bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communicative Language Teaching in Teaching ESL for University Students
Authors: Hien Le Thi Ngoc
Published: June 2021

Although teaching and learning language is not a new topic for researchers, it always inspires educators and linguists. Among new teaching approaches, Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is a teaching method that emphasizes communicative output. This approach has been widely known worldwide since it was first introduced in the 1970s because of the demand for communication skills of language learners. However, there are still many issues raised because teachers are not similar to this method. In terms of language competence, Chomsky (1957) mentions linguistic aspects like lexis, syntax, phonology and morphology as the central part of learning language, while Hymes (1971) concludes grammatic, semantic, sociolinguistic and pragmatic aspects. Hymes’ (1971) theory and other authors' theories lead to a new breakthrough in developing communicative language teaching in teaching and learning a second language. Compared with the Grammar-Translation method, CLT provides learners with more opportunities to develop their communicative ability and increase the role of learners in teaching and learning second language classroom activities, which is hard to find in other old teaching methods. This paper focuses on the overview of CLT in teaching English as a second language. In particular, it summarises the advantages and disadvantages of CLT comparing with old teaching methods, current trends of CLT, obstacles in applying CLT in the university context. Since then, it helps teachers have a better understanding of CLT and the article also suggests implications of teaching English with CLT in the university context, including designing classroom activities and motivating students.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Sugar Induced Thiazole Derivatives
Authors: Bhuiyan Md Mosharef Hossain , Matin Mohammed M , Rahman AFM Hafizur , Alam Md Rabiul
Published: June 2021

The starting materials, 2-amino-4-phenylthiazole and 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[d]thiazole, were prepared by reacting thiourea with acetophenone and cyclohexanone in the presence of iodine under heating on a water bath with occasional stirring, respectively. Reaction of 2-amino-4-phenylthiazole and 2-amino-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[d]thiazole with various sugars afforded  corresponding N-glycoside derivatives in good yields. The structures of the synthesized N-glycosides derivatives have been established on the basis of their IR and NMR spectral data. The obtained compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity.  Some of them were found to possess significant activities, when compared to standard drugs.

The Chittagong Univ. J. Sci. 40(1) : 68-84, 2019
HERNÁN MALO, CABALLERO DE LA RAZÓN
Authors: Durán-Barba Jaime
Published: June 2021

Un pensador y su tiempo. Aparece en el mundo universitario la figura de Hernán Malo, cuando a su vuelta de estudios universitarios en Europa asume el Decanato de la Facultad de Filosofía San Gregorio, en la segunda mitad de la década de 1960. Era la época en que América Latina conmovida por el impacto de la Revolución Cubana buscaba dificultosamente nuevos caminos que le permitieran superar la dependencia externa y la injusticia social interna que por desgracia siguen siendo características propias de nuestras sociedades. Movimientos guerrilleros esparcidos por todo el Continente eran la expresión más dramática y violenta de esa angustia por construir nuevos mundos
A Study of Systemic Functional Linguistics: Political Ideology of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in First Presidential Debate
Authors: Suwandi Alda Fitriani , Thoriqussuud Muhammad
Published: June 2021

This journal article discusses how to reveal the ideology through two approaches, those are transtivity process by MAK Halliday and the theoretical framework in Critical Discourse Analysis by Fairclough. This journal article investigates Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton ideology, then compares their ideology who is more prominent. Before revealing their ideology, the researcher compares the transtivity process of both candidates and finds that Donald Trump has 281 clauses consist of transtivity process, while Hillary Clinton has 203 clauses consist of transtivity process. The differences of the total numbers of transtivity process, it also reflects to the tendency of ideology. It has shown that Trump has 60% to the citizen involvement rather than Hillary has 52%. Then, in the aspect of national priority, Hillary has the highest tendency that is 16% rather than Trump has 6%. The third aspect is policy of law Hillary also has the highest tendency that is 11% than Trump only 7%. In the aspect of equality in democracy ideology, Trump gets 7% while Hillary gets 0%. In the last aspect, is national unity Trump gets 20% tendency than Hillary gets 19%. Finally, the researcher concludes that Donald Trump’s ideology is the most prominent than Hillary Clinton.
Unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal (utin): A importância na sobrevida dos recém nascidos
Authors: Batista Gisele de Jesus , Pereira Carla Thailenna Jorge , Felipe Fernanda Roques , Luz Kássio Maluar Gonçalves , Cruz Milena Matos da , Silva Deyla Jordana de Oliveira , Melo Kairo Sairo Porto de , Furtado Natália Rose de Almeida Leite , Silva Daniela de Souza , Gomes Laura Costa , Silva Juciely Magalhaes da
Published: June 2021

Introdução: A taxa de mortalidade infantil teve significativa queda nas últimas décadas no Brasil e no mundo, e representa um indicador importante do desenvolvimento socioeconômico dos países. Destaca-se que contribui para aumentar a taxa de mortalidade infantil, o alto número de mortes neonatais. Nesse cenário, as Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTIN) configuram-se em ambiente adequado para o tratamento de recém-nascidos (RN) gravemente enfermos, possibilitando manutenção da vida e recuperação da saúde das crianças. Objetivo: Realizar uma avaliação sistematizada da literatura, evidencia a importância da Unidade de Terapia Intensa no amparo e suporte dos recém nascidos. Metodologia: a pesquisa bibliográfica procura explicar e discutir um tema com base em referências teóricas publicadas em livros, revistas, periódicos e outros. Buscam também, conhecer e analisar conteúdos científicos sobre determinados tema. Os dados utilizados nesta pesquisa caracterizam-se como secundários, ou seja, fundamentados em dados já tratados, retirados de livros e obras para mostrar o conceito, tratamento e suas particularidades. Resultados: A prematuridade, por exemplo, além de levar o RN a internação em UTIN ainda o expõe a diversos procedimentos dolorosos necessários para manutenção de sua vida. Sendo assim, é importante que os profissionais de saúde entendam a fisiopatologia, as manifestações clínicas do neonato, o tipo e as características da dor, visando avaliação clínica qualificada e conduta terapêutica adequada e a importância da atuação da unidade intensiva em neonato. Conclusão: A assistência à saúde da criança ainda se encontra em processo de construção, juntamente com assistência à saúde em geral, em um movimento de mudança paradigmática do modelo centrado na patologia e na criança, para um modelo de construção de redes, em prol da inclusão da família e da integralidade do cuidado.
O CPAP atenua as respostas cardiovasculares ao esforço submáximo na apneia obstrutiva do sono? Um estudo transversal
Authors: Chaves Sulyvan Ítalo Daher , Magalhães Matheus Gustavo Silva , Ribeiro Alice Santana Valadares , Siqueira Pedro Paulo Simões de , Lima Anna Myrna Jaguaribe de
Published: June 2021

Objetivo: Comparar a capacidade funcional de exercício (CFE) e as respostas cardiovasculares ao exercício submáximo em indivíduos com apneia obstrutiva do sono (AOS) com e sem tratamento com pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas (CPAP). Métodos: 73 indivíduos com diagnóstico de AOS moderada ou grave foram divididos em 2 grupos: grupo CPAP (boa adesão ≥ 4 horas/noite, n = 36) e grupo nCPAP (não utilizaram o dispositivo, n = 37) e submetidos ao teste de degrau de seis minutos (TD6M). Resultados: Não houve diferença entre os grupos na CFE (nCPAP 132,95 ± 27,12 degraus vs CPAP 125,11 ± 26,15 degraus; p=0,213). A resposta pressórica imediatamente após o exercício (final – repouso) foi superior no grupo nCPAP tanto para pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) (57,56 ± 19,91mmHg vs 28,88 ± 15,07mmHg; p = 0,000) quanto para pressão arterial diastólica (PAD) (14,05 ± 8,64 vs 1,38 ± 7,23; p = 0,000). O percentual de variação de recuperação (recuperação – inicial) foi menor no grupo CPAP, tanto para PAS (24,2 ± 12,04% vs 4,6 ± 7,31%; p = 0,000) quanto para PAD (10,66% ± 9,41% vs 0,43% ± 6,88%; p = 0,000). Não houve diferença no percentual de variação da FC (nCPAP 18,6 ± 15,34% vs. CPAP 15,08 ± 10,59%; p = 0,260). Conclusões: Os resultados sugerem uma resposta pressórica atenuada ao esforço submáximo e uma recuperação mais rápida da PAS e da PAD em indivíduos com AOS tratados com CPAP em comparação aos não tratados.
Efeitos da terapia de realidade virtual no controle postural de crianças com síndrome de Down
Authors: Silva Lorena Fuchs , Lage Janaine Brandão , Souza Luciane Aparecida Pascucci Sande de , Rosa Rodrigo César , Cardoso Fabrizio Antônio Gomide , Espindula Ana Paula
Published: June 2021

A Síndrome de Down apresenta alterações biomecânicas e estruturais que resultam em déficit na ativação muscular e consequentemente no equilíbrio. Diante disto, a Realidade Virtual surge como instrumento terapêutico, no qual são apresentadas aos usuários oportunidades de envolvimento em ambientes virtuais, que adiciona um fator motivacional e lúdico à reabilitação. Objetivo: Verificar os efeitos da terapia de Realidade Virtual no equilíbrio e na atividade muscular de membros inferiores de crianças com Síndrome de Down. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por indivíduos com Síndrome de Down com idade média de 10,8 ± 3,4 anos, submetidos a avaliações motoras pré e pós intervenções em terapia de Realidade Virtual por meio do Nintendo Wii. Resultados: O deslocamento medial e lateral (p=0,016), deslocamento anteroposterior (p= 0,056) e atividade muscular do músculo tibial anterior (p=0,001) tiveram melhora significativa após a terapia. Conclusão: A Terapia proposta é eficiente e está indicada para a melhora do equilíbrio e atividade muscular de membros inferiores das crianças com Síndrome de Down.
A importância da atenção Fisioterapêutica nos cuidados paliativos em pacientes com câncer
Authors: Marcião Lucas Gabriel de Araújo , Sousa Vitória Natalia Fernandes de , Lima Patrícia Emerich , Lima Larissa Helanny Costa , Marcião Emmanuele Figueiredo , Alves Eliandrea Lima Castro , Lira Jhennifer Valéria Mattos , Moura Leandro Ferreira de , Olivetto Marta Maiara Silva , Silva Geremias da , Ferreira Orivaldo Pablo Costa , Rodrigues Adriele Galvão , Alves Cristiane Pereira , Viana Jamile Bentes , Alencar Indiara de
Published: June 2021

A neoplasia maligna que é definida como câncer é uma patologia com características da ampliação celular sem controle que desencadeia um acúmulo de células malignas. Os cuidados paliativos necessitam de uma intervenção na atenção aos pacientes em estágios iniciais, avançados ou terminais, estimulando um processo de amenização ou de controlar os sinais e sintomas. Nesse contexto, o papel do fisioterapeuta é atuar de forma complementar ao tratamento paliativo, com o objetivo de melhorar a recuperação do indivíduo, restaurando as funções de diferentes partes do corpo. O objetivo desse trabalho é discutir a importância da intervenção da fisioterapêutica em oncologia, com enfoque em cuidados paliativos. Refere-se de uma revisão narrativa de literatura. Para este artigo foram realizadas buscas manuais na plataforma Google Scholar e selecionados artigos relacionados à temática. A partir dos dados apresentados, o papel da intervenção fisioterapêutica está relacionado à reabilitação em todas as fases da doença, na qual a dor é a ocorrência mais pertinente causando um grande desconforto ao paciente. A fisioterapia é uma área importante no tratamento de pacientes em fase terminal, reabilitando a condição motora e, com isso, inserir esse indivíduo na retomada da independência funcional. Por fim, estudos comprovam que a fisioterapia tem um papel importante nos cuidados paliativos, entretanto, as definições de atenção a pacientes paliativos são necessárias serem propagadas entre os fisioterapeutas e pesquisas são necessárias para um bom aperfeiçoamento profissional.
Marine distribution and foraging habitat highlight potential threats at sea for the Endangered Bermuda petrel Pterodroma cahow
Authors: Raine AF , Gjerdrum C , Pratte I , Madeiros J , Felis JJ , Adams J
Published: June 2021

Marine spatial planning relies on detailed spatial information of marine areas to ensure effective conservation of species. To enhance our understanding of marine habitat use by the highly pelagic Bermuda petrelPterodroma cahow, we deployed GPS tags on 6 chick-rearing adults in April 2019 and constructed a habitat suitability model using locations classified as foraging to explore functional responses to a selection of marine environmental variables. We defined 15 trips for 5 individuals, ranging from 1-6 trips per bird, that included both short and long foraging excursions indicative of a dual foraging strategy that optimizes chick feeding and self maintenance. The maximum distance birds flew from Bermuda during foraging trips ranged from 61 to 2513 km (total trip lengths: 186-14051 km). Behaviourally deduced foraging habitat was best predicted at shorter distances from the colony, under warmer sea surface temperature, greater sea surface height, and in deeper water compared to transiting locations; our model results indicated that suitable foraging habitat exists beyond the core home range of the population, as far north as the highly productive Gulf Stream frontal system, and within the territorial waters of both the USA and Canada. Our results are crucial to inform management decisions and international conservation efforts by better identifying potential threats encountered at sea by this globally rare seabird and highlighting jurisdictions potentially responsible for mitigating those threats.
KONSEP PENGELOLAAN HUTAN ADAT DI INDONESIA: SEBUAH KASUS DI BENGKALIS, INDONESIA
Authors: Arauf Muhammad
Published: June 2021

Abstract Hutan adat merupakan sejarah baru dalam pengelolaan hutan di Indonesia. Sejak awal Indonesia berdiri perlindungan dan penataan kawasan hutan khususnya yang berkaitan dengan hak-hak masyarakat adat memiliki problematika tersendiri dimana masyarakat adat harus berjuang maksimal untuk mengimbangi kebijakan regulasi Negara dalam bidang kehutanan dan pengelolaan sumber daya alam. Jauh sebelum Indonesia Merdeka kesatuan-kesatuan masyarakat adat diakui berikut hak-hak tradisionalnya sepanjang masih hidup dan sesuai dengan perkembangan masyarakat. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian hukum sosiologis dimana data-data yang dikumpulkan di lokasi penelitian diolah dan dianalisis dengan kalimat-kalimat dikaitkan dengan teori-teori yang peneliti sajikan. Dari hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa pengakuan tentang hutan Adat dalam Wilayah Kekuasaan Datuk Laksamana Raja di Laut didasarkan pada pendekatan historis yang melekat sebagai sebuah kekuasaan pada masa Raja atau Datuk Laksamana berkuasa yang kemudian pengelolaan nya dilanjutkan oleh para keturunannya. pengelolaan hutan adat pada saat sekarang dalam wilayah Datuk Laksamana Raja di Laut sifatnya sangat parsial dan belum diikuti dengan perangkat yang jelas sebagaimana mekanisme penetapan hutan adat oleh negara sehingga status hak Hutan adat tersebut menimbulkan ketidakpastian di tengah masyarakat. Kata kunci : Hutan Adat, Datuk Laksamana Raja di Laut
IMPLEMENTASI PERAMALAN PENJUALAN IKAN LAUT UNTUK OPTIMASI PERSEDIAAN BAHAN BAKU (Studi Kasus di UD Harum Bungah Gresik)
Authors: Sa'diyah Khanifatus , Narto Narto
Published: June 2021

Indonesian marine waters have high marine resource resources. One of Indonesia's seafood commodities is fish. With proper management and utilization, marine products become one of the promising business opportunities for the community, so that fisheries become one of the supporting sectors of national economic development. UD Harum is one of the businesses engaged in the fisheries sector as a supplier of marine fish raw material needs to meet the needs of the manufacturing industry. To optimize production planning to meet industry demand, forecasting of sea fish sales data forecasting in the previous period is needed to anticipate a shortage of raw materials. The purpose of this forecasting is to implement forecasting using the Single Moving Average (SMA), Weighted Moving Average (WMA) and Centered Moving Average (CMA) methods in forecasting sea fish sales at UD Harum and to find out the best forecasting results to increase sea fish sales at UD Harum. Forecasting results show forecasting using the Single Moving Average (3-monthly) and (5-monthly) methods respectively 8107.67 kg and 8399.4 kg. For the Weighted Moving Average (3-monthly) and (5-monthly) methods, the results of forecasting are 7268,963 kg and 7443,452, respectively. As for the Centered Moving Average (3-monthly) method with forecast results of 8107.67 kg. The forecasting method chosen to optimize sales is the Centered Moving Average method with a forecast value of 8107.67 kg and has the smallest forecasting error compared to other forecasting methods with a MAPE value of 0.30875 and MPE of -0.1720.
Rare Modifier Variants Alter the Severity of Cardiovascular Disease in Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum: Identification of Novel Candidate Modifier Genes and Disease Pathways Through Mixture of Effects Analysis
Authors: De Vilder Eva Y. G. , Martin Ludovic , Lefthériotis Georges , Coucke Paul , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Vanakker Olivier M.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), an ectopic mineralization disorder caused by pathogenic ABCC6 variants, is characterized by skin, ocular and cardiovascular (CV) symptoms. Due to striking phenotypic variability without genotype-phenotype correlations, modifier genes are thought to play a role in disease variability. In this study, we evaluated the collective modifying effect of rare variants on the cardiovascular phenotype of PXE.

Materials and Methods: Mixed effects of rare variants were assessed by Whole Exome Sequencing in 11 PXE patients with an extreme CV phenotype (mild/severe). Statistical analysis (SKAT-O and C-alpha testing) was performed to identify new modifier genes for the CV PXE phenotype and enrichment analysis for genes significantly associated with the severe cohort was used to evaluate pathway and gene ontology features.

Results Respectively 16 (SKAT-O) and 74 (C-alpha) genes were significantly associated to the severe cohort. Top significant genes could be stratified in 3 groups–calcium homeostasis, association with vascular disease and induction of apoptosis. Comparative analysis of both analyses led to prioritization of four genes (NLRP1, SELE, TRPV1, and CSF1R), all signaling through IL-1B.

Conclusion This study explored for the first time the cumulative effect of rare variants on the severity of cardiovascular disease in PXE, leading to a panel of novel candidate modifier genes and disease pathways. Though further validation is essential, this panel may aid in risk stratification and genetic counseling of PXE patients and will help to gain new insights in the PXE pathophysiology.
Identify Function of WASL in Prognosis of Cervical Cancer Based on Omics Data
Authors: Hou Jinxuan , Chen Chen , Hu Yingying , Gong Qing , Gan Lijuan , Xu Yu
Published: June 2021

Objective

To clarify the clinical relevance of WASP like actin nucleation promoting factor (WASL) in patients with cervical cancer and associated mechanisms.

Methods and Materials

We obtained high prediction accuracy and determined the correlation between the expression of WASL and the clinical characteristics of cervical cancer patients. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using microarray. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed to determine potentially relevant mechanisms related to the prognostication ability of WASL expression.

Results

Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis suggested that lower expression of WASL was associated with lower pathological stage (chi-square test: p = 0.022, chi-square = 9.613; logistic regression: OR = 0.869, 95% CI: 0.756–0.991, p = 0.041). Patients in the WASL high expression group have worse overall survival (OS) [hazard ratio (HR): 0.555, 95% CI: 0.348–0.884, log-rank p = 0.012] and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 0.449, 95% CI: 0.215–0.934, log-rank p = 0.028) compared with those in the WASL low expression group. Univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model suggested that WASL expression was an independent prognostic factor for predicting OS and RFS in cervical cancer. DEGs were mostly enriched GO terms related to DNA replication or the proliferation of tumor cells. The results of GSEA suggested samples in the WASL knockdown group were enriched in glycolysis, TNF-α signaling via NFkB, mTORC1 signaling, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Conclusions

WASL expression was associated with the pathological stage, and it might be an independent prognostication factor in patients with cervical cancer. Knockdown of WASL might be correlated with biological processes such as glycolysis, TNFα signaling, mTOR signaling, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
Paradigm Shift: The Promise of Deep Learning in Molecular Systems Engineering and Design
Authors: Alshehri Abdulelah S. , You Fengqi
Published: June 2021

The application of deep learning to a diverse array of research problems has accelerated progress across many fields, bringing conventional paradigms to a new intelligent era. Just as the roles of instrumentation in the old chemical revolutions, we reinforce the necessity for integrating deep learning in molecular systems engineering and design as a transformative catalyst towards the next chemical revolution. To meet such research needs, we summarize advances and progress across several key elements of molecular systems: molecular representation, property estimation, representation learning, and synthesis planning. We further spotlight recent advances and promising directions for several deep learning architectures, methods, and optimization platforms. Our perspective is of interest to both computational and experimental researchers as it aims to chart a path forward for cross-disciplinary collaborations on synthesizing knowledge from available chemical data and guiding experimental efforts.
Deformation of Alkali-Activated Materials at an Early Age Under Different Curing Conditions
Authors: Češnovar Mark , Traven Katja , Ducman Vilma
Published: June 2021

The production of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) is known for its environmentally friendly processing method, where several amorphous-rich aluminosilicate material sources combine with an alkali media solution to form solid, ceramic-like materials. In terms of the Si:Al, Na(K):Al, and Na(K):H2O ratios, the theory of AAM formation is quite well developed, but some open questions in the technology process remain, especially with regards to the means of curing, where the generation of defects can be persistent. Knowing that deformation is extremely high in the early ages, this study investigates the effects of temperature and moisture on shrinkage behavior within the first 72 h of AA pastes made from ladle (LS) and electric arc furnace (EAF) slag and activated by sodium silicate (Na2SiO3). The method to determine the deformation of alkali-activated slag-based materials, in terms of both autogenous and drying shrinkage, was based on the modified ASTM C1698-19 standard for the measurement of autogenous shrinkage in cement pastes. Autogenous deformation and strain were measured in four samples, using the standard procedure at room temperature, 40 and 60°C. Furthermore, using an adjusted method, nine samples were characterized for strain and partial surface pressure, while drying at room temperature, 40, or 60°C at a relative humidity of 30 or 90%. The results show that the highest rate of autogenous shrinkage occurred at a temperature of 60°C, followed by drying shrinkage at 60°C and 30% relative humidity, owing to the fact that the rate of evaporation was highest at this moisture content. The study aimed to provide guidance regarding selection of the optimal curing set in order to minimize deformations in slag-based alkali-activated materials. In the present case, curing at a temperature of around 40°C under lower moisture conditions for the first 24 h provided optimal mechanical properties for the slags investigated. The methodology might also be of use for other aluminosilicate sources such as metakaolin, fly ash, and mineral wool–based alkali-activated materials.
Akt Phosphorylation Influences Persistent Chlamydial Infection and Chlamydia-Induced Golgi Fragmentation Without Involving Rab14
Authors: Huang Xiaobao , Tan Jinfeng , Chen Xiaohong , Liu Mingna , Zhu Huiling , Li Wenjing , He Zhenjian , Han Jiande , Ma Chunguang
Published: June 2021

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes multiple diseases involving the eyes, gastrointestinal tract, and genitourinary system. Previous studies have identified that in acute chlamydial infection, C. trachomatis requires Akt pathway phosphorylation and Rab14-positive vesicles to transmit essential lipids from the Golgi apparatus in survival and replication. However, the roles that Akt phosphorylation and Rab14 play in persistent chlamydial infection remain unclear. Here, we discovered that the level of Akt phosphorylation was lower in persistent chlamydial infection, and positively correlated with the effect of activating the development of Chlamydia but did not change the infectivity and 16s rRNA gene expression. Rab14 was found to exert a limited effect on persistent infection. Akt phosphorylation might regulate Chlamydia development and Chlamydia-induced Golgi fragmentation in persistent infection without involving Rab14. Our results provide a new insight regarding the potential of synergistic repressive effects of an Akt inhibitor with antibiotics in the treatment of persistent chlamydial infection induced by penicillin.
Case Report: Sellar Ependymomas: A Clinic-Pathological Study and Literature Review
Authors: Zhao Liyan , Jiang Yining , Wang Yubo , Bai Yang , Liu Liping , Li Yunqian
Published: June 2021

Ependymomas are primary glial tumors arising from cells related to the ependymal lining of the ventricular system. They are classified into at least nine different molecular subtypes according to molecular phenotype, histological morphology, and tumor location. Primary sellar ependymoma is an extremely rare malignancy of the central nervous system, with only 12 known cases reported in humans. We herein report a case of ependymoma located at the pituitary region in a 44-year-old female patient and discuss the molecular subtype, natural history, clinical presentation, radiological findings, histological features, immunohistochemical characteristics, ultrastructural examinations, treatment, and prognosis of sellar ependymoma. This case report may serve as a helpful reference for clinicians and radiologists in clinical practice.
Computational Identification of miRNAs and Temperature-Responsive lncRNAs From Mango (Mangifera indica L.)
Authors: Moh Nann Miky Moh , Zhang Peijing , Chen Yujie , Chen Ming
Published: June 2021

Mango is a major tropical fruit in the world and is known as the king of fruits because of its flavor, aroma, taste, and nutritional values. Although various regulatory roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been investigated in many plants, there is yet an absence of such study in mango. This is the first study to provide information on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) of mango with the aims of identifying miRNAs and lncRNAs and discovering their potential functions by interaction prediction of the miRNAs, lncRNAs, and their target genes. In this analysis, about a hundred miRNAs and over 7,000 temperature-responsive lncRNAs were identified and the target genes of these ncRNAs were characterized. According to these results, the newly identified mango ncRNAs, like other plant ncRNAs, have a potential role in biological and metabolic pathways including plant growth and developmental process, pathogen defense mechanism, and stress-responsive process. Moreover, mango lncRNAs can target miRNAs to reduce the stability of lncRNAs and can function as molecular decoys or sponges of miRNAs. This paper would provide information about miRNAs and lncRNAs of mango and would help for further investigation of the specific functions of mango ncRNAs through wet lab experiments.
Genome-Wide Comparative Analysis of Heat Shock Transcription Factors Provides Novel Insights for Evolutionary History and Expression Characterization in Cotton Diploid and Tetraploid Genomes
Authors: Liang Yajun , Wang Junduo , Zheng Juyun , Gong Zhaolong , Li Zhiqiang , Ai Xiantao , Li Xueyuan , Chen Quanjia
Published: June 2021

Heat shock transcription factors (HSFs) are involved in environmental stress response and plant development, such as heat stress and flowering development. According to the structural characteristics of the HSF gene family, HSF genes were classified into three major types (HSFA, HSFB, and HSFC) in plants. Using conserved domains of HSF genes, we identified 621 HSF genes among 13 cotton genomes, consisting of eight diploid and five tetraploid genomes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that HSF genes among 13 cotton genomes were grouped into two different clusters: one cluster contained all HSF genes of HSFA and HSFC, and the other cluster contained all HSF genes of HSFB. Comparative analysis of HSF genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, Gossypium herbaceum (A1), Gossypium arboreum (A2), Gossypium raimondii (D5), and Gossypium hirsutum (AD1) genomes demonstrated that four HSF genes were inherited from a common ancestor, A0, of all existing cotton A genomes. Members of the HSF gene family in G. herbaceum (A1) genome indicated a significant loss compared with those in G. arboretum (A2) and G. hirsutum (AD1) A genomes. However, HSF genes in G. raimondii (D5) showed relative loss compared with those in G. hirsutum (AD1) D genome. Analysis of tandem duplication (TD) events of HSF genes revealed that protein-coding genes among different cotton genomes have experienced TD events, but only the two-gene tandem array was detected in Gossypium thurberi (D1) genome. The expression analysis of HSF genes in G. hirsutum (AD1) and Gossypium barbadense (AD2) genomes indicated that the expressed HSF genes were divided into two different groups, respectively, and the expressed HSF orthologous genes between the two genomes showed totally different expression patterns despite the implementation of the same abiotic stresses. This work will provide novel insights for the study of evolutionary history and expression characterization of HSF genes in different cotton genomes and a widespread application model for the study of HSF gene families in plants.
Long Non-coding RNA FIRRE Acts as a miR-520a-3p Sponge to Promote Gallbladder Cancer Progression via Mediating YOD1 Expression
Authors: Wang Shuqing , Wang Yang , Wang Shouhua , Tong Huanjun , Tang Zhaohui , Wang Jiandong , Zhang Yongjie , Ou Jingmin , Quan Zhiwei
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The role of lncRNAs in gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains poorly understood. In this study, we explored the function of functional intergenic repeating RNA element (FIRRE) in GBC.

Materials and Methods

Whole transcriptome resequencing was performed in three pairs of GBC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues. lncRNA FIRRE expression was verified by real-time PCR. The function of FIRRE in GBC was evaluated by experiments in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of FIRRE was investigated via fluorescent in situ hybridization, RNA pull-down, dual luciferase reporter assays, and RNA immunoprecipitation.

Results

FIRRE level was dramatically increased in GBC tissues compared to that in the adjacent non-tumor tissues. High expression of FIRRE was closely related to clinical stage and poor prognosis in GBC patients. Moreover, FIRRE remarkably enhanced proliferation and migration, and inhibited apoptosis of GBC cells. Mechanistically, FIRRE modulated YOD1 expression by sponging miR-520a-3p, thus contributing to the development of GBC.

Conclusion

Our data revealed that FIRRE might act as a novel mediator in GBC progression by sponging miR-520a-3p and regulating YOD1. FIRRE might be regarded as a potential diagnostic marker or target for GBC treatment.
Association of Interleukin-6 Signaling and C-Reactive Protein With Intracranial Aneurysm: A Mendelian Randomization and Genetic Correlation Study
Authors: Niu Peng-Peng , Wang Xue , Xu Yu-Ming
Published: June 2021

Background and objective

Evidence suggests that interleukin-6 (IL6) signaling is causally associated with aortic aneurysm independently of the effect of C-reactive protein (CRP). We aimed to explore the genetic overlap and associations between inflammation (IL6 signaling and CRP) and intracranial aneurysm (IA) risk.

Methods

Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) methods were used to assess the causal effects of soluble IL6 receptor (sIL6R) (n = 21,758) and CRP (n = 204,402) levels on IA (7,495 cases and 71,934 controls) risk using genome-wide association study summary data of European individuals. Cross-trait linkage disequilibrium score regression was used to estimate the genetic correlations of CRP (n = 400,094) with IA.

Results

MR analyses showed that circulating sIL6R and CRP levels were not associated with the risk of IA. The odds ratios based on the inverse variance-weighted method were 0.986 (0.950–1.023, p = 0.45) and 0.957 (0.846–1.084, p = 0.49) for sIL6R and CRP, respectively. MR analyses using data of ruptured and unruptured IA each showed no association. Linkage disequilibrium score regression showed that the genetic correlation between CRP and IA was 0.16 (SE = 0.04, p = 0.0003). The genetic correlation diminished after conditioning IA on blood pressure (0.07 ± 0.05, p = 0.16), smoking (0.02 ± 0.05, p = 0.65), or blood pressure plus smoking (−0.03 ± 0.05, p = 0.53).

Conclusion

Using associated genetic variants as instrument variables, two-sample MR analyses showed no evidence that circulating sIL6R and CRP levels were associated with IA risk. Although a positive genetic correlation was found between CRP levels and IA risk, it was mainly driven by the shared genetic background of blood pressure and smoking with both CRP and IA.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Metaphire vulgaris Based on the Mitochondrial COI Gene and Microsatellites
Authors: Fang Yu , Chen Jie , Ruan Honghua , Xu Nan , Que Ziting , Liu Hongyi
Published: June 2021

The earthworm species Metaphire vulgaris (a member of the Clitellata class) is widely distributed across China, and has important ecological functions and medicinal value. However, investigations into its genetic diversity and differentiation are scarce. Consequently, we evaluated the genetic diversity of five populations of M. vulgaris (GM, HD, NYYZ, QDDY, and QDY) in Yancheng, China via the mitochondrial COI gene and the novel microsatellites developed there. A total of nine haplotypes were obtained by sequencing the mitochondrial COI gene, among which NYYZ and QDDY populations had the greatest number of haplotypes (nh = 5). Further, the nucleotide diversity ranged from 0.00437 to 0.1243. The neighbor-joining trees and the TCS network of haplotypes indicated that earthworm populations within close geographical range were not genetically isolated at these small scale distances. Results of the identification of microsatellite molecular markers revealed that the allele number in 12 microsatellite loci ranged from 4 to 13. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.151 to 0.644, whereas the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.213 to 0.847. The polymorphism data content of most sites was >0.5, which indicated that the designed sites had high polymorphism. Structural analysis results indicated that GM, HD, and NYYZ had similar genetic structures across the five populations. The Nei’s genetic distance between HD and NYYZ populations was the smallest (Ds = 0.0624), whereas that between HD and QDY populations was the largest (Ds = 0.2364). The UPGMA tree showed that HD were initially grouped with NYYZ, followed by GM, and then with QDDY. Furthermore, cross-species amplification tests were conducted for Metaphire guillelmi, which indicated that the presented markers were usable for this species. This study comprised a preliminary study on the genetic diversity of M. vulgaris, which provides basic data for future investigations into this species.
Cross-Tissue Transcriptomic Analysis Leveraging Machine Learning Approaches Identifies New Biomarkers for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Rychkov Dmitry , Neely Jessica , Oskotsky Tomiko , Yu Steven , Perlmutter Noah , Nititham Joanne , Carvidi Alexander , Krueger Melissa , Gross Andrew , Criswell Lindsey A. , Ashouri Judith F. , Sirota Marina
Published: June 2021

There is an urgent need to identify biomarkers for diagnosis and disease activity monitoring in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We leveraged publicly available microarray gene expression data in the NCBI GEO database for whole blood (N=1,885) and synovial (N=284) tissues from RA patients and healthy controls. We developed a robust machine learning feature selection pipeline with validation on five independent datasets culminating in 13 genes:TNFAIP6,S100A8,TNFSF10,DRAM1,LY96,QPCT,KYNU,ENTPD1,CLIC1,ATP6V0E1,HSP90AB1,NCLandCIRBPwhich define the RA score and demonstrate its clinical utility: the score tracks the disease activity DAS28 (p = 7e-9), distinguishes osteoarthritis (OA) from RA (OR 0.57, p = 8e-10) and polyJIA from healthy controls (OR 1.15, p = 2e-4) and monitors treatment effect in RA (p = 2e-4). Finally, the immunoblotting analysis of six proteins on an independent cohort confirmed two proteins,TNFAIP6/TSG6 andHSP90AB1/HSP90.
Differential Symbiodiniaceae Association With Coral and Coral-Eroding Sponge in a Bleaching Impacted Marginal Coral Reef Environment
Authors: Mote Sambhaji , Gupta Vishal , De Kalyan , Hussain Afreen , More Kuldeep , Nanajkar Mandar , Ingole Baban
Published: June 2021

Marginal reefs are known for severe stress-inducible perturbations such as high sedimentation, eutrophication, ocean warming, and acidification from anthropogenic climate change. The corals striving in such stressful environments develop physiological adaptations induced by differential genomic expressions or association with thermal stress-tolerant algal symbionts (Symbiodiniaceae). Despite such adaptations, corals are threatened by other space competitors such as algae and sponges. Coral-eroding sponges belonging to the Cliona viridis complex are one such space competitors that also associate with Symbiodiniaceae algal photosymbiont. The diversity of Symbiodiniaceae associates with the coral and sponge from the same ecosystems is scarcely known. In the present study, Symbiodiniaceae community structure in the coral Turbinaria mesenterina, a newly described coral-eroding sponge Cliona thomasi, and their surrounding seawater was determined from the nearshore marginal reef along the central west coast of India. The results revealed a significantly higher relative abundance of Durusdinium and Gerakladium than Symbiodinium and Cladocopium in the seawater. Interestingly, both investigated host species showed differential Symbiodiniaceae association with significantly higher abundance of Durusdinium in coral and Gerakladium in sponge. The beta diversity analysis by Permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) confirmed significant differences in Symbiodiniaceae profiles between sponge and coral. Durusdinium and Gerakladium are thermotolerant genera known to associate with different hosts in suboptimal conditions. Our field surveys suggested the bleaching resistance of the coral T. mesenterina despite the fact that the sea surface temperature reached the coral thermal threshold of 31°C during different periods of the years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Therefore, the thermal tolerance of the investigated coral and sponge species may be attributed to their respective thermotolerant photosymbiont associations. Furthermore, the results also indicated the host-specific photosymbiont selection from the local environment. Although these observations provide valuable biological insight, more research is needed to understand the tripartite association of sponge-coral-symbiont together to evaluate the competitive fitness of holobionts.
Salt Tolerance Mechanism of the Rhizosphere Bacterium JZ-GX1 and Its Effects on Tomato Seed Germination and Seedling Growth
Authors: Li Pu-Sheng , Kong Wei-Liang , Wu Xiao-Qin
Published: June 2021

Salinity is one of the strongest abiotic factors in nature and has harmful effects on plants and microorganisms. In recent years, the degree of soil salinization has become an increasingly serious problem, and the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria has become an option to improve the stress resistance of plants. In the present study, the salt tolerance mechanism of the rhizosphere bacterium Rahnella aquatilis JZ-GX1 was investigated through scanning electron microscopy observations and analysis of growth characteristics, compatible solutes, ion distribution and gene expression. In addition, the effect of JZ-GX1 on plant germination and seedling growth was preliminarily assessed through germination experiments. R. aquatilis JZ-GX1 was tolerant to 0–9% NaCl and grew well at 3%. Strain JZ-GX1 promotes salt tolerance by stimulating the production of exopolysaccharides, and can secrete 60.6983 mg/L of exopolysaccharides under the high salt concentration of 9%. Furthermore, the accumulation of the compatible solute trehalose in cells as the NaCl concentration increased was shown to be the primary mechanism of resistance to high salt concentrations in JZ-GX1. Strain JZ-GX1 could still produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and siderophores and dissolve inorganic phosphorus under salt stress, characteristics that promote the ability of plants to resist salt stress. When the salt concentration was 100 mmol/L, strain JZ-GX1 significantly improved the germination rate, germination potential, fresh weight, primary root length and stem length of tomato seeds by 10.52, 125.56, 50.00, 218.18, and 144.64%, respectively. Therefore, R. aquatilis JZ-GX1 is a moderately halophilic bacterium with good growth-promoting function that has potential for future development as a microbial agent and use in saline-alkali land resources.
Microbiome Analysis Reveals Microecological Balance in the Emerging Rice–Crayfish Integrated Breeding Mode
Authors: Wang Yi , Wang Chen , Chen Yonglun , Zhang Dongdong , Zhao Mingming , Li Hailan , Guo Peng
Published: June 2021

The interaction between the microbial communities in aquatic animals and those in the ambient environment is important for both healthy aquatic animals and the ecological balance of aquatic environment. Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), with their high commercial value, have become the highest-yield freshwater shrimp in China. The traditional cultivation in ponds (i.e., monoculture, MC) and emerging cultivation in rice co-culture fields (i.e., rice–crayfish co-culture, RC) are the two main breeding modes for crayfish, and the integrated RC is considered to be a successful rice-livestock integration practice in eco-agricultural systems. This study explored the ecological interactions between the microbial communities in crayfish intestine and the ambient environment, which have not been fully described to date. The bacterial communities in crayfish intestine, the surrounding water, and sediment in the two main crayfish breeding modes were analyzed with MiSeq sequencing and genetic networks. In total, 53 phyla and 1,206 genera were identified, among which Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Tenericutes, Firmicutes, Cyanobacteria, Chloroflexi, Bacteroidetes, Acidobacteria, RsaHF231, and Nitrospirae were the dominant phyla. The microbiota composition significantly differed between the water, sediment, and crayfish intestine, while it did not between the two breeding modes. We also generated a co-occurrence correlation network based on the high-confidence interactions with Spearman correlation ρ ≥ 0.75. In the genera co-correlation network, 95 nodes and 1,158 edges were identified, indicating significant genera interactions between crayfish intestine and the environment. Furthermore, the genera clustered into three modules, based on the different environments. Additionally, Candidatus_Bacilloplasma, g_norank_f_Steroidobacteraceae, Dinghuibacter, Hydrogenophaga, Methyloparacoccus, and Defluviicoccus had the highest betweenness centrality and might be important in the interaction between crayfish and the ambient environment. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the characteristics of the microbiota in crayfish and their surrounding environment. Moreover, our findings provide insights into the microecological balance in crayfish eco-agricultural systems and theoretical reference for the development of such systems.
Map2k5-Deficient Mice Manifest Phenotypes and Pathological Changes of Dopamine Deficiency in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Huang Yumeng , Wang Pei , Morales Rodrigo , Luo Qi , Ma Jianfang
Published: June 2021

MAP2K5, a member of the MAPK family, is associated with central nervous system disorders. However, neural functional of Map2k5 from animal models were not well examined so far. Here, we established a Map2k5-targeted knockout mouse model to investigate the behavior phenotypes and its underlying molecular mechanism. Our results showed that female Map2k5 mutant mice manifested decreased circadian-dependent ambulatory locomotion, coordination, and fatigue. Male Map2k5 mutant mice displayed impairment in open field exploration and prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle response (ASR) when compared with wild-type controls. Furthermore, Map2k5 mutant mice showed a decreased dopaminergic cell survival and tyrosine hydroxylase levels in nigrostriatal pathway, indicating a crucial role of MAP2K5 in regulating dopamine system in the central nervous system. In conclusion, this is the first study demonstrating that Map2k5 mutant mice displayed phenotypes by disturbing the dopamine system in the central nervous system, implicating Map2k5 mutant mouse as a promising model for many dopamine related disorders.
Gap Junctions Between Striatal D1 Neurons and Cholinergic Interneurons
Authors: Ren Yuqi , Liu Yang , Luo Minmin
Published: June 2021

The striatum participates in numerous important behaviors. Its principal projection neurons use GABA and peptides as neurotransmitters and interact extensively with interneurons, including cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) that are tonically active. Dissecting the interactions between projection neurons and ChIs is important for uncovering the role and mechanisms of the striatal microcircuits. Here, by combining several optogenetic tools with cell type-specific electrophysiological recordings, we uncovered direct electrical coupling between D1-type projection neurons and ChIs, in addition to the chemical transmission between these two major cell types. Optogenetic stimulation or inhibition led to bilateral current exchanges between D1 neurons and ChIs, which can be abolished by gap junction blockers. We further confirmed the presence of gap junctions through paired electrophysiological recordings and dye microinjections. Finally, we found that activating D1 neurons promotes basal activity of ChIs via gap junctions. Collectively, these results reveal the coexistence of the chemical synapse and gap junctions between D1 neurons and ChIs, which contributes to maintaining the tonically active firing patterns of ChIs.