bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meslek yüksekokullarındaki mobilya dekorasyon eğitimi ile sektörün personel ihtiyacının incelenmesi
Authors: ULAY Göksel
Published: December 2020

Bu çalışmanın amacı; mobilya endüstrisindeki işletmelerin en önemli problemlerinden biri kabul edilen kalifiye personel ihtiyacı ve meslek yüksekokullarındaki eğitim ile mobilya sektörünün personel ihtiyaç durumu analiz edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Çalışmanın yöntemi; sektörün durumu bugüne kadar yapılan bilimsel çalışmalar, sektör raporları, mesleki yayınlar incelenerek, mobilya dekorasyon eğitimi ise örneklemdeki mevcut dersler ve uygulamaları ele alınmıştır. Türkiye'de ön lisans düzeyinde eğitim veren Mobilya ve Dekorasyon Bölümlerine ait, bilgilere yer verilmiştir. Bulgular bölümünde; işletmelerin ve eğitim kurumlarının problemleri ve çözümsüzlüğün temel nedenleri ortaya çıkarılmaya çalışılmıştır. Sonuç olarak, okulların tanıtımının yetersizliği, işletme ve eğitim kurumlarının işbirliğinin yeterli düzeyde olamaması, mobilya sektörünün problemlerine yönelik ilgililerin ve yetkili kurumların yeterli sayıda ve benzer konularda projeler üretemediği ortaya çıkmıştır. Staj sürecinin yeterince iyi değerlendirilemediği düşünülmektedir. Bu çalışmada eğitim yöneticilerine, Üniversitelere, işletmelere ve insan kaynakları yöneticilerine yönelik önerilere yer verilmiştir.
CAUSAS DE DISGRAFÍA EN ESTUDIANTES DE TERCER AÑO DE EDUCACIÓN GENERAL BÁSICA
Authors:   Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Alvear Ortiz Luis Fernando , Navas Bonilla Carmen del Rosario ,   Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Rodríguez Veintimilla Aracely Carolina ,   Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo, Oviedo Guado Daniel Alejandro ,   Unidad Educativa Santo Tomás Apóstol - Riobamba, Verdezoto García Mirian Isabel ,   Universidad Central del Ecuador
Published: December 2020

La disgrafía constituye un trastorno en el cual no se puede realizar la escritura de forma correcta, el mismo se asocia frecuentemente a otros elementos como son la presencia de dificultades en el cálculo o la lectura. Elobjetivo de este estudio fue identificar la presencia de disgrafia y sus causas en estudiantes de tercer año de educación general básica de la UE Pedro Vicente Maldonado. Para estose realizó una investigación básica, descriptiva y con enfoque mixto que incluyó 90 estudiantes. Se aplicó una encuesta para conocer las características generales de los estudiantes y las posibles causas que inciden en la aparición de la disgrafia. Para identificar la presencia de disgrafía se utilizó el test de TALES. El coeficiente de correlación de Pearson fue utilizado para identificar relación entre variables. Los principales resultados muestran promedio de edad de 7,24, predominio de estudiantes masculinos (61.11%) y de procedencia urbana (74,44%). La disgrafía se presentó en el 22,22% de los estudiantes; sus principales causas estuvieron relacionadas con poca atención y acompañamiento por parte de los padres o tutores legales hacia los niños(as). Se concluye que se identificó una correlación negativa considerable entre el acompañamiento de los padres y la presencia de disgrafia
Examination of The Relationship Between Depression and Body Mass Index (BMI) Among University Students
Authors: ARSLAN Müge , AYDEMİR İshak , YABANCI AYHAN Nurcan
Published: December 2020

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the level of depression of university students and evaluating its relationship with Body Mass Index (BMI). Methods: In this correlation study, a questionnaire with 18 questions (age, gender, department, meal consumption, cigarette-alcohol usage) questioning demographic information and eating habits. and “Beck Depression” inventory was conducted voluntarily to 800 undergraduate students studying at Istanbul Aydın University. Height, weight and waist circumstance were measured and calculated. SPSS 22.0 program was used for data analysis. Results: The gender ratio of the students in this study was 42,9% male and 57,1% was female. Students who have the average age 21,22±1,801 years, %7,0 are underweight in terms of BMI, 66.6% are normal, 23.9% are overweight and 2.5% are obese. The BMI ratios of the students show a statistically significant difference (p <0.05); male students are more overweight and more obese than female students. 53.1% of students have normal level of depression, 22.8% mild mood changes level, 10.5% have moderate level, 4.8% have severe depression and 1.7% extreme depression. Conclusion: University students’ depression level is normal and there is no relationship between the BMI and depression levels. There was relationship between students’ depression levels and age-height length, body weight and waist circumference measurements; depression levels increase as the students decrease in height; as the weight, BMI and waist circumference increases, depression levels slightly increase.
Özgürlüğün Temsili Gökkuşağının Renkleri: Endüstriyel Futbol İçerisinde Karşı Lig, Özgür Lig ve LGBT+ Takımlar
Authors: Engin Sabiha Gizem , Yüce Arif , Katırcı Hakan
Published: December 2020

Cinsiyet ayrımının ve erilliğin son derece yaygın olduğu alanlardan birisi olan spor alanında, sadece kadınların ötekileştirilmesinden bahsetmek mümkün değildir. Spor alanında yer alan ve görünürlük arayışındaki LGBT+ bireyler de, çeşitli dışlanma, ötekileştirme, aşağılanma, yok sayılma ve hatta çok daha travmatize edici davranışlara maruz kalmaktadır. Türkiye'deki LGBT+ futbol takımlarının kurulma süreçlerinin incelenmesinden oluşan bu yazının amacı; böyle bir ihtiyacın nereden doğduğu, buradan hareketle; takımların kuruluş aşamasında yaşadığı zorluklara dikkat çekip toplumsal var olma sürecinin nasıl yer aldığına odaklanmaktır. Araştırmada nitel araştırma tekniklerine uygun biçimde hazırlanan görüşme formu kullanılarak dört futbol takımının kurucuları ve oyuncuları ile görüşmeler yapılmıştır. Gerçekleştirilen görüşmeler doğrultusunda, LGBT+ takımların ve liglerin kurulma süreçleri ortaya konmuş ve LGBT+ takımlarla ilgili olarak iç ve dış dinamikler olmak üzere çeşitli bulgular elde edilmiştir. Misyon, üye kabulü, görünürlük, sürdürülebilirlik, branş seçimi, sosyal sorumluklar ve içsel faktörlere ilişkin bulgular iç dinamiklerin içerisinde yer almaktadır. Manevi destek, maddi destek, çevresel koşullar, yaşam alanı ve medyaya ilişkin bulgular ise dış dinamiklerin içerisinde yer almaktadır. Toplumlar içerisinde genellikle geniş tabanlı kabul görme hususunda problem yaşayan LGBT+ bireylerin, bu oluşum içerisinde yaşadığı sorunlar ve var olma çabalarının ortaya konması ve toplumun bilinçlendirilmesi çalışmanın önemini ortaya koymaktadır.
Effect of Cyclic Stretch on Neuron Reorientation and Axon Outgrowth
Authors: Lin Ji , Li Xiaokeng , Yin Jun , Qian Jin
Published: December 2020

The directional alignment and outgrowth of neurons is a critical step of nerve regeneration and functional recovery of nerve systems, where neurons are exposed to a complex mechanical environment with subcellular structures such as stress fibers and focal adhesions acting as the key mechanical transducer. In this paper, we investigate the effects of cyclic stretch on neuron reorientation and axon outgrowth with a feasible stretching device that controls stretching amplitude and frequency. Statistical results indicate an evident frequency and amplitude dependence of neuron reorientation, that is, neurons tend to align away from stretch direction when stretching amplitude and frequency are large enough. On the other hand, axon elongation under cyclic stretch is very close to the reference case where neurons are not stretched. A mechanochemical framework is proposed by connecting the evolution of cellular configuration to the microscopic dynamics of subcellular structures, including stress fiber, focal adhesion, and microtubule, yielding theoretical predictions that are consistent with the experimental observations. The theoretical work provides an explanation of the neuron’s mechanical response to cyclic stretch, suggesting that the contraction force generated by stress fiber plays an essential role in both neuron reorientation and axon elongation. This combined experimental and theoretical study on stretch-induced neuron reorientation may have potential applications in neurodevelopment and neuron regeneration.
Phosphoinositide Signaling and Mechanotransduction in Cardiovascular Biology and Disease
Authors: Krajnik Amanda , Brazzo Joseph A. , Vaidyanathan Kalyanaraman , Das Tuhin , Redondo-Muñoz Javier , Bae Yongho
Published: December 2020

Phosphoinositides, which are membrane-bound phospholipids, are critical signaling molecules located at the interface between the extracellular matrix, cell membrane, and cytoskeleton. Phosphoinositides are essential regulators of many biological and cellular processes, including but not limited to cell migration, proliferation, survival, and differentiation, as well as cytoskeletal rearrangements and actin dynamics. Over the years, a multitude of studies have uniquely implicated phosphoinositide signaling as being crucial in cardiovascular biology and a dominant force in the development of cardiovascular disease and its progression. Independently, the cellular transduction of mechanical forces or mechanotransduction in cardiovascular cells is widely accepted to be critical to their homeostasis and can drive aberrant cellular phenotypes and resultant cardiovascular disease. Given the versatility and diversity of phosphoinositide signaling in the cardiovascular system and the dominant regulation of cardiovascular cell functions by mechanotransduction, the molecular mechanistic overlap and extent to which these two major signaling modalities converge in cardiovascular cells remain unclear. In this review, we discuss and synthesize recent findings that rightfully connect phosphoinositide signaling to cellular mechanotransduction in the context of cardiovascular biology and disease, and we specifically focus on phosphatidylinositol-4,5-phosphate, phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase, phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-phosphate, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. Throughout the review, we discuss how specific phosphoinositide subspecies have been shown to mediate biomechanically sensitive cytoskeletal remodeling in cardiovascular cells. Additionally, we discuss the direct interaction of phosphoinositides with mechanically sensitive membrane-bound ion channels in response to mechanical stimuli. Furthermore, we explore the role of phosphoinositide subspecies in association with critical downstream effectors of mechanical signaling in cardiovascular biology and disease.
Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels as Regulators of Cell Death
Authors: Bachmann Magdalena , Li Weiwei , Edwards Michael J. , Ahmad Syed A. , Patel Sameer , Szabo Ildiko , Gulbins Erich
Published: December 2020

Ion channels allow the flux of specific ions across biological membranes, thereby determining ion homeostasis within the cells. Voltage-gated potassium-selective ion channels crucially contribute to the setting of the plasma membrane potential, to volume regulation and to the physiologically relevant modulation of intracellular potassium concentration. In turn, these factors affect cell cycle progression, proliferation and apoptosis. The present review summarizes our current knowledge about the involvement of various voltage-gated channels of the Kv family in the above processes and discusses the possibility of their pharmacological targeting in the context of cancer with special emphasis on Kv1.1, Kv1.3, Kv1.5, Kv2.1, Kv10.1, and Kv11.1.
Recent Advances of Graphene-Based Strategies for Arsenic Remediation
Authors: Foti Claudia , Mineo Placido Giuseppe , Nicosia Angelo , Scala Angela , Neri Giulia , Piperno Anna
Published: December 2020

The decontamination of water containing toxic metals is a challenging problem, and in the last years many efforts have been undertaken to discover efficient, cost-effective, robust, and handy technology for the decontamination of downstream water without endangering human health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 180 million people in the world have been exposed to toxic levels of arsenic from potable water. To date, a variety of techniques has been developed to maintain the arsenic concentration in potable water below the limit recommended by WHO (10 μg/L). Recently, a series of technological advancements in water remediation has been obtained from the rapid development of nanotechnology-based strategies that provide a remarkable control over nanoparticle design, allowing the tailoring of their properties toward specific applications. Among the plethora of nanomaterials and nanostructures proposed in the remediation field, graphene-based materials (G), due to their unique physico-chemical properties, surface area, size, shape, ionic mobility, and mechanical flexibility, are proposed for the development of reliable tools for water decontamination treatments. Moreover, an emerging class of 3D carbon materials characterized by the intrinsic properties of G together with new interesting physicochemical properties, such as high porosity, low density, unique electrochemical performance, has been recently proposed for water decontamination. The main design criteria used to develop remediation nanotechnology-based strategies have been reviewed, and special attention has been reserved for the advances of magnetic G and for nanostructures employed in the fabrication of membrane filtration.
Extracellular Vesicles in Trypanosomatids: Host Cell Communication
Authors: Torrecilhas Ana Claudia , Soares Rodrigo Pedro , Schenkman Sergio , Fernández-Prada Christopher , Olivier Martin
Published: December 2020

Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma bruceiandLeishmania(Trypanosomatidae: Kinetoplastida) are parasitic protozoan causing Chagas disease, African Trypanosomiasis and Leishmaniases worldwide. They are vector borne diseases transmitted by triatomine bugs, Tsetse fly, and sand flies, respectively. Those diseases cause enormous economic losses and morbidity affecting not only rural and poverty areas but are also spreading to urban areas. During the parasite-host interaction, those organisms release extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are crucial for the immunomodulatory events triggered by the parasites. EVs are involved in cell-cell communication and can act as important pro-inflammatory mediators. Therefore, interface between EVs and host immune responses are crucial for the immunopathological events that those diseases exhibit. Additionally, EVs from these organisms have a role in the invertebrate hosts digestive tracts prior to parasite transmission. This review summarizes the available data on how EVs from those medically important trypanosomatids affect their interaction with vertebrate and invertebrate hosts.
Sex Differences in Physical Activity and Its Association With Cardiac Death and All-Cause Mortality in Patients With Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators
Authors: Li Xiaoyao , Xue Xiaodi , Sun Xuerong , Zhao Shuang , Chen Keping , Hua Wei , Su Yangang , Yang Jiefu , Liang Zhaoguang , Xu Wei , Li Zeyi , Zhang Shu
Published: December 2020

Objective: To clarify the impact of sex on physical activity (PA) levels among patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators/cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (ICD/CRT-D) and its association with cardiac death and all-cause mortality.

Methods: Overall, data of 820 patients with ICD/CRT-D from the SUMMIT registry were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline PA from 30 to 60 days after device implantation was measured using Biotronik accelerometer sensors. The primary and secondary endpoints were cardiac death and all-cause mortality, respectively.

Results: Baseline PA levels were significantly higher in male patients than in female patients (11.40 ± 5.83% vs. 9.93 ± 5.49%, P = 0.001). Males had higher predictive PA cut-off values for cardiac death (11.16 vs. 7.15%) and all-cause mortality (11.33 vs. 7.17%). During the median follow-up time of 75.7 ± 29.1 months, patients with baseline PA<cut-off values had higher cumulative incidence of cardiac death and all-cause mortality in both males and females. At a PA level between the cut-off values of males and females, males had a higher risk of cardiac death (hazard ratio = 4.952; 95%CI = 1.055-23.245, P = 0.043) and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio = 2.432; 95%CI = 1.095-5.402, P = 0.029).

Conclusions: Males had higher predictive PA cut-off values for cardiac death and all-cause mortality in patients with ICD/CRT-D. Sex should be considered as an important contributing factor when deciding for PA targets.
Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Young Low-Risk Patients With Severe Aortic Stenosis: A Review
Authors: Bocchino Pier Paolo , Angelini Filippo , Alushi Brunilda , Conrotto Federico , Cioffi Giacomo Maria , Tersalvi Gregorio , Senatore Gaetano , Pedrazzini Giovanni , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Biasco Luigi
Published: December 2020

In the last decades, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) revolutionized the treatment of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. The efficacy and safety of TAVR were first proven in inoperable and high-risk patients. Then, subsequent randomized clinical trials showed non-inferiority of TAVR as compared to surgical aortic valve replacement also in intermediate- and low-risk populations. As TAVR was progressively studied and clinically used in lower-risk patients, issues were raised questioning its opportunity in a younger population with a longer life-expectancy. As long-term follow-up data mainly derive from old studies with early generation devices on high or intermediate surgical risk patients, results can hardly be extended to most of currently treated patients who often show a low surgical risk and are treated with newer generation prostheses. Thus, in this low-risk younger population, decision making is difficult due to the lack of supporting data. The aim of the present review is to revise current literature regarding TAVR in younger patients.
How Common Is Belief in the Learning Styles Neuromyth, and Does It Matter? A Pragmatic Systematic Review
Authors: Newton Philip M. , Salvi Atharva
Published: December 2020

A commonly cited use of Learning Styles theory is to use information from self-report questionnaires to assign learners into one or more of a handful of supposed styles (e.g., Visual, Auditory, Converger) and then design teaching materials that match the supposed styles of individual students. A number of reviews, going back to 2004, have concluded that there is currently no empirical evidence that this “matching instruction” improves learning, and it could potentially cause harm. Despite this lack of evidence, survey research and media coverage suggest that belief in this use of Learning Styles theory is high amongst educators. However, it is not clear whether this is a global pattern, or whether belief in Learning Styles is declining as a result of the publicity surrounding the lack of evidence to support it. It is also not clear whether this belief translates into action. Here we undertake a systematic review of research into belief in, and use of, Learning Styles amongst educators. We identified 37 studies representing 15,405 educators from 18 countries around the world, spanning 2009 to early 2020. Self-reported belief in matching instruction to Learning Styles was high, with a weighted percentage of 89.1%, ranging from 58 to 97.6%. There was no evidence that this belief has declined in recent years, for example 95.4% of trainee (pre-service) teachers agreed that matching instruction to Learning Styles is effective. Self-reported use, or planned use, of matching instruction to Learning Styles was similarly high. There was evidence of effectiveness for educational interventions aimed at helping educators understand the lack of evidence for matching in learning styles, with self-reported belief dropping by an average of 37% following such interventions. From a pragmatic perspective, the concerning implications of these results are moderated by a number of methodological aspects of the reported studies. Most used convenience sampling with small samples and did not report critical measures of study quality. It was unclear whether participants fully understood that they were specifically being asked about the matching of instruction to Learning Styles, or whether the questions asked could be interpreted as referring to a broader interpretation of the theory. These findings suggest that the concern expressed about belief in Learning Styles may not be fully supported by current evidence, and highlight the need to undertake further research on the objectiveuseof matching instruction to specific Learning Styles.
Association Between Maternal Lifestyle and Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Offspring—A Cross-Sectional Study From China
Authors: Li Yanhui , Yang Zhaogeng , Wang Xijie , Gao Di , Zou Zhiyong , Dong Bin , Ma Jun , Arnold Luke
Published: December 2020

Background

The prevalence of MS among children and adolescents continues to rise, which has become an escalating serious health issue worldwide. It had been reported that maternal current lifestyle had a strong independent correlation with offspring health. However, it is not clear whether comprehensive lifestyle of mother has an impact on the MS risk in offspring and the role of offspring’s lifestyle in it.

Methods and Results

We included 4,837 mother-child pairs from a multi-centered cross-sectional study conducted in China. The information of maternal lifestyle was obtained by self-reported questionnaire, and metabolic syndrome (MS) in offspring was determined by anthropometric measurements and blood tests. Logistic regression models were employed to evaluate the association between maternal lifestyle and risk of MS in offspring. We found maternal healthy lifestyle was independently associated with lower risk of offspring MS, and the risk of MS in offspring decreased with the increased number of maternal ideal lifestyle factors. Although adolescents’ lifestyle did not fully explain the relationship between maternal lifestyle and risk of offspring MS, compared with those had less ideal lifestyle factors in both mothers and offspring, the risk of offspring MS was lower in those had more ideal lifestyle factors in both mothers and adolescents.

Conclusions

Healthy lifestyle in mothers was associated with a lower risk of MS in offspring, which was independent of offspring’s lifestyle. These findings support mother-based lifestyle intervention could be an effective strategy to reduce the MS risk in adolescents.
FGF21: An Emerging Therapeutic Target for Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Related Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Tillman Erik J. , Rolph Tim
Published: December 2020

The rising global prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes has driven a sharp increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. Approximately one-sixth of the NAFLD population progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with liver inflammation, hepatocyte injury and cell death, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. NASH is one of the leading causes of liver transplant, and an increasingly common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), underscoring the need for intervention. The complex pathophysiology of NASH, and a predicted prevalence of 3–5% of the adult population worldwide, has prompted drug development programs aimed at multiple targets across all stages of the disease. Currently, there are no approved therapeutics. Liver-related morbidity and mortality are highest in more advanced fibrotic NASH, which has led to an early focus on anti-fibrotic approaches to prevent progression to cirrhosis and HCC. Due to limited clinical efficacy, anti-fibrotic approaches have been superseded by mechanisms that target the underlying driver of NASH pathogenesis, namely steatosis, which drives hepatocyte injury and downstream inflammation and fibrosis. Among this wave of therapeutic mechanisms targeting the underlying pathogenesis of NASH, the hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) holds considerable promise; it decreases liver fat and hepatocyte injury while suppressing inflammation and fibrosis across multiple preclinical studies. In this review, we summarize preclinical and clinical data from studies with FGF21 and FGF21 analogs, in the context of the pathophysiology of NASH and underlying metabolic diseases.
Generation of Thyroid Tissues From Embryonic Stem Cells via Blastocyst Complementation In Vivo
Authors: Ran Qingsong , Zhou Qiliang , Oda Kanako , Yasue Akihiro , Abe Manabu , Ye Xulu , Li Yingchun , Sasaoka Toshikuni , Sakimura Kenji , Ajioka Yoichi , Saijo Yasuo
Published: December 2020

The generation of mature, functional, thyroid follicular cells from pluripotent stem cells would potentially provide a therapeutic benefit for patients with hypothyroidism, butin vitrodifferentiation remains difficult. We earlier reported thein vivogeneration of lung organsviablastocyst complementation in fibroblast growth factor 10 (Fgf10), compound, heterozygous mutant (Fgf10Ex1mut/Ex3mut) mice. Fgf10 also plays an essential role in thyroid development and branching morphogenesis, but any role thereof in thyroid organogenesis remains unclear. Here, we report that the thyroids ofFgf10Ex1mut/Ex3mutmice exhibit severe hypoplasia, and we generate thyroid tissues from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) inFgf10Ex1mut/Ex3mutmiceviablastocyst complementation. The tissues were morphologically normal and physiologically functional. The thyroid follicular cells ofFgf10Ex1mut/Ex3mutchimeric mice were derived largely from GFP-positive mouse ESCs although the recipient cells were mixed. Thyroid generationin vivo viablastocyst complementation will aid functional thyroid regeneration.
What Visitors Want From Urban Parks: Diversity, Utility, Serendipity
Authors: Taylor Lucy , Leckey Erin H. , Lead Peter J. , Hochuli Dieter F.
Published: December 2020

Urban parks may provide a range of ecosystem services, but community perspectives can influence the conservation of parks and their biodiversity. Cultural ecosystem services, or the non-material benefits that people receive from nature, can prompt a park’s use and motivate a management response from local government. Our study aimed to explore why people visit urban parks, whether the tacit biodiversity of a park influenced visitation, and understand what park visitors notice, and how being in an urban park makes them feel. Combining both human and more-than-human aspects, we carried out park surveys that comprised an ecological survey and short, three-question interview with park visitors. The park surveys were carried out in six parks each in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia, and Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand. While the biodiversity of species in parks differed significantly within and between cities, we found no consistent relationships between park biodiversity and the numbers of people in parks nor how being in the parks made participants feel. Some park visitors did say that their reason for being in the park was to engage with nature, but other reasons were also listed, such as to meet friends or use specific park facilities, such as gym equipment or playgrounds. Park visitors valued a diverse range of services and natural utilities, such as shade, from their visit. Many interactions were also serendipitous for visitors due to the proximity of urban parks near residential areas, businesses and transport hubs, or as extensions of their homes. We conclude that although the use of parks was not directly tied to biodiversity per se, visitors considered them to be places where they can interact with nature in a range of ways.
Water Stagnation and Flow Obstruction Reduces the Quality of Potable Water and Increases the Risk of Legionelloses
Authors: Nisar Muhammad Atif , Ross Kirstin E. , Brown Melissa H. , Bentham Richard , Whiley Harriet
Published: December 2020

Legionella is an opportunistic waterborne pathogen associated with Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. Despite improved public awareness, the incidence of Legionella associated infections has been increasing. Aerosols generated from engineered potable water systems are a demonstrated cause of both nosocomial and community-acquired legionellosis. The ecology of Legionella in these systems is complex with multiple factors impacting their colonization and persistence. Flow dynamics has been identified as an important factor and stagnation in cooling towers is an accepted risk for increased Legionella growth; however, less is known about the impact of flow dynamic on Legionella in potable water systems. This is especially complex due to the inherent intermittent and variable usage observed within outlets of a potable water system. This systematic literature review examines the role of fluid dynamics and stagnation on the colonization and growth of Legionella in potable water systems. Twenty two of 24 identified studies show a positive association between stagnation zones and increased colonization of Legionella. These zones included dead legs, dead ends, storage tanks, and obstructed water flow (such as intermittent usage or flow restriction). Prolonged stagnation in building plumbing systems also deteriorates the quality of thermally or chemically treated potable water. This stimulates the colonization of Legionella established biofilms. Such biofilms are intrinsically resistant to disinfection procedures and accelerate the rate of decay of chemical disinfectants. Sub-lethal doses of disinfectants and the presence of protozoan hosts in stationary water promote generation of viable but non-culturable Legionella cells. This results in false negatives in surveillance methods that use culture methodology. In conclusion, elimination of temporal and permanent stagnation points can improve the quality of potable water, efficacy of disinfectants, and reduce the risk of legionellosis. Current guidelines and water safety plans recognize the risks associated with permanent stagnation point (dead ends and dead legs); however, there is a need for greater emphasis on controlling temporal stagnation arising from intermittent usage.
Enhanced FnCas12a-Mediated Targeted Mutagenesis Using crRNA With Altered Target Length in Rice
Authors: Negishi Katsuya , Mikami Masafumi , Toki Seiichi , Endo Masaki
Published: December 2020

The CRISPR/Cas12a (Cpf1) system utilizes a thymidine-rich protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) and generates DNA ends with a 5′ overhang. These properties differ from those of CRISPR/Cas9, making Cas12a an attractive alternative in the CRISPR toolbox. However, genome editing efficiencies of Cas12a orthologs are generally lower than those of SpCas9 and depend on their target sequences. Here, we report that the efficiency of FnCas12a-mediated targeted mutagenesis varies depending on the length of the crRNA guide sequence. Generally, the crRNA of FnCas12a contains a 24-nt guide sequence; however, some target sites showed higher mutation frequency when using crRNA with an 18-nt or 30-nt guide sequence. We also show that a short crRNA containing an 18-nt guide sequence could induce large deletions compared with middle- (24-nt guide sequence) and long- (30-nt guide sequence) crRNAs. We demonstrate that alteration of crRNA guide sequence length does not change the rate of off-target mutation of FnCas12a. Our results indicate that efficiency and deletion size of FnCas12a-mediated targeted mutagenesis in rice can be fine-tuned using crRNAs with appropriate guide sequences.
A t-SNE Based Classification Approach to Compositional Microbiome Data
Authors: Xu Xueli , Xie Zhongming , Yang Zhenyu , Li Dongfang , Xu Ximing
Published: December 2020

As a data-driven dimensionality reduction and visualization tool, t-distributed stochastic neighborhood embedding (t-SNE) has been successfully applied to a variety of fields. In recent years, it has also received increasing attention for classification and regression analysis. This study presented a t-SNE based classification approach for compositional microbiome data, which enabled us to build classifiers and classify new samples in the reduced dimensional space produced by t-SNE. The Aitchison distance was employed to modify the conditional probabilities in t-SNE to account for the compositionality of microbiome data. To classify a new sample, its low-dimensional features were obtained as the weighted mean vector of its nearest neighbors in the training set. Using the low-dimensional features as input, three commonly used machine learning algorithms, logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), and decision tree (DT) were considered for classification tasks in this study. The proposed approach was applied to two disease-associated microbiome datasets, achieving better classification performance compared with the classifiers built in the original high-dimensional space. The analytic results also showed that t-SNE with Aitchison distance led to improvement of classification accuracy in both datasets. In conclusion, we have developed a t-SNE based classification approach that is suitable for compositional microbiome data and may also serve as a baseline for more complex classification models.
Endothelial Barrier Integrity Is Disrupted In Vitro by Heme and by Serum From Sickle Cell Disease Patients
Authors: Santaterra Vanessa Araujo Gomes , Fiusa Maiara Marx Luz , Hounkpe Bidossessi Wilfried , Chenou Francine , Tonasse Wouitchekpo Vincent , da Costa Loredana Nilkenes Gomes , Garcia-Weber Diego , Domingos Igor de Farias , Lima Franciele de , Borba-Junior Ivanio Teixeira , Araújo Aderson da Silva , Lucena-Araújo Antonio Roberto , Bezerra Marcos André Cavalcante , dos Santos Magnun Nueldo Nunes , Costa Fernando Ferreira , Millán Jaime , De Paula Erich Vinicius
Published: December 2020

Free extracellular heme has been shown to activate several compartments of innate immunity, acting as a danger-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) in hemolytic diseases. Although localized endothelial barrier (EB) disruption is an important part of inflammation that allows circulating leukocytes to reach inflamed tissues, non-localized/deregulated disruption of the EB can lead to widespread microvascular hyperpermeability and secondary tissue damage. In mouse models of sickle cell disease (SCD), EB disruption has been associated with the development of a form of acute lung injury that closely resembles acute chest syndrome (ACS), and that can be elicited by acute heme infusion. Here we explored the effect of heme on EB integrity using human endothelial cell monolayers, in experimental conditions that include elements that more closely resemble in vivo conditions. EB integrity was assessed by electric cell-substrate impedance sensing in the presence of varying concentrations of heme and sera from SCD patients or healthy volunteers. Heme caused a dose-dependent decrease of the electrical resistance of cell monolayers, consistent with EB disruption, which was confirmed by staining of junction protein VE-cadherin. In addition, sera from SCD patients, but not from healthy volunteers, were also capable to induce EB disruption. Interestingly, these effects were not associated with total heme levels in serum. However, when heme was added to sera from SCD patients, but not from healthy volunteers, EB disruption could be elicited, and this effect was associated with hemopexin serum levels. Together our in vitro studies provide additional support to the concept of heme as a DAMP in hemolytic conditions.
Specific Evolution and Gene Family Expansion of Complement 3 and Regulatory Factor H in Fish
Authors: Najafpour Babak , Cardoso João C. R. , Canário Adelino V. M. , Power Deborah M.
Published: December 2020

The complement system comprises a large family of plasma proteins that play a central role in innate and adaptive immunity. To better understand the evolution of the complement system in vertebrates and the contribution of complement to fish immunity comprehensivein silicoand expression analysis of the gene repertoire was made. Particular attention was given to C3 and the evolutionary related proteins C4 and C5 and to one of the main regulatory factors of C3b, factor H (Cfh). Phylogenetic and gene linkage analysis confirmed the standing hypothesis that the ancestralc3/c4/c5gene duplicated early. The duplication ofC3(C3.1andC3.2) andC4(C4.1andC4.2) was likely a consequence of the (1R and 2R) genome tetraploidization events at the origin of the vertebrates. In fish, gene number was not conserved and multiplec3andcfhsequence related genes were encountered, and phylogenetic analysis of each gene generated two main clusters. Duplication ofc3andcfhgenes occurred across the teleosts in a species-specific manner. In common, with other immune gene families thec3gene expansion in fish emerged through a process of tandem gene duplication. Gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), had ninec3gene transcripts highly expressed in liver although as reported in other fish, extra-hepatic expression also occurs. Differences in the sequence and protein domains of the nine deduced C3 proteins in the gilthead sea bream and the presence of specific cysteine and N-glycosylation residues within each isoform was indicative of functional diversity associated with structure. The diversity of C3 and other complement proteins as well as Cfh in teleosts suggests they may have an enhanced capacity to activate complement through direct interaction of C3 isoforms with pathogenic agents.
The Multiple Functions of B Cells in Chronic HBV Infection
Authors: Cai Ying , Yin Wenwei
Published: December 2020

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the main causes of liver diseases, of which the natural history and clinical outcomes are associated with the role of B cells. As humoral immune cells, B cells play a critical role in the process of anti-HBV antibody production. In addition, some studies have also characterized other B cell subsets involved in antigen presentation and regulating the immune response beyond antibody secretion. However, not all B cell subsets play a positive role in the immune response to chronic HBV infection, and various B cell subsets jointly mediate persistent HBV infection, tolerance, and liver damage. Thus, we further sought to elucidate the multiple functions of B cells to gain novel insight into the understanding of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) pathogenesis. We also reviewed the current immunotherapies targeting B cells to explore novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.
Case Report: Orbital Myositis and Myasthenia Gravis as Symptoms of Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in a Patient With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection
Authors: Wang Yanli , Zhao Ning , Yang Jun , Wen Ying
Published: December 2020

We present a case of a 37-year-old man with HIV infection who had been on antiretroviral therapy for one year. He was admitted to our hospital with red and swollen eyes, acute onset progressive exophthalmos, and intermittent diplopia endured for 7 days. His symptoms, exam, and imaging led to a diagnosis of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome associated orbital myositis. His symptoms improved considerably after glucocorticoid therapy. Following a reduction in the oral prednisone dose, he re-presented with left ptosis, which rapidly progressed to bilateral ptosis. Diagnostic testing led to the diagnosis of immune mediated myasthenia gravis. Treatment with pyridostigmine bromide, prednisone, and tacrolimus was initiated. One month later, the patient’s symptoms improved significantly. There was a probable association between his symptoms and autoimmune immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. This report highlights the importance of recognizing autoimmune disorders in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy. Orbital myositis and myasthenia gravis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients correlate closely with immunity status following a marked increase in CD4+ T cell counts.
Detection and Monitoring of Regulatory Immune Cells Following Their Adoptive Transfer in Organ Transplantation
Authors: Tran Lillian M. , Thomson Angus W.
Published: December 2020

Application of cell-based immunotherapy in organ transplantation to minimize the burden of immunosuppressive medication and promote allograft tolerance has expanded significantly over the past decade. Adoptively transferred regulatory immune cells prolong allograft survival and transplant tolerance in pre-clinical models. Many cell products are currently under investigation in early phase human clinical trials designed to assess feasibility and safety. Despite rapid advances in manufacturing practices, defining the appropriate protocol that will optimize in vivo conditions for tolerance induction remains a major challenge and depends heavily on understanding the fate, biodistribution, functional stability and longevity of the cell product after administration. This review focuses on in vivo detection and monitoring of various regulatory immune cell types administered for allograft tolerance induction in both pre-clinical animal models and early human clinical trials. We discuss the current status of various non-invasive methods for tracking regulatory cell products in the context of organ transplantation and implications for enhanced understanding of the therapeutic potential of cell-based therapy in the broad context of control of immune-mediated inflammatory disorders.
Using Habitat Classification to Assess Representativity of a Protected Area Network in a Large, Data-Poor Area Targeted for Deep-Sea Mining
Authors: McQuaid Kirsty A. , Attrill Martin J. , Clark Malcolm R. , Cobley Amber , Glover Adrian G. , Smith Craig R. , Howell Kerry L.
Published: December 2020

Extractive activities in the ocean are expanding into the vast, poorly studied deep sea, with the consequence that environmental management decisions must be made for data-poor seafloor regions. Habitat classification can support marine spatial planning and inform decision-making processes in such areas. We present a regional, top–down, broad-scale, seafloor-habitat classification for the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (CCZ), an area targeted for future polymetallic nodule mining in abyssal waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Our classification uses non-hierarchical, k-medoids clustering to combine environmental correlates of faunal distributions in the region. The classification uses topographic variables, particulate organic carbon flux to the seafloor, and is the first to use nodule abundance as a habitat variable. Twenty-four habitat classes are identified, with large expanses of abyssal plain and smaller classes with varying topography, food supply, and substrata. We then assess habitat representativity of the current network of protected areas (called Areas of Particular Environmental Interest) in the CCZ. Several habitat classes with high nodule abundance are common in mining exploration claims, but currently receive little to no protection in APEIs. There are several large unmanaged areas containing high nodule abundance on the periphery of the CCZ, as well as smaller unmanaged areas within the central CCZ, that could be considered for protection from mining to improve habitat representativity and safeguard regional biodiversity.
Subcellular Cadmium, Lead and Mercury Compartmentalization in Guiana Dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) From Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Hauser-Davis Rachel Ann , Figueiredo Lívia , Lemos Leila , de Moura Jailson Fulgêncio , Rocha Rafael C. C. , Saint’Pierre Tatiana , Ziolli Roberta L. , Siciliano Salvatore
Published: December 2020

Marine mammals are considered excellent ocean health sentinels and are ubiquitously exposed to chemical contaminants worldwide. The Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) is a near-threatened dolphin species from Brazil with unknown population size data. This indicates the need for assessments regarding deleterious effects that may arise from exposure to chemical contamination, especially metals. After entry in the organism, these compounds are subject to internal subcellular compartmentalization, which in turn alters their bioavailability. However, almost no assessments regarding subcellular metal contents in marine mammals are available. In this context, metal compartmentalization was determined in three subcellular fractions for three toxic elements, Cd, Hg and Pb, by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in Guiana dolphin kidney and liver samples from Southeastern Brazil. Differential metal-detoxification mechanisms were observed for the three elements, where metallothionein (MT) detoxification was postulated for only for Pb, while Cd and Hg were poorly associated to MT, and mostly present in the insoluble fraction, indicating low bioavailability. This is the first report on subcellular metal compartmentalization in Guiana dolphins and indicates that critical biochemical detoxification data is obtained through subcellular fraction analyses in marine mammals. This indicates an emerging study field for this type of assessment, which may, in turn, aid in conservation efforts.
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment in China
Authors: Yang Kai-Bo , Feng Hao , Zhang Han
Published: December 2020

We evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anti-VEGF treatment in ophthalmology patients in a single hospital in northern China. A total of 93 anti-VEGF injections were administered to 85 eyes of 72 patients at The China Medical University First Hospital Department of Ophthalmology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compared to the same period in 2019, the number of injections decreased by 70%. Fifty-nine eyes of 46 patients were receiving 3+PRN anti-VEGF treatment prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic; all of these patients experienced treatment interruptions due to COVID-19-associated reasons. Anatomic and functional outcomes suggest that patients with anti-VEGF treatment interruptions are at risk for severe adverse visual sequelae. Moreover, deferred anti-VEGF treatment due to patient-related or department-related reasons during the COVID-19 pandemic may result in poor visual outcomes for new patients. Our results suggest that COVID-19 has had a significant negative effect on anti-VEGF treatment in ophthalmology patients. Detailed guidance from global experts in ophthalmology is highly sought after in these challenging circumstances.
Effect of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Injection Before Frozen Embryo Transfer on Pregnancy Outcomes in Endometriosis-Associated Infertility
Authors: Du Yanbo , Yan Lei , Sun Mei , Sheng Yan , Li Xiufang , Feng Zhenhua , Tang Rong
Published: December 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in hormone replacement (HT) regime for frozen thawed embryo transfer in women with endometriosis (EM).

Methods: We performed a retrospective, database-search, cohort study and included data on EM patients who underwent frozen embryo transfer (FET) between January 1, 2009 and August 31, 2018. According to the protocols for FET cycle, the patients were divided into two groups: control group (n = 296) and hCG group (n = 355). Clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, early abortion rate, late abortion rate, and ectopic pregnancy rate were compared between the two groups.

Results: There was a significant increase in clinical pregnancy rate in the hCG group (57.7 vs. 49%, p = 0.027) compared with the control group. The live birth rate in the hCG group (45.6 vs. 38.5%, p = 0.080) was also elevated, but this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion: hCG administration in HT regime for FET increases the pregnancy rate in women with EM.