bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empaques ecológicos, una práctica con limitaciones y ventajas para los servicios de comida rápida en la ciudad de Machala
Authors: Noriega-Honores Karla , Zapata-Rosales María , Villavicencio-Rodas María
Published: November 2021

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo explorar el aumento del uso de contenedores plásticos en las empresas de comida rápida de la ciudad de Machala, motivado por la alta demanda de entregas a domicilio durante la pandemia del COVID-19; además, conocer la predisposición de las empresas entrevistadas, para utilizar en sus entregas contenedores amigables con el medio ambiente, sus posibles ventajas y limitaciones en la aplicación de esta práctica en un contexto local. La metodología aplicada fue de carácter cualitativo, donde se recolectó información mediante entrevistas aplicadas a los gerentes de 10 establecimientos. Entre los resultados obtenidos, se destaca un considerable aumento en el uso de contenedores plásticos en el servicio de delivery y la existencia de barreras para los servicios de comida rápida. Por lo tanto, se concluye que entre las ventajas está la predisposición por parte de los consumidores en comprar productos en contenedores ecológicos y que los gerentes la consideran como ventaja competitiva la implementación de los mismos; mientras que como desventajas se encuentran la seguridad del viaje, el precio, el desconocimiento de proveedores y la falta de disposición de los consumidores a pagar más por contenedores eco amigables.
Comportamiento de compra del consumidor retail frente al uso de herramientas digitales en pandemia
Authors: Bermeo-Solorzano Nayeli , Ortega-Barre Dennise , Villavicencio Rodas María Fernanda
Published: November 2021

El consumidor sufre cambios de manera constante, debido a factores del entorno que influyen en su comportamiento de compra, por ello, el objetivo del presente estudio se centra en analizar el comportamiento de compra del consumidor retail frente al uso de herramientas digitales en la ciudad de Machala durante la pandemia COVID-19. Dado que la presente investigación es de carácter cualitativa, se aplicó como herramienta de recolección de datos la técnica del grupo focal, además del análisis e interpretación de fuentes secundarias. La sesión se llevó a cabo de manera on line y estuvo conformada por consumidores de la ciudad de Machala del sector retail, con un rango de edad entre 26 y 45 años pertenecientes al género masculino y femenino. Como resultado, se determinó que para los clientes del sector retail, el uso de medios digitales tomó importancia durante la crisis sanitaria, lo que influyó a la aceleración del e-commerce, es así, que dichas plataformas se convirtieron en los principales medios para mantener la relación de compra y venta entre el cliente y la empresa. De este modo se concluye, que el comportamiento de compra del consumidor mediante estos procesos fue en base al miedo de contagio y la agilidad de compra en las aplicaciones.
La planificación financiera como herramienta sustancial para medir la rentabilidad empresarial. Caso Dekautopartes S.A ciudad de Machala
Authors: Ordoñez-Ordoñez Joselyn , Noles-Aguilar Dayana , Soto-González Carlos
Published: November 2021

La planificación financiera en las diferentes empresas, permite llevar un control adecuado de las organizaciones en relación a sus recursos financieros, para alcanzar sus objetivos comerciales, evitando que se cometan errores a futuro en la toma de decisiones empresariales, sin embargo, a pesar de la posibilidad de visiones que podría alcanzar esta herramienta en la organización de los recursos financieros, en la práctica no existe una armonía entre la teoría frente a lo evidenciado en el ámbito empresarial. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo determinar la situación financiera, mediante el análisis de los estados financieros, a través de herramientas de planificación, para medir el grado de rentabilidad de la empresa Dekautopartes S.A de la Ciudad de Machala. Se realiza un estudio mixto, con enfoque contemporáneo que realiza una mezcla entre el método cualitativo y cuantitativo, a partir de técnicas como entrevista, guía de observación e interpretación. Se llega a la conclusión que la planificación financiera ayuda a mejorar el manejo de los activos empresariales, permitiendo de esta manera no cometer errores que perjudiquen la liquidez de la empresa a corto y largo plazo.
Comportamiento del consumidor online y factores que intervienen en la decisión de compra en restaurantes
Authors: Henríquez-Ramírez Johanna , Asipuela-Girón José , Sánchez-González Irene
Published: November 2021

La investigación estudia el comportamiento del consumidor online y los cambios significativos que ha experimentado frente a la decisión de compra, el objetivo de la investigación es analizar el comportamiento del consumidor online, y cuáles son los factores que influyen en su decisión de compra. A través de una metodología de enfoque cuantitativo, utilizando el instrumento de la encuesta, se aplicaron 271 encuestas a consumidores de restaurantes, Para el análisis de los resultados se utiliza los programas estadísticos SPSS y Smart PLS SEM 3.0. Los resultados apuntan a que las variables actividades de marketing en redes sociales, confianza y sostenibilidad tienen un efecto positivo en el comportamiento del consumidor online, por ende, se puede determinar que el comportamiento del consumidor influye en la decisión de compra; es decir las hipótesis planteadas en la investigación fueron aceptadas en su totalidad. Los resultados también brindan herramientas importantes al sector comercial y académico.
Examination of Elite Physically Disabled Athletes' Motivation Levels of Participation in Sports
Authors: Yılmaz Atike , Gümüşay Abdullah , Akkaya Cemre Can
Published: November 2021

Determining which motivation source athletes have is important as it will ensure that correct and effective steps are taken to ensure success. The study focuses on examining the motivation of elite physically disabled athletes to participate in sports according to various variables. General survey model was used in the research. A total of 57 national athletes, including 16 arm wrestling, 13 swimming and 23 wheeled basketball athletes, participated in the study. The "Personal Information Form" developed by the researchers and the "Motivation of Participation in Sports for Persons with Disabilities Scale (MPSPDS)" developed by Demir et al. (2018) were used in the study. In the analysis of the data, besides descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U Test was used for paired comparisons and Kruskal Wallis H Test for multiple comparisons. In the findings obtained, it was found that there was a significant difference in motivation sources according to the variable of income and the second branch, but no significant difference was found according to the variables of gender, marital status, education level, branch, and time of disability. As a result, it was concluded that the physically disabled elite athletes, those who define their income level as medium in intrinsic and extrinsic motivations and those who have a secondary branch, have high motivation and show different characteristics from each other and cause them to be affected by different motivation sources.
Qualidade do sono dos profissionais da saúde que trabalham em regime de plantão noturno: revisão sistemática da literatura
Authors: Monteiro Daniel Lucas Costa , Conceição Alicia Renata Sales da , Brito Gabriel Pinheiro , Lima Kelyane Oliveira , Tavares Marcelo Luiz Couto , Cunha Adenard Francisco Cleophas
Published: November 2021

Objetivo: Elaborar uma revisão sistemática de literatura analisando a qualidade do sono de profissionais da saúde em regime de plantão noturno. Metodologia: Realizou-se a revisão sistemática de literatura, com pesquisa nas bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, SCIELO. Foram incluídos estudos que abordaram a qualidade do sono de profissionais da saúde que trabalham em regime de plantão noturno; publicados a partir de 2016 a 2021 e disponibilizados nas bases de dados, nos idiomas inglês e português; com participantes de idade superior a 18 anos. Foram excluídos artigos de revisão; artigos cujos participantes não eram profissionais da saúde e os que possuíam diagnóstico prévio de distúrbios do sono. Resultados:  Do total de 3.540 trabalhos encontrados nas bases de dados eletrônicas, 26 eram referentes a Scielo, 1.523 foram encontrados na PubMed e 1.991 na BVS. Foram excluídos 3.464 artigos e, a partir dos 76 estudos selecionados, realizou-se a busca manual, totalizando 21 artigos. Discussão: O excesso de atividades e altas jornadas de trabalho, além das alterações do sono podem contribuir em problemáticas que afetem a vida social, psicológica e fisiológica dos trabalhadores da saúde em regime de plantão  noturno, afetando negativamente não só os profissionais, mas também o ambiente de trabalho, a equipe e os próprios pacientes. Conclusão: Os profissionais que mais sofrem conflitos diários em suas jornadas de trabalho são os que os     realizam em regime de plantão hospitalar noturno, porém podem obter alívio das consequências a partir de elaboração de alternativas de escala.
Contribuições no processo de ensino aprendizagem da prática de simulação realística: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Daniel Mariana Da Costa , Galante Joyce Fernandes Rodrigues , Furtado Juliana Assumpção de Paiva , Silva Myllena Leal da , Batista Paloma Vitória Serra , Souza Raquel Freitas de , Nunes Alessandra Sant Anna Nunes , Moraes Advi Catarina Barbachan
Published: November 2021

Objetivos: Analisar as contribuições da simulação realística em contraposição ao ensino tradicional da graduação de enfermagem. Objetivos específicos: visam descrever as vantagens da simulação realística como estratégia de ensino para a formação de enfermeiros; identificar as técnicas da simulação realística utilizadas como estratégia de ensino para o curso de enfermagem e identificar a eficácia do uso da simulação realística no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Método: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo do tipo revisão sistemática de literatura. Foram analisados uma amostra final de 17 estudos publicados nos últimos cinco anos nas seguintes bases de dados MEDLINE, LILACS e BDENF. Tendo como população os alunos da graduação de enfermagem. Resultados: A simulação realística, ao contrário do ensino tradicional, permite que se alcance uma aproximação entre a realidade e a teoria, auxiliando na construção de habilidades, conhecimentos e diminuindo os riscos. Contribui para que o aprendiz desenvolva autonomia, confiança e senso crítico em suas práticas clínicas. É uma melhor estratégia de aprendizagem, visto que agrega diversos benefícios ao estudante através da aplicação da metodologia ativa.
Integração ensino-serviço-comunidade na percepção de docentes de graduação em Enfermagem
Authors: Bueno Bruna da Costa , Khalaf Daiana Kloh , Moraes Juliana Vieira de , Lima Amanda Thaís , Vendruscolo Carine , Adamy Edlamar Kátia
Published: November 2021

A integração ensino-serviço na área da saúde, neste caso, na enfermagem, proporciona aos profissionais uma prática crítica e reflexiva, sob a ótica de troca de conhecimentos entre os protagonistas. Diante disso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar como ocorre a integração ensino-serviço no curso de graduação em enfermagem na percepção dos docentes. Pesquisa qualitativa do tipo descritivo-exploratória. Coleta realizada a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas. Análise dos dados alcançada pelo referencial metodológico da Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin. Identificaram-se três categorias: 1) docentes e a integração ensino-serviço; 2) intersecção do ensino, serviço e a comunidade; e 3) relevância da integração ensino-serviço no pensamento docente. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de articulação entre os protagonistas do processo de integração ensino-serviço, os docentes compreendem a integração como um coletivo que necessita de todos os integrantes para uma prática em saúde efetiva e significativa. Sugere-se a realização de pesquisas em distintos espaços e contextos, como percepções de usuários do sistema, de preceptores, de estudantes de enfermagem e de diferentes áreas da saúde.
Disfunções do assoalho pélvico pós radioterapia para tratamento do carcinoma de colo uterino: uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Lima Laís Cabral de , Silva Thaynan Santos da , Negreiros Amanda Santos Vidal de , Vieira Ana Carolina Queiroz , Lima Samuel Cabral de , Uchôa Silvana Maria de Macêdo , Uchôa Érica Patrícia Borba Lira , Carvalho Valéria Conceição Passos de
Published: November 2021

Objetivo: Verificar a literatura acerca das disfunções do assoalho pélvico promovidas pela radioterapia após o tratamento de carcinoma de colo uterino. Métodos: Revisão integrativa da literatura, na qual foi feita uma verificação de bibliografias publicadas nas bases de dados Pubmed, Scielo, Portal Capes, Lilacs, Cochrane, PEDro e Medline, no período de 2010 a 2021. As palavras-chave utilizadas foram “disfunções”, “assoalho pélvico”, “radioterapia” e “neoplasias do colo do útero” e suas correlatas na língua inglesa e espanhola. Resultados: No final da análise, sete estudos foram incluídos por se adequarem aos critérios da pesquisa, em que foi verificado que as disfunções pélvicas mais relatadas na literatura após a radioterapia para tratamento de câncer de colo de útero são a dispareunia e a incontinência urinária. Considerações finais: Foi possível inferir que esse tipo de intervenção traz inúmeros impactos para o assoalho pélvico, com destaque para a incontinência urinária e a dispareunia. Sugere- a inserção de forma mais ampla de atividades de recuperação através da fisioterapia para as alterações decorrentes desse tipo de tratamento, visando a melhora da funcionalidade dos músculos do assoalho pélvico e redução das alterações pélvicas, que trazem complicações no bem-estar físico e psicológico dessa população.
Adsorption of reactive yellow BF-3R dye by CTABr modified zeolite NaY
Authors: Barros Thiago Rodrigo Barbosa , Barbosa Thianne Silva Batista , Rodrigues Meiry Gláucia Freire
Published: November 2021

Textile industries generate effluents composed of organic salts and complexes from dyes not fixed on fabrics, or not degraded by the inefficiency of conventional treatment processes, which represents a high potential for environmental impact due to inadequate disposal of the generated effluent. Zeolites are porous materials that have a three-dimensional structure containing tetrahedrals of AlO4 e SiO4 which can be modified to improve its properties. The adsorption process using zeolites as adsorbents can be considered an excellent economic physical treatment to solve or minimize such a problem. This work presents an experimental study focusing on the preparation and characterization of zeolite NaY and modified with organic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTABr) intended to be used as adsorbent in the process of removing yellow dye BF-3R in dye-water system batch system. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Infrared spectroscopy (IR) and thermogravimetry (TG). The effect of process parameter such as pH was studied. Results revealed that even though the modified cetyltrimethylammonium bromide organic surfactant (CTABr) did not cause alterations on the zeolite NaY structure. The IR results revealed that CTABr was successfully incorporated to zeolite NaY structure. The best conditions were established with respect to pH to saturate the available sites located on the zeolite NaY and NaY_CTABr surface. The maximum adsorption capacities were 3.35 and mg/g for dye 5.35 using as-synthesized zeolite NaY and CTABr modified zeolite NaY. Modified zeolites are excellent adsorbents for removing reactive dyes from industrial wastewater.
Strengthening Pancasila Characters Through The Role Of Mosque Youth Organizations: A Mixed Method Study
Authors: Samputra Palupi Lindiasari , Satrio Muhammad Akbar
Published: November 2021

The human character of Pancasila which is based on faith in God. This research aims to identify the nationalist character produced through the Leadership Camp program, measure the level of nationalism character education, and analyze the strategies carried out by the mosque youth organizations at the Al Azhar Youth Leadership Institute in strengthening the nationalist character of youth. The quantitative method with the type of survey to 100 respondents uses EFA and the nationalism character education index. According to students in the Leadership Training, the nationalist leadership they get is integrity, cooperation, character, nationalism, devotion to worship, and independence. Religious nature consists of morals and obedience to worship. The nationalist Character Education index calculation is 92.51%, which means that the program classifies as a high portion of the nationalism character education learning. The best strategy that AYLI can choose is consistency with a program that is already running well.
Outlook for nuclear physics research in Belarus
Authors: Korzhik Mikhail V.
Published: November 2021

The future nuclear physics research capabilities for scientists from Belarus are discussed. The following branches for the activity: megascience class research platforms created in Russia and the European Union, a new generation of ionizing radiation sources, use of the world nuclear science network for short-term research and, monitoring of nuclear power plants are debated. The purposes of nuclear physics research are suggested to be a balanced combining of the further penetration deep into the matter, to clarify its status and time evolution and, the routine activity associated with clarifying the details of the world, for which sufficiently well-developed models have already been created. Further, the goals of nuclear physics research are specified. They include preventing the loss of knowledge in the field of nuclear physics; conservation of the acceptable qualification and its reproducibility, maintaining the appropriate level of the engineering corps for the perception of the latest knowledge. This article is based on the author’s personal experience in participating in projects of high scientific significance. The route of considering the areas of application of nuclear physics scientists’ efforts is formed according to the principle of maximum return from the highly qualified personnel (PhDs and doctors of science). Ain importance of training undergraduates and graduate students for a scientific career is underlined. Finally, a need to maintain a high level of knowledge in the branch for the expertise upon the request of the government to secure and develop the country is pointed out.
PWO based electromagnetic calorimetry to operate at a low temperature
Authors: Orsich Pavel O. , Brinkmann Kai-Thomas , Dormenev Valery I. , Korzhik Mikhail V. , Mechinsky Vitaly A. , Kozlov Dmitry Yu. , Zaunick Hans-Georg
Published: November 2021

The degradation of the optical transmittance under ionising radiation of the scintillation crystal in the scintillation spectral range leads to the losses of the light output, which results in the deterioration of the energy resolution and limits the operation time of the calorimeter made of the scintillator. This effect is especially prominent for calorimeters operating at a low temperature. The use of a lead tungstate scintillation crystal PbWO4 in calorimetry at a low temperature in the range from –20 to –45 °C provides a threefold increase in its scintillation yield, which causes a significant improvement in the energy resolution in the range up to 10 MeV. Keep on this feature is critically important for hadron spectroscopy. However, as the temperature of the PbWO4 crystal is lowered, the rate of spontaneous relaxation of colour centers created under ionising radiation significantly slows down, which shifts the dynamic level of the induced absorption towards a higher value under long-term irradiation of high-energy physics experiments. A comparison is made of the spontaneous relaxation of induced absorption in the spectral region of scintillations with stimulated relaxation upon irradiation of samples by infrared photons of different wavelengths. It is shown that the relaxation of colour centers can be accelerated up to one thousand times. Thus, recovery stimulation allows fast and efficient in situ recovery of the crystal optical transmittance either at beam-off periods or online at data acquisition. The application can substantially improve or extend the running period of the PWO based calorimeters at low temperatures by keeping the radiation damage at a tolerable level.
RESEARCH OF THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF DIESEL FUEL-HYDROGEN MIXTURES
Authors: Leybovych Lev , Dymo Borys , Anastasenko Sergey , Yevstigneyev Yurii
Published: November 2021

The change in the viscosity of diesel fuel with dissolved hydrogen, the rate of dissolution of hydrogen in the diesel fuel, and the hydrogen diffusion coefficient in diesel fuel were experimentally determined. Dissolving hydrogen in liquid fuel changes its physical-chemical properties. It has been found that the viscosity and density of diesel fuel change little when it is saturated with hydrogen. The flashpoint in a closed crucible is reduced by 3–4 °C. The rate of dissolution of hydrogen in diesel fuel has been investigated. It has been found that the diffusion coefficient of hydrogen in diesel fuel depends significantly on the initial concentration of H2 in the fuel. The liquid fuel is advisable to supply with saturated hydrogen for the safety of the heat engine operation. The design of the hydrogen fuel saturation system with a special hydrogen sensor based on the MQ-8 sensor was proposed. The system of protection of the research stand from unauthorized emissions of hydrogen into the environment has been worked out. The protection ensures the shutdown of the stand equipment when the hydrogen concentration in the zone of its generation and supply to the fuel is at the level of 1%.
Directions of review of the system of VAT reliefs in Ukraine
Authors:   SESE “The Academy of Financial Management”, SOKOLOVSKA Alla
Published: November 2021

In the conditions of searching for ways to fill the state budget, reforming the system of VAT reliefs, losses from which make up more than 70% of total losses from tax benefits in Ukraine, can be an effective alternative to raising tax rates. The purpose of the article is to determine the directions of revision of the system of VAT reliefs in Ukraine in the context of the implementation of the Association Agreement with the European Union and its Member States. The subject of the study are two forms of reliefs – exemptions from tax and the use of its reduced rates. In addition, validity of qualification of the operations specified in Art. 196 of the Tax Code of Ukraine, as those that are not subject to VAT taxation, is considered, and it is established how one or another transaction should be qualified in accordance with Council Directive 2006/112/EC. A comparative analysis of VAT reliefs in Ukraine and the EU countries has shown that in addition to exemptions similar to those provided in the Council Directive 2006/112/EC, the Tax Code of Ukraine includes exemptions from transactions that are allowed to be taxed with the Directive at reduced rates, as well as exemptions which are not provided by the Directive. On the other hand, some mandatory exemptions under Council Directive 2006/112/EC do not apply in Ukraine. There are certain inconsistencies in the definition of transactions, the taxation of which at reduced rates is provided in the Tax Code of Ukraine and in Council Directive 2006/112/EC. The established differences determine the possible directions of revision of the system of VAT reliefs in Ukraine. However, its real scale may be different. Ukraine can go both by minimizing the system of tax preferences by refusing not only the exemptions which are not provided by the Council Directive 2006/112/EC, but also by transforming certain exemptions into taxation at a reduced rate, and by maximizing the opportunities for preferential taxation provided by the Directive. It is concluded that the choice of a certain kind of path will be influenced by the following factors: uncertainty of Ukraine’s accession to the EU, which puts our country not in such a rigid framework in the context of compliance with EU legislation as candidate countries; the state of public finances in our country: the need to expand the fiscal space and the possibility (their absence) of its expansion at the expense of sources not related to tax benefits; the presence of political will at the leadership of the state to optimize tax preferences.
Deep Learning for Detecting Subretinal Fluid and Discerning Macular Status by Fundus Images in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Xu Fabao , Liu Shaopeng , Xiang Yifan , Lin Zhenzhe , Li Cong , Zhou Lijun , Gong Yajun , Li Longhui , Li Zhongwen , Guo Chong , Huang Chuangxin , Lai Kunbei , Zhao Hongkun , Hong Jiaming , Lin Haotian , Jin Chenjin
Published: November 2021

Subretinal fluid (SRF) can lead to irreversible visual loss in patients with central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) if not absorbed in time. Early detection and intervention of SRF can help improve visual prognosis and reduce irreversible damage to the retina. As fundus image is the most commonly used and easily obtained examination for patients with CSC, the purpose of our research is to investigate whether and to what extent SRF depicted on fundus images can be assessed using deep learning technology. In this study, we developed a cascaded deep learning system based on fundus image for automated SRF detection and macula-on/off serous retinal detachment discerning. The performance of our system is reliable, and its accuracy of SRF detection is higher than that of experienced retinal specialists. In addition, the system can automatically indicate whether the SRF progression involves the macula to provide guidance of urgency for patients. The implementation of our deep learning system could effectively reduce the extent of vision impairment resulting from SRF in patients with CSC by providing timely identification and referral.
The Molecular Assembly State of Drp1 Controls its Association With the Mitochondrial Recruitment Receptors Mff and MIEF1/2
Authors: Yu Rong , Jin Shao-Bo , Ankarcrona Maria , Lendahl Urban , Nistér Monica , Zhao Jian
Published: November 2021

Drp1 is a central player in mitochondrial fission and is recruited to mitochondria by Mff and MIEFs (MIEF1 and MIEF2), but little is known about how its assembly state affects Drp1 mitochondrial recruitment and fission. Here, we used in vivo chemical crosslinking to explore the self-assembly state of Drp1 and how it regulates the association of Drp1 with MIEFs and Mff. We show that in intact mammalian cells Drp1 exists as a mixture of multiple self-assembly forms ranging from the minimal, probably tetrameric, self-assembly subunit to several higher order oligomers. Precluding mitochondria-bound Drp1 in Mff/MIEF1/2-deficient cells does not affect the oligomerization state of Drp1, while conversely forced recruitment of Drp1 to mitochondria by MIEFs or Mff facilitates Drp1 oligomerization. Mff preferentially binds to higher order oligomers of Drp1, whereas MIEFs bind to a wider-range of Drp1 assembly subunits, including both lower and higher oligomeric states. Mff only recruits active forms of Drp1, while MIEFs are less selective and recruit both active and inactive Drp1 as well as oligomerization- or GTPase-deficient Drp1 mutants to mitochondria. Moreover, all the fission-incompetent Drp1 mutants tested (except the monomeric mutant K668E) affect Drp1-driven mitochondrial dynamics via incorporation of the mutants into the native oligomers to form function-deficient Drp1 assemblies. We here confirm that MIEFs also serve as a platform facilitating the binding of Drp1 to Mff and loss of MIEFs severely impairs the interaction between Drp1 and Mff. Collectively, our findings suggest that Mff and MIEFs respond differently to the molecular assembly state of Drp1 and that the extent of Drp1 oligomerization regulates mitochondrial dynamics.
iPSC-Derived Microglia as a Model to Study Inflammation in Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Badanjak Katja , Mulica Patrycja , Smajic Semra , Delcambre Sylvie , Tranchevent Leon-Charles , Diederich Nico , Rauen Thomas , Schwamborn Jens C. , Glaab Enrico , Cowley Sally A. , Antony Paul M. A. , Pereira Sandro L. , Venegas Carmen , Grünewald Anne
Published: November 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with unknown cause in the majority of patients, who are therefore considered “idiopathic” (IPD). PD predominantly affects dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), yet the pathology is not limited to this cell type. Advancing age is considered the main risk factor for the development of IPD and greatly influences the function of microglia, the immune cells of the brain. With increasing age, microglia become dysfunctional and release pro-inflammatory factors into the extracellular space, which promote neuronal cell death. Accordingly, neuroinflammation has also been described as a feature of PD. So far, studies exploring inflammatory pathways in IPD patient samples have primarily focused on blood-derived immune cells or brain sections, but rarely investigated patient microglia in vitro. Accordingly, we decided to explore the contribution of microglia to IPD in a comparative manner using, both, iPSC-derived cultures and postmortem tissue. Our meta-analysis of published RNAseq datasets indicated an upregulation of IL10 and IL1B in nigral tissue from IPD patients. We observed increased expression levels of these cytokines in microglia compared to neurons using our single-cell midbrain atlas. Moreover, IL10 and IL1B were upregulated in IPD compared to control microglia. Next, to validate these findings in vitro, we generated IPD patient microglia from iPSCs using an established differentiation protocol. IPD microglia were more readily primed as indicated by elevated IL1B and IL10 gene expression and higher mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3 after LPS treatment. In addition, IPD microglia had higher phagocytic capacity under basal conditions—a phenotype that was further exacerbated upon stimulation with LPS, suggesting an aberrant microglial function. Our results demonstrate the significance of microglia as the key player in the neuroinflammation process in IPD. While our study highlights the importance of microglia-mediated inflammatory signaling in IPD, further investigations will be needed to explore particular disease mechanisms in these cells.
Estimation of Return Levels for Extreme Skew Surge Coastal Flooding Events in the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays for 1980–2019
Authors: Callahan John A. , Leathers Daniel J.
Published: November 2021

Extreme storm surges can overwhelm many coastal flooding protection measures in place and cause severe damages to private communities, public infrastructure, and natural ecosystems. In the US Mid-Atlantic, a highly developed and commercially active region, coastal flooding is one of the most significant natural hazards and a year-round threat from both tropical and extra-tropical cyclones. Mean sea levels and high-tide flood frequency has increased significantly in recent years, and major storms are projected to increase into the foreseeable future. We estimate extreme surges using hourly water level data and harmonic analysis for 1980–2019 at 12 NOAA tide gauges in and around the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays. Return levels (RLs) are computed for 1.1, 3, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100-year return periods using stationary extreme value analysis on detrended skew surges. Two traditional approaches are investigated, Block Maxima fit to General Extreme Value distribution and Points-Over-Threshold fit to Generalized Pareto distribution, although with two important enhancements. First, the GEV r-largest order statistics distribution is used; a modified version of the GEV distribution that allows for multiple maximum values per year. Second, a systematic procedure is used to select the optimum value for r (for the BM/GEVr approach) and the threshold (for the POT/GP approach) at each tide gauge separately. RLs have similar magnitudes and spatial patterns from both methods, with BM/GEVr resulting in generally larger 100-year and smaller 1.1-year RLs. Maximum values are found at the Lewes (Delaware Bay) and Sewells Point (Chesapeake Bay) tide gauges, both located in the southwest region of their respective bays. Minimum values are found toward the central bay regions. In the Delaware Bay, the POT/GP approach is consistent and results in narrower uncertainty bands whereas the results are mixed for the Chesapeake. Results from this study aim to increase reliability of projections of extreme water levels due to extreme storms and ultimately help in long-term planning of mitigation and implementation of adaptation measures.
The Efficacy Comparison Between Guan-Fu Base A Hydrochloric Injection vs. Propafenone Hydrochloric Injection in the Treatment of Arrhythmia: Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Song Jinming , Tang Yao , Gao Chao , Hou Xiaofeng , Liu Xinyue , Xu Zongpei
Published: November 2021

Objective: To determine using a systematic assessment and meta-analysis if GFA injection is an appropriate substitute of propafenone for arrhythmic.

Design: Conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Data Source: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Wan-Fang Database, VIP, CNKI, and Sino Med from their inception to 7 March 2021.

Eligibility Criteria for Selecting Studies: Inclusion of randomized controlled trials, which draws a comparison between GFA and propafenone. Evaluation of study integrity and conducted an extraction of independent data.

Main Outcome Measure: Efficacy for supraventricular tachycardia, it is considered effective if it is reversed within 40 min (without considering recurrence); for premature ventricular beats, if they are reduced by more than 50% within 6 h.

Results: Included in this current study are 1,294 research subjects pooled from 14 clinical studies. From the pooled assessment, GFA is demonstrated to be the equivalent of propafenone regarding the potency of effectiveness for tachycardia (RR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.28, P = 0.15). The subset analysis indicated that GFA has a better effect on premature ventricular beats (RR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.70, P = 0.01) and a similar effect on supraventricular tachycardia (RR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.12, P = 0.21). GFA effectiveness is lesser than propafenone in the case of mean converting time (WMD = −1.18, 95% CI: −2.30, −0.07, P = 0.04), systolic blood pressure (WMD = −3.53, 95% CI: −6.97, −0.09, P = 0.04), and QRS complex (WMD = −3.82, 95% CI: −6.96, −0.69, P = 0.02). Both GFA and propafenone have identical effects for diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, P-R interval, and QTc interval.

Conclusion: A meta-analysis of RCTs was performed across 14 clinical trials, whereby 1,294 patients are used as research subjects. From the results, it is revealed that the effect exhibited by GFA injection is similar to the propafenone injection when treating premature ventricular beats or supraventricular tachycardia. Nevertheless, in certain academic disciplines, it was found that GFA is safer and beneficial compared to propafenone. Based on facts from relevant studies, GFA is deemed applicable during clinical practice.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.inplasy.com/inplasy-2021-3-0077/, identifier: INPLASY202130077.
The Prognostic Value of Cardiac Biomarkers and Echocardiography in Critical COVID-19
Authors: Zwaenepoel Bert , Dhont Sebastiaan , Hoste Eric , Gevaert Sofie , Schaubroeck Hannah
Published: November 2021

Background: Early risk stratification is crucial in critically ill COVID-19 patients. Myocardial injury is associated with worse outcome. This study aimed to evaluate cardiac biomarkers and echocardiographic findings in critically ill COVID-19 patients and to assess their association with 30-day mortality in comparison to other biomarkers, risk factors and clinical severity scores.

Methods: Prospective, single-center, cohort study in patients with PCR-confirmed, critical COVID-19. Laboratory assessment included high sensitive troponin T (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) on admission to ICU: a hs-cTnT ≥ 14 pg/mL and a NT-proBNP ≥ 450 pg/mL were considered as elevated. Transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation was performed within the first 48 h of ICU admission. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause mortality. Predictive markers for mortality were assessed by ROC analysis and cut-off values by the Youden Index.

Results: A total of 100 patients were included. The median age was 63.5 years, the population was predominantly male (66%). At the time of ICU admission, 47% of patients had elevated hs-cTnT and 39% had elevated NT-proBNP. Left ventricular ejection fraction was below 50% in 19.1%. Elevated cardiac biomarkers (hs-cTnT P-value < 0.001, NT-proBNP P-value = 0.001) and impaired left ventricular function (P-value = 0.011) were significantly associated with mortality, while other biomarkers (D-dimer, ferritin, C-reactive protein) and clinical scores (SOFA) did not differ significantly between survivors and non-survivors. An optimal cut-off value to predict increased risk for 30-day all-cause mortality was 16.5 pg/mL for hs-cTnT (OR 8.5, 95% CI: 2.9, 25.0) and 415.5 pg/ml for NT-proBNP (OR 5.1, 95% CI: 1.8, 14.7).

Conclusion: Myocardial injury in COVID-19 is common. Early detection of elevated hs-cTnT and NT-proBNP are predictive for 30-day mortality in patients with critical COVID-19. These markers outperform other routinely used biomarkers, as well as clinical indices of disease severity in ICU. The additive value of routine transthoracic echocardiography is disputable and should only be considered if it is likely to impact therapeutic management.
Microenvironment Stiffness Amplifies Post-ischemia Heart Regeneration in Response to Exogenous Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Neonatal Mice
Authors: Wang Xinming , Pierre Valinteshley , Senapati Subhadip , Park Paul S.-H. , Senyo Samuel E.
Published: November 2021

The cardiogenesis of the fetal heart is absent in juveniles and adults. Cross-transplantation of decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) can stimulate regeneration in myocardial infarct (MI) models. We have previously shown that dECM and tissue stiffness have cooperative regulation of heart regeneration in transiently regenerative day 1 neonatal mice. To investigate underlying mechanisms of mechano-signaling and dECM, we pharmacologically altered heart stiffness and administered dECM hydrogels in non-regenerative mice after MI. The dECM combined with softening exhibits preserved cardiac function, LV geometry, increased cardiomyocyte mitosis and lowered fibrosis while stiffening further aggravated ischemic damage. Transcriptome analysis identified a protein in cardiomyocytes, CLCA2, confirmed to be upregulated after MI and downregulated by dECM in a mechanosensitive manner. Synthetic knock-down of CLCA2 expression induced mitosis in primary rat cardiomyocytes in the dish. Together, our results indicate that therapeutic efficacy of extracellular molecules for heart regeneration can be modulated by heart microenvironment stiffness in vivo.
Retaining Technology for Deep Foundation Pit Excavation Adjacent to High-Speed Railways Based on Deformation Control
Authors: Wang Guohui , Chen Wenhua , Cao Liguo , Li Youdong , Liu Shuangchen , Yu Junchao , Wang Bingbing
Published: November 2021

Considering the deep foundation pit of a car dumper room close to the Beijing–Baotou railway, the countermeasures of the foundation pit design are analyzed according to the surrounding environment and stratum conditions. Through Midas GTS software as well as field measured results, the construction effect on the adjacent railway subgrade is discussed. Therefore, the deformation characteristics of the foundation pit as well as the retaining structure, including the railway subgrade, caused by the excavation process, are revealed. The results show that the five-sided water-stop structure formed by cement piles around and at the bottom of the pit avoids the consolidation settlement of the adjacent railway subgrade caused by deep dewatering and also reduces the lateral displacement (i.e., in a horizontal direction) and the heave of the pit bottom. As a result, the lateral displacement near the railway side is larger than that of the retaining structure on the other side due to the subgrade on the pit side. The cross-lot bracing across the foundation pit will transfer the bias pressure of the subgrade to the retaining structure far away from the railway, while the transfer effect of the knee bracing is not obvious. The deformation of the railway subgrade and its evolution rate caused by the removal of internal bracing is significantly greater than the subgrade deformation and the change rate of deformation caused by excavation. The research results provide useful guidance for the deep foundation pit design.
Macaronesia as a Fruitful Arena for Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology
Authors: Florencio Margarita , Patiño Jairo , Nogué Sandra , Traveset Anna , Borges Paulo A. V. , Schaefer Hanno , Amorim Isabel R. , Arnedo Miquel , Ávila Sérgio P. , Cardoso Pedro , de Nascimento Lea , Fernández-Palacios José María , Gabriel Sofia I. , Gil Artur , Gonçalves Vítor , Haroun Ricardo , Illera Juan Carlos , López-Darias Marta , Martínez Alejandro , Martins Gustavo M. , Neto Ana I. , Nogales Manuel , Oromí Pedro , Rando Juan Carlos , Raposeiro Pedro M. , Rigal François , Romeiras Maria M. , Silva Luís , Valido Alfredo , Vanderpoorten Alain , Vasconcelos Raquel , Santos Ana M. C.
Published: November 2021

Research in Macaronesia has led to substantial advances in ecology, evolution and conservation biology. We review the scientific developments achieved in this region, and outline promising research avenues enhancing conservation. Some of these discoveries indicate that the Macaronesian flora and fauna are composed of rather young lineages, not Tertiary relicts, predominantly of European origin. Macaronesia also seems to be an important source region for back-colonisation of continental fringe regions on both sides of the Atlantic. This group of archipelagos (Azores, Madeira, Selvagens, Canary Islands, and Cabo Verde) has been crucial to learn about the particularities of macroecological patterns and interaction networks on islands, providing evidence for the development of the General Dynamic Model of oceanic island biogeography and subsequent updates. However, in addition to exceptionally high richness of endemic species, Macaronesia is also home to a growing number of threatened species, along with invasive alien plants and animals. Several innovative conservation and management actions are in place to protect its biodiversity from these and other drivers of global change. The Macaronesian Islands are a well-suited field of study for island ecology and evolution research, mostly due to its special geological layout with 40 islands grouped within five archipelagos differing in geological age, climate and isolation. A large amount of data is now available for several groups of organisms on and around many of these islands. However, continued efforts should be made toward compiling new information on their biodiversity, to pursue various fruitful research avenues and develop appropriate conservation management tools.
An Overview of Strategies for Detecting Genotype-Phenotype Associations Across Ancestrally Diverse Populations
Authors: Simonin-Wilmer Irving , Orozco-del-Pino Pedro , Bishop D. Timothy , Iles Mark M. , Robles-Espinoza Carla Daniela
Published: November 2021

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been very successful at identifying genetic variants influencing a large number of traits. Although the great majority of these studies have been performed in European-descent individuals, it has been recognised that including populations with differing ancestries enhances the potential for identifying causal SNPs due to their differing patterns of linkage disequilibrium. However, when individuals from distinct ethnicities are included in a GWAS, it is necessary to implement a number of control steps to ensure that the identified associations are real genotype-phenotype relationships. In this Review, we discuss the analyses that are required when performing multi-ethnic studies, including methods for determining ancestry at the global and local level for sample exclusion, controlling for ancestry in association testing, and post-GWAS interrogation methods such as genomic control and meta-analysis. We hope that this overview provides a primer for those researchers interested in including distinct populations in their studies.
Meta-Inflammation and Metabolic Reprogramming of Macrophages in Diabetes and Obesity: The Importance of Metabolites
Authors: Russo Sara , Kwiatkowski Marcel , Govorukhina Natalia , Bischoff Rainer , Melgert Barbro N.
Published: November 2021

Diabetes mellitus type II and obesity are two important causes of death in modern society. They are characterized by low-grade chronic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction (meta-inflammation), which is observed in all tissues involved in energy homeostasis. A substantial body of evidence has established an important role for macrophages in these tissues during the development of diabetes mellitus type II and obesity. Macrophages can activate into specialized subsets by cues from their microenvironment to handle a variety of tasks. Many different subsets have been described and in diabetes/obesity literature two main classifications are widely used that are also defined by differential metabolic reprogramming taking place to fuel their main functions. Classically activated, pro-inflammatory macrophages (often referred to as M1) favor glycolysis, produce lactate instead of metabolizing pyruvate to acetyl-CoA, and have a tricarboxylic acid cycle that is interrupted at two points. Alternatively activated macrophages (often referred to as M2) mainly use beta-oxidation of fatty acids and oxidative phosphorylation to create energy-rich molecules such as ATP and are involved in tissue repair and downregulation of inflammation. Since diabetes type II and obesity are characterized by metabolic alterations at the organism level, these alterations may also induce changes in macrophage metabolism resulting in unique macrophage activation patterns in diabetes and obesity. This review describes the interactions between metabolic reprogramming of macrophages and conditions of metabolic dysfunction like diabetes and obesity. We also focus on different possibilities of measuring a range of metabolites intra-and extracellularly in a precise and comprehensive manner to better identify the subsets of polarized macrophages that are unique to diabetes and obesity. Advantages and disadvantages of the currently most widely used metabolite analysis approaches are highlighted. We further describe how their combined use may serve to provide a comprehensive overview of the metabolic changes that take place intracellularly during macrophage activation in conditions like diabetes and obesity.