraglutide, also reduced ethanol preference on the day of injection. As expected, both analogs induced a reduction in body weight. Co-administration of exendin 9-39, a GLP-1R antagonist, did not prevent liraglutide- or semaglutide-induced effects in this study. Injection of exendin 9-39 alone, or blockade of dipeptidyl peptidase-4, an enzyme responsible for GLP-1 degradation, via injection of sitagliptin, did not affect ethanol intake or preference. Our findings suggest that among medications targeting the GLP-1 system, GLP-1 analogs may represent novel and promising pharmacological tools for AUD treatment.
JAG1, Regulated by microRNA-424-3p, Involved in Tumorigenesis and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition of High Proliferative Potential-Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Chen Yiyuan , Li Bin , Feng Jie , Fang Qiuyue , Cheng Jianhua , Xie Weiyan , Li Chuzhong , Cheng Sen , Zhang Yazhuo , Gao Hua
Published: December 2020

Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are a neoplastic proliferation of anterior pituitary. Signature of Notch pathway relies upon the histopathological type of PAs. The details of Notch pathway that are involved in the migration and invasion of Pas are still unclear. This paper filters and testifies the relation between Notch signaling pathway and the migration/invasion in subtypes of PAs. The diversity of genes and pathways is investigated based on transcriptome data of 60 patients by KEGG pathway analysis and GSEA. A series of functional experiments demonstrate the role of candidate genes by overexpression and antibody blocking in GH3 cell line. Volcano map and GSEA results exhibit the differential and the priority of Jagged1 canonical Notch Ligand (JAG1) in the Notch pathway combined with clinical features. JAG1 is involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PAs by correlation analysis of RNA-seq data. Progression-free survival (PFS) of patients with high JAG1 was shorter than patients with low JAG1 according to follow-up data (P = 0.006). Furthermore, overexpression and antibody blocking experiments in GH3 cell line indicate that JAG1 could promote cell proliferation, migration, and G1/S transition. Double luciferase reporter assay gives manifests that JAG1 is the target gene of miR-424-3p, and mimics or inhibitor of miR-424-3p can regulate the level of JAG1 which, in turn, affects cell proliferation and the levels of MMP2 and VIM in GH3 cell line, respectively. Our study delves into the relation between the Notch signaling pathway and cell proliferation and EMT in PAs, providing a potential treatment through targeting JAG1.