bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Duygusal Özgürleşme Tekniği (EFT) ile Destek Alan Kadınlarda Bireysel, Sosyal ve Manevi Değişim Üzerine Nitel Bir Araştırma
Authors: ALTUNTAŞ Semra , DÜZGÜNER Sevde
Published: November 2020

Duygusal Özgürleşme Tekniği (EFT/Emotional Freedom Technique), son yıllarda psikolojik destek sağlamak amaçlı yaygınlaşmış bir uygulamadır. 1980’li yıllarda Çin tıbbından hareketle keşfedilmiş olan bu uygulama, kişinin zihin ve beden yapısını bir bütün olarak kabul etmektedir. EFT, Türkiye’de yakın dönemde uygulanmaya başlamıştır. Bu araştırma, EFT’nin insanlar üzerindeki etkisini incelemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Araştırmanın temel sorusu, “EFT uygulamasının kişinin bireysel, sosyal ve manevi boyutları üzerindeki etkisi nedir?” şeklindedir. Bu çalışmada 21 kadınla EFT öncesi ve sonrası mülakatlar yapılmış ve gözlemler kaydedilmiştir. Nitel veriye içerik analizi uygulanmıştır. Sonuç olarak, EFT ile kişilerin kendileri ve çevreleri hakkında farkındalık kazandıkları ve kendilerini Allah’a daha yakın hissettikleri bulgulanmıştır.
Physical distancing and non-respiratory notifiable diseases in the Northern Territory, March-May 2020
Authors: Xie Ouli , Markey Peter G , Draper Anthony D K , Krause Vicki L
Published: November 2020

Strict physical distancing measures and border controls have been introduced in the Northern Territory (NT), and across Australia, to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). These measures have been associated with reduced incidence of other respiratory illnesses such as influenza. It is currently unclear what effect these measures have on non-respiratory communicable diseases. The incidence of notifiable non-respiratory communicable diseases within the NT, from 15 March to 15 May 2020, the period of most restrictive physical distancing, was monitored and is here compared with two control periods: (i) the 4 months immediately prior and (ii) the same two-month period from the preceding 5 years. During the study period, there was a decline in incidence of communicable enteric illnesses, particularly in shigellosis and rotavirus where person-to-person spread is the main transmission route. There was an increase in chlamydial conjunctivitis in areas with endemic trachoma, which is under further investigation. There was no observed increase in conditions associated with crowding, such as those related to group A streptococcal infection.
Percepção de pessoas que experienciaram uma amputação sob a ótica de Merleau-Ponty
Authors: Veloso Annayza Priscilla de Moraes , Comassetto Isabel , Santos Diane Fernandes dos , Bulhões Thaynara Maria Pontes , Almeida Thayse Gomes de Almeida , Costa Lays Pedrosa dos Santos , Vilela Diana Hadaça de Lima Araújo , Acácio Mileyse da Silva , Monteiro Fernanda Silva
Published: November 2020

Objetivo: Desvelar o fenômeno da percepção acerca da experiência de pessoas submetidas a uma amputação. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo, com abordagem fenomenológica. A coleta de dados ocorreu no período de abril a dezembro de 2018, sete pessoas foram entrevistadas as quais estavam no período pós-operatório mediato, internadas em um hospital público. Resultados: De posse do conhecimento da experiência do vivido pelo Ser-amputado desvelou que após a amputação o sujeito continua-se percebendo inteiro. Conclusão: Com a perda de parte do seu corpo, o indivíduo tem sua imagem corporal alterada e para que a aceitação da amputação e da reabilitação ocorra de forma satisfatória, é necessário que a equipe de saúde multiprofissional se dedique à escuta qualificada para além dos aspectos biofisiológicos do sujeito e recorram à trajetória vivenciada durante todo o processo saúde-doença.
Perda gestacional: O uso de medicamentos psicotrópicos por mulheres em luto contido
Authors: Alves Rayssa Stéfani Sousa , Sousa Francisco Lucas Leandro de , Silva Laíssa Almeida Custódio da , Silva Elielson Rodrigues da , Oliveira Francisco Higo Pontes de , Souza Jaciara Pinheiro de , Almeida Luiz Fernando de , Rangel Sabina Dias , Lisboa Anne Nicoly de Sousa , Santana Manoel Vitório Souza , Soares Igor Lima , Santos Wieclesio Suelber Silva dos , Silva Heuder Henrique Frederico da
Published: November 2020

O objetivo deste estudo visa identificar os sentimentos e as reações mais frequentes das mães que vivenciaram a perda gestacional, e compreender a contribuição de medicamentos psicotrópicos para as mulheres frente ao processo de luto contido. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de literatura, com abordagem qualitativa, realizada por meio da buscativa de artigos indexados na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), com o auxílio das seguintes bases de dados: Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), National Center for Biotechnology Information (PUBMED), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Base de Dados de Enfermagem (BDENF), e Periódicos Eletrônicos em Psicologia (PEPSIC). Os critérios de inclusão compreendem pesquisas de revisão da literatura disponíveis nos bancos de dados descritos, compreendidos entre os anos de 2010 a 2020. Como critérios de exclusão, não foram considerados artigos mediante a recompensação monetária, incompletos e não convergentes com este estudo. Para o levantamento dos dados e composição deste estudo, foram analisados 11 artigos. Os resultados constatam os sentimentos mais frequentes de mulheres em luto contido após a perda gestacional, e a implementação do uso de medicamento psicotrópicos para lidar com a vivência do luto. Assim, concluímos que, os sentimentos e as reações destas mulheres frente ao processo de luto, as fases do luto, a exteriorização das diversas emoções perturbadoras, resulta na busca por medicamentos psicotrópicos para amenizar as sensações vivenciadas neste processo.
Avaliação bacteriológica da água de consumo em serviços de alimentação
Authors: Macedo Indira Maria Estolano , Shinohara Neide Kazue Sakugawa , Oliveira Fábio Henrique Portella Corrêa de
Published: November 2020

A água é um composto essencial à manutenção da vida, fundamental para atender necessidades humanas e atividades profissionais. Em serviços de alimentação, a água é utilizada em diversas atividades, com destaque para a higienização durante as etapas produtivas. Entretanto, se a sua qualidade estiver comprometida, devido à presença de microrganismos patogênicos, por exemplo, pode se tornar um vetor para transmissão de doenças de veiculação hídrica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a presença de coliformes totais (CT) e Escherichia coli na água de consumo utilizada na produção em trinta unidades de serviços de alimentação na cidade do Recife/PE. A metodologia de identificação para CT e E. coli foi o teste de presença/ausência, utilizando substrato cromogênico X-GAL e fluorogênico MUG. Foi detectada a presença de CT em trinta e duas amostras, das quais 6 também foram positivas para E. coli. Conclui-se que do total de trinta estabelecimentos investigados, cerca de 54% utilizavam água na produção de alimentos que não atendiam o padrão microbiológico preconizado pela legislação brasileira, necessitando de medidas corretivas e educativas para garantir que não haja agravos à saúde.
Bi-decadal variability in physico-biogeochemical characteristics of temperate coastal ecosystems: from large-scale to local drivers
Authors: Lheureux A , Savoye N , Del Amo Y , Goberville E , Bozec Y , Breton E , Conan P , L’Helguen S , Mousseau L , Raimbault P , Rimelin-Maury P , Seuront L , Vuillemin R , Caparros J , Cariou T , Cordier MA , Corre AM , Costes L , Crispi O , Crouvoisier M , Crouvoisier M , Derriennic H , Devesa J , Durozier M , Ferreira S , Garcia N , Grossteffan E , Gueux A , Lafont M , Lagadec V , Lecuyer E , Leroux C , Macé E , Maria E , Mornet L , Nowaczyk A , Parra M , Petit F , David V
Published: November 2020

Coastal marine ecosystems, which play a crucial role in the biogeochemical and ecological functioning of the Earth, are highly sensitive to the combined effects of climate and human activities. Because of their location, coastal ecosystems are directly influenced by human activities, but it remains challenging to assess the spatial and temporal scales at which climate influences coastal ecosystems. We monitored 12 sampling stations, distributed in 8 ecosystems in France, over 2 decades for physico-biogeochemical parameters (temperature, salinity, concentrations of dissolved oxygen, nutrients and particulate material). The study encompasses a large diversity of temperate coastal ecosystems with respect to e.g. geomorphology, trophic status, tidal regime, river influence and turbidity. Time-series analysis coupled with standardised 3-mode principal component analyses, partial triadic analyses and correlations were used to assess bi-decadal variability and ecosystem trajectories, and to identify large-scale, regional and local drivers. Our results highlighted 2 abrupt changes in 2001 and 2005. The bi-decadal changes were related to changes in large-scale and regional climate, detected through proxies of temperature and atmospheric circulation, as well as through river discharge. Ecosystem trajectories tended to move towards an increase in temperature and salinity, and/or a decrease in chlorophyll a, nutrients and particulate matter. However, the magnitude of change, the year-to-year variability and the sensitivity to the 2001 and 2005 changes varied among the ecosystems. This study highlights the need for establishing long-term time series and combining data sets as well as undertaking multi-ecosystem and local studies to better understand the long-term variability of coastal ecosystems and its associated drivers.
Growth and energy storage responses vary seasonally in the Australasian snapper Chrysophrys auratus with only modest changes in aerobic scope
Authors: Cook D , Herbert N , Jerrett A
Published: November 2020

Many temperate marine species cope with profound seasonal changes in temperature. One way in which these species have adapted to these conditions is by adopting life-history traits that employ seasonally dependent growth, maximising growth in the warmer summer period before experiencing a period of negligible growth and maintenance in the cooler winter period. This strategy is considered to ensure that temperate species survive the unproductive winter period. However, in the field of eco-physiology, the inability to grow in low temperature environments is considered to result from physiological limitations on growth and digestion imposed by low aerobic scope (AS) at low temperatures. In this study, we investigate the seasonal growth, bioenergetic changes and metabolic oxygen requirements (including AS) of the Australasian snapper (Sparidae:Chrysophrys auratus) over natural seasonal cycles. We demonstrate that snapper undergo marked growth over a 7 mo period spanning spring, summer and autumn, then negligible (or even negative) growth in the winter. These growth responses coincide with marked changes in physiological character, including changes in energy storage, body composition, gonadal development and haematological variation. The biological changes observed occur in combination with a broad AS curve that was relatively insensitive to the seasonal temperatures experienced in their natural range. Within this broad AS curve, variations in growth rate could not be explained by changes in AS, and vastly different rates of biological activity were observed despite only modest change in AS availability. The relevance of the oxygen capacity-limited thermal tolerance framework to the seasonal responses of snapper is discussed.
An Analytical Way to Comparing the Affective Parameters on Iranian Pellet Strength
Authors: Shajari Y. , Reyhanizadeh A. , Towhidi N. , Seyedraoufi Z. S. , Bakhtiari H.
Published: November 2020

Iron ore pellets are the raw materials for direct reduction process of iron ore to sponge iron pellets and is an important step in the iron and steel production chain. Many of the defects in direct reduction and steel making processes could be identify in the iron ore processing stage. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to select the correct suppliers of iron ore pellets for direct reduction units based on criteria affecting the strength of cooked pellets, which played a key role in optimizing the production criteria of sponge iron and ultimately increasing production efficiency in the steelmaking stage which can be very effective. For this purpose, using the hierarchical analysis model, the parameters affecting the strength of pellets have been identified and studied by experts of several iron and steel production units, and finally, for example, several iron ore pellet production plants have been compared and ranked. According to AHP decision criteria, particle size is the most important parameter affecting the strength of cooked pellets.
Exploring Education Character Thought of Ki Hajar Dewantara and Thomas Lickona
Authors: Asnawan Asnawan
Published: November 2020

This article aimed to describe the idea of Ki Hajar Deantara and Thomas Lichona about the moral problems of today's society. Where the children’ experience moral degradation which seems increasingly out of control. This article used library research. Documentation and observation was used in collecting data. The research reveals that Ki Hajar Dewantara’s concept of education is to realize the achievement of educational goals through the Education Tripusat. According to Thomas Lickona, there are three kinds of moral knowledge that can be used when dealing with moral challenges, including moral awareness, knowing moral values, and determining perspective. Ki Hajar Dewantara argues that in order to carry out character education, understanding must be embedded, feeling something that is learned and then implementing it in real behavior. While,  Thomas Lickona stated that the emotional side of character is the same as the intellectual side, open to the development of schools and families. Three moral aspects to teach about character include conscience, empathy, and humility.

Keywords: Education Character, Degradation Moral in Society
An Analysis of Learning Difficulties on Mathematic at Elementary School
Authors: Yazid Muh. , Atiaturrahmaniah Atiaturrahmaniah , Armila Mita
Published: November 2020

This article aims at finding out the factors of Mathematic learning the difficulty of class v at Elementary School in Melati cluster kerumut village academic year 2020/2021. This study was a qualitative descriptive study. The population of this study was class V students in melati cluster kerumut village such as SDN 1 Kerumut, SDN 2 Kerumut, and SDN 3 Kerumut. The sample of this study was selected based on the students’ test result which was on low category. The technique of the data collection used interview and documentation. The result showed that students mathematic learning difficulties affected by internal and external factor of students.

Keywords:  Learning Difficulties, Learning Mathematic, Difficulties Factor in Learning
The Effect of Work Load and Quality Work Life on the Performance Of Police Members in Indonesian Police Headquarters Korlantas with Job Satisfaction as Intervening Variables
Authors: Wirastuti Siska , R I Ketut , Eryanto Henry , Susono Juhasdi , K Amiruddin
Published: November 2020

This article aims to determine the influence of workload and quality of work life on the performance of police officers at Korlantas Police Headquarters with job satisfaction as an intervening variable. The research sample was 249 police officers at Korlantas Mabes indonesian police. The sample selection method uses probability sampling techniques. Data were collected by distributing questionnaires. The questionnaire used was tested for validity and reliability first, before entering the further analysis stage. Analysis of research data using SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) with processing program AMOS software. The results showed that workload has no effect on job satisfaction and work performance while quality work of life has positive and significant effect on job satisfaction and work performance. Meanwhile, job satisfaction has positive and significant effect on job performance. Job satisfaction has no mediating effect on the relationship between workload and performance of temporary employees job satisfaction was found have a mediating effect on the relationship between quality work of life and employee performance.

Keywords : Workload, Job Satisfaction, Performance, Quality Work Life
Öğretmen Adaylarının Algılanan Sosyal Destek Düzeyleri ile Öğrenmeye İlişkin Tutumları Arasındaki İlişki
Authors: Alanoğlu Müslim
Published: November 2020

Bu araştırmanın amacı öğretmen adaylarının algılanan sosyal destek düzeyleri ile öğrenmeye ilişkin tutumları arasındaki ilişkiyi tespit etmektir. Bu amacı gerçekleştirmek için ilişkisel tarama modelinden yararlanılmıştır. Araştırmanın örneklemini Fırat Üniversitesi Eğitim ve Spor Bilimleri Fakültelerinde 2018-2019 eğitim-öğretim yılında öğrenim gören 311 öğrenci oluşturmaktadır. Araştırma verileri Çok Boyutlu Algılanan Sosyal Destek Ölçeği ve Öğrenmeye İlişkin Tutum Ölçeği ile toplanmıştır. Değişkenler arasındaki ilişkiler incelendiğinde; aile boyutu ile öğrenmenin doğası, öğrenmeye ilişkin beklentiler ve öğrenmeye açıklık arasında pozitif; aile boyutu ile öğrenmeye ilişkin kaygılar boyutu arasında ise negatif ilişki bulunmuştur. Arkadaşlar boyutu ile öğrenmeye ilişkin beklentiler, öğrenmeye açıklık ve öğrenmeye ilişkin kaygılar arasında pozitif ilişki tespit edilmiş, arkadaşlar boyutu ile öğrenmenin doğası boyutu arasında anlamlı herhangi bir ilişki tespit edilememiştir. Özel bir insan boyutu ile öğrenmeye ilişkin beklentiler arasında pozitif ilişki saptanmış, ancak öğrenmenin doğası, öğrenmeye açıklık ve öğrenmeye ilişkin kaygılar arasında anlamlı herhangi bir ilişki tespit edilememiştir. Araştırmanın sonunda elde edilen sonuçlar alanyazınla tartışılmış ve bazı öneriler geliştirilmiştir.
Enhancing the Heterologous Fructosyltransferase Activity of Kluyveromyces lactis: Developing a Scaled-Up Process and Abolishing Invertase by CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing
Authors: Burghardt Jan Philipp , Fan Rong , Baas Markus , Eckhardt Dustin , Gerlach Doreen , Czermak Peter
Published: November 2020

The enzymatic production of prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) from sucrose involves fructosyltransferases (FFTs) and invertases, both of which catalyze forward (transferase) and reverse (hydrolysis) reactions. FOS yields can therefore be increased by favoring the forward reaction. We investigated process conditions that favored transferase activity in the yeast strain Kluyveromyces lactis GG799, which expresses a native invertase and a heterologous FFT from Aspergillus terreus. To maximize transferase activity while minimizing native invertase activity in a scaled-up process, we evaluated two reactor systems in terms of oxygen input capacity in relation to the cell dry weight. In the 0.5-L reactor, we found that galactose was superior to lactose for the induction of the LAC4 promoter, and we optimized the induction time and induction to carbon source ratio using a response surface model. Based on the critical parameter of oxygen supply, we scaled up the process to 7 L using geometric similarity and a higher oxygen transport rate, which boosted the transferase activity by 159%. To favor the forward reaction even more, we deleted the native invertase gene by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and compared the ΔInv mutant to the original production strain in batch and fed-batch reactions. In fed-batch mode, we found that the ΔInv mutant increased the transferase activity by a further 66.9%. The enhanced mutant strain therefore provides the basis for a highly efficient and scalable fed-batch process for the production of FOS.
Integrated Geophysical Analyses of Shallow-Water Seismic Imaging With Scholte Wave Inversion: The Northern Adriatic Sea Case Study
Authors: Giustiniani M. , Tinivella U. , Parolai S. , Donda F. , Brancolini G. , Volpi V.
Published: November 2020

The integrated analysis using different seismic wave types in a record is a very efficient approach for a comprehensive characterization of marine sediments, especially in shallow water conditions. The proposed integrated method to analyze seismic data in post-critical conditions consists of: 1) the inversion of Scholte waves to obtain a reliable Vs distribution of the near seafloor; 2) pre-processing of seismic data; 3) construction of the P-wave velocity field by using all available information, including available well data; and 4) the application of the wave equation datuming and post-processing, such as pre-stack time migration. We demonstrate how this approach could be successfully applied on seismic datasets characterized by post-critical conditions and the occurrence of the Scholte waves, which may be exploited to provide fundamental information instead of being only an unwanted effect. The integrated analysis of seismic events can thus help, together with data processing, by providing better seismic imaging, which is a priority for a reliable seismostratigraphic interpretation.
Temporal Trends and Potential Drivers of Stranded Marine Debris on Beaches Within Two US National Marine Sanctuaries Using Citizen Science Data
Authors: Uhrin Amy V. , Lippiatt Sherry , Herring Carlie E. , Dettloff Kyle , Bimrose Kate , Butler-Minor Chris
Published: November 2020

Marine debris is a threat to our ocean that can be more effectively addressed through monitoring and assessment of items stranded on shorelines. This study engaged citizen scientists to conduct shoreline marine debris surveys according to a published NOAA protocol within the Greater Farallones and Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuaries on the west coast of the United States. Here, we use the results of these multi-year monitoring data to estimate marine debris abundance and temporal trends, and identify drivers of debris loads. Changes in debris counts and composition are shown to reflect seasonal patterns of coastal upwelling and downwelling, but longer temporal trends in overall debris loads depend on the sampling window. Identifying drivers of stranded debris is challenging given the observational nature of the data. A linear increase in total expected debris counts was observed when up to five participants are conducting a survey, suggesting a need to standardize the number of participants and their search pattern for debris in shoreline monitoring efforts. Lastly, we discuss the application of shoreline marine debris data to evaluate the impact of management decisions and identify new targets for mitigation.
Tools for the Recognition of Sorting Signals and the Prediction of Subcellular Localization of Proteins From Their Amino Acid Sequences
Authors: Imai Kenichiro , Nakai Kenta
Published: November 2020

At the time of translation, nascent proteins are thought to be sorted into their final subcellular localization sites, based on the part of their amino acid sequences (i.e., sorting or targeting signals). Thus, it is interesting to computationally recognize these signals from the amino acid sequences of any given proteins and to predict their final subcellular localization with such information, supplemented with additional information (e.g., k-mer frequency). This field has a long history and many prediction tools have been released. Even in this era of proteomic atlas at the single-cell level, researchers continue to develop new algorithms, aiming at accessing the impact of disease-causing mutations/cell type-specific alternative splicing, for example. In this article, we overview the entire field and discuss its future direction.
MIF-Dependent Control of Tumor Immunity
Authors: Noe Jordan T. , Mitchell Robert A.
Published: November 2020

Initially identified as a T lymphocyte-elicited inhibitor of macrophage motility, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) has since been found to be expressed by nearly every immune cell type examined and overexpressed in most solid and hematogenous malignant cancers. It is localized to both extracellular and intracellular compartments and physically interacts with more than a dozen different cell surface and intracellular proteins. Although classically associated with and characterized as a mediator of pro-inflammatory innate immune responses, more recent studies demonstrate that, in malignant disease settings, MIF contributes to anti-inflammatory, immune evasive, and immune tolerant phenotypes in both innate and adaptive immune cell types. This review will summarize the studies describing MIF in tumor-specific innate and adaptive immune responses and attempt to reconcile these various pleiotropic functions in normal physiology.
Three-Dimensional Evolution of Mesoscale Anticyclones in the Lee of Crete
Authors: Ioannou Artemis , Stegner Alexandre , Dumas Franck , Le Vu Briac
Published: November 2020

Motivated by the recurrent formation of mesoscale anticyclones in the southeast of Crete, we investigated with a high resolution model the response of the ocean to orographic wind jets driven by the Cretean mountain range. As shown in the dynamical process study of Ioannou et al. (2020) which uses a simplified shallow-water model, we confirm here, using the CROCO (Coastal and Regional Ocean COmmunity) model, that the main oceanic response to the Etesian wind forcing is the formation of mesoscale anticyclones. Moreover, we found that the intensity of the wind-induced Ekman pumping acting on the eddies, once they are formed, modulates their intensity. Among the various coastal anticyclones formed during summer and fall 2015, only one of them will correspond to a long lived structure (M_IE15) which is similar to the Ierapetra Eddy detected in 2015 (O_IE15) on the AVISO/DUACS products. Thanks to the DYNED-Atlas data base, we were able to perform a quantitative comparison of the vertical structure of such long-lived anticyclone between the numerical model and the in-situ measurements of the various Argo profilers trapped inside the eddy core. Even without assimilation or any nudging, the numerical model was able to reproduce correctly the formation period, the seasonal evolution and the vertical structure of the O_IE15. The main discrepancy between the model and the altimetry observations is the dynamical intensity of the anticyclone. The characteristic eddy velocity derived from the AVISO/DUACS product for the O_IE15 is much lower than in the numerical model. This is probably due to the spatio temporal interpolation of the AVISO/DUACS altimetry products. More surprisingly, several coastal anticyclones were also formed in the model in the lee of Crete area during summer 2015 when the Etesian winds reach strong values. However, these coastal anticyclones respond differently to the wind forcing since they remain close to the coast, in shallow-waters, unlike the M_IE15 which propagates offshore in deep water. The impact of the bottom friction or the coastal dissipation seems to limit the wind amplification of these coastal anticyclones.
Systematically Studying the Optimal Amino Acid Distribution Patterns of the Amphiphilic Structure by Using the Ultrashort Amphiphiles
Authors: He Shiqi , Yang Zhanyi , Yu Weikang , Li Jiawei , Li Zhongyu , Wang Jiajun , Shan Anshan
Published: November 2020

Amphipathicity has traditionally been considered to be essential for the de novo design or systematic optimization of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). However, the current research methods to study the relationship between amphiphilicity and antimicrobial activity are inappropriate, because the key parameters (hydrophobicity, positive charge, etc.) and secondary structure of AMPs are changed. To systematically and accurately study the effects of amphiphilicity on antimicrobial properties of AMPs, we designed parallel series of AMPs with a different order of amino acids in a sequence composed only of Arg and either Trp (WR series) or Leu (LR series), under conditions in which other vital parameters were fixed. Furthermore, based on the WR and LR peptides that can form stable amphiphilic β-sheet structures in the anionic membrane-mimetic environment, we found that high β-sheet amphipathic was accompanied by strong antimicrobial activity. Of such peptides, W5 ([RW]4W) and L5 ([RL]4L) with a nicely amphipathic β-sheet structure possessed the optimal therapeutic index. W5 and L5 also exhibited high stability in vitro and a potent membrane-disruptive mechanism. These results suggest that the alternate arrangement of hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues to form a stable amphipathic β-sheet structure is an essential factor that significantly affects the antimicrobial properties.
Perspectives on Functional Red Mold Rice: Functional Ingredients, Production, and Application
Authors: Yanli Feng , Xiang Yu
Published: November 2020

Monacolin K (MK) is a secondary metabolite of the Monascus species that can inhibit cholesterol synthesis. Functional red mold rice (FRMR) is the fermentation product of Monascus spp., which is rich in MK. FRMR is usually employed to regulate serum cholesterol, especially for hypercholesterolemic patients who refuse statins or face statin intolerance. The present perspective summarized the bioactive components of FRMR and their functions. Subsequently, efficient strategies for FRMR production, future challenges of FRMR application, and possible directions were proposed. This perspective helps to understand the present situation and developmental prospects of FRMR.
Overview of Meta-Analyses of Five Non-pharmacological Interventions for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Wang Liao-Yao , Pei Jian , Zhan Yi-Jun , Cai Yi-Wen
Published: November 2020

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive memory deficits, cognitive decline, and spatial disorientation. Non-pharmacological interventions to treat AD have been reported in many meta-analyses (MAs), but robust conclusions have not been made because of variations in the scope, quality, and findings of these reviews.

Objective: This work aimed to review existing MAs to provide an overview of existing evidence on the effects of five non-pharmacological interventions in AD patients on three outcomes: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), activities of daily living (ADL), and Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive section (ADAS-cog).

Methods: The databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched to collect MAs of non-pharmacological interventions for AD. Two reviewers independently conducted literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment. We assessed the quality of MAs with the Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2 and assessed the evidence quality for significant outcomes using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

Results: We found 10 eligible MAs, which included between three (133 patients) and 15 randomized trials (1,217 patients), and five non-pharmacological interventions, namely, acupuncture therapy (40%), exercise intervention (30%), music therapy (10%), cognitive intervention (10%), and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) (10%). All the included MAs were critically low to low quality by AMSTAR 2. Acupuncture therapy and exercise intervention showed the preliminary potential to improve ADL and MMSE. rTMS and acupuncture therapy show benefits in decreasing ADAS-cog, and there were some evidence of improved MMSE with cognitive intervention. All these outcomes scored very low quality to moderate quality of evidence on the GRADE system.

Conclusions: Non-pharmacological therapy shows promise for the treatment of AD, but there is still a lack of high-quality evidence. In the future, the quality of the original research needs to be improved, and strictly designed MAs should be carried out following methodological requirements.
Case Report: Immune Mediated Necrotizing Myopathy With IgG Antibodies to 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl-Coenzyme a Reductase (HMGCR) May Present With Acute Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: Ghannam Malik , Manousakis Georgios
Published: November 2020

Involvement of cardiac muscle is felt to be very uncommon in anti-HMGCR myopathy, and therefore early cardiac evaluation is not considered a high priority for this condition. We herein present the case of a 72 year-old woman admitted due to dyspnea and orthopnea, who, in retrospect, suffered from proximal more than distal muscle weakness for 3 months prior to admission. She was found to have acute systolic heart failure. Serologic testing showed positive 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) IgG antibodies, and muscle biopsy showed necrotizing myopathy. No alternative explanation for heart failure was found. Despite immunotherapy and symptomatic treatment, she died from multiorgan failure. Our study suggests that heart failure in anti HMGCR myopathy may not be as rare as previously thought, and therefore early cardiac evaluation should be considered in patients with this diagnosis, to minimize morbidity and mortality.
Organ Cultures for Retinal Diseases
Authors: Hurst José , Fietz Agnes , Tsai Teresa , Joachim Stephanie C. , Schnichels Sven
Published: November 2020

The successful development of novel therapies is closely linked with understanding the underlying pathomechanisms of a disease. To do so, model systems that reflect human diseases and allow for the evaluation of new therapeutic approaches are needed. Yet, preclinical animal studies often have limited success in predicting human physiology, pathology, and therapeutic responses. Moreover, animal testing is facing increasing ethical and bureaucratic hurdles, while human cell cultures are limited in their ability to representin vivosituations due to the lack of the tissue microenvironment, which may alter cellular responses. To overcome these struggles, organ cultures, especially those of complex organs such as the retina, can be used to study physiological reactions to substances or stressors. Human and animal organ cultures are now well established and recognized. This mini-review discusses how retinal organ cultures can be used to preserve tissue architecture more realistically and therefore better represent disease-related changes. It also shows how molecular biological, biochemical, and histological techniques can be combined to investigate how anatomical localization may alter cellular responses. Examples for the use of retinal organ cultures, including models to study age-related macular degeneration (AMD),retinitis pigmentosa(RP), central artery occlusion (CRAO), and glaucoma are presented, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. We conclude that organ cultures significantly improve our understanding of complex retinal diseases and may advance treatment testing without the need for animal testing.
Intake of Seven Essential Amino Acids Improves Cognitive Function and Psychological and Social Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki , Yamashiro Daichi , Ogawa Susumu , Kobayashi Momoko , Cho Daisuke , Iizuka Ai , Tsukamoto-Yasui Masako , Takada Michihiro , Isokawa Muneki , Nagao Kenji , Fujiwara Yoshinori
Published: November 2020

Background: To delay the onset of dementia, it is important for healthy adults to take preventive actions before the cognitive function clearly declines. Protein malnutrition is a potential risk factor for senile dementia, although the precise link between protein/amino acid nutrition and cognitive function is unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the ingestion of seven selected essential amino acids as a granular powder, namely, leucine, phenylalanine, and lysine supplemented with isoleucine, histidine, valine, and tryptophan on cognitive and psychosocial functions in healthy adults.

Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. A total of 105 participants aged 55 years or older were randomly assigned to one of three groups: daily ingestion of 3 g (3gIG) or 6 g (6gIG) of the selected amino acids or daily ingestion of a placebo (PCG). Each group ingested the test powder for 12 weeks. As the main outcome, cognitive function was assessed before and after ingestion by a cognitive test battery. Psychosocial functions were also examined.

Results: The numbers of participants excluding dropouts were 35 in PCG and 3gIG and 33 in 6gIG. Analysis of covariance revealed that the 6gIG showed significantly improved cognitive function (Trail Making Test B), social interaction and psychological health scores after ingestion compared to the PCG (multiplicity adjusted p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Current findings suggested that ingestion of the seven essential amino acids led to improved attention and cognitive flexibility and psychosocial functioning, which is expected to prevent cognitive decline.

Clinical Trial Registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry (URL: https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000037779, Identifier: UMIN000033174).
Feasibility of Immunohistochemical p16 Staining in the Diagnosis of Human Papillomavirus Infection in Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Huanhuan , Zhang Yuyu , Bai Wei , Wang Bin , Wei Jinlong , Ji Rui , Xin Ying , Dong Lihua , Jiang Xin
Published: November 2020

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of IHC- p16INK4a (p16) as an alternative modality for diagnosing HPV infection. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane library for studies that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of IHC-p16 staining. A total of 30 studies involving 2,963 patients were included from 2007 to 2019. The combined sensitivity was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92–0.95); specificity, 0.90 (95% CI: 0.89–0.91); positive likelihood ratio (LR), 6.80 (95% CI: 5.63–8.21); negative LR, 0.10 (95% CI: 0.07–0.16); diagnostic odds ratio, 85.98 (95% CI: 55.57–133.03); and area under the curve value, 0.9550. Subgroup analysis showed that the IHC-p16 test was more consistent with the in situ hybridization (ISH) test and has greater diagnostic value for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The diagnostic efficacy of IHC-p16 varied among countries. In conclusion, IHC-p16 has high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing HPV infection in HNSCC. The consistency of IHC-p16 findings with those of ISH indicate that their combination can be used to improve the specificity of diagnosis.
Obtaining Patient-Reported Outcomes Electronically With “OncoFunction” in Head and Neck Cancer Patients During Aftercare
Authors: Zebralla Veit , Müller Juliane , Wald Theresa , Boehm Andreas , Wichmann Gunnar , Berger Thomas , Birnbaum Klemens , Heuermann Katharina , Oeltze-Jafra Steffen , Neumuth Thomas , Singer Susanne , Büttner Matthias , Dietz Andreas , Wiegand Susanne
Published: November 2020

The disease and treatment of patients with head and neck cancer can lead to multiple late and long-term sequelae. Especially pain, psychosocial problems, and voice issues can have a high impact on patients’ health-related quality of life. The aim was to show the feasibility of implementing an electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Driven by our department’s intention to assess Patient-Reported Outcomes (PRO) based on the International Classification of Functioning during tumor aftercare, the program “OncoFunction” has been implemented and continuously refined in everyday practice. The new version of “OncoFunction” was evaluated by 20 head and neck surgeons and radiation oncologists in an interview. From 7/2013 until 7/2017, 846 patients completed the PROM during 2,833 of 3,610 total visits (78.5%). The latest software version implemented newly developed add-ins and increased the already high approval ratings in the evaluation as the number of errors and the time required decreased (6 vs. 0 errors, 1.35 vs. 0.95 min; p<0.01). Notably, patients had different requests using PRO in homecare use. An additional examination shows that only 59% of HNC patients use the world wide web. Using OncoFunction for online-recording and interpretation of PROM improved data acquisition in daily HNC patients’ follow-up. An accessory timeline grants access to former consultations and their visualization supported and simplified structured examinations. This provides an easy-to-use representation of the patient’s functional outcome supporting comprehensive aftercare, considering all aspects of the patient’s life.
Identification of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition-Related lncRNA With Prognosis and Molecular Subtypes in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhong Weimin , Zhang Fengling , Huang Chaoqun , Lin Yao , Huang Jiyi
Published: November 2020

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a reversible cellular program, is critically important in tumor progression and is regulated by a family of transcription factors, induction factors, and an array of signaling pathway genes. The prognostic role and biological functions of EMT-related lncRNAs in ccRCC are largely unknown. In the present study, we analyzed the gene expression data and clinical information retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database (N=512) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database (N=90) which served as training and external validation dataset, respectively. Then, we constructed an EMT-related lncRNA risk signature based on the comprehensive analysis of the EMT-related lncRNA expression data and clinical information. The Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that patients in the low-risk and high-risk groups exhibited significant divergence in the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of ccRCC, as was confirmed in the validation dataset. The Cox regression analysis of the clinical factors and risk signature in the OS and DFS demonstrated that the risk signature can be utilized as an independent prognostic predictor. Moreover, we developed an individualized prognosis prediction model relying on the nomogram and receive operator curve (ROC) analysis based on the independent factors. The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicated that patients in the low-risk group were associated with adherens junction, focal adhesion, MAPK signaling pathway, pathways in cancer, and renal cell carcinoma pathway. In addition, we identified three robust subtypes (named C1, C2 and C3) of ccRCC with distinct clinical characteristics and prognostic role in the TCGA dataset and ICGC dataset. Among them, C1 was associated with a better survival outcome, whereas C2 and C3 was associated with a worse survival outcome and have more advanced-stage patients. Moreover, C2 was more likely to respond to immunotherapy and was sensitive to chemo drugs, this may provide insights to clinicians to develop an individualized treatment. Collectively, this work developed a reliable EMT-related lncRNA risk signature that can independently predict the OS and DFS of ccRCC. Besides, we identified three stable molecular subtypes based on the EMT-related lncRNA expression, which may comprehensively be vital in elucidating the underlying molecular mechanism of ccRCC.
C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio for Predicting Coronary Artery Lesions and Intravenous Immunoglobulin Resistance in Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Tsai Chih-Min , Yu Hong-Ren , Tang Kuo-Shu , Huang Ying-Hsien , Kuo Ho-Chang
Published: November 2020

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CRP/Alb) has emerged as a novel marker of inflammation, but few studies have evaluated the role of CRP/Alb ratio in Kawasaki disease (KD). Coronary artery lesions (CAL) in children with KD is a major acquired heart disease. We aimed to assess the association between CRP/Alb ratio and CAL formation in children with KD.

Methods: This retrospective study enrolled children diagnosed with KD and divided them into two groups, KD with CAL and KD without CAL. We compared the difference in gender, age, laboratory data, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance rate, and incidence of CAL between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent risk factors of CAL. We adopted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine the predictive ability of CRP/Alb ratio in predicting CAL.

Results: In total, 410 KD patients were reviewed, with 143 in the KD with CAL group and 267 in the KD without CAL group. KD children with CAL had a higher CRP/Alb ratio than those without CAL (3.14 ± 3.17 vs. 2.12 ± 2.04, p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that male gender (OR = 3.222, p < 0.001), incomplete KD (OR = 1.968, p = 0.031), greater platelet count (OR = 1.004, p < 0.001), higher CRP (OR = 0.982, p = 0.048), and higher CRP/Alb ratio (OR = 1.994, P = 0.016) were all independent risk factors for predicting CAL. KD children with a high CRP/Alb ratio (≥2.94) had a higher incidence rate of CAL and IVIG resistance than those with a low CRP/Alb ratio (<2.94) (49.6 vs. 28.7%, p < 0.001 and 11.6 vs. 3.5%, p = 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions: This report is the first to show the role of CRP/Alb ratio in KD children. CRP/Alb ratio can serve as a novel predicting marker for CAL formation and IVIG resistance in KD.
Factors Influencing the Steady-State Plasma Concentration of Imatinib Mesylate in Patients With Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors and Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Chen Yan , Dong Xiuhua , Wang QiuJu , Liu ZhiXi , Dong XinWei , Shi Sanjun , Xiao HongTao
Published: November 2020

Imatinib mesylate (IM) is the standard treatment for advanced, metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with a fixed daily standard dosage via the oral route. Interindividual and intraindividual variability in plasma concentrations have been closely linked to the efficacy of IM therapy. Therefore, this review identifies and describes the key factors influencing the plasma concentration of IM in patients with GISTs and CML. We used the following keywords to search the PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, Wangfang, and CNKI databases to identify published reports: IM, plasma concentration, GISTs, CML, drug combination/interaction, pathology, and genotype/genetic polymorphism, either alone or in combination. This literature review revealed that only 10 countries have reported the mean concentrations of IM in GISTs or CML patients and the clinical outcomes in different ethnic groups and populations. There were totally 24 different gene polymorphisms, which were examined for any potential influence on the steady-state plasma concentration of IM. As a result, some genotype locus made discrepant conclusion. Herein, the more sample capacity, multicenter, long-term study was worthy to carry out. Eleven reports were enumerated on clinical drug interactions with IM, while there is not sufficient information on the pharmacokinetic parameters altered by drug combinations with IM that could help in investigating the actual drug interactions. The drug interaction with IM should be paid more attention in the future research.