bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methamphetamine, Neurotransmitters and Neurodevelopment
Authors: ČECHOVÁ B , ŠLAMBEROVÁ R
Published: February 2022

Methamphetamine (MA), as massively abused psychoactive stimulant, has been associated with many neurological diseases. It has various potent and neurotoxic properties. There are many mechanisms of action that contribute to its neurotoxic and degenerative effects, including excessive neurotransmitter (NEU) release, blockage of NEU uptake transporters, degeneration of NEU receptors, process of oxidative stress etc. MA intoxication is caused by blood-brain barrier disruption resulted from MA-induced oxidation stress. In our laboratory we constantly work on animal research of MA. Our current interest is to investigate processes of MA-induced alteration in neurotransmission, especially during development of laboratory rat. This review will describe current understanding in role of NEUs, which are affected by MA-induced neurotoxicity caused by altering the action of NEUs in the central nervous system (CNS). It also briefly brings information about NEUs development in critical periods of development.
Egy ezeréves házasság felbontása: Turócszentmárton 1918. október 31.
Authors: Popély Gyula
Published: February 2022

The birth of the Czechoslovakian state during the autumn of 1918 was related to several symbolic events and several, geographically distant locations. Such locations were Prague, Paris, Pittsburgh and Turócszentmárton. In the latter town, the Slovakian nation broke up their millennium-long marriage with the Hungarian state and solemnly announced that they wish to live within the forming Czechoslovakian state. Our paper presents the details on what happened in Turócszentmárton on October 30, and the morning after, following Milan Hodza’s arrival.
A humánerőforrási motivációs stratégiák a Dél-dunántúli régió vállalkozásaiban
Authors: Bertalan Péter , Boldizsár Bettina
Published: February 2022

In Hungary, the economic role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is of major importance, however, the sector-specific management techniques are not comparable to those used by larger economic operators. The main objective of the research was to show the presence or lack of motivation as a value creating tool in the management practice of the SME sector in the South Transdanubian Region. A further significance of the research is that it draws attention to management practices that are extremely harmful from an economic point of view, the transformation of which can result in significant profit growth for the companies even without significant financial expenditures. To complement the survey, 15 in-depth management interviews were conducted where 10 questions were analysed. All in all, the executives in the study use management knowledge moderately and only partially consciously in their everyday practice and do not have a systematic motivational strategy. The theory learnt during school years – 15–20 years earlier – sometimes appear in everyday activities, but it is more typical that leaders follow their own paths and rely on information and advice from friends. In either case, management knowledge and motivation practices based on sound information do not play a significant role. Regarding the competencies, self-awareness is hardly recognized. Most executives do not seek regular feedback from their subordinates or give to their staff. Nevertheless, they feel that they are aware of their individual values ​​and systems, especially of those which were mainly built instinctively and experientially. The study showed that the role of innovation in creating a motivating work environment and the extensive economic power of motivation are either not or not fully understood by managers. When describing the ideal worker and their expected qualities, executives did not even mention the necessity of intrinsic motivation!
A GPI, az SNBI és a HDI alternatív gazdasági mutatók elméleti áttekintése
Authors: Csuvár Ádám , Bánkuti Gyöngyi , Cseh Balázs , Simon Szabolcs , Varga József
Published: February 2022

The paper describes some of the main economic indicators such as the Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI), Sustainable Net Benefit Index (SNBI) and the Human Development Index (HDI) that have been intended to replace or supplement Gross Domestic Product. Based on our analysis, we conclude that none of the indicators is still able to replace GDP because of the difficulties in data collection and the lack of sufficient objectivity in the types of information used. Meanwhile, each indicator draws attention to important trends that are not visible from GDP so they can provide useful signals for building and evaluating policies. The study was created for the Economics Seminar of Kaposvár (KAKTUSZ) which is organized annually by the Kaposvár University. It is closely related to the paper by Varga et al. (2018) titled “Theoretical overview of MEW and ISEW alternative economic indicators” (in the present issue) and can be conceived as a continuation of that.
Kreativitás és valóság a gazdálkodás eredményének meghatározásában
Authors: Wickert Irén , Szarvas-Fekete Tibor , Ágoston Anita
Published: February 2022

The determining of the outcome periodically is primary important in the operation of businesses. The assets and their changes, as well as the profit generating efficiency, ensure that the business continues to operate. In Hungary the Act C of 2000 on Accounting defines the method of accounting for economic events; however, the practice the accounting, which is based on experience, can make a move towards the creativity. The principle, which is not forbidden by the law, that is "free". The interpretation and recording of economic events and the judgement of their impact on outcome can often be based on subjective assessment. This article deals with the effects of subjective judgment and choosing on the results.
A fantázia határtalan – számvitel diákszemmel
Authors: Szarvas-Fekete Tibor , Ágoston Anita , Wickert Irén
Published: February 2022

"A talent is someone who knows more than they had learned", quoted the jury of the „Dal 2017” in the finals, after we saw the great performance of a 17 year old boy. What skills do the students of Kaposvár University have? How much part of their performance during the exams is knowledge and how much is fantasy? Adopting Henry Ford’s witticism we can expect that smart, diligent students will do themselves justice and get good grades; the lazy and less talented students will vegetate whereas the hard-working but untalented students will fall out of the sieve. However, what about smart, but lazy students? Those who "forget" to learn but due to their powerful imagination, can create something unbelievable during the exam, overcoming the greatest cruxes in the good sense. This article deals with this theory in humorous form: what the accounting is like with the eyes of a clever, creative but lazy student.
Német-Ausztria születése: 1918. november 12.
Authors: Tóth Imre
Published: February 2022

On this November day, politicians and offices of the Austrian state that was being formed since mid-October made their decision on the new provisional constitution. As a result, German-Austria chose republic as the form of state. Therefore, the date is considered to be the birthday of the republic of Austria. In our paper, we present the November 12 events in Vienna and the decisions of the Austrian politicians, thus sketching the birth of German-Austria
A Délvidék elszakítása: Újvidék 1918. november 25.
Authors: Gulyás László
Published: February 2022

Before 1918, Délvidék was a multi-ethnic region where Hungarians, Serbs, Romans and Germans, along with half a dozen additional nations/ethnicities, maintained one of the economically most developed region of the dualist state. Tensions among these nations escalated during the autumn of 1918. The Serbian populace of the region attempted to have Délvidék annexed to the Kingdom of Serbia. To this end, the Serbs held a Great Assembly on November 25, 1918 in Újvidék, where the region joining the Serbian kingdom was declared. Our paper presents the background and the course of this assembly.
Big Book: An Attractive Way to Comprehend Reading Text for Young Learners
Authors: Rahmasari Brigitta Septarini
Published: February 2022

Introducing reading text from young learners should be supported by appropriate facilities and resources adequate infrastructure. Learning Reading should be managed in such a way as to create meaningful and enjoyable learning activities. The use of big book as a medium of learning is one of the efforts to understand the reading text for young learners. This research aims at knowing the application of Big Book in teaching student’s reading comprehension of the second grade students of elementary school. The research design in this study is qualitative approach. The data are collected by using observation, interview, and documentation. Meanwhile, techniques of analzying data are data reduction, data display, and drawing conclusion. The subject of the research is the second grade students, which consists of 13 female and 7 male. The researcher is successful to use big book to teach reading comprehension. The students feel happy and interested when using big book. The researcher asks the students to read aloud the reading text individually and in a group, and then gives questions about the content of the text. Students are able to understand the reading text using big book. Based on the findings of research, the researcher also recommends conducting further research on using of Big Book.
The Relationship between Self-Efficiency and Mathematical Knowledge of 3-D Shapes of Fifth Grade of Elementary School
Authors: Faradilla Nurul , Putra Zetra Hainul , Noviana Eddy
Published: February 2022

This study aims to determine the relationship between self-efficacy and mathematical knowledge of 3-D shapes of fifth graders of elementary school. Participants in this study were 76 fifth grade students from a public school in Duri region, Indonesia. The method used in this research is the correlation and regression study. Instruments in this study are non-test and test. The non-test instrument is in the form of a questionnaire, and the test instrument is in the form of questions regarding the 3-D shapes. The indicators of self-efficacy consist of magnitude (level of task difficulty), strength (strength of belief) and generality, while the indicators of mathematical knowledge of 3-D shapes are properties, area, and volume of cubes and rectangular prism. The data analysis technique was carried out by presenting data, normality test, linearity test, linear regression test, and hypothesis testing using Pearson's product moment correlation. The results show that there is a significant positive relationship between students’ self-efficacy and mathematical knowledge of 3-D shapes.
The Crisis of Liberal Democracy and the Confucian Challenge: A Pragmatist Response
Authors: Tan Sor-hoon
Published: February 2022

In the current crisis of liberal democracy, Confucianism has been cited as offering superior alternative models of government. With the resources from Dewey’s Pragmatism, this paper defends democracy, which should not be equated to de facto liberal democracies, as desirable for Confucian societies. It examines the affinities between Confucian and Dewey’s conception of the person and community and argues for an understanding of democratic values that brings together Dewey’s democratic values and Confucian ideals of personal cultivation and virtuous governance.
A Global Crisis of Liberal Democracy?: On Autocratic Democracy, Populism and Post-Truth Politics
Authors: Owen David
Published: February 2022

This article proposes that autocratic democracy represents the natural political form of right-wing populism. It argues that while the emergence of autocratic democracy as a genuine political alternative to liberal democracy may be currently located primarily in states where liberal democratic norms were not well-consolidated, there are reasons to hold that structural features of contemporary politics in consolidated democracies relating to the decline of mass parties and the globalisation trilemma create the space for the right-wing mobilisation of populism. It is further claimed that the dilemmas of the EU in conjunction with the politics of immigration and multiculturalism provide resources for the right-wing mobilisation of populist discontents such that we should not be sanguine about the ability of liberal democracy to be resilient in the face of continuing populist pressures.
Patterns of Justification: On Political Liberalism and the Primacy of Public Justification
Authors: Besch Thomas M.
Published: February 2022

The discussion develops the view that public justification in Rawls's political liberalism, in one of its roles, is actualist in fully enfranchising actual reasonable citizens and fundamental in political liberalism's order of justification. I anchor this reading in the political role Rawls accords to general reflective equilibrium, and examine in its light the relationship between public justification, pro tanto justification, political values, full justification, the wide view of public political culture and salient public reason intuitions. This leaves us with the question of how a more plausible, post-Rawlsian political liberalism should understand the commitment to discursive respect and robust discursive equality that is reflected in its view of actualist and fundamental public justification.
“ÜNİVERSİTE ÖĞRENCİLERİNDE GELECEK KAYGISI ÖLÇEĞİ” NİN GELİŞTİRİLMESİ: GEÇERLİK VE GÜVENİRLİK ÇALIŞMASI
Authors: GEYLANİ Merve , ÇİRİŞ YILDIZ Cennet
Published: February 2022

Bu çalışmanın amacı; “Üniversite Öğrencilerinin Gelecek Kaygısını” belirlemeye yönelik geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçme aracı geliştirmektir. Araştırmanın örneklemini İstanbul’da eğitim veren bir Vakıf Üniversitesinin Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesinde bulunan 365 öğrenci oluşturmuştur. Veri toplama aracı olarak literatür doğrultusunda 37 maddelik bir madde havuzu oluşturulmuş ve ölçeğin geçerlik ve güvenirlik çalışmaları yapılmıştır. Veriler SPSS 21 ve AMOS paket programları aracılığıyla analiz edilmiştir. Güvenirliği değerlendirmek için iç tutarlılık ve test-tekrar test kullanılmıştır. SPSS programı ile açımlayıcı faktör analizi; AMOS programı aracılığıyla da doğrulayıcı faktör analizi yapılmıştır. Analiz sonucunda “Gelecek Korkusu” ve “Gelecekten Umutsuzluk” olmak üzere iki faktör altında toplanan ve 5’li Likert tipinde 19 maddeden oluşan “Üniversite Öğrencilerinde Gelecek Kaygısı” ölçeği geliştirilmiştir. Ölçeğin açıkladığı toplam varyans oranı %63.50 ve iç tutarlık katsayısı 0.91’dir. Test- retest için ölçek iki hafta arayla aynı gruba uygulanmış ve korelasyon katsayısı anlamlı bulunmuştur. Doğrulayıcı faktör analizi ile iki faktörlü bir yapı doğrulanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda geliştirilen Gelecek Kaygısı Ölçeğinin üniversite öğrencilerinin gelecek kaygısı düzeylerini belirlenmede geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçüm aracı olduğu saptandı.
EFFECTS OF VIDEO-BASED EDUCATION PROGRAM ON PAIN, PHYSICAL FUNCTION, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT
Authors: TURHAN DAMAR Hale , BİLİK Ozlem
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to examine the effects of a video-based education program on pain, physical function, and quality of life in patients with total knee replacement and to explore their perceptions of the intervention. In this study, mixed methods were used. The intervention group (n= 40) patients were given the Video Based Education Program, whereas control group patients were given usual care (n=43). Data were evaluated using the WOMAC Index and Short Form-36 Health Survey. Data were collected at the postoperative sixth week and third month. After the quasi-experimental study data were collected, eleven patients were interviewed by in-depth interview method. While statistically significant differences were determined among patients in terms of pain, physical functioning, physical role, social functioning, emotional role, and mental component summary (p<0.05), no significant differences were determined in terms of stiffness, general health, vitality, and physical component summary (p>0.05). Five themes were identified after qualitative analyses. The video education seems to positively affect the participants’ pain, physical function, and quality of life. Because patients have difficulty in remembering information and need support in applying the taught information, it may be recommended that the education is given to the patients be visual and interactive during the perioperative process.
Tribalisme, Oligarki Kekuasaan dan Dinamika Politik Kekerabatan Dalam Jaringan Pondok Pesantren
Authors: Azizah Nurul
Published: February 2022

Religious elites have an important role in the democratic system in Indonesia. The involvement of chairmen of Islamic boarding schools (pondok pesantren) in local elections in the context of local dynamics has spawned a network of oligarchic power and dynastic politics. There is an assumption that the participation of the elite of Islamic boarding schools in local politics is considered to be inevitable to the democratic process with the spread of corruption cases, and political nepotism. Actors in dynastic politics use famous figures from the pesantren’s family as a political tool to gain power. Power relations and patron-client relationships in Islamic boarding schools provide great benefits to ensure a candidate is elected in a local election. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relation between power, oligarchy, and the politics of kinship of the elite boarding school in the dynamics of local politics. This article shows that dynastic politics undermined the pillars of Indonesian democracy. Factors that cause oligarchy in pondok pesantren are populism, power network, and tribalism. These factors are inseparable from the influence of patronage, the power of local elites, and the effort of the elite to build dynastic politics. This article suggests that religious elites within the circle of political dynasties are expected to work professionally, not merely using the pesantren family.
MicroRNA Variants miR-27a rs895819 and miR-423 rs6505162, but not miR-124-1 rs531564, are Linked to Endometriosis and its Severity
Authors: Jaafar S. O. , Jaffar J. O. , Ibrahim S. A. , Jarjees K. K.
Published: February 2022

Background: While different studies have investigated the association of SNPs with female reproductive disorders, a limited number of studies have investigated the effect of microRNAs variants in endometriosis. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence and the association of three different miRNAs variants including, miR-27a rs895819, miR-124-1 rs531564, and miR-423 rs6505162 with endometriosis to help further elucidate the importance of these variants in female reproductive disorders.

Methods: A total number of 440 women (220 cases and 220 controls) were included. DNA was extracted and genotyping of the SNPs was carried out by PCR.

Results: The results showed that rs895819 and rs6505162 had a significant association with endometriosis under the dominant, recessive, co-dominant, and allelic model, but rs531564 was not linked to endometriosis. Our results also imply a protective effect on endometriosis severity for AG genotype and G allele in rs895819 (p < 0.001), and also for AA and AC genotypes in rs6505162 with severity in endometriosis (p < 0.001). Moreover, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, haplotype frequency, and linkage disequilibrium between SNPs were performed.

Conclusion: miR-27a rs895819 and miR-423 rs6505162, but not miR-124-1 rs531564, are linked to endometriosis.
Genetic Variants miR-126, miR-146a, miR-196a2, and miR-499 in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Li R. , Yu Y. , Jaafar S. O. , Baghchi B. , Farsimadan M. , Arabipour I. , Vaziri H.
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Alterations in certain microRNAs (miRNAs) and their target genes have reported in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other disease of the female reproductive system, and so may be potential biomarkers. We hypothesised alterations in the prevalence of four miRNAs single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants miR-126 rs4636297, miR-146a rs2910164, miR-196a2 rs11614913, and miR-499 rs3746444 in women with PCOS in comparison to healthy controls.

Methods: SNPs in the four miRNAs were determined in 385 patients and 385 controls by standard RT-PCR techniques.

Results: SNPs in miR-126 and miR-246a were significant linked with PCOS under the allelic, dominant, co-dominant, and recessive models (all p ≤ 0.01). The SNP in miR-499 was linked to PCOS in allelic (T, p = 0.002), dominant (p = 0.035) and recessive (p = 0.003) models. The SNPs -196a was significant linked to PCOS only in the recessive model (p = 0.037). Combining these SNPs in miR-499, mi146a, miR-196a and miR-126 respectively into allele haplotypes found highly significant odds ratios (95% CI) of 0.40 (0.29–0.54) (p < 0.001) for the C-G-C-G haplotype, and 0.46 (0.30–0.70) (p = 0.002) for the C-C-C-A haplotype (p = 0.002) for PCOS.

Conclusion: Single SNPs and haplotype combinations in certain SNPs in miR-126, miR-146a, miR-196a2 and miR-499 are strongly linked to PCOS, and so may be useful predictors of this condition.
Effects of Microwave-Assisted Liquid Hot Water Pretreatment on Chemical Composition and Structure of Moso Bamboo
Authors: Cui Jie-Yu , Zhang Ning , Jiang Jian-Chun
Published: February 2022

The effects of microwave assisted liquid hot water (MA-LHW) pretreatment on the chemical composition of Moso bamboo were investigated, and the fiber structure of pretreated residues were studied. The results showed that MA-LHW pretreatment had high selectivity for the degradation of hemicellulose in Moso bamboo, and the extracted hemicellulose could be used to prepare xylooligosaccharide through enzyme depolymerization. The degradation rates of cellulose and lignin after MA-LHW pretreatment were only 14.73% and 7.18%, which were significantly lower than those of LHW pretreatment; 155.0 mg/g xylobiose and 61.0 mg/g xylotrisoe can be obtained after enzymatic hydrolysis, and the yield of xylo-oligosaccharide reached 80.59% of the theoretical conversion rate. MA-LHW pretreatment increased the removal of hemicellulose, lignin, and other non-crystalline parts in bamboo materials, and more cellulose with crystalline structure was retained, which increased the CrI value of Moso bamboo by 14.84%. FTIR spectra showed that the characteristic peak intensity of hemicellulose was significantly reduced after MA-LHW pretreatment, which confirmed the selective degradation of hemicellulose by MA-LAW pretreatment. Moreover, MA-LHW pretreatment also destroyed O-H, C-H, C-O-C, and β-glucoside bonds in Moso bamboo fiber, caused by the recombination and synthesis of some groups (-CH2 and C=O) of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin destroyed under pretreatment conditions.
Metabolic Engineering of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for High-Level Friedelin via Genetic Manipulation
Authors: Gao Hai-Yun , Zhao Huan , Hu Tian-Yuan , Jiang Zhou-Qian , Xia Meng , Zhang Yi-Feng , Lu Yun , Liu Yuan , Yin Yan , Chen Xiao-Chao , Luo Yun-Feng , Zhou Jia-Wei , Wang Jia-Dian , Gao Jie , Gao Wei , Huang Lu-Qi
Published: February 2022

Friedelin, the most rearranged pentacyclic triterpene, also exhibits remarkable pharmacological and anti-insect activities. In particular, celastrol with friedelin as the skeleton, which is derived from the medicinal plant Tripterygium wilfordii, is a promising drug due to its anticancer and antiobesity activities. Although a previous study achieved friedelin production using engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae, strains capable of producing high-level friedelin have not been stably engineered. In this study, a combined strategy was employed with integration of endogenous pathway genes into the genome and knockout of inhibiting genes by CRISPR/Cas9 technology, which successfully engineered multiple strains. After introducing an efficient TwOSC1T502E, all strains with genetic integration (tHMG1, ERG1, ERG20, ERG9, POS5, or UPC2.1) showed a 3.0∼6.8-fold increase in friedelin production compared with strain BY4741. Through further double knockout of inhibiting genes, only strains GD1 and GD3 produced higher yields. Moreover, strains GQ1 and GQ3 with quadruple mutants (bts1; rox1; ypl062w; yjl064w) displayed similar increases. Finally, the dominant strain GQ1 with TwOSC1T502E was cultured in an optimized medium in shake flasks, and the final yield of friedelin reached 63.91 ± 2.45 mg/L, which was approximately 65-fold higher than that of the wild-type strain BY4741 and 229% higher than that in ordinary SD-His-Ura medium. It was the highest titer for friedelin production to date. Our work provides a good example for triterpenoid production in microbial cell factories and lays a solid foundation for the mining, pathway analysis, and efficient production of valuable triterpenoids with friedelin as the skeleton.
Mitophagy-Related Gene Signature for Prediction Prognosis, Immune Scenery, Mutation, and Chemotherapy Response in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Zhuo Zewei , Lin Hanying , Liang Jun , Ma Pengyue , Li Jingwei , Huang Lin , Chen Lishan , Yang Hongwei , Bai Yang , Sha Weihong
Published: February 2022

Mitophagy is a conserved cellular process that plays a vital role in maintaining cellular homeostasis by selectively removing dysfunctional mitochondria. Notwithstanding that growing evidence suggests that mitophagy is implicated in pancreatic tumorigenesis, the effect of mitophagy-related genes on pancreatic cancer (PC) prognosis and therapeutic response remains largely unknown. In this study, we sought to construct a mitophagy-related gene signature and assessed its ability to predict the survival, immune activity, mutation status, and chemotherapy response of PC patients. During the screening process, we identified three mitophagy-related genes (PRKN, SRC, VDAC1) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort and a 3-gene signature was established. The prognostic model was validated using an International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) cohort and two Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) cohorts. According to the median risk score, PC patients were divided into high and low-risk groups, and the high-risk group correlated with worse survival in the four cohorts. The risk score was then identified as an independent prognostic predictor, and a predictive nomogram was constructed to guide clinical decision-making. Remarkably, enhanced immunosuppressive levels and higher mutation rates were observed in patients from the high-risk group, which may account for their poor survival. Furthermore, we found that high-risk patients were more sensitive to paclitaxel and erlotinib. In conclusion, a mitophagy-related gene signature is a novel prognostic model that can be used as a predictive indicator and allows prognostic stratification of PC patients.
ERM-1 Phosphorylation and NRFL-1 Redundantly Control Lumen Formation in the C. elegans Intestine
Authors: Sepers Jorian J. , Ramalho João J. , Kroll Jason R. , Schmidt Ruben , Boxem Mike
Published: February 2022

Reorganization of the plasma membrane and underlying actin cytoskeleton into specialized domains is essential for the functioning of most polarized cells in animals. Proteins of the ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) and Na+/H+ exchanger 3 regulating factor (NHERF) family are conserved regulators of cortical specialization. ERM proteins function as membrane-actin linkers and as molecular scaffolds that organize the distribution of proteins at the membrane. NHERF proteins are PDZ-domain containing adapters that can bind to ERM proteins and extend their scaffolding capability. Here, we investigate how ERM and NHERF proteins function in regulating intestinal lumen formation in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. C. elegans has single ERM and NHERF family proteins, termed ERM-1 and NRFL-1, and ERM-1 was previously shown to be critical for intestinal lumen formation. Using CRISPR/Cas9-generated nrfl-1 alleles we demonstrate that NRFL-1 localizes at the intestinal microvilli, and that this localization is depended on an interaction with ERM-1. However, nrfl-1 loss of function mutants are viable and do not show defects in intestinal development. Interestingly, combining nrfl-1 loss with erm-1 mutants that either block or mimic phosphorylation of a regulatory C-terminal threonine causes severe defects in intestinal lumen formation. These defects are not observed in the phosphorylation mutants alone, and resemble the effects of strong erm-1 loss of function. The loss of NRFL-1 did not affect the localization or activity of ERM-1. Together, these data indicate that ERM-1 and NRFL-1 function together in intestinal lumen formation in C. elegans. We postulate that the functioning of ERM-1 in this tissue involves actin-binding activities that are regulated by the C-terminal threonine residue and the organization of apical domain composition through NRFL-1.
Feline Panleukopenia Virus With G299E Substitution in the VP2 Protein First Identified From a Captive Giant Panda in China
Authors: Yi Shushuai , Liu Songrui , Meng Xianyong , Huang Pei , Cao Zengguo , Jin Hongli , Wang Jianzhong , Hu Guixue , Lan Jingchao , Zhang Dongsheng , Gao Yuwei , Wang Hualei , Li Nan , Feng Na , Hou Rong , Yang Songtao , Xia Xianzhu
Published: February 2022

A feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), Giant panda/CD/2018, was isolated from a captive giant panda with mild diarrhea in 2018 in Chengdu, China, and further identified via indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation, and genetic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete VP2 nucleotide sequences showed that it shared high homology with Chinese FPV isolates and grouped within FPV cluster 1. One unique substitution Gly(G)299Glu(E) in the capsid protein VP2 was first identified with Giant panda/CD/2018. The presence of the G299E substitution is notable as it is located on the top region of the interconnecting surface loop 3, which may be involved in controlling the host range and antigenicity of FPV. These findings first demonstrate that FPV with natural point mutation G299E in the VP2 gene is prevalent in giant panda and suggest that etiological surveillance and vaccination among all giant pandas are urgently needed to protect this endangered species against FPV infection.
Prevalence and Prognostic Value of Mesenteric Artery Stenosis in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Lu Henri , Rotzinger David , Monney Pierre , Muller Olivier , Egea Michael , Grange Matthieu , Eeckhout Eric , Kirsch Matthias , Qanadli Salah D.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Data regarding the prevalence of mesenteric artery stenosis in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are scarce. Whether patients with high-risk features for acute mesenteric ischemia (AMesI) have a worse prognosis compared with those without high-risk features is unknown. We aimed to address these questions.

Methods

We included 361 patients who underwent TAVI between 2015 and 2019. Using pre-TAVI computed tomography exams, the number of stenosed arteries in each patient and the degree of stenosis for the coeliac trunk (CTr), SMA and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) were analyzed. High-risk features for AMesI were defined as the presence of ≥2 arteries presenting with ≥50% stenosis. Patient demographic and echocardiographic data were collected. Endpoints included 30-day all-cause mortality, mortality and morbidity related to mesenteric ischemia.

Results

22.7% of patients had no arterial stenosis, while 59.3% had 1 or 2 stenosed arteries, and 18.0% presented stenoses in 3 arteries. Prevalence of significant stenosis (≥50%) in CTr, SMA, and IMA were respectively 11.9, 5.5, 10.8%. Twenty patients at high-risk for AMesI were identified: they had significantly higher all-cause mortality (15.0 vs. 1.2%, p < 0.001) and higher mortality related to AMesI (5.0 vs. 0.3%, p = 0.004), compared with non-high-risk patients.

Conclusions

Patients at high-risk for AMesI presented with significantly higher 30-day all-cause mortality and mortality related to AMesI following TAVI. Mesenteric revascularization before TAVI interventions may be beneficial in these patients. Prospective studies are needed to clarify these questions.
Network Models and Simulation Analytics for Multi-scale Dynamics of Biological Invasions
Authors: Adiga Abhijin , Palmer Nicholas , Baek Young Yun , Mortveit Henning , Ravi S. S.
Published: February 2022

Globalization and climate change facilitate the spread and establishment of invasive species throughout the world via multiple pathways. These spread mechanisms can be effectively represented as diffusion processes on multi-scale, spatial networks. Such network-based modeling and simulation approaches are being increasingly applied in this domain. However, these works tend to be largely domain-specific, lacking any graph theoretic formalisms, and do not take advantage of more recent developments in network science. This work is aimed toward filling some of these gaps. We develop a generic multi-scale spatial network framework that is applicable to a wide range of models developed in the literature on biological invasions. A key question we address is the following: how do individual pathways and their combinations influence the rate and pattern of spread? The analytical complexity arises more from the multi-scale nature and complex functional components of the networks rather than from the sizes of the networks. We present theoretical bounds on the spectral radius and the diameter of multi-scale networks. These two structural graph parameters have established connections to diffusion processes. Specifically, we study how network properties, such as spectral radius and diameter are influenced by model parameters. Further, we analyze a multi-pathway diffusion model from the literature by conducting simulations on synthetic and real-world networks and then use regression tree analysis to identify the important network and diffusion model parameters that influence the dynamics.
Building Precise Local Submarine Earthquake Catalogs via a Deep-Learning-Empowered Workflow and its Application to the Challenger Deep
Authors: Wu Xueshan , Huang Song , Xiao Zhuowei , Wang Yuan
Published: February 2022

Submarine active faults and earthquakes, which contain crucial information to seafloor tectonics and submarine geohazards, can be effectively characterized by precise submarine earthquake catalogs. However, the precise and rapid building of submarine earthquake catalogs is challenging due to the following facts: (i) intense noise in ocean seismic data; (ii) the sparse seismic network; (iii) the lack of historical near-field observations. In this paper, we built a deep-learning-based automatic workflow named ESPRH for automatically building submarine earthquake catalogs from continuous seismograms. The ESPRH workflow integrates Earthquake Transformer (EqT) and Siamese Earthquake Transformer (S-EqT) for initial earthquake detection and phase picking, PickNet for phase refinement, REAL for earthquake association and rough location, and HypoInverse, HypoDD for precise earthquake relocation. We apply ESPRH to the continuous data recorded by an array of 12 broadband Ocean Bottom Seismographs (OBS) near the Challenger Deep at the southern-most Mariana subduction zone from Dec. 2016 to Jun. 2017. In this study, we acquire a high-resolution local earthquakes catalog that provides new insights into the geometry of shallow fault zones. We report the active submarine faults by seismicity in Challenger Deep which is the deepest place on Earth. These faults are a significant reference for submarine geological hazards and evidence for serpentinization. Hence, the ESPRH is qualified to construct comprehensive local submarine earthquake catalogs automatically, rapidly, and precisely from raw OBS seismic data.
Mid-Miocene to Present Upper-Plate Deformation of the Southern Cascadia Forearc: Effects of the Superposition of Subduction and Transform Tectonics
Authors: McKenzie Kirsty A. , Furlong Kevin P. , Kirby Eric
Published: February 2022

The southern Cascadia forearc undergoes a three-stage tectonic evolution, each stage involving different combinations of tectonic drivers, that produce differences in the upper-plate deformation style. These drivers include subduction, the northward migration of the Mendocino triple junction and associated thickening and thinning related to the Mendocino Crustal Conveyor (MCC) effect, and the NNW translation of the Sierra Nevada-Great Valley (SNGV) block. We combine geodetic data, plate reconstructions, seismic tomography and topographic observations to determine how the southern Cascadia upper plate is deforming in response to the combined effects of subduction and NNW-directed (MCC- and SNGV-related) tectonic processes. The location of the terrane boundaries between the relatively weak Franciscan complex and the stronger Klamath Mountain province (KMP) and SNGV block has been a key control on the style of upper-plate deformation in the southern Cascadia forearc since the mid-Miocene. At ∼15 Ma, present-day southern Cascadia was in central Cascadia and deformation there was principally controlled by subduction processes. Since ∼5 Ma, this region of the Cascadia upper plate, where the KMP lies inboard of the Franciscan complex, has been deforming in response to both subduction and MCC- and SNGV-related effects. GPS data show that the KMP is currently moving to the NNW at ∼8–12 mm/yr with little internal deformation, largely in response to the northward push of the SNGV block at its southern boundary. In contrast, the Franciscan complex is accommodating high NNW-directed and NE-directed shortening strain produced by MCC-related shortening and subduction coupling respectively. This composite tectonic regime can explain the style of faulting within and west of the KMP. Associated with this Mendocino Crustal Conveyor crustal thickening, seismic tomography imagery shows a region of low velocity material that we interpret to represent crustal flow and injection of Franciscan crust into the KMP at intracrustal levels. We suggest that this MCC-related crustal flow and injection of material into the KMP is a relatively young feature (post ∼5 Ma) and is driving a rejuvenated period of rock uplift within the KMP. This scenario provides a potential explanation for steep channels and high relief, suggestive of rapid erosion rates within the interior of the KMP.
Evaluation of Bone Mineral Density in Children Conceived via Assisted Reproductive Technology
Authors: Xia Xinru , Chen Lingling , Wang Jing , Yu Xiang , Gao Li , Zhang Yuan , Diao Feiyang , Cui Yugui , Liu Jiayin , Meng Yan
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To investigate bone mineral density (BMD) differences between assisted reproductive technology (ART)-conceived children and naturally conceived (NC) children.

Study Design

This retrospective cohort study included ART-conceived children and controls aged 1 to 12 years assessed with a follow-up protocol. Maternal and paternal background, birth condition, and growth and development indicators were analyzed.

Results

The ART and NC groups exhibited differences in maternal and paternal childbearing age; maternal weight; maternal body mass index (BMI); maternal alcohol consumption; paternal smoking; delivery method; and serum zinc, iron, and lead levels. Multifactor analysis adjusted for relevant factors showed that paternal childbearing age and group significantly affected the BMD Z score. In the subgroup analysis, in vitro fertilization (IVF) (p=0.026) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (p=0.008) had a positive impact on the BMD Z score. Male infertility only (p=0.010) or male infertility combined with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (p=0.026) may affect the BMD Z score. In the embryo transfer cycle subgroup analysis, compared with natural conception, both stimulation cycle fresh embryo transfer (p=0.019) and natural cycle frozen embryo transfer (p=0.006) had a positive effect on the BMD Z score.

Conclusions

The BMD levels of the ART and control groups were generally in the normal range. Paternal childbearing age and the use of ART independently affected the BMD Z score of the offspring.
Field Calibration and Evaluation of an Internet-of-Things-Based Particulate Matter Sensor
Authors: Cowell Nicole , Chapman Lee , Bloss William , Pope Francis
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a field evaluation of IoT-enabled Plantower PMS5003 particulate matter sensors in Birmingham, United Kingdom. Commercial, off the shelf, sensors were adapted to utilise Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) IoT technology enabling batteries to be used as a power source. The devices are capable of measuring and communicating data to an online platform with a battery life of ∼2 months, at a measurement interval of 15 min, allowing for automated air quality monitoring for extended periods at high density. The sensors demonstrate success at being integrated into a wireless sensor network, with a high presence of readings. The average correlation coefficients (r2) between raw PMS device data and reference instrumentation are 0.718, 0.703, and 0.543 for PM1, PM2.5, and PM10, respectively. The devices also demonstrate good intersensor consistency, with Pearson’s r values between pairs ranging from 0.92 to 0.99 across all size ranges. Relative humidity (RH) clearly influences the response of the sensors, especially for RH >85%, in keeping with previous laboratory evaluations and evaluations of similar devices. The development of a multi-linear correction factor that accounts for humidity effects on the performance of the sensors is described; using this model, Pearson’s r values range from 0.81 to 0.91 compared to 0.73–0.85 from uncorrected values. There is also some evidence of drift at high humidity over an 8-week period, suggesting that such sensors will (at least currently) need recalibration approximately bimonthly. The limit of detection (LoD) (1.60–4.75 μg m−3) calculated from this study also demonstrates that the sensors are suitable for capturing concentrations typical of a moderately polluted United Kingdom urban environment—LoDs of PM2.5 in this study would have allowed for capture of 94.7% of the concentrations recorded at a typical United Kingdom urban roadside monitoring site between 2017 and 2020.
Comprehensive Characterization of Pyroptosis Patterns with Implications in Prognosis and Immunotherapy in Low-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Zhou Zijian , Wei Jinhong , Lu Bin , Jiang Wenbo , Bao Yue , Li Luo , Wang Weimin
Published: February 2022

Background: Due to high heterogeneity and mortality of low-grade gliomas (LGGs), it is of great significance to find biomarkers for prognosis and immunotherapy. Pyroptosis is emerging as an attractive target in cancer research for its effect on tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). However, the investigation of pyroptosis in LGGs is insufficient.

Methods: LGG samples from TCGA and CGGA database were classified into two pyroptosis patterns based on the expression profiles of 52 PRGs using consensus clustering. A prognostic model was constructed by using the LASSO-COX method. ESTIMATE algorithm and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) were used to characterize the TIME. Based on the differentially expressed genes between two pyroptosis patterns, favorable and unfavorable pyroptosis gene signatures were determined. Pyroptosis score scheme was constructed to quantify the pyroptosis patterns through gene set variation analysis (GSVA) method. Two external datasets and immunotherapy cohort from CGGA and GEO database were used to validate the predictive value of the pyroptosis score. The Human Protein Atlas website and Western blotting were utilized to confirm the expression of the selected genes in the prognostic model in LGGs.

Results: Distinct overall survival and immune checkpoint blockage therapeutic responses were identified between two pyroptosis patterns. A low pyroptosis score in LGG patients implies higher overall survival, poor immune cell infiltration, and better response to immunotherapy of immune checkpoint blockage.

Conclusion: Our findings provided a foundation for future research targeting pyroptosis and opened a new sight to explore the prognosis and immunotherapy from the angle of pyroptosis in LGGs.
Genetically Determined Circulating Levels of Cytokines and the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Qian Yu , He Zhixing , Zhao Sizheng Steven , Liu Bin , Chen Ying , Sun Xiaohui , Ye Ding , Jiang Xia , Zheng Hui , Wen Chengping , Zheng Houfeng , Mao Yingying
Published: February 2022

Background: Accumulation of inflammatory leukocytes in articular tissues is the hallmark feature of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Increasing evidence from observational studies has suggested that several cytokines may be involved in the development of RA. However, traditional observational studies are susceptible to bias from confounding and reverse causation; therefore, the potential causal relationships of individual cytokines with the risk of RA remain elusive.

Objective: In this study, we evaluated whether genetically determined circulating levels of cytokines were associated with the risk of RA by performing Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods: We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with circulating levels of cytokines and growth factors from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) including 8,293 participants of Finnish ancestry as instrumental variables (IVs). The association estimates of these IVs with the risk of RA were obtained from a GWAS meta-analysis including 14,361 RA cases and 43,923 controls of European ancestry. We conducted a series of MR analyses to assess the relationship between genetically determined circulating cytokines and the risk of RA, including the random-effects inverse variance-weighted, weighted-median, MR-Egger regression, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier tests. For potential cytokine-RA associations supported by MR evidence, sensitivity analyses were further performed using restricted IV sets of SNPs with colocalization evidence and that excluding pleiotropic SNPs.

Results: In the primary MR analysis, there was a suggestive inverse association between genetically determined circulating level of macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1b) and the risk of RA [odds ratio (OR): 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.92-0.99, p = 0.016]. The effect estimates were similar in alternative MR analyses. Among SNPs used as IVs for MIP-1b, we found 92 SNPs without documented pleiotropy and three SNPs with evidence of colocalization. The association of MIP-1b with RA from sensitivity analyses using these two sets of restricted IVs remained stable.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that genetically determined elevated circulating level of MIP-1b may be associated with a lower risk of RA. Further studies are warranted to determine how MIP-1b and related pathways may contribute to the development of RA.