bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perancangan Pengenalan Hewan Laut Berdasarkan Zona Kedalaman Menggunakan Teknologi Augmented Reality
Authors: Satria Eri , Latifah Ayu , Prasusetyo Rifaldi
Published: May 2022

Pembelajaran pengenalan materi hewan laut disampaikan melalui buku atau gambar. Perlu alternatif pembelajaran melalui penyajian yang menarik sehingga memberi pengalaman baru kepada siswa. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuat aplikasi pembelajaran pengenalan hewan laut berdasarkan zona kedalaman menggunakan teknologi augmented reality. Penelitian dilakukan dengan menggunakan metodologi Research & Development yang terdiri dari tahapan analisis potensi dan masalah, pengumpulan data, desain produk, validasi desain, revisi desain, uji coba produk, revisi produk, uji coba pemakaian, hasil produk dan publikasi produk. Adapun hasil dari penelitian ini merupakan berupa produk aplikasi pengenalan hewan laut yang digunakan sebagai media pembelajaran untuk siswa Sekolah Dasar dengan teknologi terbaru yaitu menggunakan augmented reality dan dilengkapi dengan suara materi objek pada setiap hewan laut sehingga lebih menarik. Penelitian ini diharapkan mampu menjadi alternatif media pembelajaran bagi siswa sekolah dasar dengan nuansa media alat peraga pembelajaran terbaru.
Aplikasi Pengelolaan Data Pegawai Berbasis REST API untuk Transfer Data Real Time dengan Framework Codeigniter
Authors: Pangestu Hendri Aji , Kurniadi Dede , Septiana Yosep
Published: May 2022

Teknologi selalu dikembangkan dengan tujuan untuk memenuhi setiap kebutuhan bagi para penggunanya, salah satu manfaat dari adanya teknologi yaitu dapat mengelola data baik data individu ataupun data instansi. Pengelolaan data terutama di bagian pertukaran data dapat dengan mudah di lakukan apabila suatu sistem sudah menerapakan web service atau biasa disebut Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface. Pada penelitian ini terdapat masalah dalam melakukan pertukaran data/mutasi pegawai yaitu, belum adanya aplikasi untuk menjembatani pengelolaan data seperti pertukaran data pada intansi yang berbeda serta sistem yang berbeda dan perlu adanya proses pertukaran yang mudah aman serta real time. Penggunan Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface ini diharapkan dapat memberikan kemudahan bagi pemerintah Daerah Kabupaten Garut yang memerlukan data eksternal sehingga pertukaran data cepat, mudah, real time serta aman, metodologi yang digunakan pada penelitian ini yaitu metodologi Rational Unified Process (RUP). Aplikasi Pengelolaan Transfer Data Kepegawaian Pemerintah Daerah Berbasis Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface dan Codeigniter, memiliki peran untuk membantu pegawai pemerintahan dalam mengelola data kepegawaian dalam kaitan nya dengan proses mutasi dan penerimaan mutasi pegawai.
Sistem Informasi Penjualan Toko Kue Berbasis Web
Authors: Hudaya Gani , Supriatna Asep Deddy , Rahayu Sri
Published: May 2022

Keterbatasan dalam penjualan disebabkan karena permasalahan sarana dan prasarana penunjang untuk menjangkau wilayah pemasaran yang lebih menyeluruh. Dan pada saat ini pelaku usaha lebih memanfaatkan teknologi informasi dalam melakukan pengelolaan usahanya dengan media pemasaran yang saat ini marak seperti Tokopedia, Shoppe, Bukalapak pelaku usaha dapat memasarkan produk mereka secara luas dan penjualan pun meningkat. Sehingga sangat diperlukan suatu sistem informasi untuk proses bisnis online maupun offline. Dengan menggunakan metode Rational Unified Process dalam pengembangan aplikasi sistem informasi penjualan toko kue berbasis web, dengan tahapan inception, elaboration, construction dan transition dan menggunakan tools dalam memodelkan seperti Unified Modeling Language yang lebih memudahkan dalam perancangan aktor, Untuk bahasa pemograman menggunakan bahasa pemograman PHP adalah salah satu bahasa pemograman skrip yang dirancang untuk membangun aplikasi web. Dengan adanya sistem informasi penjualan toko kue berbasis web konsumen dapat dengan mudah melakukan pembelian dan transaksi secara online, dan tidak perlu mendatangi toko kue secara langsung, Berdasarkan hasil dan pembahasan diperoleh kesimpulan bahwa pengembangan system penjualan kue berbasis web diharapkan mampu meningkatakan penjualan dan mendatangkan konsumen melalui online ataupun offline.
Role of lung ultrasound patterns in monitoring coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome in children
Authors: Roychowdhoury Satyabrata , Bhakta Subhajit , Mahapatra Manas Kumar , Ghosh Saptarshi , Saha Sayantika , Konar Mithun Chandra , Sarkar Mihir , Nandi Mousumi
Published: May 2022

Background: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, lung ultrasonography (US) has been gaining importance in pediatric intensive care and emergency settings for the screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of pulmonary pathology.Purpose: To describe the pattern of lung US changes in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and its potential role in monitoring ventilated patients.Methods: This prospective observational study included children aged 1 month to 12 years with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Lung US was performed using a high-frequency linear probe (5–12 MHz) in all children with moderate/severe respiratory symptoms within 24 hours of admission and then daily until the patient required oxygen therapy. Lung involvement severity was assessed using lung US scores, while lung aeration improvement or deterioration was measured using lung ultrasound reaeration scores (LUSReS).Results: Of 85 children with moderate to severe disease, 54 with pulmonary disease were included. Of them, 50 (92.5%) had an interstitial pattern, followed by pleural line abnormalities in 44 (81.5%), reduced or absent lung sliding in 31 (57.4%), and consolidation in 28 (51.8%). A significantly higher lung US score (median, 18; interquartile range [IQR], 11–22) was observed in ventilated versus nonventilated patients (median, 9; IQR, 6–11). LUSReS improvement after positive end-expiratory pressure titration was positively correlated with improved dynamic lung compliance and oxygenation indices and negatively correlated with the requirement for driving pressure. Successful weaning could be predicted with 100% specificity if loss of LUSReS ≤ 5.Conclusion: Interstitial syndrome, fragmented pleural line, and subpleural microconsolidation were the most prevalent lung US findings in children with COVID-19 pneumonia. Thus, lung US may have the ability to monitor changes in lung aeration caused by mechanical ventilation and predict its successful weaning in children with COVID-19.
INCREASING CONFIDENCE TO DECREASE RETICENCE: A QUALITATIVE ACTION RESEARCH IN SECOND LANGUAGE EDUCATION
Authors: Doqaruni Vahid Rahmani
Published: May 2022

This study reports on an action research on increasing the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students' confidence in speaking. Participants involved in this study were 16 male university students who had an upper-intermediate level of English. Extra speaking activities were incorporated into the classroom for 8 successive weeks. Insights into the students' confidence development were gained through qualitative analysis of their reflective journals. The findings of this study suggest that second language teachers should seek ways to increase students' collaboration in the classroom to help them gain confidence in speaking.
PRACTICING WHAT WE TEACH: USING ACTION RESEARCH TO LEARN ABOUT TEACHING ACTION RESEARCH
Authors: Brown Barb , Dressler Roswita , Eaton Sarah Elaine , Jacobsen Michele
Published: May 2022

In this article, action research is explored as a process for instructor reflection, professional learning and collaboration. The context for the professional learning was the teaching of graduate level education courses in which action research, in conjunction with a cohort-based, collaboratory approach to learning, was used to facilitate students' design and enactment of site-based action research. Action research was used as a research methodology by course instructors who reflected on the design of the course and their pedagogical practices in order to engage in continuous quality improvement. The collaboration took place over a two-year period in which the instructors taught multiple online sections of the course. Using action research to collectively deepen understanding about teaching action research proved to be a valuable reflective experience for the instructors and continues to inform ongoing instructional design processes and the development of future research agendas related to instructor collaboration and action research.
Covid-19 Döneminde Yönetim Alanında Gerçekleştirilen Araştırmalar ve Geleceğe Yönelik Öngörüler
Authors: AĞÇAY Ferhst , GÜLERYÜZ İlkay , KURT YILMAZ Benan , SÜRGEVİL DALKILIÇ Olca
Published: May 2022

Covid-19 salgınının ürettiği ekonomik ve sosyal krizler, dünya genelinde sağlıktan ticarete birçok alanda yönetsel süreçlerin aksamasına yol açarak kısa ve uzun vadede yönetim uygulamalarının değişimini gerektirmiştir. Bu araştırmanın amacı Covid-19 salgın sürecinin yönetim alanına etkileri, alan araştırmalarının gelişim eğilimleri, yönetim alanında yapılan ve yapılacak araştırmaların odak noktalarını belirlemektir. Bu kapsamda çalışma süresince Covid-19’un yönetim alanında oluşturacağı etkileri bütüncül bir açıdan ortaya koymak, önemli noktaların fark edilmesini ve anlamlandırılmasını sağlamak için nicel ve nitel analiz birlikte kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda, Covid-19 salgını etkilerinin yönetilebilmesi için sağlam ve sürdürülebilir yönetim stratejilerinin oluşturulması, değişen çalışma ve yaşam kalıpları doğrultusunda uzaktan çalışma, ileri teknoloji ve dijitalleşme uygulamalarının arttırılması, performans değerleme ve denetimde yeni kriterler
belirlenmesi, kriz yönetimi ve liderlik süreçlerinin gözden geçirilmesi gerektiği tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca Covid19 salgınının yarattığı iş ve özel yaşam alanındaki değişiklikler doğrultusunda, bireylerin örgütsel bağlılığı, örgütsel adaptasyon süreçleri ve motivasyonları konularında yeni çalışmalar yapılması önerilmektedir.
O HÁBITO DE VER AS HORAS AO LONGO DO TEMPO: DO ANTIGO ATÉ O MODERNO
Authors:   UEMG - Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal, GUILHERME Haroldo Souza , COSTA Rodrigo Manoel da Silva ,   Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal, SOUZA Iracema Caproni de ,   Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal
Published: May 2022

The main objective of this work was to understand the knowledge of habits and behaviors that people acquire over the years, with regard to counting time, since we are in the digital age and every electronic component is equipped with a clock. To achieve the proposed objective, methodologically speaking, a case study was carried out in a watch shop, in the municipality of Frutal. The result found that the use of new technologies had, as an effect, the production of new modes of behavior, however, we also noticed that wristwatches are still valued, not only for checking the time, but as an accessory with multiple functions, such as offering additional tasks to users who have needs related to meal control, professional agenda or home automation, for example.
ESG project financing: foreign practices and development opportunities in Ukraine
Authors:   Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman, DYBA Mykhailo , GERNEGO Iuliia ,   Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman
Published: May 2022

The theoretical basis of our study was to assess the evolution of ESG practices, study the essential characteristics of their key components, namely Environmental (care of the environment), Social (social projects), and Governance (transparency of governance). The article examines the specifics and approaches to ESG analysis, foreign and domestic assessment practices. In particular, the overview of ESG funding trends is based on the work and analytical reports of experts from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. This laid the groundwork for the separation of financial practices and ESG support tools. ESG components are an important part of JPMorgan Chase\\\\\\\'s activities, that allows it to maintain its leading position in international markets in a pandemic society. Therefore, the study identifies the areas of ESG projects that are funded under the operational activities of JPMorgan Chase, as well as in view of strategic priorities. A map of the beneficiaries of Citigroup-funded ESG projects is presented. Accordingly, ESG projects expands the range of Citigroup beneficiaries. The experience of building strategic priorities through the implementation of ESG practices on the example of Goldman Sachs is analyzed. Examples of the development and financing practices of ESG projects in Ukraine are given. Proposals have been made for measures to stimulate financial support for ESG projects in Ukraine. Realization of the existing potential is possible due to the creation of an integrated system of incentives for ESG projects financing, which requires the harmonization of relevant regulations and standards at the national level with industry standards and strategies of socially responsible activities of contractors. The research may be useful both in the context of financial support of ESG projects and development of investment strategies at the business level.
Dollarization and its impact on the monetary policy effectiveness in Ukraine
Authors:   State Tax University, BERESLAVSKA Olena , SHKLIAR Andrii ,   SI “Institute of Economics and Forecasting of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine"
Published: May 2022

The article considers the issues of dollarization, its types, manifestations and impact on the monetary sphere of the state. Monetary authorities in countries with economies in transformation have been trying for many years to find ways to reduce the level of dollarization resulting from distrust of the national currency and high inflation. The main disadvantages of dollarization are the formation of a bi-currency monetary system in the country, which cannot be managed by the central bank, and the reduction of monetary policy effectiveness due to distortions of the transmission mechanism, including its interest rate channel. Since foreign currency is issued outside the country, its value is determined not by regulation of the central bank's discount rate, but by interest rates on international capital markets. High levels of dollarization negatively affect the stability of the financial system, making it vulnerable to devaluation of external and internal shocks; contributes to the growth of inflation in moments of depreciation of the national currency, stimulates the growth of the shadow economy. Ukraine is characterized by financial dollarization, the level of which has been growing since 1994. At the same time, starting in 2015, the level of dollarization began to decline. According to the IMF calculation method, the level of financial dollarization in Ukraine in 2020 was 27.4%, and for 9 months of 2021 - 25.4%. However, the level of dollarization outside the banking system (cash market) remains significant, and its source is private remittances from abroad. In order to reduce the dollarization of the world, various measures, based on administrative and market methods and levers were used. Administrative measures were aimed at imposing bans, other measures – at creating conditions for increasing confidence in the national currency. International practice has shown that forcing economic agents to use only the national currency, which is distrusted, carries risks of capital outflow. Therefore, administrative restrictions should be combined with measures to reduce inflation and achieve macroeconomic stability. Dollarization is a difficult problem for Ukraine, which requires tackling the shadow economy, increasing the share of non-cash payments, improving the NBU's communication strategy to increase confidence in the banking system and to inform about currency risks, to form and develop markets, to hedge risk institutions and to maintain low inflation.
Confidentiality of tax information subject to automatic exchange: imperatives of ensuring
Authors:   SESE “The Academy of Financial Management”, OLIYNYK Yana , CHUKHRAIEVA Nataliia ,   Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman
Published: May 2022

OECD governments are working together to address important issues of rapid response to the use of aggressive tax planning and transfer pricing by multinational entities (MNE). Activities in the area of transfer pricing lead to the erosion of the tax base – the state does not receive adequate tax revenues. World practice shows that transfer pricing needs to be regulated. The OECD provided recommendations, including on the establishment of mechanisms for the administration of transfer pricing, the definition of basic requirements for documentation on transfer pricing and the exchange of tax information. As a result of the involvement of more and more countries in the global exchange of tax information, in recent years the problems of ensuring the confidentiality of information to be exchanged have become important. The OECD provides governments with the opportunity to share experience, identify best practices and coordinate activities in the context of the mentioned issue. Ukraine is actively involved in these processes, which highlight the introduction of a number of tools to establish the functioning of international automatic exchange and ensure the confidentiality of tax information. The latter causes further implementation of relevant OECD model legislation. The analysis of international approaches and best practices for ensuring confidentiality and an appropriate level of protection of information exchanges between OECD member states on the issues of the BEPS Action Plan implementation and identification of imperatives for their application are performed. The research is based on a synthesis of general scientific methods, methods of comparison, institutional analysis and empirical approach. The OECD recommendations and the national legislation of certain countries, which contain provisions for ensuring confidentiality and protection of tax information to be exchanged are summarized and systematized. According to the results of the study, various tax administrations are guided by the recommendations of the OECD model legislation within the development of a mechanism to ensure the necessary level of confidentiality and effective protection of tax information to be exchanged. But there are some national pecularities and obstacles for implementation of OECD model legislation.
Interactions Between Immunomodulatory Biomaterials and Immune Microenvironment: Cues for Immunomodulation Strategies in Tissue Repair
Authors: Chen Yi , Sun Weiyan , Tang Hai , Li Yingze , Li Chen , Wang Long , Chen Jiafei , Lin Weikang , Li Shenghui , Fan Ziwen , Cheng Yu , Chen Chang
Published: May 2022

The foreign body response (FBR) caused by biomaterials can essentially be understood as the interaction between the immune microenvironment and biomaterials, which has severely impeded the application of biomaterials in tissue repair. This concrete interaction occurs via cells and bioactive substances, such as proteins and nucleic acids. These cellular and molecular interactions provide important cues for determining which element to incorporate into immunomodulatory biomaterials (IMBs), and IMBs can thus be endowed with the ability to modulate the FBR and repair damaged tissue. In terms of cellular, IMBs are modified to modulate functions of immune cells, such as macrophages and mast cells. In terms of bioactive substances, proteins and nucleic acids are delivered to influence the immune microenvironment. Meanwhile, IMBs are designed with high affinity for spatial targets and the ability to self-adapt over time, which allows for more efficient and intelligent tissue repair. Hence, IMB may achieve the perfect functional integration in the host, representing a breakthrough in tissue repair and regeneration medicine.
Differences of Corneal Biomechanics Among Thin Normal Cornea, Forme-Fruste Keratoconus, and Cornea After SMILE
Authors: Zhang Di , Tian Lei , Zhang Haixia , Zheng Yan , Fu Caiyun , Zhai Changbin , Jie Ying , Li Lin
Published: May 2022

Background: To compare the corneal biomechanics of thin normal cornea (TNC) with thinnest corneal thickness (TCT) (≤500 µm), forme-fruste keratoconus (FFKC) and cornea after small incision lenticule extraction (Post-SMILE) had their central corneal thickness (CCT) matched by Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (Corvis ST).

Methods: CCT were matched in 23 eyes with FFKC, 23 eyes by SMILE in 3 months post-operatively, and 23 TNC eyes. The differences in corneal biomechanics by Corvis ST among the three groups were compared.

Results: There was no significant difference in CCT among the three groups, and the biomechanically corrected intraocular pressure (bIOP) did not differ significantly among the three groups (all p > 0.05). There were significant differences in most DCR parameters between pre- and post-operatively (all p < 0.05). Compared with TNC, the values of corneal deflection amplitude during the first applanation (A1DA), length at the first applanation (A1L), corneal deflection amplitude during the second applanation (A2DA), and maximum deformation amplitude (DA) decreased in 3 months after SMILE (all p < 0.05), these values increased in the FFKC (all p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The majority of the DCR parameters were different among the three groups. The parameters A1DA, A1L, A2DA, and DA may be different between TNC and Post-SMILE, TNC and FFKC, and Post-SMILE and FFKC.
Active Expression of Human Hyaluronidase PH20 and Characterization of Its Hydrolysis Pattern
Authors: Pang Bo , He Jing , Zhang Weijiao , Huang Hao , Wang Yang , Wang Miao , Du Guocheng , Kang Zhen
Published: May 2022

Hyaluronidases are a group of glycosidases catalyzing the degradation of hyaluronic acid (HA). Because of the advantages of effectively hydrolyzing the HA-rich matrix and low immunogenicity, human hyaluronidase PH20 (hPH20) is widely used in the medical field. Here, we realized the active expression of recombinant hPH20 by Pichia pastoris under a methanol-induced promoter PAOX1. By optimizing the composition of the C-terminal domain and fusing protein tags, we constructed a fusion mutant AP2-△491C with the extracellular hyaluronidase activity of 258.1 U·L−1 in a 3-L bioreactor, the highest expression level of recombinant hPH20 produced by microbes. Furthermore, we found recombinant hPH20 hydrolyzed the β-1,4 glycosidic bonds sequentially from the reducing end of o-HAs, with HA6NA as the smallest substrate. The result will provide important theoretical guidance for the directed evolution of the enzyme to prepare multifunctional o-HAs with specific molecular weights.
Peroxisomes Regulate Cellular Free Fatty Acids to Modulate Mast Cell TLR2, TLR4, and IgE-Mediated Activation
Authors: Meghnem Dihia , Leong Edwin , Pinelli Marinella , Marshall Jean S. , Di Cara Francesca
Published: May 2022

Mast cells are specialized, tissue resident, immune effector cells able to respond to a wide range of stimuli. MCs are involved in the regulation of a variety of physiological functions, including vasodilation, angiogenesis and pathogen elimination. In addition, MCs recruit and regulate the functions of many immune cells such as dendritic cells, macrophages, T cells, B cells and eosinophils through their selective production of multiple cytokines and chemokines. MCs generate and release multi-potent molecules, such as histamine, proteases, prostanoids, leukotrienes, heparin, and many cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors through both degranulation dependent and independent pathways. Recent studies suggested that metabolic shifts dictate the activation and granule content secretion by MCs, however the metabolic signaling promoting these events is at its infancy. Lipid metabolism is recognized as a pivotal immunometabolic regulator during immune cell activation. Peroxisomes are organelles found across all eukaryotes, with a pivotal role in lipid metabolism and the detoxification of reactive oxygen species. Peroxisomes are one of the emerging axes in immunometabolism. Here we identified the peroxisome as an essential player in MCs activation. We determined that lack of functional peroxisomes in murine MCs causes a significant reduction of interleukin-6, Tumor necrosis factor and InterleukinL-13 following immunoglobulin IgE-mediated and Toll like receptor 2 and 4 activation compared to the Wild type (WT) BMMCs. We linked these defects in cytokine release to defects in free fatty acids homeostasis. In conclusion, our study identified the importance of peroxisomal fatty acids homeostasis in regulating mast cell-mediated immune functions.
The Osteoclast Traces the Route to Bone Tumors and Metastases
Authors: Russo Sharon , Scotto di Carlo Federica , Gianfrancesco Fernando
Published: May 2022

Osteoclasts are highly specialized cells of the bone, with a unique apparatus responsible for resorption in the process of bone remodeling. They are derived from differentiation and fusion of hematopoietic precursors, committed to form mature osteoclasts in response to finely regulated stimuli produced by bone marrow–derived cells belonging to the stromal lineage. Despite a highly specific function confined to bone degradation, emerging evidence supports their relevant implication in bone tumors and metastases. In this review, we summarize the physiological role of osteoclasts and then focus our attention on their involvement in skeletal tumors, both primary and metastatic. We highlight how osteoclast-mediated bone erosion confers increased aggressiveness to primary tumors, even those with benign features. We also outline how breast and pancreas cancer cells promote osteoclastogenesis to fuel their metastatic process to the bone. Furthermore, we emphasize the role of osteoclasts in reactivating dormant cancer cells within the bone marrow niches for manifestation of overt metastases, even decades after homing of latent disseminated cells. Finally, we point out the importance of counteracting tumor progression and dissemination through pharmacological treatments based on a better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying osteoclast lytic activity and their recruitment from cancer cells.
In Silico Integration of Transcriptome and Interactome Predicts an ETP-ALL-Specific Transcriptional Footprint that Decodes its Developmental Propensity
Authors: Mukherjee Soumyadeep , Kar Arpita , Paul Paramita , Dey Souvik , Biswas Avik , Barik Subhasis
Published: May 2022

Early T precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ETP-ALL) exhibits poor clinical outcomes and high relapse rates following conventional chemotherapeutic protocols. Extensive developmental flexibility of the multipotent ETP-ALL blasts with considerable intra-population heterogeneity in terms of immunophenotype and prognostic parameters might be a target for novel therapeutic interventions. Using a public gene expression dataset (GSE28703) from NCBI GEO DataSets with 12 ETP-ALL and 40 non-ETP-ALL samples, such heterogeneity was found to be reflected in their transcriptome as well. Hub genes were identified from the STRING-derived functional interaction network of genes showing differential expression between ETP-ALL and non-ETP-ALL as well as variable expression across ETP-ALL. Nine genes (KIT, HGF, NT5E, PROM1, CD33, ANPEP, CDH2, IL1B, and CXCL2) among the hubs were further validated as possible diagnostic ETP-ALL markers using another gene expression dataset (GSE78132) with 17 ETP-ALL and 27 non-ETP-ALL samples. Linear dimensionality reduction analysis with the expression levels of the hub genes in ETP-ALL revealed their divergent inclinations towards different hematopoietic lineages, proposing them as novel indicators of lineage specification in the incompletely differentiated ETP-ALL blasts. This further led to the formulation of a personalized lineage score calculation algorithm, which uncovered a considerable B-lineage-bias in a substantial fraction of ETP-ALL subjects from the GSE28703 and GSE78132 cohorts. In addition, STRING-derived physical interactome of the potential biomarkers displayed complete segregation of the B-lineage-skewed markers from other lineage-associated factors, highlighting their distinct functionality and possible druggability in ETP-ALL. A panel of these biomarkers might be useful in pinpointing the dominant lineage specification programmes in the ETP-ALL blasts on a personalized level, urging the development of novel lineage-directed precision therapies as well as repurposing of existing therapies against leukemia of different hematopoietic lineages; which might overcome the drawbacks of conventional chemotherapy.
EasyMap - An Interactive Web Tool for Evaluating and Comparing Associations of Clinical Variables and Microbiome Composition
Authors: Dahan Ehud , Martin Victoria M. , Yassour Moran
Published: May 2022

One of the most common tasks in microbiome studies is comparing microbial profiles across various groups of people (e.g., sick vs. healthy). Routinely, researchers use multivariate linear regression models to address these challenges, such as linear regression packages, MaAsLin2, LEfSe, etc. In many cases, it is unclear which metadata variables should be included in the linear model, as many human-associated variables are correlated with one another. Thus, multiple models are often tested, each including a different set of variables, however the challenge of selecting the metadata variables in the final model remains. Here, we present EasyMap, an interactive online tool allowing for (1) running multiple multivariate linear regression models, on the same features and metadata; (2) visualizing the associations between microbial features and clinical metadata found in each model; and (3) comparing across the various models to identify the critical metadata variables and select the optimal model. EasyMap provides a side-by-side visualization of association results across the various models, each with additional metadata variables, enabling us to evaluate the impact of each metadata variable on the associated feature. EasyMap’s interface enables filtering associations by significance, focusing on specific microbes and finding the robust associations that are found across multiple models. While EasyMap was designed to analyze microbiome data, it can handle any other tabular data with numeric features and metadata variables. EasyMap takes the common task of multivariate linear regression to the next level, with an intuitive and simple user interface, allowing for wide comparisons of multiple models to identify the robust microbial feature associations. EasyMap is available at http://yassour.rcs.huji.ac.il/easymap.
Accurate 16S Absolute Quantification Sequencing Revealed Vaginal Microecological Composition and Dynamics During Mixed Vaginitis Treatment With Fufang FuRong Effervescent Suppository
Authors: Li Meng , Zeng Zhen , Feng Huijun , Cao Yang , Zhang Qiongqiong , Lv Tao , Yang Xingsheng , Song Dianrong , Li Ping , Hu Lina , Fan Shangrong , An Ruifang , Zhang Bei , Zhang Lei , Liao Qinping
Published: May 2022

Background

The diagnosis and treatment of mixed vaginitis are more complicated than single pathogenic infections, and there may be adverse reactions and several contraindications to conventional antibiotic therapy. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the preliminary effects of Fufang Furong Effervescent Suppository for the management of aerobic vaginitis (AV) mixed with bacterial vaginosis (BV) using Accurate 16S absolute quantification sequencing (Accu16S).

Methods

In the present randomized, blind, multi-center clinical trial, women (20 to 55 years) who had received a diagnosis of AV+BV were randomly assigned into clindamycin positive control (n = 41) and Fufang Furong Effervescent Suppository (n = 39) groups. The follow-up occurred in three time periods (V1: -2~0 days; V2: 15-17 days; V3: 40 ± 3 days). At each visit, two vaginal swabs, one for clinical evaluation and one for laboratory examination, were taken from each patient. The Nugent score, Donders’ score, drug-related complications, recurrence rates, and microecological changes of vaginal swabs were assessed in the time three periods.

Results

At baseline, the two groups were similar in frequency of presentation with vaginal burning, odor, abnormal discharge, and itching. No meaningful differences in Nugent and Donders’ scores were detected between the two groups at stage V2 (Nugent: p = 0.67; Donders’: p = 0.85) and V3 (Nugent: p = 0.97; Donders: p = 0.55). The Furong group presented fewer complications compared to the Clindamycin group. However, this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.15). Additionally, Accu16S indicated that the total abundance of bacteria in both groups sharply decreased in stage V2, but slightly increased in V3. In stage V3, the absolute abundance of Lactobacillus in the Furong group was considerably higher compared to untreated samples (p < 0.05). On the other hand, no momentous increase was detected in the Clindamycin group (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Fufang Furong Effervescent Suppository can be as effective as clindamycin cream in the management of AV+BV while may restore the vagina microecosystem better.
Communicating Science, Technology, and Environmental Issues: A Case Study of an Intercultural Learning Experience
Authors: van Kempen Anke , Kristiansen Silje , Feldpausch-Parker Andrea M.
Published: May 2022

This science communication case study analyzes an online international co-taught course where students practiced blog article conceptualization and production covering a wide variety of science and technology related issues. Students had an international experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and gained experience in communicating science and technology to intercultural audiences. Through student article reviews, course evaluations and project reflections students demonstrated an adoption of new science communication skills and some key examples of changing perspective on issues such as environment and technology. They also enjoyed the opportunity to learn about new cultures, reflect on their own, and bond over life experiences.
The Endothelial Glycocalyx: A Possible Therapeutic Target in Cardiovascular Disorders
Authors: Milusev Anastasia , Rieben Robert , Sorvillo Nicoletta
Published: May 2022

The physiological, anti-inflammatory, and anti-coagulant properties of endothelial cells (ECs) rely on a complex carbohydrate-rich layer covering the luminal surface of ECs, called the glycocalyx. In a range of cardiovascular disorders, glycocalyx shedding causes endothelial dysfunction and inflammation, underscoring the importance of glycocalyx preservation to avoid disease initiation and progression. In this review we discuss the physiological functions of the glycocalyx with particular focus on how loss of endothelial glycocalyx integrity is linked to cardiovascular risk factors, like hypertension, aging, diabetes and obesity, and contributes to the development of thrombo-inflammatory conditions. Finally, we consider the role of glycocalyx components in regulating inflammatory responses and discuss possible therapeutic interventions aiming at preserving or restoring the endothelial glycocalyx and therefore protecting against cardiovascular disease.
A Biodiversity Boost From the Eurasian Beaver (Castor fiber) in Germany’s Oldest National Park
Authors: Orazi Valerio , Hagge Jonas , Gossner Martin M. , Müller Jörg , Heurich Marco
Published: May 2022

Freshwater ecosystems are among the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. Beavers are important engineers in freshwater ecosystems and reintroduction programs have enabled the recovery of beaver populations in several European countries, but the impact on biodiversity conservation is still unclear. We studied the effects of beavers on the terrestrial biodiversity of eight taxonomic groups by comparing beaver ponds with river and forest habitats in a mountain forest ecosystem in Central Europe. Among the 1,166 collected species, 196 occurred exclusively at beaver ponds, 192 in plots at the river, and 156 in the forest plots. More species of conservation concern were found at the beaver ponds (76) than on the river (67) and forest (63) plots. Abundances of bats and birds were higher at the beaver ponds than at the river or forest sites. The number of bird species at the beaver ponds was higher than at the river. The community composition of birds, beetles, and true bugs differed significantly between the beaver ponds and river plots, and for seven taxonomic groups it differed significantly between the beaver ponds and forest plots. An indicator species analysis revealed eight indicator species for the beaver pond but none for the river and forest plots. Our results demonstrate that beavers, as ecological engineers, increase habitat heterogeneity in mountain forests and thereby promote biodiversity. The expansion of beaver populations into these ecosystems should thus be supported, as it may serve as a biotic restoration tool.
Socializing in an Infectious World: The Role of Parasites in Social Evolution of a Unique Rodent Family
Authors: Lutermann Heike
Published: May 2022

Transmission of parasites between hosts is facilitated by close contact of hosts. Consequently, parasites have been proposed as an important constraint to the evolution of sociality accounting for its rarity. Despite the presumed costs associated with parasitism, the majority of species of African mole-rats (Family: Bathyergidae) are social. In fact, only the extremes of sociality (i.e., solitary and singular breeding) are represented in this subterranean rodent family. But how did bathyergids overcome the costs of parasitism? Parasite burden is a function of the exposure and susceptibility of a host to parasites. In this review I explore how living in sealed burrow systems and the group defenses that can be employed by closely related group members can effectively reduce the exposure and susceptibility of social bathyergids to parasites. Evidence suggests that this can be achieved largely by investment in relatively cheap and flexible behavioral rather than physiological defense mechanisms. This also shifts the selection pressure for parasites on successful transmission between group members rather than transmission between groups. In turn, this constrains the evolution of virulence and favors socially transmitted parasites (e.g., mites and lice) further reducing the costs of parasitism for social Bathyergidae. I conclude by highlighting directions for future research to evaluate the mechanisms proposed and to consider parasites as facilitators of social evolution not only in this rodent family but also other singular breeders.
Heterologous Expression of Arabidopsis AtARA6 in Soybean Enhances Salt Tolerance
Authors: Hong Zhipeng , Li Yang , Zhao Yang , Yang Mingyu , Zhang Xiaoming , Teng Yuhan , Jing Linjie , Kong Danxun , Liu Tongxin , Li Shuanglin , Meng Fanli , Wang Qi , Zhang Ling
Published: May 2022

Salt damage is an important abiotic stress affecting the agronomic traits of soybean. Soybeans rapidly sense and transmit adverse signals when salt-damaged, inducing a set of response mechanisms to resist salt stress. AtARA6 encodes a small GTPase, which plays an important role in Arabidopsis vesicle transport and salt tolerance. In this study, we transformed the Arabidopsis gene AtARA6 into the cultivated soybean Shen Nong 9 (SN9). To investigate the salt tolerance pathways affected by AtARA6 in soybean, we performed transcriptome sequencing using transgenic soybean and wild-type (SN9) under salt treatment and water treatment. Our results suggest that AtARA6 is involved in the regulation of soybean SNARE complexes in the vesicle transport pathway, which may directly strengthen salt tolerance. In addition, we comprehensively analyzed the RNA-seq data of transgenic soybean and SN9 under different treatments and obtained 935 DEGs. GO analysis showed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in transcription factor activity, sequence-specific DNA binding, and the inositol catabolic process. Three salt-responsive negative regulator transcription factors, namely MYC2, WRKY6, and WRKY86, were found to be significantly downregulated after salt treatment in transgenic soybeans. Moreover, four genes encoding inositol oxygenase were significantly enriched in the inositol catabolic process pathway, which could improve the salt tolerance of transgenic soybeans by reducing their reactive oxygen species content. These are unique salt tolerance effects produced by transgenic soybeans. Our results provide basic insights into the function of AtARA6 in soybeans and its role in abiotic stress processes in plants.
Successful Culture of Pelagia noctiluca (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa) Over Time: A Continuous Supply of the Holoplanktonic Jellyfish for Research and Industrial Applications
Authors: Ballesteros Ainara , Páez Diego , Santín Andreu , García Alba , Martín Yeray , Alonso Ester , Jourdan Eric , Gili Josep-Maria
Published: May 2022

The scyphozoan Pelagia noctiluca has potential value for research and a wide variety of industrial applications. However, its holoplanktonic life cycle makes it difficult to maintain a permanent stock in aquaculture, unlike the continuous supply of newly-released ephyrae from jellyfish species with a benthic life stage. We investigated optimal feeding conditions for the captive breeding of P. noctiluca, monitoring total body diameter, morphological development, survival rate, and instantaneous growth rate. Diets of different items encapsulated in gelatin or non-motile prey were not suitable for successful growth of the early stages (ephyra and metaephyra), whereas rotifers were a sufficient food source for healthy growth. Fertilized eggs from sexually-mature jellyfish were obtained at 84.5 ± 2.1 and 87.0 ± 9.9 days post-fecundation in the presence and absence of gelatinous prey (Aurelia sp.), respectively. In contrast with the general consensus, we demonstrate that the incorporation of medusivorous prey was not essential for proper growth and closure of P. noctiluca life cycle. Instead, we recommend the inclusion of white shrimps (Acetes sp.) for the formation and maturation of gonads and production of eggs. Instantaneous growth rates (57.0% d-1), the highest reported to date for this species in captive conditions, were higher during the early stages. A third generation of cultured P. noctiluca was obtained for the first time (169 – 179 experimental days), demonstrating the durability of the culture, providing permanent stock and halving the production time of mature individuals compared to previous studies. Finally, we validated the use of captive-bred specimens through quantification of the hemolytic area after the sting process using the tentacle skin blood agarose assay methodology.
METORY: Development of a Demand-Driven Blockchain-Based Dynamic Consent Platform Tailored for Clinical Trials
Authors: Huh Ki Young , Jeong Sang-un , Moon Seol Ju , Kim Min-Ji , Yang Wooseok , Jeong Myeonggyu , Song Ildae , Kwak Yong-Geun , Lee SeungHwan , Kim Min-Gul
Published: May 2022

The recent advent of the dynamic consent concept intensified the data integrity issue in clinical trials. Incorporating blockchain technology into a dynamic consent platform can be a feasible solution. Due to various clinical trial settings, a demand-driven development strategy is required. We developed a blockchain-based dynamic consent platform named METORY tailored for clinical trials. The platform consisted of three parts: web and mobile application user interface, study management platform, and blockchain platform. Hyperledger Fabric, an enterprise-grade private blockchain framework, was used to integrate blockchain into the study consent platform. We conducted user acceptance tests and applied feedback to the improvement of the platform. Identity and role-based access control was constructed by combining mobile-application-based certificate system and access control functionalities in Hyperledger fabric. Data were encrypted using SHA-256 prior to transmission to blockchain server and TLS protocol was used for in-transit encryption. File-system level encryption was separated implemented within the security measures from Amazon RDS. Users' experience in the clinical trial was acceptable in the ease and usefulness of the platform.
Neurosyphilis in China: A Systematic Review of Cases From 2009–2021
Authors: Du Fang-Zhi , Zhang Hai-Ni , Li Jing-Jing , Zheng Zhi-Ju , Zhang Xu , Zhang Rui-Li , Wang Qian-Qiu
Published: May 2022

Considered the increased threaten of neurosyphilis in China, a review on cases reported in the literature to describe the clinical epidemiological characteristics of neurosyphilis cases, may be beneficial to the early detection and management strategies of neurosyphilis for clinicians. We searched the literature on Chinese neurosyphilis cases published from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2021, described their clinical epidemiological characteristics and calculated the prevalence of neurosyphilis amongst other associated diseases, according to the individual study criteria. A total of 284 studies including 7,486 neurosyphilis cases were included. No meta-analysis was performed due to the heterogeneity of the data. Among 149 case reports and 93 retrospective case series studies, the main clinical manifestation of 3,507 neurosyphilis cases was cerebral parenchymal syphilis (57.3%), followed by asymptomatic neurosyphilis (16.7%), meningovascular syphilis (13.6%), meningitis syphilis (7.7%) and ocular syphilis (2.8%), etc. In addition, the initial diagnosis was incorrect in 53.2% patients, and the most frequent misdiagnoses were mental disorders (31.0%), stroke (15.9%), cognitive impairment (9.0%), etc. The positive or abnormal rates of cerebrospinal fluid non-treponemal and treponemal tests, white blood cell counts and protein concentrations were 74.2%, 96.2%, 61.5%, and 60.9%, respectively. Aqueous penicillin was the first choice for treatment in 88.3% cases, and 81.7% and 50.0% patients had response in the improvement of symptoms and serological effective in CSF, respectively. Among 26 studies on neurosyphilis patients amongst other associated diseases, the prevalence of neurosyphilis amongst central nervous system infectious diseases, syphilis-associated neurological symptoms, serofast status, coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus were 10.6%–30.1%, 23.2%–35.5%, 9.8%–56.1%, and 8.9%, respectively. In summary, the lack of early detection of neurosyphilis cases remains a clinical challenge. The high rate of misdiagnosis and high prevalence of neurosyphilis amongst associated diseases strongly remind clinicians to focus on the early detection among suspected cases. Besides, the standard treatment regimen and long-term follow-up, which complied with guideline should be provided. Further prospective studies are urgent to better delineate the clinical epidemiological characteristics of neurosyphilis in China.