bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired Interhemispheric Synchrony in Bronchial Asthma
Authors: Wu Ya-Jun , Rao Jie , Huang Xin , Wu Na , Shi Ling , Huang Hui , Li Si-Yu , Chen Xiao-Lin , Huang Shui-Qin , Zhong Pei-Pei , Wu Xiao‑Rong , Wang Jun
Published: May 2021

Objective: Converging evidence demonstrated that bronchial asthma (BA) individuals with intermittent hypoxia were associated with functional and morphological reorganization in the brain. However, the alterations of the interhemispheric functional connectivity in BA individuals remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to assess the interhemispheric functional connectivity changes in individuals with intermittent hypoxia due to BA using voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) methods.Methods: In total, 31 BA individuals (17 males and 14 females) and 30 healthy controls (HCs) (15 males and 15 females) closely matched in age, sex, and education underwent resting-state magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. VMHC analysis was performed to investigate differences in interhemispheric functional connectivity between the two groups. Then, a seed-based resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) analysis was conducted to further reveal the abnormal functional connectivity between the altered VMHC regions and the whole brain. Results: Compared with HCs, BA individuals had significantly lower VMHC values in the bilateral basal ganglia/thalamus/insula, cuneus/calcarine/lingual gyrus [brodmann area (BA) 17/18/19], precentral and postcentral gyrus (BA 3/4/6).[voxel level P<0.01, Gaussian random field (GRF) correction, cluster level P < 0.05]. Taking VMHC altered brain areas as seed points, the rsFC values of left insula/supramarginal/postcentral gyrus (PostCG) / inferior parietal lobule (IPL) brain areas in BA patients were increased, and rsFC values of right basic ganglia / thalamus, left caudate/antioxidant cingulate and bilateral cuneus/calcarine/lingual gyrus/precentral gyrus (PreCG)/PostCG were decreased in BA patients.Conclusion: The abnormal resting-state functional connectivity of BA patients is altered in specific brain regions related to the basal ganglia network, visual network, and sensorimotor network, which may be related to the neuropathogenesis of asthma patients. Furthermore, these VMHC and FC values may be important clinical indicators for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma patients.
Sitting Position as an Alternative for Sagittal Balance Assessment: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Limskul Danaithep , Srinawa Asadapong , Ariyachaipanich Aticha , Kwan Kenny Yat Hong , Yingsakmongkol Wicharn , Limthongkul Worawat , Singhatanadgige Weerasak
Published: May 2021

Background: The sagittal vertical axis (SVA) is used for spinal sagittal balance evaluation. Patients with sagittal imbalance are assessed by whole spine standing lateral radiography, with some patients demonstrating standing difficulty during the examination. We propose new positioning methods to facilitate SVA assessment in patients with sagittal imbalance who cannot tolerate the standing position.Methods: Thirty healthy subjects had their SVA evaluated by whole spine lateral radiography in four positions: standard position by standing with the hands on the clavicles with elbows touching the trunk (TC), standing with the hands holding on to a front stationary railing within arm’s reach (TS), sitting with the hands on the clavicles (IC), and sitting with the hands holding on to a stationary railing (IS). The SVA was evaluated for differences and correlations between the standard position (TC) and the new proposed positions.Results: The mean difference in the SVA between the TC and TS group was 1.55 mm, with a limit of agreement of -36.62 to 39.72 mm and Lin’s correlation of 0.63. The mean difference in the SVA between the TC and IC or IS positions indicated greater positive SVA difference with no correlation. The TS position had good regional spinal parameter correlation with the TC position, as well as pelvic parameter correlation. The IC and IS positions showed poor pelvic and other regional spinal parameter correlations. Conclusions: The TS position can be used as an alternative method in measuring the SVA in patients with standing difficulty during radiography. Though measurement using the sitting position can be conveniently performed, this position does not correlate well with the standard SVA measurement.
Differential Roles of Water–Insoluble and –Soluble Fractions of Diesel Exhaust Particles in the Development of Adverse Health Effects due to Chronic Instillation of Diesel Exhaust Particles
Authors: Xu Yanyi , Li Zhouzhou , Liu Ying , Pan Bin , Peng Renzheng , Shao Wenpu , Yang Wenhui , Chen Minjie , Kan Haidong , Ying Zhekang , Zhang Yuhao
Published: May 2021

Background: Ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has a marked temporospatial variation in chemical composition, but how the composition of PM2.5 influences its toxicity remains elusive. Results: To explore the individual roles of different PM2.5 components in the pathogenesis due to PM2.5 exposure, we prepared water-soluble (WS-DEP) and -insoluble (WIS-DEP) fractions of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) and assessed their effects on pulmonary and systemic inflammation, hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance, systemic glucose homeostasis, and gut microbiota using chronic intratracheal instillation mouse models. Compared to control, instillation of DEP or WIS-DEP, but not WS-DEP, significantly increased pulmonary inflammatory scores and expression of inflammatory markers, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cell number, and circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines. Consistently, DEP or WIS-DEP-instilled but not WS-DEP-instilled mice versus control had significant hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance and systemic glucose intolerance. In contrast, instillation of WS-DEP versus instillation of WIS-DEP had more similar effects on gut microbiota to that of instillations of DEP. Conclusion: The pulmonary and systemic inflammation, hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance, and systemic glucose intolerance following chronic DEP instillation are all attributable to the water-insoluble fraction of DEP, providing a mechanistic interpretation for the apparent independency of PM2.5 exposure-induced glucose intolerance on PM2.5 composition.
Genome-Wide mRNA Profiling Identifies X-Box-Binding Protein 1 (XBP1) As An IRE1 And PUMA Repressor
Authors: Gebert Magdalena , Sobolewska Aleksandra , Bartoszewska Sylwia , Cabaj Aleksandra , Crossman David K. , Kroliczewski Jaroslaw , Madanecki Piotr , Dabrowski Michal , Collawn James F. , Bartoszewski Rafal
Published: May 2021

Accumulation of misfolded proteins in ER activates the unfolded protein response (UPR), a multifunctional signaling pathway that is important for cell survival. The UPR is regulated by three ER transmembrane sensors, one of which is inositol-requiring protein 1 (IRE1). IRE1 activates a transcription factor, X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), by removing a 26-base intron from XBP1 mRNA that generates spliced XBP1 mRNA (XBP1s). To search for XBP1 transcriptional targets, we utilized an XBP1s-inducible human cell line to limit XBP1 expression in a controlled manner. We also verified the identified XBP1-dependent genes with specific silencing of this transcription factor during pharmacological ER stress induction with both an N-linked glycosylation inhibitor (tunicamycin) and a non-competitive inhibitor of the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) (thapsigargin). We then compared those results to the XBP1s-induced cell line without pharmacological ER stress induction. Using next‐generation sequencing followed by bioinformatic analysis of XBP1 binding motifs, we defined an XBP1 regulatory network and identified XBP1 as a repressor of PUMA (a proapoptotic gene) and IRE1 mRNA expression during the UPR. Our results indicate impairing IRE1 activity during ER stress conditions accelerates cell death in ER stressed cells, whereas elevating XBP1 expression during ER stress using an inducible cell line correlated with a clear prosurvival effect and reduced PUMA protein expression. Although further studies will be required to test the underlying molecular mechanisms involved the relationship between these genes with XBP1, these studies identify a novel repressive role of XBP1 during the UPR.
Low Cost Smart Ground System for Rainwater Harvesting for Indian Houses Using IoT Technology
Authors: Verma Gaurav
Published: May 2021

Water conservation is critical because it is one of the most significant factors for all species' survival. According to the Central Ground Water Board's estimates, underground water will be scarce in 15 Indian states by 2025 [1]. However, as per the report from Ministry of Environment and Forest, only 10 to 20% rainwater is harvested. In urban areas, it is seen that nowadays concrete structures are constructed everywhere, so it is not possible to recharge the water table by natural process of raining. All the rainwater which is one of the sources for fresh water goes to drain. This causes the depletion of groundwater level which may be fatal in the future. Therefore, a rainwater harvesting system is required in Indian household to conserve water. On the other hand, the urban cities are having high pollutant levels which in turn affecting the quality of water. The government has defined certain parameters for quality checking of water. With the aid of the suitable sensors and IoT boards, quality checking, monitoring and water segregation can be easily achieved. In this work, an efficient and cost effective technique of rainwater harvesting has been presented. Some real case studies have been done at Indian houses in order to validate the effectiveness of system in terms of its implementation and cost analysis. As a result, the proposed system becomes one of the smart solutions to address the modern problem of rainwater harvesting with water quality management in low cost.
Theranostic Nanoplatform to Target Macrophages Enables the Inhibition of Atherosclerosis Progression and Fluorescence Imaging of Plaque
Authors: Wang Qi , Wang Yong , Liu Siwen , Sha Xuan , Song Xiaoxi , Dai Yue , Zhao Mingming , Cai Lulu , Xu Kai , Li Jingjing
Published: May 2021

Background: Rupture of atherosclerotic plaque can cause acute malignant heart and cerebrovascular events, such as acute coronary heart disease, stroke and so on, which seriously threaten the safety of human life and property. Therefore, the early diagnosis and inhibition of atherosclerotic plaque progress still be a vital task. Results: In this study, we presented the development of composite mesoporous silica nanoparticle (CMSN) - based nanomedicines (NMs) (Ru(bpy)3@SiO2-mSiO2@SRT1720@ AntiCD36, CMSN@SRT@Anti) for accurate diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis. In vitro cell experiments showed that both RAW264.7 and ox-LDL-stimulated RAW264.7 cells could significantly uptake CMSN@SRT@Anti. Conversely, little fluorescence signal could be observed in CMSN@SRT group, showing the excellent targeting ability of CMSN@SRT@Anti to CD36 on macrophage. Additionally, such fluorescence signal was significantly stronger in ox-LDL-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, showing the ox-LDL can promote the upregulation of CD36 expression on macrophages to produce a stronger binding signal. For another, compared with free SRT1720, CMSN@SRT@Anti had a better and more significant effect on the inhibition of macrophage foaming process, which indicated that drug-carrying mesoporous silicon with targeting ability could enhance the efficacy of SRT1720. Animal experimental results showed that after the abdominal injection of CMSN@SRT@Anti, the aortic lesions of ApoE-/-mice could be observed with obvious and persistent fluorescence signals. After 4 weeks post- treatment, the serum total cholesterol, aortic plaque status and area were significantly improved in the mouse, and the effect was better than that in the free SRT1720 group or the CMSN@SRT group. Conclusions: The designed CMSN@SRT@Anti with excellent biocompatibility, high-performance and superior atherosclerosis-targeting ability has great potential for accurate identification and targeted therapy of atherosclerotic diseases.
Research on Slicing Chip Forming and Wear Analysis of Arc-tooth Slice Tool With Equal-rake Angle
Authors: Wu Xiaoqiang , JIN YONGQUAN
Published: May 2021

As a new technology of gear processing, the gear slicing technology has distinct characteristics and broad application prospects. However, the lack in wear and life of the slice tool hinders the further widespread application of the gear slicing technology. Considering the chip forming mechanism is an important basis affecting the wear and service life of the cutter, this paper takes the arc-tooth slice tool with equal-rake angle (ATST-ERA) as the carrier and studies the chip forming and tool wear. Aiming at the particularity of the slicing process, the cutting process is unified and abstracted, and the cutting edge model, the cutting edge race model and the workpiece tooth surface model of the ATST-ERA are established, and then the undeformed chip geometry model is obtained. The correctness of the parametric model of the undeformed chip was verified by comparative analysis. Based on this model, the load of the cutting edge is calculated using the Kienzle empirical formula of the cutting force. By analyzing the relationship with the wear of the rake face, the positive correlation between the cutting edge load and the rake face wear of the ATST-ERA is found. The chip forming modeling method proposed in this paper provides a theoretical basis for the control of the slicing chip forming and the improvement of tool wear.
Cycling Kinematics in Healthy Adults for Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Guidance
Authors: Yum Haeun , Kim Hyang , Lee Taeyong , Park Moon Seok , Lee Seung Yeol
Published: May 2021

Background: Stationary cycling is commonly used for postoperative rehabilitation of physical disabilities, but few studies have focused on the three-dimensional (3D) kinematics of rehabilitation. This study aimed to elucidate the three-dimensional lower limb kinematics of musculoskeletally healthy people and the effect of sex and age on kinematics using a controlled bicycle configuration.Methods: Thirty-one healthy adults participated in the study. The stationary cycle positioning was standardized using the LeMond method by setting the saddle height to 85.5% of the participant’s inseam. The participants maintained a pedaling rate of 10–12 km/h, and the average value of three successive cycles of the right leg was used for analysis. The pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle joint motions during cycling were evaluated in the sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes. Kinematic data were normalized to 0–100% of the cycling cycle. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and k-fold cross-validation were used to analyze the data.Results: In the sagittal plane, the cycling ranges of motion (ROMs) were 1.6° (pelvis), 43.9° (hip), 75.2° (knee), and 26.9° (ankle). The coronal plane movement was observed in all joints, and the specific ROMs were 6.6° (knee) and 5.8° (ankle). There was significant internal and external rotation of the hip (ROM: 11.6°), knee (ROM: 6.6°), and ankle (ROM: 10.3°) during cycling. There was no difference in kinematic data of the pelvis, hip, knee, and ankle between sexes (p = 0.12 to 0.95) and among ages (p = 0.11 to 0.96) in all anatomical planes.Conclusions: The kinematic results support the assertion that cycling is highly recommended for comprehensive musculoskeletal rehabilitation. These results may help clinicians choose a target recovery ROM based on healthy and non-elite individuals and issue suitable guidelines to patients.
Energy Management Optimization Based on Aging Adaptive Functional State Model of Battery For Intelligent Vehicles Driven by Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Kong Weiwei , Luo Yugong , Lian Xiaomin , Jiang Fachao
Published: May 2021

With the development of intelligent vehicles, increasing number of electronic and electrical devices are applied in vehicles, the necessary power is surging, battery protection is increasingly required, and higher demands are made for energy management. Most previous studies on battery characteristics have only focused on the battery itself, which is chemical characteristics. Further considering battery’s actual operating conditions on vehicles, battery’s functional characteristics are proposed and studied in this paper. Aging adaptive functional state model of battery for internal combustion engine vehicles is proposed, comprehensively revealing the operating characteristics covering the battery full life cycle. Thereafter, based on the model, a battery protection scheme is developed, including over-discharge and graded over-current protection to achieve comprehensive battery protection. Furthermore, a model-based energy management strategy is presented to achieve integrated optimization of fuel economy, battery protection, and vehicle power performance. Finally, tests are performed on the vehicle and test bench to verify the validity and feasibility of the proposed model and management scheme. Results reveal that the model can reflect battery’s functional features, over-current protection and over-discharge protection of the battery are achieved, and the vehicle start-up capability is secured. The proposed energy management strategy can effectively improve fuel economy.
On the Importance of Being Heterozygote – Effects of Rh-Genotype on the Physical and Mental Health of a Non-Clinical Population
Authors: Flegr Jaroslav , Příplatová Lenka , Hlaváčová Jana , Šebánková Blanka , Žďárský Emanuel , Kaňková Šárka
Published: May 2021

Human populations, especially European, are polymorphic in the RHD gene. A significant fraction of their members carries two copies of a mutated (deleted) allele, which results in their Rh-negative blood type. Theoretically, this polymorphism should be unstable. Carriers of the less frequent allele are penalized by reduced fertility because of the immunization of Rh-negative mothers by their Rh-positive babies, which results in hemolytic disease of newborns in their subsequent progeny. For about 90 years, some form of balancing selection has been suspected to sustain this polymorphism. Several recent studies showed that the Rh-positive heterozygotes express higher viability than both types of homozygotes. However, the genotype of subjects in these studies was estimated only by indirect methods. Here we compared the physical and mental health of 178 women and 86 men who were directly tested for their Rh genotype. The results showed that Rh-positive homozygotic women had worse and Rh-positive homozygotic men better physical health than Rh-negative homozygotes; the difference between Rh-negative homozygotes and heterozygotes was not significant. Our results confirmed that health of Rh-positive heterozygotes and homozygotes differ. Therefore, any result of the comparison of subjects with Rh-positive and Rh-negative phenotype depends on the heterozygote-to-homozygote ratio in the Rh-positive sample. It is, therefore, crucial to analyze the effects of Rh-genotypes, not phenotypes in future studies.
Effects of Early-Life Exposure to Topsoil on the Muscle Fiber Characteristics and Gene Expression of Weaned Piglets
Authors: Wang Yongjie , Tsai Tsung Cheng , Morse Palika , Zhang Shilei , Maxwell Charles , Zhao Jiangchao , Huang Yan
Published: May 2021

Background: The objective of this experiment was to investigate the influence of early exposure to topsoil on the muscle fiber characteristics and transcription related myogenesis, intramuscular fat metabolism, muscle fiber types, and mTOR signaling pathway of weaned pigs.Methods: A Total of 180 piglets were separately assigned to No soil, Antibacterial soil, and Normal soil group (each group, n=60), and were fed ad libitum with common antibiotic-free corn-soybean meal diets until day-31. Ten pigs from each group with similar body weight were selected to be slaughtered, and the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle samples were collected for histological analysis and measurements of genes and proteins expression levels.Result: In the present study, the muscle fiber diameter and the area of Normal soil and Antibacterial soil group were significantly higher than No soil group (P < 0.05). The Normal soil significantly upregulated the gene expression of MyoG compared to No soil and Antibacterial soil groups (P < 0.05). The gene expression of CD36 and CPT-1 of Normal soil group was significantly lower than No soil group (P < 0.05), while HSL expression of Normal soil group was significantly higher than Antibacterial and No soil groups (P < 0.05). The MyHC I of Normal soil group was significantly higher than No soil group (P < 0.05), but the expression MyHC IIa was lower than No soil group (P < 0.05). The protein expression expressed the similar result with gene expression. In addition, the Normal soil significantly increased the AMPK and mTOR phosphorylation compared to No soil and Antibacterial soil groups (P < 0.05).Conclusion: These data suggest that early exposure to topsoil regulates the muscle fiber growth, modulates the expression pattern related to myogenesis, muscle fiber type, intramuscular fat metabolism, and increases the phosphorylation of mTOR and AMPK pathways.
Radiomics-Based Distinction of s-HCC and Precancerous Lesion Based on Precontrast MRI
Authors: Luo JiaWen , Guo Kun , Gao XiaoNing , Liu Hao , Xiang Yue , Ding Jia
Published: May 2021

Background: To assess the feasibility of radiomics based on precontrast MRI for the distinguish of s-HCC and pre-HCC.Method: We retrospectively analyzed 146 nodules from 78 patients, with pathological confirmed. Each nodule was segment on precontrast MRI sequence(TIWI and fat-suppression T2WI), retrospectively. 1223radiomics features were extracted and the optimal 10 features were selected by LASSO to establish the logistic regression radiomics model. Result: The AUC, sensitivity and specificity of the training group and test group were 0.757 (95% CI 0.638 -0.853), 83.02% , 66.67% and 0.789 (95% CI 0.643-0.895), 88.89% and 80.00%, respectively. The AUC, sensitivity and specificity of the training group and test group were 0.903 (95% CI 0.807-0.962), 86.79% , 86.67% and 0.778 (95% CI 0.632-0.887), 75.00%, 80.00%, respectively. Delong test has proved that, the diagnositic performances of radiomics model based on T2WI were higher than that of radiomics model based on T1WI (p = 0.0379).Conclusion: Radiomics model can classify s-HCC and pre-HCC based on precontrast MRI. And may serve as an adjunct tool for accurate diagnosis of s-HCC.
Distribution of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in leaf cuticular waxes and leaf tissues of plants
Authors: Shen Guo-Ming , Shang Hong-Qin , Chen Zhi-Wei , Lu Yu , Zhang Ming , Wang Yi-Lei
Published: May 2021

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as plasticizer is widely used in the modern plastic manufacturing industry, DEHP and its breakdown products have been identified as a global environmental contaminant. Vegetables and crops which are the energy sources of human beings are often expose to DEHP, which enriched in humans through the food chain, resulting in many diseases. The content distribution of DEHP in leaf cuticular waxes and tissues of 14 plants including vegetables and crops, and in various parts of cells of 4 plants were investigated by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectromete (GC-MS). The results show the stronger the DEHP uptake ability of the plant the less ratio of DEHP in leaf cuticular wax occupying the total DEHP in the leaves of the plant. DEHP in atmosphere is adsorbed by leaf cuticular wax or stoma, then transfer to inner tissues through cell wall. Interestingly, we found that the leaf cuticular wax and cell wall of plants are possible barriers to uptake of DEHP for the plants possessing lower DEHP uptake ability. Our results will provide some information for further study on the mechanism of DEHP uptake by plants.
Triglyceride/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio is associated with the mortality of COVID-19: An Observational Study
Authors: Peng Fei , Wu Shangjie , Lei Si , Zhang Quan , Zhong Yanjun
Published: May 2021

(1) Background: Triglyceride to high density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-c) ratio is crucial when researching metabolic and vascular diseases, and its involvement in COVID-19 was sparsely elaborated on. The purpose of the study was to explore if there were any associations between the TG/HDL-c ratio and COVID-19 prognosis; (2) Methods: A total of 262 COVID-19 patients were retrospectively investigated. The clinical features and baseline hematological parameters were recorded and analyzed; (3) Results: Compared with the survivors, the non-survivors of COVID-19 had significantly higher levels of white blood cells (4.7 vs. 13.0 ×109/L; P < 0.001), neutrophils (3.0 vs. 11.6×109/L; P < 0.001), C-reactive proteins (15.7 vs. 76.7 mg/L; P < 0.001) and TG/HDL-c ratio (1.4 vs. 2.5; P = 0.001). The receiver operating characteristics curve [area under the curve, 0.731; 95% confidence interval, 0.609–0.853; P = 0.001] suggested that the TG/HDL-c ratio could predict the mortality of COVID-19. Moreover, the TG/HDL-c ratio was positively correlated with white blood cells (r = 0.255, P < 0.001), neutrophils (r = 0.243, P < 0.001) and C-reactive proteins (r = 0.170, P < 0.006); (4) Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that TG/HDL-c ratio may potentially be a predictive marker for mortality in COVID-19 patients.
A Hybrid Parallel Harris Hawks Optimization Algorithm for Reusable Launch Vehicle Reentry Trajectory Optimization With No-fly Zones
Authors: Su Ya , Dai Ying , Liu Yi
Published: May 2021

Reentry trajectory optimization is a critical optimal control problem for reusable launch vehicle (RLV) with highly nonlinear dynamic characteristics and complex constraints. In this paper, a hybrid parallel harris hawks optimization (HPHHO) algorithm is proposed to address the problem. HPHHO aims to enhance the performance of existing harris hawks optimization (HHO) algorithm by three strategies including oppositional learning, smoothing technique and parallel optimization mechanism. At the beginning of each iteration, the opposite population is calculated from the current population by the oppositional learning strategy. Following that, the individuals in the two populations are arranged in ascending order on the basis of the fitness function values, and the top half of the resulting population is selected as the initial population. The selected initial population is divided into two equal subpopulations which are assigned to the differential evolution and the HHO algorithm, respectively. The both algorithms operate in parallel to search and update the solutions of each subpopulation simultaneously. Then the solutions are smoothed for each iteration by the smoothing technique to reduce fluctuations. As a result, the optimal solution obtained by the parallel optimization mechanism avoids falling into local optima. The performance of HPHHO is evaluated by 4 CEC 2005 benchmark functions and 3 constrained continuous optimal control problems, showing better efficiency and robustness in terms of performance metrics, convergence rate and stability. Finally, the simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is very effective, practical and feasible in solving the RLV reentry trajectory optimization problem.
Fc-engineered antibody therapeutics with improved efficacy against COVID-19
Authors: Ravetch Jeffrey , Yamin Rachel , Jones Andrew , Hoffmann Hans-Heinrich , Kao Kevin , Francis Rebecca , Sheahan Timothy , Baric Ralph , Rice Charles , Bournazos Stylianos
Published: May 2021

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 have demonstrated clinical benefit in cases of mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection, substantially reducing the risk for hospitalization and severe disease1-4. Treatment generally requires the administration of high doses of these mAbs with limited efficacy in preventing disease complications or mortality among hospitalized COVID-19 patients5. Here we report the development and evaluation of Fc-optimized anti-SARS-CoV-2 mAbs with superior potency to prevent or treat COVID-19 disease. In several animal models of COVID-19 disease6,7, we demonstrate that selective engagement of activating FcγRs results in improved efficacy in both preventing and treating disease-induced weight loss and mortality, significantly reducing the dose required to confer full protection upon SARS-CoV-2 challenge and treatment of pre-infected animals. Our results highlight the importance of FcγR pathways in driving antibody-mediated antiviral immunity, while excluding any pathogenic or disease-enhancing effects of FcγR engagement of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies upon infection. These findings have important implications for the development of Fc-engineered mAbs with optimal Fc effector function and improved clinical efficacy against COVID-19 disease.
Eristalis (Diptera: Syrphidae) Flower Flies are Potential Non-host Vectors of the Common Trypanosome Bee Parasite, Crithidia Bombi
Authors: Davis Abby E. , Deutsch Kaitlin R. , Torres Alondra M. , Loya Mesly J. Mata , Cody Lauren , Harte Emma , Sossa David , Muñiz Paige A. , Ng Wee Hao , McArt Scott H.
Published: May 2021

Flowers can be transmission platforms for parasites that impact bee health, yet bees share floral resources with other pollinator taxa, such as flies, that could be hosts or non-host vectors (i.e., mechanical vectors) of parasites. Here, we assessed whether the fecal-orally transmitted gut parasite of bees, Crithidia bombi, can infect Eristalis tenax flower flies. We also investigated the potential for two confirmed solitary bee hosts of C. bombi, Osmia lignaria and Megachile rotundata, as well as two flower fly species, Eristalis arbustorum and E. tenax, to transmit the parasite at flowers. We found that C. bombi did not replicate (i.e., cause an active infection) in E. tenax flies. However, 93% of inoculated flies defecated live C. bombi in their first fecal event, and all contaminated fecal events contained C. bombi at concentrations sufficient to infect bumble bees. Flies and bees defecated inside the corolla (flower) more frequently than other plant locations, and flies defecated at volumes comparable to or greater than bees. Our results demonstrate that Eristalis flower flies are not hosts of C. bombi, but they may be mechanical vectors of this parasite at flowers. Thus, flower flies may amplify or dilute C. bombi in bee communities.
Failed implementation of mobile access to electronic health records in homecare: a qualitative study
Authors: Hagstedt Lovisa Jäderlund , Hvitfeldt Helena , Hägglund Maria
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUNDDigitalization could optimize healthcare; however, many eHealth projects are unsuccessful. By analyzing reasons for unsuccessful eHealth implementation, we could gain important knowledge on how to achieve successful digitalization in primary care and homecare.The aim of this study is to describe the implementation process of a tablet computer with an mHealth app that provides mobile access to the electronic health record (EHR) in homecare in order to understand reasons for unsuccessful implementations of mHealth interventions, as well as potential success factors.METHODSA tablet computer with mobile access to the EHR was implemented in 4 primary care centers and one municipality home care organization in Sweden. Focus groups, interviews and observations were used to evaluate how the implementation affects the work of the healthcare professionals. Qualitative content analysis informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research was used to analyze the implementation process and interpret the results.RESULTSThe implementation of the eHealth application was unsuccessful, mainly because the application did not fully support the users’ needs, but also due to immature technology and unstable infrastructure. Outcome of the intervention was dependent on context and user engagement. Users who had been involved in the development were more positive, despite missing functions, whereas those who had not been involved struggled to adopt the mobile tool. Development of the mHealth app and the subsequent implementation process was lengthy which affected user engagement negatively. The implementation process was insufficient and use of the application was affected by poor readiness for implementation. Users perceived lack of leadership engagement and questioned available resources dedicated to the implementation, in terms of resources and training.CONCLUSIONSThe functionality of mHealth must support users’ needs, be sufficiently integrated with existing eHealth ecosystems, and all aspects of the implementation process must be met to ensure success. Premature implementations may cause change fatigue and become a barrier for future implementation projects. In order to achieve the potential of mHealth, we have to ensure that sufficient resources are allocated to design and development, evaluation and feasibility studies and support and engagement during the implementation of mHealth in the future.
Influence of native endophytic bacteria on the growth and bacterial crown rot tolerance of papaya (Carica papaya)
Authors: Rivarez Mark Paul Selda , Parac Elizabeth P. , Dimasingkil Shajara Fatima M. , Mirnia Eka , Magdalita Pablito M.
Published: May 2021

The native plant microbiome is composed of diverse communities that influence its overall health, with some species known to promote plant growth and pathogen resistance. Here, we show the antibacterial and growth promoting activities of autoclaved culture metabolites (ACMs) from native endophytic bacteria (NEB) in a papaya cultivar that is tolerant to bacterial crown rot (BCR) caused by Erwinia mallotivora . Initially, bacterial colonization in recovering tissues of this cultivar was observed before onset of tissue regeneration or 'regrowth'. We further isolated and characterized these bacteria and were able to identify two culturable stem NEB under genera Kosakonia (EBW), related to Enterobacter , and Sphingomonas (EBY). We also identified root NEB (BN, BS and BT) under genus Bacillus . Inhibition assays indicated that ACMs from these NEB promptly (18-30h) and efficiently inhibited (60-65%) E. mallotivora proliferation in vitro. Interestingly, when ACMs from BN and EBW were inoculated in surface-sterilized papaya seeds, germination was variably retarded (20-60% reduction) depending on plant genotype, but plant biomass accumulation was significantly stimulated, at around two-fold increase. Moreover, greenhouse experiments show that ACMs from all isolates, especially EBW, significantly reduced BCR incidence and severity in susceptible genotype, at around two-fold. In general, our observations of pathogen antagonism, plant growth promotion leading to disease reduction by ACMs of native endophytic bacteria suggested its contribution to increased fitness of papaya and tolerance against the (re)emerging BCR disease.
ACP5, TNF, and MMP8 were identified as potential biomarkers of steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Zhang Jian , Liu Zehan , Ren Shuai , Shen Zilong , Han Kecheng , Xin Weiguang , He Guanyi , Huang Chi , Liu Jianyu
Published: May 2021

Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SONFH) is a progressive bone disorder that is characterized by femoral head collapse and hip joint dysfunction. To elucidate the biomarkers of SONFH, the GSE123568 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. A total of 436 differentially expressed SONFH genes were screened in comparison with non-SONFH genes. Six biological processes and four KEGG pathways were enriched in SONFH by GSEA, and 68 candidate genes that were involved in these pathways were selected for subsequent analysis. Moreover, through an ingenuity pathway analysis, we obtained 10 canonical pathways and 20 molecule function modules related to SONFH, and acquired 121 candidate genes. Furthermore, we identified ACP5, TNF, and MMP8 as the genes most related to SONFH according to the VarElect and MalaCards database. Based on these hub genes, the targeted miRNAs and the lncRNAs were predicted. Finally, the ceRNA network was constructed by using ACP5, TNF, MMP8, seven miRNAs, and 956 candidate lncRNAs. In conclusion, the ACP5, TNF, and MMP8 might be potential biomarkers of SONFH.
Pengaruh Lama Simpan dan Macam Wadah Penyimpanan terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Panen Muda Jahe Merah (Zingiber Officinale Var. Rubrum. Rosc.)
Authors: Agus Mayra Auliarachma , Rogomulyo Rohlan
Published: May 2021

Tanaman jahe merah (Zingiber officinale var. Rubrum. Rosc.) merupakan salah satu komoditas pertanian yang permintaannya terus meningkat dari tahun ke tahun baik di dalam maupun di luar negeri. Jahe merah dikembangkan karena memiliki khasiat sebagai bahan obat tradisional, bumbu masak, dan penghasil senyawa aromatik. Meskipun tanaman jahe merah telah lama dibudidayakan, namun peningkatan produksi jahe merah belum maksimal. Oleh karena itu, selain perluasan area tanam, penggunaan benih bermutu menjadi salah satu upaya dalam menunjang keberhasilan peningkatan produksi jahe merah di Indonesia, Mutu benih sebelum ditanam harus terjaga agar tanaman jahe merah dapat tumbuh dan menghasilkan dengan baik. Dalam penelitian ini dilakukan pengujian untuk mendapatkan lama simpan dan macam wadah penyimpanan yang berpengaruh paling baik terhadap mutu benih, pertumbuhan dan hasil jahe merah. Lama penyimpanan yang diterapkan yaitu 0 bulan, 1 bulan, dan 2 bulan, dan macam wadah yang digunakan adalah kotak anyaman bambu (besek), karung beras, dan plastik hermetik. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan penyimpanan sampai dengan 2 bulan menggunakan ketiga macam wadah penyimpanan berupa keranjang anyaman bambu (besek), karung beras, dan plastik hermetik menghasilkan pertumbuhan dan bobot segar rimpang jahe merah yang sama baiknya.
Certification of fisheries human rights and its impact to protecting the rights of fishing vessel crew
Authors: Nur Muhammad , Hajir Susanto M.
Published: May 2021

The crew of fishing vessels is human beings, the absolute owners of human rights that have been universally recognized. To anticipate and overcome many human rights violations in the Indonesian seas, the Government, through the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries issued a Regulation of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Number 35 of 2015 concerning Fisheries Human Rights Systems and Certification. This research further describes how the provisions of the fisheries' human rights certification and analyzes their impact on protecting human rights for fishing vessel crews in Indonesia. The author uses a normative juridical research method by examining library materials or other secondary materials. The data collection method used is a literature study. The tools used are documents in the form of primary, secondary, and non-legal legal materials. The data obtained were analyzed qualitatively and then presented descriptively. This study found that there are various forms of human rights violations against fishing boat crews. Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries then enforces regulation to prevent human rights violations by business actors against fishing vessel crews. There are several weaknesses in regulations and implementations, namely weaknesses in wage system arrangements, limited regulatory targets, the involvement of workers and employers' representatives in the fisheries human rights team that is not clear, weaknesses of the coordinating system for fisheries human rights teams with supervisors employment, weaknesses of fisheries human rights assessment institutions, weaknesses of socialization for employers and workers. The author suggests that it is necessary to strengthen the coordination and cooperation system between ministries in implementing Fisheries Human Rights Regulations. It also needs to improve communication and dissemination of policies and regulations to stakeholders.
Pengaruh Partisipasi Manajer, Pengalaman Kerja Dan Kompleksitas Tugas Terhadap Efektivitas Pengguna Sistem Informasi Akuntansi Pada Perusahaan Daerah Air Minum (PDAM) Kabupaten Tabanan
Authors: Suputra Komang Arya , Erna Trisna Dewi A.A.A , Surya Luh Putu Lusi Satyandarini
Published: May 2021

Efektivitas pengguna sistem informasi akuntansi merupakan suatu ukuran yang memberikan gambaran sejauh mana target dapat dicapai dari suatu kumpulan sumber daya yang diatur untuk mengumpulkan, memproses, dan menyimpan data elektronik, kemudian mengubahnya menjadi sebuah informasi yang berguna serta menyediakan laporan formal yang dibutuhkan dengan baik secara kualitas maupun waktu. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji secara empiris pengaruh partisipasi manajer, pengalaman kerja dan kompleksitas tugas terhdap efektivitas pengguna sistem informasi akuntansi pada perusahaan daerah air minum (PDAM) kabupaten tabanan. Teori yang adalah teori theory of reasoned action (TRA). Dalam penelitian ini memiliki populasi sebanyak 314 orang dengan method penentuan sampel purposive sampling, sehingga data sampel berjumlah 63 sampel. Jenis dan sumber data dalam penelitian ini adalah data kuantitatif dan data kualitatif. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan teknik kuesioner. Teknik analisis data dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis regresi linier berganda. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa baik secara simultan dan parsial variabel partisipasi manajer, pengalaman kerja dan kompleksitas tugas berpengaruh positif terhadap efektivitas pengguna sistem informasi akuntansi pada perusahaan daerah air minum (PDAM) KabupatenTabanan.
Pengaruh Kesadaran, Lingkungan, dan Sanksi Pajak Terhadap Kepatuhan WPOP dengan Persepsi Fraud Pajak Sebagai Variabel Pemoderasi di KPP Pratama Badung Utara
Authors: Putriani Ni Made Dwi , Sastri Ida I Dewa Ayu Manik , Kartana I Wayan
Published: May 2021

Penelitian ini menjelaskan faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi tingkat kepatuhan wajib pajak. Faktor-faktor tersebut yaitu kesadaran WP, lingkungan WP, dan sanksi pajak dengan persepsi fraud pajak sebagai variabel pemoderasi. Populasinya menggunakan WPOP yang ada di Kabupaten Badung Utara. Data yang ada di KPP Pratama Badung Utara, hingga tahun 2019 terdapat 69.676 WPOP yang terdaftar. Sampel diambil dengan metode nonprobability sampling dengan teknik yaitu incidental sampling. Sampel diambil sebanyak 100 orang. Pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner. Analisis datanya dengan analisis regresi moderasi. Hasil pengujian telah membuktikan bahwa kesadaran WP, lingkungan WP, dan sanksi pajak berpengaruh positif terhadap tingkat kepatuhan WPOP (sig < α=0,05) serta persepsi fraud pajak mampu memoderasi kesadaran WP, lingkungan WP, dan sanksi pajak terhadap tingkat kepatuhan WPOP.
Komunikasi NonVerbal Dalam Praktik Peradilan Pidana Dengan Kewenangan Melakukan Interpretasi Hukum
Authors: Marbun Rocky
Published: May 2021

Konsekuensi logis dari ketertundukan terhadap civil law system—salah satunya, adalah paper working atau administrative minded. Sebagaimana dicirikan melalui Pasal 75 KUHAP, yaitu setiap tindakan hukum harus dalam bentuk Berita Acara Pemeriksaan (BAP). Maka, suatu BAP merupakan dokumen hukum yang mengandung bahan keterangan bagi Aparat Penegak Hukum (APH) untuk memperoleh deskripsi mengenai peristiwa pidana. Kajian Ilmu Hukum Normatif, pada hakekatnya, fokus kepada kegiatan APH menginterpretasi dokumen hukum untuk dapat memunculkan suatu keputusan hukum. Sehingga, para praktisi dan akademisi hukum melupakan kemampuan APH sebagai manusia biasa yang dapat membangun suatu komunikasi non-verbal dalam kaitannya dengan keputusan-keputusan hukum yang akan dibuatnya. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini fokus kepada suatu bentuk komunikasi non-verbal yang memberikan pengaruh pada ranah praxis dari Ilmu Hukum, yaitu dengan mengajukan permasalahannya adalah “bagaimanakah pengaruh suatu komunikasi non-verbal dalam proses peradilan pidana pada Sistem Peradilan Pidana di Indonesia?” Guna menjawab permasalahan tersebut, maka Peneliti menggunakan Metode Penelitian Yuridis Normatif sebagai suatu konsekuensi logis dalam Ilmu Hukum yang berbasis kepada data sekunder melalui studi kepustakaan. Agar melengkapi penelitian ini, maka Peneliti menggunakan beberapa model pendekatan penelitian yaitu pendekatan filsafat, pendekatan semiotik, dan pendekatan hermeneutika, dengan metode analisisnya adalah analisis kualitatif. Adapun hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya upaya memarginalkan interpretasi hukum sebagai dasar membuat keputusan, dengan mengedepankan komunikasi non-verbal dalam praktik peradilan pidana.
Sanksi Kasepekang Dalam Hukum Adat Bali
Authors: Sukadana I Ketut , Sudibya Diah Gayatri , Karma Ni Made Sukaryati
Published: May 2021

Desa adat di Bali sebagaimana kini diatur melalui Peraturan Daerah Provinsi Bali Nomor 4 Tahun 2019, memiliki sistem pemerintahan yang sama. Kegiatan yang dilakukan dalam desa adat meliputi bidang adat dan keagamaan, dimana suatu desa adat di Bali memiliki aturan adat tersendiri yang dituangkan dalam awig-awig desa. Pemerintahan desa adat bersifat otonom, dalam arti setiap desa adat mempunyai aturan tesendiri yang hanya berlaku bagi warga desa/ banjar yang bersangkutan. Secara umum aturan-aturan yang tertuang dalam awig-awig sama sekali tidak boleh bertentangan dengan peraturan yang berlaku baik di tingkat nasional maupun daerah. Tetapi dalam kenyataannya masih ditemukan awig-awig dibeberapa desa adat yang memuat sanksi yang tidak cocok lagi dengan perkembangan jaman, seperti misalnya masih menerapkan sanksi adat kasepekang yaitu pengucilan dari pergaulan hidup bersama. Pengucilan warga masyarakat ini tidak tanggung-tanggung, bahkan ada yang sampai menutup akses ke luar dari tanah pekarangan rumahnya. Permasalahan yang dikaji dalam penelitian ini: (1) pengaturan sanksi dalam hukum adat Bali, dan (2) Faktor yang menjadi alasan diterapkannya sanksi adat kasepekang. Tipe penelitian ini adalah empiris dengan teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan wawancara terhadap informan. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disampaikan bahwa pengaturan sanksi adat tercantum dalam awig-awig setiap desa adat yaitu indik pamidanda (perihal sanksi); Adapun yang menjadi alasan masih diterapkannya sanksi kasepekang dalam kehidupan masyarakat adalah karena yang bersangkutan bersikap keterlaluan dan sulit dibina, disamping jenis sanksi ini tercantum dalam awig-awig sehingga prajuru adat (pemimpin adat) masih mempunyai landasan hukum untuk menerapkannya.
VARIASI PENAMBAHAN SIKACIM PADA BETON POROUS
Authors: Gusneli Yanti  , Zainuri  , Shanti Wahyuni Megasari
Published: May 2021

Beton porous merupakan beton ramah lingkungan karena mempunyai rongga saling terhubung yang menghasilkan bahan yang permeabel, sehingga memungkinkan dapat mengalirkan air secara cepat dan dapat mengurangi limpasan. Beton ini dapat diaplikasikan untuk area parkir, trotoar untuk pejalan kaki dan sebagainya. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui karakterisitk beton dengan pengamatan terhadap kuat tekan dan porositasnya. Metode yang digunakan adalah experimen dengan sampel uji berbentuk silinder ukuran 150 x 300 mm. Pada penelitian ini menggunakan agregat kasar,  semen, air serta variasi penambahan admixture SikaCim concrete additive sebesar 0% (kontrol); 0.3 % ; 0.5%; 0.7% terhadap berat semen. Fas yang dipergunakan sebesar 0.25 dan 0.30 serta perbandingan semen dan agregat kasar 1:3 dan 1:5. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan nilai kekuatan tekan beton porous mengalami kenaikan seiring dengan semakin kecil nilai rasio semen agregat. Nilai porositas beton porous dengan fas 0.25 lebih tinggi dari fas 0.30 Terdapat hubungan antara porositas dan kuat tekan, kekuatan tekan umumnya meningkat seiring dengan penurunan porositas. Nilai rata-rata kuat tekan tertinggi dengan variasi penambahan SikaCim sebesar 0.5% dan perbandingan semen agregat kasar 1:3 serta faktor air semen 0.3, dengan nilai kuat tekan sebesar 18.08 MPa, termasuk dalam kategori B yang digunakan untuk pelataran parkir.