bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rol del tratamiento sistémico en el cáncer gástrico
Authors: Ferrari Natalia
Published: July 2021

El cáncer gástrico en estadios tempranos es curable con cirugía, pero en muchos otros casos es mortal. La adición de quimioterapia y radioterapia a la cirugía ha mejorado la supervivencia general en estadios localizados. Los tratamientos sistémicos, que incluyen quimioterapia, inmunoterapia, anticuerpos monoclonales, otras terapias dirigidas, o combinaciones de éstas se están usando en estadios avanzados para mejorar la supervivencia y paliar síntomas.
Oncología Médica
Authors: Morales-Soto Nelson Raúl
Published: July 2021

El autor expresa en el prólogo: “El cáncer es una enfermedad compleja de la que en la última década hemos sido testigos de grandes descubrimientos en nuevos blancos terapéuticos que han convertido a la Oncología Médica en la disciplina central en el manejo de los cánceres avanzados, mientras que en los cánceres tempranos, es un pilar para la curación de los pacientes en un contexto de multidisciplina, y es que la Oncología Médica ha presentado un gran avance en diferentes frentes, tal como en la terapia hormonal, inmunoterapia, antiangiogénica y dirigida por mutaciones específicas…Esperamos que los estudiantes, especialistas y to puedan encontrar en las páginas de esta obra una herramienta valiosa de información”.
Suplementación con cuerpos cetónicos. Un posible nuevo tratamiento para la insuficiencia cardíaca
Authors: Calderón-Velasco Rolando
Published: July 2021

El hígado convierte los ácidos grasos almacenados en cuerpos cetónicos que varios órganos utilizan como combustible. En ciertas ocasiones como la restricción de carbohidratos, el ayuno prolongado o los ejercicios muy fuertes.
Faunistic Study on Butterflies in the Lowland Forests of Central Surigao del Sur, Philippines
Authors: GRACIA JR. ARTURO GASCON , ALBIOS LAURENCE PINGOL , ALVERO ROMART LLOYD BALBUENA
Published: July 2021

The province of Surigao del Sur is among the areas in the Philippines with limited wildlife studies, especially on lepidopteran fauna. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the butterfly congregation and diversity in Gamut and Mat-e, areas which are underexplored for lepidopteran surveys. It also aimed to assess the conservation and ecological status of the species. Sweep netting for a total of 196 person-hours was carried out to document the species. The results revealed a total of 29 species belonging to four families. Among the families, Nymphalidae was the most represented, comprising 48% of the total richness. The species Gandaca harina mindanaensis and Junonia hedonia ida were the most dominant in both sites representing 12% (each) of the total population. Species richness and diversity (H’) were relatively higher in Mat-e (n=22; H’=1.22) than in Gamut (n=15; H’=1.00). The total endemicity was 31%, but higher endemism was observed in Mat-e (36%) compared with Gamut (20%). The noteworthy findings are the listing of the nationally and globally assessed as rare species (Acrophtalmia leto ochine and Jamides celeno), but were locally assessed as common in Mat-e. One recorded butterfly (Atrophaneura semperi aphtonia) was assessed to be a threatened species. Based on the results, the two habitats showed a poor representation of butterfly assemblage, however, these results are highly affected by the limitations of the observation. Thus, it is recommended that an intensive study on butterflies in the area should be considered.
Fish Diversity and Water Quality Parameters of Mechi River, Jhapa, Province No. 1, Nepal
Authors: ADHIKARI ASHIM , LIMBU JASH HANG , PATHAK SOMIKA
Published: July 2021

Species diversity is widely recognised as an important trait of functioning and resilient ecosystem. Spatio-temporal patterns of fish community structure in the Mechi River was studied based on stratified random survey, conducted between September 2018 and April 2019. The survey was conducted at three different sampling stations in three different seasons. For the fish sampling, two cast nets of different sizes were used, one having large mesh size of 0.5 cm, 3 m diameter and 2 kg weight and another having mesh size of 2 cm, 6 m diameter and 6 kg weight. In addition, drag net and gill net were also used to collect the fish samples. A total of 1,772 fishes belonging to 4 orders, 8 families, 16 genera and 33 species were documented. The results from the similarity percentage analysis indicated that, the species Schistura devdevi, Brachydanio rerio, Puntius sophore, Barilius barila, Schistura beveani and Puntius terio were the most copious fish species recorded from the Mechi River. One-way analysis of similarity testing for space and time variations in fish community indicated that there was a significant difference in space (R = 0.66, p<0.01) but no significant difference in time (R = -0.0123, p>0.433). The Canonical Correspondence Analysis hinted that dissolved oxygen, water velocity and pH have shown to influence the fish assemblage structure in Mechi River.
ANALISIS DIAMETER KAWAT SPRING DAN PANJANG LOWER MOUNTING SUSPENSI BELAKANG MOTOR MATIC
Authors: Listiyono Listiyono , Nurhadi Nurhadi - , Khambali Khambali
Published: July 2021

The stability of the vehicle / motorbike is also determined by the suspension. Usually the suspension on the motor is installed right-left symmetrically. This is so that the vehicle load is evenly distributed if there is a shock / sudden load. But development and need negate each other.

Currently, the development of automatic motorbikes is quite rapid. This motorbike is designed to be sleek and nimble and easy to maintain. Therefore, the rear suspension of the automatic motorbike is installed on only one side. And this usually occurs during sharp turns and high speeds and if you go through uneven roads. For this reason, it is necessary to design the right suspension so that the vehicle can maintain stability even when turning or passing uneven roads. This instability is due to the large vibration of the vehicle. The objectives of this study are 1. To determine the effect of the size of the spring wire and the length of the mounting on the vibration frequency. 2. Find the diameter of the spring wire and the length of the mounting that will give a good vibration frequency. This study uses the Desaign Of Experiment method. Desaign factor 2, namely diameter of spring wire and length of muoting. Level 3 factor is 6 mm, 7 mm and 8 mm diameter. Mounting lengths of 30 mm, 35 mm and 40 mm. Data analysis using MINITAB program. From the analysis, it is found that 1. The diameter of the spring coil wire and the mounting has a significant effect on the vibration frequency of the automatic motor. 2. The best size for wire spring diameter for coil spring motor matic is 7 mm, while the thickness of the mounting is 37 mm.

 

 

Keywords: Suspension, Motorcycle, Spring Wire. Lower Mounting, vibration frequency
Korelasi Lingkar Pinggang dengan Kadar Gula Darah Puasa, Kadar Trigliserida, dan Tekanan Darah pada Mahasiswa Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas HKBP Nommensen
Authors: Sitanggang Ervina Julien
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death globally with an incidence of adolescents and young adults in Indonesia as many as 153.705 cases. Central obesity is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease due to increase in fasting blood glucose levels, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and blood pressure. Aims: to determine the correlation between waist circumference and fasting blood glucose levels, triglyceride levels, and blood pressure in young adults. Method: This analytic study with a cross-sectional approach involved 53 young adult subjects (18-25 years old). Waist circumference is measured using a tape measure. Blood sugar and triglyceride levels were measured using Cobas® 6000 analyzer machine from blood samples of subjects after fasting for 8-12 hours. Blood pressure data are obtained by measurement using aneroid sphygmomanometer. Results: In this study, the mean waist circumference of the research subjects was 77,4 cm. No correlation was found between waist circumference and fasting blood sugar levels (p = 0,159). However, a positive correlation was found between waist circumference and triglyceride levels (p = 0,008; r = 0,332), between waist circumference and systolic blood pressure (p = 0,049; r = 0,230), and between waist circumference and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0,017; r = 0,293). Conclusion: waist circumference is positively correlated with triglyceride levels and blood pressure, but does not correlate with fasting blood sugar levels.
Tes Toleransi Glukosa Oral (TTGO) Pasca Pemberian Suspensi Kedelai Dibanding Suspensi Tempe pada Tikus (Rattus norvegicus Galur Wistar) Diabetik
Authors: Masdar Huriatul , Hakiki Muhammad Radhiatul , Syahputra Muhammad Rafi , Satriasumatri Tommy , Putri Deskafiani , Bunaya Rizki , Juananda Desby
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Genistein, daidzein and glicytein are soybean’s isoflavones which have been known having anti diabetic effect. Fermentation process of soybean can lead to formation aglycan isoflavones which have higher bioavailability than unfermented-soybean. Aims: This research was aimed to evaluate the effect of soybean and tempeh (fermented-soybean) administration to oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in diabetic rats. Method: Twenty male Rattus norvegicus Wistar strains were used in this experiment, divided into 4 groups: standard, negative control, soybean and tempeh group. Type 2 diabetes in rats was induced by giving streptozotocin (50 mg/kgBW) and nicotinamide (110 mg/kgBW) intraperitoneally. Blood glucose were measured by using blood glucose test meter and classified into diabetes if its level above 200 mg/dL. Soybean (200 mg/kgBW/day) and tempeh (200 mg/kgBW/day) suspension were given by using gastric tube for 30 days. Results: The results showed the means of either fasting blood glucose (FBG) or 2 hours post prandial blood glucose (2hPP) of negative control were persistent above 200 mg/dL on day 15th and 30th  (p> 0,05). In soybean group there was a decrease the mean of FBG on day 15th  (p<0.05) but did not reach the normal level, and on day 30th the mean of FBG was <200 mg/dL (p<0.05) however 2hPP blood glucose was still >200 mg/dL (p<0.05). Furthermore, in tempeh group, the means of either FBG or 2hPP blood glucose reached the normal level in day 15th and 30th (p <0.05). Conclusion: the provision of tempeh was better in controlling blood sugar levels than soybean.
Development of a Novel Immune Infiltration-Related ceRNA Network and Prognostic Model for Sarcoma
Authors: Shi Deyao , Mu Shidai , Pu Feifei , Zhong Binlong , Hu Binwu , Liu Jianxiang , He Tongchuan , Zhang Zhicai , Shao Zengwu
Published: July 2021

Due to the rarity and heterogeneity, it is challenging to explore and develop new therapeutic targets for patients with sarcoma. Recently, immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment (TME) was widely studied, which provided a novel potential approach for cancer treatment. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network has been reported as a critical molecular mechanism of tumor development. However, the role of the ceRNA regulatory network in the TME of sarcoma remains unclear. In this study, gene expression data and clinical information were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) sarcoma datasets, and an immune infiltration-related ceRNA network was constructed, which comprised 14 lncRNAs, 13 miRNAs, and 23 mRNAs. Afterward, we constructed an immune infiltration-related risk score model based on the expression of IRF1, MFNG, hsa-miR-940, and hsa-miR-378a-5p, presenting a promising performance in predicting the prognosis of patients with sarcoma.
CircSNHG5 Sponges Mir-495-3p and Modulates CITED2 to Protect Cartilage Endplate From Degradation
Authors: Zhang Jian , Hu Shen , Ding Rui , Yuan Jinghong , Jia Jingyu , Wu Tianlong , Cheng Xigao
Published: July 2021

Background

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a highly prevalent degenerating disease that produces tremendous amount of low back and neck pain. The cartilage endplate (CEP) is vitally important to intervertebral discs in both physiological and pathological conditions. In addition, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to be involved in the regulation of various diseases, including IDD. However, the particular role of circRNAs in cervical vertebral CEP degeneration remains unclear. Here, we examined the unique role of circRNAs in CEP of patients with cervical fracture and degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM).

Methods

Human competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) microarray was performed by previous research. Western blot (WB), immunofluorescence (IF), quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), luciferase assay, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were employed to analyze the function of circSNHG5 and its downstream effectors, miR-495-3p, and CITED2.

Results

We demonstrated that circSNHG5 expression was substantially low in degenerative CEP tissues. Knockdown of circSNHG5 in chondrocytes resulted in a loss of cell proliferation and followed by degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). In addition, circSNHG5 was shown to sponge miR-495-3p and modulate the expression of the downstream gene CITED2. This mechanism of action was further validated via overexpression and knockdown of CITED2.

Conclusion

Our findings identified a novel circSNHG5-miR-495-3p axis responsible for IDD progression. Future investigations into IDD therapy may benefit from targeting this axis.
Cancer-Associated Fibroblast-Derived Interleukin-8 Promotes Ovarian Cancer Cell Stemness and Malignancy Through the Notch3-Mediated Signaling
Authors: Ji Zhaodong , Tian Wenjuan , Gao Wen , Zang Rongyu , Wang Huaying , Yang Gong
Published: July 2021

As a significant component in ovarian cancer microenvironment, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to cancer progression through interaction with cancer cells. Recent studies demonstrate that interleukin-8 (IL-8) is overexpressed in multiple cancer types and is essential for tumor development. Nonetheless, the underlying mechanism that the CAF-derived IL-8 promotes ovarian tumorigenesis is unknown. Here, we show that IL-8 secreted from CAFs could activate normal ovarian fibroblasts (NFs) through multiple signaling and that IL-8 stimulated malignant growth of ovarian cancer cells in animals and increased the IC50 of cisplatin (CDDP) in ovarian cancer cells. Further study showed that IL-8 induced cancer cell stemness via the activation of Notch3 and that the high level of IL-8 in ascites was positively correlated with the expression of Notch3 in ovarian cancer tissues. Collectively, IL-8 secreted from CAFs and cancer cells promotes stemness in human ovarian cancer via the activation of the Notch3-mediated signaling, which may provide a novel strategy for ovarian cancer treatment.
Aptamers: An Emerging Tool for Diagnosis and Therapeutics in Tuberculosis
Authors: Srivastava Shruti , Abraham Philip Raj , Mukhopadhyay Sangita
Published: July 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) has been plaguing human civilization for centuries, and currently around one-third of the global population is affected with TB. Development of novel intervention tools for early diagnosis and therapeutics against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) is the main thrust area in today’s scenario. In this direction global efforts were made to use aptamers, the chemical antibodies as tool for TB diagnostics and therapeutics. This review describes the various aptamers introduced for targeting M.tb and highlights the need for development of novel aptamers to selectively target virulent proteins of M.tb for vaccine and anti-TB drugs. The objective of this review is to highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic application of aptamers used for tuberculosis. The discovery of aptamers, SELEX technology, different types of SELEX development processes, DNA and RNA aptamers reported for diseases and pathogenic agents as well have also been described in detail. But the emphasis of this review is on the development of aptamers which can block the function of virulent mycobacterial components for developing newer TB vaccine candidates and/or drug targets. Aptamers designed to target M.tb cell wall proteins, virulent factors, secretory proteins, or combination could orchestrate advanced diagnosis and therapeutic measures for tuberculosis.
Comparison of Clinical Characteristics Among COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Pediatric Pneumonias: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jia Zhongwei , Yan Xiangyu , Gao Liwei , Ding Shenggang , Bai Yan , Zheng Yuejie , Cui Yuxia , Wang Xianfeng , Li Jingfeng , Lu Gen , Xu Yi , Zhang Xiangyu , Li Junhua , Chen Ning , Shang Yunxiao , Han Mingfeng , Liu Jun , Zhou Hourong , Li Cen , Lu Wanqiu , Liu Jun , Wang Lina , Fan Qihong , Wu Jiang , Shen Hanling , Jiao Rong , Chen Chunxi , Gao Xiaoling , Tian Maoqiang , Lu Wei , Yang Yonghong , Wong Gary Wing-Kin , Wang Tianyou , Jin Runming , Shen Adong , Xu Baoping , Shen Kunling
Published: July 2021

Background

The pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) brings new challenges for pediatricians, especially in the differentiation with non-COVID-19 pneumonia in the peak season of pneumonia. We aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens infected pneumonias.

Methods

We conducted a multi-center, cross-sectional study of pediatric inpatients in China. Based on pathogenic test results, pediatric patients were divided into three groups, including COVID-19 pneumonia group, Non-COVID-19 viral (NCV) pneumonia group and Non-viral (NV) pneumonia group. Their clinical characteristics were compared by Kruskal-Wallis H test or chi-square test.

Results

A total of 636 pediatric pneumonia inpatients, among which 87 in COVID-19 group, 194 in NCV group, and 355 in NV group, were included in analysis. Compared with NCV and NV patients, COVID-19 patients were older (median age 6.33, IQR 2.00-12.00 years), and relatively fewer COVID-19 patients presented fever (63.2%), cough (60.9%), shortness of breath (1.1%), and abnormal pulmonary auscultation (18.4%). The results were verified by the comparison of COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza A (IFA) pneumonia patients. Approximately 42.5%, 44.8%, and 12.6% of the COVID-19 patients presented simply ground-glass opacity (GGO), simply consolidation, and the both changes on computed tomography (CT) scans, respectively; the proportions were similar as those in NCV and NV group (p>0.05). Only 47.1% of COVID-19 patients had both lungs pneumonia, which was significantly lower than that proportion of nearly 80% in the other two groups. COVID-19 patients presented lower proportions of increased white blood cell count (16.5%) and abnormal procalcitonin (PCT) (10.7%), and a higher proportion of decreased lymphocyte count (44.0%) compared with the other two groups.

Conclusion

Majority clinical characteristics of pediatric COVID-19 pneumonia patients were milder than non-COVID-19 patients. However, lymphocytopenia remained a prominent feature of COVID-19 pediatric pneumonia.
Protein Kinases: Potential Drug Targets Against Schistosoma japonicum
Authors: Wu Kaijuan , Zhai Xingyu , Huang Shuaiqin , Jiang Liping , Yu Zheng , Huang Jing
Published: July 2021

Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) infection can induce serious organ damage and cause schistosomiasis japonica which is mainly prevalent in Asia and currently one of the most seriously neglected tropical diseases. Treatment of schistosomiasis largely depends on the drug praziquantel (PZQ). However, PZQ exhibits low killing efficacy on juvenile worms and the potential emergence of its drug resistance is a continual concern. Protein kinases (PKs) are enzymes that catalyze the phosphorylation of proteins and can participate in many signaling pathways in vivo. Recent studies confirmed the essential roles of PKs in the growth and development of S. japonicum, as well as in schistosome-host interactions, and researches have screened drug targets about PKs from S. japonicum (SjPKs), which provide new opportunities of developing new treatments on schistosomiasis. The aim of this review is to present the current progress on SjPKs from classification, different functions and their potential to become drug targets compared with other schistosomes. The efficiency of related protein kinase inhibitors on schistosomes is highlighted. Finally, the current challenges and problems in the study of SjPKs are proposed, which can provide future guidance for developing anti-schistosomiasis drugs and vaccines.
Upregulated Intrathecal Expression of VEGF-A and Long Lasting Global Upregulation of Proinflammatory Immune Mediators in Vaccine Breakthrough Tick-Borne Encephalitis
Authors: Pavletič Miša , Korva Misa , Knap Nataša , Bogovič Petra , Lusa Lara , Strle Klemen , Nahtigal Klevišar Mirijam , Vovko Tomaž , Tomažič Janez , Lotrič-Furlan Stanka , Strle Franc , Avšič-Županc Tatjana
Published: July 2021

Although anti-TBE vaccines are highly effective, vaccine breakthrough (VBT) cases have been reported. With increasing evidence for immune system involvement in TBE pathogenesis, we characterized the immune mediators reflecting innate and adaptive T and B cell responses in neurological and convalescent phase in VBT TBE patients. At the beginning of the neurological phase, VBT patients have significantly higher serum levels of several innate and adaptive inflammatory cytokines compared to healthy donors, reflecting a global inflammatory state. The majority of cytokines, particularly those associated with innate and Th1 responses, are highly concentrated in CSF and positively correlate with intrathecal immune cell counts, demonstrating the localization of Th1 and proinflammatory responses in CNS, the site of disease in TBE. Interestingly, compared to unvaccinated TBE patients, VBT TBE patients have significantly higher CSF levels of VEGF-A and IFN-β and higher systemic levels of neutrophil chemoattractants IL-8/CXCL8 and GROα/CXCL1 on admission. Moreover, serum levels of IL-8/CXCL8 and GROα/CXCL1 remain elevated for two months after the onset of neurological symptoms, indicating a prolonged systemic immune activation in VBT patients. These findings provide the first insights into the type of immune responses and their dynamics during TBE in VBT patients. An observed systemic upregulation of neutrophil derived inflammation in acute and convalescent phase of TBE together with highly expressed VEGF-A could contribute to BBB disruption that facilitates the entry of immune cells and supports the intrathecal localization of Th1 responses observed in VBT patients.
Frequency of Bioprosthetic Valve Fracturing Utilization in an All-Comers Valve-in-Valve TAVR Cohort
Authors: Ruge Hendrik , Erlebach Magdalena , Lange Ruediger
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Valve-in-valve TAVR (ViV-TAVR) is an established treatment for failing surgical aortic valves in patient at high surgical risk. Elevated transprosthetic gradients are common after ViV-TAVR. Previously, bench tests showed feasibility of bioprosthetic valve fracturing (VF) using high-pressure balloons. Small case series show reduced transprosthetic gradients using VF. We present our clinical experience and outcome of VF.

Material and Methods: Consecutive ViV-TAVR patients were identified from our institutional TAVR database and utilization of bioprosthetic valve fracturing or intraprocedural postdilatation was reviewed. Surgical valves were categorized as responsive or not responsive to VF. Transprosthetic gradients were compared in procedures with VF and procedures with or without postdilatation.

Results: In 67 consecutive ViV-TAVR procedures between January 2018 and September 2020, VF was attempted in 15 cases with eight being successful. Standard postdilatation was performed in 21 patients and 31 cases were without postdilatation. Mean transprosthetic gradients (MPG) decreased from 34.2 + 12.5 to 12.7 + 7.4 mmHg (p < 0.001) for all patients. MPG was 8.6 + 3.5 mmHg after VF, 12.9 + 8.5 mmHg after standard postdilatation (p = 0.18) and 13.4 + 6.8 mmHg in cases without postdilatation (p = 0.04). In small surgical valves with true inner diameter <21 mm MPG was 9.1 + 3.5 mmHg after VF, 14.2 + 8.9 after standard postdilatation (p = 0.068) and 16.2 + 9.2 mmHg without postdilatation (p = 0.152). Failed attempts with BVF occurred with the Perimount standard valve.

Conclusion: Bioprosthetic valve fracturing results in lower mean transprosthetic gradients after ViV-TAVR. Responsiveness of BVF in Perimount surgical valves, long-term hemodynamic outcome, and potential survival benefits need further evaluation.
Energy Drink-Associated Electrophysiological and Ischemic Abnormalities: A Narrative Review
Authors: Cao Diana X. , Maiton Kimberly , Nasir Javed M. , Estes N. A. Mark , Shah Sachin A.
Published: July 2021

An increasing number of cardiovascular adverse effects, emergency room visits, and deaths have been linked to energy drinks. In this review, we summarized available published literature assessing electrophysiological and ischemic adverse effects associated with energy drink consumption. Overall, 32 case reports and 19 clinical trials are included in this review. Ventricular arrhythmia, supraventricular arrhythmia, and myocardial ischemia were amongst the most commonly reported in case reports with 3 having a fatal outcome. Although serious ischemic changes, arrhythmias, or death were not observed in clinical trials, significant electrophysiological changes, such as PR/PQ interval shortening/prolongation, QT/QTc shortening/prolongation, and ST-T changes, were noted. QT/QTc interval prolongation appears to be the most significant finding in clinical trials, and there appears to be a dose-response relationship between energy drink consumption and QTc prolongation. The exact mechanisms and the particular combination of ingredients behind energy drink-induced cardiac abnormalities require further evaluation. Until more information is available, energy drink use should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis in appropriate patients presenting with electrocardiographic changes. Further, certain patient populations should exercise caution and limit their energy drink consumption.
The Reservoir Age Effect Varies With the Mobilization of Pre-Aged Organic Carbon in a High-Altitude Central Asian Catchment
Authors: Schroeter Natalie , Mingram Jens , Kalanke Julia , Lauterbach Stefan , Tjallingii Rik , Schwab Valérie F. , Gleixner Gerd
Published: July 2021

Lake sediments provide excellent archives to study past environmental and hydrological changes at high temporal resolution. However, their utility is often restricted by chronological uncertainties due to the “reservoir age effect” (RAE), a phenomenon that results in anomalously old radiocarbon ages of total organic carbon (TOC) samples that is mainly attributed to the contribution of pre-aged carbon from aquatic organisms. Although the RAE is a well-known problem especially in high altitude lakes, detailed studies analyzing the temporal variations in the contribution of terrestrial and aquatic organic carbon (OC) on the RAE are scarce. This is partially due to the complexity of isolating individual compounds for subsequent compound-specific radiocarbon analysis (CSRA). We developed a rapid method for isolating individual short-chain (C16and C18) and long-chain (>C24) saturated fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) by using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Our method introduces only minor contaminations (0.50 ± 0.22 µg dead carbon on average) and requires only few injections (≤10), therefore offering clear advantages over traditional preparative gas chromatography (prep-GC). Here we show that radiocarbon values (Δ14C) of long-chain FAs, which originate from terrestrial higher plant waxes, reflect carbon from a substantially pre-aged OC reservoir, whereas the Δ14C of short-chain FAs that originate from aquatic sources were generally less pre-aged.14C ages obtained from the long-chain FAs are in closer agreement with14C ages of the corresponding bulk TOC fraction, indicating a high control of pre-aged terrestrial OC input from the catchment on TOC-derived14C ages. Variations in the age offset between terrestrial and aquatic biomarkers are related to changes in bulk sediment log(Ti/K) that reflect variations in detrital input from the catchment. Our results indicate that the chronological offset between terrestrial and aquatic OC in this high-altitude catchment is mainly driven by temporal variations in the mobilization of pre-aged OC from the catchment. In conclusion, to obtain accurate and process-specific lake sediment chronologies, attention must be given to the temporal dynamics of the RAE. Variations in the apparent ages of aquatic and terrestrial contributions to the sediment and their mass balance can substantially alter the reservoir age effect.
The Controversial Role of Irisin in Clinical Management of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Ou-Yang Wen-Lu , Guo Bei , Xu Feng , Lin Xiao , Li Fu-Xing-Zi , Shan Su-Kang , Wu Feng , Wang Yi , Zheng Ming-Hui , Xu Qiu-Shuang , Yuan Ling-Qing
Published: July 2021

Irisin, a PGC1α-dependent myokine, was once believed to have beneficial effects induced by exercise. Since its first discovery of adipose browning in 2012, multiple studies have been trying to explore the metabolic functions of irisin, such as glucose and lipid metabolism. However, recently many studies with irisin concentration measuring were doubt for methodological problems, which may account for the continuous inconsistencies. New tools like recombinant irisin and gene-knockout mice are required to reconfirm the questioned functions of irisin. In this paper, we make a critical introduction to the latest researches concerning the relationship between irisin and coronary heart disease, which includes atherosclerosis, stable angina pectoris and acute coronary syndromes. These studies provided various controversial evidence of short and long-term monitoring and therapeutic effect from molecular cellular mechanisms, in vivo experiments and epidemiological investigation. But with ambiguities, irisin still has a long way to go to identify its functions in the clinical management.
Long Non-coding RNAs: Mechanisms, Experimental, and Computational Approaches in Identification, Characterization, and Their Biomarker Potential in Cancer
Authors: Chowdhary Anshika , Satagopam Venkata , Schneider Reinhard
Published: July 2021

Long non-coding RNAs are diverse class of non-coding RNA molecules >200 base pairs of length having various functions like gene regulation, dosage compensation, epigenetic regulation. Dysregulation and genomic variations of several lncRNAs have been implicated in several diseases. Their tissue and developmental specific expression are contributing factors for them to be viable indicators of physiological states of the cells. Here we present an comprehensive review the molecular mechanisms and functions, state of the art experimental and computational pipelines and challenges involved in the identification and functional annotation of lncRNAs and their prospects as biomarkers. We also illustrate the application of co-expression networks on the TCGA-LIHC dataset for putative functional predictions of lncRNAs having a therapeutic potential in Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Moderate Genetic Diversity and Demographic Reduction in the Threatened Giant Anteater, Myrmecophaga tridactyla
Authors: Barragán-Ruiz Carmen Elena , Silva-Santos Rosane , Saranholi Bruno H. , Desbiez Arnaud L. J. , Galetti Pedro Manoel
Published: July 2021

In general, large mammal species with highly specialized feeding behavior and solitary habits are expected to suffer genetic consequences from habitat loss and fragmentation. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the genetic diversity distribution of the threatened giant anteater inhabiting a human-modified landscape. We used 10 microsatellite loci to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of 107 giant anteaters sampled in the Brazilian Central-Western region. No genetic population structuring was observed in this region suggesting no gene flow restriction within the studied area. On the other hand, the moderate level of genetic diversity (Ho = 0.54), recent bottleneck detected and inbreeding (Fis, 0.13; p ≤ 0.001) signatures suggest potential impacts on the genetic variation of this Xenarthra. Additionally, a previous demographic reduction was suggested. Thus, considering the increased human-promoted impacts across the entire area of distribution of the giant anteater, our results can illustrate the potential effects of these disturbances on the genetic variation, allowing us to request the long-term conservation of this emblematic species.
Digital Acculturation or Displacement?: Examining the Link Between Social Media and Well-Being
Authors: Guan Shu-Sha Angie
Published: July 2021

The current study applies digital media and acculturation models to assess the links between offline social connection, online social media use, and well-being. Acculturation research suggests that intercultural contact can create conflict that individuals must resolve using four acculturations strategies: marginalization, separation, assimilation, or integration. It suggests that those who fare best adopt strategies in which they maintain heritage connection, identity and values [e.g., offline, face-to-face (F2F) social connection] while also connecting with people and norms in the new context (i.e., online). The social interaction displacement hypothesis suggests that high media use that displaces in-person social interaction (i.e., assimilation strategy) can lead to poor outcomes. The results from a survey of 60 college students (Mage = 22.02, SD = 3.54; 73.3% female) suggest that individuals who maintain high offline, F2F social interaction (i.e., separation strategy) fared better than those who adopted assimilation or even integrations strategies. The findings have implications for people who spend more time online, perhaps at the expense of in-person socialization, and introduce novel opportunities for the understanding of the link between social media and poor mental health outcomes.
Comprehensive Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals the Role of the Immune Checkpoint HLA-G Molecule in Cancers
Authors: Xu Hui-Hui , Gan Jun , Xu Dan-Ping , Li Lu , Yan Wei-Hua
Published: July 2021

Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) is known as a novel immune checkpoint molecule in cancer; thus, HLA-G and its receptors might be targets for immune checkpoint blockade in cancer immunotherapy. The aim of this study was to systematically identify the roles of checkpoint HLA-G molecules across various types of cancer. ONCOMINE, GEPIA, CCLE, TRRUST, HAP, PrognoScan, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, cBioPortal, LinkedOmics, STRING, GeneMANIA, DAVID, TIMER, and CIBERSORT were utilized. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed. In this study, we comprehensively analysed the heterogeneous expression of HLA-G molecules in various types of cancer and focused on genetic alterations, coexpression patterns, gene interaction networks, HLA-G interactors, and the relationships between HLA-G and pathological stage, prognosis, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. We first identified that the mRNA expression levels of HLA-G were significantly upregulated in both most tumor tissues and tumor cell lines on the basis of in-depth analysis of RNAseq data. The expression levels of HLA-G were positively associated with those of the other immune checkpoints PD-1 and CTLA-4. Abnormal expression of HLA-G was significantly correlated with the pathological stage of some but not all tumor types. There was a significant difference between the high and low HLA-G expression groups in terms of overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS). The results showed that HLA-G highly expressed have positive associations with tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the microenvironment in most types of tumors (P<0.05). Additionally, we identified the key transcription factor (TF) targets in the regulation of HLA-G expression, including HIVEP2, MYCN, CIITA, MYC, and IRF1. Multiple mutations (missense, truncating, etc.) and the methylation status of the HLA-G gene may explain the differential expression of HLA-G across different tumors. Functional enrichment analysis showed that HLA-G was primarily related to T cell activation, T cell regulation, and lymphocyte-mediated immunity. The data may provide novel insights for blockade of the HLA-G/ILT axis, which holds potential for the development of more effective antitumour treatments.
Complement Anaphylatoxins and Inflammatory Cytokines as Prognostic Markers for COVID-19 Severity and In-Hospital Mortality
Authors: Alosaimi Bandar , Mubarak Ayman , Hamed Maaweya E. , Almutairi Abdullah Z. , Alrashed Ahmed A. , AlJuryyan Abdullah , Enani Mushira , Alenzi Faris Q. , Alturaiki Wael
Published: July 2021

COVID-19 severity due to innate immunity dysregulation accounts for prolonged hospitalization, critical complications, and mortality. Severe SARS-CoV-2 infections involve the complement pathway activation for cytokine storm development. Nevertheless, the role of complement in COVID-19 immunopathology, complement‐modulating treatment strategies against COVID-19, and the complement and SARS‐CoV‐2 interaction with clinical disease outcomes remain elusive. This study investigated the potential changes in complement signaling, and the associated inflammatory mediators, in mild-to-critical COVID-19 patients and their clinical outcomes. A total of 53 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 were enrolled in the study (26 critical and 27 mild cases), and additional 18 healthy control patients were also included. Complement proteins and inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were measured in the sera of patients with COVID-19 as well as healthy controls by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. C3a, C5a, and factor P (properdin), as well as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IgM antibody levels, were higher in critical COVID-19 patients compared to mild COVID-19 patients. Additionally, compared to the mild COVID-19 patients, factor I and C4-BP levels were significantly decreased in the critical COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, RANTES levels were significantly higher in the mild patients compared to critical patients. Furthermore, the critical COVID-19 intra-group analysis showed significantly higher C5a, C3a, and factor P levels in the critical COVID-19 non-survival group than in the survival group. Additionally, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 were significantly upregulated in the critical COVID-19 non-survival group compared to the survival group. Finally, C5a, C3a, factor P, and serum IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 levels positively correlated with critical COVID-19 in-hospital deaths. These findings highlight the potential prognostic utility of the complement system for predicting COVID-19 severity and mortality while suggesting that complement anaphylatoxins and inflammatory cytokines are potential treatment targets against COVID-19.
COVID-19 Impacts on Beaches and Coastal Water Pollution at Selected Sites in Ecuador, and Management Proposals Post-pandemic
Authors: Ormaza-Gonzaìlez Franklin I. , Castro-Rodas Divar , Statham Peter J.
Published: July 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has obliged Governments all around the world to implement confinement and social distancing measures. Leisure and business activities on beaches and in ports have restricted direct and indirect contamination from, for example, plastics, hydrocarbon spillage, microbiological loads, and noise levels. This has led to temporarily improved environmental conditions, and the beaches having conditions closer to Marine Protected Areas. Here we report some impacts that have been studied using local surveys and qualitative observations in Ecuador at the popular beaches and ports of Salinas, Manta, and Galapagos. Satellite data support this information. Online surveys were carried out at critical moments of the pandemic: May (15th) and just after when measures were relaxed a little, but within lockdown in July (21st) 2020. Respondents were asked to compare conditions before and during the pandemic lockdown. Most (97–99%) suggested that beaches had significantly improved from visual observations during confinement. On a scale from 1 (worst) to 5 (best), the beaches of Salinas and Manta respectively were rated 2.2 and 2.8 (less than acceptable) before quarantine, and 4.5 and 4.3 after; results from the second survey (after 18 weeks of restrictions) were much the same. Replies from Galapagos showed a similar trend but with less marked differences. In addition to the beaches having less plastic and garbage, more fish, and large marine organisms, including humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), dolphin (bottlenose, Tursiops truncatus), and manta ray (Manta sp.) were observed near to shore. At Galapagos beaches, turtles, sea lions, and sharks were observed many more times than pre COVID. Quantitative satellite data on Chlorophyl and attenuation coefficient (Kd, 490 nm) support the qualitative survey data that there is an improvement in coastal environment quality. Here we recommend that this unique opportunity resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic is used locally, regionally and globally to construct baseline data sets that include information on physical, chemical, biological, and microbiological factors in coastal zones. These parameters can then help establish an effective Coastal Zone Management Plan based on beach description and quality (water standards, noise pollution), as well as the human dimension (tourist load, cultural heritage, and economic value indices). This data and information gathering ideally should be done before the beaches become more heavily used again as the pandemic recedes.
Eating Near the Dump: Identification of Nearby Plastic Hotspot as a Proxy for Potential Microplastic Contamination in the Norwegian Lobster (Nephrops norvegicus)
Authors: Franceschini Simone , Cau Alessandro , D’Andrea Lorenzo , Follesa Maria Cristina , Russo Tommaso
Published: July 2021

Plastic waste dumped in the marine environment has severe ecological, social and economic impacts. In recent years, a series of scientific studies documented the contamination by macroplastic and its impact on marine organisms through the accidental ingestion of microplastics, which also originate from the degradation of macroplastic. However, the relationship between the spatial distribution of marine litter and the ingestion of plastics by organisms have never been related. In this work, we aimed to investigate, through a modeling approach, the relations between potential sources of microplastic particles (i.e., seafloor macroplastic accumulation hotspots detected by means of trawl surveys), and the ingestion by the benthic crustacean Norwegian lobster (Nephrops norvegicus). According to the literature, N. norvegicus is characterized by a sedentary behavior and therefore it has been highlighted as a proficient sentinel species for local microplastic contamination. Despite no significant relation has been found between microplastic ingestion and the local presence of seafloor macroplastic, it seems that proximity to hotspots of macroplastic accumulation is significantly related to microplastics ingestion. These results highlight important considerations on the fate of plastic in the marine environments with significant impacts on biota and the quality of the product caught at sea.
AmpliCoV: Rapid Whole-Genome Sequencing Using Multiplex PCR Amplification and Real-Time Oxford Nanopore MinION Sequencing Enables Rapid Variant Identification of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Brinkmann Annika , Ulm Sophie-Luisa , Uddin Steven , Förster Sophie , Seifert Dominique , Oehme Rainer , Corty Merle , Schaade Lars , Michel Janine , Nitsche Andreas
Published: July 2021

Since the emergence of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in December 2019, the scientific community has been sharing data on epidemiology, diagnostic methods, and whole-genomic sequences almost in real time. The latter have already facilitated phylogenetic analyses, transmission chain tracking, protein modeling, the identification of possible therapeutic targets, timely risk assessment, and identification of novel variants. We have established and evaluated an amplification-based approach for whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2. It can be used on the miniature-sized and field-deployable sequencing device Oxford Nanopore MinION, with sequencing library preparation time of 10 min. We show that the generation of 50,000 total reads per sample is sufficient for a near complete coverage (>90%) of the SARS-CoV-2 genome directly from patient samples even if virus concentration is low (Ct 35, corresponding to approximately 5 genome copies per reaction). For patient samples with high viral load (Ct 18–24), generation of 50,000 reads in 1–2 h was shown to be sufficient for a genome coverage of >90%. Comparison to Illumina data reveals an accuracy that suffices to identify virus mutants. AmpliCoV can be applied whenever sequence information on SARS-CoV-2 is required rapidly, for instance for the identification of circulating virus mutants.
Comparison of Antibacterial Mode of Action of Silver Ions and Silver Nanoformulations With Different Physico-Chemical Properties: Experimental and Computational Studies
Authors: Kędziora Anna , Wieczorek Robert , Speruda Mateusz , Matolínová Iva , Goszczyński Tomasz M. , Litwin Ireneusz , Matolín Vladimír , Bugla-Płoskońska Gabriela
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial mode of action of silver ions (Ag+) and selected silver nanoformulations againstE. colistrains (E. coliJ53,Escherichia coliBW25113 and its derivatives: ΔompA, ΔompC, ΔompF, ΔompR, ompRG596AcusSG1130A, cusSG1130A). In this research we used various experimental methods and techniques such as determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration, flow cytometry, scanning electron microscopy, circular dichroism as well as computational methods of theoretical chemistry. Thanks to the processing of bacteria and silver samples (ions and nanoformulations), we were able to determine the bacterial sensitivity to silver samples, detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the bacterial cells, visualize the interaction of silver samples with the bacterial cells, and identify their interactions with proteins. Differences between the mode of action of silver ions and nanoformulations and the action of nanoformulations themselves were revealed. Based on the results of computational methods, we proposed an explanation of the differences in silver-outer protein interaction between silver ions and metallic silver; in general, the Ag0complexes exhibit weaker interaction than Ag+ones. Moreover, we identified two gutter-like areas of the inner layer of the ion channel: one more effective, with oxygen-rich side chains; and another one less effective, with nitrogen-rich side chains.