bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuzzy pairwise regular bitopological spaces in quasi-coincidence sense
Authors: Amin Md Ruhul , Hossain Md Sahadat , Miah Saikh Shahjahan
Published: March 2021

This paper introduces three notions of fuzzy pairwise regular between bitopological spaces in quasi-coincidence sense. Then, we investigate some relations between ours and other counterparts. We observe that all these concepts are preserved under one-one, onto, fuzzy closed, fuzzy open, and fuzzy continuous mappings. Also, the hereditary property is satisfied by these concepts.

Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 44, No. 2, 139-143, 2020
Atividades biológicas de Agave sisalana com ênfase para a ação antimicrobiana: uma revisão da literatura
Authors: Carneiro Jocinede da Silva , Silva Maria Cristina de Jesus , Santos Ediane Nascimento dos , Lima Felicson Leonardo Oliveira , Costa Misael Silva Ferreira
Published: March 2021

Objetivo: Relatar as principais atividades biológicas de Agave sisalana, descrevendo detalhes de sua classificação botânica, aspectos da composição química e bioativa, além de destacar seu uso como antimicrobiano. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão da literatura de caráter descritiva com abordagem qualitativa, elaborada por meio da análise de materiais indexados nas plataformas: SciELO, PubMed e o portal de periódicos da CAPES, publicados entre os anos de 2002 a 2021, redigidos nos idiomas: português, inglês e espanhol. Após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, bem como leitura dos materiais, 38 conteúdos foram selecionados para a composição do presente estudo. Resultados e discussão: A atividade bioativa de Agave sisalana, está vinculada aos componentes do seu metabolismo secundário, onde podem ser mensurados: derivados alcaloides, cumarinas, taninos e saponínicos. No que se refere as saponinas do sisal, estas são apontadas como detentoras de ação antifúngica e antibacteriana, principalmente contra microrganismos patogênicos. Além das atribuições mencionadas, os estudos vêm mostrando seus efeitos como: inseticida, larvicida, ovicida, antiparasitário, antioxidante, imunomodulador, analgésico, anti-inflamatório, sob a atividade comportamental e neuroquímica, bem como na quimioprevenção e controle do câncer. Conclusão: Variadas são as aplicações da Agave sisalana, seja ao âmbito industrial, artesanal terapêutico ou na agropecuária. Sua atividade antimicrobiana é cientificamente comprovada, seja na inferência de fungos ou bactérias, fazendo desta uma importante alternativa, frente a incidência de microrganismos resistentes.
A experiência do puerpério para as famílias: revisão integrativa
Authors: Silva Fernanda Rios da , Lacerda Maria Ribeiro , Gomes Ingrid Meireles , Denipote Adelita Gonzalez Martinez , Teruya Luciana Midori
Published: March 2021

Objetivo: sistematizar as evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre a experiência do puerpério para as famílias. Metodologia: revisão integrativa nas bases: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, Scopus, Scientific Electronic Library Online e ScienceDirect e na Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde. Nas bases e portal pesquisados, foram feitos cruzamentos utilizando os descritores e palavras-chaves: famílias, relacionamento familiar, relação familiar, dinâmica familiar, período pós-parto, puerpério, pós-parto da mulher, habitação, domicílio, domiciliar, doméstico, apartamento, apartamentos, casa, casas, lar, lares, moradia, moradias, experência de vida, e acontecimentos que mudam a vida. Resultados: a amostra foi constituída por oito artigos que apresentaram valores culturais repassados de uma geração para outra, que influenciam a família na criação de novos membros; a melhoria das relações familiares através da prática de exercícios físicos pelas puérperas; o uso de mídias sociais e das ferramentas: Modelo Calgary de Avaliação da Família, Modelo Calgary de Intervenção Familiar e Newborn Behavioral Observation, para apoiar a prática profissional baseada em evidências. Considerações finais: as transições no ciclo da vida, embora façam parte do processo de desenvolvimento familiar, em geral são acompanhadas por conflitos marcantes. As transformações ocorridas no puerpério, especificamente, afetam a dinâmica familiar, requerendo dos profissionais de saúde, sobretudo das enfermeiras, suporte para a adaptação à nova realidade.
Índices de depressão e ansiedade em estudantes de psicologia: um estudo exploratório
Authors: Trigueiro Emilia Suitberta de Oliveira , Teixeira Marlene Menezes de Souza , Silva João Marcos Ferreira de Lima , Peixoto Clara Oliveira Brito , Coêlho Ítalo Pereira , Balena Kaliane Mantovani , Santos Lucas Freitas dos , Gomes Maria Eduarda Cordeiro , Bezerra Yuri Monteiro
Published: March 2021

Ao adentrar na universidade, o estudante passa por diversas transformações em seu contexto social, familiar e acadêmico que podem torná-lo suscetível ao desenvolvimento de psicopatologias como ansiedade e depressão. Neste contexto, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo identificar os índices de depressão e ansiedade de estudantes do início e do final do curso de Psicologia de um Centro Universitário no interior de Ceará. A pesquisa foi realizada com 176 sujeitos. Utilizou-se como instrumentos de coleta de dados um questionário socioeconômico, o Inventário de Depressão de Beck e o Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck. Nos resultados, observou-se que 55,42% dos indivíduos apresentaram sintomas de ansiedade moderados e graves, e 31,24% apresentaram sintomas de depressão moderados e graves, sendo ambos os sintomas mais prevalentes nas mulheres. A prática de exercícios físicos e o envolvimento em atividades coletivas podem estar relacionados com a prevenção dessas enfermidades e para a melhora do bem-estar dos indivíduos. Conclui-se que é necessário aprofundar o entendimento desse fenômeno nesta população, visto que são indivíduos em desenvolvimento e, portanto, mais vulneráveis.
Tratamento medicamentoso de portadores da esquizofrenia: adesão, interações medicamentosas e reações adversas
Authors: Cruz Liliane Oliveira , Dolabela Maria Fani
Published: March 2021

Objetivo: Presente estudo traçou o perfil do tratamento medicamentoso dos pacientes atendidos em serviço especializado, avaliando os aspectos relacionados a adesão, reações adversas medicamentosas (RAM) e interações medicamentosas (IM), bem como a resposta farmacológica. Metodologia: A pesquisa foi realizada em serviço especializado localizado em São Miguel do Guamá-Pará, no período de agosto a setembro de 2020, sendo incluídos os pacientes que estavam em tratamento e com mais de 18 anos. Para avaliar a resposta farmacológica considerou-se aspectos clínicos antes e pós tratamento. No caso da adesão utilizou-se a Escala de Morisky, as RAM o Algoritmo de Naranjo e as IM foram pesquisadas em sítios especializados. Resultados: Os sujeitos, após o tratamento, apresentavam novos sintomas ou sintomas anterior ao tratamento, apesar de serem tratados com 2 ou mais medicamentos. Alguns problemas foram detectados neste estudo, tais como: mais de 50% dos pacientes tiveram baixa adesão, apresentavam RAM e tiveram, pelo menos, uma interação medicamentosa grave. Conclusão: Estes resultados sugerem que o tratamento medicamentoso pode apresentar um potencial risco ao paciente, sendo necessário um acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico que vise o diagnóstico dos problemas relacionados aos medicamentos, bem como, sua resolução.
Analisa Pengaruh Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) Pada Aplikasi Pendaftaran Penilaian Training Record Book (Smile 05) Studi Pada PUKP 05 Semarang
Authors: Palapa Arika , Saifudin Iksan
Published: March 2021

Tujuan spesifik penelitian ini adalah untuk menguji pengaruh Perceived ease of use, Perceived usefulness, dan Attitude toward using terhadap Actual usage peserta penilaian Training Record Book dalam menggunaan aplikasi pendaftaran berbasis online secara parsial. Penelitian ini menggunakan sampel peserta penilaian Training Record Book sebanyak 100 taruna dari tingkat Akademi maupun dari tingkat SMK Pelayaran. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan sebagai berikut: (1) Perceived ease of use berpengaruh terhadap Attitude toward using, semakin mudah penggunaan suatu aplikasi, maka merubah sikap pengguna untuk tertarik menggunakannya. (2) Perceived usefulness berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Attitude toward using, semakin bermanfaat suatu aplikasi dalam mempercepat sebuah proses pekerjaan maka merubah sikap pengguna untuk tertarik menggunakannya. (3) Perceives ease of use berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Actual usage, semakin mudah penggunaan suatu aplikasi, maka pengguna tertarik meningkatkan frekuensi penggunaan sebagai rasa puas pengguna untuk menyampaikan rasa puasnya terhadap orang lain. (4) Perceived usefulness berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Actual usage, semakin bermanfaat suatu aplikasi dalam mempercepat sebuah proses pekerjaan maka membawa pengguna untuk tertarik meningkatkan frekuensi penggunaan. (5) Attitude toward using berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Actual usage, semakin positif sikapnya dalam penggunaan suatu aplikasi, maka membawa pengguna untuk tertarik meningkatkan frekuensi penggunaan.
Pengaruh Pemberian Insentif, Pengawasan Kerja & Motivasi Kerja Terhadap Prestasi Kerja Pegawai PT. Armada Bandar Bangun Persada
Authors: Erita Erita , Radiansyah Honest , Kasdi Jefry , Kurniawan Yafi , Patih Aziz Surya
Published: March 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis 1) pengaruh pemberian insentif secara parsial terhadap prestasi kerja, 2) pengaruh pengawasan secara parsial terhadap prestasi kerja, 3) pengaruh motivasi kerja secara parsial terhadap prestasi kerja, 4) pengaruh pemberian insentif, pengawasan dan motivasi kerja secara stimultan terhadap prestasi kerja pegawai di Kantor PT. Armada Bandar Bangun Persada.Hasil analisis data menunjukan bahwa (1) terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan pemberian insentif terhadap prestasi kerja, nilai thitung 2,818 > ttabel 1,986; (2) terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan antara pengawasan terhadap prestasi kerja, dengan thitung 3,269>ttabel 1,986 (3) terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan antara motivasi terhadap prestasi kerja, nilai thitung 2,332>ttabel 1,986; (4) terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan antara pemberian insentif, pengawasan dan motivasi kerja terhadap prestasi kerja dengan 16,060 > Ftabel 3,10. Besarnya pemberian insentif, pengawasan dan motivasi kerja terhadap prestasi kerja yaitu 35,1% dan sisanya 64,9% dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain yang tidak dimasukan dalam penelitian ini.
New-generative agriculture â€“ based on science, informed by research and honed by New Zealand farmers
Authors: Rowarth Jacqueline , Manning Michael , Roberts Ants , King Warren
Published: March 2021

Highlights

Regenerative agriculture is being promoted as a way to produce food sustainably while building soil carbon under high residual rotational grazing and minimising environmental impact.

Research indicates that the environmental impact of conventional agricultural systems is generally lower than for alternative systems per unit of food production and sometimes per hectare. Soil carbon is higher under well-managed intensive grazing than under extensively managed systems. Adopting non-optimal grazing management decreases pasture quality and increases GHG and N losses.

New Zealand has developed optimal rotational grazing and has soils with high organic-matter contents. Rather than adopting a concept developed overseas which has a fluid definition, New Zealand could promote New-generative agricultureâ€¦ encapsulating what is already being done.
Polyphosphazenes as Adjuvants for Animal Vaccines and Other Medical Applications
Authors: Chand Dylan J. , Magiri Royford B. , Wilson Heather L. , Mutwiri George K.
Published: March 2021

Polyphosphazenes are a class of experimental adjuvants that have shown great versatility as vaccine adjuvants in many animal species ranging from laboratory rodents to large animal species. Their adjuvant activity has shown promising results with numerous viral and bacterial antigens, as well as with crude and purified antigens. Vaccines adjuvanted with polyphosphazenes can be delivered via systemic and mucosal administration including respiratory, oral, rectal, and intravaginal routes. Polyphosphazenes can be used in combination with other adjuvants, further enhancing immune responses to antigens. The mechanisms of action of polyphosphazenes have not fully been defined, but several systematic studies have suggested that they act primarily by activating innate immunity. In the present review, we will highlight progress in the development of polyphosphazenes as adjuvants in animals and their other medical applications.
Indentation Stiffness Measurement by an Optical Coherence Tomography-Based Air-Jet Indentation System Can Reflect Type I Collagen Abundance and Organisation in Diabetic Wounds
Authors: Choi Harry Ming Chun , Cheung Alex Kwok-Kuen , Ng Michelle Chun Har , Zheng Yongping , Jan Yih-Kuen , Cheing Gladys Lai Ying
Published: March 2021

There is a lack of quantitative and non-invasive clinical biomechanical assessment tools for diabetic foot ulcers. Our previous study reported that the indentation stiffness measured by an optical coherence tomography-based air-jet indentation system in a non-contact and non-invasive manner may reflect the tensile properties of diabetic wounds. As the tensile properties are known to be contributed by type I collagen, this study was aimed to establish the correlations between the indentation stiffness, and type I collagen abundance and organisation, in order to further justify and characterise the in vivo indentation stiffness measurement in diabetic wounds. In a male streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model, indentation stiffness, and type I collagen abundance and organisation of excisional wounds were quantified and examined using the optical coherence tomography-based air-jet indentation system and picrosirius red polarised light microscopy, respectively, on post-wounding days 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 21. The results showed significant negative correlations between indentation stiffness at the wound centre, and the collagen abundance and organisation. The correlations between the indentation stiffness, as well as collagen abundance and organisation of diabetic wounds suggest that the optical coherence tomography-based air-jet indentation system can potentially be used to quantitatively and non-invasively monitor diabetic wound healing in clinical settings, clinical research or preclinical research.
Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) Promotes Angiogenesis of Glioblastoma Through Interacting With ITGB4 and Regulating NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Gao Yang , Zheng Hui , Li Liangdong , Feng Mingtao , Chen Xin , Hao Bin , Lv Zhongwei , Zhou Xiaoyan , Cao Yiqun
Published: March 2021

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant tumor in the central nervous system (CNS), causing the extremely poor prognosis. Combining the role of angiogenesis in tumor progression and the role of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in angiogenesis, this study aims to explore the functions of PSMA in GBM.

Methods

Clinical GBM specimens were collected from 60 patients who accepted surgical treatment in Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center between January 2018 and June 2019. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect PSMA and CD31 expression in GBM tissues. Prognostic significance of PSMA was evaluated by bioinformatics. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) transfected with PSMA overexpression plasmids or cultured with conditioned medium collected based on GBM cells, were used for CCK8, Transwell and tube formation assays. High-throughput sequencing and immunoprecipitation were used to explore the underlying mechanism. Furthermore, the in vivo experiment had been also conducted.

Results

We demonstrated that PSMA was abundantly expressed in endothelium of vessels of GBM tissues but not in vessels of normal tissues, which was significantly correlated with poor prognosis. Overexpression of PSMA could promotes proliferation, invasion and tube formation ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Moreover, U87 or U251 conditioned medium could upregulated PSMA expression and induce similar effects on phenotypes of HUVECs, all of which could be partially attenuated by 2-PMPA treatment. The mechanistic study revealed that PSMA might promote angiogenesis of GBM through interacting with Integrin β4 (ITGB4) and activating NF-κB signaling pathway. The in vivo growth of GBM could be alleviated by the treatment of 2-PMPA.

Conclusion

This study identified PSMA as a critical regulator in angiogenesis and progression of GBM, which might be a promising therapeutic target for GBM treatment.
Evolution of Reproductive Division of Labor – Lessons Learned From the Social Amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum During Its Multicellular Development
Authors: Dhakshinamoorthy Ranjani , Singh Shashi P.
Published: March 2021

The origin of multicellular life from unicellular beings is an epochal step in the evolution of eukaryotes. There are several factors influencing cell fate choices during differentiation and morphogenesis of an organism. Genetic make-up of two cells that unite and fertilize is the key factor to signal the formation of various cell-types in due course of development. Although ploidy of the cell-types determines the genetics of an individual, the role of ploidy in cell fate decisions remains unclear.Dictyosteliumserves as a versatile model to study the emergence of multicellular life from unicellular life forms. In this work, we investigate the role played by ploidy status of a cell on cell fate commitments duringDictyosteliumdevelopment. To answer this question, we createdDictyosteliumcells of different ploidy: haploid parents and derived isogenic diploids, allowing them to undergo development. The diploid strains used in this study were generated using parasexual genetics. The ploidy status of the haploids and diploids were confirmed by microscopy, flow cytometry, and karyotyping. Prior to reconstitution, we labeled the cells by two methods. First, intragenic expression of red fluorescent protein (RFP) and second, staining the amoebae with a vital, fluorescent dye carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE). RFP labeled haploid cells allowed us to track the haploids in the chimeric aggregates, slugs, and fruiting bodies. The CFSE labeling method allowed us to track both the haploids and the diploids in the chimeric developmental structures. Our findings illustrate that the haploids demonstrate sturdy cell fate commitment starting from the aggregation stage. The haploids remain crowded at the aggregation centers of the haploid–diploid chimeric aggregates. At the slug stage haploids are predominantly occupying the slug posterior, and are visible in the spore population in the fruiting bodies. Our findings show that cell fate decisions duringD. discoideumdevelopment are highly influenced by the ploidy status of a cell, adding a new aspect to already known factors Here, we report that ploidy status of a cell could also play a crucial role in regulating the cell fate commitments.
Autosomal Recessive Rod-Cone Dystrophy Associated With Compound Heterozygous Variants in ARL3 Gene
Authors: Fu Leming , Li Ya , Yao Shun , Guo Qingge , You Ya , Zhu Xianjun , Lei Bo
Published: March 2021

Purpose:ARL3 (ADP-ribosylation factor-like 3) variants cause autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or autosomal recessive Joubert syndrome. We found a family with rod-cone dystrophy (RCD) and verified it was associated with compound heterozygous variants in ARL3 gene.

Methods: Ophthalmic examinations including optical coherence tomography and electroretinogram (ERG) were performed. Targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) was performed for the proband using a custom designed panel. Sanger sequencing and co-segregation were conducted in the family members. Changes of protein structure mediated by the variants were studied in vitro. ARL3 protein stability and its interaction with RP2 protein were assessed by cycloheximide chase assay and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay.

Results: Visual acuity of the 18-year-old male proband was 0.25 in the right and 0.20 in the left eye, while his non-consanguineous parents and sister was normal. The proband showed signs of RCD, including nyctalopia, peripheral field loss, bone-spicule deposits in the retina, and reduced ERG responses. The father, aged 50 years old, showed visual acuity of 1.0 in both eyes. Unlike the proband, he presented late onset and mild cone-rod dystrophy (CRD), including macular atrophy, central scotomata, moderate reduction in photopic ERG responses. None of all the family members had hearing abnormality, mental dysplasia or gait instability. We identified two novel compound heterozygous variants (c.91A>G, p.T31A; c.353G>T, p.C118F) in ARL3 in the proband, while his father only had variant c.91A>G. Bioinformatics analysis indicated amino acid positions of the two variants are highly conserved among species. The in silico tools predicted the variants to be harmful. Protein structure analysis showed the two variants had potential to alter the protein structure. Based on the ACMG guidelines, the two variants were likely pathogenic. In addition, the ARL3 mutations destabilized ARL3 protein, and the mutation c.353G>T disrupted the interaction between ARL3 and RP2 in HEK293T cells.

Conclusions: We showed novel compound heterozygous variants in ARL3 were associated with early onset of autosomal recessive RCD, while c.91A>G along may be associated with a late onset of dominant CRD. The two variants in ARL3 could be causative by destabilizing ARL3 protein and impairing its interaction with RP2 protein.
CDK9 Inhibitor Induces the Apoptosis of B-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia by Inhibiting c-Myc-Mediated Glycolytic Metabolism
Authors: Huang Wen-Li , Abudureheman Tuersunayi , Xia Jing , Chu Lei , Zhou Hang , Zheng Wei-Wei , Zhou Neng , Shi Rong-Yi , Li Ming-Hao , Zhu Jian-Min , Qing Kai , Ji Chao , Liang Kai-Wei , Guo Sa , Yin Gang , Duan Cai-Wen
Published: March 2021

B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (B-ALL), a common blood cancer in children, leads to high mortality. Cyclin-dependent kinase 9 inhibitor (CDK9i) effectively attenuates acute myeloid leukemia and chronic lymphoblastic leukemia by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation. However, the effect of CDK9i on B-ALL cells and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we showed that CDK9i induced the apoptosis of B-ALL cells in vitro by activating the apoptotic pathways. In addition, CDK9i restrained the glycolytic metabolism of B-ALL cells, and CDK9i-induced apoptosis was enhanced by co-treatment with glycolysis inhibitors. Furthermore, CDK9i restained the glycolysis of B-ALL cell lines by markedly downregulating the expression of glucose transporter type 1 (GLUT1) and the key rate-limiting enzymes of glycolysis, such as hexokinase 2 (HK2) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA). Moreover, cell apoptosis was rescued in B-ALL cells with over-expressed c-Myc after treatment with CDK9i, which is involved in the enhancement of glycolytic metabolism. In summary, our findings suggest that CDK9 inhibitors induce the apoptosis of B-ALL cells by inhibiting c-Myc-mediated glycolytic metabolism, thus providing a new strategy for the treatment of B-ALL.
Hyperphosphatemia and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Zhou Chao , Shi Zhengyu , Ouyang Nan , Ruan Xiongzhong
Published: March 2021

Hyperphosphatemia or even serum phosphate levels within the “normal laboratory range” are highly associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk and mortality in the general population and patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). As the kidney function declines, serum phosphate levels rise and subsequently induce the development of hypertension, vascular calcification, cardiac valvular calcification, atherosclerosis, left ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis by distinct mechanisms. Therefore, phosphate is considered as a promising therapeutic target to improve the cardiovascular outcome in CKD patients. The current therapeutic strategies are based on dietary and pharmacological reduction of serum phosphate levels to prevent hyperphosphatemia in CKD patients. Large randomized clinical trials with hard endpoints are urgently needed to establish a causal relationship between phosphate excess and cardiovascular disease (CVD) and to determine if lowering serum phosphate constitutes an effective intervention for the prevention and treatment of CVD.
Cartilage Endplate Stem Cells Transdifferentiate Into Nucleus Pulposus Cells via Autocrine Exosomes
Authors: Luo Liwen , Gong Junfeng , Zhang Hongyu , Qin Jinghao , Li Changqing , Zhang Junfeng , Tang Yu , Zhang Yang , Chen Jian , Zhou Yue , Tian Zhiqiang , Liu Yao , Liu MingHan
Published: March 2021

Stem cells derived from cartilage endplate (CEP) cells (CESCs) repair intervertebral disc (IVD) injury; however, the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we evaluated whether CESCs could transdifferentiate into nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) via autocrine exosomes and subsequently inhibit IVD degeneration. Exosomes derived from CESCs (CESC-Exos) were extracted and identified by ultra-high-speed centrifugation and transmission electron microscopy. The effects of exosomes on the invasion, migration, and differentiation of CESCs were assessed. The exosome-activating hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α/Wnt pathway was investigated using lenti-HIF-1α and Wnt agonists/inhibitors in cells and gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis in normal and degenerated human CEP tissue. The effects of GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4) on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β expression and on the invasion, migration, and transdifferentiation of CESCs were investigated using lenti-GATA4, TGF-β agonists, and inhibitors. Additionally, IVD repair was investigated by injecting CESCs overexpressing GATA4 into rats. The results indicated that CESC-Exos promoted the invasion, migration, and differentiation of CESCs by autocrine exosomes via the HIF-1α/Wnt pathway. Additionally, increased HIF-1α enhanced the activation of Wnt signaling and activated GATA4 expression. GATA4 effectively promoted TGF-β secretion and enhanced the invasion, migration, and transdifferentiation of CESCs into NPCs, resulting in promotion of rat IVD repair. CESCs were also converted into NPCs as endplate degeneration progressed in human samples. Overall, we found that CESC-Exos activated HIF-1α/Wnt signaling via autocrine mechanisms to increase the expression of GATA4 and TGF-β1, thereby promoting the migration of CESCs into the IVD and the transformation of CESCs into NPCs and inhibiting IVDD.
A Declarative Model for Web Accessibility Requirements and its Implementation
Authors: Pelzetter Jens
Published: March 2021

The web has become the primary source of information for many people. Many services are provided on the web. Despite extensive guidelines for the accessibility of web pages, many websites are not accessible, making these websites difficult or impossible to use for people with disabilities. Evaluating the accessibility of web pages can either be done manually, which is a very laborious task, or by using automated tools. Unfortunately, the results from different tools are often inconsistent because of the ambiguity of the current guidelines. In this paper, a declarative approach for describing the requirements for accessible web pages is presented. This declarative model can help developers of accessibility evaluation tools to create tools that produce more consistent results and are easier to maintain.
Toward the Effective Bioengineering of a Pathological Tissue for Cardiovascular Disease Modeling: Old Strategies and New Frontiers for Prevention, Diagnosis, and Therapy
Authors: Iop Laura
Published: March 2021

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) still represent the primary cause of mortality worldwide. Preclinical modeling by recapitulating human pathophysiology is fundamental to advance the comprehension of these diseases and propose effective strategies for their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In silico, in vivo, and in vitro models have been applied to dissect many cardiovascular pathologies. Computational and bioinformatic simulations allow developing algorithmic disease models considering all known variables and severity degrees of disease. In vivo studies based on small or large animals have a long tradition and largely contribute to the current treatment and management of CVDs. In vitro investigation with two-dimensional cell culture demonstrates its suitability to analyze the behavior of single, diseased cellular types. The introduction of induced pluripotent stem cell technology and the application of bioengineering principles raised the bar toward in vitro three-dimensional modeling by enabling the development of pathological tissue equivalents. This review article intends to describe the advantages and disadvantages of past and present modeling approaches applied to provide insights on some of the most relevant congenital and acquired CVDs, such as rhythm disturbances, bicuspid aortic valve, cardiac infections and autoimmunity, cardiovascular fibrosis, atherosclerosis, and calcific aortic valve stenosis.
The Impact of Gut Microbiome on Metabolic Disorders During Catch-Up Growth in Small-for-Gestational-Age
Authors: An Jingjing , Wang Junqi , Guo Li , Xiao Yuan , Lu Wenli , Li Lin , Chen Lifen , Wang Xinqiong , Dong Zhiya
Published: March 2021

Objective

Catch-up growth (CUG) in small for gestational age (SGA) leads to increased risk of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases in adults. It remains unclear if microbiota could play an important role in CUG-SGA independent of genetic or nutritional factors. The present study explored the role of gut microbiota in, and its association with, metabolic disorders during CUG-SGA.

Methods

An SGA rat model was established by restricting food intake during pregnancy, and the rats were divided into catch-up growth (CUG-SGA) and non-catch-up growth (NCUG-SGA) groups based on body weight and length at the fourth postnatal week. High-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA was conducted to detect the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota. Fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Transcriptome sequencing of liver tissue was performed and verified using real-time PCR. Concentrations of insulin and total cholesterol were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The composition of gut microbiota in CUG-SGA rats differed from that of NCUG-SGA rats, with reduced abundance of Lactobacillus in the CUG-SGA group. The decrease in Lactobacillus was significantly associated with increased body weight and upregulated insulin and total cholesterol levels. Five SCFAs and two branched chain fatty acids were significantly higher in the CUG-SGA group than in the NCUG-SGA group. Additionally, SCFAs were positively associated with clinical indices such as weight, body mass index, insulin, and total cholesterol. Transcriptomic data revealed that insulin-like growth factor-2 expression was significantly decreased in CUG-SGA rats and was associated with a decrease in Lactobacillus bacteria.

Conclusion

Lactobacillus and SCFAs were associated with the metabolic disorders during CUG in SGA. Gut microbiome may play a certain role on metabolic disorders during catch-up growth in small-for-gestational-age.
Effect of Extreme Weather Events on Contaminant Transport From Urban Run-Off to a Fjord System
Authors: Breedveld Gijs D. , Hansen Mona C. , Hale Sarah E. , Allan Ian J. , Hamers Timo
Published: March 2021

Urbanization has resulted in increased contaminant run-off in densely populated areas. Climate change is expected to result in a higher frequency of extreme weather events including torrential rainfall and storms. The contaminant levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), chlorinated paraffins (CPF) and selected metals, in a small urban river were monitored during snow-melting and rainfall events to quantify the contribution to the contamination load of receiving waters of the inner Oslo fjord, Norway. Suspended particulate matter (SPM) was characterized with respect to levels of contaminants as well as toxic response using a battery of bioassays. The contaminant flux from the river to the fjord was quantified and assessed relative to sediment data. Historic data for near-shore sediment samples from the fjord were used to document urban input. The results show a clear episodic response in contaminant load emitted from the river to the fjord. The main historic input to the fjord was found to be PAH from pyrogenic sources like coal and wood burning as well as traffic. A significant reduction in the level of PAH was observed since the 1980s. The measured flux of CPF is consistent with on-going societal use despite a ban on the use of short chain CPF imposed in Norway from 2002.
Effects of Different Diet Types on Growth and Survival of White-Clawed Crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes in Hatcheries
Authors: Nightingale Jen , Jones Gareth , McCabe Gráinne , Stebbing Paul
Published: March 2021

Developing an optimal diet for rearing endangered white-clawed crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes is important for captive breeding success prior to wild release. Four ex situ, 40-day experiments assessed survival and growth of crayfish fed different treatment diets. Two experiments (A and B) were undertaken with hatchlings, to determine if live food was an essential dietary component during the first few weeks after hatching. The second set of experiments (C and D) were undertaken with juvenile (60-day-old) A. pallipes, to determine an optimal diet after the initial critical feeding stage. In experiment A, we fed hatchlings: i) live Artemia nauplii + plankton (Live + P); ii) decapsulated Artemia cysts + plankton (Cyst + P) or iii) decapsulated Artemia cysts + plankton encapsulated in agar gel (Gel + CP). Survival and growth was significantly greater with Live + P than with the other two diets. In experiment B we compared Live + P with commercially available feeds by feeding hatchlings: i) live Artemia nauplii + Australian pellet (Live + Aus); ii) live Artemia nauplii plus New Zealand pellet (Live + NZ); iii) live Artemia nauplii + plankton (Live + P); or (iv) practical Spanish crayfish pellet diet (Spain). Under these experimental conditions crayfish survival was significantly higher with Live + P diet than with Live + Aus or Spain. Growth was also significantly greater with Live + P than with the Live + NZ or Spanish treatment diets. In experiment C, 60-day-old juvenile A. pallipes were fed: i) defrosted plankton plus vegetables (Standard) or (ii) defrosted plankton plus vegetables encapsulated in agar gel (Gel + PV). Survival was not significantly different between the diets; however, growth was significantly greater with the Standard diet rather than Gel + PV. In experiment D, juveniles were fed four different diets: i) Australian pellet (Australia); ii) New Zealand pellet (New Zealand); iii) plankton and vegetables (Standard); or iv) practical Spanish diet (Spain). Survival was significantly lower in crayfish fed the New Zealand diet. Crayfish growth was significantly greater with the Standard diet of plankton and vegetables than all three pellet diets. Our results showed that live food is optimal for high survival and growth in A. pallipes hatchlings and a plankton, plus vegetable, diet produces higher growth in juveniles compared to pellet diets.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Dof Genes and Their Response to Abiotic Stress in Rose (Rosa chinensis)
Authors: Nan Hong , Ludlow Richard A. , Lu Min , An Huaming
Published: March 2021

Dof (DNA binding with one finger) proteins play important roles in plant development and defense regulatory networks. In the present study, we report a genome-wide analysis of rose Dof genes (RchDof), including phylogenetic inferences, gene structures, chromosomal locations, gene duplications, and expression diversity. A total of 24 full-length RchDof genes were identified in Rosa chinensis, which were assigned to nine distinct subgroups. These RchDof genes were unevenly distributed on rose chromosomes. The genome-scale analysis of synteny indicated that segmental duplication events may have played a major role in the evolution of the RchDof gene family. Analysis of cis-acting elements revealed putative functions of Dofs in rose during development as well as under numerous biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Moreover, the expression profiles derived from qRT-PCR experiments demonstrated distinct expression patterns in various tissues, and gene expression divergence existed among the duplicated RchDof genes, suggesting a fundamentally functional divergence of the duplicated Dof paralogs in rose. The gene expression analysis of RchDofs under drought and salt stress conditions was also performed. The present study offered novel insights into the evolution of RchDofs and can aid in the further functional characterization of its candidate genes.
Metabolic Regulations by lncRNA, miRNA, and ceRNA Under Grass-Fed and Grain-Fed Regimens in Angus Beef Cattle
Authors: Jia Cunling , Bai Ying , Liu Jianan , Cai Wentao , Liu Lei , He Yanghua , Song Jiuzhou
Published: March 2021

Beef cattle raised under grass-fed and grain-fed have many differences, including metabolic efficiency and meat quality. To investigate these two regimens' intrinsic influence on beef cattle, we used high-throughput sequencing and metabolomics analyses to explore differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and metabolimic networks in the liver. A total of 200 DEGs, 76 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs), and two differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) were detected between regimen groups. Metabolic processes and pathways enriched functional genes including target genes of miRNAs and lncRNAs. We found that many genes were involved in energy, retinol and cholesterol metabolism, and bile acid synthesis. Combined with metabolites such as low glucose concentration, high cholesterol concentration, and increased primary bile acid concentration, these genes were mainly responsible for lowering intramuscular fat, low cholesterol, and yellow meat in grass-fed cattle. Additionally, we identified two lncRNAs and eight DEGs as potential competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to bind miRNAs by the interaction network analysis. These results revealed that the effects of two feeding regimens on beef cattle were mainly induced by gene expression changes in metabolic pathways mediated via lncRNAs, miRNAs, and ceRNAs, and contents of metabolites in the liver. It may provide a clue on feeding regimens inducing the metabolic regulations.
Tissue Microbiome Associated With Human Diseases by Whole Transcriptome Sequencing and 16S Metagenomics
Authors: Salihoğlu Rana , Önal-Süzek Tuğba
Published: March 2021

In recent years, a substantial number of tissue microbiome studies have been published, mainly due to the recent improvements in the minimization of microbial contamination during whole transcriptome analysis. Another reason for this trend is due to the capability of next-generation sequencing (NGS) to detect microbiome composition even in low biomass samples. Several recent studies demonstrate a significant role for the tissue microbiome in the development and progression of cancer and other diseases. For example, the increase of the abundance of Proteobacteria in tumor tissues of the breast has been revealed by gene expression analysis. The link between human papillomavirus infection and cervical cancer has been known for some time, but the relationship between the microbiome and breast cancer (BC) is more novel. There are also recent attempts to investigate the possible link between the brain microbiome and the cognitive dysfunction caused by neurological diseases. Such studies pointing to the role of the brain microbiome in Huntington’s disease (HD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) suggest that microbial colonization is a risk factor. In this review, we aim to summarize the studies that associate the tissue microbiome, rather than gut microbiome, with cancer and other diseases using whole-transcriptome analysis, along with 16S rRNA analysis. After providing several case studies for each relationship, we will discuss the potential role of transcriptome analysis on the broader portrayal of the pathophysiology of the breast, brain, and vaginal microbiome.
Case Report: A Novel PAX3 Mutation Associated With Waardenburg Syndrome Type 1
Authors: Hu Qiuming , Ma Huazhong , Shen Jiawei , Zhuang Zongming , Li Jianqiang , Huang Xinlan , Li Xian , Li Haoyu
Published: March 2021

Background: Waardenburg Syndrome Type 1 (WS1) is a rare hereditary disease, which is usually caused by the mutations of PAX3 (paired box 3). Here, we reported a pedigree with WS1, which was caused by a novel mutation in PAX3.

Case Report: In this present report, a 10-year-old boy and his twin sister from a Han Chinese family presented with iris pigmentary abnormality, synophrys, and broad and high nasal root. Their father presented premature whitening of the hair, but no iris pigmentary abnormality. Their aunts presented the same clinical characteristics with the twins and premature graying of hair. However, none of the patients reported hearing loss. The clinical diagnosis of the four patients from this pedigree was WS1. The whole exome sequencing (WES) revealed a novel mutation (c.959-5T>G) in the PAX3 gene, which could be responsible for the observed pathogenic of WS1 in this pedigree. The genetic test confirmed the diagnosis of WS1 in the four patients from the studied pedigree.

Conclusion: This present study demonstrated that genetic test based on WES, an effective alternative to regular clinical examinations, helps diagnose WS1. The newly identified PAX3 gene mutation can expand the understanding of WS1.
Adaptation of Gut Microbiome to Transgenic Pigs Secreting β-Glucanase, Xylanase, and Phytase
Authors: Mo Jianxin , Li Guoling , Huang Guangyan , Wang Haoqiang , Shi Junsong , Zhou Rong , Cai Gengyuan , Wu Zhenfang , Zhang Xianwei
Published: March 2021

We previously generated transgenic pigs with enhanced growth rate and reduced nutrient loss. However, the composition of their gut microbiome is unknown. In this study, we successfully generated EGFP marker-free transgenic (MF-TG) pigs with high expression levels of microbial β-glucanase, xylanase, and phytase in the parotid gland. We collected intestinal contents from the ileum, cecum and colon of five MF-TG and five wild-type (WT) sows and investigated the gut microbiome of the transgenic pigs via metagenomic analysis. Results showed that the levels of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus reuteri and Streptococcus, were more abundant in the cecum of the MF-TG pigs and higher than those of WT pigs. By contrast, the levels of harmful microorganisms, such as Campylobacter, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Campylobacter fetus, and various unidentified viruses, were higher in the cecum of the WT pigs than those of the MF-TG pigs. By comparing unigenes and the eggNOG database, we found that the microorganisms in the colon of the MF-TG pigs had high fractional abundance in DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 1 and serine-type D-Ala-D-Ala carboxypeptidase, whereas the aspartate carbamoyltransferase regulatory subunit and outer membrane protein pathways were enriched in the WT pigs. Moreover, the microorganisms in the cecum of the MF-TG pigs were active in GlycosylTransferase Family 8 (GT8), Glycoside Hydrolase Family 13 (GH13), and Glycoside Hydrolase Family 32 (GH32). Furthermore, the levels of numerous carbohydrases, such as glucan 1,3-beta-glucosidase, xylan 1,4-beta-xylosidase and exo-1,3-1,4-glucanase, were higher in the cecum of the MF-TG pigs than those of the WT pigs. The results indicated that intestinal microbes can change adaptively to the secretion of transgenic enzymes, thereby forming a benign cooperation with their host. This cooperation could be beneficial for improving feed efficiency.
Multi-Omics Data Fusion via a Joint Kernel Learning Model for Cancer Subtype Discovery and Essential Gene Identification
Authors: Feng Jie , Jiang Limin , Li Shuhao , Tang Jijun , Wen Lan
Published: March 2021

The multiple sources of cancer determine its multiple causes, and the same cancer can be composed of many different subtypes. Identification of cancer subtypes is a key part of personalized cancer treatment and provides an important reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Some studies have shown that there are significant differences in the genetic and epigenetic profiles among different cancer subtypes during carcinogenesis and development. In this study, we first collect seven cancer datasets from the Broad Institute GDAC Firehose, including gene expression profile, isoform expression profile, DNA methylation expression data, and survival information correspondingly. Furthermore, we employ kernel principal component analysis (PCA) to extract features for each expression profile, convert them into three similarity kernel matrices by Gaussian kernel function, and then fuse these matrices as a global kernel matrix. Finally, we apply it to spectral clustering algorithm to get the clustering results of different cancer subtypes. In the experimental results, besides using the P-value from the Cox regression model and survival analysis as the primary evaluation measures, we also introduce statistical indicators such as Rand index (RI) and adjusted RI (ARI) to verify the performance of clustering. Then combining with gene expression profile, we obtain the differential expression of genes among different subtypes by gene set enrichment analysis. For lung cancer, GMPS, EPHA10, C10orf54, and MAGEA6 are highly expressed in different subtypes; for liver cancer, CMYA5, DEPDC6, FAU, VPS24, RCBTB2, LOC100133469, and SLC35B4 are significantly expressed in different subtypes.
Polymeric Pathogen-Like Particles-Based Combination Adjuvants Elicit Potent Mucosal T Cell Immunity to Influenza A Virus
Authors: Kingstad-Bakke Brock , Toy Randall , Lee Woojong , Pradhan Pallab , Vogel Gabriela , Marinaik Chandranaik B. , Larsen Autumn , Gates Daisy , Luu Tracy , Pandey Bhawana , Kawaoka Yoshihoro , Roy Krishnendu , Suresh M.
Published: March 2021

Eliciting durable and protective T cell-mediated immunity in the respiratory mucosa remains a significant challenge. Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-based cationic pathogen-like particles (PLPs) loaded with TLR agonists mimic biophysical properties of microbes and hence, simulate pathogen-pattern recognition receptor interactions to safely and effectively stimulate innate immune responses. We generated micro particle PLPs loaded with TLR4 (glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant, GLA) or TLR9 (CpG) agonists, and formulated them with and without a mucosal delivery enhancing carbomer-based nanoemulsion adjuvant (ADJ). These adjuvants delivered intranasally to mice elicited high numbers of influenza nucleoprotein (NP)-specific CD8+ and CD4+ effector and tissue-resident memory T cells (TRMs) in lungs and airways. PLPs delivering TLR4 versus TLR9 agonists drove phenotypically and functionally distinct populations of effector and memory T cells. While PLPs loaded with CpG or GLA provided immunity, combining the adjuvanticity of PLP-GLA and ADJ markedly enhanced the development of airway and lung TRMs and CD4 and CD8 T cell-dependent immunity to influenza virus. Further, balanced CD8 (Tc1/Tc17) and CD4 (Th1/Th17) recall responses were linked to effective influenza virus control. These studies provide mechanistic insights into vaccine-induced pulmonary T cell immunity and pave the way for the development of a universal influenza and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.