bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Philosophy of Wabi-Sabi on Chashitsu Tai-an Myokian Shrine: A John Fiske's Semiotic Analysis
Authors: Wulan Sulistiyanie
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to describe the meaning of wabi-sabi that contained in the Tai-an tea room at Myokian Shrine, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The research of data is a video from the television program produced by NHK television station with a duration of five minutes named Hyouge Mono: Meihin Meiseki episode 7. The program features three sections of the tea room, there are nijiriguchi (the door), chashitsu (the tea room) and tokonoma (the alcove). This research used John Fiske's television semiotics theory which consists of three levels, the reality level, the representation level and the ideology level to find the codes that seen in the three sections. The method used is a qualitative descriptive method. The analysis of the reality and representation levels produces an ideology level in the form of a wabi-sabi philosophy represented by the zen aesthetic by Shinichi Hisamatsu. The results of this study indicate that in the Tai-an tea room contain several zen characteristics, there are kanso (simple), datsuzoku (free), fukinsei (asymmetric) and yugen (subtle). These characteristics represent simplicity, resignation, humility and tranquility in wabi-sabi and help to realize the concept of ichi go ichi e that aimed by Sen no Rikyu
KAJIAN SASTRA PERJALANAN DALAM HIKAYAT KISAH PELAYARAN ABDULLAH KE MEKAH KARYA ABDULLAH BIN ABDUL KADIR MUNSYI
Authors: Fahmilda Yacub , Zulikha Putri
Published: June 2021

This research is aimed to identify and to reveal a hikayat as classic travel literature of Indonesia by the travel writing theory of Carl Thompson. To gain those purposes, this research used literary criticism and descriptive-analytic methods. The object of this study is Kisah Pelayaran Abdullah ke Mekah by Abdullah bin Abdul Kadir Munsyi  (1854), focusing on the six elements of travel writing by Carl Thompson’s approach based on the hikayat. This study shows that the hikayat contains six elements of travel writing. Those are self, other, movement, space, encounter, and writing. Abdullah as a sailor puts himself in his hikayat as the main character by using “sahaya” and “aku” to articulate “self” in his hikayat. The “self” during travel met new and foreign things that the author had never seen before. He drew and expressed his point of view, feeling, and observation of all the encounters that he had met during sailing in to hikayat.Keywords: Carl Thompson, hikayat, travel writing
Factors that the Effect of Social Welfare Service on Poor Family Stress Reduction
Authors: SHAN Tie-Cheng , WU Hai-Tao , LI Jun
Published: June 2021

There is no choice for a person being born in a family. Currently, the situation of family poverty is getting serious. Lots of low-income population is children stuck in poverty. The weakness of family economy results in the bad development, e.g. low social economy, poverty, cultural capital, and family structure disadvantage, to affect children not receiving sufficient family resources in the enlightenment stage and being the inheritors of inter-generation poverty. Poverty gap drives clearer social stratification, and the adverse nature environment becomes a secret concern in children’ future development. Aiming at poor families in Hubei, as the questionnaire analysis objects, 280 copies of questionnaire are distributed, and 214 valid copies are retrieved, with the retrieval rate 76%. The research results are summarized as below: Top five indicators, among 22, are sequenced in-kind subsidy, visit care, self-help groups, community activity, and sponsorship for education; Overall speaking, poor families receiving social welfare service show the highest satisfaction with financial subsidy; besides, sponsorship system is correlated with financial subsidy that poor families are satisfied with sponsorship system; Psychological behaviors involve in individual single parents and the children. Under the emphasis of single parents on the children and the support for single parents’ personal emotions, single parents are obviously satisfied with psychological behavior service. According to the results to propose suggestions, it is expected to benefit the government promoting various social welfare services to fully take care of public welfare and promote people’s quality of life.
Countermeasures for the Revitalization and Development of Rural Industries in Poverty-stricken Areas under the Background of Policy Transfer
Authors: ZHAI Tao , YANG Hui , ZHANG Qi , GUO Mingming
Published: June 2021

In-depth promotion of poverty alleviation and comprehensive implementation of the rural revitalization strategy are important strategic tasks during the period of China’s construction of a moderately prosperous society. At present, the poverty alleviation and rural revitalization are in a period of historical convergence, and the intensity of policies and investment is unprecedentedly huge. Rural revitalization is what we must continue to do after poverty alleviation. Only when the two are seamlessly connected can the results of poverty alleviation have consolidated, and rural revitalization policies can have effectively implemented. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to use the system as the support, to make up for shortcomings as the focus, to solve the problem as the orientation, and to improve the system and mechanism of rural revitalization based on consolidating the results of poverty alleviation. This article puts forward the research on the countermeasures for the revitalization and development of agricultural industries in poverty-stricken areas, which is conducive to the upgrading of agricultural products under the guidance of the rural revitalization strategy and the plan to return to poverty after 2020. It also helps to re-understand rural revitalization in the process of poverty alleviation, learn from the valuable experience accumulated in poverty alleviation, and steadily promote high-quality agricultural products.
Based on AHP to Discuss Critical Factors in Open Government Data
Authors: LIN Jie-Shin , WU Yu-Lung
Published: June 2021

The expansion of the government has the role definition and administrative category become more complicated. Meanwhile, the government controls the capacity and power to collect huge domestic national data, whose quantity and quality possessed by the government far exceed those controlled by private enterprises, organizations, and individuals. Along with the boom of digital technology and Internet, the emerging brand-new service depends on huge open government data. The questionnaire for this study is randomly distributed to the mass society in southern Taiwan to understand the weights of factors in the mass society. Total 300 copies of questionnaire are distributed, and 271 valid copies are retrieved, with the retrieval rate 90%. The research results reveal that political and social is mostly emphasized among dimensions in Hierarchy, followed by technical and economic and top five indicators, among 15, are ordered public license, single entry, governance transparency, data resolution, and data reuse. According to the results, discussion and suggestions are proposed, expecting to help the government further legislates for simplifying the openness process, reduce costs or commercial data use, and promote domestic competitiveness.
Influence Factors in the Effectiveness of National Defense Anti-Corruption Governance
Authors: CHOW Nathan Cheng-Hu , YEH I-Jan
Published: June 2021

Armed forces are currently in the environment with moral ambiguity and multiple cultures. In face of the chaos, corruption, and wasteful trend in current social value system, continuous conflict is bothering the cultivation and atmosphere of military character. Under the situation, officers and soldiers could easily fall into bad belief and become indifferent to surrounding affairs with apathy. Various military discipline events appear in domestic armed forces in past years; besides, the exaggeration and report of print media and electronic media, and even some officers and soldiers spilling, smearing, and slandering each other to defile others’ innocence destroy the image of armed forces. Military character presents close relations with integrity building action. Aiming at military personnel in Ministry of National Defense, total 420 copies of questionnaire are distributed, and 347 valid copies are retrieved, with the retrieval rate 83%. The research results are summarized as below. Factors in the effectiveness of armed forces personnel’s anti-corruption governance contain micro aspects of lack of legal and disciplinary ideas and value deviation of armed forces personnel as well as macro aspect of complicated approval operation and rules resulting in lobbying interfering businesses. The effectiveness of armed forces personnel’s anti-corruption governance not being affirmed by the society is related to the engagement of supervisors at all levels in anti-corruption work, as armed forces personnel are restricted to the political environment and aging senior customs personnel that the director’s engagement in anti-corruption work is not manifested. Armed forces personnel involving in internal anti-corruption problems are minimized to largely reduce the effectiveness of anti-corruption governance. According to the results, suggestions are proposed, expecting to improve problems resulted from military discipline and to promote the armed forces’ image of integrity, being close to the people, and loving the people.
Empirical Study on the Effects of the Application of Virtual Reality to Experiential Education on Students’ Learning Attitude and Learning Effectiveness
Authors: KONG Lingke
Published: June 2021

Along with the change in social environment, a lot of families ignore the parenting styles to result in weak empathy of students, who simply see others’ faults but ignore personal responsibilities. In the experiential education process, the guides encourage students to seek for answers by themselves, allowing students presenting sense of participation and sense of accomplishment. Nevertheless, it requires more research to prove whether experiential education activity could enhance students’ learning effectiveness. Apply experimental design model to the quasi-experimental study, total 198 students in Jiangsu, as the research objects, are precede the 16-week (3 hours per week for total 48 hours) experimental teaching. The research results are summarized as following. 1. Applying virtual reality to experiential education with teams, students reveal good interaction with peers and receive honor and affirmation in the group. The learning attitude and motivation are therefore positive. 2. Applying virtual reality to experiential education activity for team tasks and peers interaction, students present the ability to organize and execute action processes to achieve specific achievement belief and achieve the objectives with the application of virtual reality to experiential education. 3. Students favoring the application of virtual reality to experiential education would engage in the group and regard it as the model to change the behaviors. In this case, students participating in virtual reality applied experiential education appear significantly positive correlations between learning attitude and learning effectiveness. According to the results to propose suggestions, it is expected to more effectively integrate teachers or adjust the directions of teaching strategies to effectively provide the effort direction for students’ learning needs.
Evaluation Principles' Influence of Critical Thinking Foreign Language Teaching on German Literature Classroom Learning Motivation
Authors: WANG Wei
Published: June 2021

The basis of critical thinking foreign language teaching is to regard language as a means to develop higher-order thinking ability. In language teaching, it aims to develop the thinking ability of learners, and to use the language-learning concept of thinking ability in situations beyond language classrooms. It contains a series of principles that reflect this view of language and language teaching, which can be used to support various classroom-operating procedures. Studies have summarized the principles of critical thinking foreign language teaching into 8 items: target, evaluate, routinize, reflect, inquire, fulfill, integrate, and content. This study takes the literature course that requires the highest critical thinking ability in the teaching of German major in universities as an example, and investigates the influence of the most easily neglected evaluation principle on students' learning motivation through quantitative experiments.
The Strength of Motivation of Medical Students in Romania in the Context of Migration Opportunities
Authors: DUICA Lavinia Corina , SZALONTAY Andreea , ANTONESCU Elisabeta , NISTOR Ionut , POP Alexandra , TOTAN Maria , SILISTEANU Sinziana Calina
Published: June 2021

In this study we aim to study in what way the Strength of motivation of the Romanian medical students has been influenced by harsh economic conditions that led to a massive migration. We conducted a cross-sectional study on a sample size of N=1516. We applied The Strength of Motivation for Medical School-Revised (SMMS) questionnaire and a questionnaire that examines the opinion of the students about migration. The mean value of motivation was 48 (maximum score is 75), 85% of the students have the intention to migrate. The determining factor of studying medicine abroad that correlates significantly with the Strength of motivation is represented by the better work conditions. Students studying in the South of the country want to practice primary in France, students in the North West and in the Center choose to practice medicine in Germany, and students from the East would like to go to Great Britain. The students with a high Strength of motivation are driven by the desire of the students to practice medicine abroad. Higher salaries don’t represent the principal factor for leaving the country. The percent of 85% of the students aiming to practice medicine abroad, represent a concerning result for all of us because it took the form of brain drain.
Analiza sociodemografică a fenomenului îmbătrânirii populației cu implicații asupra sistemului românesc de pensii
Authors: Bonea Georgiana Virginia
Published: June 2021

The first part of the study has as it’s main objective to expose a brief socio-demographic analysis on the problem of aging population, both in Romania and in other European Union countries. The second part of the study follows the implications that the aging population phenomenon has on the Romanian state pension system. Also, the paper proposes an investigation of the risks to which the population aged 65 years and over is exposed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, based on specific comorbidities. To form an overview of these aspects, it will be used secondary data research, with information from public institutions such as: the National Institute of Statistics; Ministry of Internal Affairs; National House of Public Pensions; The Government of Romania; Financial Supervisory Authority; Eurostat; World Health Organization; United Nations Organization; Organization for Economic Co-operationand Development; as well as specific legislation and updated specialized literature. The last part of the study offers a series of conclusions which will result in several general solutions to the aging population problem.
Fake news as a social phenomenon in the digital age: a sociological research agenda
Authors: Toma Gabriel-Alexandru
Published: June 2021

This paper proposes a sociological research agenda for analysing the spreading mechanisms of misinformation in contemporary society. The contemporary fake news phenomenon is approached as an emergent outcome of inter-related technological, economic, socio-cultural and political factors that have made society vulnerable to misinformation. Those factors are understood as generators of various social dynamics rather than as direct causal determinants. In order to better acknowledge the conditions under which fake news is propagated and legitimated in digital society, news should be approached not only as a commodity that functions in a market-driven economy, but also as a social institution that regulates political discourse and public debate. Based on these considerations, the conclusions support the necessity of a more prominent sociological focus on media studies, which could build awareness of the performative role of language in the context of technologically mediated realities.
The Formulation of a Dynamic Portfolio between Gold and Stocks on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Suryani Cyndi , Robiyanto Robiyanto
Published: June 2021

COVID-19 pandemic made investor to be careful to choose the portfolio instrument. A portfolio that is formed by the right instrument certainly can minimize risks and maximize the return. This research analyzes the dynamic portfolio formed by gold and leading stocks in COVID-19 period, which is better than the the portfolio formed by stocks alone. The data used is secondary data, which is the LQ-45 index daily closing price data  and world gold prices. This research also uses risk free rate data taken from bi.go.id. The analysis technique in this research is DCC-GARCH. Findings. This research concludes that stock portfolios with gold showing a good performance result with variability-based measurement.
Analysis the level of Efficiency of Sharia Commercial Bank and Sharia Business Unit in Indonesia with Data Envelopment Analysis Method
Authors: Aziz Roikhan Mochamad , Amanda Dita Nur
Published: June 2021

This research has the purpose to measure efficiency and analyze the efficiency comparison between Sharia Commercial Bank (BUS) and Sharia Bussines Unit (UUS) in Indonesia and compare the efficiency during the period 2008-2013. There are 10 Islamic banks which are used as samples of this research consisting of 3 Sharia Commercial Bank (BUS) and 7 Sharia Business Unit (UUS) that were chosen by purposive sampling. Efficiency measurements in this research using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). To determine differences in efficiency between Sharia Commercial Bank (BUS) and Sharia Bussines Unit (UUS), this study uses a different test parametric independent sample t-test. The result of this research showed that there is no significant difference between the efficiency of Sharia Commercial Bank (BUS) and Sharia Bussines Unit (UUS), during the period of 2008-2013 with possible intervention t value (-0.429) < t table (2.002) and probability value =0.000.
Isolation and Characterization of an Endophytic Fungus Colletotrichum coccodes Producing Tyrosol From Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Using ITS2 RNA Secondary Structure and Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Talukdar Rajreepa , Padhi Srichandan , Rai Amit K. , Masi Marco , Evidente Antonio , Jha Dhruva Kumar , Cimmino Alessio , Tayung Kumananda
Published: June 2021

An endophytic fungus isolated from healthy leaf tissues of Houttuynia cordata Thunb., an ethnomedicinal plant of North East India, showed a considerable amount of antimicrobial activity. The ethyl acetate extract of the fungal culture filtrates displayed promising antimicrobial activity against a panel of clinically significant pathogens including Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Bioassay guided purification of the organic extract using column and thin layer chromatography yielded a pure homogenous compound which was identified using spectroscopic methods (essentially by 1H NMR and MS) as tyrosol, a well-known phenylethanoid present in several natural sources. Besides, molecular docking studies against tyrosyl tRNA synthetases (TyrRS) of S. aureus (PDB ID: 1JIL) and E. coli (PDB ID: 1VBM), and CYP45014α-lanosterol demethylase (CYP51) of C. albicans (PDB ID: 5FSA) revealed tyrosol has a strong binding affinity with the enzyme active site residues. The fungus was identified as Colletotrichum sp. and characterized by its genomic ITS rDNA and ITS2 sequences. Phylogenetic analyses showed clustering of our isolate with Colletotrichum coccodes. Species of Colletotrichum are also reported to be plant pathogens. Therefore, to confirm the endophytic lifestyle of the isolate, ITS2 RNA secondary structure study was undertaken. The result indicated our isolate exhibited differences in the folding pattern as well as in motif structures when compared to those of pathogenic C. coccodes. The findings indicated that endophytic fungi harboring H. cordata could be explored as a potent source of antimicrobial agents.
Sensitivity of Intervertebral Disc Finite Element Models to Internal Geometric and Non-geometric Parameters
Authors: Du Yuekang , Tavana Saman , Rahman Tamanna , Baxan Nicoleta , Hansen Ulrich N. , Newell Nicolas
Published: June 2021

Finite element models are useful for investigating internal intervertebral disc (IVD) behaviours without using disruptive experimental techniques. Simplified geometries are commonly used to reduce computational time or because internal geometries cannot be acquired from CT scans. This study aimed to (1) investigate the effect of altered geometries both at endplates and the nucleus-anulus boundary on model response, and (2) to investigate model sensitivity to material and geometric inputs, and different modelling approaches (graduated or consistent fibre bundle angles and glued or cohesive inter-lamellar contact). Six models were developed from 9.4 T MRIs of bovine IVDs. Models had two variations of endplate geometry (a simple curved profile from the centre of the disc to the periphery, and precise geometry segmented from MRIs), and three variations of NP-AF boundary (linear, curved, and segmented). Models were subjected to axial compressive loading (to 0.86 mm at a strain rate of 0.1/s) and the effect on stiffness and strain distributions, and the sensitivity to modelling approaches was investigated. The model with the most complex geometry (segmented endplates, curved NP-AF boundary) was 3.1 times stiffer than the model with the simplest geometry (curved endplates, linear NP-AF boundary), although this difference may be exaggerated since segmenting the endplates in the complex geometry models resulted in a shorter average disc height. Peak strains were close to the endplates at locations of high curvature in the segmented endplate models which were not captured in the curved endplate models. Differences were also seen in sensitivity to material properties, graduated fibre angles, cohesive rather than glued inter-lamellar contact, and NP:AF ratios. These results show that FE modellers must take care to ensure geometries are realistic so that load is distributed and passes through IVDs accurately.
Senescent Changes and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress May Be Involved in the Pathogenesis of Missed Miscarriage
Authors: Tang Yunhui , Zhang Xinyan , Zhang Yi , Feng Hua , Gao Jing , Liu Haiyan , Guo Fang , Chen Qi
Published: June 2021

Background

Senescence is involved in many complications of pregnancy. However, whether senescent changes are also associated with missed miscarriage has not been fully investigated.

Methods

The levels of p16, p21, and γH2AX, markers of senescence, were measured in placentas collected from women with missed miscarriage by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Levels of misfolded proteins in missed miscarriage placentas or normal first-trimester placenta that had been treated with H2O2 (100 μM) or extracellular vesicles (EVs) collected from missed miscarriage placental explant culture were measured by fluorescent compound, thioflavin-T. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by missed miscarriage placentas was measured by CellROX® Deep Red.

Results

Increased levels of p16, p21, and γH2AX were presented in missed miscarriage placentas compared to controls. Increased levels of misfolded proteins were shown in missed miscarriage placentas, but not in EVs that were collected from missed miscarriage placentas. The ROS production was significantly increased in missed miscarriage placental explant cultures. Increased levels of misfolded proteins were seen in the normal first-trimester placenta that had been treated with H2O2 compared to untreated.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that there are increases in senescence and endoplasmic reticulum stress and ROS production in missed miscarriage placenta. Oxidative stress and an accumulation of misfolded proteins in missed miscarriage placentas may contribute to the changes of senescence and endoplasmic reticulum stress seen in missed miscarriage placentas.
Role of Tet2 in Regulating Adaptive and Innate Immunity
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Li Lifang , Sun Xiaoxiao , Deng Tuo , Huang Gan , Li Xia , Xie Zhiguo , Zhou Zhiguang
Published: June 2021

Accumulated evidence indicates that epigenetic modifications play central roles in gene expression regulation and participate in developing many autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Mechanistically, epigenetic modifications act as a bridge between environmental and cellular factors and susceptibility genes. DNA methylation is a critical epigenetic modification that is regulated by ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes. Accumulating evidence has revealed that TET family proteins function as gene regulators and antitumor drug targets mainly because of their ability to oxidize 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Recently, the effect of Tet2, an essential TET protein, on the development of autoimmune diseases has been explored. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of Tet2 in immune response regulation, clarify the mechanisms of Tet2 in B and T cell differentiation and function, and discuss the opposing effects of Tet2 on inflammatory gene expression in the immune system to provide new potential therapeutic targets for related diseases.
Transcriptome Profiling of Mouse Corpus Callosum After Cerebral Hypoperfusion
Authors: Takase Hajime , Hamanaka Gen , Ohtomo Ryo , Ishikawa Hidehiro , Chung Kelly K. , Mandeville Emiri T. , Lok Josephine , Fornage Myriam , Herrup Karl , Tse Kai-Hei , Lo Eng H. , Arai Ken
Published: June 2021

White matter damage caused by cerebral hypoperfusion is a major hallmark of subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVD), which is the most common subtype of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) syndrome. In an aging society, the number of SIVD patients is expected to increase; however, effective therapies have yet to be developed. To understand the pathological mechanisms, we analyzed the profiles of the cells of the corpus callosum after cerebral hypoperfusion in a preclinical SIVD model. We prepared cerebral hypoperfused mice by subjecting 2-month old male C57BL/6J mice to bilateral carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) operation. BCAS-hypoperfusion mice exhibited cognitive deficits at 4 weeks after cerebral hypoperfusion, assessed by novel object recognition test. RNA samples from the corpus callosum region of sham- or BCAS-operated mice were then processed using RNA sequencing. A gene set enrichment analysis using differentially expressed genes between sham and BCAS-operated mice showed activation of oligodendrogenesis pathways along with angiogenic responses. This database of transcriptomic profiles of BCAS-hypoperfusion mice will be useful for future studies to find a therapeutic target for SIVD.
Immune Cell Infiltration as Signatures for the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Malignant Gynecological Tumors
Authors: Liu Qi-Fang , Feng Zi-Yi , Jiang Li-Li , Xu Tong-Tong , Li Si-Man , Liu Kui-Ran
Published: June 2021

BackgroundMalignant gynecological tumors are the main cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide and include uterine carcinosarcomas, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. This study aims to determine the association between immune cell infiltration and malignant gynecological tumors and construct signatures for diagnosis and prognosis.

MethodsWe acquired malignant gynecological tumor RNA-seq transcriptome data from the TCGA database. Next, the “CIBERSORT” algorithm calculated the infiltration of 22 immune cells in malignant gynecological tumors. To construct diagnosis and prognosis signatures, step-wise regression and LASSO analyses were applied, and nomogram and immune subtypes were further identified.

ResultsNotably, Immune cell infiltration plays a significant role in tumorigenesis and development. There are obvious differences in the distribution of immune cells in normal, and tumor tissues. Resting NK cells, M0 Macrophages, and M1 Macrophages participated in the construction of the diagnostic model, with an AUC value of 0.898. LASSO analyses identified a risk signature including T cells CD8, activated NK cells, Monocytes, M2 Macrophages, resting Mast cells, and Neutrophils, proving the prognostic value for the risk signature. We identified two subtypes according to consensus clustering, where immune subtype 3 presented the highest risk.

ConclusionWe identified diagnostic and prognostic signatures based on immune cell infiltration. Thus, this study provided a strong basis for the early diagnosis and effective treatment of malignant gynecological tumors.
Preterm Birth Is Correlated With Increased Oral Originated Microbiome in the Gut
Authors: Yin Chunhua , Chen Jingrui , Wu Xuena , Liu Yeling , He Quan , Cao Ying , Huang Yi-E , Liu Sisun
Published: June 2021

Background

Preterm birth is one of the leading causes of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Gut microbiome dysbiosis is closely related to adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, the role of the gut microbiome in the pathogenesis of preterm birth remains poorly studied.

Method

We collected fecal samples from 41 women (cases presenting with threatened preterm labor =19, 11 of which delivered preterm; gestational age-matched no-labor controls, all of which delivered at term = 22) were recruited for the study. We performed 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to compare the composition of the gut microbiome in threatened preterm labor cases and controls and among women who delivered preterm and at term. By annotating taxonomic biomarkers with the Human Oral Microbiome Database, we observed an increased abundance of potential oral-to-gut bacteria in preterm patients.

Results

Patients with preterm birth showed a distinct gut microbiome dysbiosis compared with those who delivered at term. Opportunistic pathogens, particularly Porphyromonas, Streptococcus, Fusobacterium, and Veillonella, were enriched, whereas Coprococcus and Gemmiger were markedly depleted in the preterm group. Most of the enriched bacteria were annotated oral bacteria using the Human Oral Microbiome Database. These potential oral-to-gut bacteria were correlated with clinical parameters that reflected maternal and fetal status.

Conclusions

This study suggests that patients who deliver preterm demonstrate altered gut microbiome that may contain higher common oral bacteria.
Distinct Microbial Community of Accumulated Biofilm in Dental Unit Waterlines of Different Specialties
Authors: Fan Cancan , Gu Haijing , Liu Limin , Zhu Haiwei , Yan Juan , Huo Yongbiao
Published: June 2021

The contamination of dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) is a serious problem and directly affects the dental care. This study aims to explore the microbial community of biofilm in DUWL from different specialties and investigate the associated factors. A total of 36 biofilm samples from 18 DUWL of six specialties (i.e., prosthodontics, orthodontics, pediatrics, endodontics, oral surgery, and periodontics) at two time points (i.e., before and after daily dental practice) were collected with a novel method. Genomic DNA of samples was extracted, and then 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) (V3–V4 regions) and ITS2 gene were amplified and sequenced. Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon rank test were adopted for statistical analysis. Microbial community with high diversity of bacteria (631 genera), fungi (193 genera), and viridiplantae was detected in the biofilm samples. Proteobacteria was the dominant bacteria (representing over 65.74–95.98% of the total sequences), and the dominant fungi was Ascomycota (93.9–99.3%). Microorganisms belonging to multiple genera involved in human diseases were detected including 25 genera of bacteria and eight genera of fungi, with relative abundance of six genera over 1% (i.e., Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, Aspergillus, Candida, and Penicillium). The biofilm microbiome may be influenced by the characteristics of dental specialty and routine work to some extent. The age of dental chair unit and overall number of patients had the strongest impact on the overall bacteria composition, and the effect of daily dental practices (associated with number of patients and dental specialty) on the fungi composition was the greatest. For the first time, biofilm in DUWL related to dental specialty was comprehensively evaluated, with more abundance of bacterial and fungal communities than in water samples. Biofilm accumulation with daily work and multiple kinds of opportunistic pathogen emphasized the infectious risk with dental care and the importance of biofilm control.
COVID-19 and Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Omidi Fatemeh , Hajikhani Bahareh , Kazemi Seyyedeh Neda , Tajbakhsh Ardeshir , Riazi Sajedeh , Mirsaeidi Mehdi , Ansari Ali , Ghanbari Boroujeni Masoud , Khalili Farima , Hadadi Sara , Nasiri Mohammad Javad
Published: June 2021

Background: Cardiomyopathies (CMPs) due to myocytes involvement are among the leading causes of sudden adolescent death and heart failure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there are limited data available on cardiac complications in patients with COVID-19, leading to severe outcomes.

Methods: We conducted a systematic search in Pubmed/Medline, Web of Science, and Embase databases up to August 2020, for all relevant studies about COVID-19 and CMPs.

Results: A total of 29 articles with a total number of 1460 patients were included. Hypertension, diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and ischemic heart disease were the most reported comorbidities among patients with COVID-19 and cardiomyopathy. In the laboratory findings, 21.47% of patients had increased levels of troponin. Raised D-dimer levels were also reported in all of the patients. Echocardiographic results revealed mild, moderate, and severe Left Ventricular (LV) dysfunction present in 17.13, 11.87, and 10% of patients, respectively.

Conclusions: Cardiac injury and CMPs were common conditions in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, it is suggested that cardiac damage be considered in managing patients with COVID-19.
Triglyceride–Glucose Index and Extracellular Volume Fraction in Patients With Heart Failure
Authors: Yang Shaomin , Du Yongxing , Liu Ziwei , Zhang Rong , Lin Xiaoxin , Ouyang Yufeng , Chen Haixiong
Published: June 2021

Background: The triglyceride–glucose (TyG) index had been proposed as a reliable surrogate marker of insulin resistance. We aimed to evaluate the association between TyG index and myocardial fibrosis, which was quantified by extracellular volume (ECV) fraction using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) examination, and their prognostic value in patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 103 hospitalized HF patients were included. ECV fraction was calculated using CMR measurements and T1 mapping. TyG index was calculated using fasting triglyceride and blood glucose. The primary outcome events were defined as all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization during follow-up.

Results: During the median follow-up of 12.3 months, 39 patients (37.9%) experienced primary outcome events and had higher levels of TyG index, N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and ECV fraction compared with those without events. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the TyG index was the significant factor determined for ECV fraction (rpartial = 0.36, P = 0.01). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, presence of diabetes [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–1.62], higher TyG index (HR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.03–4.01), ECV fraction (HR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.04–2.88), and NT-proBNP (HR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.08–4.20) were independent risk factors for the primary outcome events.

Conclusions: TyG index is a novel biomarker of myocardial fibrosis in HF patients and can be considered as a useful risk stratification metric in the management of HF.
Bioactive Materials for Direct and Indirect Restorations: Concepts and Applications
Authors: Özcan Mutlu , Garcia Lucas da Fonseca Roberti , Volpato Claudia Angela Maziero
Published: June 2021

Currently, minimally invasive restorations could be made in dentistry applying adhesive materials and adhesion principles to the dental structures. Following this philosophy, endodontic interventions have been avoided largely, preserving hard tissues, and maintaining dental vitality. Advances in biologically favorable bioactive materials enabled clinicans to induce repair and regeneration of dental tissues. Such materials are primarily used for pulp protection and cementation of indirect restorations. This review highlights current bioactive materials available, principles of bioactivity and their mechanisms of action.
Integrative Post-event Impact Assessment Framework for Volcanic Eruptions: A Disaster Forensic Investigation of the 2011–2012 Eruption of the Cordón Caulle Volcano (Chile)
Authors: Dominguez Lucia , Bonadonna Costanza , Frischknecht Corine , Menoni Scira , Garcia Alexander
Published: June 2021

Understanding the complexity of future volcanic impacts that can be potentially induced by the large variability of volcanic hazards and the multiple dimensions of vulnerability of the increasingly interdependent and interconnected societies, requires an in-depth analysis of past events. A structured and inclusive post-event impact assessment framework is proposed and applied for the evaluation of damage and disruption on critical infrastructures caused by the eruption of the Cordón Caulle volcano (Chile) in 2011–2012. This framework is built on the forensic analysis of disasters combined with the techniques of the root cause analysis that converge in a bow-tie tool. It consists of a fault tree connected to subsequent event trees to describe the causal order of impacts. Considering the physical and systemic dimensions of vulnerability, four orders of impact have been identified: i) the first order refers to the physical damage or the primary impact on a component of the critical infrastructure; ii) the second order refers to the loss of functionality in the system due to a physical damage on key components of the system; iii) the third order refers to the systemic impact due to the interdependency and connectivity among different critical infrastructures; and iv) a higher order is related to the consequences on the main economic sectors and to social disruption that can activate an overall damage to the economy of the country or countries affected. Our study in the Argentinian Patagonia shows that the long-lasting impact of the 2011–2012 Cordón Caulle eruption is mostly due to a secondary hazard (i.e., wind remobilisation of ash), which exacerbated the primary impact affecting significantly larger areas and for longer time with respect to primary tephra deposition. In addition, systemic vulnerability, particularly the intrinsic dependencies within and among systems, played a major role in the cascading impact of the analysed communities.
First Detection of the Crayfish Plague Pathogen Aphanomyces astaci in Costa Rica: European Mistakes Should Not Be Repeated
Authors: Martín-Torrijos Laura , Correa-Villalona Angel Jose , Azofeifa-Solano Juan Carlos , Villalobos-Rojas Fresia , Wehrtmann Ingo S. , Diéguez-Uribeondo Javier
Published: June 2021

The crayfish plague pathogenAphanomyces astaciis one of the main factors responsible for the decline in European and Asian native crayfish species. This pathogen was transported to these regions through its natural carriers, North American crayfish species, which were introduced during the last century. Since then, the carrier species and the pathogen have spread worldwide due to globalization and the highly invasive nature of these species. In Europe, five carrier species have been categorized as high-risk as they are responsible for the loss of provisioning services, which endangers freshwater ecosystems. The red swamp crayfishProcambarus clarkii, in particular, is currently one of the most concerning species as its spread threatens crayfish biodiversity and freshwater ecosystems worldwide. In this study, we describe the first detection ofA. astaciin an introduced population ofP. clarkiiin Central America, specifically in Costa Rica. Using molecular approaches, we analyzed 48 crayfish samples collected from Reservoir Cachí and detected the presence ofA. astaciin four of these samples. The introduction ofP. clarkiiand the incorrect management of the species (related to its fishery and the commercialization of live specimens) over the past decades in Europe are mistakes that should not be repeated elsewhere. The detection of the pathogen is a warning sign about the dangerous impact that the introduction of this invasive crayfish may have, not only as a carrier of an emerging disease but also as a direct risk to the invaded ecosystems. Our results may serve to (1) assess current and future consequences, and (2) direct future research activities, such as determining the potential impacts ofA. astacion native decapod species, or on other introduced crayfish species that are used for aquaculture purposes, such asCherax quadricarinatus.
Trait-Based Variation in the Foraging Performance of Individuals
Authors: DeLong John P. , Uiterwaal Stella F. , Dell Anthony I.
Published: June 2021

Although average, species-level interaction strength plays a key role in driving population dynamics and community structure, predator-prey interactions occur among individuals. As a result, individual variation in foraging rates may play an important role in determining the effects of predator-prey interactions on communities. Such variation in foraging rates stems from individual variation in traits that influence the mechanistic components of the functional response, such as movements that determine encounters and behaviors such as decisions to attack. However, we still have little information about individual-level variation in functional responses or the traits that give rise to such variation. Here we combine a standard functional response experiment with wolf spiders foraging on fruit flies with a novel analysis to connect individual morphology, physiology, and movement to individual foraging performance. We found substantial variation in traits between males and females, but these were not clearly linked to the differences in the functional response between males and females. Contrary to expectations, we found no effect of body velocity, leg length, energetic state, or metabolic rate on foraging performance. Instead, we found that body mass interacted with body rotations (clockwise turns), such that larger spiders showed higher foraging performance when they turned more but the reverse was true for smaller spiders. Our results highlight the need to understand the apparent complexity of the links between the traits of individuals and the functional response.
Genome-Wide Association Analyses Identify Variants in IRF4 Associated With Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome Susceptibility
Authors: Wang Junke , Clay-Gilmour Alyssa I. , Karaesmen Ezgi , Rizvi Abbas , Zhu Qianqian , Yan Li , Preus Leah , Liu Song , Wang Yiwen , Griffiths Elizabeth , Stram Daniel O. , Pooler Loreall , Sheng Xin , Haiman Christopher , Van Den Berg David , Webb Amy , Brock Guy , Spellman Stephen , Pasquini Marcelo , McCarthy Philip , Allan James , Stölzel Friedrich , Onel Kenan , Hahn Theresa , Sucheston-Campbell Lara E.
Published: June 2021

The role of common genetic variation in susceptibility to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a group of rare clonal hematologic disorders characterized by dysplastic hematopoiesis and high mortality, remains unclear. We performed AML and MDS genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in the DISCOVeRY-BMT cohorts (2,309 cases and 2,814 controls). Association analysis based on subsets (ASSET) was used to conduct a summary statistics SNP-based analysis of MDS and AML subtypes. For each AML and MDS case and control we used PrediXcan to estimate the component of gene expression determined by their genetic profile and correlate this imputed gene expression level with risk of developing disease in a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS). ASSET identified an increased risk for de novo AML and MDS (OR = 1.38, 95% CI, 1.26-1.51, Pmeta = 2.8 × 10–12) in patients carrying the T allele at s12203592 in Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 (IRF4), a transcription factor which regulates myeloid and lymphoid hematopoietic differentiation. Our TWAS analyses showed increased IRF4 gene expression is associated with increased risk of de novo AML and MDS (OR = 3.90, 95% CI, 2.36-6.44, Pmeta = 1.0 × 10–7). The identification of IRF4 by both GWAS and TWAS contributes valuable insight on the role of genetic variation in AML and MDS susceptibility.
Integrated Physiological and Transcriptomic Analyses Responses to Altitude Stress in Oat (Avena sativa L.)
Authors: Jinqiu Yu , Bing Li , Tingting Song , Jinglei He , Zelai KongLing , Lu Lian , Wenhua He , Tao Hai , Xinyu Huang , Zengqing Liu , Guowen Cui , Yajun Chen
Published: June 2021

Oat is an annual gramineous forage grass with the remarkable ability to survive under various stressful environments. However, understanding the effects of high altitude stresses on oats is poor. Therefore, the physiological and the transcriptomic changes were analyzed at two sites with different altitudes, low (ca. 2,080 m) or high (ca. 2,918 m), respectively. Higher levels of antioxidant enzyme activity, reactive oxygen and major reductions in photosynthesis-related markers were suggested for oats at high altitudes. Furthermore, oat yields were severely suppressed at the high altitude. RNA-seq results showed that 11,639 differentially expressed genes were detected at both the low and the high altitudes in which 5,203 up-regulated and 6,436 down-regulated. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment tests were conducted and a group of major high altitude-responsive pigment metabolism genes, photosynthesis, hormone signaling, and cutin, suberine and wax biosynthesis were excavated. Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain response, we also confirmed expression levels of 20 DEGs (qRT-PCR). In summary, our study generated genome-wide transcript profile and may be useful for understanding the molecular mechanisms of Avena sativa L. in response to high altitude stress. These new findings contribute to our deeper relevant researches on high altitude stresses and further exploring new candidategenes for adapting plateau environment oat molecular breeding.